Woman watching the sun set over Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

Singapore to Bangkok – How to Get There

By Stuart Bak

Considering doing a double header in Southeast Asia? You could do worse than a trip that takes in both Bangkok and Singapore, two of the greatest cities in the region, if not the world. We’re talking balmy tropical weather, exciting attractions, world-class hotels with pools and some of the finest street food you’ll ever experience. And with direct flights that connect the two in the blink of an eye, there’s really no reason not to. Read on for our whistlestop guide to Singapore and Bangkok – and the best ways to get from one to the other.

Bangkok in a Nutshell

Image of Landscape, Nature, Outdoors, Scenery, Panoramic, City, Spire, Tower,

Bangkok enjoys a tropical monsoon climate, with a hot dry season between March and June, when sweltering daytime temperatures can top 100 degrees, with a warm rainy season from July to October and a cooler, drier period from November to February. Bear in mind that ‘cooler’ is a relative term in Bangkok and you can still expect t-shirt-wearing temperatures in the mid-70s during winter.

Bangkok’s crowded streets and noisy traffic can seem overwhelming to newbies but getting around is actually relatively easy thanks to the excellent BTS SkyTrain network which links the airport to downtown and serves most of the key districts in the city center. An extensive metro system supplements this and, for something a little different, a variety of ferries, water taxis and long-tailed boats serve the waterways. And can you even say you’ve visited Bangkok if you haven’t traveled by túk-túk? Though almost always an uncomfortable and somewhat terrifying rip-off, these iconic three-wheeled taxis have to be experienced at least once on any visit to the city.

In a place as big as Bangkok there are of course accommodation options to suit every budget. Big-name and luxury brands including Kempinski, Carlton, Marriott, Shangri-La and Anantara are well-represented here if you have a bit of cash to flash, but there are plenty of mid-range and budget options to choose from, too. Perhaps unsurprisingly, you’ll find the most competitive prices during the rainy season.

Singapore in a Nutshell

Image of Person, Swimming, Water, Water Sports, Pool, Swimming Pool, People, Fun, Vacation,

Much like Bangkok, Singapore is hot, humid and frequently wet. Temperatures here hover in the high 80s year round, with a tropical climate that promises regular downpours during the two monsoon seasons from December to March and June to September. Rainfall here is often sudden, short and, well, spectacular, so prepare by carrying a good umbrella if you’re visiting in monsoon season, but don’t otherwise let this put you off visiting!

The transport infrastructure here in the Garden City is second to none, with a superb mass transit system (MRT), dedicated cycling paths and even cable cars and monorails. The MRT is basically your best friend when in Singapore, with speedy automated underground trains that span almost the entire island and connect you to top attractions including Marina Bay, the Singapore Flyer observation wheel, the Botanic Gardens and Orchard Road shopping district. Hop on the cable car or monorail to reach the beautiful white-sand beaches and many popular attractions on Sentosa Island, and rent a bicycle if you’re feeling fit and fancy seeing some of the abundant nature that covers around 50% of Singapore. There are hundreds of miles of dedicated (and mostly flat) cycle paths across the island, from downtown commuter lanes to major out-of-town networks including the epic Park Connector Network and Central Urban Loop. Note that failing to wear a helmet when cycling here is against the law and will likely result in a hefty fine.

Singapore accommodation is just as varied as Bangkok, with Raffles, the Ritz-Carlton and Marina Bay Sands with its absolutely enormous 57th-floor infinity pool among the best-known luxury options in town. There are stacks of budget and mid-range options, too. But bear in mind that Singapore is rather an expensive city to visit, especially compared to Bangkok! So if you’re looking for electronic gadgets, fashion brands and other luxury souvenirs to take home, it’s worth noting that you’ll get far more bang for your buck in Thailand.

