Bangkok

Travel Guide
Wat Arun

Bangkok Travel Guide Video

Revel in the color, noise and history of Thailand’s frenetic capital, a city that welcomes its visitors with a clash of old and new.

Traveling into Bangkok for the first time is a dizzying assault on the senses. Ride a tuk-tuk through the city center and you will pass neon-lit streets packed with clubs, ancient alleys and grandiose temples. Breathe in the scents of a thousand street food stalls. Listen for the chants of praying monks mingled with the voices of market vendors and shoppers haggling with one another.

Visit the Bangkok National Museum and the Bangkok Folk Museum to learn about the multifaceted history of the city. It used to be two separate cities, Krung Thep and Thon Buri, located on either side of the Chao Phraya River. Although Krung Thep has been the capital of Thailand since the late 18th-century, when the Grand Palace was built, the two municipalities were only recognised as one city in the 1970s.

Make the palace your first stop when exploring Bangkok, before visiting the spectacular temples that line the riverbank. Hop on a boat and drift along the Chao Phraya River for unbeatable views of Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Arun, recognizable for their towering stupas. Explore the temples on foot to encounter gigantic Buddha statues and golden Thai architecture.

Experience modern Bangkok in the sleek, air-conditioned malls in the districts around Siam Square. For a different, typically Thai shopping experience, pound the pavements of the city’s many markets. Chatuchak Weekend Market is one of the best, offering antiques, handicrafts and quick eats.

Don’t leave without trying some street food. Wander through the old town of Banglamphu or Chinatown and snack on bowls of noodles or green curry and rice.

Visit Thailand’s exhilarating capital in any season to experience its sights, smells and sounds. In low season, between May and October, the weather stays hot and humid but offers the chance to save money on accommodations. Come in mid-April to join in with the water fights and colorful festivities of Songkran, Thailand’s new year celebrations.

Where to stay in Bangkok

Sukhumvit

Sukhumvit

4/5(467 area reviews)

Known for its fantastic nightlife and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Sukhumvit. Check out top attractions like Terminal 21 Shopping Mall and Lumphini Park, and jump on the metro at Asok BTS Station or Sukhumvit Station to see more of the city.

Sukhumvit
Lumpini Park featuring a garden, a city and a lake or waterhole

Bangkok City Centre

3.5/5(34 area reviews)

Known for its stunning river views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Bangkok City Centre. Check out top attractions like Siam Paragon Mall and Pratunam Market, and jump on the metro at Hua Lamphong Station or National Stadium BTS Station to see more of the city.

Bangkok City Centre
Bangkok showing night scenes, a bridge and skyline

Siam

Enjoy the popular shops in Siam. Siam Paragon Mall is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Ratchadamri BTS Station or Siam BTS Station to see more of Bangkok.

Siam
Default Image

Silom

4.5/5(22 area reviews)

Known for its fantastic nightlife and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Silom. Check out top attractions like Silom Complex Shopping Mall and Lalai Sap Market, and jump on the metro at Chong Nonsi BTS Station or Sala Daeng BTS Station to see more of the city.

Silom
Wat Pho which includes interior views

Bangkok Riverside

Khaosan Road and Asiatique The Riverfront are a few top attractions in Bangkok Riverside. Hop around the city on the metro at Rama IX Bridge Station or Wat Dokmai Station and check out the area's fantastic nightlife, stunning river views and popular shops.

Bangkok Riverside
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Asoke

Asoke is popular for its popular shops. Explore top sights like Terminal 21 Shopping Mall and Soi Cowboy, and you can get around town on the metro at Sukhumvit Station.

Asoke
Asia Hotel Bangkok
Asia Hotel Bangkok
4 out of 5
296 Phayathai Road, Bangkok, Bangkok
The price is RM143 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
RM143
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Bangkok. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"It was good"

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2024

Asia Hotel Bangkok
Banyan Tree Bangkok
Banyan Tree Bangkok
5 out of 5
21/100 South Sathon Road, Bangkok, Bangkok
The price is RM598 per night from 9 Apr to 10 Apr
RM598
per night
9 Apr - 10 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Bangkok. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 6 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"The staff are so friendly. I’d highly recommend banyan tree. Everyone that works there goes above and beyond to make your stay comfortable"

Reviewed on 14 Mar 2024

Banyan Tree Bangkok
Rembrandt Hotel & Suites Bangkok
Rembrandt Hotel & Suites Bangkok
4.5 out of 5
19 Sukhumvit Soi 18, Klong Toei, Bangkok, Bangkok
The price is RM279 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
RM279
per night
3 Apr - 4 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Bangkok. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,010 reviews)
"It was a very nice and clean hotel for the money! Also, had a nice pool to cool off with. It is also right in the middle of everything."

Reviewed on 18 Mar 2024

Rembrandt Hotel & Suites Bangkok
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Citadines Sukhumvit 11 Bangkok
Citadines Sukhumvit 11 Bangkok
4 out of 5
22/22 Sukhumvit 11, Sukhumvit Road, Wattana, Bangkok, Bangkok
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Bangkok. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,131 reviews)
"I have stayed at all their properties in Bangkok before and have never had any regrets. Staff are friendly, rooms are great with separate sleeping and sitting area and a small well equipped cooking area."

Reviewed on 28 Feb 2024

Citadines Sukhumvit 11 Bangkok
Oakwood Suites Bangkok
Oakwood Suites Bangkok
5 out of 5
20 Soi Sukhumvit 24, Sukhumvit Road, Khlong Tan, Bangkok, Bangkok
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Bangkok. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (126 reviews)
"Great location, close to shopping etc yet peaceful and quiet"

Reviewed on 3 Mar 2024

Oakwood Suites Bangkok
Somerset Sukhumvit Thonglor Bangkok
Somerset Sukhumvit Thonglor Bangkok
4 out of 5
No 115 Sukhumvit 55, Thonglor, Sukhumvit Road, Klongton Nua, Bangkok
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Bangkok. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (918 reviews)
"Nice and highly recommended"

Reviewed on 18 Mar 2024

Somerset Sukhumvit Thonglor Bangkok
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Bangkok

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
746
" "5 - Excellent 43.62573099415204%
4 - Good
730
" "4 - Good 42.69005847953216%
3 - Okay
194
" "3 - Okay 11.345029239766081%
2 - Disappointing
28
" "2 - Disappointing 1.6374269005847952%
1 - Terrible
12
" "1 - Terrible 0.7017543859649122%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
10 May 2020

Great city

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
28 Mar 2020

Unfortunately Bangkok is changing towards large shopping malls and losing it's old edge. There are still interesting things there but I don't feel we will be rushing back.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
15 Mar 2020

Wonderful city and one I will remember forever

4/5 - Good

Terry
13 Mar 2020

Bangkok as always is very busy and there are many cars, however, there is plenty of places to visit and the food is always very good.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
9 Mar 2020

I have travelled to Thailand often in the last 20 years so Bangkok is just a stop over before returning to UK, have seen most sites over this time but for first time visitors there is plenty to see, Sukhumvit 1-15 is a good area to locate as it is ea

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
8 Mar 2020

Love everything about this wonderful city