travel in bangkok 2022

• Meet the Team
• Work with Us
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Scandinavia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Budget Travel
• Work & Travel
• The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
• Travel Resources
• How to Travel on $10/day

Home » Southeast Asia » Thailand » Bangkok

21 BEST Places to Visit in Bangkok (2024)

Bangkok is a lively city that is sure to appeal to your senses and stir your soul. You’ll find historical sites next to vibrant nightlife areas, bustling markets near modern shopping malls, and street food vendors close to world-class restaurants. Bangkok, with all its top places, is definitely a city that will enthral, entice, and excite.

Bangkok is a large and sprawling city. Deciding where to visit can be tough, particularly if your time in the Thai capital is limited.

There’s no need to stress though; our expert team of travel writers have compiled this  fantastic list of the best places to visit in Bangkok  so that you don’t miss any of the city’s top spots.

With something to appeal to all tastes and budgets, some of these best places to visit in Bangkok are sure to amaze you! From the magnificent Royal Palace to Chatuchak Market, Wat Arun or a boat down the Chao Phraya River, there’s heaps of amazing tourist attractions to explore.

NEED A PLACE QUICK? Here’s the Best Neighbourhood in Bangkok:

These are the best places to visit in bangkok, faq on the best places to visit in bangkok.

Not satisfied? Then check out our neighbourhood breakdown of Bangkok and find the right place to stay for your trip!

Sukhumvit is a centrally located neighbourhood with easy access to other districts throughout Bangkok. Ideal for first-time visitors, this neighbourhood boasts a number of historic and cultural attractions as well as great bars, restaurants and shopping.

• Take a stroll through Benjakitti Park, a calm oasis at the centre of Bangkok.
• Visit the intricate and incredible Wat Pasee temple.
• Experience the lively and colourful Thai markets that can be found along Sukhumvit Road.

There are so many things to do in Bangkok you’d be forgiven for feeling a bit overwhelmed when it comes to planning your trip. But that’s where we come in, we’ve done the leg work for you so all you need to do is give this list a read and get planning your Bangkok itinerary ! There’s good reason Bangkok is the starting point for most people backpacking in Thailand , it’s a buzzing metropolis with some stunning architecture, amazing food and mesmerising culture. It’s a fantastic introduction to Thailand!

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.

#1 – The Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha

• Official home of the Thai monarch (King Rama X)
• The Grand Palace is a historical and cultural site
• Beautiful architecture built by King Rama I
• The Grand Palace is home to Thailand’s most sacred temple

Why it’s awesome: The Grand Palace is definitely a top place to visit in Bangkok. Built-in the 1780s by King Rama I, it has long been the official home of the Thai monarch. Made up of a number of halls, buildings, and pavilions, the complex has beautiful courtyards, gardens, and lawns too. The revered Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) is also within the extensive grounds. It’s one of the top tourist attractions in the city for a reason.

You’ll notice that there are many different styles, largely thanks to the various monarchs that made their marks on the Grand Palace over the years. It’s still a working palace and, while several parts of the site are closed to the public, visitors can admire many of the glorious buildings, absorb a strong sense of history and culture, and get a feeling of how Thai royalty lives.

What to do there: Marvel at the majesty of the Grand Palace complex, many fine architectural details and the playful sunlight that shimmers through the roof. Large mythical giants, known as yants, guard gateways and the mythical bird-like garudas perch on many ledges. Admire the various statues throughout the well-tended grounds, the smaller but fascinating details, and take many awesome pictures .

You’ll notice that there are Buddha statues in all postures—find out which Buddha correlates to your day of birth and make merit. Watch as Buddhists give offerings and pray and see the small but impressive Emerald Buddha statue. Actually made from jade, the green statue is Thailand’s most sacred Buddha statue.

Be sure to dress conservatively when planning to visit the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha—the dress code is very strict and you’ll be refused admission if you’re dressed inappropriately. Make sure that your legs are covered to at least the knees (men should wear long trousers) and your arms to at least the elbows. Closed shoes are also a must when you visit the Grand Palace.

Insider Tip: Come early as it gets busy and queues can be long as the day goes on

#2 – Chatuchak Weekend Market – A great place in Bangkok if you love to shop!

• Biggest market in Thailand and the world’s biggest outdoor weekend market
• Great chance to practice haggling skills
• Chatuchak Market has a huge array of goods
• Great variety of street food stalls

Why it’s awesome: One of the biggest markets in the world (and therefore one of the coolest places to visit in Bangkok), the Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok (also known as JJ Market) has around 15,000 stalls spread between almost 30 sections. Huge, but fairly easy to navigate, there are sections dedicated to art and crafts, clothes and accessories, ceramics, plants and gardening, books, antiques and World War II memorabilia, home décor, and more. It’s often said that if you can’t find what you’re looking for at Chatuchak Market then it’s not worth having!

Around 200,000 people visit the enormous market every weekend making it one of the most popular places in Bangkok. Open since the early 1940s, the market has grown into the mammoth that it is today, with places to rest, eat, and drink if you need to take a break from all the retail therapy.

What to do there: Wear comfortable shoes and shop, shop, and shop! Whether you’re looking for exquisite Thai silks, cheap t-shirts, handmade soaps, typical souvenirs, carved wood, amulets and religious memorabilia, kitchenware, or something else, you’re sure to find it at Chatuchak Market.

Although prices are generally reasonable, the weekend market is the perfect place in Bangkok to improve your haggling skills for even greater pocket-friendly prices. Sample an array of street food and chill in a bar with a cool beer or fresh fruit juice. Don’t miss seeing the clock tower, built-in 2007 to commemorate the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 60 th birthday.

#3 – Wat Pho – One of the most religious places to see in Bangkok

• Wat Pho is the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
• See one of Thailand’s biggest reclining Buddha statues.
• One of Bangkok’s oldest temples dating to the King Rama I era.
• Wat Pho is a first-class royal temple.

Why it’s awesome: Wat Pho, commonly referred to as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is among the six most revered temples in all of Thailand. Famous for its stretching 46-metre-long (151-feet-long) lying Buddha statue, the temple also boasts the biggest collection of Buddha statues in the country. Many of the statues were brought here from the ancient capital of Ayutthaya when the city fell to the Burmese, and there are also statues from the former capital of Sukhothai and other places around Thailand. Wat Pho is one of the oldest temples in Bangkok, older in fact than the capital and a major tourist attraction you just can’t miss.

The original temple is thought to date back to the late 1600s or early 1700s, although the temple underwent large renovations and restorations in the 1780s. There’s a Thai medicine school within the grounds and the temple is where traditional Thai massage originated. It’s the perfect place to experience Thai culture.

What to do there: Walk around the complex’s outer walls and see the large statues of giants that keep watch over the site. Brought to Thailand from China, some of the interesting statues have European features. Khmer-style statues stand at the pagodas at the corners of each courtyard; their job is to guard north, south, east, and west. You’ll see chedis and pagodas in all shapes, sizes, and colours; there are four large chedis plus almost 100 smaller chedis.

Marvel at the huge golden reclining Buddha statue inside Wat Pho. Enjoy a Thai massage in one of the pavilions or, if you have longer in the capital, you could also consider enrolling in a course to learn the ancient massage technique yourself in the very place where it was born.

#4 – Wat Arun – One of Bangkok’s coolest historical places!

• Colourful Buddhist temple with links to Hindu cosmology
• Wat Arun has an air of peaceful spirituality
• Lovely river views
• Wat Arun has a long and fascinating history

Why it’s awesome: Wat Arun (also sometimes known as Wat Chaeng) is a stunning temple on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River and a great place to visit in Bangkok for history fans. Nicknamed the Temple of the Dawn, Wat Arun is rather unique in its designs and not like other temples around the Thai capital. A temple has stood at the same site since the Ayutthaya period – which is a pretty long time!

The main prang of Wat Arun is in a Khmer style and bedecked with broken pieces of porcelain and shells for a whimsical and colourful appearance. Statues of animals and Chinese figures stand around the base. Chinese-style pavilions sit next to the river and there’s a large Buddha statue within the giant-guarded Ordination Hall.

What to do there: Admire the glorious temple from across the Chao Phraya River before taking the ferry to get up close. Climb up the central prang (built by King Rama II), admiring the views as you pass up the three symbolic levels. Feel small as you stand in front of the fearsome statues at the entrance to the Ordination Hall and see the main Buddha housed from within. Relax in one of the salas (pavilions) and soak up the river views. Try and visit Wat Arun at night time too when it is illuminated against the inky sky, the reflections shimmering on the water in a beautifully captivating way.

Why not book an Airbnb in the area and make the banks of the Chao Phraya River your base for a while?

