Bangkok

Our feelings for Bangkok are a constantly changing love-hate relationship. Bangkok has many wonderful sites, but also bad ones. Already early in the morning the noise is unbearable. Cars horn, the crowds move through the streets and squeeze into the tracks. Bangkok is a big city like the one in the book. The stink and smog cloud the mood and you can only escape to one of the temples to breathe some fresh air. These make the visitor stiffen with awe. The atmosphere is unique and offers an escape from the big city that is needed so much.

For all who like to mix with people, there are many things to discover. From huge malls to the notorious Kao San Road, where spiders and cockroaches are a culinary diversion to the daily Pad Thai. Speaking of food: in Bangkok there is really everything you can imagine. It is best to take something along one of the street stalls and better not ask what it is. One thing is certain: it will always taste fantastic.

Despite all the negative impressions, we were nevertheless impressed by Bangkok and especially for the first 1-2 days in Thailand it is worthwhile to look at the city and get used to the country and its people. We were glad, however, to go further towards nature and tranquility and leave the city behind.

For entry you need a passport. Entering by identity card is not allowed. Your travel documents have to be valid for at least six months. You should always carry your passport with you, as the passport is controlled in some cities. As a German you do not have to apply for a visa, unless you can prove your onward journey by a flight or bus ticket. You can stay in Thailand for a maximum of 30 days.

For tourism purposes, a one-time extension of another 30 days is possible. You must apply for this extension at the Thai Immigration Bureau before the first 30 days have expired. If you want to stay in Thailand for a longer period of time, or if you want to travel to the country differently, please get in touch with the authorities and get advice there. If you travel the wrong way or exceed the permitted length of stay, you have to expect high penalties, such as arrest or heavy fines.

If you travel to Thailand, you must definitely be vaccinated against measles. WHO has declared that omitting the vaccine as a „threat to global health“. However, no vaccinations are required when entering Germany. If you come from countries with a yellow fever risk you have to be vaccinated against it. The standard vaccinations are definitely always recommended. It is also recommended to vaccinate against hepatitis A and B, rabies, typhoid and Japanese encephalitis. Thailand is warning about the Zika virus, dengue fever and malaria.

As in all Asian countries, you should pay attention to certain things. Wear mostly light colored clothing to protect you from mosquitoes. At night you should sleep under a mosquito net. If you need medication, bring it with you from your hometown, as they are usually very expensive abroad. Watch out for water from the faucet. You should also be careful with fresh fruit, washed salad and ice cream.

During your trip you should take out a travel health insurance and consult your doctor first.

Oh, Thai food ... on this topic I do not know where to start. Food is simply the best and most important thing in Thailand. At every corner you‘ll find stalls selling all sorts of goodies, and it‘s almost all about food. I can recommend restaurants only conditionally. In my opinion, you get the best Thai food at the small stalls on the roadside. Of course, the hygiene standards are not comparable to Western countries. But you should not pay attention to that in Asia. The taste makes you forget everything else. This variation of spices and fresh fruits and vegetables is simply delicious.

We ate primarily Pad Thai, probably the best-known Thai dish. In addition, you will find dishes such as curry, skewers, various vegetables, meat or fish with rice, noodle or seafood soup, probably the best prawns I have ever eaten, different deep fried things, bugs and all kinds of insects at Kao San Road, and of course sweet treats like mango sticky rice, banana pancakes, coconut ice cream, rolled ice cream and fresh juices. A variation of tropical fruits is waiting for you at every corner.

Throughout Thailand you can move in different ways. You can fly, travel by train, by bus, by boat or by car. Many people also hire a motorbike or scooter to get to their destination quickly, especially in the city. But you have to drive really careful because the traffic is totally chaotic.

In Bangkok, the connection of the MRT and the Skytrain are very good and highly recommended. With that you can easily get to all places. However, if you want to travel authentic in Bangkok, you should be driven by a TukTuk. You will experience the city like never before.

Thailand is a constitutional monarchy. The king is the head of state and religion. 75% of the 69 million inhabitants are ethnic Thai, 14% Chinese. Malay live in the south. Buddhism is most pronounced among the entire population, almost 94% is committed to it. About 5% are Muslims. Buddhism is visible in the life and landscape of the country. Almost every house has a shrine, majestic temples are scattered throughout the whole country. In Bangkok, there are two temples worth mentioning - Wat Arun and Wat Pho with a huge golden reclining Buddha. If you spend a long time in Bangkok, there are countless beautiful temples to visit. However, if you have little time, I would definitely recommend these two.

When you enter a temple, you should pay attention to certain things. Always wear long clothes that cover your knees and shoulders. You often have to take off your shoes before entering the temples. If you do not have suitable clothing with you, you can borrow or buy clothes in front of many temples. Always show respect for religion.

Thai people are very friendly and tolerant towards people of different faith and they love to smile. They forgive many missteps, but for the time of your stay, you should try to adapt to their lives and behaviors. To inform you about their customs and absolute dont‘s, just check the internet. You will get many instructions and tips.

Something else you should know: At 8am and at 6pm the national anthem is played and all people stay in their position, listen to the hymn and put their hand on their hearts. Even if it may seem strange to you at first, respect that moment and interrupt current conversations or activities and behave as silently as possible. If you want, you can get up at this moment.

Thailand has a tropical climate. The average temperature is around 28 degrees Celsius. In Thailand there is a dry and rainy season. Monsoon in Bangkok is between May and October, especially at the end of the season there are often floods. In January it is very dry and in April it is very hot. At this time, the rainy season begins and it can be very unpleasant. The best travel time is between December and March.

In Thailand, you pay with Thai Baht. In many places you can pay by credit card and the withdrawal of money is easily possible. For safety‘s sake, however, you should have money from your home currency to change. Change the money only in reputable places.