Bangkok Travel Guide: 17 Best Things to See & Do
Everything you need to know about Thailand's capital, including what to see, plenty of photos and our top tips | Hi! We're Alex & Victoria - a digital nomad couple from Copenhagen escaping 9-5 to chase adventures in our beautiful world. Learn more about us here. |
The Big Mango
Bangkok, the City of Angels, the Big Mango, the Sin City of Asia, and the abbreviation Krung Thep (which in its entirety is the world’s longest place name)…
Thailand’s capital goes by many names – and welcomes even more visitors.
As one of the world’s most popular travel destinations, Thailand sees millions of tourists, many of whom start or end their journey in the gigantic city of Bangkok.
We’ve visited more times than we can count, both individually and together.
The city’s stunning temples are a must-see, but Bangkok is just as famous for its buzzing nightlife, huge shopping centres and some of the best food you’ll find anywhere in the world.
In this in-depth travel guide to Bangkok, we’ve gathered our experiences and recommendations for the best things to see and do, how many days to spend, where to stay, how to get around, our best travel tips and much more.
Where to stay in Bangkok?
- Luxury: Mandarin Oriental Bangkok – One of Bangkok’s most luxurious hotels with a riverside pool and 10 restaurants (2 of which have Michelin stars).
- Value for money: Riva Arun – Nice mid-range hotel with a central location in Bangkok and a perfect view of the epic Wat Arun.
- Value for money: Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 – Modern city hotel with pool on the 9th floor, gym and rooftop bar in lively Sukhumvit.
- Budget: Casa Nithra Bangkok – Comfortable (and beautiful!) double rooms with a rooftop pool close to Khao San Road.
Search for the cheapest and best hotels in Bangkok here.
Table of contents
Map of Bangkok
Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, is located in central Thailand on the Chao Phraya River, just 25 kilometres from the coast in the northern part of the Gulf of Thailand.
The city is divided into 50 districts, of which 15 are on the west side of the river (also called the Thonburi side). The remaining 35 are on the east side, where most of the tourist attractions are found.
17 best things to see and do in Bangkok
Thailand’s capital is packed with exciting things to see and do.
Wherever you go, you won’t have to walk far to stumble upon ornate temples, spicy street food, a shiny mall or a busy market.
That said, the city is vast, so it’s a good idea to plan your visit around a few key highlights – while leaving room for all the unexpected discoveries along the way.
Here are the 17 best things to see and do in Bangkok:
- Grand Palace – Bangkok’s most iconic tourist attraction
- Wat Pho – The Reclining Buddha
- Wat Arun – The striking Temple of Dawn
- Khao San Road – Lively backpacker street
- Enjoy the sunset from a rooftop bar – See Bangkok’s glittering lights from above
- Chatuchak Weekend Market – Thailand’s largest market
- Bangkok’s shopping malls – Shopping for all budgets in cool air conditioning
- Wat Saket and Golden Mount – Temple with views over Bangkok
- Wat Ratchanatdaram – Bangkok’s Iron Palace
- Bangkok National Museum – Gain insight into Thailand’s history
- Wat Intharawihan – 32-metre high standing golden Buddha
- Benjakitti Forest Park and Lumpini Park – Walks in green surroundings
- Chinatown – Shopping and street food
- Talat Noi – Street art in a historic neighbourhood
- Wat Benchamabophit – Royal Temple with Italian marble
- Other things to see and do in Bangkok
- Day trips from Bangkok
1. Grand Palace – Bangkok’s most iconic tourist attraction
The Grand Palace is a complex of more than 100 royal buildings located in the heart of the city, making it Bangkok’s biggest tourist attraction both in size and number of visitors.
We’ve visited more than once and have found it so fascinating!
With temples, pavilions and other structures continuously added over the years, the palace represents more than 200 years of royal history. It’s hard not to be in awe of the lavish gold spires and intricately decorated buildings that adorn the grounds.
Until 1925, the Grand Palace was the official residence of the King of Thailand. Today, the king resides at Dusit Palace, but official ceremonies are still held at the Grand Palace.
