More Information about Bangkok

Destination Overview

The capital city of the Kingdom of Thailand, Bangkok is the country’s largest metropolis, overflowing with national icons that attract avid travelers from all across the globe. If it is ancient tradition and culture that captures your imagination, then the Grand Palace Complex is not to be missed, with its sumptuous golden spires and beautiful temples that have endured for centuries. However, if you’re looking for something more modern and vibrant, there’s always Bangkok’s floating market and the Chatuchak weekend market, the world’s largest weekend market that welcomes 200,000 visitors every week.

Flying to Bangkok

1. Which airports serve Manila to Bangkok?

When you travel from Manila to Bangkok, you will most likely be leaving from the Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport, and will touch down at the New Bangkok airport.

2. Which airlines operate flights from Manila to Bangkok?

If you’re flying from Manila to Bangkok, your best option is to use Philippine Airlines, a company that offers daily departures without connections. Cebu Pacific, Thai and AirAsia Zest also offer daily departures with no connections. Other airlines, including AirAsia, Air China, All Nippon, Asiana, Cathay, China Airlines, China Eastern, China Southern, Etihad, EVA Air, Gulf Air, Hong Kong, JAL, Jeju Air, Jetstar Asia, Korean, KLM, Kuwait, Malaysia, Qatar, Royal Brunei, Scoot, Singapore, Turkish, Vietnam and Xiamen also offer daily departures but require a connection. Qantas, Air Macau, Garuda and Ethiopian offer some mid-week flight options.

3. How long is the flight?

Most direct flights from Manila to Bangkok will last approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes, but there are many journeys with layovers that could take 7 hours, or even longer. Be sure to check your flights before leaving, as Manila is only 1 hour ahead of Bangkok and you don’t want to spend an entire day in transit.

4. Climate changes between Manila to Bangkok

Manila and Bangkok both have warm temperatures that are consistent throughout the year. They also both have rainy seasons with most rain falling between May and October.

5. Culture differences and need-to-know

While it’s always best to transfer your money before flying, Bangkok’s currency, the Thai Baht, can be exchanged at most banks and hotels, as well as both airports, for a commission fee. If you only have a card, you will be able to use this at most cash machines.

The official language in Bangkok is Thai, which is of Chinese origin and borrows many words from the surrounding countries. As Bangkok is such a thriving, international city, you can be confident that most people will be able to speak English, although this will be less common the further you travel into rural areas.

City Information

As has been noted, no visit to Bangkok is complete without visiting the sumptuous Grand Palace, however, there is also the more subtle but equally stunning Vimanmek Palace within the city. This complex was constructed in the early years of the 20th century and is believed to be the world’s largest teakwood building. With a reasonable admission fee, you can explore the corridors of this royal residence and marvel at a beautiful example of traditional Thai architecture.

For those looking to shop, Thailand also has a floating market with a wide variety of fruits, flowers and vegetables. Chinatown, Chao Phraya River and Waterways, and the Chatuchak Weekend Market, which has a wide variety of merchandise, are also popular attractions.

There are also numerous attractions for families to enjoy together, including several animal sanctuaries, such as the world’s largest crocodile farm, the Dusit Zoo and a Safari World. Bangkok truly is a gateway to Asia, so don’t miss out and plan your vacation to this vibrant, exciting city today.