Are you looking for tips on things to do in Bangkok? I absolutely love this city and there is so much to do in Thailand’s capital city. Here are my insider tips on the best things to do in Bangkok, including advice on where to stay, where to eat, drink, shop and dance the night away.
WHAT TO KNOW
Are you looking for tips on things to do in Bangkok? I absolutely love this city and there is so much to do in Thailand’s capital city. Here are my insider tips on the best things to do in Bangkok, including advice on where to stay, where to eat, drink, shop and dance the night away.
Location
Bangkok is the capital of Thailand in south Asia. The city is called Krung Thep Mahanakhon in Thai. Bangkok is situated in the Chao Phraya River delta in Thailand’s central plains. Covering an area of 1,500 square kilometres, the greater Bangkok Metropolis fits into the ‘big city’ league with great ease. Add to that an estimated ten million inhabitants, more than 30,000 taxis and an ever-increasing number of tourists, and you’ll soon realize that getting to grips with such a vast concrete jungle is no easy feat, especially if you’re a first-time visitor. Neighborhoods of Bangkok in brief:
- Siam Square: The area around Siam Square, including Ratchaprasong and Phloen Chit Road, is Bangkok’s modern commercial core, full of glitzy malls and hotels. The Skytrain intersection at Siam Square is the closest thing Bangkok has to a centre.
- Sukhumvit: The long Sukhumvit Road is an exclusive district popular among expatriates and upper class locals. It is filled with quality hotels, restaurants and nightclubs. Part of its nightlife represents Bangkok’s naughty image, particularly Soi Cowboy and Nana Entertainment Plaza.
- Silom: The area around Silom Road and Sathorn Road is Thailand’s sober financial centre by day, but Bangkok’s primary party district by night when quarters like the infamous Patpong come alive.
- Rattanakosin: Between the river and downtown lies the densely packed “Old Bangkok”, home to Bangkok’s best-known sights, such as the Grand Palace and Wat Pho.
- Khao San Road: On the northern part of Rattanakosin, Bangkok’s backpacker mecca, Khao San Road and the surrounding district of Banglamphu have everything a budget traveller could possibly be looking for.
- Yaowarat and Phahurat: Along Yaowarat Road you will find Bangkok’s Chinatown, while Phahurat Road is the home of the city’s sizable Indian community. This multicultural district is filled with temples, shrines, seafood restaurants and street markets.
- Dusit: This leafy, European-style area is the political centre of Thailand, home to numerous political institutions and the monarchy. Its breezy palaces, lush gardens and broad avenues give this district its distinct character.
- Thonburi: The quieter west bank of the Chao Phraya River, consisting of several districts. Most visitors explore this side of Bangkok with a canal tour, at least taking in Wat Arun, the Royal Barges National Museum and one of the floating markets.
- Pratunam: Pratunam is a large garment market with hundreds of fashion stores selling both retail and wholesale. It also includes Baiyoke Tower II and Victory Monument.
- Phahonyothin: The area around Phahonyothin Road and Viphavadi Rangsit Road is a large suburb in northern Bangkok. In weekends, it is the best place to go hunting for bargains. The Chatuchak Weekend Market has more than 8,000 stalls selling anything and everything under the sun.
- Ratchadaphisek: Since the completion of the metro line, Ratchadaphisek Road has developed into an entertainment mecca for the locals. The sois of “Ratchada” are popular clubbing spots, as is Royal City Avenue (RCA).
- Ramkhamhaeng: Along Ramkhamhaeng Road lies a vast residential area with big shopping malls and amusement parks (like Safari World). Each neighbourhood has its own distinct character, but Hua Mak and Bang Kapi stand out as lively areas with many students from the universities.
Getting There & Around
Bangkok is a major hub of Southeast Asia. Many airlines fly regularly through Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport connecting to other popular destinations in Asia as well as in Europe, Australia and the USA. Thai Airways is the national flag carrier of Thailand that primarily operates out of Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. Bangkok Airways is a regional airline that is popular for connections between destinations like Chiang Mai and Koh Samui.
Getting around Bangkok is rather easy. There are several different modes of transport and, despite the language barrier, it is never difficult to communicate where you want to go.
