Ultimate Bangkok Travel Guide
We have gathered everything we have learned from our Bangkok travels into one spot to help you make the most of your trip. Get answers to all your questions - and then some! Start from the top or use our table of contents and navigation links to easily find everything you need.
Guide Contents:
Arriving in Bangkok
Your First Days in Bangkok
All About Bangkok​
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Your Most Asked Questions
Where is Bangkok?
Bangkok is located in the center of the country along the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. Because it is in such a central location, Bangkok makes for an excellent hub for visiting the country. You can visit either the far north and the far south of Thailand within a two hour flight.
How Much do Hotels Cost in Bangok?
You are truly spoiled for choice in Bangkok and your lifestyle is the biggest deciding factor here. We usually like to recommend 4-star hotels in the 1,000-2,000 baht/night range for most tourists. They offer all the usual comforts and amenities of nicer hotels at a fraction of the cost compared to other countries. If you are coming to Thailand to socialize with other travelers, hostels are available for around 300-1,000 baht/night.
Arriving in Bangkok
Getting from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Bangkok
Like most major airports, Bangkok's main international airport is located outside of the city. This means that once you arrive you will have to make it from the airport to wherever you are staying. For most travelers there are really only two ways to make that trip - Taxi and the Airport Rail Link train. Both are great options and are fairly affordable.
Taxi - 400-600 Thai Baht (THB)
This is by far the most convenient - you just have to get your luggage, walk out the door, get in a queue to grab a number, and then tell the driver where you want to go. You will find the giant line-up of taxis outside the doors on the main level and they are hard to miss. There might be people inside the airport who try and get your attention offering a ride to Bangkok, just politely decline or ignore them until you make it to the taxi queue outside.
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The amount you will pay is going to vary. It is definitely possible to get a taxi to give you the meter rate from the airport, but may also get quoted a single flat rate of around 600 baht. If you do happen to get a taxi who will run the meter you can expect to pay somewhere around 300-450 baht. The flat rate may sound a little steep compared to the meter, but when you compare it to how much you would pay for a long taxi ride in any other city, $20 USD to get from the airport to your hotel is still a decent price. Especially when you consider you spent the last 12-20 hours on a plane and just want to get to your hotel. Drivers may try to charge you more than this, but you can definitely negotiate - just aim for 600 baht or less and you will be fine. If you do find a driver that is stubborn a demanding you pay way too much just walk back to the queue and get another number - you aren't forced to get into a taxi if you don't want to.
A couple of notes for your taxi ride -
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Once you get into a taxi you should take a picture or note the taxi's ID number which is on a small yellow sign bolted to the inside of the rear doors. This is a precaution just in case you forget something in the taxi and you need to identify it later.
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You will be expected to cover the toll fees along the way. You may only end up paying for one or as many as two or three depending on where you stay, but each one costs between 20 and 50 baht so you shouldn't have to pay more than 100 baht in toll fees. If you pay the meter rate then you have to pay for tolls and this is non-negotiable. If you get a flat rate try asking them to pay the toll fees.
Depending on where your hotel is and what time of day it is, you can expect the trip to take 30-60 minutes unless it is rush hour - Bangkok can have some very bad traffic.
Airport Rail Link Train - 100-200 THB (Including Taxi)
The Airport Rail Link is a train that will take you from Suvarnabhumi airport to the center of Bangkok while making a few stops along the way. Although it is not as fast as a taxi, it is much, much cheaper. Using the Rail Link is a great way to get to either the Bangkok BTS sky train or the MRT underground train.
You will find the Rail Link train station at the bottom level of the airport. If you have trouble finding it just keep taking the escalators downstairs after you get your luggage or ask any of the airport workers for "rail link." The price for a ticket to the Phaya Thai BTS station in Bangkok is 45 Baht and the trip takes around 30-40 minutes. From there, depending on where your hotel is, you will have to either pay up to 60 Baht for a ticket on the BTS/MRT or get a taxi which should cost anywhere from 50-120 Baht with a meter.
Don Mueang Airport
Bangkok actually has two airports - Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang. If you are flying in from another country you are almost certain to arrive at Suvarnabhumi. If you do find yourself at Don Mueang from a local trip, the best way to get into the city is by Taxi or the SRT Dark Red Line. Don Mueang is in northern Bangkok, compared to Suvarnabhumi which is far to the east of Bangkok, and it is a lot closer to the city so the trip shouldn't cost as much. Expect to pay anywhere from 150-300 baht for a taxi depending on where your hotel is. You are much more likely to get the meter rate here since all taxis are handled through a ticketed queue system at Don Mueang.
To get to the taxi counter form luggage claim, just follow the taxi signs until you end up in a room that has a handful of counters with queue number screens above them. There will be a box as you enter the room - push the button on the box to get your number. If you want to save some money and you know your hotel is close to the BTS or MRT Train systems, you can just take the Dark Red SRT Line from Don Mueang to Bang Sue station and transfer there. You can also take a taxi straight from the airport to the closest BTS station which is the 11th Infantry Regiment Station at the time of writing. From there the train will should cost a maximum of 75 baht for a ticket. Keep reading below to learn more about Bangkok's public transit.
How to Get Around Bangkok
Getting around Bangkok is amazingly easy because there are many options to choose from. Most will get you to where you want to go, but if you do need some help deciding what transport to take, read on and be ready to hit the ground running from the moment you arrive.
Taxis in Bangkok
Bangkok has a ridiculous number of taxis so you should never be waiting for one long. They come in quite a few different colors - yellow, yellow top with a green bottom, blue, pink, red, orange... the list kind of goes on, so just keep an eye out for boldly-colored cars. The color doesn't really mark a difference. Similar to the light on top of a taxi in the U.S., you will know if a taxi is ready for a passenger by a light in the front window which will either be red or green. The color of the light doesn't matter - If you don't see a light that means they either already have a fare or aren't looking.
