A travel guide

A travel guide

Read a travel guide about Bangkok to practise and improve your reading skills.

Do the preparation task first. Then read the text and do the exercises.

Preparation

Reading text

Whether you're travelling to the islands or the mountains of Thailand, you're likely to spend at least one night in its capital city on the way. Bangkok might be noisy and polluted but it's also an exciting city with plenty of things to see and do. Why not make it a longer stay?

Where to stay

The Khao San Road was a famous traveller spot even before Leonardo di Caprio's character in the film The Beach stayed there. But it's noisy, not very pretty and not very Thai. For something more authentic, Phra Kanong offers an alternative place to stay, with its fantastic street markets where everyday Bangkok people eat, work and live. It's not as convenient for the main tourist sites, but it has a Skytrain station so you can be at the Grand Palace in 20 minutes.

How to get around

Bangkok's traffic can be a nightmare. Sure, you can easily take a taxi – if you want to spend hours stuck in traffic jams – but there are two much better ways to get around the city. To explore the temples and historical sites, catch an express boat river taxi or a longtail boat along the Chao Phraya river and the canals. For the modern part of the city, the Skytrain is a fast, cheap way to travel from the river to the shopping malls and nightlife of Sukhumvit, and the famous Chatuchak street market.

Where to eat

The simple answer is: everywhere! Thai street food is among the best in the world, and for around $5 you can eat a filling and delicious meal. Some food stands have little plastic seats where you can sit and eat and they cook the same dish over and over, like fried chicken on rice or Pad Thai noodles. Head for Chinatown – Yaowarat Street – and choose whatever looks most interesting from the many excellent Chinese and Thai restaurants and food stands.  

What to do

After you've seen the main sites like the Giant Buddha at the temple of Wat Pho and the spectacular Grand Palace, and shopped at Chatuchak market, check out the snake farm and watch the live snake show. You can even touch a snake yourself if you want to!

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Average: 4.1 (192 votes)
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Absolutely, I would love to. As a fan of traveling, I'd like to visit awesome places around the world as much as possible. And Thailand is one of my arrival list of must-see countries. First of all, the weather is nice, so I can easily adapt to it. Besides, Thai foods are known as the best ones, especially the cuisine made from tropical fruits. I wish to come to Thailand on the nearest day.

Submitted by Alaa Basha on Sat, 22/02/2020 - 05:58

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It would be interesting. It's amazing to see the world and get experienced with other culture. And the most fantastic thing is to eat different meals around the world.

Submitted by VladIST18 on Wed, 19/02/2020 - 14:16

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I have never been interested in Thailand, thanks to this text I learned a little about it.I would like to go there)

Submitted by Ostrik on Wed, 19/02/2020 - 04:46

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It was very interesting to read about Bangkok, about its interesting places, I hope someday I can visit it.

Submitted by ValeraY on Tue, 18/02/2020 - 21:52

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Yes, I would like visit Bangkok because I like exotic nature, food and beautiful scenery.

Submitted by Are7even on Tue, 18/02/2020 - 21:21

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I have long wanted to go to Thailand. Now I want to get there even more. Thanks for the interesting story!

Submitted by DavidJrom on Tue, 18/02/2020 - 21:16

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This information was very usefull

Submitted by romarionba on Tue, 18/02/2020 - 20:32

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I`ve never heard about Bangkok before, but this article inspired me to visit this place in my future! I like travelling, and i think this place is the best one to visit with your family or friends. So, i really hope i`ll get the chance soon to go there and explore something new for me!

Submitted by KateKO on Tue, 18/02/2020 - 18:51

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It would be interesting to visit Bangkok. But actually all that intrigued me is the snake farm. I want to touch at least one little snake! Or maybe a big one? It's doesn't metter. Just kidding. I have never taste food of another countries. so i think it must be a good experience to discover new dishes. All of us need to open the door into new "worlds". Hope one day I'll stay there at least for a few hours..