Tips and inspiration for a business trip to Bangkok

Bangkok is the economic heart of Thailand. Because the country's economy is primarily focused on exporting products, the business community is very internationally oriented. But what can you expect from this bustling business city? And what are the best transportation, hotel and activity options? In this blog, I, Business Travel Consultant Marieke, give some valuable tips and inspiration for your next business trip to Bangkok largely based on my own experiences!

Overwhelming arrival in Bangkok

When you arrive at Suvarnabhumi International Airport after a long flight and travel from there to the city center, it is almost inevitable that the first encounter will be overwhelming to a greater or lesser degree. The vastness, bustle and chaos of this city are unprecedented by Dutch standards. So the first tip is to book a nice hotel where you can retreat for a while to acclimatize. I myself stayed in a great hotel on a side street of the tourist center with a lovely pool at high altitude where you didn't notice anything of the hustle and bustle of the city; truly an oasis of tranquility.

Once you start exploring the busy city, you can smell the most delicious smells coming from the food stalls on every street corner everywhere. You see garishly colored tuktuks driving and the most beautiful temples appearing. It's like stepping into a great movie!

Transportation from the airport to the city

Suvarnabhumi International Aiport is located more than 30 km east of Bangkok. A quick and inexpensive way to travel from the airport to the city center is by the Airport Rail Link. This is an above-ground subway and takes you to the city center in 26 minutes. Of course, it is also possible to travel by cab. This is pricier, but you will be dropped off in front of the hotel.

We recommend booking a cab in advance for extra travel convenience. Through Uniglobe Alliance Travel you can easily book and pay for a cab in advance. So you do not have to pay any costs on the spot and you can immediately continue your carefree journey to the hotel.

Hotels

The Silom district is the business district and also the busiest area of Bangkok. Modern office buildings and hotels abound here. From simple to luxury 5-star hotels. The hotels below are conveniently located in central Bangkok and are a good choice to stay during a business trip.

Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse*****

This 5-star hotel is located in the Silom district and features more than 300 luxurious rooms and suites with all amenities. The hotel also features fine meeting facilities, an amazing infinity pool overlooking the surrounding skyscrapers, multiple restaurants as well as a hip rooftop bar on the 33^e floor!

Photos by: Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse*****

Nouvo City Hotel****

This pleasant and conveniently priced 4-star hotel is located in Bangkok's historic district, close to the Chao Phraya River. This allows you to easily move around the city. If you plan to add some free time to your business trip, this hotel is an excellent choice! The hotel features 270 luxurious rooms and suites, two great swimming pools (one on the roof), a gym and a very extensive breakfast buffet. Directly opposite the hotel is a cozy little restaurant where you can eat an incredibly delicious Pad Thai... which I can attest to from personal experience. ?

Transportation in Bangkok

Cabs, tuktuks, the Sky Train, the subway, longtail boats ... transportation options abound!

By cab and tuktuk you travel door-to-door which is very efficient. However, it can be time consuming during rush hour because of the huge crowds in the city.
Another option is the Sky Train: an above-ground subway line. Because you are not affected by the chaos of traffic, this is a quick way to travel. The Sky Train is connected to the underground subway network, making much of the city easily accessible.
Another popular mode of transportation is the Chao Phraya River Express Boat. These boats travel 20 km along the Chao Phraya River in four different services. This is a cheap, fast and unique way to travel! For one flat fee, you can get off 1 stop further or stay the entire route. The boats run very frequently and connect with the Sky Train at Sathorn Pier. An added benefit is that you get a great view of the city from the river!

Dealing with a business associate

Thai people consist of warm and friendly people, who are known for their tolerance and hospitality. Below I give you some tips on how to deal with this culture and business customs:

Address someone as mister, miss or misses followed by the first name.
Let your business partner take the initiative with the handshake.
Dress formally.
Thai society is very hierarchical, it is important that you clearly indicate your position within a company. Make sure you have business cards that clearly state this. If you receive a business card from your relation, do not put it away without looking at it and preferably leave it on the table.
Speaking a few Thai words breeds sympathy.
Be careful not to communicate too directly. This is not customary in Thailand. In addition, do not touch your business partner in a friendly way.
A small gift is much appreciated. A typical Dutch souvenir is especially popular.

Taste the cuisine of Bangkok

You can eat in Bangkok on every street corner. At the simplest food stalls you will get great local, flavorful food: sit on a plastic chair and enjoy! Just always make sure you order food somewhere crowded, so you can be sure the food is fresh. For dessert, have a pancake and be taken back to the hotel in a tuk-tuk. The perfect evening out!

If you prefer a more upscale restaurant experience, we recommend going to the unique Mahanakhon Skybar to go. This restaurant is located at 76^e floor of the King Power Mahanakhon building. In addition to the delicious food, here you have a great view of the city and the area far beyond. Be sure to take a look on the roof at the 78^e floor, from which you look down 314 meters through a glass floor.

Furthermore, Bangkok boasts several Michelin restaurants, where you will have a real culinary experience. Curious? Our Business Travel Consultants will gladly inform you about this if you wish!

Time for Bleisure

Should you have the opportunity to add a few days, or even one or more weeks to your business trip, I would definitely do so. There is an awful lot to see and do in Bangkok. I would like to give you some tips:

Through the city the Dutch way: by bicycle tour! This way you get to know the city in an incredibly fun way. You cycle past beautiful temples, through green oases and narrow streets that you can barely get through by bike: an experience! ? During the tour we usually stop for lunch at a location where you would normally never come, in our case a tasting of local dishes.
Behold the Royal Palace. This gigantic complex is completely surrounded by a white wall of almost 2 kilometers! Within the walls is the important temple 'Wat Phra Kaew' with its famous emerald Buddha.

Visit one of the floating markets. A real concept in Thailand are the traditional floating markets and around Bangkok there are plenty to visit. Tip: go early in the morning, then you will avoid the extreme crowds of tourists.
Visit Lumphini Park. In this green oasis among the skyscrapers, it truly feels like entering another world. Lumphini Park is about 56 acres and lends itself perfectly to a walk along the lake, a round of biking or jogging or a boat ride on the lake.
Experience Khao San Road. Perhaps Bangkok's most famous street ... crowded and overwhelming, but definitely a place you must have been. The short street is a succession of stores, restaurants and especially many food stalls. Should you find this too busy, Rambuttri Road is a short distance away. Here it is a bit quieter, but you will experience a similar experience.

Planning a business trip to Bangkok soon and curious about more tips, information or the best travel options? We are here for you!

Tips and inspiration for a business trip to Bangkok