Bangkok

The Ultimate Guide to Travelling in Bangkok

Bangkok, the vibrant capital city of Thailand, is a must-visit destination for any traveller. From its bustling streets and night markets to its ornate temples and palaces, there’s something for everyone in this incredible city. In this guide, we’ll take you through the top places to visit, activities to enjoy, where to eat, where to stay, and everything else you need to know to make your trip to Bangkok unforgettable.

Places to Visit

Temples

  • The Grand Palace: A must-visit attraction in Bangkok, the Grand Palace is a stunning complex of buildings that served as the official residence of the king and queen of Thailand. With its intricate architecture and ornate decorations, it’s a photographer’s dream come true. (1000 THB / $30 USD per person)
  • Wat Phra Kaew: Located within the Grand Palace grounds, Wat Phra Kaew is home to the famous Emerald Buddha, one of Thailand’s most sacred objects.
  • Wat Arun: With its stunning 79-meter-tall spire covered in colorful tiles and glitzy decorations, Wat Arun is a breathtaking sight. (50 THB / $1.50 USD per person)
  • Wat Pho: This ancient temple complex is home to over 1000 Buddha images and features some of the city’s most impressive architecture.

Markets

  • Chatuchak Weekend Market: As one of Asia’s largest markets, Chatuchak offers a staggering 15,000 stalls selling everything from clothing and souvenirs to electronics and home decor.
  • Damnoen Saduak Floating Market: While not exclusively in Bangkok (it’s located about an hour outside the city), Damnoen Saduak is definitely worth a visit for its colorful floating vendors and delicious street food.

Museums

  • National Museum: This comprehensive museum tells the story of Thailand through art, artifacts, and exhibits on everything from Buddhism to royal history.
  • Siam Society: Located in a beautiful old mansion, Siam Society showcases Thai culture and art through various exhibitions and events.

Parks and Gardens

  • Lumphini Park: A peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, Lumphini Park offers boating on its tranquil lake, walking trails, and plenty of spots for picnics.
  • Queen Sirikit Park: This lovely park features gardens, a lake, and a beautiful teakwood pavilion perfect for relaxation.

Other Attractions

  • Skytrain (BTS): While not exclusively a tourist attraction, the Skytrain is an essential part of Bangkok’s transportation system. Take a ride on this elevated railway to see the city from a different perspective.
  • Jim Thompson House: A museum showcasing traditional Thai architecture and art, Jim Thompson House also has beautiful gardens and a peaceful atmosphere.

Activities

Food Tours

  • Street food tours: Explore the city’s street food scene with a guided tour that takes you to hidden gems and local favorites.
  • Markets: Visit markets like Chatuchak or Rot Fai for an experience of shopping, eating, and people-watching in one go.

Cultural Experiences

  • Traditional Thai massage: Treat yourself to the ancient art of traditional Thai massage at a reputable spa or wellness center.
  • Thai cooking classes: Learn how to make authentic Thai dishes with a hands-on cooking class that’s both fun and delicious.

Adventure Activities

  • Skydiving: For the ultimate adrenaline rush, take a leap of faith in the sky above Bangkok.
  • Rock climbing: Scale new heights at an indoor rock climbing facility with breathtaking views of the city.

Where to Eat

Street Food

  • Jay Fai: Known for its authentic street food experience and delicious dishes like pad thai and tom yum soup.
  • Roti Mabruang: This humble stall serves some of Bangkok’s best roti (Thai pancake) with a variety of sweet and savory fillings.

Restaurants

  • Bo.Lan: For an upscale dining experience, try Bo.Lan for its innovative takes on traditional Thai cuisine.
  • Som Tam Nua: Enjoy authentic northeastern Thai dishes like spicy papaya salad at this cozy restaurant.

Cafes and Bakeries

  • Kafe 101: This modern cafe is a favorite among locals and tourists alike, with delicious sandwiches and coffee.
  • Gloria Jean’s Coffee: For a taste of Australia in Bangkok, head to Gloria Jean’s for some of the city’s best coffee.

