One of the world�s most lively, vibrant and unique cities, visiting Bangkok is an unforgettable experience and having a car is a great way to get around.
Experience the pulsating nightlife of downtown Bangkok. Though the city has a reputation for having a seedy side, it is in fact quite safe and everywhere you are greeted by brilliant tropical foliage such as bougainvillea. Bangkok is polluted and overcrowded though, while the heat is often stifling.
More than 11 million people live in Bangkok which is massive. Thai people are incredibly friendly and so you are sure to find this a warm and welcoming city whether you come here for business or pleasure. Visitors will also find a fascinating mix of traditional Thai culture and temples with fast paced Western culture.
Bangkok became the capital of Thailand when it was created in the late eighteenth century by the Chakri dynasty of monarchs. Don�t miss amazing sights such as the Ancient City, the Anantasamakhom Throne Hall and the Bangkok Butterfly Garden and Insectarium. The temples of Wat Benchamabophit and Wat Bowon Niwet are also spectacular, as is the King Taksin the Great Monument and the King Rama I the Great Memorial.
Bangkok is one of the best culinary cities in the world and the spices and tastes of Bangkok are some of its most memorable aspects. You can eat the traditional Pad Thai dish at curry houses right across the city.
For the more adventurous there are a range of insects such as grasshoppers and scorpions which can be eaten. If you want to learn how to cook Thai food there are a number of restaurants which do courses, the Blue Elephant chain does a relatively pricey introduction but you do get a Blue Elephant apron for your trouble.
For those who prefer not to eat Thai food there is excellent international food on offer too. Another quintessentially Thai pastime is kick boxing. Take a class or watch a match depending on how brave you are feeling. To learn more about Buddhism you can go to The International Buddhist Meditation Centre where donations are welcome as attendance is free of charge. To try your hand at Thai massage go to the Wat Po Temple in Rannakosin.
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport is Southeast Asia�s busiest airport and the departures area is famous for its lavish shopping opportunities. Travellers will find all the conveniences they need here including excellent restaurants, though you should be aware t hat once you have cleared security there are no facilities or toilets.
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport has the airport code BKK and it is a main transport hub for Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways. Other airlines which use the airport are SGA Airline, Air Asia and PBair. Allow plenty of time to get around Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport because it is considered to be the world�s largest terminal building. There are a number of hotels located near to the airport for those who are making international transfers. The smaller Don Muang airport was the main airport of Bangkok up until 2006.
Having a car is definitely the easiest way to get from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport to the city itself, a 30 kilometre journey eastwards. It also saves you money on expensive taxi rides (for Thailand) or the inconvenience of having to wait in line for public transport. Car hire Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport is a cheap and cheerful way to get around the city, though the traffic will certainly raise your heart rate and drivers should know that motorcycle accidents are very common.
Many tourists who go to Thailand frequent the go go bars, though they should know there are strict rules of etiquette inside and having a passport on you is advisable in case there is a police raid and you don�t fancy spending the night in jail. Also Bangkok is famous for �chicks with dicks�, otherwise known as ladyboys. The Adam�s apple is often a giveaway but some have really mastered the art of fitting in!
Another word of warning regards the chained elephants which are dragged through the streets. The owners charge tourists to have their picture taken with the elephants but if you do so you are condoning this cruel practice.
RESOURCE: www.rhinocarhire.com offers cheap car hire in Thailand at the major destinations of Bangkok and Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Priding itself on unparalleled levels of customer service, Rhino also has an excellent selection of cars.
Mo Yungsakul is a travel writer and freelance journalist based in Bangkok. He was asked to test drive Rhino Car Hire Bangkok and Car Hire Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport vehicles and write a travel piece based on his adventures. It includes plenty of hints or tips for travelers.