The Grand Palace is largely rectangular and is home to several notable sites, including the famous Emerald Buddha, the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles, and the Grand Palace Hall; the largest building within the complex.
With an entrance fee of 500 baht (~ 14 EUR / 15 USD) in 2025, the Grand Palace is one of Bangkok’s pricier attractions. However, if you want to experience one of the city’s top sights, there is no way around it – and we think it’s worth it.
That said, if you’re short on time in Bangkok and aren’t particularly keen on temples or royal history, you might consider skipping the Grand Palace. It takes at least 1-2 hours to make the most of your visit (and justify the price), and you could easily spend more time there.
Tip: To gain entry, shoulders and knees must be covered. Sarongs are typically available for rent or purchase nearby if you don’t have appropriate clothing.
The entrance fee is 500 baht (~ 14 EUR / 15 USD) per person.
2. Wat Pho – The Reclining Buddha
The temple’s official name is quite long, so most people simply refer to it as Wat Pho or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha.
In addition to housing the gilded, 46-metre-long reclining Buddha, Wat Pho is home to Thailand’s largest collection of Buddha statues (which is no small feat) and is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
Located right next to the Grand Palace, many visitors choose to combine the two popular attractions.
The entrance fee is 300 baht (~ 8 EUR / 9 USD) per person. Shoulders and knees must be covered within the temple grounds.
3. Wat Arun – The striking Temple of Dawn
Wat Arun is another popular and distinctive Buddhist temple. It’s definitely one of the best things to see in Bangkok, in our opinion.
The temple is situated on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, right by the water and directly across from the Grand Palace and the Reclining Buddha.
Its shape and design stand apart from many of Bangkok’s other temples, with its iconic spires creating a beautiful and unique sight. You can even find it on the Thai ten baht coin!
When we visited Wat Arun, it seemed that many visitors had rented traditional Thai royal clothing from the era when the temple was built, posing for photos in front of the temple. Renting a set (men’s or women’s) likely costs around 150 baht (~ 4 EUR / 4.5 USD).
The entrance fee is 200 baht (~ 5.5 EUR / 6 USD) per person. Shoulders and knees must be covered within the temple grounds.
4. Khao San Road – Lively backpacker street
When we were younger and visited Bangkok, it was almost a given that we would stay near Khao San Road – or at the very least, visit the famous backpacker and party street.
However, when we returned to Bangkok (with a baby) in 2024, we decided to skip it…
Khao San Road is lively day and night. It’s not the most charming place, but it can be fun to see if you want to experience the younger, more touristy side of Bangkok.
For those travelling on a budget, this area is also where you’ll typically find some of the city’s cheapest accommodation options (adlink).
5. Enjoy the sunset from a rooftop bar – See Bangkok’s glittering lights from above
It’s hard to truly grasp how vast Bangkok is until you’ve seen the city from above.
With more than 100 skyscrapers, there’s plenty to take in. Plus, getting up high offers a great way to gain a better perspective – and a bit of peace from the hectic traffic below.
The list of rooftop bars offering great views of the city is long. We’ve personally visited Sky Bar at Lebua Bangkok (famous from the movie The Hangover Part II), which, at 250 metres high, provides a stunning view of the city from the 63rd floor.
6. Chatuchak Weekend Market – Thailand’s largest market
Every Friday evening to Sunday evening, the world’s largest weekend market takes place in Chatuchak, where you can explore over 15,000 stalls!
While the overall selection at Chatuchak Weekend Market, also known as JJ Market, might not be drastically different for the average tourist just looking for a few fun souvenirs… The market is nonetheless an alluring (and overwhelming) experience.
When Alex visited, he only managed to explore a fraction of the market. It’s divided into categories like clothing, ceramics, crafts, interior design, food, plants, books, antiques, used clothing and even pets.
The pet section is both the most fascinating and unsettling part of it all. A wide variety of animals are sold here, including several exotic, endangered species and “extra cute” pets that have either been genetically modified or should never have been removed from the wild in the first place.
