bangkok travel tips

2024 BANGKOK TRAVEL GUIDE with Sample Itinerary & Budget

If backpacking were a college degree, Bangkok would have to be the 101 course.

Not only is Bangkok the the most visited city in the world, it also considered the global epicenter of backpacking culture. The famed Banana Pancake Trail, perhaps Asia’s most used travel route, often starts and ends in the Thai capital. No shock there, given that it sits at the heart of mainland Southeast Asia, boasts affordable prices, serves delicious local cuisine, and is home to some of the most hospitable people you’ll ever meet. Best of all, even during the pandemic, it remains tourist-friendly.

We have just arrived from our ninth — yes, 9th — Bangkok visit, and in this article, we’ll share with you all the tips and latest updates we’ve collected.

ESSENTIAL BANGKOK LINKS

Before we dive into the details, here’s a list of links to some of our recommended hotels, tours, attractions, and other must-haves, for easy reference in the future.

Top Bangkok Hotels Find Deals on Agoda! Top Day Tours on Klook Ayutthaya Day Tour Floating Market & Railway Market Tour Pattaya Day Tour Transportation Passes BTS Rabbit Card BTS One-Day Pass Internet Connection Data SIM Card Pocket Wifi

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

UNDERSTANDING BANGKOK

Bangkok is the capital and the commercial, economic, and political center of Thailand. The name Bangkok is an exonym, something that foreigners use. Thais call it Krung Thep (meaning City of Angels), short for its official name Krung Thep Maha Nakhon , which is also a shortened version of its full, ceremonial name: Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit.

At first glance, Bangkok appears as your typical highly-urbanized metropolis, but a closer look reveals it remains very much in touch with its past. The city’s roots as the capital can be traced back to 1782, when King Rama I, after the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767, ordered the people to move south and establish a new center at a more militarily strategic location along the Chao Phraya River. Many of Bangkok’s most visited attractions today were built under King Rama I, including the Grand Palace complex and the other temples that will be discussed in the guide.

Here are a few more facts you need to know:

• Language : Thai. For newly exposed non-native speakers, it can be quite intimidating, especially its lengthy words. It’s also a tonal language, i.e. the meaning changes with the tone. But many road and establishment signs are also written in Latin alphabet. English isn’t normally spoken. You’ll encounter taxi drivers and vendors who cannot speak English. But most younger locals can. And what the Thais lack in English fluency, they make up for with their friendly attitude toward tourists.
• Timezone: UTC+07:00 (ICT – Indochina Time), year round. No daylight saving time observed. Same time zone as Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. Thailand, in general, is one hour behind the Philippines, Singapore and Malaysia.
• Currency : Thai Baht (THB, ฿). TTHB100 is roughly USD 2.89, EUR 2.72, SGD 3.9, PHP 161 (as of December 2022).
• Modes of payment : Cash. Although some restaurants and hotels accept credit cards, smaller establishments prefer cash.
• Religion: Buddhism is the predominant religion, practiced by almost 93% of the population. Most others identify with Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Confucianism.

WHERE TO STAY IN BANGKOK

Best area to stay.

Bangkok is a vast city, and many of the key attractions are spread apart. Thankfully, there are also plenty of neighborhoods that are ideal places to stay. What’s best depends on why you’re in Bangkok in the first place.

• If you’re on a budget , SIAM and SILOM have a good selection of hostels and budget hotels, especially the areas around BTS National Stadium Station or MRT Ratchathewi in Siam and BTS Sala Daeng and MRT Si Lom in Silom. From any of these, most of the attractions easily accessible, ensuring savings on transportation. Cheap food spots are also scattered around these districts.
• If you’re backpacking or after Bangkok’s wild nightlife, the KHAO SAN area should be your top choice. Khao San Road is loud, but it is where backpackers from around the world congregate. The area also harbors countless hostels and other lodging options for budget travelers. It’s also easily accessible from the Grand Palace and the city’s popular temples.
• If you’re here to shop ’til you drop , the PRATUNAM and SIAM areas are ideal because of the many bargain centers and shopping malls around.
• If you’re after nightlife, the SUKHUMVIT and SILOM areas are pulsating with pubs, clubs, and many of its famed rooftop bars.
• If you’re a foodie , SILOM and CHINATOWN are home to some of the best but affordable food spots in the city. Silom is the business district with the Lumphini Park, Bangkok’s largest green space, at its center, ensuring a balance between quiet and chaos. The BANGLAMPHU area (near the Democracy Monument and Khao San Road) also has a great selection of Michelin-listed pocket-friendly restaurants.

All these areas are conveniently located because there are BTS/MRT stations nearby. Well, almost. The only exception is KHAO SAN / BANGLAMPHU, which is a 30-minute walk away from the nearest MRT Station (Sam Yot) . But Khao San is close to a pier, where you can board a boat to get to key attractions along Chao Phraya River. Other than that, tuktuk and taxi are the main transportation options to and from Khao San. That said, I can still recommend staying there, especially if you wish to have a taste of Bangkok’s backpacking culture.

If you prefer to stay somewhere easily accessible, the SILOM and SIAM areas are my top recommendations. Both have a number of BTS/MRT stations and offer a little bit of every thing that the other districts have to offer — good food, shopping, and nightlife.

Top Budget Hotels & Hostels in Bangkok

Here are some of the top-reviewed hostels and budget hotels on Agoda that won’t break the bank:

• Tamni , near Hua Lamphong Station & Chinatown. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Daraya Hostel , Siam. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Siam Eco Hostel , Siam. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Kinnon Deluxe Hostel , Silom. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• HOSTEL URBY , Chinatown. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Baan Kun Mhor Hostel , Chatuchak. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• LOBSUEK Hostel หลบศึก โฮสเทล, Khao San Area. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• VIX Bangkok @ Victory Monument. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Lub d Bangkok Siam Hostel , Siam. Check Rates & Availability! ✅

Top Mid-Range/Upscale Hotels in Bangkok

If you have a bigger budget, here are the top properties on Agoda:

• Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok, Siam/Silom. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Carlton Hotel Bangkok , Sukhumvit. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Bangkok , Sukhumvit. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Old Capital Bike Inn , Khao San area. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• ASAI Bangkok Chinatown . Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Ago Hotel Chinatown. Check Rates & Availability! ✅

Search for more Bangkok Hotels

HOW TO GET TO BANGKOK

Bangkok is one of the busiest and most connected cities in the world. If you’re living in a major city, chances are, there’s a direct flight from where you are to Bangkok.

The city is served by two airports:

• Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) , the newer and bigger airport, serving most airlines, except a few low-cost carriers. It’s situated east of the city proper, roughly 1 hour away.
• Don Mueang Airport (DMK) , serving mostly AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, and TigerAir Taiwan. It lies north of the city center, 45 minutes to 1 hour away, depending on traffic conditions.

Manila to Bangkok

If you’re flying from Manila, it’s easy to find direct, non-stop flights to Bangkok as multiple airlines operate this route. As of this writing, here are your options:

TO SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT (BKK)

• Philippine Airlines
• Cebu Pacific Air
• Thai Airways

TO DON MUEANG AIRPORT (DMK)

• Philippines AirAsia

Travel time: 3.5 to 4 hours.

For our most recent visit, we flew with Philippine Airlines for many reasons:

• 30 kg check-in baggage allowance. Most other airlines only provide 20kg. Although we had been to Bangkok many times before, this would be the first time we intended to go shopping here. Bangkok is a retail paradise, so bargain hunters can easily have a field day at any of their shopping centers. It turned out to be a great decision because we really did use almost the entire 30 kg.
• FREE rebooking. There were a lot of uncertainties about this recent trip. When we booked our tickets, we still weren’t decided yet on how long we wanted to stay in Thailand. It was a multi-city trip and we weren’t sure if we also wanted to visit Chiang Mai and Koh Samui. We wanted more flexibility, just in case. As of this writing, PAL doesn’t charge additional rebooking fees if the new flight is within 60 days after the original flight. (But double check first because airline policies change often these days.) Fare difference still needs to be settled, though.

HOW TO GET TO DOWNTOWN BANGKOK

Just in case you missed it, Bangkok has two airports: Don Mueang Airport (DMK) , located 25 km north of the city center, and the new Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) , 30 km west of the city center.

We’ll be creating a more detailed guide about this. But here’s a condensed rundown of the ways to get to downtown Bangkok from either airport.

Suvarnabhumi Airport to Bangkok City Center

The AIRPORT RAIL LINK is the fastest way to get to the city proper because you’ll be dodging Bangkok’s infamous traffic jams. You can find the station at the basement of the airport’s passenger terminal. There’s a train every 15 minutes from 6am to 12 midnight (every 10 minutes within the peak hours).

It’s connected to the city’s BTS Skytrain at two stations: Makkasan (฿35) and Phayathai (฿45), the last station. Travel time: around 25 minutes.

Depending on where your hotel is located, you can switch lines.

• To SUKHUMVIT or SILOM Area: You can connect at either Makkasan or Phayathai Station. Find out the station closest to your hotel and transfer to either the MRT Blue Line at Makkasan Station (then to Petchaburi Station) or to BTS Sukhumvit Line (Light Green Line) at Phayatai Station.
• To SIAM Area: Alight at Phayathai Station and transfer to BTS Sukhumvit Line (Light Green Line). Catch a train bound for Kheha. Get off at Siam Station (or whatever station is closest to your final destination).
• To VICTORY MONUMENT Area: Connect at Phayathai Station and transfer to BTS Sukhumvit Line (Light Green Line). Catch a train bound for Kho Khot. Alight at Victory Monument Station.
• To KHAO SAN Area: Alight at Makkasan Station, transfer to MRT Blue Line at Petchaburi Station, and get off at Sam Yot Station. From here, take a cab, tuktuk or Grab to Khao San.

By Taxi or Grab

If you’re a group or if you have heavy luggage in tow, consider taking a cab or book a Grab car straight from the airport (especially if you’ll be staying Khao San area). If you opt for a taxi, always insist on using the meter.

Travel time: 45 minutes to 1 hour

TAXI RATES: Fare: around ฿400 Airport surcharge: ฿50 Highway toll fees: ฿75

GRAB RATES: ฿530 and ฿600, inclusive of toll fee or highway fee. This is based on the experience of our team.

Don Mueang Airport to Bangkok City Center

According to reports, the Don Mueang Airport was finally connected to Bangkok’s train network in August 2022. I say “according to reports” because we haven’t tried this ourselves yet.

From the airport, you can walk to the Don Mueang Station, along the SRT Dark Red Line . Board the train bound for Bang Sue and alight there, at the last stop. Transfer to the MRT Blue Line.

• To SILOM Area: Most stations in Silom are along the Blue Line, so just get off at the station closest to your hotel.
• To SIAM Area: Alight at Chatuchak Park Station and transfer to BTS Sukhumvit Line (Light Green Line) at Mochit Station. Catch a train bound for Kheha. Get off at Siam Station (or whatever station is closest to your final destination).
• To VICTORY MONUMENT Area: Connect at Phayathai Station and transfer to BTS Sukhumvit Line (Light Green Line). Catch a train bound for Kheha. Alight at Victory Monument Station.
• To SUKHUMVIT Area: The Sukhumvit area has a lot of stations that are either along the MRT Blue Line or the BTS Sukhumvit Line (Light Green Line). If the closest station to your hotel is along the Blue Line, it’s going to be easy because you’re already on the same line. If your hotel is closer to a Light Green line, alight at Chatuchak Park and transfer at Mochit Station. Then, board a train bound for Kheha.
• To KHAO SAN Area: Alight at Sam Yot Station (along the same Blue Line) and take a cab, tuktuk or Grab to Khao San.

If, for whatever reason, you do not like taking the train straight from Don Mueang Airport, you can also take the bus and the switch to BTS/MRT. And follow the steps above.

There are direct buses from Don Mueang Airport to select destinations around Bangkok.

• To MOCHIT BUS TERMINAL: Bus A1
• To BTS MO CHIT STATION: Bus A1
• To VICTORY MONUMENT: Bus A2
• To BTS RATCHADAMRI STATION: Bus A3
• To LUMPHINI PARK: Bus A3
• To KHAO SAN ROAD: Bus A4

Fare: ฿30-50 , depending on route

To see the complete list of stops, visit this page .

If you want a more straightforward journey, consider taking a cab or book a Grab car straight from the airport (especially if you’ll be staying Khao San area).

Travel time: 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic Fare: around ฿540 (including ฿50 airport surcharge)

If you opt for a taxi, always insist on using the meter.

POCKET WIFI AND DATA SIM CARD IN BANGKOK

Data Sim Card

This is the cheapest and most convenient option. Klook has two main options: TrueMove and dTac. Both offer:

• 15GB data for up to 16 days
• Internet connection anywhere in Thailand
• Inclusive of FREE call credits
• Pickup at Suvarnabhumi Airport or Don Muang Airport

✅ RESERVE TRUEMOVE DATA SIM HERE!

✅ RESERVE DTAC DATA SIM HERE!

Pocket Wifi

If your phone is locked to your home network or you have more devices to connect, you can rent a pocket wifi. You’ll find many wifi rental booths around Bangkok, but if you want to stay connected from the get-go, you can reserve one in advance via Klook and just pick it up at the airport, either at Don Muang Airport or Suvarnabhumi Airport.

If you’re coming from Manila, you can also get one at NAIA Terminal 3. Either way, they can accommodate up to five devices at one.

✅ RESERVE POCKET WIFI – BANGKOK PICKUP!

✅ RESERVE POCKET WIFI – NAIA PICKUP!

HOW TO GET AROUND BANGKOK

The Thais have their own address system and first timers in Bangkok can be easily disoriented. Wikitravel explains it really well: “Large roads such as Silom or Sukhumvit are thanon while the side streets branching off from them are called soi. Sois are numbered, with even numbers on one side and odd numbers on the other side. Thus, an address like 25 Sukhumvit Soi 3 means house number 25 on the 3rd soi of Sukhumvit Road.”

Although it is not as sweat-free as in Hong Kong or Singapore, commuting in Bangkok is quite easy. Vehicular traffic can get crazy during rush hour though. But if you’re used to the giant parking lot that runs across Manila called EDSA, you’ll be fine in Bangkok (or any other Southeast Asian city for that matter).

Getting around via public transportation means using one or more of these four modes:

• Train (BTS Skytrain/MRT) . Bangkok’s train system is fast and reliable, and will take you to many attractions throughout the city. I always find myself taking the train most of the time because many attractions are located close to a station. Also, it allows me to bypass traffic jams especially during rush hours. Although connected at a few stations, the BTS and the MRT are completely separate systems, run by different managements and use different tickets. The fares for both are similar, ranging from 16 to 52 baht. Most stations have a counter than can break your large bills and a ticket machine that accepts bills. For a more convenient journey on BTS, use a Rabbit Card (stored-value ticket) or a One-Day Pass (unlimited rides for 1 day).
• Boat . The two boat services operating in Bangkok are the Chao Phraya Express Boat, which plies up and down the Chao Phraya River and is popular among tourists for it stops at many of the city’s most popular landmarks; and the Saen Saep Express Boat, used mostly by locals who commute to work. The Chao Phraya boat is the best option for you if you intend to visit the Grand Palace complex (at Tha Chang) and Wat Pho (at Tha Tien), and Khao San Road (at Phra Athit) within one day! Both the Chao Phraya TOURIST BOAT and the cheaper ORANGE-FLAG BOAT will make a stop at these key tourist attractions. Fare: tourist boat, ฿50 single ride or ฿180 for day pass; orange-flag boat, ฿15 flat rate.
• Taxi/Grab . If my destination is too far from a train or boat station, I would just hail a cab. A ride costs more than in Manila but nowhere near the rates in Hong Kong or Singapore. The flagdown is 35 baht and the average ride within the city is probably around 100. You might encounter cab drivers who take advantage of tourists by not using the meter and then overcharging. If the driver refuses to use the meter, just get off the vehicle. Know that all cabs in Bangkok must use the meter. Many of these drivers wait for tourist passengers at the popular attractions like temples and Khao San Road.
• Tuktuk. I didn’t even bother. They are very expensive, even more expensive than cabs, and many (not all, but it’s hard to know) are involved in scams. If you really want to try for the heck of it, just agree on the price first.

THINGS TO DO IN & AROUND BANGKOK

Before we enumerate the many attractions waiting for you in Bangkok, allow us to introduce KLOOK PASS BANGKOK & PATTAYA . This ticket will give you up to 45% discount. The pass is valid for 30 days upon confirmation.

How it works is simple. With this pass, you’ll have access to a number of attractions. You get to choose how many and what these attractions will be. The first step is to choose how many attractions you want your pass to cover and purchase the pass. Once paid, you can go to the BOOKING section or your app or account, and redeem it. Say, if you purchase a 3-attraction pass, you can book up to 3 attractions from the list. Some attractions might also require you to reserve afterwards.

Here are the attractions in Bangkok and Phuket that you may choose from:

Mahanakhon Skywalk

Siam amazing park.

• Safari World
• SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World
• Madame Tussauds Bangkok
• Pororo Aquapark
• Sanctuary of Truth
• Dream World
• Frost Magical Ice of Siam
• Underwater World
• Ancient City Museum
• Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
• Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha
• Wat Pho & Wat Arun Walking Tour
• One More Thai Massage
• Chao Phara Princess Dinner Cruise
• Alcazar Cabaret Show
• Tiffany’s Show
• Bangkok Hop on Hop Off Bus

✅ CHECK RATES & GET PASS HERE!

How much you save depends on what you book. Regardless of the attractions you use it on, the price of the pass remains the same. So what we recommend is to use this pass on pricey attractions.

Here are examples on how you could save using this pass:

Grand Palace and Temples Tour

If you’re fit and you enjoy walking, you’ll be glad to know that many of the city’s key attractions are located within walking distance of each other. For example, Bangkok’s most popular temples and shrines, Chinatown, and even Siriraj Forensic Museum are easily accessible from the Chao Phraya River and can be easily visited in one day.

How to get there : If you’re from Silom, Siam or Sukhumvit areas, take the train to Saphan Taksin Station. Take Exit 2, and walk to the boat terminal. Buy a ticket and board a boat to either Tha Thien or Tha Chang. Boat fare is ฿50 if you board the tourist boat or ฿15 if orange-flag boat.

Here are the usual stops:

• Grand Palace. A complex of structures, pavilions, and courtyards including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The entrance fee also includes admission to “Khon: Thai Classical Masked Dance”. Boat stop: Tha Chang Pier (No. 9). Opening hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Ticket counters close at 3:30 PM). Entrance fee: ฿500.
• Wat Arun. Probably the most recognizable landmark in Bangkok with a 70m tall spire (called prang). Boat stop: Tha Thien pier (N8) and then cross the river on a smaller boat. Opening hours: 8:00 AM-6:00 PM Entrance fee: ฿100, inclusive of bottled water.
• Wat Pho. Famed for the enormous reclining Buddha that it houses. Boat stop: Tha Thien pier (N8) and then walk up the perpendicular road to Wat Pho. Opening hours: 8:00 AM-6:30 PM Entrance fee: ฿200, inclusive of bottled water.

Dress Code : The rule is to have your shoulders, knees, and heels covered. The following are not allowed:

• Shorts, short skirts, mini-skirts, tight fitting trousers
• Torn trousers/pants
• Sando, vests, sleeveless shirts
• See-through shirts

The management used to rent out pants to inadequately dressed tourists, but perhaps because of the pandemic, they only sell those now for ฿200 apiece.

Although it’s completely possible to pull this off DIY-style, it’s still much more recommended to join a guided tour so you have better appreciation of each site. These are historic and cultural landmarks that hold so much significance for the Thai people. You can book a guided tour on Klook, which includes all entrance fees, boat transfer fee, insurance, and the service of an English-speaking guide.

✅ CHECK ITINERARY & BOOK HERE!

Floating Markets & Railway Market

Aside from its ornate spires and temples, Bangkok is also best known for its floating markets. But the truth is, these boat-navigated markets are actually located outside the capital. Two of the most accessible are:

• Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in Ratchaburi Province
• Amphawa Floating Market in Samut Songkhram

A visit entails boarding a small boat as you negotiate the market canals. Plenty of souvenir and food options around!

Another market that has been attracting throngs of tourists is the Marklong Railway Market. Yes, railway, because it’s set up along the train tracks. And when a train chugs along, watch and be amazed by how the vendors make way for it. You can also spend an hour chilling at a railway cafe.

Klook has tours that combine Maeklong Railway Market with either Damnoen or Amphawa Market — your choice. There are several departure times available so choose the most convenient for you.

✅ CHECK RATES & OPTIONS HERE!

At 314 meters tall, King Power Mahanakhon is one of Thailand’s tallest buildings, housing a hotel, residential units and tourist attractions. From the outside, it looks like a pixelated skyscraper, a design that easily captivates. Inside, a multimedia elevator will take you to the highest outdoor observation deck in the country, allowing a magnificent view of Bangkok and surrounding areas.

But most visitors are here for the Skywalk. Atop the building is an area with a glass floor that you may walk on, creating a nerve-wracking but pretty mind-blowing experience.

You need to wear the shoe covers provided onsite before you’re allowed to step on it. And mobile phones (and other loose items) are NOT allowed within the glass tray area. This means that you won’t be able to take a selfie while on the glass. If you’re after photos, best to visit with someone else. Or if you’re traveling alone, make friends with other solo visitors and just take photos of each other.

Location: 114 1 Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Road, Bang Rak, Bangkok Nearest Station: Chong Nonsi BTS Station Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Mahanakhon SkyWalk); Entrance Fee: Mahanakhon SkyWalk (Indoor & Rooftop) – Adult, ฿836; Child (3-15 y/o), ฿250; Senior (Above 60 y/o), ฿250.

Only a limited number of tickets are sold per day, so it’s best to book in advance. You can reserve online via Klook! You can also check out other Mahanakhon experience package options and choose the one that suits your preference.

✅ RESERVE A TICKET HERE!

Bangkok Nightlife

No Bangkok trip is complete without getting a taste of its (in)famous nightlife. We already mentioned Khao San Road , the backpacker mecca. It is crowded, loud, and wild. Thunderous music from nightclubs and the delicious smell of street food fill the air, while tourists fill every vacant seat, table and corner.

Aside from Khao San, Bangkok has several other nightlife districts! Most clubs and bars are safe, but as in any other major city, not all. Scams targeting tourists do exist at some establishments. You’ve probably heard about tourists entering a bar and then not being allowed to leave without paying a hefty price for a ridiculously overpriced drink.

If you want to try Bangkok nightlife and make sure you’re in good hands, you may join a guided tour. Klook has two main options: a bar hopping tour , more like a pub crawl, and a Hangover tour , where you get to visit the bars featured in The Hangover 2 movie (including a ping pong show)!

✅ JOIN HANGOVER TOUR HERE!

✅ BOOK BAR HOPPING TOUR HERE!

Dream World Bangkok

Bangkok has its fair share of theme parks, too! And on top of that list is Dream World , a 25-hectare adventure park featuring over 40 rides, shows, and other attractions, spread around four key zones!

Some of the most popular rides are the cable car, Sky Coaster (rollercoaster), Tornado, Vikings (pendulum ride), and Grand Canyon (water rapids)!

ENTRANCE FEE

• Dream World Visa (26 rides with unlimited time per ride EXCEPT Alien, Bump Car, and Haunted House, which can be enjoyed once only): ฿600
• Dream World Super Visa (includes all the rides for unlimited time): ฿1,000
• Children below 90cm : FREE

Opening Hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Saturday – Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. The schedule might change, so it’s best to check updated opening hours before going. Location: 62 Moo 1, Rangsit-Ongkharak Road (Km.7), Thanyaburi, Pathum Thani How to Get to Dream World: From Victory Monument BTS Station, take Bus No. 523 or 538 to Dream World.

Dream World is very popular even among locals, so you might want to book your ticket in advance to skip the line. You may also add transfers.

✅ GET SKIP-THE-LINE TICKETS HERE!

The Siam Amazing Park is the largest theme park in Thailand and is home to the largest wave pool in the world (according to the Guinness World Records). You can also enjoy exhilarating rides including Southeast Asia’s first suspended looping coaster with five inversions and the 7-story water slides.

Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. The schedule might change, so it’s best to check updated opening hours before going. Entrance Fee: Adult, ฿1000; Child, ฿850; Children below 101cm, FREE. Location: 203 Suan Sayam Road, Khan Na Yao, Bangkok How to Get There: From Victory Monument BTS Station, head towards Ko Din Daeng Bus Stop via the circular skywalk, then take Bus No. 168 or 36ก to Siam Amazing Park.

Visitors must purchase their tickets at least one day in advance. You can book online via Klook! You can also choose the package — combine your ticket with an international lunch buffet or combine it with both lunch and shared transfer.

✅ GET DISCOUNTED TICKET HERE!

Ayutthaya Day Tour

Founded in the 1350s, Ayutthaya was Siam’s old capital before it was destroyed by the Burmese. Today, however, parts of its glorious past still shine through, especially at the Ayutthaya Historical Park, where four major temples stand up to this day: Wat Mahathat, Wat Phra Ram, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, and Wat Ratchaburana – the Royal Palace and Wiharn Phra Mongkol Bophit. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.

Lying about 80 km from Bangkok, it is easily accessible and can be visited on a day trip. You can do this independently by taking public transportation and then hiring a tuktuk to tour you around. (We’ll write a separate post about it.) But if you need a guide and you want someone else to take care of everything for you, you can book with Klook.

✅ SEE OPTIONS & RESERVE HERE!

Pattaya Day Tour

Pattaya is another popular day trip destination from Bangkok, thanks mainly to its proximity, just around 150 km and roughly 2.5 hours away. The closest major beach destination to the capital, it is best known for water sports, island tours, and beach activities. But it also harbors some cultural structures like Wat Phra Yai Temple and the Sanctuary of Truth.

Jump-Off Point: Bangkok Eastern Bus Terminal/Ekkamai Bus Terminal or Mo Chit Bus Terminal (Bus); Hua Lamphong Railway Station (Train) How to Get to Pattaya: By bus, go to Bangkok Eastern Bus Terminal, then take the bus bound for Pattaya. The travel time is about two and a half hours. The one-way fare is ฿130-200 per person. By train, go to Hua Lamphong Station and get on a train to Pattaya. The travel time is 2-3 hours, depending on the type of train. The fare is ฿30-฿300, depending on the ticket class. The train for Pattaya normally leaves early in the morning — around 6:00 AM.

If you want a convenient roundtrip transfer between Bangkok and Pattaya, you can just join a guided tour. Klook offers Pattaya Beach and Koh Larn Coral Island Full Day Tour from Bangkok. This covers roundtrip transfers, an English-speaking guide, a Sanctuary of Truth ticket, insurance, and bottled water.

✅ CHECK RATES OR RESERVE HERE!

Muay Thai Match

If you’ve ever wanted to witness a live muay thai match, there’s no better place to make that happen than Bangkok! The two common venues are:

• Lumpinee Boxing Stadium 6 Ramintra Road, Anusawaree, Bangkok
• Rajadamnern Thai Boxing Stadium 1 Ratcha Damnoen Nok Road, Bangkok

You can secure your slot in advance and get discounted ticket by booking online through Klook!

✅ GET LUMPINI STADIUM MATCH TICKET HERE!

✅ GET RAJADAMNERN STADIUM MATCH TICKET HERE!

Other Attractions:

• Siriraj Medical Museum . Not for the faint of heart! Also known as the Museum of Death, it houses a huge collection of artifacts gathered in the 120 years of the Siriraj Hospital’s service as a pioneer in the medical field in the country. These pieces are divided into seven smaller museums dedicated to parasitology, anatomy, and forensic science among others. It’s a must-visit for dark tourism enthusiasts and those who simply wish to learn more about these fields. How to get there : Board the SkyTrain to S6 Saphan Taksin Station, take Exit 2, and hop onto a Chao Phraya Express Boat to Siriraj Pier N10 or Tha Rot Fai Pier, both on the west side of the river. Walk a couple of blocks into the hospital complex. Follow the signs to Adulyadej Vikrom Building. The museum is on the second floor. More info : Siriraj Museum
• iconSIAM . Opened in 2018, this massive shopping mall is one of the largest in Asia. It is bursting with retail shops including luxury labels and budget-friendlier options, and the first Takashiyama Department Store in the country. But it’s best known for its indoor floating market, mimicking those in nearby provinces and showcasing local products and cuisine. Nearest Station: Charoennakorn Station (Sky Train Gold Line via Krung Thon Buri BTS Station) or Saphan Taksin BTS Station (then ferry from Sathorn Pier to IconSIAM) Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
• Bangkok Chinatown . Popular for its shops, especially near Charoenkrung Road. But there are also temples around the district. To be honest, it’s not as grand or as visually arresting as Chinatowns in other countries, unless you visit during the Chinese New Year, when the district really comes to life. How to get there: Take the Skytrain to S6 Saphan Taksin Station (BTS Silom Line), take Exit 2, and walk to the boat terminal. Buy a ticket and board a Chao Phraya Express Boat. Alight at the Ratchawong Pier (N5) and make your way on foot from Ratchawong Road to Sampeng Lane and Yaowarat Road.

WHERE TO SHOP IN BANGKOK

Here are some of the best areas to satiate your inner shopaholic! We’ll be creating a separate, more detailed article about these spots in another post.