Taxi with a red available light (reading 'Waang' in Thai) looking for passengers.
Never get into a taxi (or tuk-tuk/scooter) until you agree on the price. In Thailand some taxi drivers might want to charge a flat-rate charge instead of running the meter and this flat-rate will always be more expensive. Before getting into a taxi, open the rear door or signal them to roll down their window, tell them where you are going, and ask for the "meter." You can also gesture/point at the meter on the dashboard to help get the point across. If they say no just move on and keep flagging down the next taxi until you find one who will run the meter. Usually this won't take long, but there is one exception - if you are trying to get a taxi from a popular tourist area or attraction such as Khao San road, you might find that many refuse to use the meter. So if you find yourself saying no to taxi after taxi and no drivers will use the meter, just negotiate the best price you can and go.
If you ever lose something in a taxi - I know we said that the color of the taxi doesn't matter, and for the most part it doesn't, but if for some reason you need to identify a taxi later it would be very helpful to know the color. Along with the color you will need to know the unique ID number of the taxi. You can find this ID on a small yellow sign bolted to the inside of the rear doors. In a perfect world you should take a picture of this sign whenever you use a taxi just in case, but since it is easy to forget to take a picture every time, we recommend at least taking a picture of this sign whenever you ride in a taxi while carrying luggage or valuables. If you do have to report something missing, the front desk at your hotel might be able to help as long as you have the taxi's ID number and color. If you don't have the ID there may still be a small chance, but it may take days for you to figure out if you will be able to find what you lost.
Tuk-Tuks in Bangkok
Tuk-tuks are the three-wheeled scooters that are painted and decorated with fun colors, lights, and murals. Even though many countries in Asia have tuk-tuks, they have become synonymous with Thailand. Almost everyone has heard about Tuk-tuks and almost everyone who visits will want to take a ride. They can definitely be a fun way to get to where you are going - but there is more to consider.
Tuk-tuks are open to the exhaust and smog of traffic, don't have seat belts, and can't quickly weave through traffic like motorbikes can. The only advantage is that they often line up outside of busy hubs and tourist attractions, so if you need a quick lift they are occasionally useful. Keep in mind that by "quick lift" we mean around 1km - anything more than that and you should really find a taxi.
Since they don't have meters you might find it hard to get a fair price on a tuk-tuk. It is entirely up to the driver how much they want to charge and if you don't know the usual price for the trip it is very easy to pay too much. Just know that if you are paying more than 50-60 baht for a ride you should probably go find a taxi or scooter. The only exception to this being in popular tourist spots where you will probably end up being charged 100 baht or more no matter what transportation you choose.
We know almost everyone that visits Thailand will want to ride a tuk-tuk, and that is totally fine. Just know that after the fun wears off there are usually much better options to get from point A to point B.
Bangkok Motorbike Taxi
Motorbike Taxis can be a fantastic way to get around Bangkok. They are able to weave through traffic and can turn a 15 minute trip into 5 minutes. They can also be very cheap with most short trips costing as little as 20 baht. As with taxis and tuk-tuks, all prices should be agreed on before you get on the motorbike. You will find Motorbike taxis everywhere you go in Bangkok and can recognize the drivers by their orange and yellow reflective vests. This is the official uniform of registered drivers - so don't accept any rides from anyone who is not wearing one.
Like tuk-tuks, we recommend using a motorbike taxi for short trips of 1-2km. Any longer than that and you might want to consider a taxi. You can expect trips to start in the 20 baht range and prices go up by 5-10 baht per kilometer.
You can take motorbikes as much as you like, but something you may want to consider is that while riding on the back of these motorbikes/scooters you may not get a helmet. Thailand also regularly ranks very high for dangerous roads. We are not trying to scare you out of taking a scooter - just to get you to think about the best way to get where you are going. Remember that the best way may not necessarily be the fastest, but the safest.
Bangkok Public Transit
Bangkok might not have the largest public train system, but it makes up for coverage with quality. The trains are always meticulously clean. Nothing is worse than having to avoid someone else's mess when all you want is to get where you are going. Rarely will you see trash left behind or any sort of mess go unchecked.
The fares are very affordable - Prices will vary depending on how far you go, but even the longest trip with a transfer from the BTS to the MRT won't cost more than ~$5 USD.
The Bangkok BTS Skytrain
The BTS is the above-ground train that covers a decent amount of the city. The BTS combined with a walk or short taxi ride can take you just about anywhere tourists want to go. Fares start off at 15 Baht (~$0.50 USD) and go up to 60 Baht (~$2.00 USD).
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The BTS is made up of two lines - The Sukhumvit Line which travels from the north and down through the middle of the city along one of it's busiest streets, and the Silom line which stretches from the city center across the Chao Phraya river and out towards the less-visited district of Bang Wa.
Buying Your BTS Ticket
First things first, you will need to know the name of the station you are headed to. You can find a full map online (https://www.bts.co.th/eng/library/system-structuer.html) or as you enter each BTS station. Use these maps to plan your trip and also learn how much it will cost ahead of time.
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Most stations have automated kiosks near the main ticket counters. These kiosks may be in the Thai language when you walk up, but if you look around you will find a button to change it to English. All you have to do is select the name of the station you are going to, put in the requested amount, and boom! You get your ticket card.
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If there are no kiosks or they are being used, you can also go to the ticket counter. When you get there just say the name of the station you are going to. They will either tell you how much it costs in English or you can look at the small register screen to see the price. If you have any worries about not hearing or knowing the price, you can also just hand them a 100 Baht bill which will be enough to cover any fare.
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Once you have your ticket you go through the automated turnstiles by scanning your ticket across the marked pad on top. This is a one-way ticket, so once you arrive to where you are going you will have to insert the ticket to get through the turnstiles that leave the station. You won't get the ticket back and will have to buy another one for your next trip.
