Car hires in Bangkok: practical information
Where to rent a car in Bangkok
Chances are if you're planning a trip to Thailand then you've already (or are about to) booked flight tickets from London to Bangkok. At 11 million people, this city is a buzzing metropolis that never stops moving from Siam Square to Pratunam. While you won't likely need a rent car in Bangkok to get around, a cheap car rental doesn't hurt to get out and explore more of the country. Start with a car hire Bangkok airport. There are six car hire companies at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport including Thai Rent A Car, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and Sixt.
Bangkok, being so huge, has a wide variety of options when it comes to a car hire Bangkok city. Major contenders however include Ezy Rent A Car in Samsennai Phyathai, Budget is right downtown in Huay Kwang, Asia Rent A Car is also downtown. You're more likely to find a local agent in the city centre so in this case it may be better to ask at your hotel which one they recommend. Remember to compare car hire in Bangkok before booking in order to get the best deal.
Parking in Bangkok: what you should know
Some say that driving in Bangkok is suicidal unless you're a local and used to the roads and traffic. It's a good idea not to take your affordable car hire in Bangkok anywhere near the city centre. If you need a place to park, keep an eye open for train stations. The MRT for example has two Park & Ride stations, one at Lat Phrao Station (2400 spaces)and the other at the Thailand Cultural Centre Station (180 spaces) between Soi Ratchadephisek 6 and 8. Whenever possible park you car near or at public train stations and ride the train or underground into the city centre.
There are a ton of hotels in Bangkok with parking facilities! There are even some located quite centrally as well. These are just a few: White Orchid Hotel, Golden Horse Hotel, 13 Coins Airport Hotel, The Twin Towers Hotel… To search for hotels in Bangkok with parking just launch a search as you normally would on liligo.com but when your search results are displayed choose "Parking" from the list of Amenities that you'd like your hotel include.
Road trips from Bangkok: what to do, what to see
- A stone's throw away: Amphawa makes a great short trip out of the city. It's famous for its floating market. This is a very unique Thai experience. Buy souvenirs and food from the locals via gondolas that float through the canals, merchants yelling their deals from their bank-side stalls. The market is only open on weekends, in the afternoons, so plan accordingly.
- A little further: The Summer Palace in Bang Pa-In is completely gorgeous! Well worth the trip 60km to the north of Bangkok. Also nearby is the Wat Niwet Thamprawat, a Buddhist temple that is built in European Gothic style… how's that for a mix of cultures? Take a cable car across the river to get there!
[li]A proper day-trip: Get in a little beach time while on holidays in Bangkok
For more things to do in Bangkok, check out Mini-guide: Bangkok.