• Pratunam . Bangkok’s most popular shopping district. Between its busy alleys are even busier blocks filled with indoor and outdoor stalls selling mostly apparel and accessories. Smack at the heart of the area stand two massive malls — Platinum Shopping Mall and the Paladium World Shopping — both filled to the brim with bargain finds. Most of these specialize in wholesale, they also sell in retail quantities. How to get here : Take the MRT to Ratchaprarop Station and walk south from there. It should take around 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can also take the BTS Skytrain System and get off at Chit Lom Station.
• Chatuchak Weekend Market . If your visit in Bangkok falls on a weekend, squeeze this into your itinerary. This retail paradise is a labyrinth made of shops, once popular only to wholesale traders but eventually became a favorite attraction among tourists. Here you’ll find almost anything you can think of: from souvenirs to flowers to clothes to furniture to street food! Prioritize this over Pratunam. We found that most of the items in Pratunam are also sold here at a cheaper price. (That said, I think Pratunam has a much more diverse selection when it comes to apparel.) Nearest BTS Station: Mo Chit Station, take exit 1.
• Siam Square . Made more popular to foreigners as the shooting location for the hit movie The Love of Siam, Siam Square does not disguise itself with pretenses of being culturally significant. It is a shopping and entertainment district. Yet, if you think about it, it somehow represents a generation — a younger, more industrialized, more fashionable Bangkok. Catering mostly to college students and young adults, Siam Square comprises several blocks harboring a wide array of stores — over a hundred of ’em — apparel stalls, boutiques, bookshops, record stores, restaurants, cafes, even cinemas. How to get here : Take the BTS Skytrain System and get off at Siam Station.

Find more shopping centers here: WHERE TO SHOP IN BANGKOK! ✅

WHERE TO EAT IN BANGKOK

We’ll be creating a more detailed version of this article soon. But in the meantime, here’s a quick rundown of our favorite places to eat in Bangkok.

• Thipsamai , where we had the best pad thai of our lives. It’s said to be the first store to serve the now ubiquitous noodle dish. It uses thinner rice noodles coated in shrimp oil. Michelin bib gourmand awardee Address: 313 315 Maha Chai Rd, Samran Rat, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand Bestsellers: Pad Thai, ฿105; Pad Thai with prawns: ฿150 Open: 10AM – 12MN for takeaway only; 5PM – 12MN, dine in & takeout
• Jeh O Chula (Jay Oh) , for the best affordable tom yum noodle soup! It’s crazy popular that queuing can take up to 2 hours, unless you arrive early. We arrived past 4pm, just in time for the opening. But barely 5 minutes after we arrived, the line grew quickly. If you could, reserve a table via Klook. Those who book with Klook have a separate line, which is much shorter. Reserve here! ✅ Michelin bib gourmand awardee Address: 113 ซอย จรัสเมือง Rong Muang, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand Bestsellers: Tom yum mama (spicy tom yum noodle soup), plain ฿150, with meatballs, squid, shrimps and crispy pork belly, ฿300; salmon salad, ฿300. Open: Daily 4:30PM-12MN
• Polo Fried Chicken , another Michelin-recognized establishment just across Lumphini Park in Silom area. It started out as a humble street stall but grew to become a proper eatery serving only a few Thai favorites. Address: 137/1-3,9 10 Sanam Khli Alley, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand Bestsellers: Fried chicken half, ฿130; som tam (papaya salad) with salted egg and dried shrimp, ฿80; pork larb/laap (spicy sour minced meat salad), ฿80. Operating Hours: Daily 7am-8:30pm
• Moo Yang Mae Sumontha , a hidden stall inside Chatuchak Market serving moo yang (grilled pork). But its version is roasted honey glazed, which is incredibly tender, succulent, and properly cooked. Address: 587 โครงการ 22 ซอย 4 /2ตลาดนัด จตุจักร 10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Chatuchak, Bangkok Bestseller: Roasted honey glazed pork, ฿60 per 100g. Open: Weekends 8AM-6PM
• Kuang Heng Chicken Rice , established 1932. If you get hungry while shopping around Pratunam, this is the place to refill that empty tummy! It’s located just next to Platinum Mall and across the street from Palladium. Address: 930 Phetchaburi Rd, Makkasan, Phaya Thai, Bangkok 10400, Thailand Bestsellers: Hainanese chicken and deep-fried chicken, ฿50 (single); chicken/pork satay, ฿80 per 10 sticks. Open: Daily 7am-10pm
• Jay Fai , with one Michelin star and featured on the Netflix series Street Food . It’s so incredibly popular that we still haven’t been able to try it. It doesn’t accept reservations beforehand, so you need to show up and fall in line early to be considered for the waitlist. We attempted three times but the waitlist was always full by the time we arrived. Nevertheless, I’m adding it to this list so you could try it for yourself. Address: 327 Maha Chai Rd, Samran Rat, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand Bestsellers: Hainanese chicken and deep-fried chicken, ฿50 (single); chicken/pork satay, ฿80 per 10 sticks. Open: Wednesday-Saturday, 9am-9pm Closed: Sunday-Tuesday

USUAL PRICES IN BANGKOK

Below is the list of the prices of common items that you will need for a comfortable budget stay in Bangkok! Bear in mind that the figures are in Thai Baht.

FAST FOOD & CONVENIENCE STORE

• Bottled water (500ml): ฿6-12
• Bottle of softdrink (550ml): ฿20
• 7-Eleven rice meal: ฿40-55
• Big Mac (McDonald’s): ฿128

STREET FOOD

• Grilled meat: ฿10-30 per stick
• Pad thai: ฿50-60
• Noodle soup: ฿50-70
• Rice meals: ฿50-100

ENTRANCE FEES

• Grand Palace: ฿500
• Wat Pho: ฿200
• Wat Arun: ฿100
• Siriraj Medical Museum: ฿200
• Mahanakhon Skywalk: ฿836
• Dream World Bangkok: ฿575
• Siam Amazing Park: ฿650

TRANSPORTATION

• BTS/MRT fare: ฿16-52
• Taxi flagdown rate: ฿35
• Grabcar within the city: ฿100-280, depending on distance/traffic conditions

TOURS (with Transfers)

• Maeklong Railway Market + Damnoen/Amphawa Floating Market: ฿1356
• Ayutthaya: ฿1690
• Pattaya + Koh Larn: ฿2239

SAMPLE BANGKOK ITINERARY

Here’s a sample itinerary that you may use. We stayed much longer, but if you have only an extended weekend to spend in Bangkok, here’s something to consider.

Note that this itinerary assumes that you’re a party of 2 , splitting some of the costs, and that you’re staying at a hotel in Siam, close to BTS National Stadium Station. Feel free to adjust here and there to match your hotel location, flight schedule, and your travel preferences.

DAY 1: MAHANAKHON SKYWALK & JEH-O-CHULA 01:00 PM – Arrival in Bangkok – Pickup Data SIM Card & Rabbit Card 02:30 PM – Train to Phaya Thai Station ฿45 – Transfer to BTS to Siam, ฿25 03:00 PM – Walk to your hotel, check in, freshen up 04:00 PM – Train to BTS Chong Nonsi Station, ฿28 04:15 PM – Mahanakhon Skywalk, ฿836, Book here! – Chill and wait until sunset 07:00 PM – Train to BTS National Stadium, ฿28 07:15 PM – Walk to Jeh-O Chula 07:30 PM – Eat tom yum set at Jeh-O Chula, ฿350/pax, Reserve here! ! 09:00 PM – Walk or train to Siam, ฿22 09:30 PM – Back to hotel, lights out

DAY 2: DIY TEMPLES TOUR & KHAO SAN ROAD 07:00am – Wake up call 08:00am – Train to BTS Saphan Taksin Station, ฿37 08:30am – Walk to Sathorn Pier 08:45am – Board orange-flag boat, ฿15 09:15am – Get off at N9 Tha Chang Pier 09:30am – Grand Palace Complex, ฿500 10:00am – FREE Tour at Temple of Emerald Buddha 11:00am – Lunch, ฿100 12:00pm – FREE shuttle to Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre 01:00pm – Khon Performance (included in Palace ticket) 01:45pm – Walk to Wat Pho 02:00pm – Wat Pho, ฿200 03:30pm – Boat to the other side of the river, ฿5 03:45pm – Explore Wat Arun, ฿100 05:00pm – Boat to the other side (Tha Thien*), ฿5 05:15pm – Boat to N13 Phra Arthit, ฿15 05:40pm – Walk to Khao San Road 06:00pm – Dinner & drinks at Khao San, ฿400 09:00pm – Taxi/grab to Silom, ฿100/pax *Note: Tha Thien/Tha Tian Pier is temporarily closed for renovation, as of Dec 2022. For now, you may walk all the way back to Tha Chang and catch the boat to Phra Arthit Pier.

Day 4: SHOPPING, DEPARTURE A: If this falls on a weekend 08:00am – Wake up call, check out, leave bags 08:40am – BTS to Chatuchak Park Station, ฿42 09:00am – Shop at Chatuchak Market 11:00am – Lunch at Moo Yang Mae Sumontha, ฿120 11:30am – Continue shopping 02:00 PM – BTS back to hotel, ฿42 02:20pm – Back to hotel, pick up bags 02:50pm – BTS to Phaya Thai Station ฿25 – Transfer to ARL to Suvarnabhumi Airport, ฿45 03:30 PM – Flight check in 06:45 PM – Flight out B: If this falls on a weekday 08:00am – Wake up call, check out, leave bags 08:40am – BTS+ARL to Ratchaprapop Station 09:00am – Platinum + Palladium Malls 11:30 AM – Lunch at Kuang Heng Chicken Rice, ฿120 12:30pm – Continue shopping in Pratunam 02:00 PM – ARL+BTS back to hotel 02:20pm – Back to hotel, pick up bags 02:50pm – BTS to Phaya Thai Station ฿25 – Transfer to ARL to Suvarnabhumi Airport, ฿45 03:30 PM – Flight check in 06:45 PM – Flight out

If you follow this Bangkok itinerary, prepare to shell out ฿5000 (USD 144, EUR 136, SGD 195, PHP 7950) , excluding airfare and hotel but including a bit of allowance for wiggle room and to make up for any possible price adjustments and incidental expenses.

If you spend TH฿600 per night per person on accommodations, the same itinerary will cost you TH฿6800 (USD 197, EUR 185, SGD 264, PHP 10,800) , excluding airfare but with some allowance to cover adjustments and incidental expenses.

(If you’re coming from the Philippines, it doesn’t include the PHP1650 travel tax yet.)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BANGKOK

What are the covid-19-related travel requirements in thailand.

But if your next destination is a country that requires an RT-PCR COVID test (like India and China), travel insurance is mandatory . It must cover the full length of intended stay in Thailand + 7 extra days.

Is Bangkok safe?

My only frustration with Bangkok is that it has more than its share of scams targeting tourists, so always be careful.

What are the common Bangkok scams?

Khao San Road is also rife with scams. You’ll find tourist agents selling all sorts of transportation tickets that turn out to be less than what they promise. For example, you’ll find plenty of “direct buses” to Siem Reap, but most of them are not really direct as they involve switching vehicles at one point during the trip. Worse, some of these buses stop at “travel agencies” that will sell you fake visa.

Patpong is also notorious for scams. You’ll be invited by barkers to a sexy club to see a “pingpong show” or other mind-blowing presentations, to say the least. They’ll say the show is free but you must order a drink. The catch is, the drink is ridiculously overpriced.

As in any other city, be careful and vigilant. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

When is the best time to visit Bangkok?

Bangkok could’ve been a year-round destination if it weren’t for the bouts of rain and flooding problems, which is why it is best to avoid the wettest months.

Rainy season is from May to October, but the wettest months are September-October. We have tried traveling to Bangkok in January, July, August, September, October, and November, and we can tell you that the precipitation level can definitely affect your overall travel experience. We’ve been stranded in some sites because of torrential rains and flooding and ended up wasting much of our time.

What is tipping policy in Bangkok?

When eating at sit-down restaurants, a tip of 10% of the bill should be fine. You can also just round off your bill. For example, if your bill is ฿135, you can leave ฿150. Same with cabs. If the meter is ฿105, round it off to ฿110 or ฿120. At hotels, you can give ฿20-50 to the porter who carries your luggage to your room, depending on the number of pieces. For a massage, tip ฿50. For full-day tour guides, at least ฿200 is alright.

Where to exchange money in Bangkok?

What is the power socket used in bangkok.

Do I need a visa to visit Thailand?

To see the complete list of countries, visit this: List of Visa-Free and Visa-on-Arrival Countries

However, visitors must have the following upon entry:

• a valid passport (with at least 6 months validity)
• return or onward ticket
• at least 10,000 baht per person or 20,000 baht per family or equivalent in other currencies, cash.

It will also help to have a hotel reservation .

Note that if you’re not arriving by air, you’re only allowed to enter Thailand twice per year.

Do I really need 10,000-baht show money at the immigration?

Our team has been in and out of Thailand recently but none of us were asked how much we carry. But it would help to just comply, just in case.

The amount should be 10,000 baht per person or 20,000 baht per family.

It doesn’t need to be in baht. It can be any currency as long as it has the equivalent value.

Updates Log

2024•1•5 – Removed travel insurance for test-requiring next destination as it no longer applies 2022•12•21 – First up

More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Is this post helpful to you?

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• THAILAND TRAVEL GUIDE with Multi-City ITINERARIES: 4, 6, 7, 12 Days
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I stumbled upon your travel blog website and I’m absolutely loving it! Your posts are so informative and inspiring, and they’ve given me some great ideas for my own travels. I especially enjoyed your recent post on Travel blog, and I can’t wait to see where you’ll take us next!

Thanks for sharing your experiences with the world, and keep up the amazing work! I’ll definitely be following along on your adventures.

Thank you so much for preparing this blog, Yosh!!! I cannot imagine the length of time it took you to lay out this information, so thank you! I appreciate it a lot now that I am in charge of our Thailand itinerary – it’s crazy!

Glad it was helpful. And yes, it takes us days (sometimes, weeks) to produce just one travel guide. But it’s always worth it!

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How to Plan a Trip to Bangkok (First-Timers' Travel Guide 2024)

The top gateway to Thailand, Bangkok, perfectly balances modern charm with cultural gems. Encapsulating our extensive travel experience in Bangkok, this guide was crafted to help you create your dream trip to Bangkok.

• 1. Choose the Best Time
• 2. Decide How Many Days to Stay
• 3. Plan Your Itinerary
• 4. Consider Your Budget
• 5. Select the Best Place to Stay
• 6. Book Your Flight to Bangkok
• 7. Getting Around Bangkok
• 8. Check Out Where to Eat
• 9. Insider Tips for First-Timers

1. What Time of Year is Best to Visit Bangkok?

With the "coolest" and driest weather, November to February is considered the best time to visit Bangkok. But please note that, as a tropical city, Bangkok's daytime temperature still reaches above 30°C (86°F) on average, even in this cooler season.

From March to May, sunny days continue, but temperatures rise to their hottest, averaging daily highs of 35°C (95°F). During this period, arrange your outdoor activities in the cool early morning hours or evenings and stay hydrated.

Since the heat keeps most travelers at bay, you could have the cultural attractions to yourselves and benefit from hotel and flight discounts. Besides, the Songkran Festival in April offers a great opportunity to join in the grand water "fights" throughout the city.

Temperatures cool down a bit when the rainy season arrives from late May to October. The wettest days are in September and October, with afternoon downpours being common. Despite the rain, outdoor exploration is still possible if you have a flexible schedule.

Check out the worst time and monthly weather in Bangkok from The Best Time to Visit Bangkok .

2. How Many Days to Spend in Bangkok?

If Bangkok is just one stop on your broader Thailand adventure, 3 days is the perfect amount of time. You could hit the major highlights without feeling too rushed.

Usually, beyond the arrival day, first-timers would dedicate 1 day to visit the iconic landmarks of Bangkok, including the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun. Then, spend a day experiencing Bangkok's vibrant life by visiting its characteristic markets, like the railway market and floating markets.

If you seek a broader exploration of Bangkok, 5 days would be ideal. In addition to the must-see attractions, you could discover more hidden gems, like a cooking class at a local village or cycling around Bang Krachao. Moreover, you could take a day trip to nearby cities to see more beyond Bangkok. The ancient city of Ayutthaya is the most popular excursion, known for its UNESCO World Heritage sites.

More ideas on How Many Days in Bangkok .

3. Plan Your Bangkok Itinerary

We've thoughtfully designed the following three itineraries as suggestions for the popular travel durations.

1) A 1-Day in Bangkok Itinerary

If you have just 1 day in Bangkok, the usual recommendation is to focus on the city's most iconic sites: the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and Chinatown. As these landmarks are located close to each other, you could conveniently visit them in a single day.

Marvel at the majestic palace to appreciate Thai royal life, see the famous 46-meter-long (151-foot-long) reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, and admire the exquisite decoration of Bangkok's prettiest temple — Wat Arun.

If you'd like to learn about medieval Bangkok with a more peaceful vibe, consider Museum Siam or Bangkok National Museum.

To conclude the day, take an evening foodie tour in vibrant Chinatown.

2) A 3-Day Bangkok Itinerary

With 3 days, we highly recommend indulging yourself in Bangkok's exotic local life after exploring its top attractions.

For the best experience, venture to the outskirts of Bangkok to visit Mahachai Market, Maeklong Railway Market, and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Each market has its own distinctive charm, and they are conveniently located along the same route.

You could see both fresh and dry seafood products at Mahachai Market, witness the unique market set right on the tracks at Maeklong Railway Market, and take a small boat through the canals of Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.

Check out the following itinerary summary:

• Day 1: Arrival in Bangkok
• Day 2: Best of Bangkok (the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Chinatown, and a longtail boat ride in Thonburi)
• Day 3: Bangkok life exploration (Mahachai Market, Maeklong Railway Market, and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market), and departure.

Read further details from our article: 3 days in Bangkok .

3) A 5-Day Bangkok Itinerary

Compared with a 3-day itinerary, a 5-day trip would allow you to explore Thai culture more deeply and experience typical Bangkok relaxation.

With extra time in Bangkok, we suggest a day trip to nearby Ayutthaya to explore an amazing historical site (the capital of Siam from 1350 to 1767) beyond the modern-day capital. Relax on your final Bangkok day with a Thai spa or massage treatment and a cooking class.

• Day 3: Day trip to Ayutthaya
• Day 4: Bangkok life exploration (Mahachai Market, Maeklong Railway Market, and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market)
• Day 5: Take a cooking class, enjoy a Thai massage or spa, and depart

Suggested reading:

• Top Things to Do in Bangkok for Couples
• Top Things to Do in Bangkok with Kids
• The Top 10 Day Trips from Bangkok

4. Decide on Your Budget

Daily expenses in Bangkok are very reasonable, particularly when compared to major Western capitals.

Bangkok offers a wide range of accommodation options. You could stay at a luxury hotel for US$200–500/night in Riverside and Sukhumvit, or a mid-range (US$100–150/night) one in the central area. Budget travelers would find hostels starting at US$20/night in Khao San Road and the Old Town. Off-peak periods (March to June and September to October) may offer discounts of about 30%.

Tickets for attractions usually come at under US$10. The Grand Palace, for example, is the most expensive major attraction at US$9.90. If you'd like to watch some cultural shows or take a spa treatment, the price is higher—at least US$50.

Food is super cheap: street food costs about US$1–2, and you can have a meal in an air-conditioned restaurant for about US$10–15 per person.

When it comes to getting around, if you don't mind a little hassle, public transportation, like the subways and canal boats, is really affordable at US$10 a day. But if you prefer the convenience of private transfers or taxis, expect to spend about US$30–50 a day.

Therefore, for comfortable travel in Bangkok, you could budget for around US$150–200 per day per person. You could check out more price details for our sample Bangkok tour: 5-Day Essential Bangkok Tour .

5. Decide Where to Stay in Bangkok

For convenience and comfort, we usually suggest staying in these areas: Riverside, Siam, or Sukhumvit.

If you want a luxurious and romantic stay, choose the Riverside area. It is a great place to unwind with gorgeous views of the Chao Phraya River and easy access to top attractions, like the Grand Palace and Wat Arun.

Siam Square/Siam is the perfect place for families. This area boasts major shopping centers like Siam Paragon and CentralWorld, along with a variety of dining options, from street food to international cuisine. You could also get around easily via the MRT subways and BTS Skytrain.

Sukhumvit is the place to go if you're looking for Western comforts and modern amenities. This vibrant district is the place to be for trendy sky bars, high-end restaurants, and luxurious spas. It is connected with the BTS Skytrain, making it easy to explore the city.

If you would consider budget hotels, consider Khao San Road and the Old City, where the historical icons are located, like the Grand Palace. The traffic congestion, however, usually makes getting around a challenge.

See hotel recommendations in each area at Where to Stay in Bangkok .

6. Book Your Flights to Bangkok

Bangkok has two main airports: Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang.

Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is the city's primary international gateway, with a wide range of flights and top-tier services. It takes about an hour to reach the city center.

On the other hand, Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) is more focused on domestic flights and some regional international routes, mainly operated by low-cost carriers.

The two airports are about an hour's drive apart, so if you need to make a transfer between them, make sure to allow at least 3 hours for your connection.

7. Consider How to Get around Bangkok

Like in most cities, private transfers are the most convenient and value-enhancing, though the most expensive, transportation option in Bangkok.

Taxis offer a similar convenience, but you need to do some extra preparation. Because few taxi drivers speak English, you'd better write down your destinations beforehand.

Due to frequent road congestion, the BTS Skytrain, MRT subway, and Chao Phraya River boats are better and more affordable choices for navigating the city more efficiently during peak hours.

However, they could be crowded and have limited seats during rush hours. You would also have to walk certain distances to your destinations and navigate your own routes.

If you're looking for a more local flavor, taking a tuk-tuk could be a fun and exciting way to get around. These three-wheeled vehicles are iconic in Bangkok, but be cautious about their pricing, which could sometimes be inflated for tourists.

8. Plan Where (and What) to Eat in Bangkok

Traveling in Bangkok, Chinatown is a must for street food lovers. On its main road, Yaowarat Road, you could easily find fresh snacks or drinks ranging from iconic Thai desserts of mango sticky rice and coconut ice cream to skewered fried insects.

Michelin-starred food adventures are also available there, such as Lim Lao Ngow for fish ball noodles, Patonggo Savoey for dough sticks, and Khao Gaeng Jek Pui for Thai curry.

For one-of-a-kind dining experiences, book Michelin-starred local restaurants near Wat Pho Pier, offering perfect sunset and night views of Wat Arun. Rongros, Sala Rattanakosin, and Chakrabongse Dining stand out for their excellent Thai food and views.

If you prefer a rooftop dining experience with an illuminated city view, head to Silom or Sukhumvit for a memorable night above the city lights. Rooftop venues tend to lean towards Western cuisine.

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

9. Insider Tips for First-Time Visitors to Bangkok

How can i pay for things in bangkok—cash or card/app.

Cash in Thai Baht is widely accepted in Bangkok, especially for street food and markets, but cards/cashless payments are increasingly common in malls and larger establishments.

What should I pack for my Bangkok trip?

Pack light, breathable clothing for the heat, along with a light jacket for cooler evenings and air-conditioned spaces.

Don't forget comfortable shoes for walking and exploring. Insect repellent is necessary if you take a jungle/mountain adventure.

Is it customary to tip in Bangkok?

Tipping isn't mandatory in Bangkok, but it's appreciated. Rounding up the bill or leaving small change is common in restaurants. For more upscale dining, a 10% tip is customary.

What should I wear in temples in Bangkok?

When visiting temples or palaces, wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. It's a sign of respect, and some temples may provide cover-ups if needed.

Wearing sandals or flip-flops is great for temple days as you have to remove your shoes before entering the halls.

Can I get a SIM card at the airport, and which is the best one to get?

You could easily get a tourist SIM card from AIS, TrueMove H, or DTAC, as well as other providers at the airport or 7-11s in the city. You could expect to pay around 100–300 baht (approximately US$3–$10) for a basic prepaid SIM card. Your phone will need to be unlocked (no network restrictions) to use a prepaid SIM card.

Do I need a visa to enter Bangkok?

Nationals of many countries are exempt from needing a tourist visa to enter Bangkok, including the United States, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Most travelers can stay in Bangkok without a visa for up to 30 days.

Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

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19 Best Things to Do in Bangkok

One of Southeast Asia’s most popular destinations, Bangkok is an ever-changing, always-bustling cosmopolitan capital with much more on offer than incredible street food (although there’s plenty of that). Chaos covered in a hazy combination of charcoal grills, incense, and motorbike exhaust, it’s home to culture and history alongside luxury hotels, Michelin-star restaurants, cozy cocktail bars and a surplus of good times. Overwhelmed? That’s normal. After a day of temple hopping, hit up Chinatown for old-world architecture and some of the city’s best bars. Or go green with a stroll through the city’s coolest parks, followed by a multi-course meal aboard an antique barge or tucked inside a century-old shophouse. Here are our picks for what to do in Bangkok.

Read our complete Bangkok city guide here .

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

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The Jim Thompson House Arrow

The home of American Jim Thompson, who made a fortune in the mid-20th century selling Thai silks, has been transformed into a museum displaying the businessman's collection of antiques, artwork, and religious artifacts. The canal-side property is made up of six traditional teak houses from Ayutthaya, the former capital of Thailand, surrounded by a verdant garden. Known for more than just its art collection, the property was also a legendary spot for high-society parties.

Lumphini Park Arrow

Bangkok is the ultimate concrete jungle, and most of its green spaces have long been gobbled up by developers adding condominium towers to the skyline. But smack dab in the center of the city is leafy Lumphini Park; often called the "Central Park of Bangkok" and named after the Nepali birthplace of Buddha, this an urban respite for many Bangkokians. The geographical heart of the park is an artificial lake where you can rent swan-shaped paddle boats.

The Grand Palace Arrow

The land for the Grand Palace was designated in 1782—the same year the capital of Thailand moved from Ayutthaya to Bangkok—and today it's home to various royal throne and ceremonial halls, as well as the sacred Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Although the Thai royal family moved out by 1925, this sprawling complex remains an important structure for Thais, one that's also a central stop on the well-trodden tourist route.

Chinatown Arrow

Market lanes, glittery gold shops, phenomenal street food, temples with golden Buddhas, Daoist temples clouded with incense smoke, street art, history, and a neighborhood setting that feels untouched by time and modernization: Welcome to Bangkok’s enchanting Chinatown, one of the largest Chinatowns in the world. You don’t need tickets or reservations, just an appetite for Thai-Chinese street food and a penchant for getting a little lost in the name of exploration.

Wat Pho Arrow

The main draw at Wat Pho is the country’s largest reclining Buddha, a 150-foot long sculpture occupying nearly every inch of the building and leaving guests to observe its gold-plated form from all angles. Beyond the Buddha, an expansive compound has the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand. The complex was Thailand’s first center for public education; people came to study its 1,360 marble inscriptions to learn about medicine, history, and liberal arts.

The Siam Arrow

Compared with many of its rivals, this Bangkok stalwart doesn’t have a location that’s wildly convenient: the postcard sights need a boat transfer, and most top tables are more than a 30-minute taxi ride away. But for me, and the legions of other loyal fans of this monochrome masterpiece by hotel guru Bill Bensley, that’s the point. Pitched up on a lush riverside plot in the hushed Dusit district, The Siam feels like a portal to a bygone Bangkok. Even though it opened a decade ago, it’s easy to imagine it as a plush playground for the city’s erstwhile big guns, the mid-century movers and shakers whose heirlooms—vintage Pan Am posters, tattered travel trunks and chipped ceramics—adorn the marble-floored hallways. I’d be hard-pressed to point friends to a lovelier lunch spot than the hotel’s Thai restaurant, set between the timeworn pillars of three ancient teakwood houses, where butlers in dressy black sarongs deliver the kind of classic Thai hospitality—lilting “sawadee ka” greetings and tables set with fresh orchids—that’s becoming harder to find. None of which is to say that the hotel is stuffy—there’s a tattoo parlor in the spa. An ongoing refurb is keeping suites and private-pooled villas looking fresh. And with the opening of a Jim Thompson homeware boutique in the wooden house the illustrious silk magnate helped procure for its former owners, things have come full circle. The Thai capital’s five-star hotel scene gets plusher every year, but this timeless beauty remains in a league of its own. From $618. —Chris Schalkx

Chatuchak Weekend Market Arrow

Known as JJ Market to most locals (the official name, Chatuchak, is pronounced with a J sound), this is the granddaddy of all markets: With 15,000 stalls, it's among the largest outdoor markets in the world. Everything is buyable, from practical stuff like home décor, art, clothing, accessories, and cooking equipment, to trinkets and oddities like knock-off Nikes and Beats by Dre, iPhone covers, and—yes—even live animals. Despite its sheer size, though, the market is very well organized, with goods arranged by type and a large map posted near the entrance.

Wat Arun Arrow

Of the more than 37,000 temples, or wats , throughout Thailand, Wat Arun is one of the most iconic. The 269-foot tall prahng, a Khmer-style tower, juts out from the banks of the Chao Phraya River, and the temple complex is illuminated in a golden glow at night. This is one of the few temples in Thailand that you can climb; once you've ascended the steep and narrow stairs, you're in for a great view of the river and surrounding temple complex.

Smiling Albino Arrow

The peeps behind Smiling Albino have been at it since 1999, so you can rest assured they know what they’re doing. Their offerings fall in the custom luxury category: private experiences in Bangkok, cultural visits, and trips to nearby villages. They also organize weeklong trekking journeys in northern Thailand, cycling in Nepal, and motorcycling in Vietnam. Each trip is custom-made to your interests: no coaches and explanations shouted through a microphone, but rather personal guides and drivers.

Manohra Dinner River Cruise Arrow

This six-course dinner served aboard an an antique wooden rice barge is an excellent crash course in both Thai food and Bangkok's must-visit destinations along the river. Book it to get your bearings on what you'd like to explore during daylight—while eating fantastic dishes like a gold leaf-topped curry amuse bouche, a dry-ice play on mango sticky rice, and a creamy coconut and turmeric soup with charcoal-cooked chicken. The warm service rivals any fine-dining establishment on land, and the experience is perfect for a relaxed, romantic evening on the water.