Insider Tip: Come back at sunset and watch from across the river as the sky lights up behind the temple

#5 – Wat Yannawa – Quite the quirky place in Bangkok!

• Interesting temple designed like a boat
• Chinese heritage
• Off the beaten track
• Quiet and peaceful

Why it’s awesome: Wat Yannawa is an ancient temple that can trace its roots back to the Ayutthaya period and before the founding of Bangkok as the Thai capital. Located close to the Chao Phraya River, the temple was built on the orders of King Rama III. It was designed to resemble a traditional Chinese junk (sailing vessel), helping to preserve maritime heritage.

This “temple” is definitely not what you’d expect, so it’s a really interesting place in Bangkok. There are several other impressive buildings throughout the complex, including an ancient wooden structure and an air-conditioned room with a dazzling array of Buddha images and other religious ornaments and memorabilia.

What to do there: Pass through the large entrance gate and stroll along the wide pavement up to the boat-shaped structure. Buy a floral offering before stooping to pass through the low passageways and climb the steps inside the boat to reach the upper small shrine. Light incense and pay your respects at the shrine and make merit by placing flowers in the Buddha footprint.

Insider Tip: You can get here easily by taking a ferry down the Chao Phraya River and getting off the boat right outside the temple.

#6 – Lumpini Park – One of the most beautiful outdoor places in Bangkok

• Popular place for leisure, sports, and relaxation
• Great for families
• See large monitor lizards
• Enjoy nature in the heart of the city

Why it’s awesome: Lumpini Park covers 142 acres (57.6 hectares) and it’s located in the city centre close to several BTS and MRT stations. Statues stand proudly outside the smoke-free park and inside you’ll find walking trails, pavilions, and artificial lakes. The park was established in the 1920s on ground that was once royal property. Named after the birthplace of the Lord Buddha, the large green park has various activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. Concerts are sometimes hosted here and you’ll find all amenities (including bathrooms and street food stalls) for a comfortable visit.

What to do there: Follow the walking trails around the park and look out for gigantic monitor lizards swimming through the lakes, skulking across the grass, and lazing in the tree branches. Birds twitter in the trees too, and the park is home to some 30 types of birds. You can rent a boat for a scenic ride on the water, admiring the reflections cast on the surface by the nearby skyscrapers.

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

#7 – Wat Saket – A great place to see in Bangkok if you love architecture

• Hill-top temple
• Great city views
• Annual procession by candlelight
• The Golden Mount is beautifully illuminated at night

Why it’s awesome: Wat Sakat, also known as the Golden Mount, is one of Bangkok’s many beautiful temples. Sitting on an artificial hill, it is located at the highest ground point in Bangkok. The temple dates back to the Ayutthaya era and it contains a sacred Buddhist relic brought to Thailand from Sri Lanka. The present temple building was built from marble in the 20 th century. Each November the temple is the scene of a spectacular candlelit procession where devotees wind their way up the hill with their candles twinkling in the darkness.

What to do there: Admire the golden chedi from the base of the small hill before following the shaded pathway up to the top. There are many interesting statues alongside the path, with trees and plants adding to the attractiveness. As you’re near the top you’ll come to a wall of bells—ring these bells for good luck.

You can climb even higher for more terrific vistas and see various statues and murals. When you descend the mountain pay a visit to the ancient cemetery at the bottom, the final resting place for many victims of the plague.

#8 – Erawan Museum – An awesome place in Bangkok for half a day!

• Striking architecture;
• Beautiful grounds;
• Huge art collection;
• Thought-provoking place.

Why it’s awesome: The Erawan Museum, located in nearby Samut Prakan, is one of Thailand’s masterpieces by Mr Lek Viriyaphant. Built to be visually appealing, showcase art, and encourage people to question spirituality and their beliefs of the world and creation, it is definitely one of Bangkok’s most whimsical and amazing attractions. The centrepiece is a circular pink three-storey building that is topped with a huge three-headed elephant. Based on Hindu ideas of cosmology, the three levels represent the underworld, earth, and heaven.

What to do there: Feast your eyes on the fascinating building with its three-headed bronze elephant and stand at the base of the wooden staircase, admiring the encrusted stucco balustrade. Wander around the ground level where you’ll find carved wooden pillars that depict various scenes from several major world religions. The overall level of craftsmanship is incredible.

Climb the steps, and be blown away by the huge colourful skylight. Peek out of a small window for views across the site and continue skywards to reach the level that represents heaven. You can also see a large Buddha footprint and a grand historic wooden chair. In the lower level, there are many more statues and art pieces, along with diverse collections of rocks from around the nation.

#9 – Sky Bar @ Lebua – Great place in Bangkok for couples!

• One of the highest rooftop bars across the world
• Sophisticated and elegant vibe
• Fabulous views across Bangkok
• Delicious signature drinks and cocktails

Why it’s awesome: The Sky Bar at Lebua is one of the world’s highest sky bars. Swanky, stylish, and sophisticated, it’s an ideal place for lovers to enjoy a romantic night out. The views take in many of Bangkok’s highlights, with the Chao Phraya River snaking in the distance. Soft music fills the air, and there’s often a live pianist. There are indoor and outdoor seating areas and you can enjoy a wide assortment of drinks with imported items on the menu. The famous bar appeared in the popular movie Hangover II.

What to do there: Dress up glamorous (there’s a strict dress code) and ride the elevators up to the 64 th floor for a romantic drink with awesome vistas. Try the signature Hangovertini, a cocktail inspired by the famous film. Alternatively, you’ll also find a range of global beers and wines and other popular cocktails on the exclusive menu. Try and time your visit just before dusk—that way you can admire the daytime views of Bangkok and watch as the sun sets over the Thai capital and then enjoy views of the city in the dark.

#10 – Bangkok National Museum – A fascinating educational place in Bangkok

• One of the biggest museums in Southeast Asia
• Home to a large collection of art and artefacts
• Great place to learn more about Thai history
• Connection to Thai royalty

Why it’s awesome: Housed in an old Royal Palace, Bangkok National Museum is one of the most stunning places in Thailand . There are three main buildings: Buddhaisawan Chapel, The Red House, and Siwamokhaphiman Hall. Home to the biggest collection of Thai art and historical objects in all of Thailand, the museum also contains striking art from other places around Southeast Asia. Displays are well ordered and there are good explanations and descriptions in English. One of the biggest museums in the region, it dates back to the 1870s having been established by King Rama V to display gifts and memorabilia from his late father.

What to do there: Plan to spend a few hours discovering the various displays across the museum’s three main areas. Learn more about Thailand’s past in Siwamokhaphiman Hall, with items that go from the Sukhothai era right up to the Rattanakosin period, and see beautiful murals and a large Buddha statue in Buddhaisawan Chapel. Visit the chariot hall to see carriages that used to be used in royal ceremonies, see masks used in traditional Thai puppetry, admire ornate ceramics, view old clothes, and more.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

#11 – Khao San Road – A must visit place in Bangkok on the weekend!

• Bangkok’s famous backpacker area
• A major place for nightlife
• Affordable prices
• Large selection of bars, eateries, and cheap accommodations

Why it’s awesome: Khao San Road is the city’s most famous nightlife area and definitely one of the liveliest places in Bangkok. Located fairly close to the city’s historical heart, it’s a preferred area in Bangkok for budget backpackers, since there are also many must-see places nearby. In addition to that, there are plentiful restaurants that serve traditional Thai dishes and international favourites, an assortment of bars and clubs, as well as budget accommodations. I recommend Here Hostel , which is a 10-minute walk from the Khao San Road madness.

The street is pretty lively by day, but it really comes into its own come nighttime when music blares from the bars, people drink and dance in the streets, street performers try to get tips from the crowds, and vendors try to tempt people with street eats and cheap drinks.

What to do there: Although busy on all nights of the week, Khao San Road is especially lively at the weekends, with tourists, ex-pats, and locals coming together for nights of fun and revelry. Stroll along the street and browse the souvenirs and clothes, perhaps sipping on a cool beer or famous whisky bucket as you decide where to go first. Hop between the different bars, each with its own vibe; whether you want to chill or go wild, Khao San Road has a bar for all tastes and it’s a pretty safe area to go for a night out. Listen to live music and dance the night away in one of the clubs. The atmosphere is laid back and there’s no need to dress up fancy—unless you want to!

