Bangkok Travel Guide: The Thai capital is fascinating. It captivates with its blend of Asian nonchalance and Western lifestyle. Many say Bangkok never sleeps, and it's true. There's always a bustling atmosphere, and supermarkets are open 24/7, especially the famous 7-Eleven chains. The city's hustle and bustle and heavy traffic can sometimes make you want to escape, but Bangkok is full of amazing places – some quieter, some truly exotic. I only really came to appreciate Bangkok when I mainly used public transport (you can find all the information about this under "Transport in Thailand" and then "Transport in Bangkok"), particularly the subway and the Chao Phraya Express boats. The "Great Mango," one of Bangkok's nicknames, is a fascinating and culturally rich city with many facets: modern skyscrapers and shopping malls, some of the largest in the world, older and historic districts, or rural areas, especially along the klongs, the small canals that crisscross the city. With the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, and Wat Pho, to name just three of its most famous monuments, Bangkok is a must-see for anyone wanting to discover Thai culture and understand the significance of Buddhism in Thai life. Beautiful parks, day and night markets, canals (klongs), the Chao Phraya River, stalls that narrow the sidewalk into a narrow alleyway, friendly people, temples, tuk-tuks, a nightlife that showcases the best and sometimes worst sides of Thailand, massages… You'll find yourself in another world. Bangkok can be tiring at times, but if you take your time, the city will enchant you. All the ways to get around Bangkok can be found in our "Getting Around Bangkok" section.

Accommodation in Bangkok: Bangkok offers thousands of hotels and hundreds of guesthouses to choose from. No matter which district you choose, you'll easily find a room, even at the last minute. However, especially on your first trip to Thailand, it's advisable to book at least your first night in a Bangkok hotel so you don't have to worry about accommodation after a long flight and can get your bearings. This is particularly important because your first accommodation is one of the details required for the TDAC, the digital arrival card, which you must complete online before arriving in Thailand (see the "Practical Information" section). For a long time, Khao San Road, which has earned a well-deserved reputation as a backpacker district, was the most popular area for travelers in the Thai capital. Here you'll find the highest concentration of budget hotels and guesthouses, and naturally, the largest concentration of tourists. The area has the advantage of being just a short walk from the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) and the Grand Palace. However, it's best to avoid the Khao San Road area altogether. Each district of Bangkok has its own unique atmosphere: Find out which one best suits your budget and preferences, taking into account the respective advantages and disadvantages. Map. View our guide to Bangkok's districts. Find accommodation in Bangkok. Choose a destination: Amphawa Ayutthaya Bang Saphan Bangkok Buriram Cha Am Chachoengsao Chaiyaphum Chanthaburi Chiang Dao Chiang Khan Chiang Mai Chiang Rai Chonburi Chumphon Dan Sai Hat Yai Hua Hin Kalasin Kamphaeng Phet Kanchanaburi Khao Lak Khao Sok Koh Chang Koh Jum Koh Kood Koh Lanta Koh Larn Koh Lipe Koh Mak Koh Phangan Koh Phayam Koh Phi Phi Koh Samet Koh Samui Koh Sichang Koh Tao Koh Wai Krabi Lampang Lamphun Loei Lopburi Mae Hong Son Nakhon Pathom Nakhon Phanom Nakhon Ratchasima Nakhon Si Thammarat Nan Nang Rong Nong Khai Pai Pak Chong Pattaya Phang Nga Phang Nga Phayao Phetchabun Phetchaburi Phitsanulok Phrae Phuket Prachuap Khiri Khan Pranburi Railay Ranong Ratchaburi Rayong Roi Et Samut Songkhram Sangkhlaburi Sattahip Sukhothai Surat Thani Surin Tak Trang Trat Ubon Ratchathani Udon Thani all categories from 300 THB from 300 to 500 THB from 500 to 1000 THB from 1000 to 2500 THB from 2500 to 5000 THB plus 5000 THB THB // indicates prices not available in the city selection ("All prices are available at any time") function findAccommodationCategories(citySelect) { var option=citySelect.options[citySelect.selectedIndex]; var price=parseInt(option ? option.getAttribute("data-price") : 0,10) || 0; var categories=citySelect.form.elements["categories"]; if(!categories) return; for(var i=0;i<categories.options.length;i++) { var val=categories.options[i].value; categories.options[i].disabled=!(val=="all" || val=="-" || (Math.pow(2,parseInt(val,10))&price)); } } (function() { var forms=document.querySelectorAll("#form-accommodations form"); var form=forms[forms.length-1]; if(form && form.elements["cities"]) findAccommodationCategories(form.elements["cities"]); })(); My Recommendations I am often asked which accommodations I recommend in Thailand. Here are my recommendations for Bangkok. AVANI Riverside Bangkok Hotel, Thonburi, 8.9/10. Book now. More details. Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn, Sathorn, 8.8/10. Book now. More Details. Casa Vimaya Riverside Hotel, Khao San Road, 8.8/10. Book now. More details. Theatre Residence Hotel, Wang Lang Market, 8.7/10. Book now. More details. Hotel Royal Bangkok China Town, Chinatown, 8.3/10. Book now. More details. Lamphu House Guesthouse, Khao San Road, 8.6/10. Book now. More details. Loy La Long Hotel, Thonburi, 8.3/10. Book now. More details. Ibis Bangkok Riverside Hotel, Thonburi, 8.0/10. Book now. More details. New Siam River Side Guesthouse, Khao San Road, 7.8/10. Book now. More details. View all accommodations in Bangkok.