Wat Prayoon (Prayurawongsawat Worawihan) Arrow

Sitting on the quieter Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Prayoon is a crowd-free, surprise-filled temple compound with plenty of moments for peaceful solitude. Visitors can spend an afternoon here exploring the towering white chedi —it's rare to find one in Bangkok you can actually enter—or watching the turtles and monitor lizards in the Khao Mo garden. It's an excellent spot for families with young kids and temple-lovers looking for something besides a giant gold Buddha (although it's got one of those too).

Blue Elephant Cooking School Arrow

Bringing home a taste of Thai food is high on the list of most travelers, and in the always-hungry capital, there are lessons for newbies and pros alike. Blue Elephant’s half-day lesson is a good middle ground, where experienced cooks won’t be bored and novices won’t feel lost. At the morning lesson, small groups gather at the elegant colonial-style house before making their way to the multiethnic Bangrak market; the afternoon session, meanwhile, dives right into cooking.

The Jam Factory Arrow

Architect Duangrit Bunnag’s fingerprints are all over the revival of Bangkok’s waterfront. Savvy travelers will also notice his handiwork just across the Chao Phraya at Warehouse 30 . Down Charoenkrung Road in the former General Post Office lies the reopened Thailand Creative & Design Center (TCDC), which Bunnag co-founded. The Jam Factory is at the core of his vision to shift the city’s gravitational center back to where it once lay: on the so-called River of Kings. He built this stunning complex anchored around an ancient Bodhi tree to house his firm’s main office, along with a hip restaurant, a gallery, and more.

100 Tonson Foundation Arrow

Over the past decade, Bangkok’s art scene has mushroomed from a few scattered galleries into a vibrant, thriving community. Much of that transformation has to do with Aey Phanachet’s groundbreaking contemporary art space in Ploenchit. In 2020, Tonson Gallery became a non-profit and changed its name to 100 Tonson Foundation.This was the first Thai gallery to participate in Art Basel, the Switzerland art fair, and it’s been a champion of Southeast Asian artists ever since. Despite its high-powered reputation, the gallery is open to casual art-lovers as well as collectors.

Wat Pariwat Arrow

Bangkok’s temples are truly a wonder to behold, but after a few days of battling the crowds, the appeal of gilded Buddha statues may start to wear thin. When you’ve conquered the major attractions, hop in a taxi to this Wat Pariwat, a one-of-a-kind temple down the Chao Phraya River. Sometimes nicknamed the David Beckham Temple for its statue of the famed soccer star below the main altar, Wat Pariwat is both an active place of worship and a hodgepodge of pop culture references.

Nusara Arrow

Follow the outdoor neon sign that says "Only Kids Drink Milk" to this fine-dining speakeasy that ranks 10th on Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list. Head to the back of Mayrai Pad Thai and Wine Bar, go up the spiral stairs and past the open kitchen, and find a small dining area set for 12. One of Bangkok's most exclusive reservations, the restaurant serves a 12-course set menu of Thai chili–laden dishes that are an ode to Chef Ton Tassanakajohn's grandmother, Nusara. Highlights include peanut relish with seasonal vegetables and shrimp paste water perfected over the course of 80 years.

Pak Khlong Talat Arrow

Bangkok’s bustling 24-hour flower market is a feast for the eyes and the nostrils—and one of the best places for jet-lagged travelers awake at odd hours to do some sightseeing. The highlight of the market is visiting the vendors along Chakkaraphet Road and watching locals prepare sacred temple offerings at lightning speed. They’re folding back the delicate petals of lotus blossoms, stringing fragrant jasmine into garlands known as malais, sorting through bags teeming with marigolds, and creating elaborate arrangements for funerals and weddings. Under the market’s tin roof, merchants sell bundles of orchids, button carnations, roses, green bananas still on the stem, towering stacks of prickly pineapples, and pre-made temple offerings. Across Chakkaraphet Road, don’t miss the elaborate ready-made bouquets and stacks of colorful orchids for 20 baht (60 cents) each.

Warehouse 30 Arrow

The creation of Warehouse 30 is the latest creative project in a string of artistic spaces in rehabbed historical buildings along Charenkrung Road. Under the artistic and watchful eye of Duangrit Bunnag, a founder of the Thailand Creative & Design Center (TCDC) and Thailand’s best-known architect, an abandoned block of World War II-era warehouses have become a bastion for local designers and artists. Ever-changing exhibition spaces, independent boutiques, a coffee shop, and more are all part of the new development. And while the shops and the vibe are new, the exposed beams and wood flooring are original.

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22 Best Things to Do in Bangkok, Rooftop Bars and Ancient Temples Included

Here's how experts recommend exploring Thailand's capital.

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One of the most exciting and energetic capital cities in the world, Bangkok is the perfect gateway for travelers ready to take a deep dive into the beauty, history, culture, and traditions of Southeast Asia. The frenetic metropolis may cause a bit of sensory overload, but getting into its rhythm is part of the adventure. Built along the Chao Phraya River, modern-day Bangkok is an amalgamation of culture, ethnicities, architecture, and even time periods. It's entirely possible to pass a 400-year-old temple on one corner and a tech-forward, 21st-century shopping mall on the next. It's a city where street food mingles with Michelin-starred restaurants, and top-rated, modern hotels stand next to antique wooden houses. The energy of Bangkok is a heady mixture of ancient traditions, swirls of incense, the sizzle of chilis on cast-iron woks, an explosion of colorful flowers, flashes of neon, and endless honking from sputtering tuk tuks. It's a city that will ensnare the senses and hook you from the very beginning. "You cannot go to Thailand and not see the capital," says Grant Ekelund, senior travel consultant with InsideTravel Group Ltd, and a Travel + Leisure A-List Advisor. "Even if you want to spend all of your time at the beaches or up in the mountains, you cannot understand those parts until you understand Bangkok — until you've gone down the klongs, wandered the roads, seen the temples, grabbed the street food, and interacted with people. It's just a dynamic and interesting city, and you're selling yourself short if you don't spend time there." But where to begin? With so many wonderful things to do in Thailand's capital, we've spoken to experts to narrow down the list. Read on to discover the best things to do in Bangkok.

Visit the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

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In a city with no fewer than 400 temples, it can be a daunting task to try to determine which ones to visit. That said, if it's your first time in Bangkok, experts agree that there are a few temples to put at the very top of your list, the first being the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Regarded as the holiest Buddhist temple in Thailand, you'll find it within the elaborate Grand Palace complex. Inside the shrine is a small, jade-colored Buddha draped in golden robes to enjoy from a good distance — no one is allowed near the Buddha except for the king of Thailand. While you’re there, spend some extra time exploring the other temples, shrines, and historic halls in the Grand Palace grounds.

Have a drink at a rooftop bar.

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The Bangkok skyline is known for its towering skyscrapers, and a good number of them have rooftop bars that range in style and budget. There are options for unfussy backpackers, then some that draw the poshest of travelers. We're partial to Mahanakhon Bangkok SkyBar, Thailand's highest restaurant and the bar at King Power Mahanakhon. Located on the 76th and 77th floors of the building, both venues promise beautiful panoramic views of bustling Bangkok.

Climb Wat Arun.

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Another can't-miss temple is Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of the Dawn. The uniquely shaped temple rises above the banks of the Chao Phraya River and is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Bangkok. In fact, the land on which Wat Arun sits has been home to a temple since at least the 1500s. It is known for its 82-meter-high tower, which has stairs that lead all the way to the top, where you'll find gorgeous views of the river and Bangkok. From a distance, Wat Arun appears to be gleaming white, but as you get closer you'll find that the structure is actually made of beautifully painted floral mosaics that have been constructed from Chinese porcelain.

Visit Warehouse 30.

 Lauren DeCicca/Getty Images

While Bangkok is steeped in centuries of history and art, it is also a thriving capital of contemporary and forward-thinking art and design. At Warehouse 30, an abandoned block of World War II-era warehouses that's been transformed into creative spaces for artists and designers, you'll discover cafes, boutiques, and galleries to explore.

View the Reclining Buddha.

Pakin Songmor/Getty Images

Yet another temple to add to your itinerary is Wat Pho, or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. This massive Buddha is covered from head to toe (all 46 meters) in gold leaf and is one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. Wat Pho also boasts one of the largest collections of Buddha images; there are more than 1,000 of them throughout the sprawling temple complex.

Shop for flowers before dawn.

Arun Roisri/Getty Images

Bangkok is one of the most colorful cities in the world, and nowhere is that more evident than at Pak Khlong Talat. In this vibrant flower market is a brilliant kaleidoscope of colors and the sweet and enveloping scent of thousands upon thousands of fresh blooms. Browse stalls full of marigolds, orchids, roses, and more. What's great about the flower market, particularly if you are battling jet lag and need a late-night activity, is that it is open 24 hours a day.

Sample some of the best street food in the world.

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Bangkok streets seem to sizzle at all times of day with some of the most coveted street food on the planet. No matter where you are in the city, you're never more than a few steps from savory, flavorful, and aromatic foods, most of which can be purchased for less than $2 per person. Start the day with a Thai iced coffee (strong coffee made extra sweet with condensed milk) and try snack after snack throughout the day, from pad Thai to braised duck and chicken rice.

"Bangkok's reputation as a top street food city means you must explore local food culture in hubs like Chinatown and Baan Tad Thong," says Patty Lerdwittayaskul, director of communications for Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok . "Local dishes offer an authentic taste of everyday Thai life."

Lerdwittayaskul recommends Lim Lao Sa Noodle Stall in Chinatown, a hidden, family run stall offering noodles in a clear fish broth. She also points to Phee Mao Rad Na, a food cart by the canal next to Wat Ratchabophit. "The stir-fried noodles are cooked a la minute, and the two-minute walk to Wat Ratchabophit after a meal adds to the experience," she says.

Eat at a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Beyond its bustling street food scene, Bangkok is home to roughly 30 Michelin-starred restaurants. One to note in particular is Le Normandie by Alain Roux, a fine-dining restaurant at the iconic Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok. This haute, white-glove experience is set within the gorgeous dining room overlooking the Chao Phraya River. Be sure to book a table at the window so can watch the sunset and the colorful boats on the river while you dine on exquisite and artfully prepared French cuisine.

Take a cooking class.

Of course, it's fun to cook your own food, too. A Thai cooking class is one of the best things to do in the country overall, so why not give it a try in Bangkok? The city has dozens of cooking schools to choose from across a variety of budgets. Sompong Thai Cooking School is a top choice; each class begins with a trip to the local market to procure key ingredients before moving back to the kitchen to prepare flavorful Thai dishes.

Get a Thai massage.

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It's no secret that the spa and wellness services in Bangkok are second to none — you just have to choose your preferred vibe. Whether it's a luxury spa palace or a no-frills storefront down a narrow alley, Bangkok has the wellness market cornered. A Thai massage is a distinct and unique style of massage; it uses no oils or aromatherapy, and instead focuses on passive stretching, acupressure, and increasing the range of motion of your muscles. If you've never had a Thai massage, Bangkok is the perfect place to try one.

Cruise the Chao Phraya River.

Bangkok's main lifeline is the serpentine Chao Phraya River, and along its banks are some of the city's top luxury hotels, oldest neighborhoods, and biggest tourist attractions. A cruise down the Chao Phraya is the perfect way to introduce yourself to the iconic Bangkok skyline, and to catch a glimpse of daily local life. There are a many ways to get on the river, from evening dinner cruises to daytime sightseeing excursions. If you really want to travel like a local, though, ride the Chao Phraya Express Boat . The public water taxi stops at busy docks along the river and travels all the way up to the neighboring province of Nonthaburi.

Wander Chinatown.

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Bangkok's Chinatown is among the largest Chinatowns in the world, and walking through this sprawling neighborhood will have you feeling like you've stepped out of Thailand and onto the streets of Beijing. If you like street food, Bangkok's Chinatown is the place to be. Or come to marvel at the district's neon lights, dangling lanterns, and dozens of gold stores on the iconic Yaowarat Road.

"Visit the Chinese Shrine in Chinatown during the late afternoon to catch the evening chanting rituals by monks," says Lerdwittayaskul. "In the evening, the red lanterns in the shrine and candles are lit up. The experience is grounding and serene. After visiting the shrine, I love strolling through the backstreets, trying delicious Chinese dishes like noodles, stir-fried oyster pancakes, dumplings, and refreshing lotus root herbal juice."

Browse the Chatuchak Weekend Market.

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If you hear locals talking about the JJ Market, what they're referring to is the Chatuchak Weekend Market. And if you like bazaars and outdoor markets, this will be the one that will blow you away. It is one of the largest outdoor markets in the world, boasting around 15,000 stalls selling knock-off electronics, clothing, souvenirs, local art, birds, and everything in between.

Cycle in the city.

For such a congested city, you'd be amazed at how many opportunities there are for getting outside. If you're looking for a bit of fresh air, give cycling a try. "One of the best places for a cycle is in Bangkrachao, an island in the Chao Phraya River — also known as the 'Green Lung' of Bangkok, thanks to its abundant green space," says Wanwisa Maneewatthana, chief culturist at Capella Bangkok . "Despite being a big city, Bangkok can offer great outdoor experiences to immerse [you] into both nature and culture. Visitors can enjoy cycling in an old neighborhood like Charoenkrung to discover remarkable and non-tourist cultural sights like local wet markets and neighborhood temples."

Visit the Bangkok Art & Cultural Centre.

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After you've hit the main tourist sites, you may want to slip a little below the radar for a different look at Bangkok, and the Bangkok Art & Cultural Centre offers just that. This public space promotes both local and international art and culture exhibits. If you're interested in seeing the work of young Thai artists, this is the top gallery in the city to visit.

Visit Jim Thompson House.

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If there's one Western name consistently tied to Bangkok, it's Jim Thompson. Thompson was the American businessman who brought Thai silks to the rest of the world in the mid-20th century. His canal-side home has been transformed into a museum showcasing his vast collection of art and antiques. The home is an architectural marvel, made of an amalgamation of six traditional teak houses from Ayutthaya. The lush gardens surrounding it are equally beautiful.

Celebrate a new year at the Songkran festival.

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If there is one festival to attend in Bangkok, it would be Songkran, or Thai New Year, which is held every year in April. This three-day event is when the city stops its usual business and transforms into one giant (and water-soaked) party. "The festival offers guests the chance to experience a fun-filled celebration that includes water fights on the street," says Maneewatthana. "Also, visitors can visit temples to participate in religious celebrations to bring them good luck in the coming year."

Shop at Siam Paragon.

If you're cruising down the Chao Phraya River, you can't miss one of the largest luxury malls in Asia, Siam Paragon. This is the ultimate stop in Bangkok for high-end labels, as well as a host of entertainment options, from restaurants and Southeast Asia's largest aquarium to a 16-screen movie theater and more than 250 shops. It's also the home base for the largest foreign-language bookshop in Bangkok, Kinokuniya. It's easy to get to Siam Paragon, as two BTS Skytrain lines intersect at the stop right in front of the mall.

Cruise the klongs in a longtail boat.

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Bangkok is known as the "Venice of the East," and for good reason — the city is quite literally webbed with miles of canals, or klongs. The oldest part of the city, known as Thonburi, sits west of the Chao Phraya River, and a visit to this corner of the city takes you back in time. There are wooden houses on stilts, plus lush greenery, small, colorful temples, and far more locals than tourists. "I try to have [all of my clients] spend some time on the klongs," says Grant Ekelund . "I like to do it because it's an interesting and unique way to experience the city from the water. Experience the neighborhoods, get a little bit out there, and get a sense for how people live in Bangkok."

Stroll in Lumpini Park.

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Another slice of green space in Bangkok is the 142-acre Lumpini Park, also known as the "Central Park of Bangkok." Set right in the heart of the city, the park includes a man-made lake strewn with swan paddle boats, and it's a popular spot for trail walking, picnics, Tai Chi, live music, and more. 

Explore Charoenkrung Road.

Bangkok is a city of many personalities, but if it's old-school charm you're looking for, head to another of the city's oldest neighborhoods, Charoenkrung Road. Home to the very first paved road in Bangkok, Charoenkrung is slowly disappearing as luxury hotels continue to open. But visitors can still experience myriad cultural activities here, from street food and hidden temples to an emerging art district.

Take a day trip to Ayutthaya.

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About an hour from Bangkok by train, Ayutthaya is the perfect day trip from Bangkok. Once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam, Ayutthaya gives visitors a glimpse of the ancient days of Thailand. The preserved kingdom capital is home to gorgeous palaces and temples that date back as far as the 14th century. Visitors can wander around the temple ruins for a unique look at how this part of the world used to be. "A day trip here offers a deep dive into Thai history and culture," says Lerdwittayaskul. "You can explore numerous historical sites and temples, where the civilization, traditions, and beliefs of ancient people come alive." "Ayutthaya gets more into the history of Thailand," added Ekelund. "It's so cool, especially if you are not going to Cambodia to see Angkor Wat and want to see that style of architecture."

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Visiting Bangkok: My Suggested 3-5 Day Itinerary

When people tell me they hate Bangkok and don’t find a lot of things to do there, I totally understand. It’s a love/hate city that most people aren’t a fan of on arrival.

In fact, when I first visited Bangkok in 2006, I despised the city and couldn’t wait to leave.

It wasn’t until I lived in Bangkok that I really fell in love with it .

A decade and a half later, Bangkok is still one of my favorite cities in the world.

It just takes a little time to get to know and love.

Bangkok is not a city that opens itself up easily, and most people spend just a day or two here before leaving to go to the islands or the jungle .

That said, there are a lot of things to do and see in Bangkok . Cheap things, expensive things, unique things, and outdoor things. Bangkok has a bit of everything.

To help you plan your trip and make the most of your visit, below is my suggested itinerary for Bangkok. It will help you tackle this sprawling, hectic city in a way that gets you on and off the beaten track so you can peel back the onion that is Bangkok and discover why I love it so much.

Bangkok Itinerary

Day 1 : Grand Palace, Khao San Road, & more!

Day 2 : Floating Market, Muay Thai Fight, & more!

Day 3 : Chatuchak Weekend Market, Lumpini Park, & more!

Day 4 : Bangkok Art and Culture Center, National Museum, & more!

Bangkok Itinerary: Day One

Afterward, wander down the street to Wat Pho and the famous reclining Buddha (as well as the famous Golden Buddha). It’s the largest reclining Buddha statue in the country at 46 meters (150 feet) long. The Wat Pho complex fills a city block so while seeing the statues doesn’t take long, you could spend a solid hour wandering the maze-like temple grounds.

Next, head across the river to Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn). This is a gorgeous Buddhist temple on the Chao Phraya River opposite the Grand Palace. It has one main spire and four small ones and is so iconic that it’s on Thai money. From the top of the main spire, you get to see sweeping views of the city. It’s my favorite temple in Bangkok.

If you want a deep-dive into the temple and palace, take a guided tour . You’ll learn about the history of each temple and the palace from an expert local guide who can answer all your questions and provide a much more nuanced experience.

Note: When visiting these places, be sure to wear clothes that cover your legs and shoulders; it’s considered disrespectful to wear revealing clothes. That means no short skirts, no tank tops, nothing that shows your stomach, and no ripped pants.

The Grand Palace is located on Na Phra Lan Road; royalgrandpalace.th/en/home. Open daily 8:30am-3:30pm. Admission is 500 THB.

Wat Pho is located on 2 Sanamchai Road, Grand Palace Subdistrict, +66 083-057-7100, watpho.com/en. Open daily from 8am–6:30pm. Admission is 200 THB.

Wat Arun is across the river at 158 Wang Doem Road, +66 2 891 2185. Open daily 8am–6pm. Admission is 200 THB.

My favorite temples are:

Wat Saket – The Golden Mount has an enormous, 100-meter-high, 500-meter wide chedi (mound-like structure containing Buddhist relics). This is one of my favorite temples in the city because of its beautiful golden temple and wonderful views of the city from its top. At the base of the mountain is an overgrown cemetery for 18th-century plague victims. Open daily 9am-7pm. Admission to the temple is free while the chedi costs 50 THB.

Wat Benchamabophit – This temple is pictured on the back of the 5-baht coin. The white marble used to contrast the building was imported directly from Italy, and there is a unique blend of both Thai and European architecture and design. In the courtyard, there are 53 Buddha images representing every mudra (gesture) and style from Thai history. This makes it a good place to visually see how Buddha has been represented in Thailand over time. Open daily 8:30am-5:30pm. Admission is 20 THB.

Just make sure your tuk-tuk driver doesn’t take you shopping along the way — drivers get kickbacks if they bring customers into certain shops. Ask your hotel/hostel staff for a reputable driver; they will likely know someone.

Bangkok Itinerary: Day Two

I love the chaos, the smells, and the little ladies cooking and selling you various treats as they paddle by you. (You never leave hungry.)

Here’s a list of the best malls in the city:

• Terminal 21 (88 Sukhumvit Road 19, +66 2 108 0888, terminal21.co.th)
• MBK Center (444 Phayathai Road, mbk-center.co.th)
• Siam Paragon (991/1 Rama I Road, siamparagon.co.th)
• Emporium (622 Sukhumvit Road, emporium.co.th)
• CentralWorld (999/9 Rama I Road, centralworld.co.th)

You can also catch fights at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, which seats up to 5,000 people, on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Between the two stadiums, there are fights going on every night of the week.

1 Ratchadamnoen Nok Rd, +66 2 281 4205, rajadamnern.com. Tickets start at 1,500 THB.  

Bangkok Itinerary: Day Three

Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, +66 2 272 4813, chatuchakmarket.org. Open Saturday and Sunday 9am-6pm.

When he returned to private industry after the war, he almost single-handedly revitalized Thailand’s sinking silk industry. He made his home in the traditional Thai style, decorating it with beautiful teak wood and a surrounding garden. The tours feature a lot of history about Jim, the silk industry, and how and why Thais design their homes the way they do.

1 Khwaeng Wang Mai, +66 2 216 7368, jimthompsonhouse.com. Open daily 10am-6pm. Admission is 200 THB.

192 Wireless Rd, +66 2 252 7006. Open daily 4:30am-10pm.

Hang with the Hipsters on Soi Nana There are two areas in Bangkok called Soi Nana (one is a sex tourism hub), but the Soi Nana I’m referring to is a hip area for nightlife near the train station in Chinatown. This street is filled with tiny bars, cocktail lounges, and art exhibits in old-style Chinese homes left in their original style.

Some of the best bars are Pijiu (Chinese beer bar), Teens of Thailand (first gin bar in Thailand), Ba Hao (four-floor Chinese-inspired bar), El Chiringuito (Spanish tapas), and 23 Bar & gallery (bar in an art space). It’s incredibly popular with young Thais and one of the coolest new areas of Bangkok. Don’t miss it.  

Bangkok Itinerary: Day Four

Na Phra That Alley, +66 2 224 1333, virtualmuseum.finearts.go.th/bangkoknationalmuseums/index.php/th. Open Wednesday-Sunday 9am-4pm. Admission is 200 THB.

And for cooking classes, a half-day cooking class (including a market visit) costs around 1,345 THB. They’re a fun way to learn about the cuisine while learning new skills and recipes you can try when you get home.

Enjoy an event at the Bangkok Art and Culture Center This contemporary arts center highlights and hosts art, music, theater, film, design, and cultural events in its exhibition and performance spaces. Opened in 2007, the BACC hosts cultural events in its exhibition and performance spaces. There is also an art library, cafe, gallery, craft shop, and book store here too. In a city that lacks a real art scene, this is an enriching place to see some local art. Check the website to see what’s going on during your visit.

939 Rama I Road, +66 2 214 6630-8, en.bacc.or.th. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-9pm. Admission is free though events cost money. See the website for pricing and tickets.  

Other Things to See and Do in Bangkok

Museum of Siam This museum uses a variety of media to explore the origins of the Thais and their culture. Opened in 2007, there are displays, movies, and multimedia that cover culture, history, Buddhism, war, and the making of modern Thailand. It’s an interactive and educational little museum housed in an old 19th-century European-style building that not a lot of tourists visit.

4 Maha Rat Rd, +66 2 225 2777. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm. Admission is 100 THB.

Wakeboard at Lake Taco If you want to get out of the city and have some adventure, head to the outskirts of Bangkok for some wakeboarding (riding on a short board while being pulled by a motorboat). This is a popular thing to do with expats and though I never did it, my friends always said it was a fun time. The lake is just 40 minutes away so it’s an easy activity to do whenever you need a break from the city.

thaiwakepark.com. A two-hour ticket at Lam Luk Ka starts at 850 THB.

Calypso Ladyboy Show This ladyboy show is actually a good cabaret show that attracts a variety of visitors. It’s Bangkok’s version of Moulin Rouge. There’s glitz, glamour, and spectacle — everything you’d expect from a cabaret show in Bangkok. Calypso Cabaret, founded in 1988, is the best place to see a show in the city. Playhouse Cabaret and Golden Dome Cabaret are two other reputable venues that host fun performances as well.

2194 Charoenkrung 72-76 Road, Warehouse #3, +66 2 688 1415-7, calypsocabaret.com. Performances are at 7:45pm and 9:30pm and tickets start at 900 THB.

Day Trip to Ayutthaya Ayutthaya (pronounced ah-you-tah-ya) was founded around 1350 and was the second capital of Thailand (it was the capital before it relocated to Bangkok). Unfortunately, the city was destroyed in 1767 by a Burmese attack and there are only ruins and a few temples and palaces still left standing.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s home to the summer palace and tons of breathtaking and unique temples. Since it’s so close to Bangkok, it’s a very popular day-trip destination for tours.

While lots of companies offer trips, it’s so easy to get to that you should simply go on your own by train. Train tickets cost 90-130 THB round-trip, with the journey taking 1.5 hours each way.

To really learn more, take a guided tour . They’re just 1,300 THB and are a great way to learn about this UNESCO site.

Contrary to popular belief, there’s more to see and do in Bangkok than just temples, shopping, and traffic. It’s a city whose charm emerges slowly once you get off the beaten path.

While you can see the highlights in a couple of days, with four or five days you can start to peel back the layers of this chaotic city and start to see why Bangkok really is one of the best destinations in the world.

But don’t just take my word for it. Use this post as a guide and learn to love the city the way I did. I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Get the In-Depth Budget Guide to Thailand!

My detailed 350+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guidebooks and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel around Thailand. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Book Your Trip to Bangkok: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. Two of my favorite places to stay are:

• @Hua Lamphong Hostel
• Lub d Bangkok Siam

If you’re looking for more places to stay, here are my favorite hostels in Bangkok .

Or, if you’re wondering what part of town to stay in, here’s my neighborhood breakdown of Bangkok .

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Bangkok Tourism Guide

The insider's guide and essential travel planner.

A s a gateway to Thailand’s many beautiful islands and beaches, Bangkok has become one of the world’s most visited cities . The Thai capital is a vibrant and frenetic place , offering non-stop action and constantly dazzling visitors with a variety of sights, sounds, and scents. It can be overwhelming, as it assaults the senses with majestic temples, flavorful cuisine and pungent street food, an exhilarating nightlife, and reinvigorating massages. It’s an exuberant and exotic destination with much to explore, from busy roads lined with food stalls and huge shopping malls, to towering skyscrapers topped with rooftop bars offering stunning views and signature cocktails. This is your illustrated guide to planning your most memorable experiences, with insider tips to help you find the real city.

BANGKOK HIGHLIGHTS - 5 REASONS TO GO

1. Fairytale architecture in magnificent temples with some of the world’s most monumental Buddha images. 2. The world’s highest and most spectacular rooftop bars . 3. Some of the world’s biggest street markets . 4. One of the world’s best cuisines and the most varied street food . 5. A world-(in)famous nightlife for all tastes.

First time in Bangkok?

Helpful insider tips to plan the perfect days in the city:.

The Best Neighborhoods Know where to stay

Top 10 Attractions What you must see and do

Bangkok in 1, 2, or 3 Days Suggested itineraries

Bangkok Tours The most popular tours and activities

Top 25 Rooftop Bars The world's most spectacular rooftops

Transportation Know how to get around Bangkok

Advance planning -- know before you go.

WHEN TO GO : Bangkok is a year-round destination, but its tropical climate is more pleasant at different times of the year. No matter when you go, it will be hot and humid, but the cooler days are between November and January (December is the coolest, with average high temperatures reaching 26°C/79°F). Take an umbrella between May and November, as that’s the unpredictable rainier season, but it will still be warm and the rains rarely last more than one or two hours at a time. The highest temperatures happen between March and May, with April being the hottest and most uncomfortable month (the average high is 35°C/95°F). The peak tourist season is December and January. In April you’ll catch the Thai New Year celebrations, while in May you’ll see candlelight processions around important temples, marking Buddha’s Enlightenment. Another major event is the Golden Mount Fair in November, with performances and processions at the foot of the Golden Mount .

VISAS : Citizens from the United States, Australia, and most of Europe can enter Thailand without a pre-arranged visa. You’ll be allowed to stay for 30 days, but those wishing to stay longer can acquire a 60-day tourist visa from a Thai embassy or consulate prior to arrival. You should do that about one month before your departure date.

BOOKINGS : You should book your hotel about three months in advance for the most popular luxury or boutique hotels , especially if you’re staying in December or January. Not only will you have a better chance of getting the preferred room, you’ll also have the best rates. If you’re interested in a tour , book it one week before. If you’re wondering where you should book your room, see our guide to the best neighborhoods to stay in Bangkok .

HOW MANY DAYS IN BANGKOK ? Although many people stay in Bangkok for just two or three days, before or after the Thai beach resort experience, it’s not uncommon for visitors to extend their time to as much as one week or more. You can see the main sights in just two days, but, with its many rooftop pools and bars, spas and massages, Bangkok is also a city for relaxation and pampering, not meant to be rushed. For the full experience, plan at least five days in the city.