We feel for those poor animals. If you’re an animal lover or sensitive to seeing them in captivity like that, it’s probably best to avoid it.
7. Bangkok’s shopping malls – Shopping for all budgets in cool air conditioning
Beyond its many temples and endless street food options, Bangkok is also famous for its massive shopping malls.
These sprawling complexes house everything from luxury boutiques and souvenir stalls to gyms, huge cinemas and lavish food courts.
Many of the city’s largest malls are clustered along the Silom Line between the National Stadium and Phloen Chit stations, as well as around Phrom Phong station.
The biggest of them all, Iconsiam (with over 7,000 shops!), stands separately on the west side of the Chao Phraya River.
Here are some of the most well-known shopping malls in Bangkok:
- Iconsiam.
- Siam Paragon.
- MBK.
- Terminal 21.
- CentralwOrld.
- EmQuartier.
- Emporium.
- Asiatique.
8. Wat Saket and Golden Mount – Temple with views over Bangkok
Bangkok has many remarkable temples, but Wat Saket and the Golden Mount stand out.
Though entirely man-made, the 80-metre-high Golden Mount offers a 360-degree view unlike any other – likely because it sits away from the nearest skyscrapers. In every direction, the city’s skyline seems to stretch endlessly.
The climb up the stairs is lined with bells and flags, leading to a temple filled with Buddha statues.
At the top, a large golden dome dominates the scene, though it was under renovation during our visit. Even so, the view alone made the trip worthwhile.
You can also see a small cave with Buddhas near the entrance.
The entrance fee is 100 baht (~ 2.5 EUR / 3 USD) per person. Shoulders and knees must be covered within the temple grounds.
9. Wat Ratchanatdaram – Bangkok’s Iron Palace
When we visited Wat Ratchanatdaram, also known as Loha Prasat (Iron Palace), in 2014, the spires were black.
Now, the 37 spires are gold, and the temple still looks beautiful.
Located just a short distance from Wat Saket, it’s an ideal temple to visit in combination with it.
The entrance fee is 100 baht (~ 2.5 EUR / 3 USD) per person. Shoulders and knees must be covered within the temple grounds.
10. Bangkok National Museum – Gain insight into Thailand’s history
The Bangkok National Museum is one of the largest museums in Southeast Asia, and it primarily houses a collection of Thai art and historical artifacts.
It also features exhibits from India, China, Vietnam, Cambodia and Indonesia.
Located near Khao San Road, just north of the Grand Palace and close to the Chao Phraya River, the museum is one of the best things to do for those interested in art and history – or anyone looking for an indoor activity on a rainy day.
The entrance fee is 200 baht (~ 5.5 EUR / 6 USD) per person.
11. Wat Intharawihan – 32-metre high standing golden Buddha
If you’re drawn to large gold Buddhas and have already seen the well-known reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, the 32-metre-tall standing Buddha at Wat Intharawihan is a must-see.
You probably won’t spend that much time in the area, but it’s one of the cheapest temples to visit in Bangkok and is worth a quick stop.
The entrance fee is 40 baht (~ 1 EUR / 1 USD) per person. Shoulders and knees must be covered within the temple grounds.
12. Benjakitti Forest Park and Lumpini Park – Walks in green surroundings
In the middle of Bangkok, two large parks offer a welcome escape from the city’s fast pace.
Lumpini Park is the more famous of the two. As Bangkok’s first public park, it remains a popular spot for walking, jogging, paddling on the lake, practising tai chi or spotting monitor lizards. Ordinary park activities in Thailand, in other words.
In the park’s northeast corner, an elevated walkway extends over the busy streets, leading directly to Benjakitti Park.
The western section of Benjakitti Park is a so-called Forest Park; a kind of mini-national park where nature takes centre stage.
If time allows for just one park, we’d definitely recommend Benjakitti Forest Park, which was our favourite.
