Location

Located in the center of the country, straddling the banks of the Chao Phraya River and close to the Gulf of Thailand, The greater Bangkok Metropolis (including Thonburi on the other side of the Chao Phraya River) is adjacent to Pathum Thani on its north, Nonthabri on its northwest, Chachoengsao on its east, Samut Sakhon on its southwest, and Samut Prakan on its southeast.

Area

Bangkok has an area of 1,568.737 sq.km. Certain areas has become more popular than others, largely due to their good location and the things there to do and see … be it traditional attractions, shopping highlights or a notoriously famous nightlife scene. Navigating this exciting city has also become much easier, thanks to the Skytrain (BTS) and underground (MRT) system connecting many areas.

Climate

There are three seasons: rainy (June to October), hot (March to May), and cool (November to February). Annual average temperature is about 29 degree Celsius with monthly averages ranging from 35 degree Celsius in April to 26 degree Celsius in December.

Topography

Bangkok is located in the basin of the Chao Phraya Rier and has no mountains. The land is
cris-scrossed by canals and rivers.

Administration

As the capital of the country, Bankok is the centre of administration, commerce and communications. The city is divided into 50 districts (khet)

Language

The standard Thai language is used, while English is a mandatory subject in public schools and is widely spoken and understood in business and tourist areas.


About Thailand

Time Zone

GMT +7, same as Vietnam

Visas

Travelers are required to have an onward ticket to enter Thailand. Citizens of most nations can get a 30-day visa upon arrival. Two-week extensions can be obtained by going to the immigration Office, located near the Silom business district (507 Suan Phlu Road; Tel: 66 2 287 1740 or 66 2 287 3101) with a photocopy of your passport (every page), two photographs, and the extension fee of 500 baht. Agencies can facilitate this process, with pick up and delivery service to your hotel room.

Currency

Foreign currency changes are available at the airport and provide the same rates as in town and better rates than hotels. The baht is divided into 100 satangs. Paper denominations consist of 1,000- (gray), 500- (purple), 100- (red), 50- (blue), and 20- (green) baht notes. Coins consist of ten-, five+, one baht disks, as well as 50- and 25- satang brass disks.

Credit Cards

Major establishments readily accept American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard and Visa cards. Expect a 3-5 percent surcharge. Major Bangkok banks also recognize these credit cards.

Business Hours

Government offices open from 08.30-16.30 hrs. on Monday to Friday. Business hours are from 08.00 or 08.30-17.00 hrs. on Monday to Friday. Most department stores operated from 10.00-21.00 hrs. all week.