Using The BTS
Almost every BTS station has two platforms - one for either direction. You will need to know the direction you are going to make sure you go to the correct side. The train directions are named after the last station in the direction the train is going and marked with hanging signs. For instance, at the time of writing the Sukhumvit line's two directions are Kasetsart University and Keha, while the Silom line's two directions are National Stadium and Bang Wa. Keep in mind the BTS system is always being expanded so these names will change over time.
To find your direction just look at the BTS map, find your station, then work your way down the line until you see your destination. Continue following that line until you see the name of a station that matches the hanging platform signs in front of the stairs. You can also just ask one of the employees by saying the name of the station you are going to while gesturing to either side. Chances are they will at least understand the name of the station and point you to the right side. In our experience, many of the workers know at least some English so you should be okay.
This all sounds a bit complicated, but once you figure out the name of the directions once, you will never have to worry about it again.
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There is one station that only has a single platform - the BTS station Saphan Taksin. If you find yourself leaving from this station you will need to pay attention what direction the train is traveling look at the front of the train to see where it is going. If you end up on the wrong train it is no big deal, just get off the train at the next station and go to the opposite platform. You won't even need to buy another ticket.
Siam Station and Transferring Trains
If you have to transfer lines from Sukhumvit to Silom or vice-versa you will need to go the Siam BTS station. This is located close to the city center and is surrounded by shopping malls and plenty of restaurants. Siam station is not very complex but it is separated into three levels:
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The bottom level is the entrance and where you buy tickets or exit to one of the many surrounding malls. If you are just transferring you won't have to worry about this level or buying any more tickets. This "bottom" level is located on a bridge above street level.
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The second level has the BTS lines for the Keha direction(Sukhumvit Line) and Bang Wa direction(Silom Line). If you have to transfer to the Kasetsart or National Stadium train lines, you will need to go up the escalators one floor to the third level.
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The third level has the BTS lines for Kasetsart University(Sukhumvit Line) and National Stadium(Silom Line). If you have to transfer to the Keha or Bang Wa trains you will need to go down the escalators one floor to the second level once you arrive at this station.
Transferring to the MRT
If you need to transfer from the BTS to the MRT you can find transfer points at the Bang Wa, Sala Daeng, Asok, and Mo Chit BTS stations. Asok and Sala Daeng are by far the most common but if you plan on going to the Chatuchak Weekend Market you may end up at the MRT Mo Chit station. Almost all of the MRT stations are underground, so you will most likely have to exit the BTS station and look for the entrance signs along the street. They are well-marked and can usually be found at the bottom of one of the BTS exits. Check out our MRT guide below for more details.
Don't forget to check out our Bangkok by BTS Guide for a full guide on how to see the best of Bangkok by BTS.
The Bangkok MRT
The MRT is Bangkok's mostly underground train system. We say mostly because the lines do go above ground as they approach the edges of the city. Everything we said that was good about the BTS applies here as well - the trains and stations are immaculately clean and the tickets are very affordable.
There is essentially only one line with two directions that make a loop around the city. No transfers between MRT lines should be needed. Yeah, there are a couple of other MRT lines, but if you need to travel that far out of the city you probably already know what you are doing.
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The process for buying MRT tickets is almost identical to the BTS - either go the counter and say the name of the station you are going to or use machines which have English menus available. The biggest difference is the tickets themselves. Instead of a card-shaped ticket you will get a small black plastic coin. You use this coin exactly the same as the one-time-use BTS tickets - scan it on top of the turnstile when you enter and insert it into the turnstile when you leave.
Since there is only one line most will need to worry about, you only have to learn station names once to know what direction you are going. Most stations also have maps just above where the train arrives which show you the stations they stop at. You may find yourself at a station where each direction is on a different level, so if you do need help just follow the signs or read the station map and you will be fine.
The only transferring you will probably have to do is to the BTS skytrain system. This can be done at the Sukhumvit, Silom, Chatuchak Park, and Bang Wa MRT stations. If you read the BTS section above you might notice that these names are a little different. That is because some of the BTS/MRT stations have different names, but are actually the same stops. Don't ask us why...
Here is the list of MRT/BTS transfer stations to make your life a little bit easier:
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Sukhumvit MRT <=> Asok BTS
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Silom MRT <=> Sala Daeng BTS
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Chatuchak Park MRT <=> Mo Chit BTS
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Bang Wa MRT <=> Bang Wa BTS
Your First Days in Bangkok
Changing Money in Bangkok
Changing money from your currency into Thai Baht is very easy. Central Bangkok is absolutely full of currency exchange kiosks with the majority of them being found around the Asok and Nana BTS stations and within the malls. These exchange kiosks are small enclosed booths with a large T.V. that shows all of their current exchange rates. You may not see them at first, but once you notice one, you will notice them everywhere.
To get the absolute most out of your travel budget you will need to bring the whole amount with you in your local currency. Once you get settled, find the kiosk with the best rate and you will often end up with thousands of Thai Baht more than you would have if you changed money at home. Always be careful if you have large amounts of cash on you - Bangkok is generally very safe and as long as you don't go flaunting stacks of bills and you should be fine. If you don't want to bring so much cash with you at least consider exchanging the majority of your budget after you arrive.
Because these kiosks compete with each other, it is very easy to shop around and find one with the best exchange rates for the day. Our favorite exchange counter has always been SuperRich - they seem to always have the best exchange rates and they are a fairly common sight. Don't just take our word for it though, visit a handful before you decide which exchange is best at the time. Once you find a kiosk, changing your money is simple - there are only two things you need to know:
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The largest bills you can get are required to get the best rates - for USD bring 100's - and make sure you only bring new or good condition bills. We say good condition because they may reject any that are worn or partially damaged. Exchanging smaller bills will give you a slightly worse rate the lower you go.
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An ID is usually required so bring your Passport with you. In some cases you might not be asked for it or you may be okay with just your local ID/Driver's License from back home, but there is no guarantee, so be prepared.
