Bangkok is big, hot and fast-moving — a little preparation goes a long way.
Bangkok's cool season (November to February) is the most comfortable time to visit, with lower humidity and less rain. The hot season (March to May) is intense, and the rainy season (June to October) brings short, heavy afternoon downpours rather than all-day rain.
The city is split by the Chao Phraya River and criss-crossed by the BTS Skytrain and MRT subway, which cover most areas visitors care about. Traffic is heavy, so plan around the rail network rather than relying on taxis for cross-town trips.
Booking a hotel far from a BTS/MRT station, underestimating travel time across town, and not carrying small notes for street food and taxis are the most common early mistakes.
