Quick Reference
- Emergency numbers: Police (191), Ambulance (1669), Fire (199)
- Official language: Thai
- Currency: Baht (THB)
- Credit cards: Mastercard and Visa are widely accepted.
- ATM machines: Easily found in Bangkok.
- Electricity: 220V 50Hz Type C connectors (same as used in Europe). Also, Type A connectors may be used.
- Telephone country code: +66
- Internet: Free Wifi is often provided to customers by hotels, restaurants, and cafes.
- Water: Tap water is generally NOT considered safe to drink. Bottled water is the best choice.
- Tipping: Not customary or expected.
Use Grab (it’s just like Uber)
Grab is a great alternative to using taxis; the best part is you don’t have to worry about a meter or using cash. Grab is just like Uber in Bangkok, you can request a ride (even a motorbike) and know the price before getting into the car. All you need is a credit or debit card to connect to the app and you are on your way with no hassle. This was our primary method of transportation because our Airbnb was over 12 miles away from the main tourist areas and we did not use the metro system often.
Respect Thai culture
The Thai people have great love and respect for their culture and the royal family. Do not say anything negative about the royal family of the King ever. This is not only disrespectful but illegal and should be avoided. My best advice is to not say anything about the royal family or King at all. This includes the Thai currency “baht”, which has the King’s face on it. Do not step on or deface the currency as it is a sign of disrespect to the King. The Thai culture is one to respect.
Bangkok weather
A tropical, humid, and hot climate, Bangkok has three basic seasons:
Bangkok Seasons
December to February
- Generally considered the best time to visit Bangkok.
- More blue skies.
- Cooler temperatures.
- Drier days.
- More crowded.
- More expensive.
- Requires booking ahead.
March to June
- This is the hottest time in Bangkok with daily temperatures often topping 40°C (104°F).
- Fewer tourists, except during Songkran in April.
- Less planning required.
June to October
- Monsoon season.*
- Heavy rains.
- Fewer tourists.
- Less planning required.
November
- A good month to visit.
- More drier days as monsoon season ends.
- Fewer tourists than December.
- Requires booking ahead.
Significant Thai holidays that affect travel
Like most countries, there are plenty of public holidays in Thailand. Some of the more significant ones are below; or, find a more complete list of Thai holidays.
- Chinese New Year (January or February): A significant event in Bangkok and other parts of Thailand.
- Songkran Festival (April 13 – 15, annually): This three-day water festival marks the beginning of the Thai New Year’s celebration. Bangkok Songkran activities centre around Khao San Road. It’s both a fun celebration and a cleansing ceremony in which fragrant water is often poured on senior monks, or used to clean the Buddha, as well as a giant water fight.
- Loy Krathong Festival (November): A celebration of the end of the rainy season, where participants give thanks to the water goddess. We attended a simulated Loy Krathong Festival at Ancient Siam in Bangkok.
Don’t drink tap water
The tap water is not safe to drink in Thailand but can be used for normal household duties such as shower, washing clothes, dishes and brushing your teeth. Bottled water is very cheap but there are filling stations available that are more environmentally friendly.