Practical tips for Bangkok: If you plan to explore Bangkok by tuk-tuk, I recommend using the subway. In Bangkok, you can negotiate the price of many things, especially tuk-tuks or motorcycle taxis. When taking taxis, choose those with a meter and insist that it's running. This is the best way to ensure you get a fair price. Be careful: Some tuk-tuk drivers near Wat Pho or the Grand Palace claim the temples are closed and offer you an alternative route. In most cases, however, nothing is closed; they simply want to take you to shops that offer them gas vouchers for each customer they refer. Sometimes you might even end up in a jewelry store where you'll be scammed.

How do you get to Bangkok? Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and therefore very easily accessible by bus, train, or plane. There are also many combined boat and bus services from the country's islands. In larger and medium-sized cities, buses generally depart from Bangkok at least hourly. Buses to Northern Thailand and Isan (Northeast Thailand) depart from Mochit Bus Station, buses to Eastern Thailand from Ekkamai, and buses to Southern Thailand (as well as Kanchanaburi or Damnoen Saduak & Amphawa) depart from Sai Tai Mai Bus Station. Bangkok's main train station is Hua Lamphong. All trains depart from there, except for those to Kanchanaburi, which depart from Thonburi Station. Bangkok has two airports: Suvarnabhumi, the largest and most modern, where you will most likely land upon arrival in Thailand, and Don Mueang, which specializes in domestic flights (there are also some international medium-haul flights) and is the departure point for most low-cost carriers. [arrow_circle_right] See all travel options to Bangkok

My selection of tours & activities in Bangkok: Classic Bangkok Bike Tour (English-speaking) Discover the hidden side of Bangkok on a 3-hour bike tour through Chinatown and along the Chao Phraya River. Cross the river by pedestrian ferry and explore the alleyways with their traditional shophouses and the historic Thonburi district. Details & Booking More tours & activities in Bangkok

