The first place I ever visited in Southeast Asia. It’s a massive city that some people can find a bit overwhelming – the maze of streets, the tiny market stalls next to huge shopping complexes, unfamiliar smells, glittering temples and the constant hum of motorbikes, cars and tuk tuks. Give it a chance because it’s one of the most exciting cities in the world.
Essential Experiences
Bangkok’s districts
Let’s start with an overview of Bangkok’s layout.
Ratanakosin
This is the historic heart of the city, home to the stunning Wat Arun, Wat Pho and the glittering Grand Palace. Close to Chinatown but the BTS Skytrain doesn’t reach this area so you can take a tuk tuk, Grab or ferry.
Banglamphu
Even if you’ve never heard of Banglamphu you’ve almost certainly heard of the famous backpacking strip Khao San Road. It’s looking less and less backpackery these days and instead attracts almost anyone visiting Bangkok curious to see what it’s all about.
Siam Square
A big, modern shopping district with the historical Jim Thompson house tucked down a quiet road. BTS stop Siam or Chit Lom.
Silom
Just south of Siam, this area is mainly a business district but that does mean there are some good hotel options and transport connections with convenient access to both the BTS and MRT.
Riverside
To the west of Silom, this high-end hotel zone offers scenic river views, perfect for stylish stays and sunset dinners.
Sukhumvit
This bustling commercial and entertainment area offering excellent dining options and nightlife.
Palaces & temples to discover
Bangkok is renowned for its glittering temples, with the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun among the most popular to visit. The Grand Palace and Wat Pho sit side by side, making them easy explore together. Wat Arun lies just across the river, easily reached by a short ferry ride costing about 10B.
Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew
One of the most beautiful and significant places in Bangkok. Built in 1782 for the king, the complex is a stunning blend of gold and rich colours. The ordination hall houses the 14th century Emerald Buddha, which is actually carved from jade.
It can get very busy (and hot) so it’s best to arrive early. As there are temples inside the grounds you must dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees. Cover ups are available to rent but it’s easier to come dressed appropriately for your visit.
Open daily from 8:30am-3:30pm. Tickets cost 500B
Your ticket includes entry to Wat Phra Kaew and the Queen Sirikit Museum. The palace entry is through the clearly marked third gate from the river pier. Tickets are purchased inside the complex.
Wat Pho
Famously known for the Reclining Buddha, an incredible 46m long and 15m high golden statue, with intricate mother-of-pearl inlays of the soles of its feet. The temple itself is insanely busy as everyone wants to see this masterpiece, but I promise it’s worth braving the crowds as it’s absolutely breathtaking. Fortunately, Wat Pho’s grounds are equally beautiful but far less crowded offering plenty of quiet spots to wander.
Open daily from 8:30am-6:30pm. Tickets cost 200B
Wat Arun
Known as the Temple of the Dawn, Wat Arun is a striking landmark on the bank of the Chao Phraya River. Widely considered one of the most beautiful temples in Thailand, the white walls are covered in floral mosaics crafted from Chinese porcelain. Once much quieter than the other famous temples, it has recently grown in popularity. Visit early in the morning or just before closing to avoid peak crowds.
Open daily from 8am-6pm. Tickets cost 100B
Can’t miss
Jim Thompson House
Step inside the intriguing house and art collection of Jim Thompson, an American businessman who lived in Thailand in the 1950s and 60s until his mysterious disappearance in Malaysia’s Cameron Highlands in 1967.
Markets to explore
Damnoen Sanduak Floating Market
Take a trip outside the city to visit the famous Damnoen Sanduak floating market. Around for more than a century, these days it operates more as tourist attraction than a traditional market, but it still offers a unique experience – especially for someone who has never visited Thailand. Visit as part of a day tour or order a Grab.
Pak Khlong Talat Flower Market
Flowers are an important part of Thai culture, often used as offerings at shrines and temples. This sprawling market (the largest wholesale flower market in Thailand) is colourful, cramped and chaotic event. Piled high with blooms you’ll see everything from local flowers like jasmine, lilies, marigolds and orchids to imported varieties of tulips and irises. Nestled off the Chao Phraya river, you can easily combine a visit here with the Grand Palace and Wat Pho.
Opens 7am daily. Experience the morning buzz or pop in later in the day for a more subdued visit.
Maeklong Railway Market
At first glance this market doesn’t seem to be anything particularly special. Then you realise the whole thing is set around a train track – where trains actually pass though!
Chatuchak
Outside of the main city is the large weekend market at Chatuchak Park. This labyrinth of stalls covers literally everything you could ever want.
MBK
A huge shopping centre in the Siam district, with entire floors laid out in a market-style format. If you’re not in Bangkok for the Chatuchak Market, this is the next best place to go. I’m not much of a shopper so I come here for the food. The top floor has an excellent food court with a variety of cuisines at great prices. There’s also a selection of restaurants and cafes across the other floors including a very indulgent chocolate café on the 5th floor.
