Essential Tips for Visiting Bangkok

Getting Around Bangkok

Bangkok is large and spread out, but getting around is surprisingly easy and affordable.

• Taxi/Grab: Taxis can be found everywhere in Bangkok and are a comfortable way to get around. However, I prefer to use the Grab app as the app shows the fare price upfront – no haggling required! Download the app and register your details before you arrive to save time. Bangkok is notorious for heavy traffic, especially during rush hour, so try to avoid travelling at peak times.
• Metro: Bangkok has several metro systems that connect with convenient spots throughout the city. These systems include the BTS Skytrain (Green Line), the MRT subway (Blue, Purple, Yellow, and Pink Lines), the Airport Rail Link (City Line), and the SRT Red Lines. You will need separate tickets for these as they are different public transport systems. Prices vary depending on distance.
• Boat taxis: Boat taxis such as the Chao Phraya Express and the Khlong Saen Saep boats are one of the most enjoyable and practicalways to travel around Bangkok. Not only are they incredibly cheap, but they also glide past the city’s constant traffic, offering a refreshing breeze and a scenic look at riverside life along the way. The Chao Phraya Express runs up and down the main river, with different coloured flag boats stopping at major attractions. For something more local, the Khlong Saen Saep boats navigate narrow canals through the heart of the city.
• Buses: Buses can be a good option if you are on a budget as tickets are usually only around 10 THB. They can get really crowded though, and are easily stuck in traffic.
• Tuk tuk: These little rickshaws – synonymous with Bangkok – are a fun way to get around the city. They aren’t exactly comfortable though, and you will be exposed to elements (and pollution). You will also need to agree on a price first before heading off, as the drivers often try to overcharge tourists.
• Walking: Walking is a great way to explore different areas and find hidden gems. In fact, it’s my favourite way to get around here. Just bear in mind that temperatures can get pretty brutal, so make sure you’re dressed appropriately. 

Getting from Bangkok’s airports to the city centre

If you are arriving from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) then you can take the Airport Rail Link (ARL) to the city centre. This journey takes less than an hour and costs around 40 THB. From here you can either call a grab or take the BTS or MRT to your accommodation.

If you arrive from Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) then I suggest just getting a Grab, as it is not as well connected as BKK.

Where to Stay in Bangkok

Accommodation in Bangkok covers a range of budgets, from expensive luxury hotels to bare bones hostels. If your budget can stretch to it, I would advise you to get a room in a hotel with a rooftop pool.

Some popular areas include the Old town (Rattanakosin Island), Silom, Chinatown, Siam, and Ari. Wherever you stay though, try to be near a BTS or MRT station.

When to Visit Bangkok

The best time to visit Bangkok is usually from November to March. This is when temperatures are cooler and there is less rain and humidity. This is also the most popular period to visit, meaning accommodation prices are higher. 

The “summer” season which runs from March to May is an option for those who don’t mind hotter and more humid weather conditions. Accommodation is also cheaper during this period. 

The rainy season from May to October is the cheapest time to visit Bangkok, but be aware this is monsoon season, so expect heavy rain and high humidity. 

DAY 1 AM – Temples, Canals & Classic Bangkok Landmarks

When I arrive in a new city, I like easing myself in (especially if you’re battling jetlag!). This means not racing straight into big-ticket attractions that will take up a good chunk of the day. Instead it’s often better to spend a few hours exploring different neighbourhoods, getting a feel for the city, wandering through side streets, popping into a cafe or two, and eating whatever takes your fancy! 

A good place to begin is Siam, the modern commercial heart of Bangkok. This is where you’ll find some of the city’s biggest shopping centres, creative hubs, and elevated walkways known as the Skywalks. These raised paths sit above the traffic and under the BTS lines, giving you a great perspective of the area while keeping you protected from the sun. It’s an interesting way to see how Bangkok has grown and modernised.

If you’re keen on art or feel like taking a break from the heat, pop into the Bangkok Art & Culture Centre (BACC). This modern creative space showcases rotating exhibitions, and entry is free, so it’s always worth a quick look.

The Siam district is also the perfect place to get a taste of Bangkok’s famous mall culture. Now, I’m not exactly a “mallrat”, but the ones in Bangkok are like mini-cities. Locals come to hang out, escape the heat and take advantage of the air-conditioning, shop until they drop, and eat at the extensive food courts. Siam Paragon and CentralWorld are two of the most popular options.

Once you’ve experienced some of modern Bangkok, it’s time for something a little more traditional. Head north to Khlong Saen Saep, the narrow canal that serves as a commuter route for the city’s boat taxis. From Pratunam Pier, take a westbound boat and hop off at Phan Fa Lilat. Tickets cost around 10–20 THB.

