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Sawasdee kráp สวัสดีครับ
Sawasdee kráp สวัสดีครับ
Welcome to Bangkok
Welcome to Bangkok
Buzzing streets, golden temples, epic food.
Buzzing streets, golden temples, epic food.
Bangkok, Thailand’s electrifying capital, is a sprawling metropolis where 8.2 million residents weave through a kaleidoscope of golden temples, chaotic markets, and neon-soaked nightlife. Known as Krung Thep to locals—“City of Angels”—it’s a place where the scent of jasmine from Buddhist shrines mingles with the sizzle of street-side woks, and tuk-tuks zip past skyscrapers.
From the majestic Grand Palace to the labyrinthine canals of Thonburi, Bangkok is a sensory feast that blends ancient traditions with modern madness. Whether you’re bowing before the Emerald Buddha, slurping spicy noodles at a roadside stall, or hunting treasures at Chatuchak, this city offers an adventure that’s as soul-stirring as it is thrillingly unpredictable.
Finding All The Right Places
Finding All The Right Places
We've compiled a helpful map showing all of the attractions we've detailed throughout the guide.
Click on the icon at the top left of the map to open the Attractions menu.
Click on one of the numbered waypoints to open details about that attraction.
You can also expand the map using the icon at the top right of the map.
You can also click the icon at the top right of the details pane for directions when you're there.
Best Flights to Bangkok This Year
Best Flights to Bangkok This Year
Bangkok’s primary gateway is Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), 25 km east of the city center, a gleaming hub handling most international flights, while Don Mueang (DMK), 24 km north, caters to budget airlines and regional hops.
Malaysian Airlines: Fly with Malaysian Airlines for a seamless, affordable experience. Their Bangkok-bound flights offer top-tier service and competitive pricing. Book your flights now!
Expedia: Are a great option for searching for the perfect flights from practically any location on earth. Search for your flights now!
See our Flights page for more options.
Popular Airlines and Routes
From Europe: Flights from London, Paris, or Berlin range $400–$900 (11–14 hours) with Thai Airways, Emirates, or Qatar Airways—typically one stop via Middle Eastern hubs like Doha or Dubai. Direct options exist from select cities with Thai Airways.
From the U.S.: New York or L.A. to Bangkok costs $500–$1,200 (17–22 hours) via ANA, Japan Airlines, or EVA Air—usually one stop in Tokyo, Taipei, or Seoul, though premium carriers offer occasional directs.
From Asia: Tokyo or Singapore flights run $150–$400 (5–7 hours) with Thai Airways, Scoot, or AirAsia—direct options galore, especially from Southeast Asian hubs like Kuala Lumpur or Hanoi.
From Australia: Sydney or Melbourne to Bangkok is $400–$800 (9–11 hours) via Qantas, Thai Airways, or Jetstar—direct from major cities, with stopovers in Singapore or Phuket on budget routes.
When to Book for the Best Deals
High season (Nov–Feb) brings cool, dry weather and crowds—book 3–4 months ahead to snag seats under $700 from Europe or the U.S. Mid-week flights (Tuesday/Wednesday) can trim $50–$150 off fares. Shoulder seasons (Mar–May, Sep–Oct) balance warm temps with fewer tourists and better prices—watch for rainy season discounts or early-bird dry season sales from airlines like AirAsia or Emirates.
Bangkok Travel Tips
Airport Transfers: From BKK, the Airport Rail Link to Phaya Thai (connects to BTS Skytrain) costs 45 THB/$1.30 USD (30 minutes)—fast and fuss-free. Taxis run 300–500 THB/$9–$14 USD (metered, plus 50 THB/$1.40 USD airport fee)—pre-book via Expedia to avoid haggling. DMK’s A1 bus to Mo Chit BTS is 30 THB/$0.85 USD (40 minutes), or grab a Grab ride for 400 THB/$11 USD.
Visa Requirements: U.S., UK, and Aussie citizens enjoy 30 days visa-free on arrival (extendable to 60 at immigration offices for 1,900 THB/$54 USD); others need a tourist visa (1,000 THB/$28 USD, apply at thaiembassy.org)—check for e-visa options to skip consulate lines.
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Top Places to Stay in Bangkok
Top Places to Stay in Bangkok
Whether you’re traveling on a shoestring budget or looking for high-end luxury, Bangkok offers accommodation to suit every type of traveler. From city center luxury hotels to Beachside apartments, here are our top recommendations:
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See our Accomodation page for more options.