It’s Bangkok’s greenest space, with wetlands and rare plants visible from elevated walkways, all set against a backdrop of towering skyscrapers. Keep in mind that shade is limited, so visiting early or late in the day is preferable.
13. Chinatown – Shopping and street food
Bangkok’s Chinatown is among the largest in the world.
While red lanterns aren’t everywhere, the main artery, Yaowarat Road, has a somewhat different streetscape compared to the rest of Bangkok.
When we visited Chinatown, we wandered through the narrow shopping street Vanich 1 Road, which felt like a real-world version of AliExpress or Temu – packed with tiny, specialised shops selling all sorts of trinkets, many of which you probably don’t need (and some of questionable quality).
Beyond shopping, Chinatown is particularly famous as a street food haven.
14. Talat Noi – Street art in a historic neighbourhood
The Talat Noi neighbourhood is just south of Chinatown along the Chao Phraya River, which makes it easy to visit both areas in one trip. That’s what we did.
In recent years, Talat Noi has gained Instagram fame for its street art, but beyond the maze of old houses and mechanics (who seem to stock every scooter part ever made…), the neighbourhood reflects a long history of Chinese and Portuguese immigrants.
In our opinion, Talat Noi is not a must-see in Bangkok, but it’s a great spot for an afternoon stroll if you enjoy wandering through narrow streets (and have some extra time).
15. Wat Benchamabophit – Royal temple with Italian marble
Wat Benchamabophit Dusitvanaram, also known as the Marble Temple, is a stunning temple located right next to the Dusit Palace (the king’s residence).
The area is fairly spacious, but the highlight is undoubtedly the main temple, particularly the inner courtyard lined with various Buddha figures.
With its Italian marble facade, the temple gleams even more than most, and we thought the place had an elegant and almost royal atmosphere.
The entrance fee is 100 baht (~ 2.5 EUR / 3 USD) per person. Shoulders and knees must be covered within the temple grounds.
16. Other things to see and do in Bangkok
Even with weeks (or perhaps even months) in Bangkok, it’s nearly impossible to experience everything. We certainly have a few more things on our list for our next visit…
Here are some of the exciting things to see and do in Bangkok that we haven’t explored yet:
- Floating market. There are several floating markets in Bangkok, with the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market being the most picturesque (and popular). However, many of these markets are only open on weekends, so it’s worth checking the specific market’s opening hours beforehand.
- Erawan Shrine. Right next to the Chit Lom BTS station is a small but very popular Hindu/Buddhist shrine, where many people come to pray and make offerings.
- Erawan Museum. Fairly crazy museum with a three-headed elephant on the roof.
- Dusit Palace. It’s unclear how much of the king’s residence is accessible to the public, but the European-inspired Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall can at least be admired from the outside (through the gates)…
17. Day trips from Bangkok
While Bangkok is so vast that you can almost take “day trips” from one side of the city to the other, there are also plenty of exciting destinations just outside the city worth visiting.
Here are three ideas for day trips from Bangkok to inspire your travels:
- Ayutthaya is a must-visit for history and temple enthusiasts. Once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Siam, the city is home to stunning ruins that, from the pictures, remind us of the temples at Angkor Wat in Cambodia. The train ride from Bangkok to Ayutthaya takes approximately 2 hours.
- The Ancient City (also known as Ancient Siam) is much closer to Bangkok, and while many of the castles, temples, palaces and sculptures are newly constructed, it remains an intriguing site. Often referred to as one of the world’s largest outdoor museums, the concept is that you can “experience all of Thailand” in a single day.
- Ko Kret is a small, man-made island in the Chao Phraya River, just north of Bangkok. The island is home to the Mon people from Myanmar, who are particularly known for their ceramics. With only one street and no cars allowed, the atmosphere is undoubtedly more peaceful and relaxed compared to the capital.
Map of the best things to see and do in Bangkok
Click on the icon in the top left corner to find the places we have written about in the guide.
What not to do in Bangkok
Riding elephants
Unfortunately, elephant riding and elephant interactions are widely promoted by tour operators in and around Bangkok.
