Ascott Sathorn Bangkok

Climate
Thailand lies within the humid tropics and the weather remains hot throughout the whole year. Temperatures range from 29'C (84.2'F) to 35'C (95'F). There are three seasons in Thailand; namely the cool season (November to March), the hot season (April to May) and the rainy season (June and October).

Clothing
Light, loose clothing is the best. Sweaters are needed during the cool season evenings. Jackets and ties are required in some restaurants and nightclubs. Neat clothing is a must for entering temples or palaces.

Currency
The country's currency is Thai Baht.

Customs
All visitors must complete the Customs Declaration Form. Visitors with nothing to declare can proceed to the Green Channel, while those with goods to declare must proceed to the Red Channel. Import and Export of certain goods is prohibited such as narcotics, pornographic materials and etc.

Electricity
Electricity is supplied in Bangkok at 220 volts, 50 cycles A.C.

Emergency Call Numbers
Police 191
Ambulance 191
Fire 199
Tourist Police 1699
Missing Person Bureau 282-1815

Health
Drugstores and clinics are available in Bangkok. Tap water is treated to varying degrees so it is advisable to drink bottled water. Most hotels and restaurants have filtration systems for water.

Local Area Information
The capital of the Kingdom of Thailand, Bangkok resides a population of 8 to 10 million people. Bangkok covers an area of 1,500 square kilometres of Thailand, forming the largest city and more than ten times the size of the second largest city of Thailand.

Mobile Phones
Network in Bangkok is GSM.

Public Phones
Most public phones accept coins in Baht and phonecards which can be purchased at major newsagent and bookstores. International phone calls can be made at most public phones with International phonecards.

Shopping and Business Hours
Shops generally open from 8.00 a.m to 9.00 p.m, 7 days a week. Department stores open later at 10.00 a.m.

Banks and Government offices:
Banks are open from 9.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. from Mondays to Fridays. Government and commercial offices are open from 8.00 or 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 or 5.00 p.m. from Mondays to Fridays.

Taxes
There is a 7% VAT added in hotels, restaurants, supermarkets and department stores.

Time Zone
GMT + 7

Tipping
Tipping is not a must but it has become a practice to tip housekeeping staff, tour guides, etc. All major restaurants and hotels will include a 10% service charge, if not, tipping is up to one's preferences.

Visa
Visitors entering Thailand must hold a valid passport or travelling documents and are permitted one-month visits. Extension of stay can be applied at the Immigration Department in Bangkok.


Attractions


Grand Palace
Located on Na Phra Lan Road near Pramane Ground, the Grand Palace consists of several buildings with highly decorated architectural details. The palace began in 1782 and has been a popular attraction in Bangkok. The Royal Chapel, Wat Phra Kaeo, houses the Emerald Buddha, the most sacred Buddha image in Thailand. Proper attire is required to enter the Grand Palace.

Phra Thi Nang Vimanmek
Vimanmek is located behind Bangkok's National Assembly and is the world's largest building made entirely of teak. The wooden palace consists of three storeys and has 81 rooms, halls and anterooms. The Royal Carriage Museum is situated near the entrance of Vimanmek where 13 royal horse-drawn carriages, which were once used during the reign of King Rama V, are collected. Regarded to have great historical value, The Royal Carriage Museum attracts a number of tourists as well.

Siam-Ratchadamri
One of the largest and busiest shopping districts in Bangkok, it consists of several large departments stores, shopping arcades, cinema theatres, and other smaller shops. Tourists can satisfy all their shopping needs at one go in Siam-Ratchadamri.

The National Museum
Within walking distance of the Grand Palace, The National Museum is one of the largest and comprehensive museums in Southeast Asia that began at 1782. Over a thousand artefacts ranging from Neolithic times to the present Bangkok period can be found in The National Museum. The National Museum also houses several exquisite buildings of Thai architectural design.

Wat Pho
One of the Bangkok's oldest and largest temples, Wat Pho is located right next to the Grand Palace on the South side. Built by King Rama I nearly 200 years ago, it houses the gigantic gold-plated Reclining Buddha which measures 46 metres in length and 15 metres in height!

Weekend Market at Chatuchak Park
Known as Suan Chatuchak, the market is open only on Saturdays and Sundays. Located opposite the Northern Bus Station on Phahonyothin Road, people buy and sell items ranging from exotic fresh fruits, vegetables, handicrafts, dress materials, clothing, shoes and the necessities.