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Bangkok
SAS Scandinavian Airlines’ stopover guide to Bangkok
www.flysas.com.au
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Bangkok is a capital full of culture and traditions, with some of the
world’s most beautiful palaces dotted around the city centre
Why stopover in Bangkok?
• Visit the world’s grandest palace
• Experience a tuk-tuk adventure
• Explore the fascinating canals of Bangkok
• Enjoy the famous Thai hospitality
• Have a mini holiday on the way to your final destination
As one of Asia’s most cosmopolitan cities, Bangkok is an exciting mix of exotic waterways, bustling markets, quiet temples, high-rise
buildings, trendy clubs and the very best of Asian cuisine. We even like Thai food so much we have thrown in an authentic Thai cooking
experience for you. This is a city for all your senses and we are sure you will agree!
Quick facts
Currency
The Thai unit of currency is Baht (THB). 1AUD = THB26 (March 2007)
Visa
No entry visa is needed for Australians for visits under 30 days
Australian Embassy
www.thailand.embassy.gov.au
Mobile phones
Australian mobile phones work in Thailand
ATMs and credit cards
Australian credit cards are accepted by ATMs and in most shops throughout Bangkok
Tipping
Tipping is not customary in Thailand. Tipping for outstanding service is optional, but not expected.
Climate
The Thais divide the year into three seasons: cool, hot and rainy. The temperature rarely drops below 25°C. The
rainy season is during Australian winter and is one of the better times to visit.
Dress Code
Please note that when visiting most palaces and religious sights in Thailand, a strict dress code applies.
Men must wear long pants; women must wear long pants or a skirt below the knees. Shoulders must be
covered (can wear short sleeves). No thongs allowed. Sandals are permitted, as long as the heel is covered
with a strap.
To/from Bangkok International Suvarnabhumi Airport
The Airport Express provides a bus service between the airport and most top-end hotels in Bangkok. It runs between 5am and midnight.
Otherwise SAS recommends taking a taxi to your hotel, which takes approximately 40 minutes and will cost around 700 Baht.
Getting around Bangkok
The Bangkok Skytrain is quite limited and does not cover the old city part where most of the tourist attractions are.
For certain parts the best way to get around Bangkok is by tuk-tuk, or alternatively by taxi. With taxis, make sure they use their meter.
Phrases to practice:
Where is…? = You ti nai? I don’t understand = Mai khao jai
Hello
= Sawasdee ka (for women) / Sawasdee kap (for men)
Thank you = kop kun ka (for women) / kop kun krup (for men)
How are you? = sa ba dee ka (for women) / sa ba dee krub (for men)
Accommodation
Bangkok is home to accommodation for all standards and budgets. For more information, please contact
Travel Indochina on www.handmadeholidays.com.au or 1300 365 355.
More information
For more information on Bangkok, visit Tourism Authority of Thailand’s website: www.thailand.net.au
or call 02 9247 7549.
Images provided courtesy of Tourism Authority of Thailand and Travel Indochina.
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www.flysas.com.au • 1300 727 707
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SAS’ DIY guide to Bangkok in
1 day
Take the opportunity to have a stopover in Bangkok and visit some of the city’s 300 temples and take
a ride on the canals. Maybe even have a traditional Thai massage at Wat Pho. With SAS’ DIY guide, we
make sure you get the best of Bangkok.
If you would prefer to go on a guided tour, SAS recommends a few guided tours with Travel Indochina,
including a full day guided Bangkok tour, as can be seen throughout this guide. To find out more about
these tours, please visit Travel Indochina on www.handmadeholidays.com.au or 1300 365 355.
Grand Palace (map reference B4, B5)
Bangkok’s most impressive sight was the official residence for the king
of Thailand from the 18th century to the mid-20th century. A complex of
buildings dating back to 1782, the palace is a fantasy of gold and glitter
and home to the Emerald Buddha, the country’s most sacred image.
Getting here: The Palace can easily be reached by tuk-tuk, taxi or the
Chaophraya Express Boat to the Chang Pier (Tha Chang).
Wat Pho (map reference B5)
The Temple of the Reclining Buddha is the largest wat (temple) in Bangkok and also the
oldest, as it was built 200 years before Bangkok became the Thai capital in 1782. Wat
Pho is most famous for its huge and majestic 46 metre long Buddha covered in gold leaves.
Getting here: Wat Pho is located directly south of the Grand Palace.
Wat Arun (map reference A5)
Despite being the Temple of Dawn, it is at its best at sunset and particularly
stunning when lit up. The imposing spire of the temple is over 80 metres high
and decorated with tiny pieces of coloured glass and Chinese porcelain. Closes
at 5.30pm, but don’t miss the sunset (6-7pm year-round) from the east side of
the river.