#12 – Wat Puet Udom – One of the most incredible free places in Bangkok

• Fascinating insights into Thai Buddhist beliefs
• Hell temple
• No admission charge
• Off-the-beaten-track attraction

Why it’s awesome: Wat Puet Udom can be found in Pathom Thani, just a short way from central Bangkok. The temple offers something a bit different to the norm and is sure to be different to other temples that you’ve seen around the Thai capital. The grounds are filled with large and colourful statues, but the real highlight is exploring the section dedicated to Buddhist hell. Learn about Thai beliefs connected to the underworld, and see what people will believe the punishments in the afterlife for various earthly transgressions. Descriptions are provided in English for the avoidance of any doubt! Animatronic displays add to the eerie feeling and it’s definitely one of the most unusual places to visit around Bangkok. Plus, as an added bonus, it’s completely free!

What to do there: It’s an amazing place in Bangkok that simply needs to be explored. See the large glittery temple building at the heart of the temple complex and stroll through the grounds to see large and unusual statues. There’s a guardian of the underworld riding on the back of a gigantic rooster, human forms with animal heads, mermaids and other mythical creatures, and even a large plane. Buy a bag of food to feed the fish in the river to gain merit and admire the river views.

#13 – Siam Niramit – One of the best places to visit in Bangkok at night

• Large and colourful cultural show
• Opportunities to learn more about rural Thai life and regional traditions
• Delicious cuisine
• Fantastic place to spend a fun evening

Why it’s awesome: Siam Niramit in Bangkok is one of the biggest stage productions in the world. The enlightening and captivating show features stunning sets and beautiful costumes and takes people on an exciting journey through Thai history, culture, and traditions. The show also highlights different parts of the country, providing insights into Thailand’s different regions. There are three acts: Journey Back into History, Journey Beyond Imagination, and Journey Through Joyous Festivals. Special effects, lighting, and music create an electric atmosphere. There’s plenty to enjoy before the show too, with a mini Thai village, places to eat and shop, small performances, and other varied attractions.

What to do there: Book the package that includes dinner and arrive early (and hungry!) to enjoy a tasty Thai feast. Walk around the miniature Thai village, complete with wooden buildings on stilts, to see a variety of crafts, lifestyles, and costumes. Actors and actresses bring the scenes to life and demonstrate different skills of old. Feed the elephants, take a boat ride, watch as traditional snacks are prepared, listen to musicians, and watch dance shows.

#14 – Thonburi Canals – A nice quiet place in Bangkok

• Take a relaxing boat ride along the floating markets
• See a different side of this hectic city
• Experience Thai life of old
• Get up close to everyday Thai culture at the floating markets

Why it’s awesome: Once upon a time, Bangkok was crisscrossed by canals and waterways, essential for trade and transportation. Over time, many canals were filled in and more roads were built. The Khlongs (canals) of Thonburi, however, still offer a pleasant glimpse into the old Bangkok. Peaceful waterways run through the area, lined with homes, temples, and gardens. The Bangkok floating markets still operate on certain days of the week too, and vendors seek to sell their wares by boat at all times, paddling from house to house with an assortment of goods. Life is quiet around the Thonburi canals and it offers a completely different perspective of the otherwise bustling city – definitely one of the more interesting places in Bangkok.

What to do there: Several operators run boat trips around Thonburi’s canals, though you can also charter your own long-tail boat for a more intimate and personalised exploration of the floating markets. Sit back and relax as you soak up the waterside scenes; drift past local homes, see the small rowing boats that people use to get around, and wave to excitable children on the water’s edge. The Royal Barge Museum, another cool place in Bangkok, is well worth a quick stop, filled with impressive vessels, and you can watch a traditional puppet show at the Artist’s House.

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE.

#15 – Chinatown – A perfect place in Bangkok if you are on a budget!

• Authentic Chinese fare
• Interesting architecture
• Cultural experiences
• One of the world’s biggest Chinatowns

Why it’s awesome: Established in the 1780s, Bangkok’s Chinatown is one of the biggest Chinatowns across the globe. Once a major trading area, Chinatown is now a thriving hub of Chinese culture and traditions. A great place in Bangkok for foodies! There are many restaurants and stalls selling a huge selection of authentic Chinese dishes. There’s plenty of cool architecture too, including old movie theatres, temples, and a ceremonial archway. Shophouses line the streets and the pavements are crowded with pedestrians and stalls. The vibe is energetic and you’ll find shops selling everything from affordable electronics and cheap clothing to traditional Chinese herbal remedies and gold. It’s a fantastic area to explore on foot, and many of the sights are free!

What to do there: Walk along the busy Yaowarat Road, immersing yourself in the hustle and bustle. You’ll likely be tempted by all the food offerings; come in the evening for a huge array of mouth-watering treats! Visit Wat Traimit, home to the biggest solid gold Buddha statue in the world, take pictures of the colourful and ornate Chinatown Gate, and hunt for bargains along the narrow Sampeng Lanes and its overflowing market stalls.

Don’t miss visiting Wat Mangkon Kamalawat, Bangkok’s most important Chinese temple. It has elements from Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian practices and you’ll see people lighting incense, making merit, and praying to various deities. Watch a traditional dance show at the historic Sala Chalermkrung theatre and unwind in the pleasant fountain-filled and leafy Romaneenart Park.

If budget travel is your game, some of Bangkok’s best hostels are calling your name! Check them out and find one that suits you best!

#16 – Patpong – A wild place to see in Bangkok!

• Bangkok’s original red light district
• Large market
• Busy nightlife area
• Adult entertainment

Why it’s awesome: It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but Patpong is one of the best places to experience Bangkok’s famous adult side. One of the city’s major red-light districts, it is also a fun place for a night out. The bars welcome groups of friends and couples and, while it’s certainly there if you’re seeking it, there’s no need to feel obliged to indulge in any of the adult-centred fun that Patpong is known for. There’s a large night market too, which helps to draw tourists from all walks of life to the area.

What to do there: Peruse the large selection of goods at Patpong Night Market, where you’ll find everything from novelty gadgets and slogan t-shirts to crafts from the hill tribes of Northern Thailand and typical souvenirs. Be sure to haggle if you want to buy anything, as prices are often over-inflated. Experience Bangkok’s adult-focused night scene in one of the beer bars or go-go bars, and watch as people shimmy against poles and perform erotic dances on the stages. Be cautious of scams, however, and always check prices beforehand.

#17 – Jim Thompson House Museum – One of the most underrated places to see in Bangkok

• Peaceful museum
• Former home of the Thai Silk King
• Traditional architecture
• Learn about the Thai silk industry

Why it’s awesome: Jim Thompson House Museum is the former home of the mystery-surrounded silk magnate often referred to as the Thai Silk King. American-born Jim Thompson helped to revolutionise the Thai silk industry, bringing the gorgeous silk products to the world while providing much-needed work for rural Thai families. The house was built in the 1950s in a traditional Thai style using old teak buildings from various parts of the country. The old wooden buildings were reassembled and repurposed in their present Bangkok site. Surrounded by lush garden and alongside a canal, the charming buildings contain Thompson’s extensive art collection and Buddhist statues.

What to do there: Step into a green oasis in the heart of Bangkok, feeling as though you’ve been transported to a small jungle far from the city crowds. Wander through the verdant gardens and enjoy the calm and tranquil atmosphere. Watch as people demonstrate traditional silk weaving techniques and learn more about the silk production process, and see people performing graceful Thai dancing. View the large collection of art and religious memorabilia, with items from all across Thailand and the wider Southeast Asian region.

#18 – Giant Swing – One of the more unique places to visit in Bangkok!

• Once used in ancient ceremonies
• Unusual attraction
• Free to see
• Gorgeous quiet temple

Why it’s awesome: The Giant Swing is a towering red frame in front of the sparkling Wat Suthat and one of the lesser-visited places in Bangkok. The swing was once used in ancient Brahmin religious ceremonies and there are old pictures showing the swing in action. Built-in the 1780s, the swing was moved to its current location in 1920. It was used for religious rituals until the 1930s. Made from teak wood, the frame stands at more than 30 metres (98 feet) high. Wat Suthat is an impressive temple, though it sees fewer visitors than Bangkok’s major temples so still retains a peaceful and spiritual air. It has beautiful wooden carvings, striking murals, and large Buddha statues.

What to do there: Gaze up at the Giant Swing and let your imagination take you back to the times when it played a vital role in religious ceremonies. See black and white photographs showing the swing in use. Explore the handsome Wat Suthat, which is among Bangkok’s oldest temples, and admire the glorious murals that show scenes from the Ramakien. See the large golden seated Buddha statue in the main hall and more than 150 statues of the Lord Buddha around the walls of the cloister. Absorb the spiritual feeling and sit for a while in quiet contemplation.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

#19 – Koh Kret – One of the nicer places in Bangkok to sightsee!