WHAT’S NEW IN BANGKOK IN 2022?

The COVID-19 pandemic has put many projects on hold around the world, including in Bangkok, but there are still new attractions in the city to enjoy in 2022. Despite the devastating effects of the pandemic on the travel industry, Bangkok has inaugurated two major new hotels, both located in the same compound on the riverfront. Those are the luxurious Capella Hotel and the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok . Also new is Paradise Lost, a tropical-inspired and eco-friendly rooftop bar at the design hotel Siam@Siam . Then there’s the city’s ever-expanding transport network. After the new stations of the MRT (the underground metro), which now offer faster connections to popular neighborhoods like Chinatown and the Old City (and they are some quite beautiful stations, especially Wat Mangkon Station, which is decorated with traditional Chinese motifs), come new stations for the BTS Skytrain, although these are on the northbound Sukhumvit line, outside the typical tourist areas. The MRT has also introduced Thailand’s first underground museum, at the Sanam Chai station. It’s a free and very informative exhibition, with artifacts unearthed during the station’s construction, mostly related to the area’s ancient palaces.

OFFICIAL BANGKOK TOURISM OFFICE

BangkokTourismGuide.com has everything you need to plan your visit to Bangkok. Written by tourism experts, it offers complete and unbiased information, and is entirely independent, not associated with any local business, organization or institution. It’s an insider’s guide which you may print, creating a guidebook to take around the city with you. In case of any last-minute doubts when you arrive, look for the official tourism office at Suvarnabhumi Airport, open 24 hours on the arrivals floor. In the center of the city, the Tourism Authority of Thailand has a tourist office on 1600 New Phechatburi Road, close to the Phetchaburi station of the MRT subway and the Makkasan station of the Airport Rail Link.

Bangkok Guide:

Bangkok accommodation.

Top 10 Hotels

Luxury Hotels

Budget Hotels

Boutique Hotels

Design Hotels

Central Hotels

Hotels with Pool

Hotels with Views

Riverfront Hotels

Romantic Hotels

Family-Friendly Hotels

Airport Hotels

Bangkok Attractions

Top 10 Temples

Floating Markets

River Cruises

Parks & Gardens

Romantic Bangkok

Massages & Spas

Gay/LGBT Bangkok

Bangkok Transportation

Getting Around

Airport Transportation

Bangkok Neighborhoods

Siam & Ratchaprasong

Silom & Riverside

Covid-19 Pandemic in Bangkok and Thailand - Travel Advisory

Bangkok Itinerary: The Best 5 Day Trip Guide for Reference

This Bangkok itinerary for 5 days is a collection of my favorite spots in Thailand’s capital , designed to give you a memorable trip in the city .

The itinerary I’m going to share with you is very clear and easy to follow. It highlights the best markets and must-see attractions in Bangkok .

Additionally, I’ll recommend the best routes to navigate this vibrant city . Trust me, with this guide, you’ll save time and avoid headaches when planning your journey .

So, are you ready? Let’s dive into my 5-day Bangkok plan to make your trip awesome. 😊

Explore the Best of Bangkok: Your Go-To Itinerary for a Wonderful Trip!

Day 1: grand palace, wat pho, wat arun, asiatique and cruise, day 2: platinum mall, pratunam market, bangkok aquarium, and jeh o chula, day 3: bangkok’s chatuchak, massage, mahanakhon skywalk, and more, day 4: safari world bangkok and chocolate ville, day 5: discover thailand’s top markets and visit the one ratchada, smart ways to save on bangkok attraction tickets, bangkok itinerary 5 days map, where to stay in bangkok, thailand sim card, bangkok transportation guide, related posts.

Start day 1 of your Bangkok itinerary by visiting the city’s stunning temples. Continue the excitement with a trip to a well-known open-air mall for a shopping spree.

Finish your day with a scenic river cruise, taking in the beautiful nighttime skyline.

• 9:00 AM: Grand Palace
• 11:30 AM: Wat Pho
• 1:00 PM: Lunch at Baan Tha Tien or Pad Thai Kratong Thong
• 2:00 PM: Wat Arun
• 4:00 PM: Asiatique The Riverfront
• 6:30 PM: Having dinner at Rosewood Restaurant (Option 1)
• 7:45 PM: Calypso Cabaret Show
• 7:30 PM: Take the Chao Phraya Princess Cruise for your dinner (Option 2)

1. Grand Palace Bangkok – 2.5 hours (9:00 AM to 11:30 AM)

On the first morning of your itinerary , I’d suggest starting with the Grand Palace Bangkok .

This site was built way back in 1782 and used to be the home of the Thai King . Now, it is considered a major Bangkok tourist destination .

The architectural designs here are totally impressive . In fact, it’s very unique and majestic .

Take a stroll through its beautiful halls and gardens , and be sure to see the Emerald Buddha . As you explore, capture the many photo-worthy spots within the temple complex .

Take Note: To enter the palace, you need to wear a shirt with sleeves and pants that go down to your ankles. If you’re thinking of wearing a dress, just make sure it covers your shoulders and is ankle-length.

2. Wat Pho – 1.5 hours (11:30 AM to 1:00 PM)

Next, head over to Wat Pho , a renowned Buddhist temple of Bangkok .

This temple is visited by many travellers every year because of its unique features.

One of the highlights here is the huge reclining Buddha that is 46 metres long. It’s literally a gigantic golden figure , making it the largest Buddha statue in Thailand .

So, if you want to visit the highest grade among all other first-class temples, this should be part of your list.

3. Lunch at Baan Tha Tien or Pad Thai Kratong Thong – 1 hour (1:00 PM to 2:00 PM)

After visiting Wat Pho, a tasty lunch is just a short walk away. Both recommended restaurants are just around a 2-minute walk from the temple.

• Baan Tha Tien : This place offers a true taste of Thai cuisine in a cozy setting. Here, you can savor dishes like Tom Yam Kung and Thai-style fried rice. The prices range between 50 Baht and 120 Baht, making it very affordable.
• Pad Thai Kratong Thong : This spot is a haven for Thai food lovers. Dive into their signature Pad Thai priced at just 109 Baht. If you’re in the mood for something spicy and flavorful, the Tomyum Soup with Shrimp is a steal at 159 Baht. Also, don’t miss out on their Green Curry Soup with Chicken for 129 Baht.

Trust me, these nearby eateries will not only save you time but also provide a delicious culinary experience.

4. Wat Arun Bangkok – 2 hours (2:00 PM to 4:00 PM)

After enjoying your lunch, continue your Bangkok trip by exploring Wat Arun , often known as the “Temple of Dawn”. This is a very beautiful temple situated along the riverside .

There are plenty of gorgeous spots here , including the colourful spires that complement the water scenery . The religious items inside are also very impressive.

And of course, the architectural beauty of the temple is totally unique .

So, take your time and capture many picturesque photos . For sure, you will be in awe of the amazing photo choices.

5. Asiatique The Riverfront – 2.5 hours (4:00 PM to 6:30 PM)

Next on the itinerary is Asiatique Bangkok , a lively night market and entertainment spot by the river.

To be honest, this is one of my favourite night markets to go in Bangkok because of its incredible array of activities.

Start with some shopping; there are hundreds of boutique stalls selling unique items .

Don’t forget to take a ride on the big Ferris wheel – the view from the top is breathtaking , especially at sunset.

6. Rosewood Restaurant or Happy Fish ( Dinner Option 1) – 1 hour (6:30 PM to 7:30 PM)

For a delightful dinner in Asiatique , you’ve got two popular choices : Rosewood Restaurant and Happy Fish. Here’s a quick intro to help you decide:

i. Rosewood Restaurant

Rosewood Restaurant is truly a gem! Nestled in a serene setting with beautiful wooden decor , this spot offers the perfect ambiance for a quiet, romantic dinner .

For a start, their roasted chicken, brimming with traditional Thai flavors, is a must-try . Their steaks won’t disappoint either . Many visitors highly recommend the Grilled Chicken , so it might be worth a taste.

And as the evening deepens with live music , it’s the perfect setting to round off your meal with a cold beer , immersing yourself fully in the relaxed atmosphere.

ii. Happy Fish

For a lively dining experience, head to Happy Fish .

Not only do they serve mouth-watering seafood , but they also have a variety of international dishes , like grilled chicken, pizza, burgers, and spaghetti . With prices ranging from 200 Baht to 500 Baht , it’s affordable too.

Fancy a drink? They have a nice selection of cocktails and beers to complement the live music . The riverside view, combined with the tunes, makes it a memorable spot.

7. Watch the Calypso Cabaret Show – 1 hour (7:45 PM to 8:45 PM)

Be sure to catch a live performance of Calypso Cabaret after dinner. It’s a famous ladyboy show with vibrant dances, stunning costumes, and impressive performances .

The combination of glittering costumes, lively music, and talented performers make this a highlight of any Bangkok visit.

The original ticket price for the show is 1200 Baht , but if you purchase online , you can gain a 25% discount ! The show has two time slots: 7:45 PM and 9:30 PM. For updated show times, please check their website.

8. Chao Phraya Princess Cruise (Dinner Option 2) – 2 hours (7:30 PM to 9:30 PM)

Another great dinner option is to hop aboard the Chao Phraya Princess Cruise , which you can easily board at Asiatique Pier .

You can get more information about this trip by checking the cruise menu and prices here .

The cruise itself is such a lovely way to see Bangkok’s scenic night landscape and relish in the cool river breeze .

You are given 2 hours to savour the overloaded buffet of local and international dishes .

While enjoying your food, there’s a live band to serenade you for a night full of entertainment .

Let’s get ready for day 2 of your exploration in Bangkok . The itinerary for today takes you through Thailand’s vibrant marketplaces, top family destinations, and a feast of local culinary delights.

• 9:00 AM: Platinum Fashion Mall
• 11:00 AM: Pratunam Market
• 1:00 PM: Have lunch at either Pe Aor Tom Yum Kung Noodle or Go-Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice
• 2:00 PM: SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World
• 5:00 PM: Madame Tussauds Bangkok
• 7:00 PM: Enjoy your dinner at Jeh O Chula or the Baiyoke Sky Hotel Buffet

1. Platinum Fashion Mall – 2 hours (9:00 AM to 11:00 AM)

Commence with your morning adventure at Platinum Fashion Mall . Without a doubt, this is a very popular shopping mall in Pratunam , Bangkok.

It’s an indoor mall that has all kinds of fashion items and accessories .

There are over 1000 outlets inside the mall , offering trendy clothing, underwear, and kids’ wear .

You’ll also find different belts, handbags, shoes, wigs, and even cosmetic products . The best part of the mall is that it is air-conditioned.

2. Pratunam Market – 2 hours (11:00 AM to 1:00 PM)

No Bangkok itinerary would be complete without going to the Pratunam Market and exploring its vibrant shops.

This busy marketplace is just situated on the opposite side of Platinum Fashion Mall .

Most of the stalls sell fashion stuffs at a wholesale price , ranging between 50 Baht and 400 Baht per piece of cloth . This means the clothes here are really cheap .

So, if you’re in need of new dresses, pants, shoes, and accessories, this is the best place to get your money’s worth .

3. Lunch at Pe Aor Tom Yum Kung Noodle or Chicken Rice – 1 hour (1:00 PM to 2:00 PM)

After all the shopping, enjoy your lunch at one of the recommended spots below , which are close to Pratunam Market . Both places offer some of the best tastes of Bangkok . Enjoy your meal.

i. Pe Aor Tom Yum Kung Noodle

For just around 100 Baht, you can enjoy a rich and creamy noodle soup made with a fragrant broth, large prawns (Kung), and often served with noodles.

The soup is tangy, spicy, and a tad creamy from coconut milk, making it an unforgettable dish.

Access: Pe Aor Tom Yum Kung Noodle shop is not close to Pratunam Market. You can take a Grab car for about 150 Baht, and it takes 15 minutes to get there.

ii. Go-Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice

If you’re a fan of chicken dishes, you must visit Go-Ang Pratunam . For only 50 Baht per plate, you can savor their famous tender Hainanese chicken paired with fragrant rice.

4. SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World – 3 hours (2:00 PM to 5:00 PM)

In the afternoon, consider a visit to SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World , the largest aquarium in South East Asia . It’s a spectacular place with over 30,000 marine creatures .

I’ve been there, and it’s a sight to behold. The highlights for me were the sand tiger sharks , giant eagle rays , and the vibrant coral reef fishes .

Plus, you shouldn’t miss the playful penguins and giant spider crabs . I truly love this place for its mesmerizing marine displays.

A little tip: consider booking your aquarium admission tickets online . I found out you can save some money off the original ticket price this way!

Access: If you’re coming from Pe Aor Tom Yum Kung Noodle shop, you may opt for a Grab car to SEA Life Bangkok Ocean World, which costs about 120 Baht and will take roughly 10 minutes.

5. Madame Tussauds Bangkok – 2 hours (5:00 PM to 7:00 PM)

Spend your evening at Madame Tussauds Bangkok . This is such a nice spot to run into your favourite stars .

In this museum, you’ll get to meet the wax figures of best-known movie actors such as Jackie Chan , Captain America , Will Smith , and Hugh Jackman .

Musical stars like Michael Jackson , Lady Gaga , and Ariana Grande are also present.

For the sports category, there’s David Beckham , Cristiano Ronaldo , Serena Williams , and more. In addition, there’s a display for the world’s top leaders .

6. Dinner at Jeh O Chula or Baiyoke Sky Hotel Buffet – 2 hours (7:00 PM to 9:00 PM)

If you’re looking to indulge in a memorable dining experience in Bangkok , you can’t miss out on Dinner at Jeh O Chula or the Baiyoke Sky Hotel Buffet . I’ve had the pleasure of dining at both, and believe me, they’re truly special.

i. Jeh O Chula

At Jeh O Chula , the star dish is their famous Mama Instant Noodles . It’s called Jeh O’s Famous Mama Tom Yum .

This isn’t just any bowl of noodles. It’s a small pot comes with Mama Noodles mixed with flavorful seafood like prawns and squid, eggs, and juicy pork meatballs .

They even add their signature crispy pork belly, giving it an upscale twist . Though it might sound simple, take my word for it, the dish offers a burst of unexpected flavors .

Just a heads up, the queue at Jeh O Chula can be quite long , sometimes stretching over an hour . If you’d like to skip the wait , I suggest you reserve a seat online.

Access: Jeh O Chula is a bit far from Madame Tussauds Bangkok, so I suggest taking a Grab car to get there. It will cost around 100 Baht and take about 10 minutes.

ii. Baiyoke Sky Hotel Buffet

The Baiyoke Sky Hotel Buffet is on the 81st floor . It’s in Thailand’s tallest hotel !

They have lots of food like sushi, grilled meats, seafood, Thai dishes, and desserts . Want to see all the food choices? Simply check the buffet menu here .

And the best part? While eating, you can see the whole city of Bangkok from high up . It’s a beautiful view!

Access: Catch a Grab car from Madame Tussauds Bangkok to Baiyoke Sky Hotel will cost about 100 Baht and is expected to take approximately 10 minutes.

On day 3 of this Bangkok travel itinerary , start with a visit to Thailand’s largest market for an immersive shopping experience.

Afterwards, explore the art and history at a heritage house. Then enjoy a leisurely massage to relax before continuing your adventure.

• 9:00 AM: Chatuchak Weekend Market
• 12:00 PM: Lunch at Chatuchak Market
• 1:00 PM: Jim Thompson House
• 3:00 PM: One More Thai Massage
• 5:00 PM: Mahanakhon SkyWalk
• 7:00 PM: Jodd Fairs Dan Neramit
• 9:00 PM: Dinner at Holy Shrimp

1. Chatuchak Weekend Market – 3 hours (9:00 AM to 12:00 PM)

Have a fun morning visiting Chatuchak Weekend Market Bangkok . As the largest market in the country , you surely will have a lot of shopping options here .

This particular market is known for its trendy clothing at super cheap price .

Most of the items available on display are fashionable tops, comfy shirts, formal wear, and sports attire .

There are also colorful headbands, cute footwear, beautiful bags , and a lot more!

2. Having Lunch at Chatuchak – 1 hour (12:00 PM to 1:00 PM)

After shopping at Chatuchak Market , you don’t need to venture far for lunch .

The market isn’t only about fashion; it’s also a culinary hotspot with numerous food stalls serving a range of delicious foods, drinks, and desserts .

Don’t miss out on dishes like fried chicken, grilled river shrimp, chicken skewers, and coconut ice cream . Many of these mouthwatering items start at just 20 Baht .

3. Jim Thompson House – 2 hours (1:00 PM to 3:00 PM)

The next stop is to visit Jim Thompson House and search around its connecting houses . This traditional museum is known for its ancient and personalized exhibits .

Some of the things featured here are silk scarves, handbags, accessories, and clothing . Each of these comes with unique and beautiful designs that make it very eye-catching .

There’s also a cosy restaurant and gift shop inside the museum.

So, if you want an old-style tourist site in Bangkok with eye-catching display, make sure to pop by the museum.

4. One More Thai Massage (Chit Lom) – 2 hours (3:00 PM to 5:00 PM)

For those seeking to unwind and relax in Bangkok , One More Thai Massage is a spot you shouldn’t miss.

Located in the heart of the city, this massage haven offers an authentic Thai massage experience .

When you’re there, I’d recommend trying their traditional Thai massage or perhaps a soothing foot massage .

It’s not just about the massage, though; the ambiance and the skilled therapists make the whole experience truly rejuvenating .

For a detailed look at their packages and treatment options , simply see their prices here .

5. Mahanakhon SkyWalk (Thailand’s Highest Observation Deck) – 2 hours (5:00 PM to 7:00 PM)

Before the evening kicks in, go to Mahanakhon SkyWalk and catch the sunset . This spot is the best place to see the entire view of Bangkok and its magical cityscape.

The moment you step onto the glass skywalk, you’ll find yourself immersed in a stunning landscape of soaring buildings and lively streets below.

It’s like the whole place is lit up with the warm glow of the sunset . Believe me, you’ll want to take it all in. It’s a view you’ll never forget .

Tip: Be aware that evening lines can be long, so it’s best to book your Mahanakhon SkyWalk tickets online beforehand to save time and ensure your spot.

6. Jodd Fairs DanNeramit – 2 hours (7:00 PM to 9:00 PM)

If Jodd Fairs DanNeramit isn’t on your itinerary yet, it should be! It’s a special market in Bangkok with a fairytale castle , cool vintage cars , and lots of food stalls .

And if you like taking photos, this market is perfect. There are so many great spots for pictures!

Shopping here is fun too. You can find stylish clothes, cool accessories, old-school items, and gifts to take home.

And if you get hungry, there’s plenty of food . From tasty Thai snacks to Japanese food, BBQ skewers, drinks, and more . Plus, there are nice places to sit and eat .

I recommend trying the spring rolls, pad Thai, chicken skewers, and the sweet mango rice . They’re all delicious.

7. Savor Holy Shrimp – 1 hour (9:00 PM to 10:00 PM)

For dinner , I’d recommend trying Holy Shrimp at Jodd Fairs DanNeramit.

They serve amazing seafood dishes . You can enjoy tasty shrimps, mussels, and scallops, all cooked just right in a yummy sauce .

The mix of herbs and a splash of lemon make everything taste even better. Don’t forget the sweet corn—it adds a nice touch to the meal.

If Holy Shrimp isn’t to your liking, don’t worry! Jodd Fairs DanNeramit has plenty of other food options to explore .

From crispy fried chicken and cheesy pizza to juicy burgers and spicy tomyum , you won’t have any trouble finding a delicious dinner here . There’s something for everyone’s taste!

Going to Tokyo soon? Consult my Tokyo itinerary for 7 days to assist you in planning your trip.

The next stop on your Bangkok adventure takes you first to a popular zoo, home to a diverse array of animals and marine life.

Following that, you’ll visit a vibrant park offering stunning photo spots and picturesque dining experiences.

• 9:30 AM: Safari World Bangkok + Lunch
• 4:30 PM: Chocolate Ville + Dinner

1. Safari World Bangkok – 6 hours (9:30 AM to 3:30 PM)

Get yourself ready as you visit the Safari World Bangkok in the morning. Home to thousands of different animals , this park is undeniably entertaining.

Here, you will encounter bears, crocodiles, deers, lions, parrots, orangutans, tigers, and many more !

There are also remarkable shows to look forward to such as the tiger and lion feeding shows , dolphin show , orangutan show , and sea lion show .

Giraffe feeding is another captivating activity for all ages.

I highly suggested that you book the zoo tickets online to save around 40% compared to buying the tickets on-site.

Getting There:

Unfortunately, there isn’t a BTS or MRT station near Safari World. The best and easiest way to get there is by taking this shuttle bus from Central World shopping mall. This is how we did it during our visit. However, it’s required to reserve your seat online in advance .

Please be aware that outside food is not permitted at Safari World. However, there’s no need to worry! The park has numerous restaurants offering a variety of dishes, from Thai and Asian cuisines to Western favorites like burgers.

2. Chocolate Ville – 3 hours (4:30 PM to 7:30 PM)

Come evening, proceed to the ever-colorful Chocolate Ville Bangkok . This is a beautiful European-themed village that is filled with gorgeous photography spots .

Walk around and you’ll see pretty streets everywhere, perfect for photos . There are fountains , old-style buildings , and even a calm lake .

If you’re visiting Safari World Bangkok and Chocolate Ville in one day , consider booking this shuttle bus . It’s a time-saving choice since neither attraction is train-accessible.

Alternatively, you can take a Grab car from Safari World to Chocolate Ville, which will cost around 160 Baht and take about 30 minutes.

When you’re ready to head back to your hotel, getting a Grab car from Chocolate Ville is also simple.

You can take your dinner at Chocolate Ville. It offers lots of yummy food choices, from local Thai dishes to tasty Western meals. I believe you’ll enjoy it!

For a scenic dining view, I’d suggest grabbing a seat by the riverside.

Day 5 of the Bangkok itinerary will bring you to the best Thailand floating market and other unique tourist spots .

During our recent trip, we took a bus tour from the city centre of Bangkok to the markets . We chose this method because these places aren’t easily accessible by public transport .

If you want to follow what we did , just book the top-rated bus tour here .

Personally, I was very satisfied with the bus tour service . We had enough time to explore , and the guides offered recommendations on the best local foods to try.

Now, I’d love to share with you the destinations we visited on this day.

• 11:45 AM: Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
• 1:50 PM: Maeklong Railway Market
• 6:00 PM: The One Ratchada + Dinner

1. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market – 1 hours 45 minutes (11:45 AM to 1:30 PM)

Commence your morning with a visit to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market , the most famous floating market in Thailand .

This destination is not just a top day trip from Bangkok but also a haven for photography enthusiasts . So, make sure to include this place in your itinerary .

As you wander, hop on a boat ride for an up-close view of the market . You’ll find delicious local snacks being sold by boat vendors – make sure to taste a few!

If you join the tour like we did , the tour guide will arrange a boat ride for you , so there’s no need to worry about it.

While exploring the market along the canal , you’ll discover a wide range of delicious foods . Make sure to sample as many dishes and snacks as you can.

For your lunch , you can opt for the boat noodle , which is priced at 60 Baht . Then, pair it with the delicious mango sticky rice at 50 Baht . These two are very popular in the market, so make sure not to miss them.

And, you can try coconut ice cream , which is also a favourite among locals and even tourists . The price for this kind of dessert is normally 40 Baht .

Side note: Some travellers choose to visit Amphawa Floating Market . This market is celebrated for its seafood goodness and relaxing ambiance, but it’s not as renowned as Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.

2. Maeklong Railway Market (Rom Hup Market) – 1.5 hours (1:50 PM to 3:20 PM)

In the afternoon, make your way to the Maeklong Railway Market and capture the moving train . This is definitely the main reason why travellers want to visit this popular market when they’re in Bangkok.

Aside from that, this place is also a fun spot to buy some dried fruit snacks . Most of these are sold for as low as 50 Baht .

So, if you’re looking for delicious and affordable treats, you can buy them here.

And to energize you, try the fresh coconut in the market , which is also very cheap . It’s only 20 Baht! You really can’t find this kind of price anywhere in Bangkok , so don’t miss them out.

3. The One Ratchada – 3 hours (6:00 PM to 9:00 PM)

Kick off your evening at The One Ratchada . This cozy market is perfect for both shopping and eating .

If you’re like me and love local markets, this place is a treat. You’ll find stylish clothes and unique souvenirs to take home .

With a vast array of food options , you can easily have your dinner in the market .

Delight in delicious sushi , refreshing smoothies , and fresh coconuts . And for seafood lovers , don’t miss out on the grilled crabs and prawns .

To top off your visit, unwind at one of the laid-back bars with affordable drinks and lively music. Enjoy!

If you’re planning to see several attractions in Bangkok , you might want to consider getting the Bangkok Multi-Attraction Pass .

For instance, if you’re interested in visiting Safari World, enjoying a river cruise, and seeing the city from the Mahanakhon SkyWalk, buying tickets one by one would cost 3,230 Baht .

But if you get the multi-attraction pass , it’s just 2,400 Baht for all three . That means you save 830 Baht .

If two of you are traveling , you’ll save even more , about 1,660 Baht in total . The pass can get you into as many as 28 attractions . For more info, just hit the link below.

• Check out Bangkok Multi-Attraction Pass here

To help you craft the perfect itinerary for your Bangkok vacation, I’ve created a map that highlights all the best places in the city.

This way, you can see where each attraction is located and easily plan out your route from one must-see to the next.

For the best accommodation , below are my most recommended hotels to stay in Bangkok . These hotels are situated near BTS stations, shopping malls, and eateries .

• Holiday Inn Bangkok : For those who want to be near Chit Lom and Siam BTS stations, this hotel is a great choice. Not only that but this is also 5 minutes away from the top shopping malls such as Central World and Siam Paragon.
• Centara Watergate Pavillion Hotel : This hotel is very near to Pratunam Market and Platinum Fashion Mall. Just a 5-minute walk to Siam Paragon Mall and Central World Shopping Complex.
• ibis Bangkok Siam : This hotel is very close to MBK and Siam Paragon shopping mall. It’s also located next to the National Stadium station. This BTS station allows you to easily ride BTS Skytrain to visit other places in the city.

Just in case you do not know, it’s quite difficult to get a free Wi-Fi connection in Bangkok. That’s why it’s advisable that you get a Thailand prepaid SIM card ahead of time.

You can book here for the prepaid SIM card before you kick-start your vacation. This is actually what we did during our trip to the city.

Why Use Local Prepaid SIM Card

• It allows you to navigate around the city via Google Maps easily.
• It lets you check the precise train route from time to time while travelling.
• It gives you the chance to use Grab. Having a local SIM card is needed because the driver needs to call you beforehand to confirm the pickup location.

Why Book the SIM Card Online

• Online reservation offers you up to 50% discount compared to buying it directly at the airport.
• It’s easy for you to pick up the SIM card at the counter of Suvarnabhumi Airport or Don Muang Airport .

After your Bangkok trip, is Singapore or Penang your next stop? If yes, then better read my suggested 5 days in Singapore itinerary or Penang 3-day itinerary right here!

1. BTS Skytrain and Metro (MRT)

The best way to get around Bangkok is by taking the BTS Skytrain and Metro (MRT) . This transport option lets you skip the traffic jam and save your travel time .

You can purchase the train ticket from the ticket vending machines located in each station . Hence, you just buy the tickets every time you need to ride a train .

To check the train route, I recommend that you utilize Google Maps. This gives you the shortest route to reach your preferred destination.

Unfortunately, taxi scams in Bangkok are quite common . Some drivers do not use their taxi meter so they charge tourists a higher, fixed price .

Because of this, I encourage you to use Grab for safety purposes . The rates of this transport service are also reasonable, so nothing to worry about.

3. Airport Transfers

My most recommended choice when it comes to travelling from the airport to a hotel is via private airport transfer . It’s because this option offers stress-free transportation .

There’s no need to drag your luggage during train transfers . All you have to do is relax and wait for your destination.

I booked a private airport transfer during our trip , and their service was truly excellent , with a very friendly driver . They can even take you directly to any hotel in Bangkok .

Check out the prices at the below links.

Bangkok is all set for you; just add these ideas to your own itinerary. Have a fantastic time exploring!

30 Top Things to Do in Bangkok You’ll Want to Go in 2024

12 Best Bangkok Night and Day Markets to Visit in 2024

Asiatique The Riverfront in Bangkok: A Detailed Guide

1 thought on “bangkok itinerary: the best 5 day trip guide for reference”.

Hello Josh, We plan our trip to Thailand and Cambodia our group 11 adults. I have read your advice and tips and it helps me a lot especially my sister, nieces and nephews are depending on me to do tours. Thank you!

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Bangkok Starts Here

For a less nimble blogger, creating a Bangkok travel guide would be a difficult task, maybe even an unruly one. It’s easy for me, however, given that I’ve lived there on three separate occasions, to say nothing of my dozens of trips before, between and after those residential stints.

Intellectually, I approach my recommendations Bangkok attractions, day trips and restaurants from the standpoint of a quasi-local. On the other hand, I present and organize my suggestions in a way that reflects the time sensitivity necessary for your trip, which will almost certainly be a short one.

Although I’ll stop short of presenting a complete Bangkok itinerary, it will be easy for you to read between the lies of this post and create one. No matter what type of traveler you are, and whether you’re looking for things to do in Bangkok for three days or otherwise, Bangkok starts here.

Where to Stay in Bangkok

I’ve written a complete article about where to stay in Bangkok , but if you don’t feel like reading it, I’ll recommend a couple of areas and hotels convenient to my Bangkok travel guide here. In my more detailed article, I outline that you have two basic choices about where to base yourself in Bangkok: The Old City and the New City. (There are subdivisions within both of these, but I won’t go into them for a few more paragraphs.)