- Taxis: There are three different types of taxi systems in Bangkok. There are car taxis, tuk tuks and motorbike taxis. The car taxis in Bangkok are brightly colored and fairly easy to flag down. The only issue with taking a car taxi is traffic and during work rush hour (morning and afternoon), some taxis will actually refuse to go to certain places. Tuk tuks are a less expensive way to get around than a car taxi. If you are traveling with just one or two other people, I’d suggest taking over a taxi. Now my favorite way to get around Bangkok, motorbike taxi. You might be a little put off at first but I promise they are a fun, easy, cheap way to get around the city and you don’t get stuck in traffic.
- Ferry: Bangkok has an impressive water transport system along the river and up the canals. The Chao Phraya Express Boat operates along the river and is fairly easy to navigate.
- Skytrain: Bangkok’s Mass Transit System, also commonly referred to as the BTS or the Skytrain, is an elevated rapid transit system in Bangkok, Thailand. This is the best way to get around during the operating hours. You must have 5 or 10 baht coins to purchase Skytrain tickets from vending machines, so hold on to them. I suggest buying the day pass for 130 baht. These can be purchased from the ticketing vendor and not the machines. The Skytrain is only open between 6am and midnight. After midnight, you will have to take taxis to get around. Click here for a map of the transit systems.
- Metro: Fast and efficient, the Mass Rapid Transit network (MRT) serves 18 stations and stretches for 20 km in a horseshoe shape from Hua Lamphong in the South (near Chinatown) to Bang Sue in the north. Trains arrive every 5-7 minutes, and connect to the BTS Skytrain at Sukhumvit and Silom stations. Rides start from 16 baht and are based on distance; pre-paid cards of up to 1,000 baht are also available. For single ride fares, a round plastic token is used. It is electronic: simply wave it by the scanner to enter; deposit it in a slot by the exit gate leave. Like the Skytrain, the MRT is only open between 6am and midnight. After midnight, you will have to take taxis to get around. Click here for a map of the transit systems.
- Airport Rail Link: One of Bangkok’s newest public transport system is the Airport Rail Link. The Express Line is only useful for getting into the city, as it starts at the airport, skips all stations and brings you directly to either Makkasan or Phaya Thai. This ride takes about 15min and costs 190 baht.
Helpful Tip
When taking a taxi from the airport, insist that the driver uses a meter and not charge a flat rate. The flat rate will be nearly double what the meter will charge. The driver might say something like “meter broken, flat rate only” and if he does, just say you would like to get out and if he says no say that you want the tourist police. The meter will turn on immediately.
When to Go
Located just 14 degrees north of the Equator, Bangkok is sunny at any time of the year with temperatures over 30°C (86°F). Bangkok has three distinct seasons.
- Cool Season: November to February is the coolest and driest period with temperatures averaging 86°F (30°C ).
- Hot Season: March to April is very hot with temperatures averaging 95°F (35°C ) so plan a lot of indoor activities and get a hotel with a pool.
- Wet Season: May to October sees massive downpours resulting in flooding all over the city and spells of thunder at times.
Currency
The baht (Thai: บาท, sign: ฿; code: THB) is the currency of Thailand. It is subdivided into 100 satang (สตางค์).
Visas
Passport holders of these countries (click here) are not required to obtain a visa when entering Thailand for tourism purposes and will be permitted to stay in Thailand for a period not exceeding 30 days on each visit. If such foreigners enter Thailand at immigration checkpoints, which border neighbouring countries (overland crossing), they will be allowed to stay for 15 days each time. The exemption to this is Malaysian nationals crossing overland from Malaysia who are granted a period of stay not exceeding 30 days each time. Click here for more information on Thai visas.
WHERE TO STAY
I prefer staying near all the action when I travel, especially when traveling solo. It makes me feel safer having a lot of people around when going to and from my hotel, particularly at night. Sukhumvit has a bustling nightlife and with close proximity to the Skytrain, it makes it a very convenient place to stay. Another great area is Siam – the shopping epicenter of the city. Here are my favorite value luxury hotels in Bangkok.