What's the best way to get around Bangkok? In Bangkok, you're spoiled for choice! Casual travelers often use tuk-tuks, which are still the typical mode of transport in Thailand, and Bangkok taxis (insist that the meter is turned on). The metro in the Thai capital lets you avoid the traffic and travel in air-conditioned trains. Bangkok has several rail networks: the BTS (Skytrain), the elevated railway, the MRT (subway), which now includes some open-air stations and sections, and the Airport Rail Link, which connects the capital to Suvarnabhumi Airport. Not to mention the Red Line commuter rail, which runs to Don Mueang Airport. You can also use motorbike taxis or buses, although the lack of maps and signage in English can make them a bit complicated for tourists. Fortunately, I've included a bus search engine for Bangkok on this website, which will help you reach the city's main destinations. Alternatively, there's the very handy, free ViaBus app. There are also smartphone apps for ordering a taxi or a VTC (Virtual Transportation Center) in Bangkok – and I must say I'm using them more and more often: InDRIVE, BOLT, or Grab. There's also Muvmi for ordering an electric tuk-tuk (though I haven't tried it yet). Another option is to take the river shuttles that run on the klongs, Bangkok's small canals, or the Chao Phraya Express, which travels on the river. For the more adventurous, there are the Pun Pun Bikes, Bangkok's equivalent of bicycles. Just avoid the main roads! To get to or from Suvarnabhumi Airport, I recommend taking the Airport Rail Link from Phaya Thai station (BTS connection), a taxi, or, if you're coming from Khao San Road or the Grand Palace, the S1 bus. To get to Don Mueang Airport, where most domestic flights depart and arrive, there are express buses that regularly connect with the Mo Chit BTS station, the Northern Bus Terminal, Khao San Road, the Grand Palace, or even Victory Monument. Don Mueang is also accessible by train, but be warned: trains in Thailand are frequently delayed, except for the Red Line, which runs very regularly and also serves Don Mueang Airport! A free shuttle bus operates between Bangkok's two airports (from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM – approximately a 1.5-hour journey; more information here). All practical information about transportation in Bangkok can be found HERE. Beware of tuk-tuk drivers who loiter outside Wat Pho or the Grand Palace claiming to be closed, only to take you elsewhere. In the vast majority of cases, nothing is closed; they simply want to take you to shops that reward them with fuel vouchers for each customer they refer. Sometimes you will even be lured into jewelry stores and treated like a fool.

Vijit Chao Phraya – Bangkok Illuminations: This festival usually takes place in December. More about Vijit Chao Phraya – Bangkok Illuminations

Spectacle de theater masqué Khon gratuit This festival usually takes place several times a year. Arrow_circle_right More about Spectacle de théâtre masqué Khon gratuit

Bangkok Thai Short Film and Video Festival. This festival usually takes place in September. More about the Bangkok Thai Short Film and Video Festival

Thailand Tourism Festival. This festival usually takes place in January. More about the Thailand Tourism Festival

Chinese New Year in Chinatown. This festival usually takes place in February. More about Chinese New Year in Chinatown

Bangkok International Motor Show. This festival usually takes place in March. More about the Bangkok International Motor Show.

Phra Pradaeng Songkran Festival. This festival usually takes place in April. More about the Phra Pradaeng Songkran Festival

Bangkok Foundation Anniversary This festival usually takes place in April. Arrow_circle_right More about the Bangkok Foundation Anniversary

Bangkok Water Festival: This festival usually takes place in April. More about the Bangkok Water Festival

La Fête (French-Thai Festival) This festival usually takes place in June. More about La Fête (French-Thai Festival)

Bangkok River Fair: This festival usually takes place in August. More about the Bangkok River Fair

Temple Festival in Samut Prakan. This festival usually takes place in October. More about the Temple Festival in Samut Prakan

Tak Bat Phra Roi Tradition: This festival usually takes place in October. Learn more about the Tak Bat Phra Roi tradition.

Golden Mount Temple Fair: This festival usually takes place in November. Learn more about the Golden Mount Temple Fair

Bangkok River Festival: This festival usually takes place in November. More about the Bangkok River Festival

Grand Loy Krathong Ceremony: This festival usually takes place in November. More about the Grand Loy Krathong Ceremony

Thailand's New Year celebrations: This festival usually takes place in December. More about Thailand's New Year celebrations

The annual Red Cross market in Bangkok. This festival usually takes place in December. Learn more about the annual Red Cross market in Bangkok.