MBK Dining Zone open 7am – 1am
Where to eat
MBK Dining Zone
The top floor of the MBK shopping centre has an excellent food court with a variety of cuisines at great prices. There’s also a selection of restaurants and cafes across the other floors including a very indulgent chocolate café on the 5th floor.
Open 7am – 1am
Afternoon Tea at the Authors’ Lounge
Set in the elegant Authors’ Lounge of the Mandarin Oriental, a beautiful space furnished with wicker furniture, hand-painted fabrics and framed photographs of the many writers who have stayed at the hotel since the late nineteenth century. Enjoy a seasonal afternoon tea, starting with savoury small plates showcasing vibrant flavours such as lemongrass, jasmine, spicy duck, crispy shrimp and Thai herbs. Follow with delicate sweets like butterfly pea layer cake, mung bean marzipan and freshly baked scones and homemade jams.
Rooftop Bars
Bangkok has some amazing sunsets and there’s no better way to watch them than from one of the city’s rooftop bars. Moon Bar, perched on the 61st floor of the Banyan Tree Hotel is one of the highest alfresco bars in the world. It opens at 5pm and it’s best to arrive early to get a table as it gets very busy. You’ll pay a cover charge which is redeemable as a voucher for drinks. Choose a cocktail and take in stunning views over the glittering city.
Street Food in Banglamphu District
The district encompasses Khao San Road, probably the most famous backpacking spot in the world. It’s a blend of old and new – cheap joints offering ‘Very Strong Cocktails’, fancy bars and there is even a McDonalds – making the overall vibe firmly western.
Where to stay
Where you stay in Bangkok depends on what you’re interested in.
Want shopping, choose Siam Square
There are heaps of shopping opportunities all over the city, but the biggest is around Siam Square. Selection of BTS stops also makes it easy to get out to other parts of the city.
Want something upmarket, choose Riverside
The area next to the river has some of the classiest hotels in the city with amazing views – especially at sunset.
Want a backpacker party, choose Khao San Road, Banglamphu District
The wild nightlife of Khao San Road attracts tourists from all over the world. There are plenty of places to stay within stumbling distance of Khao San. You are also conveniently located to the Grand Palace and temples.
Want something lively but not Khao San, choose Chinatown
There are lots of budget and midrange options with easy access to the main sites and train station.
How to get around
Arriving by Air
Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK)
Lots of major carriers offer international flights to this massive hub with options for direct or indirect. Consider flying direct to make the most of your time on the ground and to reduce your carbon footprint.
The Airport Rail Link will take you into the heart of the city where you can access the BTS Sky train and Metro. You can also choose from Metered taxis, Grabs and organised pickups with your tour operator or hotel.
Don Mueang International Airport (DMK)
This smaller airport sits in the north of the city serving regional flights and is home of low cost carrier airlines. If you’re transferring between the two airports, keep in mind that Dong Mueang is at least 40 minutes drive from Suvarnbhumi but with Bangkok’s congested road network you’ll need to allow plenty of time to comfortably catch your next flight.
Public Transport
MRT Metro and BTS Skytrain
These are the mass transport systems and the most affordable way to get around the city. Keep in mind they are two separate transit operations with different tickets. It’s easy to purchase tickets from machines within the stations. Signposts are in English and Thai so it’s really easy to navigate.
Bus
There is a network of city buses as well as terminals for intercity buses connecting Bangkok with destinations all over Thailand.
Boats & Ferries
Exploring the Chao Phraya River and Bangkok’s surrounding canals is both affordable and enjoyable. Boats are cheap with journeys costing as little as 10 BAH. Chao Phraya Express Boats crisscross the Mae Nam Chao Phraya river, making it easy to connect with the BTS and other transport options. Travelling through the canals offers a unique glimpse into city life.
Private Options
Tuk Tuk
An icon of Bangkok and a fun way of travelling in the city. Expect to haggle on price as you’ll initially be quoted a massively inflated price. Short journeys of a couple of kms should cost 50-60 BAH. On the other hand, you might be offered a ridiculously low fare of 20 BAH. This is normally the start of scam, and you’ll end up on long detours to gem shops.
Grab
Asia’s popular ride-hailing app works just like Uber, making it easy to see exactly how much your journey will cost. You can also pay by card through the app so you don’t have to worry about carrying cash. This is why Grab has become so popular over taking taxis. While you don’t need a local phone number, the app does require internet to function. I recommend getting a local SIM on downloading an eSIM as it’s easier than trying to find Wi-Fi.
Taxis
Better suited than a tuk tuk for longer journeys. All taxis are required to use the meter which starts at 40 BAH covering the first km. Some might try their luck at giving you an inflated price, just smile and say ‘meter’. If they refuse to use it then find yourself and different taxi.
Visited August 2013, March 2015, November 2016, August 2017, March 2025
Little Amy Tours 