Bangkok buzzes with energy, its vibrant streets and towering skyscrapers standing alongside ancient temples. This lively city, home to 11 million residents, offers an efficient public transit system that allows easy travel between neighborhoods while sidestepping notorious traffic jams. Choosing activities can be the toughest part of your visit.
From temple visits to shopping at the Chatuchak Weekend Market, this guide highlights the unmissable experiences in Bangkok, along with dining and lodging suggestions. (If you're interested in visiting Moo Deng, the famous baby hippo, check out this guide.)
Prepare for Your Journey
Currency: Thai Baht (THB) Best Time to Visit: November to February for cooler weather. Travel Insurance: Consider SafetyWing travel medical insurance for coverage on accidents and delays.
Mobile eSIM Card: Ensure global connectivity without the hassle of physical SIM cards. Save 10% with code AIRALOESIM10!
Top Attractions in Bangkok
The Grand Palace, once the royal residence, is essential for first-time visitors. A highlight is the breathtaking golden Wat Phra Kaew, home to the Emerald Buddha, Thailand's most revered statue dating back to the 13th century. (Admission: 500B/$14 USD). For a smoother entry, consider booking through Klook. Dress appropriately; knees covered and long sleeves are required, or you'll have to rent clothing.
Wat Pho, located close to the Grand Palace, features the largest reclining Buddha in Bangkok. (Admission: 100B/$2.80 USD)
Wat Arun is accessible via a boat ride across the river from the Grand Palace. This impressive 82-meter Khmer-style tower is a grand Buddhist temple complex situated on the Chao Phraya River. While you can no longer ascend to the top, the beautiful courtyard filled with Buddha statues is a great photo opportunity. Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially the visitors in traditional clothing. The best photo spot is across the river, easily reached via a five-baht water taxi.
Exploring Southeast Asia
Check out my guides to Thailand, Chiang Mai, Vietnam, and Singapore!
The Amulet Market, near the Grand Palace, is a series of stalls selling amulets, protective talismans, and Buddha statues. These items are highly valued by monks and those in danger-prone professions. I've turned several amulets from this market into necklaces.
Jim Thompson House: This art museum was once home to American silk entrepreneur Jim Thompson. The complex features six traditional Thai houses relocated from various parts of Thailand, all within walking distance of the MBK Center and the BTS Skytrain's National Stadium stop. His collection of art includes Buddha sculptures from the 8th century and exquisite paintings. Photography isn't allowed inside. (Admission: 200B/$6 USD)
Wat Suthat, a prominent royal temple, boasts a courtyard lined with Buddha statues, making it one of my favorite spots for photography. (Admission: 100B/$3 USD)
Pak Khlong Talat (Bangkok's Flower Market): For stunning photos, visit this colorful flower market in Chinatown, which transforms into the city's largest vegetable market during the day. Although it's open 24 hours, I recommend visiting at sunrise for the freshest flowers delivered overnight. Klook also offers
guided tours if you prefer not to explore alone.
Wat Saket and the Golden Mount feature a golden chedi on Bangkok's only hill. Climbing the 320 steps to the top is worthwhile, and the sprawling complex is enjoyable to explore. (Admission: 50 Baht/$1.50 USD)
The Giant Buddha at Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen: This towering 230-foot statue was finished in 2021 on the city's outskirts. It's about a 15-20 minute walk from the BTS (Wutthakat station) and MRT stations (Bang Phai or Tha Phra stations). (Note: it's currently covered in scaffolding as of November 2024.) You can get a good view from the Tha Phra MRT platform, though that part of the platform is sometimes closed.
Erawan Museum: Home to a 14-story statue of Erawan, a mythical three-headed elephant, this museum boasts a vibrant interior staircase. Designed by antique collector Lek Viriyapant, the museum opened in 2003, but he sadly passed away before its completion. It's a bit of a journey to reach via BTS (Chang Erawan Station (E17) exit 2), but the lush grounds are great for photos as well. Tickets are typically 400 Baht, but I snagged mine for almost half price on Klook.
Accommodations in Bangkok
Opt for lodging close to train lines for easy navigation. I frequently stay in the Siam area for its central location, though I've also enjoyed Lumphini Park.
Hotels: The Holiday Inn Express Siam ($88 USD/night) near the National Stadium BTS is my preferred work-friendly option, featuring clean rooms, free breakfast, and a gym. For a splurge, I recommend VIE Hotel Bangkok ($188 USD/night).
Hostel: I've enjoyed staying at Bed Block One Hostel ($16 USD/night) for its proximity to Siam, Ratchathewi BTS station, and the airport train.
Dining and Shopping Highlights in Bangkok
Chatuchak Weekend Market is Thailand's largest market and my favorite shopping destination. This vast complex is divided into 26 sections, offering everything from local art to trendy boutiques to potted plants. It's open Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., conveniently located near both the BTS Skytrain (Chatuchak Park stop) and MRT (Kamphaeng Phet stop). Early visitors should note that not all shops are open until at least 10 a.m.