Top Things to do in Singapore and Bangkok

Image of Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Child, Girl, Spoon,

There are stacks of attractions worthy of your time in both Bangkok and Singapore, not least the world-class street food and hawker centers serving up zingy noodle pots, hot curries, sticky peanut satay and umami seaweed dishes. Then there are the grand Bangkok palaces and temples and sprawling night markets. Singapore offers a little more for the thrill seeker, with sky-high rides that include the Singapore Flyer observation wheel (one of the world’s highest), the Sentosa SkyHelix and a giant swing that flies high over the palm-fringed golden sands of Siloso Beach on Sentosa Island.

With Go City, you can save a packet on visiting multiple attractions in both destinations. Click here to view Singapore attractions and pass options, and click here for Bangkok.

Singapore to Bangkok – How to Get There

Image of Aircraft, Flight, Vehicle, Airplane, Airliner,

Traveling between Singapore and Bangkok really couldn’t be simpler. Carriers including Thai Airways and Singapore Airlines operate several direct flights daily. Budget airlines including Scoot, Jetstar and VietJet Air also cover the route from Changi Airport to Suvarnabhumi with one-way prices starting from as little as $120. Once in Bangkok, the formidable BTS SkyTrain will get you to destinations in and around the city center at near-lightning speed.

But there are other options available should you choose to take them. Adventurers and dedicated slow travelers can turn the journey into an experience in itself by taking the train: an epic 30-hour journey across some 2,000 kilometers that starts by crossing the Johor-Singapore Causeway bridge into Malaysia then weaves north to Kuala Lumpur and up through the atmospheric Cameron Highlands before crossing the border into the mountainous rainforests of Thailand’s Khao Pu–Khao Ya National Park. From there, another thrilling 17 hours of train travel through stunning jungle and coastal landscapes will deliver you straight to the center of buzzing Bangkok.

Image of Terminal, Railway, Train, Train Station, Vehicle, Plant,

This train is of course not direct and requires a bit of planning and a few changes along the way. We’d recommend a stop-off in Kuala Lumpur because, heck, why not chuck another Asian super-city into your vacation? Connected to the mainland by road, the island of Penang in the north-west of Malaysia presents another fine opportunity for a stopover: beautiful beaches, stunning colonial architecture and easily some of the finest street food in Asia are just three good reasons to take a break here.

Once you’re across the border, Hat Yai is your best bet for a short stop. It’s perhaps best known as a jumping-off point for some of southern Thailand’s best-loved islands – Ko Samui, Ko Lipe, Phuket – and you’ll find budget minivans, buses and flights serving all of these and more. If you’ve got time on your hands, we can think of no better way of getting from Singapore to Bangkok than turning the journey into a mini-vacation all of its own.

Save on attractions and activities in Singapore and Bangkok

Save on admission to Singapore and Bangkok attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.

