car hire bangkok
Pick up your hire car in Bangkok and prepare to overload your senses with the smiling city that never sleeps. Book car hire bangkok airport now
the 60-second guide to Bangkok
in its own head
"Since we've never been colonised, we're the purest city in south-east Asia, blending the ancient with the modern into an explosion of sensory delights unlike anywhere else on earth!"
but more realistically
Yes, there really is nowhere in the world like Bangkok, and while other cities might be more sophisticated, there are certainly untold pleasures to be had in this exotic and exciting metropolis.
the vibe
Bustling. This is a city truly on the go 24 hours a day. But for all its vibrancy it's easy to slow the pace right down with a visit to one of the many temples or by sampling a traditional massage.
the natives
They don't call Thailand the Land of Smiles for nothing. The Thais are a happy-go-lucky bunch with a playful and fun approach to tourists.
the weather
Bangkok sits just above the equator and its tropical monsoon climate has three main seasons: rainy (June to October), hot (March to May) and cool (November to February).
the local speciality
Some of Thailand's best food can be bought from street stalls. One of its most famous, Pad Thai, tastes dramatically better there than anywhere else, plus it'll set you back less than a pound.
the celebrity
Irish actor and former hellraiser Colin Farrell injured his foot after 'falling down the stairs' in his Bangkok hotel in 2004.
did you know?
The full name for the city of Bangkok is actually 163 letters long. But don't worry, everyone refers to the city by its shorter name.
they say
"A steamy, pulsating, yet smiling metropolis of more than ten million - intense at first, but addictive as anything." - www.bangkok.com
5 to see in town...
This dazzling gold palace is an architectural masterpiece and houses such delights as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
where to park?
The Grand Palace is most easily accessed by boat, so park your car at the on Sukhumvit 81, near Gate C of Onnut Station. A bus takes you to Taksin Bridge station, where you can catch a boat to the Grand Palace.
5 to see in town...
This temple, situated on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, got its name from King Taksin who was awestruck at its beauty at dawn on returning from war. Recreate the magic on a river boat tour - without the fighting of course.
where to park?
The best way to get to Wat Arun is by boat so leave your hire car at the Sukhumvit 81 near Gate C of Onnut Station.
5 to see in town...
If there's one thing the inhabitants of Bangkok enjoy it's shopping. Head to the eclectic 35-acre weekend Chatuchak Market and put your bartering skills to the test when buying clothing, household goods, music and, er, pythons.
where to park?
Ratchada Resort (Baron) Parking Lot is the nearest parking facility. It is located slightly outside the market as the streets get very crowded.
5 to see in town...
A little surprisingly for such a peaceful nation the Thais like to kick the bejesus out of each other. It's ok, it's a sport called Muay Thai and at this stadium you can see its exponents in action.
where to park?
Park at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, a spacious parking location conveniently located within walking distance of the stadium.
5 to see in town...
Another cultural essential is a Thai massage. There are literally thousands of small places to get an excellent massage in the city, but Wat Po (the Temple of the Reclining Buddha) offers the most traditional.
where to park?
The best way to get to Wat Po is by boat. Take advantage of the park-and-ride service by leaving your hire car at Sukhumvit 81 near Gate C of Onnut Station.
and 4 to drive to...
This impressive historic city and UNESCO world heritage site was founded in 1350 and was at one stage the capital of Thailand until the Burmese destroyed it in the 17th century. What buildings remain suggest it must have been a majestic city.
how to get there?
Take Highway No.1 (Phahon Yothin) via Pratu Nam Phra In and turn into Highway No.32, then, turn left to Highway No.309 to Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya.
and 4 to drive to...
Kanchanaburi is Thailand's third largest province and home to the historic Bridge on the River Kwai, the beautiful Erawan National Park and the infamous Death Railway. Stop at the Floating Market at Damnoen Saduak on the way.
how to get there?
A two-hour drive along Highway No.4 (Phetkasem) via Nakhon Chaisi Province, Nakhon Pathom Province, Ban Pong, Tha Maka and Tha Muang (of Ratchaburi Province) to Kanchanaburi.
and 4 to drive to...
This car-free man-made island just north of Bangkok is popular for the vast number of pottery items made there. A visit will give you a glimpse as to life in Thailand 50 years ago.
how to get there?
Take the Si Rat Expressway Urban Network and then take exit North 2-11 toward Chaeng Watthana, a half an hour drive north of Bangkok. Park at Pakkred town and take a quick ferry across from Wat Sanam Nua to Wat Poramai.
and 4 to drive to...
This globally renowned zoo has the world's largest crocodile in captivity, measuring six metres in length. Also popular are the performers that put their heads into the mouths of the crocodiles, which is surely asking for trouble.
how to get there?
It's about 20 miles from Bangkok. Take Highway No. 3, it should only take half an hour to get there.
ask a Bangkok cabbie!
Local taxi driver Nim Kawee on car hire Bangkok: "Drivers tend to be a bit lax when it comes to road courtesy, (its not unusual for other drivers to pass within two inches of you), however they are very cautious about drink driving and if you are caught over the limit you face being fined, imprisoned or required to do community service. There is often a small fee for parking, usually around 5-19 baht and payment is collected by someone in uniform. However, areas are not always indicated by signposting or curbside markings, so keep your eyes peeled."