Bangkok
Visited in December 2013
At a glance
- Country
- Thailand
- Region
- Thailand
- Population
- 5.7 million
- Best time to go
- November to February
- Main airport
- Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK)
- Coordinates
- 13.75°N, 100.49°E
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Overview
Bangkok is a sensory overload in the best way: golden temples, floating markets, rooftop bars and some of the best street food in the world. Thailand's capital moves at full speed, but there's calm to be found in its temples and along the Chao Phraya river.
Most visitors stay a few days before heading to the islands or the north, but it's easy to stay longer.
Things to see
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Photo: Preecha.MJ, CC BY-SA 4.0 The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
The former royal palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Cover shoulders and knees.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Mastertongapollo, CC BY-SA 4.0 Wat Pho
Home of the giant reclining Buddha and Thailand's oldest massage school.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Mastertongapollo, CC BY-SA 4.0 Wat Arun
The Temple of Dawn, decorated with porcelain on the riverbank. Beautiful at sunset from across the river.
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Photo: Don Ramey Logan, CC BY-SA 3.0 Jim Thompson House
Traditional teak houses and gardens collected by an American silk trader.
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Photo: Azreey, CC BY-SA 3.0 Chatuchak Weekend Market
One of the world's largest markets, with thousands of stalls.
Things to do
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Photo: กสิณธร ราชโอรส, CC BY-SA 4.0 Street food in Chinatown
Yaowarat Road comes alive at night with food stalls and neon signs.
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Photo: Chainwit, CC BY-SA 4.0 Chao Phraya river boat
Take the express boat or a long-tail through the canals (khlongs).
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Photo: Roberto Faccenda from Canale CN, Italy, CC BY-SA 2.0 Floating market day trip
Damnoen Saduak or the quieter Amphawa, with boats selling food and fruit.
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Photo: Jatoo, CC BY-SA 4.0 Day trip to Ayutthaya
The ruined temples of Thailand's old capital, an hour or so north.
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Photo: Na derdingseben, CC BY-SA 3.0 Rooftop bar
Watch the skyline light up from one of the city's sky bars.
Where to stay
Riverside
Luxury hotels with river views and easy boat access to the temples.
Hotels in RiversideSukhumvit
Modern area on the BTS Skytrain with endless restaurants and nightlife.
Hotels in SukhumvitSiam
Central shopping district with excellent Skytrain connections.
Hotels in SiamOld Town
Near the Grand Palace and Khao San Road, with lots of budget options.
Hotels in Old Town
Getting around
The BTS Skytrain and MRT underground beat the traffic. River boats are great for the old town, and tuk-tuks are fun for short hops (agree the price first). Ride-hailing apps are reliable for taxis.
From Suvarnabhumi, the Airport Rail Link reaches the city in about 30 minutes. Don Mueang, used by budget airlines, is linked by the SRT Red Line and buses.
When to go
November to February is the cool, dry season and the most comfortable time. March to May is very hot, and the rainy season runs from around June to October, usually with short, heavy afternoon downpours.
Plan your trip to Bangkok
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.