If you want to stay in the Old City (in particular on Rattanakosin island, on the east bank of the Chao Phraya), I recommend either the luxurious Chakrabongse Villas , or the simpler (but adjacent) Riva Arun . The best Bangkok hotels in the New City, meanwhile, range anywhere from the spartan Diamond City Hotel not far from the airport rail link, to the Eastin Grand Hotel in Sathorn, to the ultra-luxurious Rosewood Bangkok .

My Favorite Things to Do in Bangkok

Dig deep into bangkok’s old citi(es).

Searching for the best temples in Bangkok? Famous ones include Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) and Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), in Rattanakosin and Thonburi, respectively. Lesser-known temples and shrines I also love include the Wat Pak Nam “space temple” deeper into Thonburi, Erawan Shrine just across from CentralWorld Mall in Ratchadamri and Wat Saket , aka the “Golden Mountain,” from which you can get one of Bangkok’s most enchanting sunset views. The Grand Palace , meanwhile, is home to Wat Phra Kaew , the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

Devote a full evening to Chinatown

Whether you dine at Bangkok Chinatown restaurants like the understated dim sum joint Canton House , or brave the somewhat chaotic street food scene, Yaowarat is a logical place to continue exploring Bangkok once the sun has set on the old city. Hop in a tuk-tuk and head down to this exciting part of town, whether you have a cocktail at one of the many shophouses converted into gin bars, say your prayers at the magnificent Wat Traimit marble temple or practice your long exposure photography skills in front of the Chinatown Gate .

Embrace your inner shopaholic

Earlier I mentioned CentralWorld, which is one of almost countless malls along Rama I and Sukhumvit Roads in the heart of Bangkok. To be sure, whether you visit relatively basic malls like MBK Center near National Stadium , classics such as Siam Paragon and Terminal 21 , or upscale retail establishments like IconSiam , Central Embassy and Phrom Pong area’s Emquartier , shopping is one of the most accessible things to do in Bangkok. It’s also a very practical choice to make, given that the free AC you enjoy inside malls saves you from the city’s unrelenting heat! No matter how many days in Bangkok you decide to spend, you’ll want to enjoy some retail therapy.

(And your inner foodie—duh!)

Here’s a hack you might not be expecting: Much of the best street food in Bangkok is not on the streets. Rather, basically all the malls I listed above have their own food courts, where you can enjoy clean and safe versions of dishes you might otherwise only find on the street. You’re welcome! Of course, if you’re feeling more adventurous, you can always enjoy street eats in spots such as Convent Road in Silom, Soi Suan Phlu 8 in Sathorn and of course, Chatuchak Weekend Market (which, in spite of its name, is actually located closer to Kamphaeng Phet MRT station than to the Chatuchak Park one).

Make a point of taking day trips

The sheer number of day trips from Bangkok you can take is staggering, especially when you consider how much there is to do in the city. Obvious choices include the ancient city of Ayutthaya to Bangkok’s north and Pattaya , a coastal city (though not really a “beach” one) to the south and east. Other great places to visit on a day trip include various floating markets (the most famous of which is Damnoen Saduak in Samut Songkhram province) and Maekhlong Railway Market . Other destinations, such as the towering Buddha of Ang Thong , lush Kanchanaburi and Koh Samet island, are better seen on weekend trips.  

How Many Days Should You Spend in Bangkok?

For a long time, 3 days in Bangkok was my gold-standard answer for how long you should stay in Thailand’s capital. Now, having lived there (on more than one occasion), I can clearly see arguments why you might want to spend more or less time in Bangkok. On the low end, if you’ve only got a week or two in Thailand, it makes sense that two full days in Bangkok might be all the doctor ordered, at least to start with—you’ll likely need to come back here at the end of your trip.

Likewise, given all the things I’ve listed in this Bangkok travel guide (to say nothing of how delightful it is to discover Bangkok’s many neighborhoods), it makes sense that you would want to spend longer in Bangkok—and I’m not just talking about expanding your Bangkok 3-day itinerary into four or five. Staying in Bangkok for a week or longer is especially enjoying, because it allows you to feel as if you’re living there (even though—trust me on this one—living in Bangkok is definitely not for everyone).

Is Bangkok Underrated or Overrated?

This segues perfectly into the next question some of you are asking yourself, namely “is Bangkok worth visiting?” While, as I’ve just expressed, I don’t necessarily think living in Bangkok if for everyone, I do think every traveler to Thailand needs to visit Bangkok at least once. I’m biased in saying this: During my first trip to Thailand, more than a decade ago, I’d had no intentions of setting foot in the capital. It was only because my crappy point-and-shoot camera busted when I was on Koh Mak that I stopped in Bangkok at all. (I immediately fell in love, in case you couldn’t infer that.)

In general I would say that Bangkok is underrated, primarily because most people travel there either with wrong instructions or wrong intentions—usually both. For example, there is a certain subset of tourists that just wants to go wild, be it along foreigner-infested Khao San Road or on seedy Soi Cowboy, which is probably my least-favorite street of Sukhumvit Road. Even people who arrive in Bangkok wanting to have the best experience are often seriously misguided about where to go in Bangkok. You’re here, however, so that thankfully won’t include you.

Other FAQ About Travel in Bangkok

What can you do in bangkok for 3 days.

With three days in Bangkok, you can spend one day in the “old” cities of Rattanakosin and Thonburi, another exploring modern districts such as Siam, Silom, Sukhumvit and Sathorn and a third taking day trips, whether to ancient Ayutthaya, or the sprawling Chatuchak Weekend Market. Have a longer amount of time to spend? Thankfully, many of the things to do in Bangkok in three days can be spread out to four, five or longer.

Is Bangkok worth visiting?

Absolutely! Whether you prefer modern experiences like shopping malls and skybars, or visiting ancient temples like Wat Pho and the Grand Palace, Bangkok is one of the most dynamic cities in the world, and the indisputable hub of Southeast Asia. If you’re searching for what to do in Bangkok today, the possibilities are basically endless!

Is Bangkok safe for tourists right now?

Bangkok is safe in the sense that violent crime is relatively rare—petty theft is another story. As as certain other dangers, including traffic accidents, respiratory irritation from constant pollution and even occasional political demonstrations. With all this being said, Bangkok is much safer than most cities in the United States and Latin America.

The Bottom Line

Whether you’ve come here seeking a general Bangkok travel guide, to decide how many days to spend in Bangkok or wanting a complete itinerary for Thailand’s capital, I’m confident you’ve now found what you’ve needed. I’m biased—I lived here on several occasions after all—but I think Bangkok is one of the best cities in the world, and certainly among my favorites. Focus your energy on the city-center, divided between ancient Rattanakoskin or Thonburi and futuristic Silom, Siam and Sukhumvit, or take day trips to destinations like spiritual Ayutthaya and lush Kanchanaburi. Don’t want to leave your Thailand trip to chance? Commission a custom Thailand itinerary today!

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2023 Bangkok Travel Guide (Budget + Itinerary)

by thepinay solobackpacker | Sep 12, 2023 | Featured , Itinerary , Thailand , Tourist Spots , Travel Guide | 0 comments

Bangkok is special to me, because this is where I first backpacked solo abroad. I remember booking a cheap airfare months before my trip. I booked a tour and a hotel from a travel agency but after paying it, they called me and said I had to pay for two because the hotel room is good for two. So I asked for a refund. And that’s how I started researching about DIY trips to Bangkok, Thailand that eventually led me to setting up this blog. I read a Bangkok Travel Guide that introduced the concept of backpacking and DIY travels to me.

TRAVEL BLOG CONTENTS

BANGKOK TRAVEL GUIDE

Bangkok is a good introduction to Southeast Asia backpacking because everything here is cheap (hotels, food, tours, shopping, transportation, etc.), it is easy to explore, it is rich in culture, it has arguably the best food in Southeast Asia, it is tourist-friendly (save for a few pushy touts), it is generally safe (except for tuktuk scams) and it is easy to cross the border (from Thailand) to neighboring countries like Cambodia, Laos and Malaysia. I’ll blog about border-crossing from Thailand in the future, but for the meantime, here’s my Bangkok Travel Guide with budget and itinerary to help you plan your next trip. .

WHEN TO VISIT BANGKOK  : Bangkok is situated in Southeast Asia, near the equator, dear readers. So expect it to be hot and humid during summer and prepare for torrential downpour during the rainy season.

November to February is the best season to visit Bangkok since it is cool and dry. I have traveled to Bangkok a few times during this season. However if you want to avoid the crowd, take note that December to January is the peak season.

March to June is pretty hot, I traveled a few times to Bangkok during this season and I could not stand staying in a fan room. I recommend booking an air-conditioned room if you plan to travel around the aforementioned months. If you want to get a tan, this is a good season for Thailand beaches. And if you are in Bangkok around second week of April, don’t miss the popular Songkran Festival.

July to October is the wet season, expect drizzles to heavy downpour that might ruin your travel plans. However, there is a good side to the low season, hotels and airfares can go as low as 50% off, so it can be pretty tempting to travel.

BANGKOK CURRENCY AND MONEY EXCHANGE: Bangkok uses Thai Bhat (THB or ฿) as currency. But I suggest you bring US dollars to get a better rate. I had a hard time finding a money changer in Bangkok that accepts Philippine peso the last time I was there. Money exchange shops are widespread in Bangkok, but bank rates are usually better, so, I prefer withdrawing cash from ATM.  Take note that there is a ฿200 (₱315 – $6) fee when you withdraw using foreign accounts.  Some banks like Aeon Bank charge less, about  ฿150 (₱236 – $5)  per withdrawal. So if you plan to withdraw from an ATM, make it one time big time since the fee per transaction is quite hefty.

BANGKOK WI-FI: While most accommodations in Bangkok have free Wi-Fi, it’s important to stay connected online while you are outside and touring around. You can use your data or rent a pocket Wi-Fi.

• Thailand Pocket Wi-Fi: RENT HERE
• Thailand Simcard: BUY HERE

BANGKOK ELECTRICITY : Bangkok and the rest of Thailand uses 220 V. Power outlets commonly have two-prong round or flat sockets. Bring universal adapter plug. You can also buy at convenience stores in Bangkok like 7Eleven.

BANGKOK TIME : Take note that the Philippines is 1 hour ahead of Bangkok, Thailand. Adjust your watch while in Bangkok so you won’t miss your tour or flight.

THAILAND VISA : Philippine Passport holders are entitled to a 30 day visa-free entry (by air) to Thailand. If arriving by land like crossing borders from Cambodia, Laos or Malaysia, you will only get a 15 day visa-free stay.

HOW TO GET TO BANGKOK FROM MANILA

Several airlines fly to Bangkok from Manila like Cebu Pacific, Thai Airways and Philippine Airlines.

BANGKOK AIRPORT (SUVARNABHUMI) TO BANGKOK CITY CENTER

• AIRPORT TRANSFER

If you want an easy and efficient transfer in a modern air conditioned vehicle from Suvarnabhumi airport to your hotel, you can book an airport transfer.

Bangkok Airport Transfer: RESERVE HERE

• AIRPORT TAXI

The Bangkok Airport taxis are located outside the First floor (Ground Floor), near entrances 3,4,7, and 8. Taxis have different colors depending on the taxi company.

There are 2 kinds of  Bangkok Airport taxis:

• Ordinary taxi: good for 2-3 passengers with small luggage
• Maxi taxis: good for 3-4 passengers with large baggages

Taxi fare is charge by the meter, plus additional  THB 50 (₱78 -$1.50) airport surcharge and Express Way fees.

To get an airport taxi, after collecting your baggage, proceed to the kiosk with “Taxi Meter Only” sign. You need to tell the staff where you need to go and you’ll be given a paper printed with your destination. You will be pointed to where you need to go for the taxi pick up.

If you will be taking Grab  from Bangkok Airport (Suvarnabhumi) to Bangkok City, expect to pay around  ฿375 (₱590 /$11) to ฿1,000 (₱1,571 /$30)  depending on your destination.  Travel time from Bangkok Airport (Suvarnabhumi) to Bangkok City is roughly 30-45 minutes.  Remember that many drivers in Bangkok aren’t fluent in English, so you might have a hard time communicating.

•   BY AIRPORT RAIL LINK

This is the fastest way to get to Bangkok City from Bangkok Airport (Suvarnabhumi Airport) if you want to avoid the infamous Bangkok traffic. However, it won’t bring you directly to your hotel, unless your hotel is near one of the BTS or MRT stations.

The Airport Rail Link is located at the Basement Level and is open from 5:30 AM to 12:00 midnight only.  Fare is roughly THB 45 (₱71 -$1.35) from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Bangkok City and vice versa.

The line starts at Phyathai Station to Suvarnabhumi Airport. The Airport line stops at 7 stations along the way.

• (A1) Suvarnabhumi Airport
• (A2) Lad Krabang Station
• (A3) Ban Thap Chang
• (A4) Hua Mak
• (A5) Ramkhamhaeng
• (A6) Makkasan (City Air Terminal, interchange with MRT Blue Line (Petchaburi)
• (A7) Ratchaprarop
• (A8) Phayatai Station (interchange with BTS Sukhumvit Line).

If you’re heading to Bangkok City, you can connect to BTS Skytrain or MRT Metro Trains at (A6) Makkasan Station for THB 35 (₱55 -$1) or at (A8) Phayatai Station for THB 45 (₱71 -$1.35). Fare for the city line is THB 15 (₱24 -$0.45) to THB 45 (₱71 -$1.35) depending on the distance.

Just to give you a brief explanation, the Airport Line is the line that connects to the airport from both the BTS and MRT Line (pretty much like Manila’s LRT and MRT). BTS is a skytrain that runs across Bangkok from North to South East are. Meanwhile, the MRT is a subway that runs along the main road in Bangkok.

BANGKOK AIRPORT (SUVARNABHUMI) TO SUKHUMVIT BY AIRPORT LINE + MRT/BTS SKYTRAIN

Here’s how to get from Bangkok Airport to Bangkok City via the Bangkok BTS and MRT Line:

1.At Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok Airport), make your way to the Basement Level. 2. Buy tokens or pass for the Bangkok Airport Train.

3.Ride the Bangkok Airport Train.

4.Alight at (A6) Makkasan Station. Fare is THB 35 (₱55 -$1).

5.If your hotel is located in Silom and Chinatown. Walk to the (BL21) Phetchaburi Station (MRT Blue Line).

6.Ride the blue line at (BL21) Phetchaburi Station to (BL22) Sukhumvit Station. Fare is THB 17 (₱27 -$0.51).

7. Alight at (BL22) Sukhumvit Station. Take Exit No.3 – Sukhumvit Road. From there you can get to Asoke intersection on Sukhumvit Road, to Silom and Chinatown.

BANGKOK AIRPORT (SUVARNABHUMI) TO SUKHUMVIT BY UBER/GRAB/TAXI

Coming from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) Airport Sukhumvit, Uber/Grabe/Taxi will cost you around TBH 325/PHP 496 (USD 10/EURO 8/ SGD 13/MYR 41).

BANGKOK AIRPORT (SUVARNABHUMI) TO KHAO SAN ROAD: BY UBER/Grab/Taxi

If you decide to take UBER/Grab/taxi to Khao San Road, prepare to pay around TBH 375/PHP 573 (USD 11/EURO 10/SGD 375/MYR 48).

BY AIRPORT LINE + BTS Skytrain

From Bangkok Airport to get to your hotel in Khao San Road, you can take the Airport Line + BTS Skytrain. The closest BTS Skytrain stations are National Stadium Station (closest station but needs 2 transfers), Ratchatewi Station (1 transfer) and Siam Station (1 transfer) but it is still quite far, about 5 KM. So from any of these stations, you can take Uber/Grab or taxi to Khao San Road.

STEP 1: Take the Airport Line to Phyathai (Phaya Thai) Station. STEP 2: Transfer to dark green line and alight at Ratchatewi Station or Siam Station. Take a cab/Uber/Grab to Khao San Road. Fare is around TBH 107/PHP 163 (USD 3/EURO 3/SGD 4.36/MYR 14).

STEP 1: Take the Airport Line to Phyathai (Phaya Thai) Station. STEP 2 : Transfer to dark green line and alight at Siam Station. STEP 3: From Siam Station, transfer to light green line to National Stadium. STEP 4: Take UBER/Grab/taxi to Khao San Road. Fare is about TBH 95/PHP 145 (USD 3/EURO 3/SGD 4/MYR 12). IMPORTANT: Good news is, the MRT Extension has been approved, so once that line opens, you can just get off at Democracy Monument Station (OR 5) and walk to Khao San Road.

BANGKOK AIRPORT (SUVARNABHUMI) TO SILOM

BY UBER/GRAB/TAXI

Uber/Grab/Taxi to Silom from Bangkok Airport (Suvarnabumi) will cost roughly TBH 375/PHP 573 (USD 11/EURO 10/SGD 375/MYR 48).

BY AIRPORT LINE + MRT/BTS SKYTRAIN OPTION 1

STEP 1: Take the Airport Line and alight at Makkasan Station. STEP 2: Transfer to MRT Blue Line en route to Hua Lamphong. Get off at Silom (Si Lom) Station.

STEP 1: Take the Airport Line and get off at Phyathai (Phaya Thai) Station. STEP 2: Transfer to BTS Sukhumvit Line en route to Bearing and alight at Siam Station. STEP 3 : Transfer to BTS Silom Line en route to Bang Wa) and get off at Saladaeng Station.

BORDER-CROSSING IN THAILAND

Poipet (Thailand) – Aranyaprathet (Cambodia)

ALSO READ: 

BANGKOK – CAMBODIA BORDER CROSSING

Huay Xai (Thailand)/ Chiang Khong (Laos) Koh Lipe (Thailand)/ Langkawi (Malaysia)

ALSO READ: BANGKOK TO CAMBODIA BORDER CROSSING

GETTING AROUND BANGKOK

Getting around Bangkok can be confusing at first, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to explore the city. There are 6 modes of transportation that you can use:

TRAIN (BTS Skytrain/MRT)

A cheap way to get around Bangkok is via the train (BTS Skytrain/MRT). You can use single-trip tokens or pre-paid Smart Passes. Single Journey tokens will cost you THB 15/PHP 23 (USD 0.45/EURO 4/SGD 0.61/MYR 2) – THB 52/PHP 80 (USD 2/EURO 4/SGD 2/MYR 7) depending on the number of zones you crossed, while the day pass is THB 130/PHP 199 (USD 4/EURO 4/SGD 5/MYR 16). You can purchase tickets from the ticket booth or ticket machines in every station. Always print the receipt or ask for one, you might need it later.

BY CAR RENTAL

• Enjoy a comfortable private charter from Bangkok in a modern air conditioned car (up to 3 people) or a van (up to 10 people)
• Choose between full or half day packages to suit the requirements of your trip
• Plan your own itinerary and let your driver find the shortest route to get there
• Feel safe in the hands of your experienced driver and guide on request (full day charter only)

Thankfully, Uber and Grab are now available in Bangkok that will make commuting hassle-free!

I’ve used taxi in Bangkok a few times, I just hail one and they automatically turn on the meter. If they don’t, insist on using it or get out and hail another cab. Do not approach the ones parked near Khao San Road, they don’t use the meter! Flag down is THB 35/PHP 53 (USD 1/EURO 0.89/SGD 1.43/MYR 35), and usually cost me around THB 70/PHP 107 (USD 2/EURO 2/SGD 3/MYR 9) to THB 100/PHP 153 (USD 3/EURO 3/SGD 4/MYR 13).

BANGKOK SCAM ALERT (FLAT FARE TAXI): When you ride a taxi and the driver refuses to turn on the meter saying it’s a flat fare taxi. The driver will most likely charge you about 3 times the usual meter rate. Get off and hail another cab.

The Chao Phraya express boat is usually a cheap way to get to the Grand Palace complex and Wat Pho, not to mention you will avoid traffic. Meanwhile, the Saen Saep express boat is popular among locals for daily commute.

IMPORTANT: If you are a female, do not sit next to a monk on a boat (or any public transportation) or stand in the same area of the boat. Do not touch them or their things. It is frowned upon.

BANGKOK SCAM ALERT (TBH 10 or TBH 20 Tuktuk Ride): Don’t believe when a local approaches you and tells you that ferry is not frequent and will leave at certain times of the day only. He will then hail a tuktuk to take you around for about TBH 20/PHP 30 (USD 0.90/EURO 0.76/ SGD 1.22/MYR 4) but instead of taking you directly to your destination, the driver will take you to different travel agencies and shops. TBH 30 is a small amount but if you are pressed for time, this can ruin your itinerary.

You can charter a long-tail boat to explore Khlong Bangkok Noi and other canals in Thonburi. Negotiate the price first before leaving.

I’ve used the bus a few times before, it can be confusing. It’s a cheap way to get around Bangkok, however I won’t really recommend this because you might get lost if you don’t know where to get off.

There are motorbikes that can take you to your destination (short-distances). I’ve used this a few times to get to my hotel and evade traffic. They are mostly wearing helmet and uniforms and parked at the BTS/MRT Stations or bus stop. The fares are clearly posted, so make sure you read them or ask the driver before hopping on the motorbike. Helmet is provided.

Honestly, I’ve never used a tuktuk before for my Bangkok tour because of the gem scam issue. But a good friend advised me, it is not as bad as he thought. The drivers will add the gem market to the destination (it’s like when you take the tours in Vietnam or Indonesia and they take you to souvenir shops where the driver and the tourist guide get commissions). So it’s still up to you if you will purchase from those gem stores. If you do, they will get a commission. But if you are really hesitant since this will waste your time and ruin your itinerary but you want to experience riding in a tuktuk, you can use it for short distance ride but be wary of another scam the TBH 10 or 20 tuktuk ride. See details below this post (list of Bangkok Scams).

BANGKOK SCAM ALERT (CLOSED FOR TODAY): Don’t believe when a friendly local approaches you and introduces himself as a teacher and then will tell you that the Grand Palace or a certain temple or a certain attraction is closed for a Buddhist holiday or cleaning. He will then hail an accomplice tuktuk to tour you or take you to another temple or attraction. The driver will drive you around to gem stores or shops and get a commission for taking you there. I was told they usually get gas coupons.

BANGKOK TOP ATTRACTIONS

Ko rattanakosin area.

This is where Bangkok’s most important temples are concentrated, including the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. Dubbed as the historic center of Bangkok, Rattanakosin established sometime in 1782 when the capital of Thai Kingdom was moved here – Rattanakosin Kingdom, which was the 4th Kingdom of Thailand.

THE GRAND PALACE and WAT PHRA KAEW

When in Bangkok, don’t miss the Grand Palace the official residence of the Kings of Thailand since 1782. This sprawling complex is sprinkled with jaw-dropping buildings, gardens and pavilions.

Address: Na Phra Lan Rd, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, Thailand Open Hours: 08:30 AM– 03:30 PM Entrance Fee: THB 500/PHP 764 (USD 15/EURO 13/SGD 20/MYR 63), ticket includes a visit to Wat Phraew and Dusit Palace (you can use within 7 days).

BANGKOK SCAM ALERT: If a local approaches you and tells you the Grand Palace is close for the day and offers to take you to other temples instead. Do not believe him/her. It’s a scam. Go directly to the main entrance.

DRESS CODE: Do not wear shorts or tank tops, it is considered disrespectful. Make sure your legs and shoulders are covered. You can rent sarong near the palace gate in case you failed to comply like me.

HOW TO GET TO THE GRAND PALACE:

STEP 1: Take the Silom Line (BTS Skytrain) and alight at (S6) Saphan Taksin Station.

STEP 2: Hop on the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Ta Chang Pier (No.9). From here, the Grand Palace is about a 5-10 minute walk.

If coming from Khao San Road, the Grand Palace is about 20-30 minute walk. Consult Google Maps for directions. Or just take a taxi or UBER/Grab for about THB 47/PHP 72 (USD 1.42/EURO 1.19/SGD 2/MYR 6).

I’ve tried this route twice but I usually visit other temples along the way. Will write a more detailed Bangkok Walking Tour blog soon.

If coming from the National Stadium, Silom or Lumphini BTS/MRT Station, you can take Bus #47. Fare is about THB 7/PHP 11 (USD 0.21/EURO 0.18/SGD 0.29/MYR 0.89) on weekdays and FREE during weekends.

From Phaya Thai, Hua Lamphong BTS/MRT Station or National Stadium, you may take a cab or UBER/GRAB for about THB 100/PHP 153 (USD 3/EURO 3/SGD 4/MYR 13).

Bangkok Grand Palace and River Cruise Sightseeing Half Day Tour

• See the best of Bangkok on an immersive tour of the city with a professional guide
• Take a relaxing cruise down Chao Phraya River and view iconic Bangkok landmarks
• Have lunch at Wang Lang Market, a truly local place and a street food haven
• Transportation between sights and English speaking guide services are included

Inclusive Of:

Join in tour Air conditioned vehicle with free WiFi on board Professional licensed English/Chinese/Japanese/Korean speaking guide All admission fees as mentioned in the program (THB500) Boat ride at the floating market Insurance provided by the operator

Nearby the Grand Palace is another famous temple – Wat Pho, known for its gigantic reclining Buddha. But more than that, Wat Pho is actually the earliest public education center in Thailand. Interestingly, the Epigraphic Archives of Wat Pho (Temple of the Bodhi Tree) in Bangkok has been recognised by UNESCO in its Memory of the World Programme.

Address : 2 Sanamchai Road, Grand Palace Sub district, Pranakorn District, Bangkok Open Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Entrance Fee: THB 100/PHP 153 (USD 3/EURO 3/SGD 4/MYR 13)

HOW TO GET TO WAT PHO:

See directions above for getting to The Grand Palace. Wat Pho is near Tha Tien Pier adjacent to the Grand Palace but it is located on the other side of the entrance gate.

WAT ARUN Address: 158 Thanon Wang Doem, Khwaeng Wat Arun, Khet Bangkok Yai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Open Hours: 8:00 AM -6:30 PM Entrance Fee: THB 100/PHP 153 (USD 3/EURO 3/SGD 4/MYR 13)

HOW TO GET TO WAT ARUN:

See directions above to get to the Grand Place. Then ride the boat to Wat Arun at Than Tien Pier near the Grand Palace. Fare is THB 4/PHP 6 (USD 0.12/EURO 0.10/SGD 0.16/MYR 0.51). Boat leaves every 10-15 minutes from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

CHAO PHRAYA PRINCESS CRUISE

• View historic Bangkok landmarks, such as the Emerald Buddha Temple and Grand Palace, by night on a grand cruise ride
• Hark back to the 80s and 90s with a live band, performing hits by ABBA, Donna Dummer and the Supremes
• Enjoy the Bangkok nightscape and take in the cool breeze from the perch of the boat deck, overlooking the famous Chao Phraya River
• Indulge in a gourmet buffet of Thai delicacies as well as international favorites

Dusit is the the administrative center of Thailand, this is where the royal palace is located, as well as the magnificent Dusit Palace, Vimanmek Teakwood Mansion and Marble Palace.

DUSIT PALACE (Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall)

Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall is my favorite building in Bangkok because of the intricate paintings on its ceiling and the surreal Arts of the Kingdom exhibit.

Address: U-Thong Nai Road, Bangkok, Thailand

• As of October 1, 2017, the Dusit Palace is  indefinitely closed and the Arts of the Kingdom exhibit will be moved to Ayutthaya.

Entrance Fee: THB 150/PHP 229 (USD 5/EURO 4/SGD 6/MYR 19). But if you have the Grand Palace Ticket, it is included in the ticket so long as you pay a visit within 7 days.

DRESS CODE: Do not wear shorts or tank tops and make sure your legs and shoulders are covered. You can rent sarong near the palace gate in case you failed to comply like me.

IMPORTANT: Photography is not allowed inside, you need to deposit your bags including your camera and phone.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS: Vinmamek Mansion, Marble Temple

HOW TO GET TO DUSIT PALACE

The most convenient is to get there by Uber/Grab or Taxi. If coming from the Grand Palace to Dusit Palace (type Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall in Uber) fare is around TBH 145/PHP 221 (USD 4.35/EURO 3.68/SGD 6/MYR 18).. If coming from Khao San Road to Dusit Palace (type Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall in Uber), fare is about TBH 112/PHP 171 (USD 3.36/EURO 3/SGD 5/MYR 14).

But if you want to save a few bucks, you can ride the BTS Skytrain to Victory Moment Station and ride air-conditioned bus 12 or 515 to Dusit Palace at Ratchawithi Road. Alternatively, you can take the BTS Skytrain to Rajchathevi Station and ride bus 16.

If you are coming the Old City, take air-conditioned bus 70 to the Dusit Palace. You can hail bus 70 at Sanam Luang near the Grand Palace. If you are at Khao San Road area, you can hail bus 70 at Ratchadamnoen Klang Road. Then, alight outside the Royal Elephant National Museum at Uthong Nai Road. To be sure, ask the locals where to get off.

You can also take bus #3/9/32/43/64/65/524 and alight at Thewet Market or The National Library. Then, you can reach Dusit Palace on foot.

VINMAMEK TEAK MANSION (Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall)

What makes Vimanmek Mansion special, which is a former royal villa in Bangkok, is entire museum was built out of golden teak. Today, the mansion has been turned into a museum that is open to the public.

Address: 16 Rajvithi Rd, Khwaeng Dusit, Khet Dusit, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon

Update: Building is closed for renovation.

MARBLE TEMPLE

Address: 69 Nakornpathom Rd Dusit, Bangkok Open Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM Entrance Fee: THB 20/PHP 31 (USD 0.60/EURO 0.10/SGD 0.20/MYR 3)

KHAO SAN ROAD AREA

Khao san road.

