Bangkok Metropolitan Area Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Bangkok Metropolitan Area with this comprehensive tour guide that includes attractions, hiking routes, activities, food, accommodations, local culture, safety, transportation options, and nearby destinations.


Bangkok Metropolitan Area, located in Central Thailand, is a hub of culture, history, and adventure that attracts millions of tourists each year. This comprehensive tour guide will help you plan your trip to this vibrant city, covering everything from must-visit attractions to local customs.

Introduction to Bangkok Metropolitan Area

Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, is the main gateway to explore the Bangkok Metropolitan Area. It is located in Central Thailand and is one of Asia’s most visited tourist destinations. The city sprawls over 1,568.7 square kilometers, and the Bangkok Metropolitan Area is home to around 14 million people.

The area is a perfect blend of traditional Thai culture, modern amenities, and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for travelers.

List of Places to Visit in Bangkok Metropolitan Area

The Bangkok Metropolitan Area offers plenty of attractions for travelers to explore. The list below includes the must-visit places of the area:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Grand Palace: A stunning palace complex that was once the residence of the Thai king.
  • Wat Phra Kaew: A temple that houses the Emerald Buddha, one of the most revered Buddha images in Thailand.
  • Wat Arun: A temple known for its beautiful Khmer-style spires and breathtaking views of the Chao Phraya River.
  • Jim Thompson House: A museum that showcases the traditional Thai house of an American silk merchant.
  • National Museum Bangkok: A museum housing the largest collection of Thai art and artifacts in the country.

Natural Attractions of Bangkok Metropolitan Area: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Khao Yai National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers hiking trails, waterfalls, and wildlife viewing.
  • Bang Krachao: A green oasis in the heart of the city, known for its biking trails and canals.
  • Lumpini Park: A large park in the city center where you can relax, exercise, and watch monitor lizards in the lake.
  • Chao Phraya River: A scenic river that flows through Bangkok with traditional long-tail boats and dinner cruises.
  • Chatuchak Weekend Market: A shopping destination with over 15,000 stalls selling everything from vintage clothing to street food.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Bangkok Metropolitan Area

The Bangkok Metropolitan Area offers some fantastic hiking and biking trails that allow you to explore the area’s natural beauty:

  • Bang Krachao: A green oasis where you can bike through narrow lanes, check out local markets, and explore canals.
  • Khao Yai National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with hiking trails that take you to waterfalls, viewpoints, and wildlife watching spots.
  • Rama IX Park: A large park in the city center with beautiful gardens and scenic walking paths.

Best Things to Do in Bangkok Metropolitan Area: Activities and Tours

The Bangkok Metropolitan Area offers various things to do and tours that cater to different interests:

  • Take a street food tour and try some of the delicious and unique dishes of the area.
  • Go on a Bangkok Night Lights Tuk Tuk Tour and see the city come alive under the evening sky.
  • Visit the Ancient City Ayutthaya and explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with ancient temples and ruins.
  • Take a Muay Thai boxing class to immerse yourself in Thailand’s national sport.
  • Get on a Thai Cooking Class and learn to cook some delicious Thai dishes so you can impress your friends back home.

Week-Long Itinerary for Bangkok Metropolitan Area

Here is a week-long itinerary for tourists who plan to spend a week or more in Bangkok Metropolitan Area:

Day Itinerary
1 Visit the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew.
2 Go on a street food tour and visit Wat Arun.
3 Take a day trip to Ayutthaya, an ancient city nearby.
4 Go on a bike tour of Bang Krachao.
5 Visit the temples and museums of Rattanakosin Island.
6 Hike in the Khao Yai National Park and enjoy nature.
7 Take a Muay Thai boxing class and go shopping at Chatuchak Weekend Market.

Food and Drink Scene of Bangkok Metropolitan Area

Thai cuisine is world-famous for its complex flavors, fresh ingredients, and unique combinations. Bangkok Metropolitan Area is a foodie paradise, with street food vendors, restaurants, and cafes offering delicious dishes that cater to different tastes and preferences.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pad Thai: Stir-fried noodles with vegetables, egg, and meat of your choice.
  • Tom Yum Goong: A sour and spicy soup with shrimp, mushrooms, and lemongrass.
  • Som Tam: A spicy and sour papaya salad.
  • Massaman Curry: A creamy and mild curry with potatoes and peanuts.
  • Mango Sticky Rice: A classic Thai dessert made with sweet sticky rice, ripe mangoes, and coconut milk and topped with sesame seeds.

Local Beverages

  • Thai Iced Tea: A refreshing and sweet tea served with condensed milk.
  • Singha Beer: A traditional Thai beer that is a perfect partner for spicy food.
  • Cha Yen: A sweet and dark tea with condensed milk, perfect for hot days.
  • Chang Beer: Another popular beer in Thailand that is light and refreshing.