From the pier, it’s a short walk to Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan, a serene temple complex that is a lot less crowded than other religious sites in the city, making it a calm and peaceful place to explore. The standout here is the striking multi-tiered Loha Prasat, known for its 37 spires symbolising the 37 virtues of enlightenment in Buddhism. For a small fee, you can climb to the top for panoramic views over Bangkok’s old town. As with all temples, you will need to be dressed “appropriately” to enter, with your chest, shoulders and knees covered.

After soaking up the peaceful atmosphere, continue west into Bangkok’s Old Town. This area is perhaps best known for the loud backpacker haven of Khao San Road. Although this rowdy, chaotic street isn’t my cup of tea, the surrounding streets still retain an authentic Thai vibe. Take a stroll and you’ll find traditional architecture, local restaurants, cozy markets and glimpses of everyday life.

At the northern tip of the area, take a breather in Santi Chai Prakan Park,  a riverfront space with good views and the recently restored Phra Sumen Fort, a defensive structure built during the reign of King Rama I in the 18th century.

Optional Add-On: Chatuchak Market (Weekends Only)

If you’re in Bangkok on a weekend, you may want to visit Chatuchak Market, the largest weekend market in the world, with around 15,000 stalls selling everything from clothing and antiques to food and souvenirs. 

However, the reason I say you may want to visit is because while Chatuchak Market is often heralded as a must-see in Bangkok, I’m not actually a fan of it. It gets extremely crowded and very hot, and a lot of the stalls sell the exact same items. It’s certainly an experience though, and if you’d like to see it in person, take either the BTS Skytrain to Mo Chit station, or the MRT subway to either Chatuchak Park station or Kamphaeng Phet station. 

After a long morning of exploring, head back to your hotel for a rest (and a dip in the pool if you have one!) to refresh for the evening.

DAY 1 PM: Pig Out in Chinatown

As the sun sets, make your way to Khlong Ong Ang Walking Street, a stretch of Chinatown that runs alongside the Ong Ang Canal. This area has undergone a major transformation in recent years, making it a pleasant place to stroll before dinner. The nearest MRT stop is Sam Yot; from there, head towards Saphan Han Bridge, where the main action begins.

At night, pretty lanterns light up the water, street performers entertain the crowds, and small stalls sell drinks and snacks. The best time to visit the walking street is on the weekend when it is in full swing.

Afterwards, stroll down to Yaowarat Road, the beating heart of Bangkok’s Chinatown. During the day, Yaowarat Road acts as a busy shopping hub lined with gold shops, but at nighttime the character totally changes as Bangkok’s legendary Chinatown nightmarket takes over. 

Thailand is world renowned for its incredible street food, and the Chinatown night market serves up some of the best around. You will find an absurd number of local delicacies to try: grilled seafood, rich duck noodle soup, juicy chicken satay, mango sticky rice, and so much more. The sheer choice of things to eat is actually overwhelming, so stay calm and graze at your own pace! 

“Bangkok Backstreets” Food Tour

If you only have a few days in Bangkok and want to dive straight into the city’s culinary heart, I suggest joining the Bangkok Backstreets food tour by A Chef’s Tour. My husband Ian and I took part in this tour and thought it was a fantastic way to experience the city through its food. Our guide was Annie, one of the company’s passionate local guides who has lived in Bangkok for over 15 years. She brought the evening to life with her humour, energy, and deep knowledge of Thai cuisine – explaining what we were eating, where the ingredients came from, how dishes are prepared, and how they fit into Thai culinary traditions.

Throughout the evening, we sampled around 15 dishes at a mix of local restaurants and street food stalls, ranging from familiar favourites to lesser‑known specialities you might not normally order. Some highlights for me were pork satay with peanut sauce, sour seafood soup, slow‑cooked pork infused with star anise and cinnamon, prawn dumplings, sour mango with a sweet and sour dipping sauce, and soy sauce ice cream drizzled with soy sauce (surprisingly addictive!). The pace was relaxed, giving us time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Whether you’re already a fan of Thai food or just starting to explore it, the tour is a brilliant way to discover how wide‑ranging and exciting the cuisine really is.

After filling your belly, spend the rest of the evening taking advantage of Bangkok’s nightlife. Sip on fantastic cocktails in nearby bars like Hex Bar, take a wild ride through buzzing traffic in a tuk-tuk, or sing your heart out in a karaoke bar. Whatever you pick, make it a memorable first night in Bangkok!

DAY 2 AM: Grand Palace and Wat Pho

If you are going to dedicate time to one major sight in Bangkok, make it the Grand Palace. Once the residence of the Thai royal family, this impressive site is home to many important architectural marvels, like the Grand Palace itself, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall, and Phra Mondop, as well as throne rooms, beautifully decorated pavilions and several museums displaying royal artefacts. There is even a small-scale model of the Angkor Wat temple here, though it doesn’t quite compare to the real thing! 

A visit to the Grand Palace will take around 2-3 hours, so aim to arrive as early as possible to avoid both crowds (to an extent!) and the midday heat.  

• Admission: 500 baht.
• Opening Hours: Daily 8:30am – 4:30pm. 
• Tickets sold at the entrance or online.