WAT SAKET (GOLDEN MOUNT TEMPLE)

Open Hours: 8:00 AM -5:00 PM Entrance Fee: THB 20/PHP 31 (USD 0.60/EURO 0.10/SGD 0.20/MYR 3)

HOW TO GET TO THE GOLDEN MOUNT (WAT SAKET)

This is near The Grand Palace and Khao San Road. STEP 1: Ride the BTS Sky Train to Ratchathewi Station (N1) (Sukhumvit Line). Take Exit 1 and upon exiting turn around and walk straight ahead to Khlong Saen Seab. STEP 2: Ride the long tail boat from the pier to Phan Fha Pier at Wat Saket.

WAT SUTHAT AND THE GIANT SWING

Open Hours: 9:00 AM -4:00 PM Entrance Fee: THB 20/PHP 31 (USD 0.60/EURO 0.10/SGD 0.20/MYR 3)

OTHER BANGKOK ATTRACTIONS

ASIATIQUE SKY FERRIS WHEEL

• Marvel at the spectacular bird’s eye views of Bangkok city from clean and comfy, air-conditioned cabins
• Enjoy 3 full rotations on the Ferris Wheel
• Located at Asiatique the Riverfront, an open air mall with a range of entertainment, shopping and dining options

How to get to Asiatique:

Take the BTS Skytrain to Saphan Taksin [S6]. From Saphan Taksin Station, take exit 2 to the pier, about 80 steps. Take the ferry to Aisiatique. Ferry runs from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM. The free ferry runs until 8:00 PM only, so from 8:01 PM to 11:00 PM, you need to pay for the ferry.

MUAY THAI LIVE

• Witness fight scenes straight out of the big screen – in this live show on stage!
• See jaw-dropping martial arts moves in this tale about Thai boxing
• Experience the action up close with a Premium ticket
• Enjoy refreshments outside the venue before the show begins

BANGKOK DAY TOURS AND SIDE TRIPS

Damnoen saduak floating market.

• Discover Thailand’s most popular floating market without any forced shopping stops along the way
• Steer your boat down the narrow winding canals and explore one of Thailand’s oldest traditions
• Get a few souvenirs for friends back home and take beautiful pictures of the bustling floating market
• Learn all about the floating market’s long history from your professional guide

Join in tour Air-conditioned vehicle with free WiFi on board Professional licensed guide All admission fees as mentioned in the program Boat ride in floating market Insurance provided by operator

• Visit the neighboring seaside city of Pattaya and explore its scenic beaches on a day trip from Bangkok!
• Take a boat trip to Coral Island and explore its sparkling white beaches and crystal clear waters
• Enjoy fun-filled water activities such as jet ski, parasailing, sea walking, snorkeling and more!
• Experience Pattaya’s vibrant and bustling night life as you stroll along Pattaya Beach Road
• An English, Chinese, Japanese, or Korean speaking guide is available to guide you!
• Learn about the rich, enchanting history of Buddhism with visits to three of the most important temples in Ayutthaya – Wat Mahathat, Wat Phra Si Sanphet and Wat Lokayasutharam
• Discover the former glory and grandeur of Ayutthaya with a visit to Bang Pa-In Summer Palace
• Take a ride around the mystical city of Ayutthaya on a motor boat and marvel at the ancient ruins and structures
• Savor a delicious local lunch at Ayutthaya Floating Market while watching a Thai cultural show

Join in tour Air conditioned vehicle with free WiFi onboard Professional English/Chinese/Korean/Japanese-speaking guide All admission fees Boat ride Insurance provided by the operator

THINGS TO DO IN HUA HIN

• Visit Thailand’s famous markets on an immersive day trip from Bangkok
• Watch a train pass through the middle of a bustling market – Maeklong Railway Market
• Relax at the authentic weekend market of Amphawa, frequented by the locals
• See the iconic Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, the most popular market in Thailand (Three Markets Tour only)
• Learn about the history and culture of these iconic markets from your informative guide

Join in tour Air conditioned vehicle with free Wi-Fi on board Professional licensed English/Chinese/Korean/Japanese speaking guide All admission fees as mentioned in the program Boat ride at the floating market Insurance provided by operator

KANCHANABURI

Kanchanaburi Custom Tour from Bangkok

• Hike in one of Thailand’s best nature preserves and jump into the emerald pools of the 7 tier Erawan Falls in Erawan National Park
• Cross the Bridge over River Kwai, setting for the namesake World War 2 movie
• Visit WW2 memorials of Kanchanaburi, where the infamous Burma Death Railway was built with POW labor
• Hike through Hellfire Pass and walk in the footsteps of the thousands of Aussie POWs who cut through the mountain rock by hand
• Choose from a 1-2 day customizable trip in Kanchanaburi to see everything the province has to offer or just your favorites

Private customizable tour 12 hour charter service (per day) Experienced driver Air conditioned vehicle Fuel costs Toll charges Car seat available upon request Guide (optional) Insurance provided by operator

SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA

SIEM REAP TRAVEL GUIDE (Budget + Itinerary) 2019

Where to shop in bangkok.

This famed 8 storied mall is packed with over 2,000 shops selling clothes, bags, accessories, electronic gadgets, mobile phones and cameras. Prices are negotiable here.

Address: Phayathai Rd, Pathum Wan, Khet Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Open Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00PM

HOW TO GET TO MBK MALL:

Ride the BTS Skytrain and get off at National Stadium Station. MBK can be reached on foot from there.

CHATUCHAK WEEKEND MARKET

If you like bargain hunting then Chatuchak Market is for you. You can find almost everything you need here at bargain prices. You can even purchase in wholesale price.

Address: 587/10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Khwaeng Chatuchak, Khet Chatuchak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Open Hours: Saturday and Sunday 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

HOW TO GET TO CHATUCHAK WEEKEND MARKET

Take the BTS Skytrain and alight at Mo Chit station. Take Exit 1 and follow the crowd until you see stalls selling apparels. Turn right and continue to follow the crowd. You should see a small entrance to the Chatuchak Mark.

TERMINAL 21

Terminal 21 houses over 600 shops in its 9 floors selling everything you can possibly need. What’s unique about this mall is each floor features different cities like Tokyo, London, Paris, Hollywood, Caribbean, Istanbul and San Francisco.

Address: 88 Soi Sukhumvit 19, Khwaeng Khlong Toei Nuea, Khet Watthana, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Open Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

HOW TO GET TO TERMINAL 21: Take the BTS Skytrain and alight at Asok.

PLATINUM FASHION MALL

If you’re in Bangkok on weekdays but you missed the Chatuchak Market, you can find dirt cheap clothes and other apparels at Platinum Fashion Mall instead.

Address: 10400, 644/3 Phetchaburi Rd, Thanon Phetchaburi, Ratchathewi, Bangkok Open Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

HOW TO GET TO PLATINUM MALL:

Take the BTS skytrain and alight at Chidlom Station. Take exit 9 and walk through Ratchaprasong Skywalk. Turn right to enter Gaysorn Plaza Building.

PANTIP PLAZA

Pantip Plaza is the place to be if you like to shop for mobile phones, cameras, software, computer accessories, software and hardware and other electronic gadgets that won’t empty your wallet.

Address: New Phetchaburi Road in Ratchathewi district, Bangkok Open Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM HOW TO GET TO PANTIP PLAZA:

Take the BTS Skytrain and alight at BTS Chidlom Station. Hire a tuk-tuk or cab/ UBER/Grab to take you to Pantip Plaza. Alternatively, you may also walk 10 minutes down Ratchadamri Road past Central World on your left, over the Saen Saeb canal and then turn left on Phetburi Road. Walk for about two blocks to Pantip Plaza, which you should see on your left. Use Google Maps.

CENTRAL WORLD

Central World is the largest shopping mall in Thailand, and one of the largest in the world. You can find almost everything you need here. The mall has easy access to Erawan Shrine and Trimurti Shrine.

Address: 4, 4/1-4/2, 4/4 Ratchadamri Rd, Khwaeng Pathum Wan, Khet Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Open Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

HOW TO GET TO CENTRAL WORLD Take the BTS SkyTrain and get off at E1 Chit Lom Station (Sukhumvit Line). Take Exit 9 for Skybridge to Gaysorn Plaza and cross road to Central World via flyover.

SIAM PARAGON, SIAM DISCOVERY AND SIAM CENTRE Address: 991 1 Khwaeng Pathum Wan, Khet Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Open Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

This is the first mall I visited in Bangkok since it’s pretty accessible, just in front of Siam BTS Skytrain. Siam Paragon has over 250 shops that caters to high-end shoppers. Madame Tussauds is located on the 6th Floor of Siam Paragon.

MADAME TUSSAUDS BANGKOK (WAX MUSEUM)

HOW TO GET TO SIAM PARAGON:

Take the BTS Skytrain and alight at Siam BTS Skytrain station. You won’t miss the mall because it is just in front of the station.

BUDGET HOTELS IN BANGKOK

Silom is the financial district of Bangkok. It is also a good base due to the wealth of budget hotels here plus access to MRT link to Hualamphong Station. Also check out the old backpacker neighborhood near Lumphini Park packed with affordable rooms.

Lub d Bangkok Silom Hostel

4 Decho Road Suriyawong Bangrak, Silom, Bangkok, Thailand

HQ Hostel Silom

5/3-4, Silom Soi 3, Silom Road, Bangrak, Silom, Bangkok

Hostel Na Nara

72,74 Narathiwasratchanakarin Road, Silom, Silom, Bangkok, Thailand

(KHAO SAN ROAD AREA)

Khao San Road is Bangkok’s backpacker’s mecca. It is dappled with hostels, guesthouses and budget hotels Everything you could possibly need is available here.

TARA PLACE 

The warehouse bangkok .

120 Bunsiri Road, San Chao Por Sua, Phra Nakhon, Khaosan, Bangkok, Thailand

BAAN DINSO 2

78/3 Ratchadamnoen Klang Road Pranakorn Borvornnivate, Khaosan

SUKHUMVIT AREA

Sumkhumvit has a a wealth of budget and mid-range accomodations too. Also, it is pretty accessible as it is on the MRT links to the BTS and MRT Lines. It is also near the Eastern (Ekamai) bus station and the MRT links to Hualamphong Station.

Chan Cha La 99 Hostel

Rezt Bangkok

75 Soi 22, Sukhumvit Rd., Klongton, Klongtoey, Sukhumvit, Bangkok

Oneday Hostel Sukhumvit 26

BANGKOK ITINERARY

*Take note that the Philippines is 1 hour ahead of Bangkok, Thailand.

BANGKOK ITINERARY 4 DAYS 3 NIGHTS (BANGKOK + AYUTTHAYA)

Here’s a sample 4 days 3 nights Bangkok itinerary with side trip to Ayutthaya.  Feel free to tweak this depending on your budget and schedule.

BANGKOK ITINERARY 4 DAYS 3 NIGHTS

(bangkok + pattaya).

Here’s a sample 4 days 3 nights Bangkok itinerary with side trip to Pattaya.  Feel free to tweak this depending on your budget and schedule.

  ALSO READ: BANGKOK ITINERARY

Bangkok budget/cost, bangkok budget for 4 days 3 nights, (bangkok + ayutthaya).

Here’s a sample trip budget if you follow the Bangkok Itinerary 4 day 3 nights (Bangkok + Ayutthaya) above.

If you opt for Pattaya day trip instead of Ayutthaya day tour, you can replace the Ayutthaya budget with Pattaya City & Coral Island Day Tour from Bangkok with Klook for about THB/PHP 2,083 (USD 41/EURO 35/SGD 55/MYR 173). Total expenses for a 4 days 3 nights Bangkok trip if you follow the 2nd itinerary above is roughly TBH 6,026.03 / PHP 9,219/ USD 1180.26/EURO 153.46/SGD 246/MYR 764.

If you plan to do a 5 Day 4 night Bangkok trip, then you can do both Pattaya and Ayutthaya as side trips.

BANGKOK/THAILAND LAWS

It is very important to abide by the Thailand laws listed below to avoid getting into serious trouble. Better be safe than sorry.

• Never disrespect Thailand’s King, Queen, Heir or Regent by insulting them or defacing images of the monarchy (such as stepping on a bank note). It’s a serious offense that can result in 3 to 15 years in prison. This offense is known as Lèse majesté in Thailand, based on Thai Criminal Code section 112.
• Never step on the bank note. It is a serious offense.
• Illegal drugs (using, carrying, transporting or producing) is punishable by death sentence.
• The drinking age in Thailand is 20. Drinking alcohol is illegal in the following locations in Thailand: temples or places of worship, public offices, public parks, pharmacies, petrol stations and education institutions.
• Do not throw chewing gum on the ground (be careful when you spit it, make sure it goes to the trash can!). If caught, there’s a hefty fine and you can be jailed.
• Do not litter in Thailand, you can be fined THB 2,000 if you’re caught.

BANGKOK TRAVEL TIPS

• Take off your shoes when you enter a temple.
• Tuck your feet under you so that they are not pointing at anyone or anything when you are sitting on the floor.
• Never take photos of people while they are praying and do not have your picture taken with a Buddha image.
• Visitors are not allowed to enter a temple wearing revealing clothes like tank tops and shorts or skirts above the knees. Good thing, most temples will have sarong or pants for visitors to borrow.
• Female should never touch a monk or hand him anything directly. When offering alms, place it on a table for the monk to pick up. Also, do not sit next to a monk on a boat (or any public transportation) or stand in the same area of the boat. Do not touch them or their things.

BANGKOK SCAMS

• (CLOSED FOR TODAY/GEM SCAM): Don’t believe when a friendly local approaches you and introduces himself as a teacher and then will tell you that the Grand Palace or a certain temple or a certain attraction is closed for a Buddhist holiday or cleaning. He will then hail an accomplice tuktuk to tour you or take you to another temple or attraction. The driver will drive you around to gem stores or shops and get a commission for taking you there. I was told they usually get gas coupons.
• (TBH 10 or TBH 20 Tuktuk Ride): Don’t believe when a local approaches you and tells you that ferry is not frequent and will leave at certain times of the day only. He will then hail a tuktuk to take you around for about TBH 20/PHP 30 (USD 0.90/EURO 0.76/ SGD 1.22/MYR 4) but instead of taking you directly to your destination, the driver will take you to different travel agencies and shops. TBH 30 is a small amount but if you are pressed for time, this can ruin your itinerary.
• (FLAT FARE TAXI): When you ride a taxi and the driver refuses to turn on the meter saying it’s a flat fare taxi. The driver will most likely charge you about 3 times the usual meter rate. Get off and hail another cab.

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13 Essential Tips for Your First Time in Bangkok

If there’s one thing you’ll notice the moment that you arrive in the city for your first time in Bangkok, it’s that Bangkok is chaos.

It is sprawling, sweltering, smelly, sophisticated, and spunky. This is a city that has a vibe, an attitude, a life of its own.

It was hard for me to love it at first, but once you get the hang of Bangkok, there’s nothing quite like it.

We visited Bangkok twice during our time backpacking Southeast Asia.

By the time that we left on our second visit, I had gone from saying, “This is so overwhelming!” to “You know, I think I really like Bangkok.”

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Want to make sure that you adore Bangkok by the time you leave?

These Bangkok travel tips will help you appreciate the city in all of its overwhelming magnificence.

Table of Contents

Bangkok Travel Tips for Your First Trip

Where we stayed in bangkok, proceed slowly..

The #1 trick to falling in love with Bangkok during your first trip? An old, simple strategy: one bite at a time.

We didn’t rush anything during our visits–a temple here, a movie there.

This was the city of jet lag, at least on our first pass through, and we wanted to keep it manageable.

Even without jet lag, though, Bangkok is inherently overwhelming and attacks all the senses.

Avoid exhausting and overheating yourself, especially if you only have a few days in Bangkok , and take it step-by-step.

As Bangkok is generally the starting point for most Thailand itinerary options, you want to make sure you’re not exhausted by the time you leave!

Don’t overload on temples.

Temples are amazing , and Bangkok has some incredible ones. Don’t waste your time trying to visit all of them, though: just like visiting churches in Europe, eventually, all but the truly remarkable ones will start to blur together.

We visited the temples at the Grand Palace and Wat Pho for our first visit to Bangkok. On our second visit, we climbed to the top of Wat Saket and received stunning views of the Bangkok skyline in return.

We highly recommend all of those, but three was enough: we had the rest of southeast Asia to look forward to!

If you want to squeeze in another temple, Wat Arun is also popular and located almost directly across the river from Wat Pho.

Concentrate on one section of Bangkok at a time.

Bangkok has great public transportation, including both the BTS Skytrain, the MRT subway, riverboats, and, of course, taxis and tuk-tuks.

Easy access doesn’t necessarily mean fast, though: Bangkok is gigantic.

To get from Khao San Road to the Chatuchak Weekend Market is more than an hour’s commitment, from the Grand Palace to the shopping mecca of Siam is about 45 minutes.

One of our best Bangkok travel tips is to keep this in mind when planning out your day, and try to group activities by geography.

Know that the Grand Palace is never closed.

The Grand Palace is open from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM daily. If you ask some tuk-tuk drivers, though–it’s never open.

This very common Bangkok scam is a way to get tourists to agree to let tuk-tuk drivers take them to “other” temples.

Unsurprisingly, this ends up being an expensive waste of time.

We were warned about this scam by an expat we sat next to on the plane into Bangkok, several internet articles, a masseuse, and the owner of our hostel.

We certainly weren’t in any danger of falling for it–but that sure didn’t stop a few dozen tuk-tuk drivers from trying.

Jump on a local boat.

There are two types of riverboats in Bangkok: “local boats”, which cost about $0.40 to ride, and “tourist boats”, which cost about 10x as much to take you to the same place.

The “tourist boats” have slightly better seating and a loudspeaker, but the local boats are perfectly comfortable and dirt cheap.

The tourist boats are more prominently placed, of course, but be sure to look around until you find the local one during your first trip to Bangkok–it’s worth it.

Don’t skip the malls of Bangkok.

Clustered around Siam station on the BTS Skytrain are some of Bangkok’s largest and best-known shopping malls: Siam Paragon, Central World, Siam Discovery, and MBK.

We visited all of them except for Siam Discovery, and for two people that normally avoid malls–we had so much fun.

MBK is the best for bargain hunting. It has some storefronts, but there are far more stalls and counters that were set up in the open space.

Siam Paragon is the fanciest mall that I have ever been in, perhaps with the exception of Milan. Jimmy Choo, Lamborghini, and Rolls Royce are among the storefronts there. Rolls Royce even had a couple of models of yachts, which apparently you could custom design on site.

Central World is the largest mall in Bangkok and the second largest in Thailand–which is saying something because both MBK and Siam Paragon could comfortably fit three or four standard US malls inside them.

Go see a movie.

I confess: we saw not one, not two, but three movies in Bangkok. It was a little excessive–but there’s no better way to enjoy some a/c and cool off between sightseeing stops.

Going to the movies in Bangkok was a fantastic experience–if you are short on time, it may not be worth it, but after a couple of months of traveling, Jeremy and I more than welcomed the air-conditioned break.

We saw a movie at MBK (Star Trek Beyond), Siam Paragon (Suicide Squad), and Central World (Jason Bourne). MBK was the best bargain ($13.76 for two tickets, a large popcorn, and a drink) and Siam Paragon was the fanciest.

Personally, my favorite thing about Bangkok’s movie theaters was the fact that they stocked flavored popcorn: your choice of cheese, caramel, or barbecue.

Wake up early and watch the monks.

From about 5:00 AM to 7:00 AM, the monks will be out and about in their orange robes, collecting alms.

On our very first day in Bangkok, the jet lag caused us to be outside at 6:30 AM, so we got to see the relatively quiet streets almost exclusively populated by monks. It was a fascinating sight.

Keep a respectful distance, and don’t touch them–but to see this vastly different, calmer side of Bangkok is worth getting up early at least once.

Explore some of the markets of Bangkok.

Markets are one of the best ways to explore the hustle and bustle of Bangkok’s city life.

You can find any number of them, from those that cater strictly to tourists to those that are almost exclusively for locals, and anything in between.

We skipped the famous floating market after multiple people telling us that it was more of a tourist trap than anything else these days–if we have more time in Bangkok one day, we may still check it out.

Our favorite market, by far, was the Chatuchak Weekend Market. If you’re in Bangkok on a Saturday or Sunday, this market should be at the top of your list.

Devour the street food.

I fret a bit about food safety and definitely am not the world’s most adventurous eater (it took me until I was 17 to enjoy rice–feel free to judge), so street food took a little getting used to–but it is worth it.

Eat pad thai until you turn into fried noodles. Eat chicken on a stick. Eat spring rolls on a stick. Eat anything on a stick. Try noodle soup. Try curry. Try fried rice.

Drink more fruit shakes than you ever thought it was possible to drink and love every sip.

If you love passion fruit, get your fill of it here–it was nonexistent in Laos and has been much less common in Cambodia . 

If you’re anxious about street food, I love this article by Adam at Getting Stamped. He uses his history in the meat processing industry to help the rest of us decide what we should and should not eat on the streets.

Go to a rooftop bar for great views of Bangkok.

Sadly, we didn’t end up doing this, and it is my biggest Bangkok regret. 

Bangkok is a city worth viewing from the top, especially at night. Oodles of rooftop bars have opened up shop to take advantage of the opportunity to combine cocktails and ridiculous heights.

On our next trip to Bangkok, this is at the top of the list.

Get a Thai massage.

… Or, you know, four of them.

Massages are dirt cheap in Thailand (we normally paid about $6/person for an hour), and are incredibly relaxing after a long day of sightseeing in the hot weather.

Thai massages are a bit like assisted yoga–there’s a lot of pushing and pulling involved.

It is amazing, but if you go in expecting a Swedish massage, you’ll be a bit surprised.

Know that you won’t be able to see it all.

We covered so much ground in Bangkok: from temples to shopping malls, markets to mansions, we learned tons about the city.

… And there are still so many things to do in Bangkok that we haven’t gotten to yet (we never even set foot on the popular Khao San Road !), not to mention the many possible day trips from Bangkok .

Don’t get overwhelmed trying to see everything your first time in Bangkok, and don’t take up precious space on your itinerary for something that you’re “supposed” to see if you would really rather be doing something else.

Whether you want to hit up the most iconic sites or get off the beaten path in Bangkok , you’ll have plenty of options of your first trip to the city.

One thing is certain: no matter where your interests lie, it is impossible to ever be bored in Bangkok.

There is no shortage of places to stay in Bangkok, from budget hostels to luxury skyscrapers to Bangkok hotels perfect for families –here were our picks for our first two trips to Bangkok.

One of our travel tips for Bangkok is to prioritize where you stay: choosing a far-flung neighborhood may seem like it will save money, but you could also end up spending hours (yes, literal hours) on public transport each day as a result.

We loved both of our hostels for different reasons, but ultimately, we loved staying in the Siam Square area and can see ourselves staying there again on a return visit to Bangkok.

At both of these locations, we stayed in a private, air-conditioned room with access to shared bathrooms.

Chan Cha La 99 Hostel — On our first trip to Bangkok, Annie took great care of us at this hostel.

This lady knows what she is doing! The hostel is clean and efficient, and Annie is a wealth of information about Bangkok.

The hostel is roughly 5 minutes from the BTS. The downside? It’s a little out of the way–you’ll spend about 40 minutes getting to any major sites.

Check rates & book your stay at Chan Cha La 99 Hostel!

Lub D Bangkok — Siam Square — This hostel is actually one of several in a chain, and we adored it.

The rooms were clean, the bathrooms spotless, and the location was perfect for us–right in the heart of Siam, easy walking distance to MBK or the Jim Thompson House.

It doesn’t have the personal touch that Annie provided, but we wouldn’t hesitate to stay here again on our third visit to Bangkok.

Check rates & book your stay at Lub D Bangkok Siam!

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

9 thoughts on “13 Essential Tips for Your First Time in Bangkok”

Excellent list! Definitely ate all the street food during my visit ;)

Amen to that, I miss the street food so much already! I’m still trying to find Pad Thai as good as the stall in front of the 7/11 on Koh Tao…

This is all really great advice. I went to Bangkok last year but didn’t end up falling in love as I had expected. I chalked it up to two things 1) not staying long enough and 2) staying in the wrong area (a friend of a friend chose this crazy luxury place out in the middle of nowhere – not my cup of tea or my usual price range at all….) I didn’t even get to really try the street food when I was there which is the biggest shame of all! So now I need to go back to Bangkok and do it properly :)

Thanks, Allison! Location really is key… on our first stay we were out in the middle of nowhere too (took an hour to get absolutely any of the major sites!), and I think that it had a huge impact on my initial lukewarm reaction. We stayed right across from MBK the second time, steps away from the BTS, and had a much better time.

Well written & wonderful points! Exactly what I tell friends & family when visiting Bangkok. Glad y’all had a great time during your visits in Thailand!

Thanks, Astra! We’ve been missing Bangkok lately–may be almost time for a third visit!

I like this review of Bangkok.

Thanks Gerry!

Good list, however I would still recommend the tourist river ferries (blue flag). They are only 50baht and cooler and less packed than the standard ferries (orange flag). They are still mostly used by locals who don’t want to be packed in tight.

There are now electric powered ferries (purple flag) and whilst are considerably better for the environment, are completely enclosed and provide a much less more diluted experience.

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Bangkok Tips: How to Survive Your First Time In the Capital of Thailand

• February 15, 2023
• Last updated: July 12, 2023
• Asia , Destinations , Thailand

Home » Travel Blog » Bangkok Tips: How to Survive Your First Time In the Capital of Thailand

The first time in Bangkok or Southeast Asia in general might be overwhelming. Surprising smells, new sounds, a different culture you’ve never encountered before can bring more challenges that one would wish. Or not. Maybe you’re a person who jumps into a new environment easily, adjusts to a new timezone, cuisine and embraces new traditions without any hesitation.

In any case, if you’re heading to Thailand and looking for some practical Bangkok tips, you’re coming to the right place.

This Bangkok blog is based on our personal experience in the city which has become our second home during our travels.

Bangkok tips for your first time in the city

Choose the best time to visit bangkok.

Want to have a pleasant weather and no rain? Then number 1 Bangkok travel tip would be traveling there between November and end of February. If you are not confident to travel to Asia independently, start looking for Thailand holiday packages in March or early April. You’ll get better chance  to pick the best place and activities for early bird price.

Find the best hotel in Bangkok

If you haven’t booked a room, do it now. Not sure which are the best areas to stay in Bangkok? Here are three of the most tourist-friendly districts and hotels in Bangkok you might want to consider.

Siam district

We stayed in the area many times and honestly, it’s one of the best areas to stay in Bangkok. Get ready for a commercial atmosphere here. Many of the main shopping malls are located in Siam Square and it’s easily accessible by sky train, too.

Sukhumvit district

The nightlife in Bangkok doesn’t concentrates only in Khao San road. If you are for the first time in Bangkok and you like some fancy clubs and looking for some of the best hotels in Bangkok, you should check the Sukhumvit district.

Yaowarat district (Chinatown)

This is one of our most favourite parts of Bangkok and it’s on the top of the list of our Bangkok tips. If you’re a street food lover, this is the place you have to go! Find a vendor with a steamy stall with grilled food, grab a beer, find a free table on the pavement and indulge in the street vibes of Bangkok.

Check out our ultimate Thailand Travel Guide and plan your trip independently! 

Get a new SIM card

At the Suvarnabhumi International airport you will find a stall offering you mobile packages with top-up or 3G data for tourists. Go for Happy Tourist SIM card from DTAC (great deal of 299 THB for 7-days with unlimited data and 100 THB calling credit). If you plan to stay in Bangkok and Thailand longer, we suggest AIS SIM card with good monthly deals.

Thanks to the advance of technology, now you can access the Internet seamlessly and hassle-free with just a QR code – eSIM. With  Thailand eSIM , visitors can simply purchase a data plan through an eSIM app or website, load it onto their phone, and start using data immediately upon arriving in the country.

This bypasses the need to search for a local SIM card at the airport or elsewhere. With Thailand eSIM, travelers can choose from a wide variety of flexible data plans and options from various providers to suit their budget and data requirements.

Get a free map of Bangkok

If you’re a paper map person, grab one at the airport or at your place of accommodation.

How to get around in Bangkok

Use public transport. This is the best way to get around Bangkok. From the airport you can take the Airport Rail Links: City Line or Express Line and then use one of BTS skytrains or the MRT (metro train). Check out the routes at the official website of transport in Bangkok .

Vending machines at the metro stations are user-friendly, as there is an English language option. In any case, you can ask for help from a staff member at the station.

The majority of the staff speaks English and is very helpful. By the way, all trains are fully air-conditioned… sometimes even ‘over’-conditioned.

Taxi in Bangkok are very affordable and safe. Pink taxi are very reliable. Just agree with the driver that he switches on the taximeter.

Local public buses are super cheap. You just have to figure out which number will bring you to your destination as the schedule on the bus stops is either in Thai, or you won’t find it at all.

Ask for directions at the hotel and explain you wish to take a bus, as they would most probably advise you to call a taxi.

Check out our comprehensive Thailand Travel Guide – How to Travel to Thailand Independently

Check activities and tours to do in Bangkok

• Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Maeklong Train Market Tour
• From Bangkok: Ayutthaya Temples & Floating Market Day Trip
• Flexi Walking Temple Tour: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun

Change your money outside the airport

A wise option is to change a small amount of cash in your departing country so you can pay transport, first small refreshment, etc. But if you need to change your cash in Bangkok then we suggest to use Super Rich exchange company as their rates turned out absolutely great.

Get some great street food in Bangkok

Street food in Bangkok is absolutely safe, and we encourage you to explore the night markets in Bangkok and sample exotic dishes at different stalls.

Head to the Yaowarat district, check out JJ Green market, Suan Lum Ratchada, Siam Gypsy Junction, or new Talad Neon night market.