Mall Food Courts
No one does malls like Thailand. The food court at MBK, a multi-level shopping labyrinth in Siam, is the best. Known as Food Legends, it's hidden on the sixth floor behind chain restaurants. Various food stalls serve everything from curry to papaya salad, with most meals under 100 baht ($3 USD). (Don't confuse it with the more obvious restaurants on the fifth floor.)
To purchase food, load money onto a meal card used for payments. Be sure to return it for a refund of any unused balance when you leave.
Both Terminal 21 and Siam Paragon also feature food courts using a similar card system.
Thong Lo Neighborhood
If you're a foodie, this area is a must-visit. Khao Jao serves authentic Thai cuisine with bold flavors. Sit and Wonder is a hidden gem offering a cozy atmosphere and delicious Thai dishes, while Roast is perfect for Western food cravings.
High Tea at Arthur's Lounge
Set on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, the historic Mandarin Oriental Hotel was once frequented by renowned writers like Graham Greene. Now part of the Mandarin Group, it offers seasonal high teas daily in the bright atrium of Arthur's Lounge, featuring wicker chairs. It's a delightful experience to dress up and indulge. Expect to pay around $50 USD.
Craft Beer in Bangkok
While Bangkok has its share of upscale rooftop bars, I prefer the craft beer atmosphere at Brewski, located atop the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel near Phrom Phong BTS. It's a relaxed spot with Thai and international beers on tap and satisfying pub fare. Don't miss their happy hour BOGO deal from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Best Parks in Bangkok
Lumpini Park is the city's oldest and largest green space, spanning 58 hectares. You can rent a paddleboat on the lake or jog along the trails amid beautifully landscaped lawns. Tai Chi classes are commonly found here.
Benjakitti Park is a 102-acre area developed on the site of a former tobacco factory, now featuring sports facilities. This natural space, rich in wetlands, is home to various wildlife and has elevated walkways. The park serves as a green oasis and helps absorb rain during monsoon season. Its flower-lined paths are perfect for walking or running.
Bangkok FAQ
Where's the best place to buy a SIM card in Bangkok?
Avoid purchasing a SIM card at the airport due to inflated prices. Instead, consider getting a Thailand-specific eSIM card that activates immediately upon arrival. If traveling within Southeast Asia, look into their Asia Regional eSIM cards. (Both options have worked well for me and feature a mobile hotspot option, which is invaluable for remote work.)
For longer stays in Thailand, visit an AIS store to obtain a local SIM or eSIM for the best deal.
Do you need travel medical insurance for Thailand?
Absolutely! Travel medical insurance is crucial for any international trip, especially in Thailand. It covers everything from injuries to travel delays, allowing you to relax and focus on your adventures.
I personally use SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance, offering $0 deductible coverage for over 180 countries for travelers aged 69 and under. It's surprisingly affordable, costing only a few dollars daily! In case of sickness or injury abroad, you can visit any hospital or doctor.
Additional benefits include coverage for lost luggage, travel delays over 12 hours, and motor accidents (as long as safety measures are followed). You can even enhance your plan with options for adventure sports and electronics theft. If you're abroad for 90 days, you can also get 30 days of home-country coverage.
Bangkok Transport Tips
Subway and Skytrain
The quickest and most economical way to enter the city from either airport is by train. Don Mueang International Airport connects to the city via a 17-minute train ride from Krungthep Apiwat Station.
From Suvarnabhumi Airport, take the Airport Link Train, which connects directly to the BTS Skytrain. Note that some BTS stations are near MRT stations, and while elevators are available, they might not be on all sides of the road. Although escalators are present, you may need to carry luggage down stairs at times.
Both the BTS Skytrain and MRT subway offer multi-trip passes. The MRT now accepts credit cards, but the BTS does not yet.
Taxis are generally cheaper than tuk-tuks. However, taxi drivers often prefer not to use the meter, so expect to negotiate. It usually takes a few attempts to find a taxi willing to go by the meter. On Sundays, fares can be significantly higher due to driver availability. Motorcycle taxis are available at major intersections and offer quick, budget-friendly rides.
Grab, the rideshare app, operates in Bangkok, but I've often faced challenges getting a pick-up in the Siam area due to heavy traffic.
Best English-speaking salon for haircuts in Bangkok?
I've been going to Shingo at Sensui Salon in Sukhumvit for over a decade. He's Japanese and speaks fluent English, having lived in London. You can message him on his Facebook page to schedule appointments.
Where's the best massage in Bangkok?
I highly recommend Nature Thai Massage on Soi 5 in the Siam area, which offers a 20% discount for appointments before 5 p.m. I usually opt for an oil massage in a private room.
