At a glance
- Best for
- Temples, street food, markets, shopping and nightlife
- Airports
- Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK)
- Time needed
- Three to four days
- Best season
- November to February, cooler and drier
- Getting around
- BTS Skytrain, MRT, river boats, ride apps and taxis
- Day trips
- Ayutthaya, the Maeklong railway market and Kanchanaburi
Why go
Bangkok packs the whole of Thailand into one city. You can watch monks at morning prayers, eat some of the best street food in the world, take a long-tail boat through the canals of Thonburi and finish with a cocktail high above the skyline, all in a single day. It is also a practical base, with excellent transport, hotels at every level and easy day trips.
The main sights
The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, home of the Emerald Buddha, are the city's most important sights. Go early, dress with shoulders and knees covered, and buy tickets only at the official entrance. Next door, Wat Pho holds the giant Reclining Buddha and is the birthplace of traditional Thai massage; its massage school still offers treatments. Across the river by short ferry, Wat Arun's porcelain covered spire is beautiful at sunset.
The National Museum, Jim Thompson House and Wat Saket on the Golden Mount are quieter favourites. Lumphini Park is the city's green lung, with monitor lizards by the lakes and outdoor exercise classes at dusk.
Neighbourhoods to know
Rattanakosin, the old royal island, holds the great temples. Nearby Khao San Road and Banglamphu are the backpacker hub, noisy at night but handy for the sights. Yaowarat, Bangkok's Chinatown, is best after dark when the street food stalls light up. Silom and Sathorn are the business district, with Patpong night market and many rooftop bars. Sukhumvit is the long expat and nightlife strip, with good hotels close to the Skytrain. Ari and Thonglor are where young Bangkokians eat and drink.
Food
Try pad thai at a busy stall, boat noodles near Victory Monument, khao man gai (chicken rice), som tam (green papaya salad) and mango sticky rice. Or Tor Kor market is the place to see the best of Thai produce. In Chinatown, look for crispy pork, fish maw soup and grilled seafood along Yaowarat Road. Most stalls are safe: choose busy ones where food is cooked fresh.
Markets
Chatuchak Weekend Market has thousands of stalls selling everything from plants to vintage clothes. Jodd Fairs and other night markets mix food and shopping. The floating markets outside the city, such as Damnoen Saduak, are touristy but fun if you go early; the Maeklong railway market, where stalls fold back as the train passes, is a memorable day out.
Getting around
The BTS Skytrain and MRT underground cover the centre and are the fastest way to beat traffic. The Chao Phraya Express boats link the old town with Silom and are cheap and scenic. Ride apps such as Grab and Bolt show the fare before you ride. Metered taxis are fine if the driver uses the meter; walk away if they quote a fixed price. Tuk-tuks are fun for a short ride, but agree the price first and decline any offer of a tour that includes shop stops.
Scams to know
The classic Bangkok scam is a friendly stranger telling you the Grand Palace is closed today and offering a cheap tuk-tuk tour instead, which ends at a gem or tailor shop. The palace is rarely closed: walk to the official gate and check yourself. Ignore offers of cheap gems, and avoid jet ski rentals and unofficial guides.
Where to stay
For sights and atmosphere, stay along the river or in Banglamphu. For transport, food and nightlife, stay near a Skytrain station in Sukhumvit or Silom. Riverside hotels are a lovely treat, with free shuttle boats to the Skytrain.
Day trips
Ayutthaya, the old royal capital, is around an hour and a half north by train, with brick temple ruins and Buddha heads in tree roots. Kanchanaburi has the Bridge over the River Kwai, war cemeteries and Erawan waterfalls.
Questions about Bangkok
How many days do I need in Bangkok?
Three to four days covers the temples, a river trip, Chinatown, a weekend market and a day trip to Ayutthaya.
What is the dress code for the Grand Palace?
Shoulders and knees must be covered, and very tight or see-through clothing is refused. Wear long trousers or a long skirt and a shirt with sleeves.
Which area of Bangkok is best for first-time visitors?
Stay near a Skytrain station in Sukhumvit or Silom for easy transport, or by the river or in Banglamphu to be close to the old temples.
How do I get from Suvarnabhumi Airport to the city?
The Airport Rail Link runs to Phaya Thai, where it connects to the Skytrain. Metered taxis leave from the official taxi rank and ride apps also pick up at the airport.
Facts checked . Fees, schedules and entry rules change, so always confirm the latest with the official source.