Getting Thai Baht at an ATM is definitely an easy option, but we don't recommend it if you can help it because you will pay additional bank fees that you would not have to pay at dedicated money exchanges. To make it worse the exchange rates are generally not competitive either.
We absolutely do not recommend changing money at an airport if you can help it - you will be paying extra for what amounts to a convenience tax. If you have to change money right when you land only exchange as much as you need to get settled and no more. 3,000 baht is enough to get into Bangkok with enough pocket money while you get settled and find an exchange, but the only person that knows your budget and spending habits is you, so plan accordingly.
Get to Know Bangkok
Bangkok is made up of about 50 districts (called "Khet"). There is no reason to try to remember them all, and for the average tourist it is much easier to think of Bangkok as a few different neighborhoods. We have condensed the more popular things to do from these areas, but our best advice is for you just to get out and start exploring. Who knows - you might find a favorite place to eat that isn't on anyone's list!
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Sukhumvit/Central Bangkok
Sukhumvit runs straight through the middle of the city. This street is quite long (it actually goes all the way to Cambodia) but the heart of it all is between the Nana and Thong Lor BTS stations. Bangkok has many, many districts and neighborhoods, but you can think of this stretch of Sukhumvit as downtown and is where you can find the most night life and tourists on any given day.
Walking down the street you will see countless bars, restaurants, massage parlors, tailors, and convenience stores. Each area along Sukhumvit has its own flavor and crowd - Soi 11/Nana is famous for it's clubs and bars, Asok station is where you will find the Terminal 21 mall and the famous Soi Cowboy, Phrom Phong station has upscale shopping at EmQuartier, and Thong Lor is fantastic for Japanese food and more casual night life. These are by no means everything worth visiting - scattered all throughout Sukhumvit you will find plenty of popular spots and hidden gems.
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If you are after more than food and drinks, Benchakitti Park is a wonderful place for a walk and there are countless malls and shopping centers in the area for when the mid-day heat starts to get to you.
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Siam Station & Pathum Wan
A stone's throw from Sukhumvit, this district is where you will find the Siam BTS transfer station and is one of the most popular places to shop in Bangkok. There are not many tourists sites here, but those interested in history and art may want to check out the Jim Thompson House Museum or the Bangkok Art & Culture Centre.
Shopping in Pathum Wan
Siam Paragon and Central World are very modern malls that carry all the major international brands and will probably be your first stop if you forgot something at home and need to do some shopping while in Thailand. If you live near a major city anywhere in the world you will know what to expect here - H&M, book stores, food courts, cosmetics, Chanel, all the usual stores.
Platinum Fashion Mall is nearby, and although it is generally more geared towards locals, you can find just about every kind of clothing and accessories here at very affordable prices. This may not be the place for you if your style is brand-oriented, but if you need to pick up some shorts, sandals, or a hat on a budget, then this is a great place to look.
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Siam Square One is a multi-story shopping center across from Siam Paragon that has mostly Thai brand stores and some dining, but the surrounding streets are packed full of boutique shops and places to eat. Worth checking out if you are in the area and don't have anywhere else you need to be, but can be skipped if you aren't staying in Bangkok for long.
MBK Center is a giant mall that has just about anything you could ever want to buy. It's main draw for tourists is a place to buy knock-off sneakers or clothes, but you can really find anything here. In addition to having knock-offs and anything else you could possibly need, you will also find Donki here. For the uninitiated, Don Quijote is a chain store from Japan that is quite popular with tourists and sells groceries, prepared food, toys, tools, and so much more. Don Don Donki is a Bangkok branch and it is a lot of fun to walk through the isles and look at all the different imported Japanese snacks, food, and products. Check this place out if you need some snacks for your hotel and don't want the usual 7-11 or Family Mart food.
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Chatuchak & Chatuchak Weekend Market
Chatuchak is home to the famous Chatuchak Weekend Market and is a must-see for anyone visiting Bangkok. This mostly open-air market is one of the largest in the world and is more than just a tourist destination. Many locals come to here to shop, and because of this, you will find a lot more than souvenirs. There is a pet market with lots of exotic animals, an area with chic fashion and cafes, food and snacks around every corner, and many other kinds of shops dotted throughout. If you need to pick up some gifts for your loved ones back home, this can easily be a one-stop shop. Plan to spend more than a couple of hours here, so bring a hat and a bottle of water and enjoy your time strolling around.
It is only open on Friday evening and Saturday/Sunday from 9a to 6p. The best time to go is around mid-day on Saturday, but any day during the weekend is fine as long as you avoid coming too late - some stores will start closing up as early as 4 pm.
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You can also find two indoor malls within the market - Mixt and JJ Mall. Both are great for taking a break from the heat. Mixt is more like a your run-of-the-mill shopping mall while JJ Mall has many market stalls similar to what you will find outside. They also have their own food courts which are great options for a sit down meal. If you are not in the mood for street-style food, JJ mall also has many chain restaurants including KFC, Pizza Company, Chester's, and quite a few others.
Next to the market is a park which is perfect if you need a break from the crowds of shoppers. Well, technically it is three parks - Chatuchak Park, Queen Sirikit Park, and Rot Fai Park. Rot Fai Park(on the northern end, opposite of Chatuchak Market) has cheap bicycle rentals and a butterfly garden which is quite nice, although a bit on the small side so don't make a trip across the city expecting something extravagant. Queen Sirikit Park has a lovely botanical garden with some nice water features and Chatuchak Park has a collection of walking/biking paths with spotted shade.
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As a bonus - if you are very into flowers and houseplants, Chatuchak Market turns into a plant and flower market on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9a-6p. Tuesday afternoons usually have the best selection because no one has had a chance to pick through it yet. Wednesday is also a decent choice, but we do not recommend Thursday unless that is the only day you can go. Vendors come in from outside of Bangkok or just want to get home, so many do start closing early on Thursday evening. We don't recommend buying anything here unless you are very aware of the export and import laws for plants in Thailand and your home country - you will almost certainly not able to take a new plant baby home with you.
