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 (197 votes)

Submitted by anwarrasool on Thu, 04/07/2019 - 21:16

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The article was written very well. Easy to understand. I always afraid to write sentences because i feel that it is not correct. I would appreciate the educator team to provide more questions related to the article or opportunity to write small sentences.

Submitted by Ihssane on Wed, 03/07/2019 - 11:52

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Of course yes. I dream of exploring new countries and cultures. I'll do it if I get a chance

Submitted by barno.egamberdieva on Thu, 27/06/2019 - 10:17

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There are many beatiful cities in Uzbekistan. If u will have a chance to travel to my country u will love it

Submitted by Aikotoko on Sat, 08/06/2019 - 09:58

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I am living in Bangkok now because my husband works here. Before coming here, to tell the truth, I did not want to go. I think Japan is the best country to live and to eat in the Asia! But now I love here. People in Thailand are very kind, especially for children. Food are very delicious and I often eat Thai food. There are many wonderful beaches, islands and places to visit in Thailand. If you visit, I am sure you love this country, of course, Bangkok too!!
Hi! Because of your nickname you must be Japanese, right? Sorry! but I disagree with you about that japan is the best country to live, because I think there isn't much room to do that, I mean is very expensive, and eat other kinds of food other than japanese too!

Submitted by Rosalind Wang on Sat, 07/09/2019 - 10:04

In reply to by Smartsosty

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What is the best coutry to live in Asia?