- The Dream Hotel: This is my go-to for where to stay when visiting Bangkok. I absolutely love this four-star hotel. The beds are insanely comfortable – something I consider extremely important when arriving after a long flight. The hotel is set down a quiet street off main Sukhumvit Road. There is a rooftop pool, fitness center, wonderful breakfast buffet and the modern, edgy design is fun. I stay here because its clean, comfortable and location, location, location. 10 Sukhumvit Soi 15 Kloeg Toey Nua Wattana, Bangkok, 10110 Thailand; +66 22 548500; dreamhotels.com
- Ad Lib Bangkok: This five-star, boutique hotel is located right next to Bamrungrad Hospital. The hotel features an outdoor, saltwater pool,24-hour restaurant, fitness center and all-day breakfast. The beds are comfortable and the hotel is very quiet at night being set far back from the main road. 230/5 Sukhumvit Soi 1, Wattana, Wattana, 10110 Bangkok; +66 2 205 7600; adlibbangkok.com
- The Berkeley Hotel Pratunam: This five-star hotel was built in 2013 and is a rather large hotel with 765 rooms. The main lobby connects to the giant shopping center Palladium World Center. The hotel is also a block from the Skytrain and the terminal to Bangkok’s internal river network is directly opposite the entrance to the hotel. 559 Pratunam, Ratchathewi, Pratunam, Bangkok, Thailand 10409; (662)309-9999; berkeleypratunam.com
Helpful Tip
When traveling in Asia, the best online hotel booking system is Agoda.com. I suggest checking on Agoda first and then comparing to other popular booking sites like Hotels.com and Kayak. You can find deals on Agoda for nearly 50% cheaper than on other leading hotel booking sites.
WHERE TO EAT
Bangkok is filled with dining options – from budget-friendly meals to fine dining, Bangkok has something to offer everyone. Here are some of the city’s most popular restaurants.
- Mei Jiang at The Peninsula: This Chinese restaurant at the famous Peninsula hotel serves some incredible dim sum with a creative menu serving dishes like roasted pigeon marin. 333 Charoenakorn Road (The Peninsula) | Klongsan, Bangkok 10600, Thailand; bangkok.peninsula.com
- Scarlett Wine Bar and Restaurant: For dining with a view, head to the 37th floor of the Pullman Hotel in Silom for cheese and meat boards and a really long wine list. The menu is inspired by 2-Michelin star French Chef Manuel Martinez, owner of the Louis XIII restaurant in Paris. 188 Silom Road, Bangrak, Bangkok, Thailand 10500; pullmanbangkokhotelg.com
- Whale’s Belly: The head chef at this new restaurant recently won the title of Iron Chef Thailand. The “unique modernist European seafood” restaurant has received a warm welcome from diners because of its quirky concept and creative twist on Italian cuisine. 39 Boulevard Tower, 2nd floor, Sukhumvit Soi 39, Sukhumvit Road | Boulevard Tower A, Bangkok 10110, Thailand; whales-belly.com
Helpful Tip
For more of the best restaurants in the city, check out this list on Bangkok.com which keeps a rather up-to-date list on new openings and hot spots.
Street Food
Looking for the best street food? Here are the best street food areas in Bangkok.
- Victory Monument (Anusawari Chai Samoraphum อนุสาวรีย์ชัยสมรภูมิ): This is a well-known area for street food. Be sure to check out the famous boat noodle alley located on the northeast side of the roundabout. To get here, take the BTS Skytrain to Victory Monument station and use exit #3 or #4.
- Yaowarat (Chinatown เยาวราช): Some of the best street food in all of Bangkok is in Chinatown. During the day time, you’ll find several markets and when the sun sets street food vendors come to life. Easiest way to get to Chinatown is by taxi, but alternatively you can take the MRT to Hua Lamphong station, and then walk to Chinatown from there (10 mins) or take a tuk tuk / motorbike.
- Charoen Krung (เจริญกรุง) and Bangrak (บางรัก): Walk down the entirety of Charoen Krung Road and you will find several street food vendors.There is also a really great vegetarian restaurant here called Tien Sin (Thanon Si Wiang, off Charoen Krung Road (Opposite the turn off from Shangri La). To get to this area, take the BTS Skytrain to Saphan Taksin station.
- Sukhumvit 38 (สุขุมวิท 38): In the evening, street food vendors come out to make some tasty grub. This was my first street food area that I visited when in Bangkok. It is a great introduction to Bangkok’s street food scene. To get here, take the BTS Skytrain to Thong Lo station (ทองหล่อ), take exit #4 and the street is perpendicular to the station. After you walk down the steps, make a u-turn and you have arrived.
