There’s a right way to do Bangkok. And a wrong way. The latter is ending up with a face tattoo and pet monkey a la The Hangover Part II.
Don’t worry, you’ll be too busy doing other things (and hopefully not that dumb) to avoid that mistake. There’s a lot more to Bangkok than just nightlife. But I’ll help you out with that too.
Bangkok is a bustling city of culture, food and tons of epic things to do. So you’ll want to make the most of your time there. And to help, I’ve come up with this useful guide with tips for everything you need to know and do in Bangkok.
Bangkok Travel Resources
These are my favourite companies to use when I travel.
• Search cheap flights with Skyscanner.
• Find the best deals on hotels on Booking.com.
Bangkok Tours
• Book sightseeing tours & attraction tickets on GetYourGuide or Viator.
Weather & Best Time to Visit Bangkok
So it won’t come as a surprise that Bangkok can get pretty hot, it’s actually got the highest average temperature in the world. Temperatures are at their hottest between March and August.
There is quite a long rainy season from May to September, really picking up in June. During this season it’s imperative to carry around a small waterproof as whilst most often showers are short and in the afternoon, there can also be unexpectedly long periods of unremitting rain due to the cities height above sea level.
Humidity is also pretty constant throughout the year so remember to drink as much water as possible to make sure you don’t accidentally dehydrate.
Getting to Bangkok
Bangkok is home to two airports. The new airport, Suvarnabhumi, opened in 2007 and is located in Racha Thewa around 30 kilometers east of Bangkok.
Some domestic flights still operate out of the old international airport, Don Muang (24 kms north from Bangkok), so check your ticket carefully so you’re definite about which airport you should be at. The same transport options exist out of Don Muang as they do at Suvarnabhumi and the travel time is slightly less.
There are various forms of transport to and from this Bangkok airport including shuttle bus, public bus and car rental.
Usually the higher end hotels will send a representative to meet you at the airport but most visitors take a metered taxi – there is a 50 baht airport surcharge on top of your fare (which should only be a few hundred baht) plus you’ll need to pay express way fees.
You can also catch a train or a group bus if you are feeling confident. The journey is usually 40 minutes to an hour depending on your destination.
When you arrive, pick up one of the free city maps available at the airport (or download one). Locating the place you are staying at, or another touch point, before you leave the airport will ensure you look like you know what you are doing, this means you’ll be far less likely to be targeted by local ‘guides’.
Where to Stay
With such a massive variety in travellers, Bangkok is renowned for having great places to stay at very affordable prices. The Khao San Road is set just west of the river. It’s toted as the party hub of Bangkok, but it’s also got everything from 12 bed dorms for pennies a night to 3 star hotels with rooftop pools that won’t make your purse weep either (and that’s on a travelling budget too).
Elsewhere in the city, Sukhumvit Road, Prom Pap Sattru Phai and Silom Road are good locations with great access to the skytrain and hostels to 5* hotels. Ultimately, the city has a very good transport infrastructure, so you have the freedom to choose which sites you would like to be closest to and take it from there.
Getting Around
There is a fantastic travel infrastructure in Bangkok that caters to every kind of traveller. If you want to escape the heat and zone out for a moment whilst you get whisked to your next destination take a yellow taxi.
The skytrain travels across the city for sites that are a little further out. It is clean, organised, fast and a good way to see the city too as you are up high enough to see most of the sites you pass. River boats run up and down the central river in Bangkok, this is a great way to see the city and enjoy some cooling air as you speed down the river, first thing in the morning and last thing at night, these boats also take on a special quality as you get the sunset whilst you ride.
The most immersive and cheapest way to get around though is by tuk-tuk. A little bit like sitting in a wheelbarrow with an engine and a roof, these small taxi’s will whisk you around the city, allowing you to stop and start whenever you see something you like. If you want to go exploring you can hire one for the day and more often than not your driver will add in some hints and tips too – don’t forget to haggle on price and include a tip for your driver at the end of your journey.