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Khao San Road
The infamous Khao San road has been described as "a backpacker's paradise." Once the sight of non-stop parties spilling into the streets, Khao San has calmed down just a little bit in recent times (post-pandemic). But even a small renovation by the city in an attempt to curb the wild image can't stop the nightlife. Khao San and it's sprawling alleys of shops, restaurants, bars, and clubs will always be a hot spot of activity. There is simply too much history here for it to change, at least any time soon. If social nightlife is what you are after then Khao San is hard to beat, at least if you don't want to spend hundreds of baht per drink at a club in Sukhumvit. It also makes a decent hub for exploring the nearby Grand Palace, Golden Mount, and Chinatown.
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During the day Khao San calms down considerably. You can spend time walking around finding some delicious Thai food for lunch or even walking to the Grand Palace if you up for a bit of a trek. There are also countless massage parlors for those that want to relax and many travel agencies for planning trips out of the city.
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There are no easy public transit options for tourists that will take you all the way to Khao San, so a taxi will be your best option. The closest the MRT gets is Sanam Chai station which is a bit too far to walk, but can make your taxi ride a bit cheaper if you are staying close to the MRT in a different part of town.
Grand Palace/Wat Pho
Very close to Khao San and alongside the Chao Phraya river you will find the Grand Palace and the surrounding neighborhoods which are jam-packed full of sights, history, and culture. This area has a bit of something here for everyone. Are you a history buff? Check out the Grand Palace and nearby Museum Siam. Are you a foodie? A handful of the most visited restaurants in Bangkok, Thip Samai and Jay Fai among others, can be found around here. Do you want to experience culture and religion? You could spend days visiting the ornate temples like the Golden Mount or Wat Phra. Depending on just how much you want to see, you might only spend an afternoon here or end up spending your whole day. Either way, be sure to bring a hat, sunscreen, and water - shade can be hard to come by.
The Grand Palace, Bangkok, Thailand
You can easily travel here by either taking the MRT to the Sanam Chai station which is about a ten minute walk from the palace, or by taking a taxi which shouldn't cost any more than 150-200 baht depending on where your hotel is. Of course you can also take a ferry from Saphan Kwai pier at the bottom of the Saphan Kwai BTS station, but if you get stressed easy and know you are bad with directions this may not be the best choice. There are a few boats that leave from Saphan Kwai, so ask the workers for 'Wat Phra' (the temple just behind the Grand Palace) and someone will sell you the right ticket and point you in the right direction. If you do take the ferry your stops will be either Tah Tian or Tha Chang piers, both being at either end of the Grand Palace, and are marked by large blue signs with white writing that can be seen from the boat.
Yaowarat/Chinatown
If you love street food then this is where you need to be. Just about every evening this main thoroughfare of Bangkok is absolutely packed with food stalls in front of many fantastic restaurants. Yaowarat can get so crowded with cars, food stalls, and people that it might get hard to tell where the sidewalks end and the road begins. This area does have some decent boutique hotels, but is not high on the list of places to stay because you will frequently have to travel out of the Yaowarat area.
You might see Chinatown and think to yourself "I'm not sure if I want to come to Bangkok for Chinese food," but don't think for a second though that is the only kind of food you will find here. You can definitely find lots of good Chinese food along Yaowarat, but you can also choose from lots of Thai food as well as some absolutely fantastic seafood and desserts. We would also argue that you SHOULD have Chinese food when in Thailand because it has long been part of Thai cuisine - chances are you already had some Thai food that was originally brought over from China.
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Yaowarat does calm down quite a bit during the day, so be sure to come by after 4pm or you might find that restaurant you were starving yourself for is not open yet. Besides food there are a couple of markets in the area as well as quite a few shops, but generally speaking mostly locals shop here. If you are feeling adventurous you can come a few hours early and explore, but it will involve a lot of walking, and if markets are what you are after, there are better markets in and around Bangkok to visit.
All About Bangkok
Food in Bangkok
Being the bustling capital of Thailand, you have a literal world of food to choose from. There are many communities of people from the different areas of Europe, Asia and the Middle East, as well as the U.S. and just about everywhere else - all of which have brought their food with them.
Lets be real, there is no way we could possibly go over all the different kinds of food you can find in Bangkok. That list would be a mile long and cover almost every kind of cuisine in the world. Instead, we have made a list of some Thai heavy hitters as well as a couple mentions you may not have heard of before. If you would like to know more about the different food in Thailand, checkout out our other Thailand travel guides where we talk about the different regional favorites - you can find all of it in Bangkok.
Pad Thai
This ever-popular and delicious dish of stir fried noodles in a tamarind sauce was invented in the 1930s during a time when the Thai government wanted to both bolster nationalism and provide a cheap and accessible food to alleviate the demand on imported rice. The government provided recipes and encouraged vendors across the nation to sell this dish with the result being a sweeping success. Some argue it to be a variation of a Chinese or Vietnamese dish, but no matter where it came from, Pad Thai is recognized all over the world. When ordering, you can usually choose from tofu and egg, chicken/pork, or shrimp - all of which are equally as good as the last. The most famous restaurant to serve Pad Thai is Thip Samai near The Golden Mount temple and Grand Palace. If waiting in lines is not your thing you can also find another location at the Icon Siam mall or get your Pad Thai literally anywhere else because you can find it everywhere.
Moo Ping/Grilled Meats
About as simple and quick as a meal can get, but still quite delicious. Moo Ping are grilled skewers of marinated pork often ordered with a side of sticky rice and a spicy Thai sauce called Jim Jaew. You can find these being sold by street vendors just about anywhere you walk in Bangkok. Alongside pork ("moo" in Thai), they will often sell chicken("gai") meat, hearts, and gizzards. Each skewer usually costs around 10 or 15 baht and the side of rice should be 10 baht, meaning you can have a quick on the go meal for as little as 30 baht.