Flower Festival at Suan Luang Rama IX Park. This festival usually takes place in December. More about the Flower Festival at Suan Luang Rama IX Park

Bangkok Street Show: This festival usually takes place in December. More about the Bangkok Street Show

Bangkok International Motor Expo: This festival usually takes place in December. More about the Bangkok International Motor Expo

Bonjour French Fair: This festival usually takes place in December. More about the Bonjour French Fair

Bangkok Amazing Countdown Festival: This festival usually takes place in December. More about the Bangkok Amazing Countdown Festival

Other sights in Bangkok: Wat Benchamabophit (★★★★), one of our favorite temples in Bangkok. Peaceful and situated with a small stream, it invites you to linger. Inside the main building, the seated Buddha against its blue background makes for a beautiful photo opportunity. Muang Boran (Ancient City) (★★★★), about 70 km from Bangkok, is home to a park with replicas of Thailand's most famous temples, as well as some Cambodian, Burmese, Laotian, and Chinese temples in various scales. A surprising visit that offers a good introduction to the country. Vimanmek Palace (Dusit Palace) (★★★★), the largest teakwood house in the world. Wat Ratchabophit (★★★★), not far from Wat Pho and the Grand Palace, is an architecturally sophisticated temple that is rarely visited but definitely worth seeing. The Jim Thompson House (★★★★), now a museum, is made up of old buildings from various provinces of Thailand, which Jim Thompson had reconstructed here. You can admire many pieces from his art collection and learn about the basics of silk weaving in Thailand. Jim Thompson was an American businessman who played a key role in reviving the Thai silk industry in the 1950s and 1960s. The Taling Chan Floating Market is a small weekend market. While the floating section is quite small, it's a lovely spot that remains relatively unknown to tourists. It's also a good starting point for trips to the klongs, Bangkok's small canals. Prices are lower, and the tours offered are interesting. Koh Kret, a small island off the coast of Bangkok, is an exotic and charming place to escape the noise of the city. Its inhabitants are the Mon people, known for their pottery. Phutthamonthon Park, about 30 kilometers from Bangkok, is famous for the large statue of the Walking Buddha at its center, reputedly the largest in the world. Around it, monuments commemorate key events in the Buddha's life, and a temple houses the sacred texts of Theravada Buddhism, carved in marble. The Siam House of Bizarre Creatures is a small, quirky museum, particularly interesting for curious visitors who will love its collection of unusual animals, such as two-headed turtles. A visit is worthwhile not only for the museum itself, but also if you plan to visit the adjacent Taling Chan floating market. Wat Traimit is famous for its 3-meter-tall golden Buddha, the largest solid gold statue in the world. Long hidden under a layer of plaster, it was rediscovered in the 1950s and is now on display at Wat Traimit. The Chatuchak Weekend Market is Bangkok's largest market and takes place every weekend. You can find almost anything here. Chatuchak Market is so popular that it has become a tourist attraction, although Thais still make up the majority of its clientele. Wat Suthat temple, with its large swing in front, has a very beautiful courtyard. It is located not far from the Golden Mount. Asiatique The Riverfront: This night market in Bangkok's old docks on the Chao Phraya River offers shopping and dining in top-notch restaurants. It is a unique place in Bangkok and is becoming increasingly popular. Asiatique is somewhat more upscale than the night markets typically found in Thailand. Wat Intharawihan: Impressive for its 32-meter-high Buddha statue, adorned with glass and gold mosaics. Surprisingly, Wat Intharawihan is worth a visit for its unique statue alone. Bang Krachao, Bangkok's green lung: Also known as "Bangkok's green lung," this small natural area is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Here you can enjoy beautiful bike rides, discover a floating market, and relax in a lovely park. It's an ideal weekend getaway (the floating market is only open on weekends). The Bang Nam Phueng Floating Market (★★★) is a small market that takes place on Saturdays and Sundays near Bang Krachao, just outside Bangkok. It's considered one of the most beautiful floating markets in the Bangkok area, even though it doesn't actually float. It's definitely worth a visit when touring Bang Krachao, Bangkok's green lung. Wat