Continue reading

Airport Travel in Singapore
Blog

Airport Travel in Singapore

So you've decided to spend your vacation in Singapore. Good choice! It's a diverse melting pot of cultures that will welcome you with open arms. There's nowhere quite like Singapore, thanks to the juxtaposition between awe-inspiring modern architecture and wonderfully exotic nature. And, with a warm climate all year round, it's the perfect place to shake off those winter blues. But what about traveling in Singapore once you reach the airport? Don't worry; we've got you covered. Scroll down, and discover our guide to airport travel in Singapore. We're going to cover Singapore's airports and the best ways to get into the city once you arrive. So stash your trays and fasten those seatbelts. And let's get into it! Airports in Singapore Singapore has two commercial airports, so depending on where you're traveling from, you'll be landing at either Singapore Changi Airport or Seletar Airport. Here's what to expect at each. Singapore Changi Airport If you travel to Changi Airport in Singapore, you're in good hands. It has received multiple accolades throughout its 40+ year history, including Skytrax's 'World's Best Airport' award, as well as other accolades such as 'World's Cleanest Airport', which it has won on multiple occasions. Visitors are treated to a waterfall, multiple gardens, and even places perfect for entertaining children - a godsend if you need to keep them busy if your flight home is delayed. On top of all that, there are heaps of shopping, eating, and other entertainment opportunities there. Singapore's tallest ride is found at Terminal 2. It's wild. Both the ride and its placement! Singapore Changi Airport is just under ten miles from the city center, almost equidistant when compared to Seletar Airport. Seletar Airport While the less glamorous of the two, Seletar still serves its ultimate purpose - being an airport where planes land. Originally a military airport, it opened its doors - and its runways - to commercial flights as Singapore became an increasingly popular tourist destination. Well, one runway at least. It may not have all the bells and whistles of Changi Airport, but it is an airport. And, as mentioned above it is also just shy of ten miles from the center of Singapore. So, now we've covered the airport situation, you'll want to know how to travel in to Singapore once you arrive! Travel from Seletar Airport in to Singapore There are a few ways to get into Singapore proper. You can get the 102 bus from Seletar Airport to Buangkok Station and then a train from there to Clarke Quay. It's a 58-minute journey and will set you back a measly $2. Or, if you want to stretch your legs after the flight, you can walk to Buangkok Station instead, which takes about 35 minutes. Considering this only shaves $1 off the $2 price of getting the bus while adding about 20 minutes to your trip, only consider walking if you need to get your steps up. Alternatively, hire a taxi and make the trip in 17 precious minutes. Of course, this will set you back around 10x more than the bus/train combo, but at $20, is it really worth the fuss? Travel from Changi Airport in to Singapore You'll find similar travel opportunities if you land at Changi Airport. The subway will get you straight from the airport into the city center in just over 30 minutes, and will only set you back $3. Or, hop on the 36 bus and make the same journey in just under 90 minutes. It's longer, but at $1, it's also cheaper if you want to squeeze your pennies. And, like Seletar Airport, a taxi will set you back around $20 and make the journey in under 20 minutes. Those are your public transport options. But if you're traveling in a group, or want to plan your trip ahead to avoid any post-landing headaches, consider an airport transfer. Airport transfers for travel in to Singapore These days, more and more people are relying on airport transfer services to ensure they have a smooth transition from their plane seat to their hotel bed. And it's easy to understand why. If your cell signal is patchy, or your provider doesn't allow for roaming service, you may end up tearing your hair out while working out where to go. Alternatively, the language barrier could also hinder your efforts in getting to your hotel or Airbnb. But with airport transfer services, you needn't worry about that. It's all taken care of way ahead of time. Simply step off the plane, meet your driver, and let them worry about the trip. If that sounds like exactly what you need, here are our recommendations for airport transfer services in Singapore. SGMaxi Cab SGMaxi Cab is one of the country's most reliable airport transfer services, providing travel from both airports in Singapore. They have a wide variety of vehicles in their fleet, from small mini buses to Rolls-Royce Limos. Really, they actually provide Rolls-Royce Limos to those who want to travel in style. Prices are reasonable, and their service is second to none. Check on their website to see what works best for you, but do bear in mind that pickups between 11PM and 6.30AM come with an extra fee. You are keeping them out of bed, after all. Kler Transport If you're traveling in a larger pack, then Kler Transport might be ideal for you. They specialize in larger parties, with vehicles ranging from 13-40 people. No Rolls-Royce options, sadly, but they do let you book last minute, which you can make up to 3 hours before you land. So even if you're reading this on your flight, go on their website and get booking! They also request a nighttime surcharge if your trip is booked between 11PM and 7AM. Maxi-Cab If you've got heaps of luggage, Maxi-Cab might be the perfect service for you. While they offer the usual suite of buses with variable passenger sizes, they also offer the Luggage Van - a van designed with luggage in mind. And, with customers able to book their trip 15 minutes before they need it, it's the speediest and most flexible service of the bunch. Check their prices and see what suits you. And that about rounds out our guide to airport travel in Singapore! Now you'll just need to plan the vacation part of your vacation. Thankfully, Go City has you more than covered. With our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass, you'll have access to all of Singapore's best bits for one low price.
Dom Bewley
Neon sign advertising live music in green and red lights.
Blog