Afterwards head to the nearby Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan. Known as Wat Pho, it is one of Bangkok’s oldest temples and is famous for the giant, gold-plated Reclining Buddha. Spanning almost 50 meters long, this beautifully decorated figure is truly impressive up close. 

Wat Pho is also considered the birthplace of traditional Thai medicine and massage, and you can even get a massage on-site! Like most religious and spiritual sites in Thailand, modest dress is required for both temples. I usually bring a pashmina or a pair of lightweight long trousers for situations like this.

• Admission: 300 Baht.
• Opening Hours: Daily 8:00am – 7:30pm 

Getting here from the Grand Palace complex is easy, but a fun route is to take the Orange Flag Chao Phraya Express Boat from Tha Tien Pier and ride past Wat Arun before hopping off at the Marine Department Pier.

If you prefer a guided option, check out the group Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew Guided Walking Tour where a local expert takes you around both temples, explaining the most intricate details and describing the temples’ histories.

For a chance to see Bangkok’s iconic Wat Arun, join a guided group tour that also covers the Grand Palace, Emerald Buddha, and Wat Pho. If you prefer a more exclusive experience with family or friends, opt for a private tour featuring the Grand Palace, Emerald Buddha Temple, a boat ride to Wat Arun, and the option to explore Wat Pho.

By now, you will probably be feeling a bit peckish. Head towards the river, where plenty of restaurants offer fantastic views over the Chao Phraya. One I can recommend is Somtum Der, which specialises in flavour-packed Isan dishes from northeastern Thailand.

Day 2 PM: Explore Talat Noi

After a busy morning, unwind in the laid-back neighbourhood of Talat Noi. Despite its central location, it feels much calmer than nearby neighbourhoods, with narrow lanes lined with old shophouses, small craft shops and boutiques, and lots of eye-catching street art. It’s the perfect place for a caffeine fix; this artsy neighbourhood is filled with cool cafes and tea rooms (such as the fantastic Citizen Tea Canteen). There are also plenty of small, independent art galleries to pop into, whose air conditioning can provide a nice respite from the afternoon sun.

As this is Thailand, there are also plenty of great places to eat here too. For a great little street snack pop to Khun Phu Curry Puff. For something more substantial, head to Charmgang, a well-regarded eatery known for its excellent and modern Thai dishes.

In the evening, make your way to Banthat Tong Road. Known as one of the “coolest streets in the world”, Banthat Tong is brimming with energy. Loud, busy and full of colour, it’s home to an endless number of restaurants, dessert shops, and bars, making it a popular spot for students from nearby Chulalongkorn University. You can eat just about anything here, from Pad Thai and Tom Yum soup, to boat noodles and delicious mango sticky rice! One place I can definitely recommend is Jae Keang. Located at the northern part of the road, this casual eatery serves up excellent duck dishes, as well as spicy seafood.

DAY 3 AM – Discover Thonburi (South of the River)

While most travellers stick to the northern side of the Chao Phraya River, the quieter Thonburi district offers a glimpse of Bangkok before it modernised. Here you will be treated to quaint wooden houses facing out onto canals, long boats whizzing by, and life moving at a slower pace. 

Start by taking the metro to the Talat Phu station and make your way up to Talat Phu food market for a morning snack. From there, walk to Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen, a large temple complex known for its giant golden Buddha statue, Phra Buddha Dhammakaya Thep Mongkol, which towers over the neighbourhood. It’s a really calm place to wander around, which feels miles away from the hustle and bustle of other neighbourhoods.

Afterwards, head up to the Khlong Bang Luang, a floating market that sits on the banks of the canal. This charming area is a great place to see a more traditional side of Bangkok. You’ll find cozy riverside wooden row houses facing out onto the canal, vendors selling beautiful handicrafts, and a peaceful atmosphere. The highlight here is the historic Artist’s House (Baan Silapin), a centuries-old structure on the waterfront with an art gallery on its upper floor and arts and crafts shops below. There are opportunities to join in on activities like painting and bracelet-making here too, popular with young locals and a great place to spend an hour or two.

There are several small cafés and restaurants along the canal if you fancy lunch. You can also explore Bangkok’s canal life on a 2-hour longtail-boat canal tour, where you’ll get a different perspective on the local wooden house community, Artist’s House and Bangkok’s biggest Buddha from the water.

DAY 3 PM – Wind Down in Lumphini Park

In the late afternoon when the temperature finally eases, make your way to Lumphini Park, Bangkok’s best-known green space. It’s a great place for a slow stroll, a bit of people-watching, and a break from the city’s intensity.

You’ll see locals exercising together in big organised groups, couples dancing, dog walkers galore and – if you’re lucky – the park’s famous monitor lizards. These Godzilla-like reptiles can grow up to two metres long! They may look a bit scary, but they’re harmless if you give them space, and watching them swim or waddle around the park is surprisingly entertaining.