• Scenic river island
• Home to a Mon ethnic community
• Known for pottery making
• Historic attractions and markets

Why it’s awesome: Koh Kret is a small river island, created in the early 1720s when a canal was constructed and cut off the land completely. Historically home to people from the Mon ethnic group, the island is famous for its long pottery heritage. There are active pottery-making workshops on the island still, complete with large kilns and showrooms where you can buy the delicate pieces. The island has a rustic vibe and offers a glimpse into a way of life that is hard to find elsewhere in the hectic city. There are museums and temples to explore too, and you’ll find peaceful places to eat alongside the river.

What to do there: Catch a boat to Koh Kret island and explore by foot or rented bicycle. Follow the circular track around the island, pausing to visit several places of interest along the route. See stunning ceramics in the Kwan Aman Pottery Museum and watch all stages of the pottery-making process in one of the small workshops around the island. Purchase locally made terracotta items in the market or at one of the many shops. The market also sells a selection of trinkets, handicrafts, and souvenirs, and you’ll find several snacks and food products here that can be difficult to source elsewhere.

#20 – Condom Museum – One of Bangkok’s most unique attractions

• Quirky museum
• Aims to raise awareness of sexual health
• Educational experience

Why it’s awesome: Open since 2010, the Condom Museum is one of the more unusual attractions and definitely a unique place to visit in Bangkok. Located in Nonthaburi, the museum seeks to shed light on sexual health matters, encourage condom use, and promote safe sex. The museum is free to visit. The museum contains a fascinating collection of condoms from all over the world, with those that have been made in recent times and those that seem archaic compared to today’s products. There are also informative displays related to the history, manufacture, and marketing of condoms. Fun fact: did you know that Thailand is one of the world’s biggest makers of condoms?!

What to do there: Step into the world of sexual health and see a mind-blowing assortment of condoms in various colours and sizes. Learn more about the condom and why its use is important for good sexual health. Posters adorn the walls and displays also include other sex-related items, such as lubricant and penis pumps. You’re sure to be amazed in the testing room, where people demonstrate just how tough condoms actually are!

#21 – Queen Sirikit Park – A beautiful and scenic place to visit in Bangkok

• Large green park with diverse plants and flowers
• Offers respite from the city’s hustle and bustle
• Home to pools, fountains, and other water features
• Royal connections

Why it’s awesome: Sitting on a former golf course, Queen Sirikit Park opened in 1992 and was named to celebrate Queen Sirikit’s 60 th birthday. The beautiful botanical garden boasts several hundred species of plants and flowers, with an abundance of water plants in the ponds. Waterlilies, lotuses, hibiscus, palms, roses, bamboo, and banana trees are just a few plants within the park, and the rich variety helps to attract many birds, butterflies, and insects. A lovely place to enjoy nature, the park has formal gardens, walking trails, fountains, statues, and areas dedicated to leisure pursuits.

What to do there: Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the large Queen Sirikit Park, admiring the various plants and flowers, pausing to appreciate the bright colours and fragrant scents. You can also learn more about Thailand’s native flora and how certain plants are important to the nation. Sit and relax next to the sparkling lotus- and lilly-filled ponds and take kids to the fun and hands-on Children’s Museum. There are plenty of food vendors close to hand if you’re in need of an energy boost.

Get insured for your trip to Bangkok!

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Find out what people want to know about the best places to visit in Bangkok

What is Bangkok famous for?

Bangkok is famous for its nightlife, street markets and temples.

What should you not miss in Bangkok?

If you only have a short time in Bangkok, you should make sure to visit Wat Saket which is the most impressive temple in the city.

What is the most interesting place to visit in Bangkok?

The Wat Yannawa is one of the most interesting places to visit in Bangkok, being a temple in the shape of a boat.

What is the best place to visit in Bangkok for couples?

Couples will love the romantic atmosphere at Sky Bar @ Lebua.

Bangkok is an exciting city with something going on at almost all times of the day and night. A top city for foodies, shopaholics, culture seekers, history lovers, urban explorers, and party animals – there’s no shortage of amazing places to visit in Bangkok . Families, friends, couples, and solos will all find more than enough to keep them enthralled in the City of Angels.

Since there is so much to see and explore, make sure you come up with a rough itinerary before you start your travels, so you won’t miss out on anything. Tick off these best places to visit in Bangkok for a diverse, fun-filled, and action-packed stay!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Clair Cathryn

Share or save this post

This website is managed by Siam Legal International - a law firm in Thailand

How to Travel to Thailand in 2022

IMPORTANT: For Thailand Travel Restrictions in 2023, please click the link below:

Thailand Travel Restrictions 2023

Thailand Travel Restrictions for 2023

========================

During the global COVID-19 pandemic, measures have been enforced to prevent and control COVID-19 from spreading in Thailand. This includes measures to keep an influx of visitors to Thailand in check.

After two years of dealing with Covid and extensive travel restrictions, international travel is finally returning to normal on the 1st of July, 2022. From July 1st, the following changes have been implemented for all international travelers.

• Foreigners do not need to show proof of Covid Insurance.
• All mandatory hotel quarantine has been removed.
• Thailand Pass is no longer required for foreign travelers to enter Thailand.
• Vaccinated travelers do not need to provide proof of vaccination before arriving.
• Unvaccinated travelers (including children traveling with unvaccinated parents) will need to complete an RT-PCR or Professional Antigen Test (Pro-ATK) 72 hours before departing for Thailand. Proof does not need to be uploaded before traveling.
• Airlines and Thai Immigration will do random checks to confirm travelers meet Covid prevention requirements (vaccination or Covid test).

Read below and you can see how you can once again visit Thailand with ease.

Required Documents for Travel to Thailand

Please have the following documents ready.

• Passport with at least six month validity
• Visa or visa exemption qualification
• Buy Thailand Travel Insurance
• Boarding pass to be presented at Passport Control
• Hotel booking confirmation if asked by Immigration Officer
• Note: Vaccination record no longer required

Incorrect documents will delay the entry screening by rules from the Thai immigration bureau and its Thai immigration officials.

Buy Your Insurance Now

Step 1 – Check your eligibility

It is important to start your travel plans to Thailand by checking your eligibility. After July 1, you will need to check on what to do depending on your vaccination status, and what type of visa you will use when visiting Thailand.

For a general traveler, you may opt to enter Thailand without a visa under the Visa Exemption program. If you are entering Thailand for a holiday, you may be eligible to receive a “Visa on arrival”.

For those entering Thailand for a different purpose of stay, they need to obtain a Thai visa from their local Thai Embassy or Consulate prior to coming to Thailand. In the next step of the process, you may check the available visas for you.

Step 2 – Apply for the Visa

Thailand elite visa.

Do you want to stay in Thailand for 5, 10, or 20 years? You may consider the Thai Elite Visa program. It is an easy-to-apply and hassle-free visa application for your long-term stay in Thailand. For more information about the Thai Elite Membership and Visa application, you may check this page: https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-visa/thai-elite-visa

Visa Exemption

Nationalities under the Visa Exemption Program are allowed to enter Thailand without a visa from a Thai Embassy or Consulate. Upon arriving in Thailand, most nationalities who are part of the Visa Exemption Program are allowed to stay for 30 days. Certain nationalities can arrive as part of this program but for a shorter period of time. It is best to check the country exemption list and confirm how long you can visit Thailand without needing to apply for a Visa.

Tourist Visa and Special Tourist Visa (STV)

Foreigners may also apply for a Tourist Visa from the Thai embassy or consulate. There is the normal 60-day tourist visa that can be extended for additional 30 days, and the 90-day Special Tourist Visa (STV) which can be extended for two 90-day visa extensions at the local immigration office. There are certain requirements needed for the STV, but it allows a visitor to stay in Thailand for a potential 9 months.

Non-Immigrant Visa

Foreigners may also apply for a wide range of non-immigrant visas:

• Non-immigrant B Visa – for conducting business or employment
• Non-immigrant O visa – for visiting Thai spouse and family
• Non-immigrant ED visa – for students of recognized institutions in Thailand as well as their Parents or Legal Guardians
• Non-immigrant O retirement visa – for those who wish to retire in Thailand
• Non-immigrant OA and OX visa – for those who wish to obtain a Thailand retirement visa for long stay (it is different from type O visa)

Step 3 – Book a Flight, Hotel, and COVID-19 Insurance

There are many changes for how to enter Thailand after July 1, so it is important for a traveler to know what is required before departing their country and entering Thailand.

Flights to Thailand

At present, most airlines such as Qatar, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, All Nippon, Finnair, Thai Airways, and other major airlines are now permitted to operate flights to Thailand whether it is on a daily or weekly basis.