Singapore Bars with Live Music

Singapore is one of those cities that never sleeps, with oodles of late-night (and all-night) entertainment if you know where to look. And what better way to kick off a fun evening out with friends than by getting your feet moving at one of the dozens of Singapore bars with live music? From sultry jazz joints to crazy rock ‘n’ roll nights and silky smooth soul, we’ve got you covered with our guide to live music bars around the city. So what are you waiting for? Pull on your glad rags, buckle up those dancing shoes and shimmy on in! Timbre Timbre is a local legend of some pedigree with several venues around the city, each with a more unwieldy name than the last. These are the places to go if you fancy tapping your feet along to well-known local and international bands over a few casual beers or cocktails. Set in the historic district by the waterfront, Timbre X S.E.A is perhaps the best of the bunch, serving up pizza, wings, Southeast Asia-inspired dishes and live tunes in a beautifully restored colonial building. Head east to Changi for sister venue Timbre+ Eastside @ Expo. Effectively a modern hawker center with food and drink options galore, and live music every evening, it’s a cool and colorful place to hang out with friends. Last but by no means least is Timbre+ @ One-North in Queenstown, another hawker center with high-octane rock bands and a lively crowd. Find it: various locations Blu Jaz Cafe Kampong Glam, one of Singapore’s hippest ‘hoods, is where you’ll find the ultra-cool Blu Jaz Cafe. Look for the electric blue (or should that be blu?) neon sign a stone’s throw from the landmark Sultan Mosque and enter the bar’s seductive glow, where on any given evening you can expect live jazz music, poetry slams, open mic comedy and late-night DJs. The drinks menu is every bit as eclectic as the entertainment, with a cocktail list that’s longer than your average experimental improvised jazz performance. Find it: 11 Bali Lane, Singapore 189848 Cool Cats Cool cats, crazy cats top cats, and hepcats: all are welcome at this seductively swanky jazz joint directly opposite the historic Raffles Hotel on Beach Road. Hit up the hotel’s legendary Long Bar – frequented by a boozy who’s who of iconic 20th-century legends over the years, including Elizabeth Taylor, Ernest Hemingway, Christian Louboutin and Queen Elizabeth II – and sample the signature Singapore Sling before slinking over to Cool Cat’s unmarked doorway and entering the dimly lit New York-style bar – all velvet drapes, plush cushions and brass fittings – for some of the hottest jazz and coolest craft cocktails in town. Sip on an Ella Fitzgerald-inspired Singapore Sling/French 75 crossover or try the Smoked Fig Sidecar, with its nod to Prohibition-era recipes and the smoky sounds of Miles Davis’s trumpet. Find it: 32 Beach Rd, Singapore 189764 Shake Eat So beloved of Singaporeans that they made a TV soap set there, Holland Village (or Holland V to those in the know) is one of the city’s most happening districts, a thriving shopping and entertainment hub that draws crowds of (mostly) young people. At the heart of this diminutive district is the colorful Shake Eat bar, where you can expect high-energy Mandopop and Cantopop acts performing equally colorful tunes. There’s live music every night and, if the bands don’t float your boat, plenty more to entertain you, from darts machines to beer towers and more. Find it: 34 Lorong Mambong, Singapore 277691 Hero’s I just can’t, I just can’t, I just can’t control my feet. And why would you even want to at the toe-tappin’, shoe-shufflin’, booty-shakin’ boogie wonderland that is Hero’s? The party really gets started when the resident live band takes the stage at this massive Wild West-themed bar in Boat Quay, and it isn’t long before their repertoire of the classic rock and pop classics has the whole place on its feet to bust some hip-swivellin’, hand-jivin’ (ok, that’s enough now – ed.) moves. Not your vibe? Don’t worry: there’s live music six nights a week and a smattering of chilled acoustic acts mean it’s not this high octane all the time. But try telling that to the dudes in the VIP beer-tap booths, attempting to drink their way to the top of the ‘most wanted outlaws leaderboard’. An extensive menu of burgers, kebabs, pasta and pizza provide plenty of opportunity to temper any... overindulgence. Find it: 69 Circular Road, #01-01, Singapore 049423 Maduro This hip Dempsey Hill lounge bar comes over like a friend’s living room, if your friend happens to have impeccable taste in interior decor and Singaporean jazz, that is. Pull up a chair at this plush hilltop hideaway, surrounded by the neighborhood’s lush greenery, and indulge in a few choice cocktails as you soak up the sounds of the finest local crooners and chanteuses. The playful cocktail menu takes the Jazz Age theme and runs with it, with classic manhattans and whiskey sours to satisfy discerning punters. After a few of these killer concoctions, you might imagine yourself listening to Nina Simone in a smoky New York nightclub, circa 1968. Yep, Maduro is that good. Find it: 40C Harding Rd, Level 3, Singapore 249548 Muddy Murphy's Irish Pub It’s a truth universally acknowledged that every city worth its salt should have at least one great Irish pub. And Singapore’s is Muddy Murphy’s, a truly Irish bar that was purportedly built in Dublin, then dismantled and shipped to Singapore back in 1996. This place has it all: cozy nooks and traditional wooden booths, exposed bricks and beams, walls festooned with vintage adverts and other knick-knacks, live music and, of course, great Guinness. Expect the kind of lively atmosphere for which these themed bars are renowned, with great craic and traditional Irish pub bands bringing the entertainment. Find it: 442 Orchard Road, #01-02 to 05 Claymore Connect, Singapore 238879 Save on attractions and activities in Singapore Save on admission to Singapore attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
The Rain Vortex at Jewel Changi Airport
Blog