Som Tam/Yam
Som Tam is a spicy and sour papaya salad that is like Thailand perfectly wrapped up into a single dish. Take tropical green papaya, mix it with the Thai staple of fish sauce, garlic, lime, and chilis, then choose your favorite topping like salted egg or salted crab. You can also find different variations like Som Tam corn - all of which are quite delicious. There are two majors types of Som Tam, Som Tam Thai being made with regular fish sauce, and Som Tum Pla Ra being made with fermented fish sauce. Pla Ra is not as intense as you might think, but the smell can be too much for some, and if your stomach is not used to exotic foods, you might end up spending some time sitting on the porcelain throne the next day. If you really want to try Pla Ra and want to stack the cards in your favor, order it at a nice sit down Thai restaurant like Tummour or Som Tum Der.
Yam is another spicy/sour salad dish that might not use papaya, but has a lot of similarities because it also uses fish sauce, lime, and chili. The most notable differences is leaf celery and onion, plus there is much more freedom of ingredients such as noodles, preserved egg, sausage, fruit, and just about anything else.
Som Tam and Yam are made to be spicy, so if you don't do well with spicy food, you may need to say "ped noy" meaning a little spicy in Thai, or "mai prig" to tell them no chilis. Most locals will specify the number of chilis they want - usually between one and three. The bowl they mix every order in probably has enough leftover chili juices from the last person's order, so don't feel like you have to add more chili if you are worried.
Spice tolerance in Thailand is not as much about pride or toughness like it is in the west - there is no shame in having food prepared in the way you enjoy and there is nothing to prove by trying to burn your mouth (and what comes after). Believe us, the person who is selling it cares more about you buying their food than how spicy you want it.
Mango/Custard Sticky Rice
Up there in popularity with Pad Thai is Mango Sticky Rice. Take slices sweet mango, pair it with sticky rice, and top it with a slightly salty and sweet coconut milk. Simple. Elegant. Delicious. Mango Sticky Rice can be found throughout the year, but it is by far most common during mango season which is between February and July.
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If you can't find mango or want to try something different, you can also keep on the look out for an egg custard variation of the same dessert that is almost just as amazing.
Jim Jum - Thai Style Hot Pot
Those familiar with Chinese/Taiwanese style hot pot will find a lot to like here. If you have never had the pleasure of trying hot pot, it is a very delicious, popular, and social meal - a pot of simmering soup sits at the middle of a table while you are served plates of raw, sliced meats and vegetables. Take your time cooking one piece at a time by dunking it in the soup or dump the whole plate in, it is up to you.
This Thai variation has a lot to like. It is most commonly served with a plate of pork meat/liver and the soup is spicy, sour, and herbal. The dipping sauce for the meat, jim jaew, is both sweet and spicy. The traditional Jim Jum preparation is served inside a clay pot over a base of burning coals and this definitely adds to the experience. You might think that spending a hot evening sitting around some burning coals eating soup and spicy sauce doesn't sound like a fun time, but when you mix it with good company and an ice-cold drink you will see why this meal is so popular.
Phat Kaprao
This is another extremely popular dish and gets its name from the fragrant basil leaves that are stir-fried in with your choice of meat. The basil is named Kaprao in Thai and is more commonly known in English as Holy Basil. Once you get a smell and a taste, Phat Kaprao will probably become one of your favorite Thai foods.
You will most often see this prepared with ground pork, but you can also order it with just about any kind of meat from crispy fried pork belly to chicken and even liver. If the restaurants serves it, you can order it as Phat Kaprao. If you do have the option, we also HIGHLY recommend you order yours with a fried egg on top. Like Som Tam and Yam, Phat Kaprao is very often prepared to be quite spicy - chili is one of the few ingredients of the simple recipe. You will definitely need to be prepared for a spicy meal or to ask for only one chili.
Hotels in Bangkok
Bangkok has many different places to stay in quite a few different neighborhoods. You are truly spoiled for choice. For those new to Thailand, we generally recommend most travelers stay near the BTS or MRT train lines. One of the best options for tourists is along Sukhumvit road between Nana and Thong Lor BTS stations because it is the most convenient - it is in the center of the city and there are many, many tourist-friendly shops and restaurants. You can also find other good options around Yaowarat/Chinatown and Phaya Thai that are more budget-friendly and still are quite close to public transit. Don't be afraid to venture out a little - just take a look at google maps and see if the hotel you are considering is walking distance to BTS or MRT stations.
You can find all the usual international hotel brands in Bangkok - Sheraton, Hyatt, Marriott... the list goes on. There are also many other Asia-specific hotel brands that offer just as good accommodation for the same price or cheaper. The options are practically endless, so your budget is the biggest deciding factor here. As a starting point you can expect to spend around $50-100 USD a night on a good 4-star hotel at a decent location.
Hostels have always been a popular choice for travelers. They have very affordable prices and let you socialize with other travelers. The quality and amenities depends on what your budget is - you can stay for literally as cheap as possible in a shared space, or spend some more to get a little privacy in a more dorm-like experience. Some even have private rooms with an open common area and blur the line between traditional hotel and hostel. Regardless of what you want to spend, it will almost always be cheaper than a hotel.
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Bangkok Sights and Landmarks
Mahanakhon Skywalk
The Mahanakhon Skywalk is an observation deck atop a skyscraper that gives you 360 degree views of Bangkok from 314 meters up. The skywalk itself is a glass floor that extends from the building and lets you look down and experience every last one of those 314 meters. For those wanting to turn the trip into an evening, there is the Mahanakhon Bangkok Skybar that offers food and drinks.