Vaccinated travelers are required to have their vaccination certificates on hand. Unvaccinated travelers will need to complete an RT-PCR or Pro-ATK 72 hours before departure from their home country.

Though Thailand Pass has been removed from July 1, and travelers no longer need to upload proof of vaccination or Covid Test, Airlines will do random checks and if travelers do not meet Covid requirements they will not be allowed to board their flight.

Before booking flights to Thailand with the airlines, travelers should ensure that they study the different categories of Thai visas granted to foreign nationals at this time to determine the possibility of travel. Please note that having plane tickets does not guarantee entry to Thailand, non-Thai travelers must have the correct Covid documents to enter Thailand. Since all mandatory quarantine conditions have been removed, travelers no longer need to worry about booking “sealed” flights if they wish to transit directly to a domestic flight.

Hotel Updates

From July 1, travelers are no longer required to book a SHA+ hotel and undergo an RT-PCR test on arrival. Travelers can enter the Kingdom and travel freely, booking any of the many wonderful hotels in Thailand .

Unvaccinated travelers do not need to provide proof of a hotel booking as mandatory quarantine measures have been removed for all travelers.

It is recommended to browse hotels in Thailand on Agoda.com before arriving as it is easier to organize transport to your first night’s rest if pre-booked.

Travelers are free to travel anywhere in Thailand when they arrive and do not need to worry about any testing or Province restrictions.

Book Your Insurance

Having Travel Insurance was a good practice before the world had to deal with Covid. During the Covid pandemic it was mandatory.

It is recommended for all visitors coming to Thailand to purchase travel insurance . Testing positive for Covid is still a possibility, and though people hope for an incident-free holiday, injuries and illness can happen.

Foreign visitors are not eligible for free medical care in Thailand. If the worst happens, a traveler could have expensive medical bills. Having a quality insurance policy can save a traveler potential medical expenses and allow them to enjoy a worry-free holiday.

A good insurance policy will also cover incidents like delayed flights, damage to personal possession, and loss of luggage.

Step 4 – Do I Need to Apply for the Thailand Pass?

From July 1st, 2022, foreign travelers no longer need to apply for a Thailand Pass before entering Thailand. The system is still in place but is now a platform where visitors can notify the Thai authority and medical facilities, and seek advice if they are diagnosed positive for Covid during their stay.

If you need to access the Thailand Pass system while in Thailand, please visit https://tp.consular.go.th/ and register by filling in your personal details on the Thailand Pass registration page.

Step 5 – Prepare the documents for your flight

Once you have booked your flights and ready to travel, it is recommended to prepare some documents for your holiday.

• Valid Thai visa in your passport or electronic visa approval (if applicable)
• COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate in case you are asked to present it to the airline or Passport Control for a spot check on arrival.
• RT-PCR or Pro-ATK test result if you are asked to present it for a random Covid check before boarding or on arrival.
• Travel insurance for Thailand is recommended by the Thai Government

Siam Legal has received reports from potential clients that some hospitals are creating difficulties for them until full payment is made for their medical expenses. Also, foreigners have allegedly been threatened with lawsuits for not settling their medical bills before being discharged. Using out-of-country policies can be problematic. We recommend using insurance providers headquartered inside Thailand with proper cover to avoid any undesirable outcomes.

Siam Legal International, a premier law firm in Thailand, recommends purchasing the proper insurance and so endorses AXA Insurance for your travel to Thailand insurance needs.

HERE ARE SOME IMPORTANT POINTS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE PURCHASING TRAVEL INSURANCE

• Please review the details of any insurance before purchasing to understand if the policy has adequate cover. Cheap policies with inadequate levels of cover can lead to significant personal liability, and scenarios where policy holders incur hundreds of thousands of baht in out-of-pocket medical expenses have been reported. There are significant financial risks to being underinsured during your stay in Thailand.
• These policies do not cover medical costs from accidents (like motorcycle accidents) or common unexpected illnesses (common fever or food poisoning). Best to pay a few baht more for the peace of mind that comes from having proper coverage.
• AXA covers medical expenses (outpatient and inpatient) for accidents and illnesses, including COVID-19. Other insurance coverage might not.
• AXA also covers telemedicine and teleconsultation, which may be required during the quarantine period of any traveler.

Thai hospital staff are familiar with AXA cover, which should prevent any inconvenience during hospital admission or medical treatment from your hotel room. AXA Thailand also offers 24/7 local support during your stay in Thailand.

You can buy your Thailand Travel insurance today at:

https://u.axa.co.th/Sawasdee_Siamlegal

List of approved covid-19 vaccines.

As of December 1, the MoPH has approved the following vaccines:

• Pfizer–BioNTech or Comirnaty
• Janssen or Janssen/Ad26.COV2.S
• AstraZeneca or Covishield
• Sinopharm or COVILO
• CoronaVac or SinoVac
• Sputnik Lite

How to Obtain COVID-19 Insurance

Though COVID-19 travel insurance is no longer mandatory for entry to Thailand, it is recommended to have comprehensive insurance for the duration of your stay. Good travel insurance covers not only medical expenses relating to Covid, but also accident cover, personal damage or loss of possessions and missed or delayed flights.

It is best to purchase insurance before you travel. The easiest way to buy your policy is online through a reputable insurance provider. The insurance company will provide you with the all-important certificate of cover that you can present to authorities or medical professionals if you need to make a claim.

You may also be asked to present this certificate to the airline before they will allow you onboard. It’s quick and easy to do online. You can choose your length of policy from 7, 15, 30, 60 days, and 180 days. Just make sure that the policy covers your entire period of stay in Thailand as foreigners are not eligible for free medical care in Thailand and insurance companies will not cover claims for existing conditions.

You may purchase AXA COVID-19 travel insurance within a few minutes. Check them below.

You can buy budget insurance here: https://www.siam-legal.com/axa-insurance

How to Open a Bank Account in Thailand

Siam Legal offers and provides aid for a smooth and hassle-free way to open up a Thai bank account.

• You will receive help in opening a saving/current bank account
• You will receive a Bankbook and a debit/ATM card
• Online Banking (Thai mobile number is required)

Requirements

• Guarantee letter (to be provided by Siam Legal)
• The applicant may book for our service online.
• Our staff will prepare the application and necessary documents for the bank and arrange an appointment with the applicant.
• The applicant will collect the application form and documents from Siam Legal Bangkok office and proceed to the specific bank branch. Opening the account at the bank takes 1 to 2 hours.

Service Fee

Our service fee is 150 USD for opening a Thai savings account in Bangkok.

City Travel Guide

• How to Travel to Bangkok
• How to Travel to Phuket
• How to Travel to Pattaya
• How to Travel to Chiang Mai
• How to Travel to Samui
• How to Travel to Hua Hin

Useful Links

• Best COVID-19 Insurance for Foreigners  
• Thailand Elite Visa – long term visa option for Thailand
• How to Travel to Thailand in 2022 – Your Ultimate Guide

Fill out the form for your inquiry on how to travel to Thailand and the current travel restrictions

Your name (required)

Your email (required)

Phone Number (required)

Current Location select your location Afghanistan Aland Islands Albania Algeria Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands Chad Chile China Colombia Comoros Congo Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Estonia Ethiopia Fiji Finland France Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guernsey Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Vatican Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Isle of Man Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jersey Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Korea, South Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macao Macedonia Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Mauritius Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Reunion Romania Russia Rwanda Samoa San Marino Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Swaziland Sweden Switzerland Taiwan Tajikistan Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tokelau Tonga Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Tuvalu Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Viet Nam Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, U.s. Wallis and Futuna Western Sahara Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe

Your inquiry (required)

Prove your not a robot (required)

By submitting this form, you accepted and agreed on our Privacy Policy and Terms .

Most Visited Pages:

For inquiries about how to enter thailand during covid, click here to post your comments or questions., related posts.

How to Travel to Thailand in 2024

Best Places to Retire in Thailand for Couples

How to Retire in Thailand for Couples

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This form collects your name, email and content so that we can keep track of the comments placed on the website. By submitting this form, you accepted and agreed on our privacy policy and terms .

472 Comments

im looking forward to traveling Thailand on 24th Sep for my upcoming holiday, what should i do or prepare in order to enter thailand?

For more information about travel to Thailand, please check this link: https://www.siam-legal.com/legal-guide/how-to-enter-thailand-2022-guide.pdf

Good afternoon, I will be travelling to Thailand in December 2022 with my 8 year old child. I am fully vaccinated but by child is not. My questions are: – Does my child need PCR test before entering Thailand? – My COVID-19 immunisation booster was done in February 2022. Will I need to get an updated booster to enter Thailand?

Many thanks

That would be okay, children can enter without test if accompanied by fully vaccinated parents.

