Tourists in the capital are grappling with searing heat and sensory overload as the city braces for the annual Songkran festival, with temperatures climbing and crowds expected to swell in the days ahead.
Visitors often describe Bangkok as both overwhelming and captivating -- a city of relentless traffic, crowded street markets and the mingling aromas of street food.
Yet in April, widely regarded as the hottest month of the year, the heat remains the most inescapable feature, shaping how both residents and visitors move through the city.
Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year observed from April 13-15, is among the country's most important holidays -- coinciding with its most intensely scorching period of the year.
Rooted in rituals of cleansing and renewal, it has evolved into a nationwide celebration best known for its large-scale public water fights -- often dubbed "the world's biggest water fight" -- drawing travellers from around the globe.
Temperatures reached 37C on Thursday afternoon, just days before the official holiday period, prompting many residents to retreat indoors to air-conditioned spaces.
Those venturing outside were seen shielding themselves from the sun, hopping between shaded areas or making frequent stops in convenience stores to cool off.
Despite the oppressive conditions, tourists continue to gather at hotspots such as Khao San Road, the bustling 400-metre strip in the Phra Nakhon district, renowned as a hub for budget travellers and Songkran festivities.
While foot traffic remains steady, the high-energy area is expected to become significantly more crowded as the holiday approaches.
Aaron Marschall, a German tourist on a two-week visit, described Thailand as a welcome culture shock and said the experience had lived up to expectations.
"For the price, Thailand is one of the best experiences in the world, and I wanted something very different from Germany," he said.
Although he had heard of Songkran before arriving, Mr Marschall said he was not fully aware of its cultural significance but was keen to experience it firsthand.
"I think it's a huge event and something we don't have in Europe -- maybe once in a lifetime," he added.
Irish tourist Aaron Kerney, visiting Thailand for the third time, said shifting global conditions had disrupted his travel plans after a friend was unable to join the trip because of a cancelled flight linked to tensions in the Middle East.
Still, he said he had no hesitation about continuing his journey.
"It's still my favourite place in the world," he said. "There's nowhere else like it."
Despite previous visits, this year will mark Mr Kerney's first experience of Songkran.
"I didn't even realise it was on," he said. "I knew it was in April, but this trip was booked randomly, so it just worked out."
Travel disruptions and rising costs remain a concern for many visitors, particularly as instability in parts of the Middle East continues to affect flight routes and pricing.
Roan Younger, who began his travels about three weeks ago, said he had been advised against going at the last minute but chose to proceed after assessing the situation.
"I had my boss telling me not to go, but I already had a direct flight and did the research -- it was fine to come anyway," he said, adding that some friends had their flights cancelled.
While he was aware of Songkran, Mr Younger said he would not be staying for the festival, citing high travel costs.
Finnish travellers Paula Utriainen and Melanie Nieme said they plan to head south to beach destinations such as Koh Tao or Krabi during the holiday period.
"We don't know much about it, but we know there are water fights," they said.
Amid uncertainty linked to the war in the Middle East, the pair said they were also concerned about whether their return journey might be disrupted.
"We don't have a flight home yet because it's so expensive, so we're just going to wait and hope we find something cheaper," they said.
"It has made us a little worried about the rest of our travels -- if the situation worsens, it could become difficult or very costly to get back."
While not always the primary draw for visitors, Songkran is expected to attract large crowds in the coming days -- offering both a major cultural spectacle and, for many, a temporary reprieve from the heat.
Younger: High travel costs
Marschall: Culture shock