Where to Stay: Hotels in Bangkok
Bangkok’s diverse districts offer something for every traveler, from backpacker haunts to riverside luxury.
Budget: Khao San Backpackers Hostel in Banglamphu (€15–€40/$16–$43 USD/night) puts you steps from the infamous Khao San Road’s nightlife, or Lub d Bangkok Siam (€20–€50/$21–$53 USD/night) offers trendy dorms near Siam’s shopping buzz. Both are social hubs with clean basics.
Mid-Range: Riva Surya near the Chao Phraya River (€80–€150/$85–$160 USD/night) blends boutique style with boat-accessible calm, or Chatrium Hotel Riverside (€90–€170/$96–$181 USD/night) boasts balconies overlooking the water—perfect for a taste of Bangkok’s pulse without the chaos.
Luxury: Mandarin Oriental on the river (€300–€600/$320–$640 USD/night) is an icon of old-world elegance with Michelin-starred dining, while Siam Kempinski near Siam Paragon (€250–€500/$267–$533 USD/night) dazzles with lush gardens and infinity pools—urban opulence at its finest.
Find your ideal place to stay with Expedia.
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Best Local Food in Bangkok
Best Local Food in Bangkok
Bangkok’s cuisine is a street-food symphony—spicy, sweet, and bursting with flavor from every corner stall to upscale eateries.
Pad Thai: Stir-fried noodles with shrimp, peanuts, and tamarind tang. Thipsamai in Phra Nakhon (€150–€250 THB/$4–$7 USD)—a legend since 1939.
Tom Yum Goong: Spicy-sour shrimp soup with lemongrass and chili heat. Pee Aor in Ratchathewi (€200–€300 THB/$6–$8 USD)—hole-in-the-wall perfection.
Mango Sticky Rice: Sweet glutinous rice topped with ripe mango and coconut cream. Mae Varee in Thonglor (€100 THB/$3 USD)—street-side bliss.
Traditional Thai Dishes to Try
Traditional Thai Dishes to Try
Green Curry (Gaeng Keow Wan): Creamy coconut curry with chicken or pork, spiked with green chilies. Krua Apsorn in Din Daeng (€250 THB/$7 USD)—a local fave with royal roots.
Som Tum: Spicy green papaya salad—crisp, tangy, and fiery with dried shrimp. Somtum Der in Sala Daeng (€150 THB/$4 USD)—northeast Thailand on a plate.
Massaman Curry: Slow-cooked beef with peanuts, cinnamon, and Muslim-Thai spices—rich and mellow. Sanguan Sri in Phloen Chit (€200 THB/$6 USD)—hidden gem vibes.
Khao Soi: Northern-style coconut curry noodles with crispy toppings—comfort in a bowl. Baan Yai in Bang Rak (€180 THB/$5 USD)—a taste of Chiang Mai.
Best Restaurants in Bangkok
Best Restaurants in Bangkok
Jay Fai (Chinatown): Michelin-starred street stall—crab omelets and drunken noodles steal the show (€1,000+ THB/$28+ USD mains). Long waits, worth it.
Gaggan Anand (Phloen Chit): Molecular Thai artistry—25-course tasting menus redefine spice (€5,000+ THB/$140+ USD)—book months ahead.
Nahm (Sathorn): Sophisticated Thai with bold flavors—think fermented fish curries (€800 THB/$22 USD mains)—David Thompson’s legacy.
Savoey (Thaniya): Riverside seafood—grilled prawns and tom yum with a view (€400 THB/$11 USD mains)—casual yet classy.
Vegan and Vegetarian Options
May Veggie Home (Sukhumvit): Plant-based pad Thai and curries—Thai soul, meat-free (€200 THB/$6 USD)—cozy and authentic.
Broccoli Revolution (Charoen Krung): Vegan Thai fusion—green curry bowls and smoothie bliss (€250 THB/$7 USD)—hip and healthy.
Staying Connected in Bangkok
Staying Connected in Bangkok
Best eSIM Providers for Bangkok
AIS, TrueMove, and dtac provide robust 4G/5G across Bangkok’s urban sprawl, though signal dips in rural outskirts or canal-side slums. Airalo’s “Thailand” plan (5GB, $15, 10 days) is ideal for short stays—activate it pre-flight. Ubigi’s flexible packs (500MB for $2, 10GB for $25) suit extended trips or data-hungry travelers. Public Wi-Fi’s patchy and often unsecured—stick to mobile data for safety!
iRoamly eSIMs: iRoamly offers eSIM data packages tailored to Bangkok, Thailand and South East Asia, with fast and affordable plans. You can activate it before departure and start using it as soon as you arrive. Get your iRoamly eSIM here!
easySim: For frequent travelers, easySim offers global coverage and flexible data plans perfect for staying connected no matter where you go. Purchase your eSIM now!