My wife and I from India are planning a 20 day trip to Thailand from 29 Nov 2022. From Thailand we will be travelling by air to Kuala Lumpur. Is the new policy of 30 Days VOA applicable to us. If so do we have to register online for Visa on arrival

Effective on 1st October , VOA will be allowed from 15 days upto 30 days of stay . Please check this for your guidance https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-visa/visa-on-arrival

I am an Indian travelling with family to Thailand from 1st October 2022 to 7th October 2022. Is visa free for Indians on that time or On arrival I need to Pay 2000 bhat. Do I have to register online for visa on arrival.

If you will apply evoa , Yes. https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-visa/visa-on-arrival

Good day, I am planning to go in Thailand in December for 5 months as a tourist do I need visa? Also I am not vaccinated for Covid-19 can I freely enter ?

The length of your tourist visa will depends on your nationality. https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-visa/thai-visa-exemption-and-bilateral-agreement https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-visa/thailand-tourist-visa

We are 2x fully vaccinated adults, do our 2x children (7 & 3) need PCR tests prior to arrival or not?

Hi there, I’m travelling to Bangkok on 23 Sep 2022. is travel insurance still a must for entering Thailand? Thank you.

It’s not compulsory but still recommended.

I am coming to Thailand early September with my wife. I will be teaching at a Public University in Bangkok and they will cover for my insurance after I start teaching. Do I need an extra insurance for the travel? My wife has an Allianz health insurance, is that acceptable?

Another question we both go our Covid Vaccine boost is February, is that ok?

Thank you very much! Raul

Yes, booster is okay since you are fully vaccinated. For travel insurance with covid coverage, it’s not actually compulsory but still suggested. If you have other insurance provider, that would be fine.

Hi we are ravelling to Bangkok and Chaingmai on 3rd of September 2022 Do we need Visa ?or any travel documents for entry We got covid vaccination certificates and insurance

thanks Dr NINI

Hi Dr. Khin,

Visa will depends on your nationality, there’s a visa exemption and there’s also eligible for visa on arrival. Check it here https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-visa/visa-on-arrival https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-visa/thai-visa-exemption-and-bilateral-agreement

We (4 us citizens) are traveling to Thailand in November with Us passports do we still need to purchase A Visa?

Hi Annette,

You are eligible to enter free visa for 30 days. Please click for your guidance https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-visa/thai-visa-exemption-and-bilateral-agreement

Hi, I am Covid vaccinated with 3 doses, last on January 2022 can I freely enter to Thailand on November or I need next dose to be not older than 6 or 9 months?

Yes that’s okay, last vaccine should not longer than 12 mos.

Hi, I am Covid vaccinated with 3 doses – last on Jan 2022. Can I freely enter to Thailand in November? Or I need to take next vaccine to be not older than 6 or 9 months?

HI, I am going to Thailand on 1st week of September,. I am unvaccinated when is the best date for me to take rt-pcr test. It’s ok if I take rt- pcr test 2 days before I go.

Hi Shahira,

Your RT PCR should valid 72 hours upon arrival.

Hi can come to thiland with a one way air line ticket as I mate like to stay longer if I like Thailand may thanks

Hi Anthony,

Depending on what your purpose and availed visa https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-visa/thailand-tourist-visa

I am Indian National and visit Thailand during 10 September to 18 September 2022. Thai pass is mandatory or not after 1 July 2022 or Do I need to apply the thai pass….???

Hi Vikrant,

You’re right, Thailand Pass is no longer required since July 1st.

Hi, If I received two doses of the Pfizer vaccine 10 months apart, am I considered as fully vaccinated?

I’m from uk,if I enter the kingdom on a visa exempt at the airport, whick allows me to stay 30 days, can I then extend my stay by going to immigration at jomtien a further 2 times or is it just the once I can extend my stay?

You can extend your permit to stay for a further 30 days at any local immigration office.

HI I intend to go to thailand the 1st of September.

I don’t clearly understand… there is no Thai Pass needed ?

For the insurance, do I need to buy the Axa Insurance ?

I come from France and will departure at Zurich(Switzerland) I’m fully vaccinated (2 doses).

Thanks for your answer !

Kind Regards.

Yes, Thailand Pass was no longer required and insurance is not mandatory but still recommended.

Hi there My friend is coming Thailand on 29/08/22 He plans to travel around south east Asia but doesn’t know for how long. Does he need to book a return flight back to the uk as won’t know where he’s going to be and when

Some countries in Asia , doesn’t require visa for short period of travel. He/She can go it directly from Thailand. Incase needed, he may go and visit with the nearest Embassy so they can be assisted further.

Hi, my wife and I are uk citizens and plan to visit Thailand in November 22 for 4 months. Is the tourist 60 day visa renewable or should we apply for a different visa? we are both retired. Thanks.

Hi Kenneth,

You can apply special tourist visa, please see this link for your guidance. https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel-to-thailand/travel-to-thailand-from-the-uk

I’m planning to visit Thailand coming November 2022 but have a Jamaican passport and Canadian PR card. Is it OK to travel with both without a visa.. Thanks

Hello Deanna,

For Jamaican citizens, need to get a visa for Thailand by going to the nearest embassy. However, if you have a Canadian Passport you can travel to Thailand without a visa for no longer than 30 days.

I am Indian National and visit Thailand during 16 August to 28 August 2022. Do I need to apply for E-Visa in advance or can I get visa on arrival in Bangkok/Phuket? What is the difference between E-Visa and Visa on arrival for Indians?

For Indian passport holder can apply visa on arrival amounting Thb 2000.

Visa on arrival (VOA) is a visa that you will get at any International airports upon arrival while the electronic visa (E-visa) is one of the visa types issued to foreigners via electronic system.

Does my child aged 8 needs to vaccinated or needs RT PCR test

Hello Aashi,

If you are fully vaccinated, your children doesn’t need to do the RT-PCR test.

Hello, I have an Indian passport but a UK resident. Do I need to apply for a visa. Staying there for 10 days

If you are Indian passport holder, you can apply visa on arrival granted for 14 days.

Hi I’m entering Thailand under visa exemption scheme. Do I need to show the proof of funds on arrival? If so, how much do I need to show? Can I show in cash? Thanks & Regards.

Yes. Normally 10,000 Baht

Hi, my country is under the visa exemption scheme but only 14 days. I’m planning to enter Thailand on 1st Oct and leave on 14th Oct. So that will be exact 14 days. Is it ok?

Also I will arrive in Bangkok but leave from Phuket. Would it be ok when I show the return ticket (that will be 2 one-way tickets) ? Thanks & Regards.

Hello Korn,

Yes, that would be fine. There is no problem in which Airport you would be as long as your flight date will return on your 14th day in Thailand.

Bangkok Itinerary: The Best 5 Day Trip Guide for Reference

This Bangkok itinerary for 5 days is a collection of my favorite spots in Thailand’s capital , designed to give you a memorable trip in the city .

The itinerary I’m going to share with you is very clear and easy to follow. It highlights the best markets and must-see attractions in Bangkok .

Additionally, I’ll recommend the best routes to navigate this vibrant city . Trust me, with this guide, you’ll save time and avoid headaches when planning your journey .

So, are you ready? Let’s dive into my 5-day Bangkok plan to make your trip awesome. 😊

Explore the Best of Bangkok: Your Go-To Itinerary for a Wonderful Trip!

Day 1: grand palace, wat pho, wat arun, asiatique and cruise, day 2: platinum mall, pratunam market, bangkok aquarium, and jeh o chula, day 3: bangkok’s chatuchak, massage, mahanakhon skywalk, and more, day 4: safari world bangkok and chocolate ville, day 5: discover thailand’s top markets and visit the one ratchada, smart ways to save on bangkok attraction tickets, bangkok itinerary 5 days map, where to stay in bangkok, thailand sim card, bangkok transportation guide, related posts.

Start day 1 of your Bangkok itinerary by visiting the city’s stunning temples. Continue the excitement with a trip to a well-known open-air mall for a shopping spree.

Finish your day with a scenic river cruise, taking in the beautiful nighttime skyline.

• 9:00 AM: Grand Palace
• 11:30 AM: Wat Pho
• 1:00 PM: Lunch at Baan Tha Tien or Pad Thai Kratong Thong
• 2:00 PM: Wat Arun
• 4:00 PM: Asiatique The Riverfront
• 6:30 PM: Having dinner at Rosewood Restaurant (Option 1)
• 7:45 PM: Calypso Cabaret Show
• 7:30 PM: Take the Chao Phraya Princess Cruise for your dinner (Option 2)

1. Grand Palace Bangkok – 2.5 hours (9:00 AM to 11:30 AM)

On the first morning of your itinerary , I’d suggest starting with the Grand Palace Bangkok .