Indoor Activities in Singapore

First the good news: Singapore is warm year round, with super-hot summers and winters with balmy tropical breezes and average temperatures that rarely dip below the mid-70s. But it also rains rather a lot. Monsoon seasons here run from December to March and June to September; frequent downpours even outside of these seasons have earned Singapore a spot comfortably inside the 20 wettest countries on the planet. And, believe us, when it rains here it really Singa-pours! But don’t let a little thing like that put you off! Simply grab a sturdy umbrella and hop on the excellent MRT subway system for direct access to some of the best indoor activities in Singapore, including: The Gardens by the Bay The National Museum Jewel Changi Airport Snow City The Fragment Room Scentopia Hawker centers for adventurous foodies The coolest libraries in town Flower Power Gardens by the Bay is the kind of attraction that merits multiple visits on any Singapore vacation. See it on a dry day from Marina Bay’s SkyPark observation deck – a dizzying 56 stories up – and don’t miss the free evening light show at its Supertree Grove, a series of deliciously Instagrammable tree-like structures on the waterfront, with a fun elevated walkway. Fun, that is, assuming you’re not caught out unawares up there when the heavens open. The gardens have plenty of indoor exhibits to keep you entertained (and dry) if the weather does turn against you. Take the soaring Flower Dome, for example. This huge durian-shaped hothouse – a veritable riot of vibrant blooms and nose-tickling perfumes – is only the biggest of its kind on the entire planet. Step inside to discover the baobab forest, an olive grove that features as its highlight a 1,000-year-old tree, and carpets of colorful flowers in gardens that showcase blooms from around the world, including Australia, South America and the Mediterranean. You might not feel very dry inside the Cloud Forest, where regular misting is in use to keep plants well hydrated and a huge crashing waterfall (the tallest indoor waterfall in the world... maybe) creates its own spray. Find it by following the roaring sound through the forest of ferns, vines and sweet-smelling orchids. An airport may not be the place you’d naturally think of when planning how to spend a rainy day, but then Jewel Changi Airport is no ordinary airport. This nature-themed entertainment complex contains hundreds of shops and restaurants as well as an indoor garden, the Shiseido Forest Valley, that spans five stories. Cascading recycled rainwater through an oculus in the glass-paneled roof, The Rain Vortex makes for a spectacular centerpiece and – wait for it – also lays claim to the title of the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. Heck, go see both and you can make up your own mind! Cultural Indoor Activities in Singapore You don’t have to be an art aficionado to admire the collection at Singapore’s National Gallery, housed inside the monumental City Hall and former Supreme Court in the Civic District. Browse a huge collection of over 9,000 contemporary and modern works from Singapore and southeast Asia and see highlights including Georgette Chen’s series of evocative family portraits and Singaporean Choo Keng Kwang’s woodcuts and oil paintings. The art-inspired shops and two (count em) Michelin-starred restaurants here make it a great destination for filling an entire Singapore rainy day. The National Museum is no slouch either. This neoclassical icon houses one of the largest collections of