Bowonniwet (★★★) is just a 5-minute walk from the famous Khao San Road and is relatively untouched by tourists. It's a significant site in Thailand's royal and religious history. Several kings were monks there, including the late King Bhumibol, who passed away in October 2016. The temple houses a magnificent chedi and impressive Buddha statues in its main hall. Wat Pariwat (★★★★) is also known as the "David Beckham Temple," but the small statues of various comic and manga characters adorning the exterior of one of the temple halls make a visit to Wat Pariwat particularly appealing. It's a little-known curiosity among tourists and a unique temple that combines Buddhism, superheroes, and cartoons. Khlong Bang Luang Floating Market (5 stars): This isn't a floating market, but rather a small section of a picturesque canal (klong in Thai) sometimes included in Bangkok's klong tours, especially for the show at the Artists' House. Exotic and just a few metro stops from the Grand Palais. Artists' House (Baan Silapin) (5 stars): Also known as Baan Silapin, this teakwood canal house in Bangkok houses a puppet and traditional dance school that puts on a daily performance. Wat Bang Chak (5 stars): This impressive temple opposite Koh Kret Island on the outskirts of Bangkok is, in my opinion, an absolute must-see when visiting the island in the Chao Phraya River. Chinatown (5 stars): Bangkok's Chinatown has a unique atmosphere. It's one of the busiest and most commercial districts in the Thai capital and an ideal base for exploring Bangkok and discovering the famous Thai street food in the evening. The Erawan Museum (★★★) is one of Bangkok's most interesting and well-known museums, although it's located a few kilometers outside the city. With its enormous statue of Erawan, a three-headed elephant, it's impossible to miss. The Santa Cruz Church (★★) is one of the most famous, if not the most famous, Catholic churches in Bangkok. Ideally located in the Thonburi district, just 50 meters from the banks of the Chao Phraya River, it was built by the Portuguese settlers in the area. Neon Market (★★★) is a relatively new night market and one of the best places to eat and shop in Bangkok in the evening. Its drawback is its somewhat remote location outside the metro. Lhong 1919 (★★★★) is a small center on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, distinguished by its nearly two-hundred-year-old warehouses in the Chinese architectural style and its murals. Having never really attracted visitors, it is now abandoned and destined for ruin, but remains open to the public for the time being. Amphawa is particularly worth seeing for its floating market, which takes place on a canal on weekends. The area surrounding Amphawa's floating market, just a 1.5-hour drive from Bangkok, is also appealing: boat tours, other floating markets, the surprising Mae Klong Railway Market (less than 10 kilometers away), the rural surroundings, and the handicrafts all invite exploration. A destination particularly well-suited for a weekend visit. Ayutthaya, the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam, is ideal for a day trip from Bangkok, although a stay of at least two days is recommended. It is the closest historical destination to the capital. Tourists visit the ruins of the temples, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travel is either independent by train or with a tour guide who organizes everything. Kundeejeen Community ★★★★ This small village on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok's Thonburi district is rich in history and tradition. It was initially Portuguese immigrants who settled here after the Burmese sacked Ayutthaya, when the kingdom's capital was moved here. Today, the community maintains its historical and culinary traditions. Thonburi District ★★★ Located directly across the Chao Phraya River from Bangkok's most popular attractions, this district boasts a pleasant, village-like atmosphere and offers numerous interesting places to discover Bangkok's history and cultural diversity. It's easily explored on foot, especially with my walking route. Bang Kapi Floating Footbridge over the Canal ★★★ This ingenious bridge, which can be moved in either direction using a cable system, is one of Bangkok's little curiosities off the beaten track. Not a destination for those in a hurry, but ideal for experiencing Bangkok from a different perspective. ICON SIAM (★★★) Yes, it's a shopping mall, but it's practically a Bangkok landmark. The architectural style, the grandeur of Bangkok's major shopping centers, and the stunning views of the Chao