Although it’s “normal” in Thailand, we hope you will choose not to support the industry.
To make elephants perform tricks, interact with people or carry tourists on their backs, they are subjected to brutal training methods.
The process of taming them often involves beatings, starvation, sleep deprivation and other forms of abuse to make them obey humans.
Also, carrying tourists for hours puts enormous strain on their spines, which can lead to permanent back injuries.
We have written about why you should not ride elephants here.
Be especially wary of places that call themselves a “sanctuary”. It sounds reassuring, almost like a safe haven for elephants, doesn’t it?
In many cases, it’s little more than a marketing stunt designed to make visitors feel good about their experience. If a place allows direct interaction with elephants, it’s rarely for their well-being, and we strongly advise against supporting it.
How many days to spend in Bangkok
Even though Bangkok is a huge metropolis packed with things to do and see that could take years to explore, it doesn’t take long to get a good sense of the city.
We’ve visited Bangkok several times, but never for more than four nights at a time – and each visit has still been a great experience.
If it’s your first time in Bangkok, we think it would be a shame to spend just one night in Thailand’s capital. There’s too much to do!
Examples of number of nights in Bangkok:
- One night in Bangkok can give you a glimpse of the city, but with time spent getting to and from the airport and navigating Bangkok’s traffic, you likely won’t see much.
- Two nights gives you enough time to take in both some of Bangkok’s beautiful temples and its modern districts at a comfortable pace.
- Three nights allow for a more in-depth experience and make sense if you’re interested in visiting a museum or exploring the city’s massive shopping centres.
- Four nights in Bangkok will be enough time for most people to set aside half a day or more for a longer excursion, for example to the Chatuchak Weekend Market or the temples of Ayutthaya.
Where to stay in Bangkok
Although Bangkok is a huge metropolis, the number of areas that make the most sense for tourists to stay in is relatively limited.
Khao San Road remains a backpacker hub, though an increasing number of mid-range hotels are popping up.
The Chao Phraya River area is ideal for cultural sightseeing, while modern districts like Silom and Sukhumvit are best for shopping and nightlife.
No matter where you stay, it’s worth considering transport options if you plan to rely on public transport.
The best hotels in Bangkok:
- Luxury: Mandarin Oriental Bangkok – One of Bangkok’s most luxurious hotels with a riverside pool and 10 restaurants (2 of which have Michelin stars).
- Value for money: Riva Arun – Nice mid-range hotel with a central location in Bangkok and a perfect view of the epic Wat Arun.
- Value for money: Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 – Modern city hotel with pool on the 9th floor, gym and rooftop bar in lively Sukhumvit.
- Budget: Casa Nithra Bangkok – Comfortable (and beautiful!) double rooms with a rooftop pool close to Khao San Road.
Search for the cheapest and best hotels in Bangkok here.
Luxury
Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
Many of Bangkok’s luxury hotels are situated along the Chao Phraya River, and the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok is often considered one of the very best.
It may not be a boutique resort, but it offers an extensive range of facilities, ensuring a high level of comfort and service.
See prices and availability at Mandarin Oriental Bangkok here (adlink).
Value for money
Riva Arun
With a prime location between the stunning Wat Arun (just across the river), the Grand Palace, Wat Pho with its reclining Buddha, and Sanam Chai station on the Blue Line, it’s hard to find a better spot.
And the prices are surprisingly reasonable!
See prices and availability at Riva Arun here (adlink).
Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20
With an infinity pool on the 9th floor, a fitness centre and a rooftop bar overlooking the surrounding high-rises, Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 is an excellent option for experiencing Bangkok’s modern side in comfort.
The hotel sits in the heart of the Sukhumvit area, close to shopping centres, the metro and the lovely Benjakitti Park.
See prices and availability at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 here (adlink).
Budget
Casa Nithra Bangkok
The rooms at Casa Nithra are nicer than you’d expect for the low price.
And the rooftop pool is the perfect finishing touch.