historical artifacts in Asia. Check out paintings, drawings, sculptures, objets d'art and archaeological finds from in and around Singapore, including such priceless treasures as the ancient Singapore Stone, with its mysterious indecipherable inscriptions. Whiz over to the futuristic ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands for ever-changing immersive exhibitions and a gallery filled with virtual reality artworks. For something a little more traditional but no less eye-popping, catch the curated selection of classic movies, documentaries and arthouse films on show at the museum’s cinema. Did somebody say ‘popcorn’? Indoor Activities in Singapore for Foodies and Funsters Looking for the perfect rainy day activity? How does an afternoon spent gorging on chicken smothered in spicy peanut satay sound? Pretty good, right? Sweet-and-savory-sauce-drenched chili crab –so good it’s basically Singapore’s national dish – is another absolute must-try. Oyster omelet? Count us in! And you’ll need an army to keep us away from umami nasi goreng, another south-east Asian staple that’s at its very best in Singapore’s ubiquitous hawker centers, great inexpensive markets where the heady scents of sizzling spices are nothing short of intoxicating. Try the Old Airport Road Food Centre and Ghim Moh Market for some of the best street snacks in town. Singapore is a treasure trove of quirky indoor activities, meaning you’ll rarely have a dull moment regardless of what the weather decides to do! We’re talking augmented reality experiences, rage rooms, indoor snowboarding and, um, public libraries (bear with us on that one). If you’ve ever wanted to let off steam – and we mean really let off steam – in a safe, enclosed space, here’s your chance. The Fragment Room is Singapore's original rage room, a place where, clad in overalls, helmet, goggles and gloves, you’re free to smash up bottles, plates, cups and even electronic gadgets to your heart’s content. Irritated by the rain that's forced you indoors? Here’s where you can vent like a pro and achieve instant gratification to the melodic tinkling sounds of breaking glass. The clue’s in the names at Scentopia and Trickeye, two of Singapore’s premier augmented reality experiences. Scentopia combines short tours exploring the history and science of Singapore’s perfume industry with an eye-popping augmented reality gallery packed with dinosaurs, huge colorful blooms and other weird and wonderful flora and fauna that appear to leap from the exhibits. Trickeye offers yet more mind-bending illusions and photo opps galore as you and your family dance with mermaids, slay dragons and swim with sharks. Cool off at Snow City, Singapore’s first indoor snow center, where the emphasis is resolutely on fun. Wrap up warm and hop on an inflatable tube for the unforgettable experience of ‘snowtubing’ down the 60-meter snow slope and test your bumper car-handling skills – on ice. Last but by no means least are Singapore’s excellent public libraries. Library@Orchard is particularly cool, a beautifully designed space with long wave-shaped bookshelves, sure to melt the heart of any discerning bibliophile. In Library@Waterfront, the Sentosa views may well prove too distracting to concentrate on reading your book, while Tampines Regional Library comes with its own auditorium as well as boasting an indoor running track and a children’s playground. Save on indoor activities in Singapore Save on admission to Singapore attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.

  • Thick check Icon