Getting here: Wat Arun is located on the other side of the river from Wat Pho.
Take a cruise river ferry from the Thien pier between Wat Pho and the Grand
Palace (B5).
Night markets (map references I8 and K8)
Bangkok’s night markets are in a league of their own, selling any imitation brand possible, fried bugs and insects,
pirate CDs and DVDs, fake watches, handicrafts, silk products and much, much more. Patpong is the most famous
and very touristy, whilst the Lumphini Night Bazaar is a good alternative.
Getting here: Both markets are best reached by taxi or tuk-tuk. The Patpong market is on Thanon Suriwong,
whilst the Bazaar is next to the Lumphini Park.
SAS’ suggested
guided city tour
Half Day Thonburi Klong tour (4 hours)
Experience an early morning trip along the bustling Chao Phraya River and
the quiet klongs (canals) in a long tail boat enjoying scenes of life by the water.
See a more traditional way of living, as we gently pass Thonburi residential
areas. A stop will be made at the Wat Arun and then cruise pass the impressive
Royal Barges.
This guided tour can be pre-booked through Travel Indochina. Price from $37.
www.flysas.com.au • 1300 727 707
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SAS’ DIY guide to Bangkok in
2 days
Captivated by Bangkok’s charm and want to stay longer to learn more about the Thai culture and way of
life? Stay one more day and experience more of Bangkok by complementing the suggestions from the
last page with these must-see attractions! Accommodation can be booked through Travel Indochina.
Lumphini Park (map reference I7, J7, I8, J8)
Bangkok’s own Central Park is the city’s oldest and largest park. Providing an inner city
haven of tranquility, the park is ideal for a morning walk through the gardens or just for
people watching. The park opens at 6am.
Getting here: The closest skytrain station is Sala Daeng, with the park located at the
end of Thanon Silom. Alternatively reached by taxi or tuk-tuk.
Jim Thompson’s House (map reference H5)
The former home of the founder of the Jim Thompson Thai Silk Company is today a legacy for authentic Thai
residential architecture and Southeast Asian art. On display is an Asian art collection and Thompson’s personal
belongings.
Getting there: Return to Sala Daeng station and take the skytrain to the National Stadium. Follow the road Soi
Kasem San 2 up to number 6.
Vimanmek Palace (map reference F1)
This royal mansion is the world’s largest building made entirely of golden teak.
It was made into a museum paying homage to the late King Rama V and
features antique furniture, glassware, porcelain, old photographs and
memorabilia from the late King’s reign (1868-1910). There is also traditional
Thai dancing daily at 10.30am and 2pm.
Getting here: Take a tuk-tuk or taxi to Ratchawithi Road.
Wat Mahathat (map reference B4)
This is the headquarters of Thailand’s largest monastic order and Southeast Asia’s most
important centre of Buddhist learning. There are some meditation sessions in English
and the temple has become a popular place to learn the Vipassana meditation method.
Classes are held daily from 7-10am, 1-4pm and 6-8pm.
Getting here: Take a tuk-tuk or taxi to Wat Mahathat, which is located on Mahathat Road.
www.flysas.com.au • 1300 727 707
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SAS’ DIY guide to Bangkok in
3 days
If you want a more complete picture of Bangkok you should opt for a longer stopover. Here SAS
provides some further suggestions on what to see and do. Accommodation can be booked through
Travel Indochina.
Baipai Thai Cooking School (not on map)
Why not learn to cook Thai from the experts at this popular cooking school.
The four hour classes are in English and features four food items, generous
samplings and your own cooked lunch at the end of the class. Book on
www.baipai.com. Closed Mondays.
Getting here: The affordable price includes transfers to and from hotels in
central Bangkok.
National Museum (map reference B3)
The largest museum in Southeast Asia is housed in the former King Rama I’s palace.
A museum since 1887, originally established by King Rama V around the private
collection of his father’s antiques, it is today the ideal place to learn about Thai art,
with all periods and styles represented. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Getting here: Instead of being dropped off at your hotel after your Thai cooking class,
ask to be dropped off at the National Museum.
Queen’s Gallery (not on map)
Only a few years old, this gallery opened in response to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s initiative to create a permanent
public space to exhibit and promote the works of both established and up-and-coming Thai artists. It’s a must see
if you are keen to find out more about Thailand’s blossoming art scene. Closes at 7pm, closed Wednesdays.
Getting here: Take a taxi or tuk-tuk to the gallery, which is located on 101 Ratchadamnoen Klang Rd, just on the
other side of the Chao Phraya River.