What to See
Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew: This impressive complex was built for a king (150 years of Thai Kings to be exact). Within the complex, is Wat Phra Kaew or ‘Temple of the Emerald Buddha’. So guess what you can find there? Yep, the famous emerald Buddha statue. Location: Na Phra Lan Road
Wat Pho: Wat Pho translates to ‘Temple of the Reclining Buddha’. So yes, there’s literally a giant reclining Buddha there. It’s also houses the largest number of pagodas in the city. Location: 2 Sanamchai Road
Wat Arun: One of Bangkok’s most famous landmarks, Wat Arun or ‘Temple of Dawn’, is one of the oldest temples in Bangkok. It’s prang (that tall spire on Hindu and Buddhist temples) is the tallest in Thailand. Location: 158 Wang Doem Road
Phra Sumera Fotress: This 3-level octagonal fortress was built in 1783. There’s a small park near the fortress and some cute Instagram opportunities along the river. Location: the corner of Phra Athit Road and Phra Sumeru Road
Sao Ching Cha (Giant Swing): This might just be the tallest swing you’ll see in your life. And it used to be used for a religious ceremony. Terrifying? Probably. It’s now a symbol of Bangkok. Location: Bamrung Muang Road
Wat Saket (Golden Mount): This temple on a man-made hill is definitely worth the 300 steps. In addition to being an important and beautifully gold-trimmed temple, it has awesome views of the city. Location: 344 Chakkraphat Diphong Road
Top Things to Do
These are some things not to miss in Bangkok:
Longtail boat ride: Longtail boats are shaped like a banana (not to be confused with ‘banana boats’). These sleek guys will take you down the Chao Phraya River and into local Thai communities. Trust us, a break from the craziness of the city is welcomed. You can also ride one into the floating markets to buy some fresh produce.
Chinatown: Bangkok’s Chinatown is packed with historic buildings, market stalls, street food vendors, and people. Lots and lots of people. So grab some eats, check out the shops and navigate the busy alleyways.
Tuk tuk ride: A visit to Bangkok wouldn’t be complete without a tuk tuk ride. These glorified motorcycle cars will whizz you around the city for a fraction of a western taxi. One part efficient. One part terrifying. All parts fun.
Bike the backstreets of Bangkok Noi District: Biking in Bangkok means 1. you’re never stuck in traffic (which is always) and 2. seeing a more relaxed and local Bangkok.
Get a traditional Thai massage: You’ll have no trouble finding somewhere to get a massage in Bangkok. They’re everywhere. Allocate a few hours for a proper Thai massage – a massage that involves stretching and deep tissue massaging. After touring Bangkok all day, your muscles will thank you for this.
Shopping
Pak Klong Talad (Flower market): Wake up early and head to the famous Pak Klong Taalat flower market. Sure, you won’t be able to get these through airport security, but they make for a lovely gift for yourself during your stay #treatyoself.
Chatuchak Weekend Market: Among the largest markets in the world, Chatuchak has everything: clothing, handicrafts, food, and even furniture. You may want to spend a full day here.
Phahurat Market (Little India): If you’re looking for a place to buy fabrics and eat Indian food, this is the place to do it. You’ll find Indian silks, bags, souvenirs, and even wedding gowns. You never know….
Pantip Plaza: Two words: cheap electronics. Just be wary, ‘cheap’ can literally mean cheap.
Patpong Night Market: Open every day until 1 am, this is another market for all your souvenir and shopping needs. Just at night time.
Where to Go Out
Khao San Road: Likely the most notorious party street in the world, Khao San Road has daredevilish street eats (scorpion anyone?), food, Las Vegas-like signage, and bars. Tons of bars. Whether you want to party or just experience the famous whirlwind that is Khao San Road, it’s definitely worth it to check out.
Nightclubs in the Sukumvit Area: Sukumvit has tons of modern clubs. Translation: fancy, not sketchy. You’ll find Bedsupper Club here or local favourite, the RCA Entertainment Area. Lots of great places here to dance the night away.
Rooftop bars at any of the five-star hotels: A little more on the pricier side, but it’s unique and classy take on a traditional night out in Bangkok. Plus the views are top-notch.
Bangkok Travel Tips
Avoid tuk tuk scams: some tuk tuks try to bring you to their buddy’s restaurant/shop in some elusive scheme to get a cut of the profits. Be firm and direct (you totally got this).
Bargain hunt: Don’t buy from the first place you visit, shop around and barter.
Don’t get a tattoo on Khao San Road: Remember that dragon tattoo idea you had? While in Bangkok, amirite? Yeah, please no. Sanitation may or may not be up to Western standards. But do you really want find out the hard way? NOPE. Plus, who knows what kind of ‘masterpiece’ you’ll end up with after a few beers.
‘Special shows’: You’ll encounter several ahem special shows on some of the sketchier streets. Just know that what is seen cannot be unseen. Let’s just say that.
Food & Drink
Whilst you won’t want to drink water out of the tap here, stalls full of mouth watering food can be found on street corners, along the street and just off the street – everywhere. From traditional Pad Thai to fresh coconuts to bags of crisped insects, you can find everything. If you want to sit down, many restaurants have comprehensive seating areas from cosy couches, to sun chairs to stools along extended trestle tables, to traditional seating.
