Bangkok Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, eat, and stay in Bangkok with our comprehensive travel guide. Learn about the city's culture, customs, and safety, and find useful travel tips and recommendations.


Introduction to Bangkok

Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is a vibrant metropolis that blends ancient traditions with modernity. The city’s ornate temples, colorful markets, delicious street food, and cosmopolitan nightlife make it a popular destination for tourists from around the world.

List of Places to Visit in Bangkok

Here are some of the must-visit attractions and sights in Bangkok:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
  • Wat Pho
  • Wat Arun
  • The National Museum
  • Jim Thompson House
  • The Golden Mount

Natural Attractions of Bangkok: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Lumphini Park
  • The Chao Phraya River
  • Bang Krachao
  • The Chatuchak Weekend Market
  • The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Hiking/Biking Routes of Bangkok

  • Bang Krachao
  • Lumpini Park
  • Khao Yai National Park
  • Chao Phraya River

Best Things to Do in Bangkok: Activities and Tours

  • Tuk-tuk tour
  • Thai cooking class
  • Muay Thai boxing match
  • Visit local markets
  • Take a boat ride along the Chao Phraya River

Week-Long Itinerary for Bangkok

Day 1: Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew Day 2: Wat Pho and Wat Arun Day 3: Chatuchak Weekend Market Day 4: Muay Thai Boxing Match Day 5: Thai Cooking Class Day 6: Khao Yai National Park Day 7: Relaxation time at Lumphini Park

Food and Drink Scene of Bangkok

Thai food is famous for its spiciness, bold flavors, and unique combinations of ingredients. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages in Bangkok:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Tom Yum Goong
  • Pad Thai
  • Som Tam
  • Khao Soi
  • Massaman Curry

Local Beverages

  • Thai Iced Tea
  • Chang Beer
  • Singha Beer
  • Mekhong Whiskey

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

Bangkok has accommodations to suit all budgets. Here are some popular options:

  • The Peninsula Bangkok
  • Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
  • So Sofitel Bangkok
  • The Okura Prestige Bangkok
  • Banyan Tree Bangkok
  • Bangkok Loft Inn

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

  • Thai silk products
  • Handmade jewelry
  • Thai elephant figurines
  • Spices and herbs
  • Traditional Thai paintings

Local Culture and Customs of Bangkok

Thailand has a rich cultural heritage, and visitors should show respect for its traditions and customs. Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Greet people with a wai, which involves placing the palms of your hands together in a prayer-like gesture.
  • Remove your shoes before entering someone’s home or a temple.
  • Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
  • Avoid touching someone on the head, which is considered the most sacred part of the body.

Best Time to Visit Bangkok

The best time to visit Bangkok is from November to February, when the weather is mild and dry. March to May can be very hot, and June to October is the rainy season.

Do’s and Don’ts of Bangkok

Do:

  • Try the street food
  • Visit the temples and historical sites
  • Learn a few Thai phrases
  • Travel with a GPS or map
  • Haggle when shopping at the markets

Don’t:

  • Touch someone on the head
  • Show public displays of affection
  • Insult the Thai monarchy
  • Disrespect Buddhist traditions
  • Get involved in drugs or illegal activities

Safety and Health

Safety in Bangkok

Bangkok is generally safe, but tourists should still take precautions to avoid petty theft and scams. Here are some safety tips:

  • Keep your valuables in a secure place
  • Avoid unlicensed taxis and tuk-tuks
  • Stay in well-lit areas at night
  • Watch out for pickpockets in crowded places

Health in Bangkok

Visitors should take precautions to avoid getting sick in Bangkok. Here are some health tips:

  • Use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth
  • Always wash your hands before eating
  • Use insect repellent to avoid mosquito bites
  • Seek medical attention if you feel unwell

Getting to Bangkok: Transportation Options and Logistics

Bangkok has two airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang Airport. Here are some transportation options for getting around Bangkok:

Airports Near Bangkok

  • Suvarnabhumi Airport
  • Don Mueang Airport

Bus Stations Near Bangkok

  • Mo Chit Bus Station
  • Southern Bus Terminal
  • Eastern Bus Terminal

Other Options

  • Taxi
  • Tuk-tuk
  • BTS Skytrain
  • MRT Subway

How to Get Around in Bangkok

  • BTS Skytrain
  • MRT Subway
  • Tuk-tuk
  • Taxi
  • Boat

Where to Go Next from Bangkok: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Ayutthaya
  • Pattaya
  • Huahin
  • Kanchanaburi

Conclusion

Bangkok is a fascinating city with something to offer for everyone. We hope this travel guide has helped you plan a memorable trip to explore its rich culture, delicious food, and exciting attractions. Remember to respect the local customs and stay safe during your travels.

Chakri Maha Prasat Hall, Grand Palace Chakri Maha Prasat Hall, Grand Palace The Skytrain on raised tracks lets commuters and tourists avoid the traffic The Skytrain on raised tracks lets commuters and tourists avoid the traffic A spartan gate lounge A spartan gate lounge Inside the drab but functional Don Mueang airport Inside the drab but functional Don Mueang airport Hua Lamphong, the historic terminus Hua Lamphong, the historic terminus The Mae Klong market train departs from Wongwian Yai The Mae Klong market train departs from Wongwian Yai Traffic in Bangkok Traffic in Bangkok Bangkok BTS, MRT, ARL and BRT Systems Map Bangkok BTS, MRT, ARL and BRT Systems Map An An "orange flag" Chao Phraya Express Boat Chao Phraya Express Boat Map Chao Phraya Express Boat Map Saen Saep Express Boats Saen Saep Express Boats Saen Saep Express Boat Map Saen Saep Express Boat Map A corporate metered taxi A corporate metered taxi An owner-operated green and yellow Bangkok taxi An owner-operated green and yellow Bangkok taxi Tuk-tuks on the prowl Tuk-tuks on the prowl A Bangkok songthaew A Bangkok songthaew A Bangkok motorcycle taxi operator A Bangkok motorcycle taxi operator An automated locker system near Chatuchak park An automated locker system near Chatuchak park Launching a ''krathong'' down a pond Launching a ''krathong'' down a pond Thai massage in Bangkok Thai massage in Bangkok Pad Thai Pad Thai Insects—ready for a snack? Insects—ready for a snack? Sirocco at State Tower, Bangkok/Silom Sirocco at State Tower, Bangkok/Silom Tuk-tuks in Bangkok Tuk-tuks in Bangkok A Thailand Post mailbox A Thailand Post mailbox


    Dusit
    Khao San Road
    Ramkhamhaeng
    Ratchadaphisek
    Siam Square
    Silom
    Thonburi