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Wat Arun
Wat Arun is one of Thailand's most famous temples. The striking architecture brings not only religious travelers, but tourists of all types from around the world. It may be on everyone's list of things to see in Bangkok, but it is recommended for a reason.
The best time to visit is in the evening between 4-5pm. This will give you enough time to see it up close during the day. Afterwards you can take a boat across the river to get a fantastic view of the temple bathed in golden lights at night. If you have to come earlier, Wat Arun is definitely still worth visiting.
Golden Mount Temple (Wat Saket)
Wat Saket, also known as Golden Mount Temple, is a temple from the Ayutthaya era that sits atop an 80-meter tall manmade hill. Visitors walk up a path that circles the hill and those that make the easy trip to the the top get to see the beautiful golden Chedi up close. Along the pathway there are gongs that visitors and locals strike along the way.
Like most other temples, Golden Mount Temple hosts fairs. If you find yourself in Bangkok during a festival, Wat Saket becomes a lively sight of food and people. If you are okay with crowds then this can be a great time to visit.
Lumpini and Benchakitti Parks
These are two of the larger parks in Bangkok. Both are located near the city center, and although they are not that close together, there is actually a skywalk called The Green Bridge​ that lets you walk between the two. You can easily spend a few hours exploring both parks if you are willing to make the walk - just be prepared with sunblock/a hat and water if you do so in the afternoon.
Benchakitti Park is made up of two areas; A huge lake with a long running path is a favorite of runners in the morning/evening and a beautiful new series of paths and skywalks that weaves between trees, lotus ponds, and above marshes. This new section of the park is really quite something to see and we definitely recommend checking it out if you have an extra afternoon.
Lumpini Park is more like a traditional city park. A collection of walking paths wind past lakes, under trees, and past public areas such as gyms, pools, and children's playsets. Many locals come here in the morning and the afternoon for exercise - running, walking, dancing, and even martial arts. There are also occasional fairs and events that turn Lumpini Park into a night market, but these are hard to plan for if you don't have a local contact. Just consider it a bonus if you happen to catch one.
The Grand Palace/Wat Phra Kaew/Wat Pho
These are probably the most popular tourist attractions of the city - almost any guide out there recommends first time visitors spend an afternoon here. This trio of famous landmarks can all be seen at the same time. The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew are part of the same complex, and Wat Pho is immediately next door.
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The Grand Palace was the residence of the Kings of Siam and the base of the king's court and the royal government until the 1920s. Since then it has transformed into a museum and attraction for both Thai students and international visitors.
Wat Pra Kaew is inside the outer walls of the Grand Palace and is known for being one of Thailand's holiest temples. Inside the beautiful main building is a 2-foot tall jadeite statue which gives this temple the nickname of "Temple of the Emerald Buddha."
Wat Pho is famous for its giant reclining Buddha statue and the traditional Thai Massage school. Visiting the beautiful temple and touring the school gives visitors the chance to learn about and experience different aspects of Thai culture.
Bang Kachao
This beautiful gem is also known as the green lung of Bangkok. Bang Kachao gets its nickname because visiting feels like you are instantly teleported far outside of the city - you are surrounded by trees, parks, and what feels like countryside roads. Rent some bicycles and spend a few hours peacefully riding down the many paths while stopping at gardens, ponds, or for food along the way.
Bang Kachao is on an island of the Chao Phraya river, only a few minutes drive southeast of downtown Bangkok. Those wanting to visit will need to take a taxi to the riverside and ride a boat across but it is well worth the trip.
Bangkok Day Trips and Weekend Trips
Amphawa Floating Market & Mae Klong Railway(Rom Hup) Market
These are two of the more famous markets in the Bangkok area. Chatuchak, Ratchada Train Market, and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market might be a bit more well-known, but Amphawa and Mae Klong are right behind them.
Amphawa Floating Market is quite a sight to see - rows of shops along a boardwalk span two sides of a river while boats moored to the side offer food and wares. There are different colors and noises everywhere and it gets even more vivid at night. The market even spills into the surrounding neighborhood a little. Although it may not seem that big, it is easy to spend many hours here walking through. This market is as much of a destination for locals in the area as it is for tourists so you can find a great mix of local food and souvenirs to bring back home. When you are done shopping you can find many delicious kinds of food and even take a short boat trip around the river. At night they also offer firefly boat tours which can be fun with a group.
Mae Klong Market is famous for its train - chances are you have seen pictures of it running dangerously close to a bustling market. The market itself is a few blocks long and runs down a track of railroad. A few times a day the train runs through which means all the shops that are set up too close need to pull in their wares and close their doors and shutters so the train can pass through. Don't worry too much though, the train runs very slow so you don't really have to worry about getting hurt unless you are the most oblivious person to walk the earth. It runs so slow the conductors actually order food and drinks as they pass through.
Both of these markets are quite close to each other and only a 1-2 hour drive from Bagnkok, depending on traffic. The easiest way to find a ride is to book through a travel agent which can be found all over Khao San and Sukhumvit(near Nana/Asoke BTS stations). Just search for travel agent on google maps and you will see many options. If you are staying in a hotel, the front desk should also be able to arrange a driver for you. If you want to go the public route, there are transit stations near the Mo Chit and Ekkamai BTS stations where you can buy a seat in a van or a small bus. Private cars/vans should cost arout 1,500 baht to take you there and back, and a one-way ticket from the transit station should be around 100 baht.
For the more adventurous, you can also get there by train which is quite relaxing and lets you see some of the Thailand countryside. The train leaves from Wongwian Yai Railway Station near BTS Wongwian Yai and tickets should cost under 50 baht. About halfway through the trip you will have to make a transfer which involves getting off the train, riding a ferry across a river, then walking a few hundred meters to the next train station. The timing of the transfer can be tight, so go straight to the next train and try not to be distracted by the local market - it is a major seafood market for the area. You will need to buy another ticket for the next train which should also cost under 50 baht. The train arrives at the Mae Klong Market (you will be on the famous train that runs straight through) and from there you can explore the market or find a car/truck to take you the rest of the way to Amphawa which shouldn't take more than 15-20 minutes.
