Your guide to Bangkok
Bangkok highlights
Loosen up
Chances are you’ve taken a very long flight to see Bangkok. There’s no better way to reward your knotted muscles than by getting a traditional Thai massage. The city is home to thousands of talented practitioners. Take your pick from spas in every neighbourhood, or visit the Wat Pho Thai Traditional Massage School for a wallet-friendly treatment by a trainee.
Hit the floating market
Experience a celebrated tradition and discover incredible photo opportunities by visiting a floating market on Bangkok's rivers and canals. Watch vendors in longtail boats sell fruit, flowers, spices and even artwork. Damnoen Saduak is the largest floating market in the city, while Amphawa is a local favourite for seafood in all forms.
See a tailor
Bangkok is a fashion powerhouse, home to lavish fabrics, talented tailors and creative dressmakers. You’ll find studios all across the city, especially around Sukhumvit Road, where you can choose your fabric and design of choice — and at an amazing value. Be sure to visit one early during your trip, then come back before you leave to collect your custom-made garments.
Bangkok: Know before you go
| Language | Thai |
|---|---|
| Currency | Thai baht (฿) |
| Time zone | UTC+7 (ICT) |
| High season | December - February |
| Low season | September - October |
Find the best time to go to Bangkok
Weather in Bangkok
April – October: The rainy season brings high temperatures and increased humidity. Carry an umbrella with you, as downpours can come out of nowhere. The city’s parks and gardens are extra lush during this time. Monsoons grow more intense later in the season, making it a great time to explore indoor attractions like the Grand Palace and Wat Pho.
November – March: This is Bangkok’s cool, dry season, with temperatures usually hitting the 30s°C — though some days dip to 20°C. Humidity is lower, and evenings are generally balmy. This is also the busy tourist season, so expect more crowds and steeper prices. Be sure to book in advance.
Events in Bangkok
Songkran Festival (April): Bangkok is one of the best places to celebrate Thai New Year. Enjoy parades, performances and traditional foods like mango sticky rice. Water fights are a big part of the festivities, so expect to get wet.
Vegetarian Festival (October): Many Thai citizens abstain from eating meat during this community-wide cleanse. That means you can sample vegetable-based dishes of every kind, from street stalls to white-tablecloth restaurants. Most of the action happens in the city’s Chinatown.
Wonderfruit (December): This wellness-focused festival includes musical performances, sound healing, and sunrise and sunset celebrations. Don’t miss the late-night treetop karaoke lounge.
The best neighbourhoods in Bangkok
Watthana
This is where to stay in Bangkok if you plan to spend your days shopping and your nights out in the city. Some of the capital’s best fine-dining restaurants and drinking establishments are here, including chic rooftop bars. Retail ranges from the upscale EmQuartier mall to humble markets. And getting around is a breeze with the Ekkamai BTS (Skytrain) station at your doorstep.
Good for: Shopping, restaurants, bars
Phra Nakhon
Steeped in history, Phra Nakhon is best known for must-see landmarks, including the impressive Grand Palace and Wat Phra Chetuphon, the temple with the famous Reclining Buddha. The riverside area is home to plenty of bistros and the vast Sanam Luang park. Khao San Road is another face of this diverse district, with a 24/7 party atmosphere.
Good for: Museums, temples, nightlife
Bang Rak
Creative, cosmopolitan and chaotic, busy Bang Rak is where to stay in Bangkok for luxury hotels, historic temples and the famous Patpong Night Market. Discover street art and pop-up food stands. Drink, dine and people-watch at swanky rooftop venues, such as Sky Bar, which featured in ‘The Hangover Part II’ movie. The bar is in Silom, an LGBTQ+ friendly area.
Good for: Restaurants, art, LGBTQ+
Things to do in Bangkok
Family friendly things to do
You’ll never run out of fun things to do with family in Bangkok. A boat trip on the Chao Phraya River is a popular kid-friendly adventure, while Lumpini Park is ideal for burning off some energy in the shade. Other highlights include the rooftop Pororo Aquapark, the Mahanakorn Skywalk and Playmondo Centralworld for kids under 13.
Shopping
Shopping in Bangkok is a heady experience. With 15,000 stalls over 14 hectares, Chatuchak Weekend Market alone could fill a day of your vacation. Then there are the hundreds of malls. Start at IconSiam for high-end shops, a rooftop garden and daily fountain show. MBK Center is great for bargains, while Warehouse 30 is a mini mall with arts and crafts vendors, a spa and cafes.
Take in the culture
Bangkok has some of Thailand’s most dazzling temples, but it’s worth seeking out some of the lesser-known ones. Wat Mangkon Kamalawat is a good option, tucked away in Chinatown. Learn meditation at Wat Mahathat, a university for Buddhist monks. Among the best museums in Bangkok is the open-air Ancient City, which is designed in the shape of Thailand.
Nightlife
The nightlife in Bangkok has made a name for itself around the world. For a peek into the city’s energy after dark, go bar-hopping on Khao San Road or visit a multi-level club such as Route 66. Rooftop bars, night markets or a midnight tuktuk foodie experience with a tour company are also fun ways to spend an evening.
Places to eat
The spirit of Bangkok is evident in its food, whether perfectly wok-fried noodles or innovative Asian fusion food is your thing. Street food can rival the upscale restaurants if you know where to look – the jungle curry at Sriyan Market is a local favourite. Some of the best restaurants in Bangkok include the Haawm supper club, and Michelin-starred Mia, with its seasonal tasting menus.
Beaches
The beaches near Bangkok are the ideal flipside to the buzz of the city. Take a day trip to Koh Larn for turquoise waters surrounded by jungle. On Koh Samet, go from a secluded beach in the south to parties on the northern beaches. The island is a three- to four-hour drive from Bangkok, but there’s plenty of accommodation if you decide to stay overnight.
Get ready for Bangkok
Budget
For an inexpensive stay in Bangkok, you’re best off booking during the wet season. Despite the rain, the city still shines with delicious, cheap food and a fascinating cultural scene. A meal in an inexpensive restaurant will cost you about 100 Thai baht (฿). A domestic beer or a cappuccino costs as little as ฿85. Short taxi rides start at ฿200, but you’ll usually save more on a tuk-tuk.
Day trips from Bangkok
Drive 30 minutes and then take a short boat ride to the tiny river island of Koh Kret. You won’t need a car here — only bikes are allowed for transport. Sip craft beer, shop for local pottery and fill up at the bustling food market. Explore temple ruins in the historic city of Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage site an hour from Bangkok.
Getting around Bangkok
The best mode of transport on your visit to Bangkok depends on your destination. In ‘new’ Bangkok, the train, BTS (Skytrain) and MRT (metro) are good options. Elsewhere, flagging down a tuk-tuk is often best. Hop on the Chao Phraya Express Boat for all the major sightseeing spots. Walking is great in short bursts during cooler parts of the day.