Phraya River from the 6th-floor rooftop terrace make it a worthwhile destination. By the way: You can also go shopping there ;) JODD FAIRS Rama 9 (★★★) This is one of Bangkok's most beautiful night markets. A wide selection of food, clothing, and handicrafts, including jewelry. A great place to eat and shop, especially since it's right next to a large shopping mall. Children's Discovery Museum (★★★★) This museum, more of a small amusement park with an educational focus, is an interesting way to keep children occupied in Bangkok, for example, on a rainy day. Large and with a diverse range of activities, it also has the great advantage of being free for both Thais and foreigners. Wat Prayoon (5 stars): This Buddhist temple, located on the Thonburi side of the river opposite the Grand Palace, is rarely visited by foreign tourists despite its unique architecture and the small Zen garden, which I love. It can be part of a pleasant stroll through this peaceful area of ​​Bangkok. Khao Mo (5 stars): This small garden, which artificially recreates Mount Meru, the center of the universe in Hindu cosmology, on a small artificial island surrounded by a pond, is a tranquil and Zen-like place belonging to Wat Prayoon in the Thonburi district. Wat Kalayanamit (5 stars): This royal Buddhist temple on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in the Thonburi district is one of Bangkok's most important and popular temples. Although not architecturally outstanding, it is interesting to observe the Buddhist rituals performed there, and the entire complex is worth a visit. The Bangkok Flower Market (★★★★) – I mean the one in the city, just a short walk from Wat Pho with its reclining Buddha. It is smaller than the newer flower market, but still impressive and worth a visit. It is particularly fascinating to watch the vendors at work, crafting necklaces and flower arrangements for the temples. The Ong Ang Canal (★★★) – This pedestrianized canal-side promenade has been cleaned and renovated and is very pleasant. Numerous excellent street art pieces invite you to linger. There are also stalls and restaurants, mainly Indian, as well as a weekend night market, which unfortunately is losing its appeal due to low visitor numbers. Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan & Loha Prasat (★★★) – This unique, seven-story structure with its 37 spires is worth visiting for its labyrinthine nature, photogenic appeal, and the view from the top. Since it's not overcrowded, there's often a peaceful atmosphere, which makes the visit all the more enjoyable. Song Wat Road (★★★) – This popular and trendy street is worth a visit despite the crowds. It's just a 10-minute walk from Chinatown, Bangkok's Chinatown. Uruea Café ★★★ This café offers one of the most beautiful views of the Big Buddha in Bangkok, if not the most beautiful. It's a well-known and popular photo spot and also offers boat tours on the klongs (Bangkok's canals). Wat Weluwanaram (Bangkok Naga Cave) ★★★ This Buddhist temple in northern Bangkok, near Don Mueang, is making a name for itself thanks to its relatively new Naga Cave, dedicated to the mythological serpents. The rest of the temple is more traditional but offers a small, fun game for visitors. Poomjaï Garden ★★★ This tree-filled park on one of Bangkok's canals offers a very pleasant setting to relax, have a drink, or enjoy a slice of cake. You can also book boat tours on the klongs, Bangkok's small canals, there. One slight drawback is its somewhat remote location outside the city center. The old market of Hua Takhe (5 stars) is situated along a canal over a century old and has retained its historical and traditional atmosphere while being enriched with contemporary art. Located on the outskirts of Bangkok near Suvarnabhumi Airport, it's a pleasant day trip, particularly known for its cat-themed kayaking tours. The alms bowl community of Soi Ban Baat (5 stars) boasts over 200 years of craftsmanship and is the last in Thailand still producing alms bowls for monks using traditional methods. Just a short walk from the Golden Mount Temple, it's worth the detour to watch the artisans at work and explore the narrow lanes. The Siam Museum, near Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha in Bangkok, presents Thailand and Thai identity through a permanent exhibition that combines objects, interactive installations, and projections, offering a vibrant visit to discover the country, its people, and its culture.

How do you ask for directions to Bangkok in Thai? I want to go to Bangkok / Yak pai thi Krungtep. Where is Bangkok? / Krungtep yu thi nai?