Khao San Road is just a kilometre away, but an even closer river ferry stop offers easy access to the rest of the city.
See prices and availability at Casa Nithra Bangkok here (adlink).
Green places to eat in Bangkok
Few cities in the world offer as many incredible places to eat as Bangkok.
During our latest visit, we made an extra effort to explore some top-notch cafes and restaurants. Here are some of our favourites:
- Carrots. A bistro offering a variety of dishes including pizza, pasta, sushi, bowls and burritos. Their Punjabi Murgh Makhani curry is one of the best Indian dishes we’ve ever had.
- Bartels. Known for their delicious sourdough bread and tasty smoothie bowls, which we first tried in Phuket. While not entirely vegan, there are plenty of plant-based options available.
- Veganerie. A charming restaurant with multiple locations. The lasagna was particularly good!
- Waki Waki. Some of the most delicious vegan sushi we’ve ever tasted, alongside other Japanese dishes. It’s a small spot with limited seating.
- Vistro. A place with consistently great food. Alex absolutely loved their khao soi (a noodle dish from Northern Thailand, particularly from Chiang Mai and the surrounding regions).
- Kappra Cafe. Specialises in breakfast, sandwiches, tea and cakes. Worth a detour.
How to get around Bangkok
Walk
Walking around Bangkok is undoubtedly the best way to see and experience the city. However, if you want to visit several sights in different parts of the city, it’s not always practical (unless you have plenty of time and don’t mind the heat too much…).
It’s a big city, and getting around takes longer than you might think from simply looking at the map.
Public transport
Although the metro network in Bangkok isn’t as extensive as, for example, in Singapore, it’s still a great way to get around the city.
The system consists of a total of 10 lines spread across different networks, with the BTS Skytrain (mainly above ground) and MRT (mainly underground) being the most commonly used.
While you can’t reach every destination in the city, the metro is still incredibly useful – especially when traffic in Bangkok comes to a standstill during rush hour.
Tickets can be purchased at all stations, and prices are reasonable.
Taxi, tuk-tuks and river ferries
Bangkok’s traffic is notoriously bad, so if you find yourself on the wrong road at the wrong time, you might end up spending a significant portion of your time stuck in a traffic jam.
That said, taxis can still be a convenient option, especially if you’re not near a metro station.
Apps like Grab and Bolt (which function similarly to Uber) are usually cheaper than traditional taxis, but in Bangkok, we’ve had mixed experiences with them. Sometimes, we’ve had to wait quite a while for a ride, as the drivers often sit in traffic queues.
Interestingly, taking a tuk-tuk can often be more expensive than a taxi, but if you’re willing to embrace the traffic (and pollution), it can be a fun way to get around the city.
River ferry buses and other boats offer a great (and very scenic) way to get around Bangkok, especially if you’re near the water. Most boats travel up and down the Chao Phraya River, but you can also explore some of the smaller canals, giving you a unique perspective of the city.
When to visit Bangkok
With temperatures rarely dropping below 20°C (68°F) and sometimes reaching up to 40°C (104°F), Bangkok is a consistently warm metropolis.
However, there are distinct seasonal variations, which can be helpful to know if you’re planning a trip.
The cold season (high season)
The best weather in Bangkok, with relatively cooler temperatures, can be found from around November to February.
During the day, it’s comfortable for walking around, and in the evening and at night, temperatures may drop to just above 20°C (68°F).
The warm season (low season)
It starts to get hot on the Thai mainland in March, with temperatures typically peaking in April, when places like Bangkok can reach as high as 40°C (104°F).
During this time, it’s wise to seek shade (and air conditioning!) in the middle of the day.
If you visit Bangkok in April during the Songkran Festival, be prepared to be sprayed with water from cannons and water pistols. Tourists are often the main targets, but it’s all in good fun, with the Thais always offering a big smile.
Rainy season (low season)
When the rains begin around May, it’s possible to venture outside during the day without feeling completely overwhelmed by the heat.