Helpful Tip
“Mondays are street cleaning days in Bangkok citywide, and many street food cart vendors take the day off. You’ll notice about a 50% decrease in street food in Bangkok on Mondays. So you can still find some, but don’t always count on Mondays.” – Mark Wiens of Migrationology (Be sure to check out his Top 16 Bangkok Street Food Sanctuaries for a complete guide to Bangkok street food.)
Thai Street Food in Pictures
Street food is a huge part of Thai culture and the book Thai Street Food by David Thompson goes through the world of Thai street food through beautiful photography accompanied by great explanations. I highly recommend it – not as a guide book but as a coffee table book to get your mouth watering for authentic Thai food.
WHAT TO DO
There definitely is no shortage of things to do in Bangkok. From a buzzing nightlife to a cultural awakening, Bangkok is filled with activities from day to night.
- Bangkok Temples: Bangkok is home to a lot of temples but the ones of greatest importance are Wat Arun, the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. For more information on the temples, read my guide to Bangkok’s temples.
- Floating Market: There are several floating markets in and around Bangkok. The most famous one is in Damnoen Saduak which is located about 80 km outside the city center. For more information on this floating market, read my post about Damnoen Saduak.
- Chatuchak Weekend Market: One Saturdays and Sundays, a giant market comes to life on over 35 acreas with more than 8,000 market stalls and more than 200,000 visitors. There is literally everything you could ever imagine for sale here – from golden retriever puppies and monkeys to knock-off designer purses to boutique-style clothing. I strongly suggest making sure you can visit Bangkok on a weekend so you can experience Chatuchak Weekend Market. To get here, take the BTS to Mo Chit station and follow the crowd. The weekend market is open on Saturdays and Sundays, 09:00 – 18:00, and Fridays 18:00 – 24:00. Plant sections are also open on Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 07:00 – 18:00.
- Jim Thompson’s House: The former house of Jim Thompson, the man responsible for the revival of the Thai silk industry, was turned into a museum and is open to the public. Visiting his former home is an incredible way to learn about Thai architecture. You can read more about the Jim Thompson House here.
- Watch a Muay Thai Fight: Head to the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium to watch a traditional Muay Thai fight. The new stadium opened in February 2014 after the original Lumpini Boxing Stadium, one of Bangkok’s oldest boxing venues, was to be demolished after 57 years to make way for high-rise urban development. The new stadium is located at No.6 Ramintra Rd. Anusawaree, Bang Khen, Bangkok; muaythailumpinee.net
Another popular tourist stop is a visit to Khao San Road. I am not a fan of these kinds of places and several other bloggers who visited the famous road did not have great things to say. If you do want to go, there really isn’t much planning that needs to be done. You go, you walk, you see, you leave – and probably won’t go back.
“Khao San Road, is infamously regarded as ‘the’ Backpacker Ghetto of South East Asia: a moniker well deserved. This side street is a clustered monstrosity of guest houses, night clubs, bars, tailors, shops, entertainers, performers and street vendors that somehow all exist together in one cohesive chaotic spiral that never seems to experience a moment of silence.” – Samuel Jeffery of Nomadic Samuel
Helpful Tip
When visiting the temples, be sure to go on a day that isn’t too incredibly hot. You will have to cover up and likely will walk between the temples and doing this in extreme heat is not fun.