See our Travel eSIMs page for more options.
Best Attractions in Bangkok
Best Attractions in Bangkok
Must-Do in Bangkok: Unmissable Experiences
Bangkok’s a whirlwind of culture and chaos—here’s your must-see list, packed with details.
Visit the Grand Palace
Why: Royal splendor and the Emerald Buddha—Thailand’s cultural crown jewel in gilded glory.
Details: Entry 500 THB/$14 USD, 8:30 AM–3:30 PM (last entry 3 PM). Allow 1–2 hours to soak in the ornate halls and Wat Phra Kaew.
Tip: Dress modestly—shoulders and knees covered (no shorts or tank tops)—or rent a sarong at the gate for 200 THB/$6 USD.
Explore Wat Arun
Why: Riverside “Temple of Dawn” with porcelain-clad spires that shimmer at dusk.
Details: 50 THB/$1.40 USD, 8 AM–6 PM. Takes 1–1.5 hours; climb the steep steps for river views.
Tip: Cross the Chao Phraya via ferry (4 THB/$0.11 USD) at sunset—its silhouette against the sky is pure magic.
Shop Chatuchak Weekend Market
Why: World’s largest weekend market—15,000 stalls of clothes, crafts, and curios.
Details: Free entry, Saturdays/Sundays 9 AM–6 PM (some sections open Fridays). Needs 3–4 hours to navigate its 35 acres.
Tip: Haggle politely—start at half the price—and bring cash; map the exits to avoid getting lost in the maze.
Cruise the Chao Phraya River
Why: See Bangkok’s soul from the water—temples, stilt houses, and skyline in one sweep.
Details: Public ferries 15–40 THB/$0.40–$1.15 USD (hop-on-hop-off); private long-tail boats 1,000–1,500 THB/$28–$42 USD/hour. Takes 1–2 hours.
Tip: Night cruises dazzle with lit-up landmarks—splurge on a dinner boat (2,000 THB/$56 USD) for romance.
Wander Chinatown (Yaowarat)
Why: Neon-lit chaos and street-food paradise—Bangkok’s tastiest melting pot.
Details: Free, 24/7 (peaks 6 PM–midnight). Allow 2–3 hours to eat and explore sois (alleys).
Tip: Arrive hungry—sample mango sticky rice or Michelin-rated crab noodles after sunset.
Float Through Damnoen Saduak
Why: Iconic floating market—paddleboats laden with fruit, soups, and souvenirs.
Details: Tours from 500–1,000 THB/$14–$28 USD (includes transport), 6 AM–noon. Takes 3–4 hours from Bangkok.
Tip: Go at dawn for authenticity—barter for mangoes or a coconut (50 THB/$1.40 USD) right off the boat.
Relax at Lumpini Park
Why: Green escape with monitor lizards, paddleboats, and skyline views—Bangkok’s Central Park.
Details: Free, 4:30 AM–9 PM. Spend 1–2 hours walking or renting a boat (40 THB/$1.15 USD).
Tip: Join morning tai chi with locals or jog at dusk—watch for lizards sunning on paths!
Check out our Bangkok collection on Viator for all the best Traveler rated experiences!
Travel Doctor
Travel Doctor
We hope you'll never find yourself in the intrepid position of needing a doctor whilst you're on the other side of the planet. But life happens! And so does the need for quality medical care.
Air Doctor: Need immediate access to a qualified doctor you can not only trust, but also understand? Choose from over 20,000 doctors worldwide. Book a consultation.
See our Travel Doctor page for more options.
Protecting Your Trip to Bangkok
Protecting Your Trip to Bangkok
Bangkok’s hustle hides risks—street scams (gem fraud, fake guides), tuk-tuk overcharges, or a slip on wet sois can sting; minor clinic visits start at 1,000 THB/$28 USD, more for hospitals. Insurance covering cancellations, health, and lost gear runs 5–8% of your trip—$50–$100 for a $1,000 journey. Check out the great options below.
Faye Travel Insurance: Whether you’re planning adventurous activities like diving or trekking, Faye Travel Insurance offers comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations and even has add-ons for adventure & extreme sports. Get a free quote here.