If you would prefer to see Bangkok on organised tour:
SAS’ suggested
guided city tour
Half Day Temples Tour (4 hours)
This half day brings you the three most distinguished temples in Bangkok:
Wat Trimit, the temple of the Golden Buddha - the statue of Buddha is made
from solid gold weighting 5.5 tons; Wat Pho, the temple of the Reclining
Buddha - the largest and oldest in Bangkok; and Wat Benchamabopit the marble temple.
This guided tour can be pre-booked through Travel Indochina. Price from $23.
www.flysas.com.au • 1300 727 707
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Day trips from
Bangkok
Staying longer in Bangkok? Do not miss these exciting day and overnight tours. Guided tours for the
following destinations can be booked through Travel Indochina. For more information about these
guided tours, please visit Travel Indochina on www.handmadeholidays.com.au or 1300 365 355.
Mekhala River Barge Cruise
Explore the famous Chao Phraya River onboard the Mekhala, a luxurious
converted rice barge. Leave Bangkok on the river and travel east to UNESCOlisted World Heritage site of Ayutthaya, the royal capital from the 14th and 18th
centuries, and to the nearby summer palace of Bang Pa-In.
Travel Indochina’s 2 day guided tour from Bangkok: Mekhala River Barge Cruise
(Price from $405, including 1 night accommodation, meals and entrance fees)
River Kwai Jungle Rafts and Hellfire Pass
A relaxing and fascinating adventure that culminates in a stay at the unique Jungle Rafts,
located right on the River Kwai and surrounded by the towering jungle. Escape frenetic
Bangkok and head west towards the Burmese border, visiting the Thai-Burma Railway
Museum and the cemetery for Allied POWs en route. Walk along the famous Bridge on the
River Kwai before taking a long-tail boat ride through unspoiled mountain scenery. Also visit
a nearby ethnic Mon tribal village, historic Hellfire Pass and the notorious Death Railway.
Travel Indochina’s 2 day guided tour from Bangkok: River Kwai Jungle Rafts and Hellfire
Pass (Price from $179, including accommodation)
Damnoen Saduak floating markets and Rose Garden
This full day tour takes you to the world-famous floating market of Damnoen
Saduak, situated 100 kilometres west of Bangkok. The tour includes a visit to
Nakorn Pathom, site of the highest Chedi in Thailand. Includes lunch at the Rose
Garden Country Resort.
Travel Indochina’s 1 day guided tour from Bangkok: Full Day Damnoen Saduak
floating markets and Rose Garden (Price from $73)
SAS Crew
Guide Tips
Bed Supperclub
Vertigo Bar & Grill
26 Sukhumvit Soi 11 (map reference M6)
21/100 South Sathan Road (map reference J8)
With its extraordinary tube-shaped design and blueneon-lit space-age interior, the Bed Supperclub is
super-cool, futuristic and groovy. But remember to
book your dining bed well in advance as this place is
always mega-popular. And don’t forget your camera,
after all, it’s not every day that you have your dinner
lying down.
– Ratchada Leelakhajoniat, SAS Bangkok
Enjoy your cocktails on the 62nd floor at Vertigo Bar
& Grill in the Banyan Tree hotel. The tallest open-air
restaurant in Asia-Pacific. Highly recommended.
– Tina Michaelsen, air hostess
Tiger Temple
Kanchanaburi (not on map) www.tigertemple.com
Have a close encounter with a real tiger. A Buddhist
monk takes care of some 15 tigers in this peaceful
environment. Be sure to remember to take
your camera along as you will have many great
opportunities for some fantastic pictures.
– Ola Rygård, flight pilot
For more SAS crew guide tips, for Bangkok and other
destinations worldwide, please visit www.sasguides.com
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Face
29 Sukhumvit Soi 38 (not on map)
Part of the wonderful Face group of restaurant, Face
Bangkok is a bar, Thai restaurant, Indian restaurant,
spa and a pâtisserie all in one building. Keeping the
high standard, Face Bangkok has lots of dark wood,
greenery and candles, all of which creates lots of
intimacy. The result: high-quality food and fantastic
cocktails in the coolest imaginable atmosphere.
– Kjell Jikiun, first officer, A340
www.flysas.com.au • 1300 727 707
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Getting around:
Bangkok
Bed Supperclub Grand Palace Jim Thompson’s House Lumphini Park M6
B4, B5
H5
I7, J7, I8, J8
National Museum Night markets Vertigo Bar & Grill Vimanmek Palace B3
I8 and K8
J8
F1
Wat Arun Wat Mahathat Wat Pho A5
B4
B5
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