You MUST visit Chatuchak market with thousands of stalls and some great street food, too. Open on Saturday and Sunday from 9am-6pm and Friday from 6pm-midnight. Once you’re at the Chatuchak, don’t miss out the Or Tor Kor market with some good food.

Read more articles about Thailand

Where to Stay in Bangkok: The Best Hotels and Neighborhoods 15 Things to Do and Best Hotels in Koh Lanta What to Pack for Thailand: the Ultimate Packing List Discover the Marvels of Thai Massage Things to Do in Chiang Mai: Your Ultimate List of Awesome Experiences Where to Stay in Chiang Mai: The Best Hotels and Neighborhoods What to Pack for Thailand: the Ultimate Packing List

Get your first Thai massage

This will be sooooo good after a full day of walking or a long flight. Find a spa or massage parlor, and let the Thai professionals do their job. If it’s going to be your first Thai massage ever, ask for „bao bao”, which means gently. Read more about Thai massage in our article.

Explore the city independently

You don’t really need a tour guide in Bangkok. Check the landmarks you want to visit in advance, save them in your Google Map or in offline map Maps.me on your smartphone, and venture around the city by your own. The public transport will take you everywhere you want to go.

Go shopping at the Bangkok malls

In case you’ve forgotten something at home and you need it urgently for your vacation in Thailand, we recommend MBK Center, Central World, Siam Paragon, Platinum Fashion and funky Terminal 21.

Watch a Muay Thai boxing match

Great stuff! Get a ticket and watch a real Thai boxing match. The best place to do it is the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, Ratchadamnoen Stadium, or Channel 7 Stadium.

• Bangkok by Night Tuk Tuk Tour: Markets, Temples & Food
• SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World Admission Ticket
• Ayutthaya: 5 UNESCO Temples Small Group Tour From Bangkok

Check out the real floating market

There are many floating markets in Bangkok, but only a few of them are real and not for tourists. We visited Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market and loved it!

You’ll be able to have some of the best Thai food here. Go for a short ride on a river with smiling local ladies selling fruits & veggies.

Avoid a trip on a bigger boat at the floating market. A cruise lasts nearly 3hr, they’ll take you to a place along the river to buy souvenirs, you’ll visit a random temple and they’d encourage you to eat at their friends. Not worth.

Go jogging or have a walk in the Lumpinee Park

If you come early in the morning, you might see locals and expats practicing yoga, tai-chi, or just running in the „green lungs of Bangkok“ as they call the park.

Have a drink on a rooftop bar

Sightseeing is perfect, but watching the city of angels from above is a must. You might want to check Sky Bar, Above Eleven, Vertigo or Octave.

Avoid scams

Generally, Bangkok and Thailand is a very safe country. But when visiting Bangkok first time, there will be situations when you’ll need to be more attentive.

Avoid getting on a tuk-tuk that approaches you as drivers charge insane prices. If you must take a tuk-tuk because there is no other option, agree on a price before you jump in.

Don’t agree on any guiding tour from a random person on a street. They tend to promise to show you the main landmarks, but will take you for a tour to souvenir shops instead. Needless to say, they would overcharge you for that.

In case you’ll need some professional legal advice, you can contact this law firm in Thailand .

Looking for more tips on how to travel to Thailand independently?

Check our Ultimate Thailand Travel Guide!

Get on a taxi only after a driver agrees to switch on the taximeter.

Be careful when buying gold in Yaowarat district as it might happen to be fake.

Hopefully these suggestions will help you to make your Bangkok trip great. Enjoy Thailand!

Like it? Pin it!

Get inspired my more articles about Thailand

Need an escape from busy Bangkok? Visit Bang Krachao Island! Ayutthaya Day Trip from Bangkok Ecotourism in Southeast Asia: Tips on Destinations and Activities Digital Nomad Guide to Thailand: Taking Your First Steps What to Wear in Thailand: Tips for Your Urban and Beach Vacation

Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links, which at no extra cost to you, will earn us a small commission and reduce the costs of running this site

Ivana Greslikova

• Published: February 15, 2023

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27 thoughts on “bangkok tips: how to survive your first time in the capital of thailand”.

Try to find any “free city tour” to save the budget but it’s seems much popular in European cities.

Yes, that’s definitely one of the options, too, Richard. So far, we have not seen any free tour, but could be worth to seek for it 🙂

Nice tips. I loved your pictures. Have never been to Bangkok but it is definitely on my list.

Thank you, Anwesha, nice to hear from you. BKK is worth to visit, especially if you are metropolitan lover 😉

Thank you for the useful tips. Especially #1. Some people might forget to breath :O

Well, yes, one can be indeed breathless and speechless especially when coming from different and cooler season 🙂 Cheers!

Is it worth it to go in august ?I want to go to Bangkok and Phuket

Hi Eli, you might get more humid weather and some occasional storms during the day during that period, but you’ll avoid high touristy season. Happy travels!

My wife and I are flying to Thailand in three weeks. It’ll be the first time in that country and in Southeast Asia for both of us. These tips will sure come handy!

Happy to hear you found them helpful, Peter 🙂 I guess you will find many more discoveries on your journey here, as it is a country of beauty and surprises for “newbies” as we are 🙂

Here are a few more tips: Don’t accept any tuk tuk rides where the driver claims that the government is paying for the gasoline and he promises to take you around the city for a very low fee. You will end up in high priced and high pressure situations where someone will try to sell you low quality jewelry or similar things with the claim that you can sell it in your home country for a huge profit. I met several people who lost lots of money this way. There are scams going on all over the world, but this one is one to watch out for in Bangkok.

Be aware that taxis are required to use their meters. If the driver does not turn it on, ask him to do so. Tuk Tuks (3 wheeler mini taxis) generally try to overcharge you a lot and you have to bargain vigorously. In general it will be cheaper to use metered taxis. Plus Bangkok has good and efficient public transport. Get yourself a public transport map at the airport. It will come in handy. A sky train or subway will get you to your destination a lot faster than taxis in general.

A great way to start sightseeing from a different angle is to hop on one of the public Chao Praya river boats and go for a complete round trip up and down the river. It only costs a few baht and you will get great panoramic views of the city. There are plenty of people who will try to sell you expensive tourist-only boat rides, but the public river boats will give you a great view for a fraction of the price.

If you are in a bind with something, try to smile. It will get you through many tight spots. Don’t get upset or angry since it will generally get you nowhere, and as far as the Thais are concerned you just lost face and their respect. Smiling works much better.

Oh, yes, tuk tuk might become the most expensive transport in BKK 🙂 It happened to us once, that a driver wanted to show us a beautiful place “around the corner”, but we insisted that our friend was waiting for us around the other corner, which was actually true. Luckily, we succeeded. You are right, smile is a good answer (or question) in many situations. This we mentioned in the other post, from Chiang Mai: https://nomadisbeautiful.com/travel-blogs/12-lessons-learnt-after-one-month-travelling-thailand/ Thanks for following up, Shama.

Hi Katie, nice to hear from you! I guess you have some good tips on how to keep on with the right diet when being on the road in particular 🙂

Great info, love Bangkok. Been there 5 time’s since 2008! The last time we rented a apartment in business district, it was a different side of BK. We also spent New Years last year on khao san road. It was 100% what you think of Bangkok. There’s also some great unknown markets along the river that are not tourist markets but sill great to walk though and take photos!

Hey Dave, thanks for reading. Wow, NYE on Khao San Road, that mush have been epic! We do love the river markets too, especially those further from the center, for example Khlong Lat Mayom. Any plans for coming back to Asia any time soon? Cheers!

going to bangkok with my wife . its very useful information and made us comfortable.

Thanks for the additional! Well, as the title says, being cautious with the food is good only on the first day 🙂 You’re right, getting out of the familiar zone of food is the core of authentic experience. Regarding taxi, we hardly ever had a problem with taxis (we were suggested to take only pink ones) since we always ask to put the meter on before we get on. Local buses rock, although we never tried one in Bangkok. Cheers and happy travels!

I feel number 6 is very important! No matter where you go, I have always found that even attempting the language makes people happy and more inclined to help.

I have been seeing so much about Bangkok lately it has skyrocketed up my list of places to go. Thanks for the tips!

Hi Kayla, thank you for reading! Indeed, it’s worth trying to speak a few basic words in a local language, total icebreaker 🙂 Hopefully you’ll get to Bangkok soon so you can experience Thai hospitality yourself.

Bangkok can be quite overwhelming. It is hard to go around town. I always stay in the Koh San area, because thats what I know. I would love to see other parts of the city, but I am not sure for some reason LOL.x x

Hi Steph, True, BKK can give you a bit of headache, but once you “go local” and detour from major touristy attractions and districts like Khao San, Bangkok can be a great city to explore or to live in. We’re actually going to publish an article about the neighbourhoods and hotels where to stay in Bangkok very soon, so stay tuned, you might find some inspiration there 🙂 Happy travels!

Good tips, can you please tell me few names of budget hotels in Bangkok, and the best location in Bangkok where I can get budget hotels near to most of the sight seeing places? I am planning to visit Bangkok for 4 days in June middle, so give me some good tips which will save me from cheating and my tour economical,,,

Hi Dwijottam, Sure, you can check our ultimate guide to where to stay in Bangkok. There you can find tips on different ares and best hotels, including budget options and brief overview of things to do in the areas: https://nomadisbeautiful.com/travel-blogs/where-to-stay-in-bangkok/ Hope this helps. Enjoy Bangkok!

Great tips . This article help for the first time visitors what to see,where stay. Bangkok is home for many cheap hotels

I will be landing in Bangkok . from where I should start , From Bangkok or Pattaya ? Trip is of 6 Days . Kindly suggest.

Bangkok is definitely a better option, and you’re landing there, too, right? It’s more genuine when it comes to the Thai culture. Pattaya is more of a party town full of clubs. Although, depends what you’re looking for.

Cheers and happy travels!

Hi Ivana, as my wife and I plan to visit BKK last week of February we are right now planning the stay (6 days) and in this context we find your blog very useful. Arriving approx. 9 PM at the airport, would you reccommend to take a taxi to the hotel (Lebua is one of the options we are looking at)?

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14 Expert Tips For Visiting Bangkok In 2023

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Visit Bangkok 2023: Check out even more Thailand travel tips for visiting the country's capital!

Recognized for its chaotic streets, incredible culinary delights, vibrant wildlife, and iconic tourist attractions, Thailand's capital city offers a lot to see and could take travelers a few days or more to explore. No matter how many times one visits Bangkok, it is the one city that never gets old, and vacationers will always discover more of its unique features every time they explore it. The city has plenty of fun adventures awaiting, but travelers should be well-prepared, especially when visiting for the first time. With that in mind, here are fourteen tips for visiting Bangkok in 2023 to ensure travelers enjoy a fun, safe vacation.

UPDATE: 2023/04/06 21:23 EST BY ROBYNNE TRUEMAN

To provide readers with accurate information that remains current, this article has been updated to include additional tips to enhance the travel experience in Bangkok in 2023.

Related: Take These 10 Stunning Day Trips From Bangkok For The Ultimate Thailand Experience

14 Adhere To Thailand Travel Restrictions

Bangkok is full of delightful attractions, including some of the most enchanting temples in Thailand. To enter Bangkok and enjoy what it has to offer, tourists need to have a passport, flight itinerary, and hotel booking confirmation. Travel insurance isn't mandatory; however, it's highly recommended (still, some travelers coming from certain countries may require proof of insurance - see this page for more information).

Any legit Bangkok travel 2023 guide will also state that some tourists will also need a visa; Thailand visas are issued by the Thai embassy in one's own country, although some foreign nationals from approved countries may enter Thailand without a visa between 30 and 90 days - again, see this page for more information. If vacationers miss or have incorrect documents, the entry screening process may be delayed, which can affect their smooth trip to Bangkok.

• Bangkok travel requirements 2023 : Thailand visa (some countries are exempt), passport, travel insurance (recommended), flight itinerary, and hotel booking confirmation. Note that most travelers no longer need a COVID-19 vaccination certificate or RT-PCR/Pro-ATK test result.

13 Use A Map To Navigate Through Bangkok

Like other big cities in the world, Bangkok's routes can be confusing. While asking questions is one good way of interacting with the local people who are known to be friendly, approaching strangers can be challenging for shy travelers. That's where a map can be handy.

The Bangkok map has the city's main monuments, squares, churches, museums, and most of its iconic landmarks - one of the most famous being Bangkok's Grand Palace . With the map, travelers may not need a lot of information to find their way through the city’s attractions.

Navigation Tips Bangkok Travelers Will Find Useful

• Here's a useful interactive map of Bangkok featuring many of its top landmarks and attractions
• Here's a printable map of Bangkok showcasing many of its famous areas and attractions

12 Beware Of Bangkok Scams

Bangkok is easily the most chaotic city in Thailand, and in a place like that, tourists could be targeted for scams. One of the most important travel tips to Bangkok bound travelers is this: it is important to beware of these scams to avoid falling for them. This doesn't mean that Thai's capital isn't safe. It has a high level of safety and is widely considered by many to be one of the safest cities in the world . But like any other touristy place, these scams happen.

Like in most places around the world, it's wise to avoid outright trusting any stranger that approaches, especially those that sound too kind. (Yes, some people are genuinely friendly and helpful, but it's always best to err on the side of caution, no matter which country one is in). In addition, boarding any taxi parked by the hotel is one of the rookie mistakes first-time travelers make when visiting Bangkok . So, avoid taking any taxis parking by the hotel unless it’s confirmed that it’s assigned by the hotel.

Related: Thailand's Dragon Temple Is Real, & Here's How To Get There

11 Rely On Public Transportation In Bangkok, Especially During Peak Hours

Public transport is not only a cheaper option to get around Bangkok, but it is also the fastest way to escape the sometimes frustrating traffic in the city. Between 7:00 am and 9:30 am & 5:00 pm and 7:30 pm, the traffic can be heavy, and the roads are packed with motorbikes, cars, tuk-tuks, and buses. To avoid being stuck on the road, tourists can use the Bangkok subway or the BTS Skytrain . They can also use the city’s incredible network of boats and ferries, which is part of the public transportation.

Try to avoid getting around by taxis on roads such as Petchaburi, Sukhumvit, Silom, Sathorn, Rama IV, Ratchadamnoen, and the Ratchaprasong area. Traffic can be heavy along these routes.

10 Stay Safe When Taking Longer Journeys Or Traveling Outside Bangkok City Limits

Tuk-tuk and taxis are the best options for vacationers visiting places further afield or outside the city limits. Still, when this is the only option, it is important to be aware of a few things to ensure a smoother trip. Make sure the driver has their meter turned on or agrees on the cost of transportation before embarking on the journey. Also, use Google Maps to ensure the driver follows the exact route. Sometimes, some tuk-tuk or taxi drivers take a longer route to increase the meter billing.

9 Check Bangkok Hotel Reviews And Avoid Asking Taxis For Recommendations

Accommodation is a significant part of planning a trip to Bangkok, and every traveler wouldn’t want to have a bad experience, even when on a budget. That’s why vacationers should ensure they pick safe areas, especially if planning to stay for three days and sample the must-do activities in Bangkok .

Reviews from previous visitors help determine the best hotels in Thailand's capital. If a hotel or hostel has consistently poor online reviews, it's best to avoid it and choose one with good guest feedback. Tourists must also ensure they receive everything offered in their booked package and report if something is missing.

Furthermore, some travelers claim that tourists should avoid asking taxi or tuk-tuk drivers about accommodation options in the city. According to a number of travelers who have been to Bangkok many times before, some drivers get a commission from hotels by taking tourists to them, which means the tourist may pay a higher fee and not the true price.

Related: Two Days In Bangkok: Here's What To See In This City In Only 48 Hours

8 Stay Safe When Shopping In Bangkok

Many visitors go to this bustling city for its incredible shopping culture. Every traveler who's been to Bangkok can tell how amazing its markets and other shopping spots are. Visiting these markets offers tourists a chance to meet the local people and learn some words in their dialect. The markets also let vacationers get an insight into the local culture and expose them to some of its most impressive products.

There are cool things worth buying in Bangkok that many vacationers would want to take home. To keep one's wallet safe in Bangkok's markets, though, it is crucial to ensure that one is paying the right amount for a product. Avoid purchasing jewelry unless from a genuine jeweler store with experts within. This is to avoid exchanging money for fake jewelry.

7 Learn A Little Thai Language Before Visiting Bangkok

Ideally, travelers should be familiar with a few words before visiting the city. This will allow them to trade a little more confidently and freely in the local markets and even talk to the hotel staff in the local dialect. Learn a few words like how to say "thank you", "hello", "goodbye", "cheers", and any other word that would be useful for tourists during their stay.

Here are a few Thai language tips:

• ‘ Sawatdee ’ means "hello". Males say "Sawatdee Khrap". Females say "Sawatdee Khun Kha".
• Lar Korn means "goodbye".
• Khawb Khun means "thank you". Males say "Kahwb Khun Khrap", while females say "Kahwb Khun Kha". Both mean 'thank you kindly.'
• When drinking, the locals say " Chok dee " to mean "cheers!"

Related: Budget Guide: This Is How Much Money You'll Need Per Day In Thailand

6 Bangkok Tours Are The Best Option For Exploring The City

While there are many options for exploring this city, tours are typically the best way because they take tourists to various areas that many tourists might not reach without the help of a local person in the know. They can even take vacationers to some of the secret places in Bangkok that are full of fun, unforgettable adventures.

Many tourists rely on guidebooks, which are great for those who enjoy following these types of books and don't mind putting in the effort to find the city's attractions by themselves. For some, though, that task can be a bit stressful. However, Bangkok tours are affordable and convenient and remove the hassle of navigating the city and finding the spots tourists want to visit. All visitors need to do is book and then show up at the meeting point. Ultimately, tours of Bangkok reduce the stress of planning and the fear of finding it difficult to navigate through the busy streets.

5 Exchange Money At Bangkok Airport (Get Coins And Notes)

Among the numerous Thai money and currency exchange tips , one that comes top is that vacationers should have some of their money changed into Thai Baht at the airport. It is wiser to do it there since some exchange booths in Bangkok can be expensive.

Also, have small change and a few coins to help pay for transport or have meals at the local restaurants. Of course, vacationers will want to spend some of their small change trying some delicious and authentic Thai dishes while in the city. Filling one’s pocket with a bunch of coins may be discomforting, but since many local eateries and food stalls may not have the exact balance for a 1,000 baht note, it is better to have plenty of coins and small notes.

• Where to exchange money in Bangkok Airport: For the best exchange rate at Bangkok Airport, visit the Suvarnabhumi Airport Exchange Zone on the B Floor, which is located underground and just next to the Airport Rail Link Suvarnabhumi Station. The money exchanges here offer decent rates that tend to be much fairer than at banks. There are several exchange booths, so check them all to find the best rate.

4 Show Respect By Removing Shoes

When visiting Buddhist temples in Bangkok (and Thailand in general) it's important to respect religious protocols. One of these practices is removing shoes before entering the temples. In some cases, travelers may also be asked to remove their shoes before entering a person's home or even a shop if they visit Bangkok in 2023 - while this practice is old, it's still prevalent and highly important to the Thai people, and it is polite to respect it.

3 Enjoy Bangkok Street Food (Selectively)

Street food is an exciting part of the culinary experience Bangkok travel 2023 has to offer (or any year, for that matter). There are street food stalls, floating markets, and night markets to explore. Travelers should not shy away from trying the street food in Bangkok but choose where they eat from selectively. Best practice is to ensure the food is being cooked right in front of you to avoid consuming something that has been sitting out for hours. Choosing spots that are clearly popular with long lineups (which also means the food supply is constantly being refreshed) is also a great option.

2 Bring Clothing That Covers Shoulders And Knees

Visiting the many Buddhist temples in Bangkok and near the city is an essential part of Bangkok travel in 2023. However, travelers must remember to bring clothing that is appropriate for entering temples. This includes shirts that cover the shoulders and skirts, dresses, or pants that fall below the knee. Of course, if travelers forget to pack something like this, it's a great excuse to go shopping in the markets!

1 Go With The Flow

Bangkok travel in 2023 can be overwhelming at times, especially for travelers who are visiting Thailand for the first time. But they'll quickly become accustomed to the hectic traffic and busy streets, finding moments of peace at the temples and connection with fellow backpackers at hostels. Being flexible and understanding that plans are sure to change when exploring Bangkok will help travelers make the most of the experience and live in the moment.

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Bangkok travel blog — The fullest Bangkok travel guide & suggested Bangkok 3 days itinerary for first-timers

Bangkok is a tourism paradise with all that a Thai self-sufficient tourist. Hundreds of commercial centers, many colorful markets, amusement parks and virtual attractions. So what thing to prepare to travel to Bangkok is perfect? Living Nomads sums up all the tips, travel experience Bangkok from the most connoisseurs for you.

• Bangkok itinerary blog — How to spend one day in Bangkok?
• Explore Rod Fai Night Market — One of the most famous night markets in Bangkok
• Bangkok street food blog — Top 10 best place to eat street food in Bangkok you must visit
• Explore Terminal 21 Bangkok — One of the best places to visit in Bangkok
• Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel review — Experience one of the most luxury 5-star hotels in the heart of Bangkok

So, is Bangkok worth visiting, how to visit Bangkok, what to do in Bangkok and how to plan a budget trip to Bangkok for the first-time perfectly? Let’s check out our Bangkok travel blog (Bangkok blog) with the fullest Bangkok travel guide (guide to Bangkok, Bangkok tourist guide, Bangkok city guide, Bangkok guide) from how to get to Bangkok, best places to visit, best time to come, what to eat as well as top things to do in Bangkok to help you maximize your trip as follows!

Bangkok travel blog: How to get to Bangkok?

A cheap flight from Nok Air or Air Asia will take you to Bangkok immediately. The price for a normal two-way flight is about 85 dollars if you depart from Vietnam. And if you hunt for cheap tickets, the cost for a pair of two-way tickets is only about 60 dollars to 78 dollars. The fare will be cheaper if you book 3 to 4 months and avoid the peak tourism summers.

Getting from Bangkok Airport to the city center

Bangkok has two airports, Don Muang (Don Mueang) and Suvarnabhumi, both far from the city center. You need to look carefully at the ticket to find out which airport you are in and choose the right way to move to the center.

Guide to getting from Don Mueang International Airport to Bangkok

An A1 bus ticket is the most economical way to get to central Bangkok from Don Muang

Bus A1: To get to Mo Chit BTS station, the bus station is located on the ground floor of the airport for about 35 baht. From here you can go to BTS, Siam, Silom, Sathon, or Sukhumvit. Note that the car only runs from 7:30 am to 11:30 pm

Taxi: Taxi from Don Muang Airport to downtown (Siam area) is about 6 – 10 dollars. There are a lot of taxi companies with enough color to choose or you can catch Grab to go to the center.

Please note that you have to pay for high speed (about 3 dollars) and airport entrance fee (1.5 dollars)for the driver. So, to save cost you can take a taxi to Mo Chit station and then BTS to the central station.

Guide to getting from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Bangkok

The Airport Rail Link takes you directly to central Bangkok

Airport Rail Link: From the airport, you follow the signboard to Airport Rail Link. This ARL route takes you to Makasan MRT or Phaya Thai MRT Station. From these two stations, you can go to other places by MRT, BTS. The train runs from 6 am to 12 pm daily, you can buy tickets at the station for about 1.5 dollars.

Taxi: one trip from Suvanarbuhmi to the center is 9 – 10 dollars. To catch a taxi, you go down to the 1st floor, gate No. 4 or 7. Get the ticket on it with the taxi’s number, then come to the right taxi and start to move. Be aware that you also spend airport charges and highways as in Don Muang.

From Suvanarbuhmi Airport, you can also go to Pattaya by bus for 3 – 5 dollars.

To getting from the airport to Bangkok center you can also hire Klook’s private car charter service, which is convenient and saving a alot of time, and the travel cost is not too expensive if you go with a large group. You can refer to and book these services as follow:

• Private Suvarnabhumi Airport Transfers (BKK) for Bangkok, Pattaya & More by Oriental Holiday
• Private Suvarnabhumi Airport Transfers (BKK) for Bangkok by Thai Rhythm
• Private Don Mueang Airport (DMK) Transfers for Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin, and Ayutthaya
• Private City Transfers between Bangkok and Pattaya, Ayutthaya, Hua Hin & More
• Private Transfers for Bangkok City and Surrounding Attractions

Read more:  Suvarnabhumi Airport to Bangkok — How to get from Bangkok airport to city?

Bangkok travel blog: Where to stay in Bangkok?

Cheap areas: Khao San Road, Chinatown, alleys in Sukhumvit (far subway station), Bangkok suburbs.

Medium areas: Pratunam area, alleys on Sukhumvit, Siam (near the train station), Old Town, Lumpini Park, Chatuchak,…

Luxury areas: The hotel is in the center of Siam, along the Chao Phraya River

Below are some best cheap, budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok (Address: 155/1 Soi Mahadlekluang 1 Ratchadamri Road Lumphini Bangkok, 10, 10330, Thailand / Phone: +66 2 690 1888), 4-star hotel with room rates from $91/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Centre Point Hotel Pratunam (Address: 6 Phetchaburi Rd, Khwaeng Thanon Phaya Thai, Khet Ratchathewi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand / Phone: +66 2 653 6690), 5-star hotel with room rates from $70/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Centara Watergate Pavillion Hotel Bangkok (Address: 567 Ratchaprarop Rd, Khwaeng Makkasan, Khet Ratchathewi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand / Phone: +66 2 625 1234), 4-star hotel with room rates from $64/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Pathumwan Princess Hotel (Address: 444 Phayathai Rd, Khwaeng Wang Mai, Khet Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10330, Thailand / Phone: +66 2 216 3700), 5-star hotel with room rates from $112/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Akara Hotel (Address: 372 Sri Ayutthaya Road, Thanon Phyathai, Rajthevi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand / Phone: +66 2 248 5511), 5-star hotel with room rates from $73/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Holiday Inn Bangkok (Address: 971 Phloen Chit Rd, Khwaeng Lumphini, Khet Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10330, Thailand / Phone: +66 2 656 1555), 4-star hotel with room rates from $113/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Amari Watergate Bangkok (Address: 847 Petchburi Road, Payathai, Khet Ratchathewi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand / Phone: +66 2 653 9000), 5-star hotel with room rates from $81/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• CityPoint Hotel (Address: 6, 22 Ratchadaphisek Rd, Khwaeng Khlong Toei, Khet Khlong Toei, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110, Thailand / Phone: +66 2 229 4392), 3-star hotel with room rates from $39/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• On 8 Sukhumvit Nana By Compass Hospitality (Address: 162 ถนน สุขุมวิท 8 Khwaeng Khlong Toei, Sukhumvit Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110, Thailand / Phone: +66 2 254 8866), 3-star hotel with room rates from $46/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Sarnn Sukhumvit 28 (8/4 soi sukhumvit28 Sukhumvit Road Klongton Klong toey Bangkok 10110, Thailand / Phone: +66 81 173 3747), 2-star hotel with room rates from $20/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Red Planet Bangkok Asoke (8/4 soi sukhumvit28 Sukhumvit Road Klongton Klong toey Bangkok 10110, Thailand / Phone: +66 81 173 3747), 3-star hotel with room rates from $28/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

You can find, check rates, availability & booking for Bangkok hotels on Agoda.com or Booking.com .

Bangkok blog — What to do and where to go in Bangkok?

Top sightseeing and activities places in bangkok.

Safari World Bangkok: Asia’s largest open zoo with hundreds of animal species around the world. Suitable for groups, families with young children. Open from 9 am to 5 pm every day. Ticket price is 54 dollars.

Dream World Bangkok: Bangkok’s Disney Land with hundreds of exciting games. Suitable for couples, young families, groups of friends, … Open from 10 am to 5 pm every day.

Siam Park Bangkok: A land of endless fun with the world’s largest artificial beach and adventure water games with cool snowflakes in Snow Town Bangkok

Snow Town Bangkok: Enjoy yourself with snowballs, slide down the smooth white snow or play snow castle in the city center.

SEA Life Aquariums Bangkok: is one of the largest aquariums in South East Asia with 30,000 individuals and magnificent ocean views.

Bangkok travel blog: The famous temples in Bangkok

Wat Pho (Buddhist Temple): where the longest Buddha statue in the world (46m)

Wat Traimit (Golden Buddha Temple): famous for the monks of golden gold

Wat Benchamabophit: The most magnificent temple in Bangkok with white marble architecture.

Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) : The most beautiful temple in Bangkok, located on the shore of the Chao Phraya River.

Read more: Best temples in Bangkok — Top 6 most ancient & famous temples in Bangkok you should visit .

Bangkok travel blog — Bangkok live shows: The must-see Bangkok’s shows when coming to Bangkok

Cookin Nanta Show: The Cookin Nanta Show is one of the most famous and unique culinary shows in the world.

Siam Niramit: Traditional Thai art show with 2,000 seats, more than 150 dancers in more than 500 unique costumes.

Muay Thai Live: Visiting to Thailand, you must see Muay, the traditional martial arts of the Golden Pagoda. The Legend Lives: The show brings you to discover Muay’s origin with live, authentic performances.

Continued reading…

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These meals will make you want to travel, just to eat!

Prepare yourself to drool over these 41 meals, each featuring mouthwatering photos, details, and where you can eat it.

I've also included some of my personal travel eating tips and answered some of your top questions... like "Mark, how do you make money to travel?".

You must love food as much as I do!

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Bangkok travel guide for food lovers

If you travel for food, this Bangkok travel guide for food lovers is for you.

Bangkok is one of the most exciting cities in the world, and a paradise for food lovers.

Everywhere you look while walking around the city, you’ll be tempted by something delicious – whether it be fresh green papaya salad, a spice filled coconut milk curry, or smoke pouring off a street food grill.

