Welcome to Bangkok
Bangkok, the sprawling metropolitan capital of Thailand, is typically known for its beautiful ancient temples, vibrant street life, and delicious food.
Its location makes it a business hub in Southeast Asia, so you’ll see people from around the world there.
Bangkok residents are generally friendly, charming, and kind. Bangkok is also home to the world’s best Muay Thai fighters and a popular destination for travellers of all types.
Getting Around Bangkok
It’s a vast, sprawling metropolis. Fortunately, its public transportation is relatively easy to figure out.
You have the following options to get around the city:
- Taxis — The standard option for most travelers. As long as you know where you’re going, a taxi will most likely take you there. Make sure you always ask for the meter, as a taxi driver may charge an exorbitant fee to reach your destination. Travel tip: download the taxi app called GRAB (it works like Uber).
- BTS (Sky train) — The primary choice of transportation for the locals of Bangkok, the sky train gets you to most major spots within the city. Siam stop is where the largest shopping malls in Bangkok are located. Asok is considered the business and financial district of Bangkok. Thong Lor has a vibrant nightlife scene and lots of delicious (and pricey) restaurants.
- MRT (Subway) — The Bangkok subway is an alternative for getting around the city and avoiding the heat. Known as the Metropolitan Rapid Transit (MRT), it covers most of the Bangkok Metropolitan area.
Climate
Bangkok’s weather is generally hot. The average temperature varies between 30 and 40 degrees Celsius year-round.
The hottest months are April, May, and June. Thailand has a rainy season that lasts from June to October, during which it will rain at least once a day.
The dry season, also known as the high season due to the number of tourists who visit during this period, runs from November to February.
From a training perspective, it will take four to five days to acclimate to the weather if you’re coming from a cooler and/or drier region. Thailand’s humidity means you’ll also sweat a lot.
Eating Out In Bangkok
There is a high likelihood that your standard eating habits and diet will change significantly when you come to Bangkok to train Muay Thai.
As with all types of exercise and training, if you want to see positive results in your technique and your physique, your diet is an integral part of achieving success. But not to worry, Thai food can be extremely healthy and delicious. It also offers a combination of flavors you won’t find anywhere else.
Thai food is healthy and affordable, and its street food is among the best in the world. Stick with a healthy balance of local dishes, fresh fruit, protein, and vegetables. You will be sure to find a range of dietary options, including vegetarian/vegan, paleo, gluten-free, and much more. Thai people are very accommodating, so be sure to ask for your dish to be prepared with or without spice, oil, salt, or sugar, using the Google Translate app.
Traveling To Bangkok, Thailand
To travel to Bangkok, Thailand, most visitors fly into Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) or Don Mueang Airport (DMK). Ensure your passport is valid, and check visa requirements for your nationality before traveling. Once in the city, public transport such as the BTS Skytrain, MRT subway, and river ferries makes getting around convenient.