Khao Yai
A few hours northeast of Bangkok, this region is a popular weekend getaway for locals. Khao Yai has many different resorts, hotels, golf courses, places for camping, and even a few wineries. There is also a national park here with waterfalls and trails for hiking.
Tourists can visit Bangkok many times and not get a chance to check out Khao Yai because it is out of the way. Many of the things to do here are also not why most visit Thailand, but if you are interested an do get the opportunity to check it out, you won't be disappointed.
Hua Hin
This is a very popular beach city for locals and expats. Many people come here with friends and family for a relaxing weekend of swimming and eating. Compared to the night life of Pattaya, Hua Hin is more about enjoying where you are and the company of those around you. There is no snorkeling here, but the beach is long, shallow, and a few steps from where you are staying, which makes for a very relaxing time.
When you want to head into town for some food and socializing, there are the Cicada and Tamarind markets. Cicada has boutique fashion, souvenirs, and food, while Tamarind only serves a huge variety of food and has a sea of tables for dining. Both are right next to each other, so you can check them at the same time. Don't think that these are the only places to eat though - there are many delicious restaurants in Hua Hin including some fantastic seafood.
There are countless condos, hotels, and resorts to choose from here at just about any price range. We absolutely recommend picking somewhere against the beach and as close to Cicada Market as possible. Getting to Hua Hin is easy. You can take a public bus form the Bangkok transit stations or book your own driver. Either way, Hua Hin is about 4 hours from Bangkok, so pack a drink and maybe a snack.
Pattaya/Koh Lan
Pattaya is almost the opposite of Hua Hin, both in what you will do for fun and physically (it is on the other side of the Gulf of Thailand). Where Hua Hin is relaxing and even a touch sleepy, Pattaya is famous for its bars and clubs. Many expats have set up roots here so you can also find many foreign-run restaurants that offer food from around the world. Although it is not know for its attractions, there is a waterpark for families and a few sights to see outside of town such as the Sanctuary of Truth.
Unfortunately it is not recommended to swim at the beach in Pattaya - the water is not clean because of the nearby factories. If you do wan to do some swimming you are in luck though, Koh Lan is very nearby.
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Koh Lan is a small island just off the coast. Because the beach in Pattaya isn't for swimming, this is where locals and tourists come to spend some time laying by the beach and enjoying the warm waters. The currents in the Gulf of Thailand keep the water here safe. Getting to Koh Lan is easy - just head to Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya and buy a ferry ticket for about 30 baht. 1 hour later you should be at your hotel or relaxing at one of the island's beaches. You could even be there in as little as 20 minutes if you buy a more expensive speed boat ticket. On Koh Lan you can spend a few hours checking out the few viewpoints and temples on the island or do what most others do - bouncing between hotel, beach, and restaurant.
Pattaya is a 2-hour drive from Bangkok, and similar to Hua Hin, you can buy bus tickets from the Bangkok transit stations or book a private car from one of the many travel agencies.
Koh Kret
You could ask 100 tourists about Koh Kret and most will think you are probably talking about an island far to the south. They couldn't be further from the truth - Koh Kret is an island on the Chao Phraya river in northern Bangkok/Nonthaburi. To get to this small island you will need to either take a long boat trip up the river from one of the many piers followed by a relatively short taxi/bus ride, or just book a driver to take you all the way there which should cost under 500 baht and will probably take an hour and a half at most with heavy traffic. Once you arrive by car, you will need to take a ferry from Wat Sanam Nuea temple across the Chao Phraya.
Koh Kret itself is not a large island, but it has a few temples and there is a walking path that snakes through different markets and restaurants. In the markets you will find quite a few delicious foods that bring locals from across Bangkok. Some of our favorites are Miang Kham, Khao Chae, and Tod Mun Pla.
Mieng Kham is a unique snack that involves stuffing a Betel Leaf with roasted shallots, toasted coconut, peanut, lime, and a sweet and spicy sauce. It can be a bit of an acquired taste, mixing herbal leaf with sweet, salty, and savory flavors, so don't expect yourself to be blown away with flavor.
Khao Chae is a traditional Thai food that is hard to find - a bowl of rice soaking in ice-cold jasmine flavored water acts as a soup base while you eat different sweet and salty side dishes. Khao Chae is relatively hard to find because it is labor intensive to prepare. Think of it like a Thai tea service but without the ceremony.
Tod Mun Pla are fried fish cakes that can be found all over Thailand, but the ones on Koh Kret are famous. Keep your eyes peeled for orange-colored fried cakes with specks of green herbs.
Besides food you can also find fun pottery classes, a massage school, and a guided boat tour that goes around the island visiting different markets and temples along the way. Those interest in beers can also check out Chit Beer - a local brewery that makes foreign-style beer.
Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya was the second capital of Siam, after the first capital of Sukhothai. It was the capital between the 14th and 18th centuries and was chosen because of its close proximity to the Chao Phraya river which acted as a major shipping lane between the north and south. During this period many temples and monasteries were built, but it was sacked in the late 18th century after a drawn-out invasion by the Burmese.
Today most, if not all, of the temples you see have been repaired and rebuilt in modern times from their original ruins. This does not make it any less inspiring to see though. Walking from temple to temple, you get a sense of just how important religion was and has been to the kingdom. The reconstruction efforts also demonstrate a dedication to preserving the past. Try to learn the history while you are visiting, it gives so much more context than architecture alone ever could.
Getting to Ayutthaya is not hard. There is a train that leaves from Bang Sue station that can take you there in about two hours, or you can hire a driver and be there in around an hour and a half. The train will cost under 50 baht for no AC to a few hundred baht for 2nd class cooled seating. A driver will probably charge you around 1,500 baht for bringing you there and back.