At the start of the rainy season, however, the weather remains warm, with high temperatures continuing until September, which is when the heaviest rainfall occurs.
By the end of November, the weather typically becomes much drier again, and there’s still some time before the tourist crowds arrive around Christmas.
Our best tips for Bangkok
- Add extra time to your plan for transport. Especially in the mornings and afternoons/evenings, it can take quite a long time to get around the gigantic city.
- Bangkok is an exciting and incredibly photogenic city. Make sure to bring a good camera! Here’s our guide to lightweight photography gear for high-quality travel content.
- Transportation with Grab or Bolt is often cheaper than the local taxis. It works just like Uber. Simply download both apps, compare prices for your route, and make sure you have data on your phone to use them.
- Be cautious in traffic. It can be hectic, and drivers either tend to go fast, or you’ll find yourself stuck in long, chaotic traffic queues.
- The electrical outlets in Bangkok generally feature two round prongs, fitting both most European and Asian appliances, as well as the flat prongs of USA and Japan. The standard voltage is 220 volts.
- How long to spend in Bangkok really depends on your interests. You can explore the main attractions in just a few days, but if you’re a digital nomad or looking to immerse yourself more deeply in the city’s culture, you could easily spend weeks here.
- Dress respectfully at the temples. Make sure your shoulders and knees are covered in religious surroundings.
- Book accommodation well in advance if you’re travelling during the high season (July and August + December to March). While there will always be rooms available in Thailand’s capital, many of the best hotels get fully booked months ahead of time.
- Wifi is widely available in hotels and cafes, and it’s usually very fast. If you need internet access elsewhere for services like Grab and Bolt, consider buying a local SIM card or eSIM with data. It’s affordable and easy to obtain. We’ve previously used Airalo (adlink) with great success.
- The sun is strong. Remember your sun protection and stay in the shade during the hottest hours in the middle of the day.
- Credit cards are accepted in most higher-end establishments, but cash is more commonly used in local restaurants and smaller shops.
- ATMs and currency exchange spots are easy to find in Bangkok. It’s usually most cost-effective to withdraw money in baht, and to minimise extra fees, it’s a good idea to take out the maximum allowed amount at once.
- With several first-class hospitals, clinics and dental practices in Bangkok, medical care is readily available if you need treatment or assistance during your stay.
- Bring your own water bottle and refill it at cafes and restaurants.
- Remember travel insurance! We compare the best travel insurance for digital nomads and long-term travellers here.
Sustainable travel tips
To travel as sustainably as possible, we recommend the following:
- Book eco-friendly accommodation such as hotels with a sustainability focus or owned by locals.
- Minimise the use of air conditioning and turn it off when you are not in the room.
- Buy handmade souvenirs directly from the artist instead of mass-produced items in larger stores.
- Respect local traditions and follow the temple dress code.
- Eat as plant-based, local and organic as possible.
- Bring your own drinking water in a refillable bottle.
- Avoid disposable plastics as much as possible.
- Sort your waste correctly and do not throw it on the ground.
- Take only photos and leave only footprints. Avoid taking things from nature with you.
Planning a trip to Thailand? Don’t miss our guide with tips for visiting Thailand packed with must-know travel advice, local customs and important things to avoid for a lovely vacation and a respectful visit.
Thank you for reading our Bangkok guide
Thank you for reading our travel guide to Bangkok. We hope it has been helpful!
What do you think of the big city?
Don’t hesitate to ask us anything in the comments if you haven’t been to Thailand’s capital yet. We are happy to help.
If you’ve already been there, it would be great to hear your best tips and tricks.
Our favourite travel resources:
- Booking.com for cheap hotels.
- Momondo for the best flight deals.
- SafetyWing for travel insurance. We also like World Nomads and True Traveller. All three compared here.
Our camera gear:
- Panasonic GH5. Used for all of our photos and videos.
- DJI Mavic 2 Pro. Best drone out there!
- Sirui Tripod. Lightweight and strong.
- See all of our camera gear here.
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