In this Bangkok travel guide blog post, specifically written for you as a food lover , I’m going to share some essential travel information and tips that will help you make the most of your stay in Bangkok.

Bangkok food tours available now!!

About This Bangkok Travel Guide:

Quickly, before fully jumping in, I wanted to let you know who I am, and why I wrote this Bangkok travel guide blog.My name is Mark Wiens, and I travel for food. I’ve been based in Bangkok since 2009, and while I also love to travel to other destinations , Bangkok remains my permanent home-base (and my wife is Thai).

I can still remember the day I arrived in Bangkok for the first time.

Walking down the street, the aroma of stir frying chilies, garlic, and basil, mixed with the thick humidity of the Bangkok evening, was a combination that switched on my senses, and I immediately became fascinated by Thai food and culture.

Bangkok has been my home ever since, and day doesn’t go by without me getting excited about Thai food.

Read more about my story here , and see the tools I use to run this blog here .

Ok, let’s move into the guide now…

Arriving and Leaving Bangkok

There are plenty of ways you could potentially arrive and leave, but probably the most common way is to fly directly into Bangkok.

When you fly into Bangkok, make sure you note which airport you’ll be arriving or leaving from… I have made the mistake of going to the wrong airport before!

Suvarnabhumi Airport

The biggest airport, and the hub for many of the major international airlines is Suvarnabhumi Airport , located in the southeastern part of the city.

How to get from Suvanabhumi Airport to the center of Bangkok:

• Airport Rail Link – In the airport, follow the signs to the airport rail link. You can connect with the MRT Metro at Makasan Station, or with the BTS Skytrain at Phaya Thai Station, and easily get to Siam, Silom, Sathon, or along Sukhumvit using the public train transportation. The price is 45 THB, and it operates from 6 am – 12 midnight daily.
• Taxi – To take a taxi, go to the first floor, and exit the revolving door at either #4 or #7. You take a ticket, and then go to the taxi number on your ticket. The price of taking a taxi to central Bangkok from the airport should cost about 300 – 400 THB, and there’s also an airport surcharge of 50 THB. Note that you will also be responsible for any tollway fees if used as well.

Don Mueang International Airport

In order to relieve some of the congestion of Suvanabhumi Airport, Bangkok re-opened the former main international airport, which is known as Don Mueang , located in northern Bangkok. This airport is home to many of the budget airlines carriers like Air Asia and Tiger Air, and caters mainly to destinations around Southeast Asia and Asia.

How to get from Don Mueang Airport to the center of Bangkok:

• Taxi – The easiest way to get from Don Mueang Airport to the center of Bangkok is by private taxi. Go down to the ground floor, and there’s an official taxi stand (and usually a long queue). You will be directed tot he next taxi driver. The ride all the way to the center of Bangkok should cost anywhere from 200 – 350 THB, and you’ll have to pay a 50 THB airport surcharge, and you’re responsible for any tollways used. An alternative to a taxi all the way, is to take a taxi to Mo Chit BTS Skytrain or Chatuchak Park MRT Metro, which should cost about 100 THB, and then you can take the public train from there.
• Bus – Bus #A1 goes from the airport to Mo Chit BTS Skytrain station, and from there you can take the BTS to Siam, Silom, Sathon, or Sukhumvit. Go to the ground floor and catch the bus from outside, price is 35 THB per person.

Getting your Thai tourist visa:

It all depends on your nationality, but the easiest way to get a short term visa for Thailand, if your passport qualifies, is to just get a simple 15 or 30 day tourist visa on arrival. It’s free, and all you have to do is fill out your arrival card (it will be given to you in the airplane before you land), go through immigration, and you’ll have 30 days in Thailand / Bangkok.

However, be sure to research your country and the requirements for entry and exit to Thailand.

Bus Stations in Bangkok:

• Mo Chit Station (Northern bus terminal) – If you’re traveling by bus to a destination north of Bangkok (Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani), you’ll usually arrive or leave from Mo Chit Station.
• Sai Dai Mai Station (Southern bus terminal) – If you’re traveling to a destination on the peninsular part of southern Thailand (Phuket, Krabi, Surat Thani), you’ll probably arrive and leave from Sai Dai Mai station.
• Ekkamai Bus Station (Destinations near to Bangkok) – You can take short bus trips to destinations within a few hours from Bangkok, especially eastern coastal areas (usually places like Pattaya, Rayong, Trat) from Ekkamai Station.
• Victory Monument (Van terminal for short distances) – An alternative to buses are 12 seater vans. They leave from various outposts around Victory Monument and Center One. Beware though, these vans often drive crazily fast, but they can be very convenient.

Where to Stay in Bangkok?

There are so many places to stay in Bangkok, that it’s tough to narrow down your choices.

So in this next part of this Bangkok travel guide, I’ll do my best to share with you a few of the best areas of Bangkok that you can stay in, why you would want to choose a certain area, and a few of my personal hotel recommendations in each of these areas.

1. Khao San Road / Banglamphu – This is the main backpacker district of Bangkok, but at the same time it’s the historical center of the city, where many of the famous attractions (like the Grand Palace) are located. You’ll find budget hostels, historical guest houses, and hotels in this area.

• Full House Khaosan  (budget) – This place is so close to the action of Khao San Road, but it’s tucked away into a local alley, and remains quiet and friendly. My wife and I stayed here for a few nights and loved the location.
• Baan Chart Hotel  (mid-range) – It’s a decent choice for a mid-range priced hotel along Rambuttri, parallel to Khao San Road.

2. Chao Phraya Riverside / Bangrak – The Chao Phraya Riverside is scenic, with good transportation options, and a mix of both luxury hotels and mid-range options. Great area for families because of the transportation options and mix of everything.

• Glur Bangkok Hostel  (budget) – This is a new, clean, and modern hostel, near to the BTS.
• Shangri-La  (luxury) – A prime location and to the Shangri La standard, it’s expensive, but a very nice hotel in Bangkok.
• Chatrium Riverside  (luxury) – My wife and I recently spent a couple nights at Chatrium Riverside. It’s modern, and I think it’s pretty good value for money, very good place to stay as a family.

3. Silom / Sathon – Silom and Sathon, located next to each other are the business financial districts of Bangkok, and very modern areas of town. The area makes a great base with food options and transportation.

• Marvin Suites (mid-range) – For a budget and great value place to stay in Sathon, Marvin Suites is fantastic. The rooms are very spacious and it’s the type of hotel that you’d feel comfortable staying at for one day or even a week or two.
• Glow Trinity Silom (mid-range) – This is a trendy type of hotel in a good location right in the heart of Silom.

4. Siam / Pratunam – Siam and Pratunam are at the center of one of Bangkok’s most intense shopping districts, with everything from modern malls to street shopping. Stay in Siam or Pratunam if you’re serious about Bangkok shopping.

• Lub d Siam Square (mid-range) – Lub d is a trendy modern hostel, located right across the street from MBK shopping mall.
• Amari Watergate (luxury) – Step outside Amari Watergate and you’ll be in the midst of the Pratunam shopping district. Nice modern hotel, fantastic location.

5. Sukhumvit – Sukhumvit Road is one of the major developed roads running through the heart of Bangkok, and it’s home to many expats and international businesses and restaurants, but it remains local Thai at the same time.

• St. James Hotel (mid-range) – This hotel is a little old, but well kept, and very comfortable and spacious. My wife and I spent a few nights here.
• Pullman Bangkok Grande Sukhumvit (luxury) – Located near Asoke intersection, this is a nice business luxury hotel.

Where would I personally recommend? I think the best area to stay in Bangkok, if you’re coming for a visit, is the Banglamphu area because it’s the historical center of Bangkok, very close to many of the major attractions, and the area is home to some of the best street food and markets in all of Bangkok.

* Disclosure : The links to hotels above are affiliate links, meaning that if you book a hotel through that link, at NO extra cost to you, I will receive a commission. This will help me to continue maintaining this blog. Thank you in advance!

Some of my favorite gear

Here is some of the gear I use when I travel ( these are Amazon affiliate links ).

For more, check out my travel packing list and check out my camera gear and electronics on my gear page .

Street Food & Restaurants in Bangkok

Bangkok is one of the world’s greatest street food cities and as soon as you arrive and start exploring the city, you’ll discover that there’s an abundance of delicious things to eat everywhere you look.

Along with street food, Bangkok is a also a city where restaurants of all levels, serving both Thai and an extensive range of international cuisine, are flourishing. You can eat modern Thai meal for lunch and sit down for a world class Italian dinner (there are so many food possibilities).

For this Bangkok guide and tips I’m focusing on Thai food. I’ve classified the main levels of food you’ll find in Bangkok, and suggested some of my personal favorite places to eat them.

Thai Street Food

Thai street food is one of the ultimate joys of being in Bangkok.

You can get anything from a snack to eat while you’re walking down the sidewalk, to an entire sit down meal feast on the streets of Bangkok, twenty four hours a day.

Bowls of piping hot noodles, stir fried dishes over rice, Thai curry and rice, grilled meats, and green papaya salad, are just a few examples of foods you’ll encounter.

A few of my favorite Bangkok street food areas:

• Wang Lang Market – Located across the Chao Phraya River from the Grand Palace, Wang Lang Market is one of Bangkok’s premiere foodie destinations. During the day, you’ll find an immense amount of Thai street food filling the lanes of the market, both snacks and full meals are available.
• Chinatown (Yaowarat) – Exploring the congested and chaotic streets of Bangkok’s Chinatown never gets old; There’s so much delicious food to try. In the day time, you’ll find markets and some food stalls, but street food really comes alive in the evening and throughout the night.
• Silom Soi 20 – For a good central Thai morning market, check out Silom Soi 20. Both fresh ingredients and food ready to eat are available. I personally love the Thai chicken biryani, and the black sticky rice and custard at the front of the market.

Some of my favorite street food stalls:

• Som Tam Jay So (ร้านส้มตำเจ๊โส) – Som Tam Jay So is one of my go-to spots in Bangkok for real deal Isaan food.
• Kuay Jab Nay Lek (ก๋วยจั๊บนายเล็ก) – This stall in Yaowarat serves amazing peppery pork soup with noodle rolls.
• Doy Kuay Teow Reua (ต้อยก๋วยเตี๋ยวเรือ) – Boat noodles are one of the most popular noodle dishes in Bangkok, and this is one of my favorite spots.
• Tom Yum Goong in Bangkok (ร้านต้มยำกุ้งบางลำพู) – This street food stall in Banglamphu is a little on the dirty side, but they make one of the best versions of tom yum goong in the city.
• Somsak Boo Op (สมศักดิ์ ปูอบ) – You might have to wait to get a table here, but they make an incredible version of shrimp and mung bean noodles – called goong ob woon sen.
• Vegetarian : Chamlong Asoke (จำลอง (สันติอโศก) – This is one of the greatest vegetarian food courts in Bangkok, located across the street from Chatuchak Market in northern Bangkok.
• Halal : Yusup Pochana (ยูซุปโภชนา) – This restaurant is a little off the beaten path, but they serve some awesome Halal Thai food.

Also, don’t miss my full list of best restaurants in Bangkok here .

Local Thai food restaurants (shophouses)

While I truly love street food and the atmosphere of dining on the streets of Bangkok, I would say the actual best Thai food comes from local restaurants, or shophouse restaurants – the taste of food is often just one notch above street food.

Some shophouse restaurants actually started off as street food stalls, but due to success or progression, they have since moved into a more permanent facility. Shophouse restaurants are where many of the best traditional Thai and Thai Chinese chefs operate from.

Here area a few local Thai restaurants I love:

• Soei (ร้านเส่ย) – This has long been one of my favorite restaurants in Bangkok. The food is dangerously tasty, spicy, and full of vibrant flavors.
• Mit Ko Yuan (ร้านมิตรโกหย่วน) – Serving some of the best tom yum goong, Mit Ko Yuan is an old shophouse restaurant that serves mostly stir fried Thai dishes.
• Som Tam Sida (ส้มตำสีดา) – Positioned in the middle of Wang Lang Market, Som Tam Sida is a fantastic family run Isaan restaurant.
• Laab Udon (ร้านลาบอุดร) – Located right off the Surasak BTS station in Sathorn, Laab Udon serves Isaan food including the full spectrum of different som tam (green papaya salad) and dishes off the grill.
• Ran Ruam Dai  (ร้านรวมใต้) – For a true taste of authentic southern Thai food, this is one of my favorite places.
• Vegetarian :  Su Ki Jeh Ru Yi (สุกี้เจหรูยี่) – This is a pretty classic Thai Chinese vegetarian restaurant located behind Hua Lamphong train station.
• Halal : Muslim Restaurant (ร้านอาหารมุสลิม) – Located in the heart of Bangrak, this legendary Halal restaurant serves good Thai biryani and an assortment of curry.

Fine Thai Dining (higher end)

When you choose a fine dining Thai restaurant in Bangkok, you have to be careful. There are many high end restaurants that serve mediocre food (at best), that’s actually watered down from the real Thai taste, but just prettified.

The good news is, there are a growing handful of higher end Thai restaurants in Bangkok that are truly serving outstanding Thai food, using high quality ingredients, and being creative, yet not compromising the balance and robustness of Thai flavors.

• Paste  (Note: Location is at Gayson Plaza, Ratchaprasong) – Paste is the leader of modern progressive Thai food in Bangkok. Acute attention is paid to every detail of flavor and balance and you can taste the passion of the chefs in the cooking (Paste also offers vegetarian options on their menu).
• The Local – The Local is another one of my favorite nicer sit down Thai restaurants in Bangkok. It’s a nice setting and great food.
• Baan Thai Family Recipes – What I really like about Baan is that the food tastes like food you’d eat at a Thai home, but using high quality and sustainable ingredients.

NOTE : For a more extensive guide to Thai food, check out my  Eating Thai Food Guide . You’ll learn Thai eating etiquette and tips and useful instructions on how to order Thai food.

10 of My Favorite Thai dishes

• Tom yum goong (ต้มยําากุ้ง) – Tom yum goong, Thai shrimp soup, is one of the most essential dishes in Thai cuisine. I love it so much, I dedicated a t-shirt to it ! The soup has countless varieties, but lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, chilies, and in this case shrimp, are mandatory.
• Pla pao (ปลาเผา) – A whole fish is stuffed with lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves, rolled in a salt crust, grilled over charcoal, and served with chili garlic sauce.
• Som tam (ส้มตําา) – Som tam refers to any variety of different green papaya salad that’s an essential dish in Isaan (northeastern Thai and Laos) cuisine.
• Pad ka prao (ผัดกะเพรา) – One of the most popular and widely available Thai street food dishes is pad ka prao, a choice of meat stir fried with lots of garlic, chilies, and the all important holy basil.
• Kuay teow reua  (ก๋วยเตี๋ยวเรือ) – Boat noodles as they are commonly known, are a pork based Thai soup noodle, and a favorite in Bangkok.
• Kuay teow neau  (ก๋วยเตี๋ยวเนื้อ) – Another noodle Thai noodle soup dish I enjoy is beef noodles, usually served with fall apart tender braised beef and rice noodles.
• Boo pad pongari (ปูผัดผงกะหรี่) – Pongari is a type of Thai yellow curry thickened with eggs. It’s often made with crab, but you can also order it with squid or even chicken.
• Goong pad sataw (กุ้งผัดสะตอ) – Stir fried stink beans with shrimp, or with another protein, and chili paste, is easily one of my favorite dishes in Thailand. You’ll find it at many rice and curry stalls.
• Hor mok (ห่อหมก) – If made correctly, hor mok, a type of fish curry custard, can ben extremely good. Pieces are fish are mixed with curry sauce and herbs, and steamed. Hor mok is available and rice and curry restaurants.
• Nam prik kapi (น้ําาพริกกะปิ) – Nam prik refers to any type of Thai chili dipping sauce, and this version is mainly flavored with shrimp paste. It’s typically eaten with vegetables and rice, and you’ll find it at markets throughout Bangkok.

There are hundreds of different and unique Thai dishes, and if you see something that looks interesting and delicious when you’re in Bangkok, you should try it.

The list above includes just a few of my favorite dishes that I frequently eat (and that are quite common to find), but it should not limit you – there are so many other dishes to try to!

Latest Bangkok Blog Posts

Here are some of the latest blogs posts about Bangkok and Thailand:

Wat Phu Tok – Visiting The Most Thrilling (and Dangerous?) Temple in Thailand

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“The sixth level is the most spectacular… and most scary.” A few people told me as we passed each other, and I started climbing the rickety wooden stairs and ladders up the red rock mountain of Phu Thok (ภูทอก), Thailand’s…

Sichon Travel Guide: Pristine Off-The-Beaten-Path Fishing Village in Thailand!

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Within Sichon (สิชล), Thailand there is a stunningly beautiful and non-commercialized coastal fishing village in Southern Thailand. In this Sichon (สิชล) travel guide I’ll share with you all details about this amazing off-the-beaten-path community in Nakhon Si Thammarat. Talad Baan Plai Thon (ตลาดบ้านปลายทอน)…

Insane Kobe Beef A5 and Best Grade Sushi at Sri Panwa Hotel, Phuket!

Spur of the moment food trips are sometimes the best. This spur of the moment trip happened to be one of the ultimate travel culinary highs that I’ve ever experienced, and I’m going to share it all with you in…

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Tha Kha Floating Market – Local Relaxing Market You Can Visit in Thailand

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You have many choices for floating markets to visit in Thailand. Tha Kha Floating Market (ตลาดน้ำท่าคา), located in Samut Songkhram province (about a 1 hour drive from Bangkok) is one of the most relaxing and local floating you can visit….

Thai Seafood Feast and Seagulls on a Bangkok Day Trip to Bangpoo (บางปู)

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Bangpoo (บางปู) is one of the closest places you can go from Bangkok to see the ocean. Although it’s not a swimming beach, you’ll the have the opportunity to feed seagulls and eat a delicious seafood meal on the end of…

Eating with Andrew Zimmern in Bangkok

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I attended University in the United States from 2004 – 2008. During that time I started watching TV with my roommates and friends, and one of the shows that we would not only watch, but we’d anticipate and wait for…

Things To Do in Bangkok

The best thing about doing things in Bangkok, or visiting attractions and sightseeing, is that there’s never going to be a situation where you’re far from food.

The fact is, food revolves around every part of Thai culture – so don’t worry, no matter which attractions you choose to see when you’re in Bangkok, you’re never far from something delicious.

Here are a few things I would recommend doing in-between meals:

• Golden Mount (Wat Saket, Open hours: 9 am – 5 pm daily, Entrance price: 20 THB to climb to the top) – The Golden Mount is a temple in Bangkok that is built on top of a man-made hill. What I like most about visiting is that you can climb to the top for an amazing panoramic view of Bangkok. Also when you’re in the area, stop by Loha Prasat Temple too.
• Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew  (Open hours: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm daily, Entrance price: 500 THB adults) – Undoubtedly the most popular attraction in any Bangkok travel guide, the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew are icons of the city. For me it’s one of those places that’s well worth a visit once in your lifetime, but if you’ve been there, no need to go back again. It will most likely be packed with tourists and groups at anytime you go on any day. Also don’t miss Wat Pho, known also as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, located just down the road.
• Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall and Vimanmek Mansion (Save your ticket from the Grand Palace for complimentary access) – Located in Dusit, both the Throne Hall and Vimanmenk teakwood mansion are open to the public as museums. Although they are very popular touristy attractions in Bangkok, they are well worth a visit.
• Wat Arun (Open hours: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm daily, Entrance price: 50 THB) – Across the river from the Grand Palace complex is Wat Arun, a temple stupa that’s also referred to as the Temple of Dawn. One of the highlights of visiting Wat Arun is climbing the steep staircase.
• Chinatown (Yaowarat) – Bangkok has a strong Chinese influence no matter where you are in the city, however the area of Yaowarat, is where a concentration of Chinese originally settled. Yaowarat is a center of commerce and industry, always busy and energetic, and you can explore markets and eat an astounding array of delicious Thai and Thai Chinese food.
• Shopping in Bangkok – Along with food, Bangkok is a well known city for shopping in Southeast Asia, especially for clothes and fashion and electronics. Some of the major Bangkok shopping destinations include Siam (Siam Paragon, MBK, Central World), Pratunam (Platinum, Pantip Plaza), and Phrom Phong (Emporium, EmQuartier). The Chatuchak weekend market is also a popular Bangkok shopping spot.
• Or Tor Kor Market – Another must visit food destination in Bangkok is Or Tor Kor Market, located across the road from Chatuchak Market. Or Tor Kor is a premium fruits and vegetables market, and they also have an amazing local food court. You’ll also find durian year round!
• Khlong Toey Market (Open hours: 24 hours daily) – One of the main central fresh wet markets in Bangkok is Khlong Toey. You can find nearly every ingredient imaginable for cooking Thai food within this market, and if you love food or cooking, it’s a great place to explore when you’re in Bangkok.
• Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market  (Open hours: 9:30 am – 4 pm, and open on Saturday and Sunday and public holidays) – There are a number of different floating markets around Bangkok, but my favorite, that’s located within the city is Khlong Lat Mayom. Along with just being a pleasant area to walk around, and you can even take a boat ride tour, the market is made for food lovers. You’ll find a dizzying array of snacks and things to eat. Don’t miss a whole salt crusted grilled fish when you go.

For the ultimate list of things to do in Bangkok , check out my  101 Things To Do In Bangkok eBook , it comes packed with useful information about visiting Bangkok, and even directions written in Thai.

How to Get Around (Transportation)

Bangkok is a city that offers nearly every type and form of transportation available – taxi, bus, motorbike, tuk tuk, longtail boat, ferry boat, above ground train, and underground train. And some areas of Bangkok aren’t too bad for walking either.

I won’t go too in-depth in this Bangkok travel guide blog, but I’ll share a few details about the best ways to get around.

• BTS Skytrain / MRT Metro  (Open hours: 6 am – Midnight daily, Prices range from about 15 – 52 THB per ride depending on distance, or you can get an all day pass) – To avoid any hassle and not have to deal with sitting in traffic, taking the BTS Skytrain and MRT Metro are your best options. The train lines are not hugely extensive yet, but they will get you to most central districts of Bangkok.
• Chao Phraya River Boat  (Open hours: About 6 am – 7 pm, Price is 15 THB on orange flag local boat, and 40 THB per ride on the yellow flag tourist boat) – For getting to Khao San Road and the Grand Palace area, the Chao Phraya Express Boat is highly convenient. You can catch the BTS Skytrain to Saphan Taksin Station which connects with the pier to take the boat.
• Taxi (and Uber ) – Local taxis in Bangkok are very affordable and can be either very convenient, or full of hassles. For one thing, traffic in Bangkok can be horrible at times, and for another thing, some taxi drivers are not always honest and occasionally overcharge foreigners. Just make sure your taxi driver uses the meter (the meter should ALWAYS be used), and it’s a good idea to know where you’re going, and follow along on your phone gps so you can make sure you’re going in the right direction. An alternative from taxis is UberX (click this link to get a free ride), which my wife and I use in Bangkok quite frequently.

Alternatively, you can always jump in a local bus, a tuk tuk, or on the back of a motorbike to get around Bangkok as well. However, I would personally use the above three methods if possible, which will get you just about everywhere you need to go in central Bangkok.

Is it safe to travel to Bangkok?

For the size and busyness of Bangkok, the city is in my opinion quite safe to visit.

However, I would never say that Bangkok is an extremely safe city (I’d never say that about any city), because it’s always possible to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, even in the safest statistical place on earth.

Bangkok has unfortunately been in the news on more than a few occasions for malicious acts and uprisings, but these actions do not reflect the overall friendliness and peacefulness of Bangkok and its residents.

Here are a few tips for keeping safe when visiting Bangkok:

• Walking around – While theft is not extremely common in Bangkok, it does happen occasionally, especially things like bag snatching and mobile phones. It’s a good idea to not be walking down a busy street using your mobile phone, and do be aware of your hand bag or back pack when walking down a road or in a busy area.
• Scams – Many of the scams in Bangkok are not harmful, but just waste your time and maybe money. One example is a tutk tuk drivers outside the Grand Palace telling you it’s closed today, and that they will kindly take you somewhere else. For the most part, researching attractions and places to go, and knowing your facts and information, and then thinking before you make any decisions, can avoid most scams. Also, if any tuk tuk driver offers you a ride for 10 THB ($0.28) or something ridiculously low like that, you can assume there’s some kind of scam involved. Do your research, don’t act fast (think about it), and usually you can avoid many of the common scams in Bangkok.
• Night time – A majority of crime happens in Bangkok at night, especially around nightlife areas. So use extra caution when going out at night, and especially venturing into Bangkok nightlife districts. If you’re with a couple friends, it’s better than going by yourself.

I’ve included lots more Bangkok safety tips in my full Bangkok guide eBook .

Prices and Expenses

In comparison to many of the other major Asian cities , Bangkok still remains a somewhat budget destination, and I think the value you get for what you pay for – when it comes to hotels, food, and attractions – is still very good.

However, Bangkok is a major international city, and although you can travel on a budget, it’s also easy to spend a fortune if you want.

Here’s a quick sample cost of how much you’re likely to spend in Bangkok:

Accommodation:

• Hostel: $6 – $15 USD per bed
• Mid-range hotel: $25 – $80 USD per night
• High end – For anything over $80 USD per night, you can expect a very nice place

Transportation:

• Train ride in the city: 15 THB – 52 THB ($0.34 – $1.48) per ride depending on distance
• Taxi: 50 THB – 100 THB ($1.42 – $2.84) for a short ride, 100 THB – 200 THB ($2.84 – $5.68) for long ride
• Bus ride: 8 THB – 20 THB ($0.23 – $0.57) depending on bus
• Simple street food meal: 30 THB – 50 THB ($0.85 – $1.42) per plate
• Local restaurant: 100 – 200 THB ($2.84 – $5.68) per person
• Indoor restaurant: 150 – 300 THB ($4.26 – $8.52) per person
• High end restaurant: 300 – 1000 THB ($8.52 – $28.40) per person
• Drink at a bar: 100 – 200 THB ($2.84 – $5.68)
• Coffee at coffeeshop: 80 – 150 THB ($2.27 – $4.26)
• Big bottle of water: 14 THB ($0.40)

Overall budget:

• Budget: $20 – $40 USD per person per day
• Mid-range: $40 – $60 per person per day
• High end: $60 – $150 per person per day

This is just an average guide. Of course you could get away with spending less or a lot more, all depending on your choices and your traveling style, or even what type of holiday you’re having in Bangkok.

That being said, no matter what level of budget you’re on, I think Bangkok offers very decent value for money traveling.

Bangkok Travel Videos

The following playlist is from my 2 Weeks in Bangkok series , where my wife and I took 2 full weeks and visited as many attractions and ate at as many restaurants in Bangkok as we could in that time.

It’s a 15 day Bangkok food and travel guide video series:

Also, you can check our my YouTube channel for lots videos about Thai street food and travel: https://www.youtube.com/user/migrationology

Bangkok is without doubt one of the greatest cities in the world to visit if you love to eat.

In this “food lover” focused Bangkok travel guide, you’ll find tips about transportation, personal recommendations for where to stay, a concise list of top attractions (only if you have time in-between eating), and most important of all, information about Thai street food and restaurants.

If you’re traveling to Bangkok with a purpose to eat, I hope this Bangkok Travel Guide for Food Lovers will offer you helpful tips and details, so you can maximize the delicious food you eat during your trip!

You’ll have an amazing time in Bangkok!

Thank you for reading this Bangkok travel guide resource page.

If you’re interested in learning more about Bangkok, check out my Bangkok eBook , which includes information on attractions, hotels, safety, and food, and also my Eating Thai Food Guide , if you’re serious about eating delicious Thai food!

Have you been to Bangkok? Or are you planning to visit?

Leave a comment below, I would love to hear from you now!

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• Bangkok Travel Guide

Make exploring Bangkok easy with these in-depth itineraries and guides on where to go, what to see, what to eat and where to stay.

1 Day In Bangkok: Must See Itinerary

Bangkok Guide: 55 Tips To Help You

3 Days in Bangkok Itinerary

2 Days in Bangkok Itinerary

Check Hotel Availability And Pricing

Destination, check-in date, check-out date.

Where To Change Money In Bangkok

Where to Stay In Bangkok

The Hangover 2 Bangkok Movie Locations

First Time In Bangkok

How Much Do I Need For Bangkok?

Things To Do In Bangkok

Getting Around Bangkok

Bangkok BTS And MRT Map

Bangkok Food Guide

Bangkok Areas

Bangkok Shopping Malls

Bangkok Temples Guide

Bangkok Airport Guide

Bangkok Markets

Songkran In Bangkok

Day Trips from Bangkok

Vietnam Visa In Bangkok

1 Week In Bangkok Travel Itinerary

Start Planning Your Bangkok Trip Now!

:: Find available Bangkok hotels on Booking.com and Agoda.com - usually you can reserve a room with no upfront payment. Pay when you check out. Free cancellations too.

:: Browse a huge list of Things To Do In Bangkok - there are loads of activities and tours you can quickly book online or simply use as inspiration for your trip.

:: Find the cheapest flight to Bangkok with Skyscanner - one search will show you the prices and times from scores of airlines for your trip. A real timesaver.

:: Book a Bangkok airport transfer to take you hassle-free direct from the airport to your hotel with the driver meeting you in Arrivals.

:: Rent a Pocket Wifi router which can connect several devices so you can have immediate internet access on your phone, laptop and tablet.

:: World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world.

:: Book bus, train and ferry tickets from Bangkok to the rest of Thailand with 12Go - easy to use website that lets you check timetables and buy tickets online.

:: Need inspiration? Check our Bangkok Itineraries for ideas of where to go and what to do.

:: Explore our Bangkok Travel Guide for more Bangkok must-see attractions and helpful tips.

Travelhappy Travel Guides

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