This site was built way back in 1782 and used to be the home of the Thai King . Now, it is considered a major Bangkok tourist destination .

The architectural designs here are totally impressive . In fact, it’s very unique and majestic .

Take a stroll through its beautiful halls and gardens , and be sure to see the Emerald Buddha . As you explore, capture the many photo-worthy spots within the temple complex .

Take Note: To enter the palace, you need to wear a shirt with sleeves and pants that go down to your ankles. If you’re thinking of wearing a dress, just make sure it covers your shoulders and is ankle-length.

2. Wat Pho – 1.5 hours (11:30 AM to 1:00 PM)

Next, head over to Wat Pho , a renowned Buddhist temple of Bangkok .

This temple is visited by many travellers every year because of its unique features.

One of the highlights here is the huge reclining Buddha that is 46 metres long. It’s literally a gigantic golden figure , making it the largest Buddha statue in Thailand .

So, if you want to visit the highest grade among all other first-class temples, this should be part of your list.

3. Lunch at Baan Tha Tien or Pad Thai Kratong Thong – 1 hour (1:00 PM to 2:00 PM)

After visiting Wat Pho, a tasty lunch is just a short walk away. Both recommended restaurants are just around a 2-minute walk from the temple.

• Baan Tha Tien : This place offers a true taste of Thai cuisine in a cozy setting. Here, you can savor dishes like Tom Yam Kung and Thai-style fried rice. The prices range between 50 Baht and 120 Baht, making it very affordable.
• Pad Thai Kratong Thong : This spot is a haven for Thai food lovers. Dive into their signature Pad Thai priced at just 109 Baht. If you’re in the mood for something spicy and flavorful, the Tomyum Soup with Shrimp is a steal at 159 Baht. Also, don’t miss out on their Green Curry Soup with Chicken for 129 Baht.

Trust me, these nearby eateries will not only save you time but also provide a delicious culinary experience.

4. Wat Arun Bangkok – 2 hours (2:00 PM to 4:00 PM)

After enjoying your lunch, continue your Bangkok trip by exploring Wat Arun , often known as the “Temple of Dawn”. This is a very beautiful temple situated along the riverside .

There are plenty of gorgeous spots here , including the colourful spires that complement the water scenery . The religious items inside are also very impressive.

And of course, the architectural beauty of the temple is totally unique .

So, take your time and capture many picturesque photos . For sure, you will be in awe of the amazing photo choices.

5. Asiatique The Riverfront – 2.5 hours (4:00 PM to 6:30 PM)

Next on the itinerary is Asiatique Bangkok , a lively night market and entertainment spot by the river.

To be honest, this is one of my favourite night markets to go in Bangkok because of its incredible array of activities.

Start with some shopping; there are hundreds of boutique stalls selling unique items .

Don’t forget to take a ride on the big Ferris wheel – the view from the top is breathtaking , especially at sunset.

6. Rosewood Restaurant or Happy Fish ( Dinner Option 1) – 1 hour (6:30 PM to 7:30 PM)

For a delightful dinner in Asiatique , you’ve got two popular choices : Rosewood Restaurant and Happy Fish. Here’s a quick intro to help you decide:

i. Rosewood Restaurant

Rosewood Restaurant is truly a gem! Nestled in a serene setting with beautiful wooden decor , this spot offers the perfect ambiance for a quiet, romantic dinner .

For a start, their roasted chicken, brimming with traditional Thai flavors, is a must-try . Their steaks won’t disappoint either . Many visitors highly recommend the Grilled Chicken , so it might be worth a taste.

And as the evening deepens with live music , it’s the perfect setting to round off your meal with a cold beer , immersing yourself fully in the relaxed atmosphere.

ii. Happy Fish

For a lively dining experience, head to Happy Fish .

Not only do they serve mouth-watering seafood , but they also have a variety of international dishes , like grilled chicken, pizza, burgers, and spaghetti . With prices ranging from 200 Baht to 500 Baht , it’s affordable too.

Fancy a drink? They have a nice selection of cocktails and beers to complement the live music . The riverside view, combined with the tunes, makes it a memorable spot.

7. Watch the Calypso Cabaret Show – 1 hour (7:45 PM to 8:45 PM)

Be sure to catch a live performance of Calypso Cabaret after dinner. It’s a famous ladyboy show with vibrant dances, stunning costumes, and impressive performances .

The combination of glittering costumes, lively music, and talented performers make this a highlight of any Bangkok visit.

The original ticket price for the show is 1200 Baht , but if you purchase online , you can gain a 25% discount ! The show has two time slots: 7:45 PM and 9:30 PM. For updated show times, please check their website.

8. Chao Phraya Princess Cruise (Dinner Option 2) – 2 hours (7:30 PM to 9:30 PM)

Another great dinner option is to hop aboard the Chao Phraya Princess Cruise , which you can easily board at Asiatique Pier .

You can get more information about this trip by checking the cruise menu and prices here .

The cruise itself is such a lovely way to see Bangkok’s scenic night landscape and relish in the cool river breeze .

You are given 2 hours to savour the overloaded buffet of local and international dishes .

While enjoying your food, there’s a live band to serenade you for a night full of entertainment .

Let’s get ready for day 2 of your exploration in Bangkok . The itinerary for today takes you through Thailand’s vibrant marketplaces, top family destinations, and a feast of local culinary delights.

• 9:00 AM: Platinum Fashion Mall
• 11:00 AM: Pratunam Market
• 1:00 PM: Have lunch at either Pe Aor Tom Yum Kung Noodle or Go-Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice
• 2:00 PM: SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World
• 5:00 PM: Madame Tussauds Bangkok
• 7:00 PM: Enjoy your dinner at Jeh O Chula or the Baiyoke Sky Hotel Buffet

1. Platinum Fashion Mall – 2 hours (9:00 AM to 11:00 AM)

Commence with your morning adventure at Platinum Fashion Mall . Without a doubt, this is a very popular shopping mall in Pratunam , Bangkok.

It’s an indoor mall that has all kinds of fashion items and accessories .

There are over 1000 outlets inside the mall , offering trendy clothing, underwear, and kids’ wear .

You’ll also find different belts, handbags, shoes, wigs, and even cosmetic products . The best part of the mall is that it is air-conditioned.

2. Pratunam Market – 2 hours (11:00 AM to 1:00 PM)

No Bangkok itinerary would be complete without going to the Pratunam Market and exploring its vibrant shops.

This busy marketplace is just situated on the opposite side of Platinum Fashion Mall .

Most of the stalls sell fashion stuffs at a wholesale price , ranging between 50 Baht and 400 Baht per piece of cloth . This means the clothes here are really cheap .

So, if you’re in need of new dresses, pants, shoes, and accessories, this is the best place to get your money’s worth .

3. Lunch at Pe Aor Tom Yum Kung Noodle or Chicken Rice – 1 hour (1:00 PM to 2:00 PM)

After all the shopping, enjoy your lunch at one of the recommended spots below , which are close to Pratunam Market . Both places offer some of the best tastes of Bangkok . Enjoy your meal.

i. Pe Aor Tom Yum Kung Noodle

For just around 100 Baht, you can enjoy a rich and creamy noodle soup made with a fragrant broth, large prawns (Kung), and often served with noodles.

The soup is tangy, spicy, and a tad creamy from coconut milk, making it an unforgettable dish.

Access: Pe Aor Tom Yum Kung Noodle shop is not close to Pratunam Market. You can take a Grab car for about 150 Baht, and it takes 15 minutes to get there.

ii. Go-Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice

If you’re a fan of chicken dishes, you must visit Go-Ang Pratunam . For only 50 Baht per plate, you can savor their famous tender Hainanese chicken paired with fragrant rice.

4. SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World – 3 hours (2:00 PM to 5:00 PM)

In the afternoon, consider a visit to SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World , the largest aquarium in South East Asia . It’s a spectacular place with over 30,000 marine creatures .

I’ve been there, and it’s a sight to behold. The highlights for me were the sand tiger sharks , giant eagle rays , and the vibrant coral reef fishes .

Plus, you shouldn’t miss the playful penguins and giant spider crabs . I truly love this place for its mesmerizing marine displays.

A little tip: consider booking your aquarium admission tickets online . I found out you can save some money off the original ticket price this way!

Access: If you’re coming from Pe Aor Tom Yum Kung Noodle shop, you may opt for a Grab car to SEA Life Bangkok Ocean World, which costs about 120 Baht and will take roughly 10 minutes.