Where to Stay in Bangkok Metropolitan Area: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Bangkok Metropolitan Area offers a range of accommodation options that cater to different budgets and preferences:

  • Luxurious hotels like Mandarin Oriental, The Peninsula, and The Siam will offer lavish stays and amenities.
  • Budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses like Lub d, Bed Station, or Khaosan Road guesthouses will offer budget-friendly accommodations ideal for backpackers.
  • Airbnb and other home rental services are also available.

What to Buy in Bangkok Metropolitan Area: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Thailand is known for its textiles, silverware, ceramics, and other handicrafts. Here are some popular souvenirs and local products you can bring home:

  • Handmade silk scarves, bags, and clothing
  • Thai elephant pants
  • Wooden elephant statues
  • Thai jewelry and silverware
  • Thai snacks and spices

Local Culture and Customs of Bangkok Metropolitan Area

Thailand is known for its friendly and hospitable people, but it is important to mind local customs and etiquette:

  • Respect the Thai monarch and the royal family.
  • Remove your shoes before entering a temple or someone’s home.
  • Dress modestly in religious places and public areas.
  • Avoid touching someone’s head or pointing at someone with your feet.

Best Time to Visit Bangkok Metropolitan Area

The best time to visit Bangkok Metropolitan Area is during the cool and dry season from November through February. The weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. However, this period also tends to be the busiest, so expect crowds and higher prices.

Do’s and Don’ts of Bangkok Metropolitan Area

Do:

  • Try the street food and local beverages
  • Take off your shoes when entering someone’s home or temple.
  • Be polite and courteous to the locals
  • Bargain when shopping
  • Learn some basic Thai words and phrases

Don’t:

  • Disrespect the local culture and customs.
  • Get involved in illegal activities.
  • Assume that everyone speaks or understands English.
  • Touch someone’s head or point your feet at someone.
  • Haggle at religious places or with older people.

Safety and Health

Safety in Bangkok Metropolitan Area

Bangkok is a generally safe city, but travelers should be careful when walking alone at night in deserted streets and alleys. Pickpocketing and petty theft can also happen in crowded places, so keep your belongings close.

Health in Bangkok Metropolitan Area

Travelers to Bangkok Metropolitan Area should be aware of the infectious diseases prevalent in the area, such as dengue fever and malaria. Be cautious of street food and drink bottled water or boiled water to prevent illnesses.

Getting to Bangkok Metropolitan Area: Transportation Options and Logistics

Bangkok Metropolitan Area is well-connected and easily accessible by land, sea, and air.

Airports Near Bangkok Metropolitan Area

  • Suvarnabhumi International Airport: It is the primary airport that connects Bangkok to the world.
  • Don Mueang International Airport: It mainly serves domestic flights and low-cost carriers.

Bus Stations Near Bangkok Metropolitan Area

  • Mo Chit Bus Terminal: It serves Northern and Northeastern regions of Thailand.
  • Ekkamai Bus Terminal: It serves Eastern regions of Thailand.

Other Options

  • Train: Bangkok has a well-developed railway network that connects it to different regions of Thailand.
  • Taxis and Tuk-Tuks: These are the common modes of transportation in Bangkok Metropolitan Area.
  • Boat: The Chao Phraya River offers ferry services that connect different parts of the city.

How to Get Around in Bangkok Metropolitan Area

Bangkok Metropolitan Area offers various public transportation options for travelers:

  • BTS Skytrain: The elevated rail network that connects the city’s major areas.
  • MRT: The underground rail system that reaches the outskirts of Bangkok Metropolitan Area.
  • Bus: The bus network is extensive but can be confusing for tourists.
  • Taxi and Tuk-Tuk: These are widely available, but tourists should be careful of scams and overcharging.

Where to Go Next from Bangkok Metropolitan Area: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Phuket: A famous island in southern Thailand known for its stunning beaches and nightlife.
  • Chiang Mai: A beautiful ancient city in Northern Thailand known for its temples, handicrafts, and outdoor activities.
  • Pattaya: A popular beach resort town known for its lively atmosphere and water sports.
  • Koh Samui: An island in the Gulf of Thailand famous for its beaches, waterfalls, and limestone formations.

Conclusion

Bangkok Metropolitan Area is a vibrant and exciting destination that offers something for travelers of all tastes and preferences. With this comprehensive tour guide, you can explore the area’s must-visit attractions, hiking and biking trails, food and drink scene, accommodations, local culture, safety and health, and transportation options that will make your trip memorable and enjoyable.