Where to Stay

Budget-Friendly Options

  • Nana Hotel: This simple yet clean hotel is perfect for backpackers or those on a tight budget.
  • Baiyoke Tower and Suites: For an affordable stay with great views, try Baiyoke’s basic rooms.

Mid-Range Hotels

  • The Grand Tower Inn: Enjoy modern amenities and a central location at this mid-range hotel.
  • Novotel Bangkok Fenix Silom: Relax in comfort at this stylish hotel with great restaurants and bars on site.

Luxury Options

  • The St. Regis Bangkok: Treat yourself to the best of luxury at this stunning 5-star hotel.
  • Mandarin Oriental Bangkok: For a truly unforgettable stay, head to this iconic riverside hotel.

Things to Know

Culture and Etiquette

  • Respect temples and monks: Dress modestly when visiting temples and avoid touching or handling sacred objects.
  • Remove shoes in homes and some buildings: Be mindful of local customs by removing your shoes when entering homes, temples, or other establishments.

Safety and Precautions

  • Traffic rules: Always follow traffic signals and pedestrian crossings to ensure your safety on the roads.
  • Be cautious with tuk-tuks and taxis: Negotiate prices beforehand and use reputable services to avoid scams.

Healthcare

  • Medical facilities: Bangkok has numerous high-quality medical facilities, including hospitals like Bumrungrad International Hospital.
  • Pharmacies: Pharmacies are readily available throughout the city for quick access to medications or health advice.

Transportation

Skytrain (BTS) and Subway (MRT)

  • Skytrain tickets: Pay 35 THB ($1 USD) per ride or buy a rechargeable card.
  • Subway tickets: Pay 40 THB ($1.20 USD) per ride or use a prepaid ticket.

Tuk-tuks

  • Tuk-tuk prices: Negotiate with drivers to agree on prices, but be aware that they may charge higher rates for tourists.
  • Reputable tuk-tuk services: Use licensed operators like Sawatdee Taxi Co., Ltd. or Golden Triangle Tour.

Tips and Tricks

Shopping

  • Haggle politely: It’s expected to negotiate prices in markets, but do so respectfully and with a smile.
  • Check prices carefully: Before making purchases, confirm prices on multiple stalls to avoid overpaying.

Food

  • Eat at local restaurants: For the most authentic experience, dine at family-run eateries rather than touristy establishments.
  • Try street food wisely: Be cautious when trying street food from unfamiliar vendors and opt for places with a high turnover of customers.

Tourist Traps

  • Avoid areas near temples or markets: These areas are often congested and prone to scams, so it’s best to avoid them altogether.
  • Be wary of overly friendly strangers: Some individuals may target tourists with unsolicited advice or business proposals. Stay polite but firm in rejecting unwanted attention.

Other Essentials

Language

  • Learn basic Thai phrases: Show respect for the local culture by learning basic greetings and phrases like “sawatdee” (hello) and “khop khun krap” (thank you).

Weather

  • Avoid peak season: Plan your visit to avoid the hot months of March, April, and May when temperatures soar above 40°C (104°F).
  • Bring sunscreen and sunglasses: Protect yourself from the intense sun with SPF 30+ sunscreen and polarized sunglasses.

Getting Around

Walking

  • Explore neighborhoods on foot: Get a feel for local life by walking through neighborhoods like Banglamphu or Ari.
  • Follow pedestrian paths: Be mindful of traffic and follow designated pedestrian paths to ensure your safety.

Transportation Options

  • Songthaews (red trucks): Use these shared vans to travel short distances within the city, often cheaper than taxis.
  • Motorbike taxis: A cost-effective option for short trips, but always wear a helmet and use reputable services.

Bonus Tips

Electronics and Cables

  • Don’t buy cables from street vendors: These cables are often counterfeit or low-quality. Instead, purchase them at reputable electronics stores like MBK Center.
  • Buy power adapters: If your devices require different voltages or plugs, invest in a good quality adapter for your trip.

By following this guide and being mindful of local customs, transportation options, and safety precautions, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the vibrant city of Bangkok. With its rich history, stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and friendly people, Bangkok is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories. Happy travels!