Bars & Nightlife
Bangkok is like the New York City of Southeast Asia. It has a wild nightlife and bars stay open until the early hours of the morning. Like the Big Apple, Bangkok also has an endless number of restaurants and bars – and newcomers always opening their doors. Here are some
- Iron Ferries: An experience in itself – quirky meets sophistication. You feel as if you’ve been transported into a blacksmith’s workshop where fantasy and gothic intertwine. You have to watch your head as you make your way through the bar because there are spiral staircases scattered throughout – some of which lead to absolutely no where. Later in the night, Sammy Davis Jr’s doppleganger appears on one of the spiral staircases singing swing music as the band plays on its own balcony. Don’t expect to be eating any Thai food here. You’ll find more American style food like burgers and crab cakes on the small bar menu. 394 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thong Lor), Bangkok 10110, Thailand; +66 (0)84 425 8080; Open Monday-Saturday, 8pm to 2am; theironfairies.com
- Bad Motel: The young, hip locals can be found here at this once abandoned three-story building that was transformed into a see and be seen hotspot. You enter into the front room where dining tables are filled with Thailand’s hipster youth. The long bar is equally packed. Head towards the back and you find yourself in an outdoor garden space where a staircase leads to another, albeit smaller, bar. (The bathroom is up here too.) The food is modern Thai with a twist and the mixologist serves drinks like vodka infused with fruits and Thai herbs. 331/4-5 Soi Sukhumvit 55, Sukhumvit Rd., Klongton-nua,, Bangkok 10110, Thailand; +66 2 712 7288; facebook.com/badmotel
- Sky Bar: You’ve probably heard of it – its on the list of the world’s best rooftop bars, it was featured in the Hangover Part 2, and when in Bangkok, it can be seen from afar. Located on the 63rd floor, Sky Bar is not to be missed. Walk down the steps toward the circular bar that lights up in a variety of bright colors changing every 90 seconds. Sip on innovative, hand-crafted cocktails while overlooking the bright city of Bangkok. Cocktails don’t come cheap so be prepared to shell out some serious cash. The bar gets extremely packed and can be very windy. DRESS CODE ENFORCED. For ladies and gents, thongs/flip flops are not permitted. Gentlemen must also wear long pants – not shorts allowed. Just dress up – this is a nice place. 1055 Silom Road, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand; +66 2624 9999; lebua.com/sky-bar
If you are ready for something a little more crazy, head to some of these popular areas for a wild night out on the town.
- Soi Cowboy: Itʼs worth a nighttime visit to Soi Cowboy, a well-known small street a short walk from the intersection of Sukhumvit and Asoke roads. This popular red-light district area is fun and most bars will be welcoming of mixed groups stopping in to have some drinks and people watch. Near Sukhumvit Road, between Sukhumvit Soi 21 (also called Soi Asoke) and Soi 23
- Royal City Avenue: Looking for a clubbing scene? Head to Royal City Avenue, or more commonly known by its abbreviation RCA located on in Huai Khwang district between Rama IX Road and Phetchaburi Road. The sectioned off area, which has a 300 baht entrance fee (a free drink included), is lined with clubs and bars that are packed with late-night revelers, mostly Thai locals. You can read more about RCA including a list of clubs and bars on Bangkok.com
Shopping
Bangkok is filled with giant shopping malls. Here are my favorites.
- Terminal 21: This giant shopping complex is unlike any placed I had ever been but pretty typical for Bangkok. There is everything. There are two floors dedicated to food while small boutique stores and large name brand stores dominate the other floors. The names of each floor were after a major city: Paris, Rome, San Francisco (hence the Golden Gate Bridge). You can easily spend a few hours in here. Open 10am to 10pm; Nearest station: BTS Asoke; 2,88 Sukhumvit Soi 19, Sukhumvit Rd, North Klongtoei, Wattana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand; +66 2 108 0888; terminal21.co.th
- Siam Paragon: This luxury megamall is where the high-end luxury stores have found their home – think Bulgari, Chanel, Cartier and Prada. My favorite part about this shopping center is the food court. It is filled with little restaurants offering every type of cuisine imaginable. They also have a market (kind of reminded me of a Bristol Farms) that has a great salad bar. Be sure to check out Siam Ocean World – a giant aquarium in the basement of the center. Open 10am to 10pm; Nearest station: BTS Siam; Rama 1 Rd, Pathumwan, 991, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; +66 2 610 8000; siamparagon.co.th
- CentralWorld: Located right next to Siam Paragon, this shopping complex caters to a younger crowd. Head here for some fashion forward clothing items. There are a lot of really cute clothing boutiques scattered throughout the complex. Open 10am to 10pm; Nearest station: Siam, Chidlom; 4,4 / 1-2,4 / 4, Ratchadamri Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; centralworld.co.th
Great tips! Bangkok is at the top of my list and I’m hoping to visit there sometime next year. Do you have any tips for getting around the 15 day visas at land borders? That seems like a short amount of time!
Hi Hannah! Once in Thailand, you could go to the immigration office and apply for an extension. The application fee is 1900 baht. The other alternative would be to apply for a 60-day tourist visa beforehand. Happy travels! 🙂
Agree about the ferries! It’s the best way to travel in Bangkok. What a comprehensive post! I love the hotels along the river, too.
Hi Carol! Absolutely agree about the hotels along the river. Nothing quite compares to the Peninsula. Hopefully on my next trip to Bangkok I get to stay there! Fingers crossed 🙂