OnshoreKare Travel Insurance: For those seeking a range of coverage options, OnshareKare offers affordable plans that include trip cancellations, lost luggage, and emergency medical assistance. Protect your trip today!
Freely Travel Insurance: Need specialized coverage? Freely offers essential travel insurance that is customizable with the add-ons you need to suit the needs of families, solo travelers and adventurers alike. You can even add daily boosts to suit those last minute trips. See your insurance options.
See our Travel Insurance page for more options.
Practical Tips for Bangkok
Practical Tips for Bangkok
Best Time: Cool season (Nov–Feb) for dry, pleasant days—peak crowds; hot season (Mar–May) hits 40°C/104°F—quiet but sweaty; rainy season (Jun–Oct) brings deals and lush greenery—bring an umbrella!
Getting Around: BTS Skytrain and MRT (15–50 THB/$0.40–$1.40 USD) zip through traffic—buy a Rabbit Card (100 THB/$3 USD) for ease. Tuk-tuks (100–300 THB/$3–$8 USD) or Grab bikes (50–150 THB/$1.40–$4 USD) dodge jams—agree on fares first! Boats on canals or the river (10–40 THB/$0.30–$1.15 USD) add adventure.
Currency: Thai Baht (THB); $1 USD = ~35 THB. Cards work in malls and hotels, but cash rules markets and stalls—ATMs charge 220 THB/$6 USD per withdrawal.
Pack: Light, breathable clothes, sturdy sandals (temples require slip-ons), a hat, and insect repellent—Bangkok’s humid and buggy year-round.
Bangkok Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions
Bangkok Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions
Talat Noi Street Art: Skip Khao San for this Chinatown nook—murals splash shophouses, and locals grill moo ping (THB 20/$0.60 USD). Free, best in mornings—1–2 hours; near Hua Lamphong MRT.
Day Trip to Amphawa Floating Market: A 1.5-hour van from Victory Monument (THB 100/$3 USD each way) hits this canal market—less touristy than Damnoen Saduak. Try crab noodles (THB 50/$1.50 USD)—evening fireflies dazzle. Half-day; book via Expedia (#affiliate-link).
Nai Mong Hoi Tod in Phra Nakhon: Ditch Sukhumvit’s chains for this stall’s oyster omelets (THB 80/$2.40 USD)—cooks banter with regulars. Open till 8 PM—near Wat Pho, so pair with a temple stroll.
Why It’s Worth It: Talat Noi’s grit, Amphawa’s canals, and Phra Nakhon’s street eats trade Bangkok’s flash for Thai soul.
Bangkok Cultural Insights and Etiquette
Bangkok Cultural Insights and Etiquette
Customs
Greetings: The wai—palms pressed together, slight bow—says respect; return it if offered, saying “Sawasdee” (Hello). Thais are gracious—smile to mirror their warmth.
Dress: Modest for temples like Wat Arun—cover shoulders, knees (sarongs rentable, THB 20/$0.60 USD). Loose clothing suits the heat; flip-flops are fine outside sacred sites.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do: Remove shoes at temples or homes—bare feet show reverence. Bargain gently at Chatuchak Market—smile, aim for 20–30% off (e.g., THB 100 to 70/$3 to $2).
Don’t: Touch heads or point feet at people—it’s disrespectful. Don’t tip much—round up (THB 100 to 120/$3 to $3.60 USD) for taxis; restaurants rarely expect it.
Respect: Never insult the monarchy—penalties are severe (jail time). Stay calm in traffic jams; Thais avoid public frustration.
Festival Highlights
Songkran (April 13–15): Water fights celebrate Thai New Year—join street splashing with a bucket to bond with locals.
Loi Krathong (November, full moon): Float krathong lanterns on rivers—craft one (THB 50/$1.50 USD) with vendors for shared serenity.
Blend In: Use “Khob khun” (thank you)—it softens chats. Bow slightly at temples; mimicking locals’ wai earns quiet respect. Eat street food standing—som tam (THB 40/$1.20 USD) tastes better in the bustle.
Let the Good Times Roll in Bangkok
Let the Good Times Roll in Bangkok
Bangkok dazzles with its golden spires, fiery flavors, and relentless energy. From gilded palaces to steamy street stalls, it’s a city that pulls you in and never lets go. Book savvy flights, choose a stay that suits your vibe, savor the spice of Thai life, and dive into its chaotic beauty for a journey that echoes long after you leave. With this guide—covering flights, hotels, eSIMs, and insurance—you’re primed for the ride. Get ready to lose yourself in Bangkok’s magic this season!
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