Destination Guide - Bangkok

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Bangkok is the usual gateway for most travellers, and you should plan on three or five days in the capital. This should allow sufficient time for seeing the major sights such as the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Arun, Wat Pho and Vimanmek Mansion. Perhaps also a trip along the Chao Phraya River or a shopping jaunt to Chatuchak Weekend Market.


Geography

Krabi's mountainous physical geography is broken by highlands and plains on the mainland.The provincial administration also covers more than 130 islands in the Andaman Sea. Natural forest cover is chiefly mangrove and Cassia trees. Krabi's sandy clay soil conditions are perfect for a variety of agricultural products, including rubber trees, palms, mangos, coconuts, and coffee. The Krabi River flows 5 kilometers through the city and falls into the Andaman at Tambon Pak Nam. There are other streams as well : the Khlong Pakasai, the Khlong Krabi Yai and the Khlong Krabi Noi in the province's highest range of mountains, the Khao Phanom Bencha.

Climate
Temperatures range between 16.9 and 37.3 degrees Celsius and the yearly rainfall averages 2,568.5 millimeters. Weather in Krabi is typically that of the tropical monsoon, providing the province with just two seasons

Hot Season : January - April
Rainy Season : May - December
Cool Season : January - March


Public Transportation

Public buses are plentiful and cheap, with 3.5 baht minimum and 5 baht maximum fares to most destinations within metropolitan Bangkok. Air-conditioned buses within Bangkok have minimum and maximum fares of 6 and 16 baht, respectively. Red and grey Micro - Buses, also air conditioned, cost 20 baht for a single journey.


Taxi and Tuk Tuks Metered taxis are available in Bangkok. Make sure the driver turns on the meter, especially if you are starting from the airport. Make sure you have change, as taxi drivers often don't! Drivers change shifts at about 3.30-4.00 p.m., and may not accept you unless your destination is convenient. Passengers must pay tolls in the case of using an expressway.

If taxis do not have meters, fares must be agreed upon before starting. The amount will vary depending on the distance, traffic, weather (if it is raining the fare will rise) and the negotiating skills of the hirer. Average fares in Bangkok are between 50-200 baht.

Buses : Bangkok has an extensive bus service with routes serving every part of the city. There are both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned vehicles, which provide an extremely cheap way of getting around town.

River Taxi There are many boats plying the Chao Phraya River. Some criss-cross between landings on opposite banks while the Chao Phraya Express boats travel upstream and downstream within the metropolis. Fares range between 5 and 15 baht.


Train : An efficient rail service links northern and northeastern towns with Bangkok (terminus is Hualamphong Station). Regular western and southern routes out of Bangkok (Thon Buri) Station enable travel by train to Kanchanaburi province and to southern Thailand.
On express trains, sleepers are available in three classes: first and second class (air-conditioned), and second class (non air-conditioned, but with fans).

Advance tickets are available at all principal stations or the Bangkok Advance Booking Office.
Tel.(66) 2225-0300 ext 5200-3.

 

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