It’s safe to eat street food, in fact it’s encouraged, most travellers do it, it’s cheap and it’s where you’ll try some of the freshest, most authentic, most delicious local food. Just try and choose to order from a stall that looks busy, and therefore keep their ingredients fresh due to their fast turn over of customers, to massively decrease your chances of getting sick from food that’s been there for a while waiting to be bought.
As you will discover with most shop types in Bangkok, restaurants group together snuggling in next to each other and spilling out into the road with makeshift expansions. These restaurant hubs can be found in various places across the city including Chana Songkhram and Sukkimvit Road (where you will find the infamous Cabbages and Condoms restaurant).
If you are looking to cram as much into your Bangkok time as possible, the night markets are all surrounded by restaurants so you can shop till you drop, then have a great local meal too.
Tha Chong Ferry Terminal/Maha Rat Road/Na Phr Lan Road
Likely to be your hop-off point if you’re taking the boat to the Royal Palace, Tha Chong leads onto an intersection in the road by the palace. Here you’ll find many stalls whipping up delicious Thai snacks and meals, from tempting satays and firey Pad Thais to cool drinks perfect for the heat – and for taking away the sting from those chillies!
Yaowarat Road
Located in Bangkok’s Chinatown, Yaowarat Road is noisy and jostling with never-ending flashing lights and rickshaw horns. But amidst all of this is some incredible street food. Squeeze in at one of the many roadside tables and dine on an array of different options, slightly different from your traditional Thai classics. Seafood is particularly popular here so perfect for fish lovers.
Where to drink in Bangkok?
The Backpacker Experience: ‘Golf Bar’
Not something i’m keen on doing too often but its always fun to have a night out on Khaosan Rd once in awhile. Best bar on Khaosan is the bucket bar ‘Golf Bar’ their slogan which they are probably better known for is ‘We do not check ID card’. Early in the evening it starts small a few harmless tables and some friendly guy in orange shits trying to pull you in off the street, but as the night goes on more and more tables come out until the bar extends to halfway across the road.
The Expat Experience: ‘Cheap Charlies’
If your either an expat yourself or a tourist looking to get away from the backpacker crowd you can head to ‘Cheap Charlie’s’ all drinks cost 80 baht, pretty much no matter what you order! The bar is kind of tacked onto the side of a building and is decorate with an insane amount of bizarre stuff, there’s bits of wood and carving, signs and a bee’s nest, there’s even a running toy train set weaving its way through all of this above your heads! You can find Cheap Charlie’s in a side alley off Sukhumvit Soi 11, its always packed and a great place to meet people!
The Thai Experience: “Bar 23”
From the outside you would barely know that Bar 23 was there, theres a tiny sign on the front and a blacked out door and thats it. The bar attracks a pretty equal amount of Thai and Western drinkers, inside you can see that its basically just someones massive living room that has been turned into a bar area, derocated with random old furniture and brightly coloured lanterns and decorations. Its definately an experience coming here, you can mix with the locals, listen to some decent music and as the night goes on the place becomes packed out! You can find Bar 23 in Sukhumvit Soi 16.
The High-rise Experience: ‘Vertigo Moon Bar @ The Banyan Tree’
Worth a trip for sure, even if you only stay for one or two incredibly expensive cocktails! This bar has one of the best views in Bangkok, not just because of its height, but because the bar is raised at one end of the top floor, meaning you have an uninterupted 360 degree view from one position, you can literally see the whole of Bangkok!
The Club Experience: ‘Route 66 @ RCA’
Route 66 again has a good mix of foreign and Thai people, it’s a massive place that has several different rooms playing different types of music as well as a huge outdoor seating area! Entry is 300 baht, but you get 300 bahts worth of drinks vouchers, I’m sure you were going to buy a drink or two anyways so its basically free.
Best Places to Visit Near Bangkok
If you’re leaving Bangkok, then there are lots of buses will ferry you to your next destination in Thailand or further out in Southeast Asia, with pick up points dotted around the city. Local tourist shops are the best way to pick where you are off to next, and how you are going to get there, but be prepared to haggle.
These little shops also serve day trips that will pick you up from your accommodation and take you to see the amazing sites within a days drive. If you’d rather get a bit of a plan in place before you get there (and make sure you get a good deal) check out day trips online.
From Bangkok it is really easy to organise day trips, or transport to other places in Thailand. You can spoilt for choice too, from the ancient temples in Ayutthaya, the beautiful islands of Thailand or head north to the popular city of Chiang Mai.