5. Madame Tussauds Bangkok – 2 hours (5:00 PM to 7:00 PM)

Spend your evening at Madame Tussauds Bangkok . This is such a nice spot to run into your favourite stars .

In this museum, you’ll get to meet the wax figures of best-known movie actors such as Jackie Chan , Captain America , Will Smith , and Hugh Jackman .

Musical stars like Michael Jackson , Lady Gaga , and Ariana Grande are also present.

For the sports category, there’s David Beckham , Cristiano Ronaldo , Serena Williams , and more. In addition, there’s a display for the world’s top leaders .

6. Dinner at Jeh O Chula or Baiyoke Sky Hotel Buffet – 2 hours (7:00 PM to 9:00 PM)

If you’re looking to indulge in a memorable dining experience in Bangkok , you can’t miss out on Dinner at Jeh O Chula or the Baiyoke Sky Hotel Buffet . I’ve had the pleasure of dining at both, and believe me, they’re truly special.

i. Jeh O Chula

At Jeh O Chula , the star dish is their famous Mama Instant Noodles . It’s called Jeh O’s Famous Mama Tom Yum .

This isn’t just any bowl of noodles. It’s a small pot comes with Mama Noodles mixed with flavorful seafood like prawns and squid, eggs, and juicy pork meatballs .

They even add their signature crispy pork belly, giving it an upscale twist . Though it might sound simple, take my word for it, the dish offers a burst of unexpected flavors .

Just a heads up, the queue at Jeh O Chula can be quite long , sometimes stretching over an hour . If you’d like to skip the wait , I suggest you reserve a seat online.

Access: Jeh O Chula is a bit far from Madame Tussauds Bangkok, so I suggest taking a Grab car to get there. It will cost around 100 Baht and take about 10 minutes.

ii. Baiyoke Sky Hotel Buffet

The Baiyoke Sky Hotel Buffet is on the 81st floor . It’s in Thailand’s tallest hotel !

They have lots of food like sushi, grilled meats, seafood, Thai dishes, and desserts . Want to see all the food choices? Simply check the buffet menu here .

And the best part? While eating, you can see the whole city of Bangkok from high up . It’s a beautiful view!

Access: Catch a Grab car from Madame Tussauds Bangkok to Baiyoke Sky Hotel will cost about 100 Baht and is expected to take approximately 10 minutes.

On day 3 of this Bangkok travel itinerary , start with a visit to Thailand’s largest market for an immersive shopping experience.

Afterwards, explore the art and history at a heritage house. Then enjoy a leisurely massage to relax before continuing your adventure.

• 9:00 AM: Chatuchak Weekend Market
• 12:00 PM: Lunch at Chatuchak Market
• 1:00 PM: Jim Thompson House
• 3:00 PM: One More Thai Massage
• 5:00 PM: Mahanakhon SkyWalk
• 7:00 PM: Jodd Fairs Dan Neramit
• 9:00 PM: Dinner at Holy Shrimp

1. Chatuchak Weekend Market – 3 hours (9:00 AM to 12:00 PM)

Have a fun morning visiting Chatuchak Weekend Market Bangkok . As the largest market in the country , you surely will have a lot of shopping options here .

This particular market is known for its trendy clothing at super cheap price .

Most of the items available on display are fashionable tops, comfy shirts, formal wear, and sports attire .

There are also colorful headbands, cute footwear, beautiful bags , and a lot more!

2. Having Lunch at Chatuchak – 1 hour (12:00 PM to 1:00 PM)

After shopping at Chatuchak Market , you don’t need to venture far for lunch .

The market isn’t only about fashion; it’s also a culinary hotspot with numerous food stalls serving a range of delicious foods, drinks, and desserts .

Don’t miss out on dishes like fried chicken, grilled river shrimp, chicken skewers, and coconut ice cream . Many of these mouthwatering items start at just 20 Baht .

3. Jim Thompson House – 2 hours (1:00 PM to 3:00 PM)

The next stop is to visit Jim Thompson House and search around its connecting houses . This traditional museum is known for its ancient and personalized exhibits .

Some of the things featured here are silk scarves, handbags, accessories, and clothing . Each of these comes with unique and beautiful designs that make it very eye-catching .

There’s also a cosy restaurant and gift shop inside the museum.

So, if you want an old-style tourist site in Bangkok with eye-catching display, make sure to pop by the museum.

4. One More Thai Massage (Chit Lom) – 2 hours (3:00 PM to 5:00 PM)

For those seeking to unwind and relax in Bangkok , One More Thai Massage is a spot you shouldn’t miss.

Located in the heart of the city, this massage haven offers an authentic Thai massage experience .

When you’re there, I’d recommend trying their traditional Thai massage or perhaps a soothing foot massage .

It’s not just about the massage, though; the ambiance and the skilled therapists make the whole experience truly rejuvenating .

For a detailed look at their packages and treatment options , simply see their prices here .

5. Mahanakhon SkyWalk (Thailand’s Highest Observation Deck) – 2 hours (5:00 PM to 7:00 PM)

Before the evening kicks in, go to Mahanakhon SkyWalk and catch the sunset . This spot is the best place to see the entire view of Bangkok and its magical cityscape.

The moment you step onto the glass skywalk, you’ll find yourself immersed in a stunning landscape of soaring buildings and lively streets below.

It’s like the whole place is lit up with the warm glow of the sunset . Believe me, you’ll want to take it all in. It’s a view you’ll never forget .

Tip: Be aware that evening lines can be long, so it’s best to book your Mahanakhon SkyWalk tickets online beforehand to save time and ensure your spot.

6. Jodd Fairs DanNeramit – 2 hours (7:00 PM to 9:00 PM)

If Jodd Fairs DanNeramit isn’t on your itinerary yet, it should be! It’s a special market in Bangkok with a fairytale castle , cool vintage cars , and lots of food stalls .

And if you like taking photos, this market is perfect. There are so many great spots for pictures!

Shopping here is fun too. You can find stylish clothes, cool accessories, old-school items, and gifts to take home.

And if you get hungry, there’s plenty of food . From tasty Thai snacks to Japanese food, BBQ skewers, drinks, and more . Plus, there are nice places to sit and eat .

I recommend trying the spring rolls, pad Thai, chicken skewers, and the sweet mango rice . They’re all delicious.

7. Savor Holy Shrimp – 1 hour (9:00 PM to 10:00 PM)

For dinner , I’d recommend trying Holy Shrimp at Jodd Fairs DanNeramit.

They serve amazing seafood dishes . You can enjoy tasty shrimps, mussels, and scallops, all cooked just right in a yummy sauce .

The mix of herbs and a splash of lemon make everything taste even better. Don’t forget the sweet corn—it adds a nice touch to the meal.

If Holy Shrimp isn’t to your liking, don’t worry! Jodd Fairs DanNeramit has plenty of other food options to explore .

From crispy fried chicken and cheesy pizza to juicy burgers and spicy tomyum , you won’t have any trouble finding a delicious dinner here . There’s something for everyone’s taste!

Going to Tokyo soon? Consult my Tokyo itinerary for 7 days to assist you in planning your trip.

The next stop on your Bangkok adventure takes you first to a popular zoo, home to a diverse array of animals and marine life.

Following that, you’ll visit a vibrant park offering stunning photo spots and picturesque dining experiences.

• 9:30 AM: Safari World Bangkok + Lunch
• 4:30 PM: Chocolate Ville + Dinner

1. Safari World Bangkok – 6 hours (9:30 AM to 3:30 PM)

Get yourself ready as you visit the Safari World Bangkok in the morning. Home to thousands of different animals , this park is undeniably entertaining.

Here, you will encounter bears, crocodiles, deers, lions, parrots, orangutans, tigers, and many more !

There are also remarkable shows to look forward to such as the tiger and lion feeding shows , dolphin show , orangutan show , and sea lion show .

Giraffe feeding is another captivating activity for all ages.

I highly suggested that you book the zoo tickets online to save around 40% compared to buying the tickets on-site.

Getting There:

Unfortunately, there isn’t a BTS or MRT station near Safari World. The best and easiest way to get there is by taking this shuttle bus from Central World shopping mall. This is how we did it during our visit. However, it’s required to reserve your seat online in advance .

Please be aware that outside food is not permitted at Safari World. However, there’s no need to worry! The park has numerous restaurants offering a variety of dishes, from Thai and Asian cuisines to Western favorites like burgers.

2. Chocolate Ville – 3 hours (4:30 PM to 7:30 PM)

Come evening, proceed to the ever-colorful Chocolate Ville Bangkok . This is a beautiful European-themed village that is filled with gorgeous photography spots .

Walk around and you’ll see pretty streets everywhere, perfect for photos . There are fountains , old-style buildings , and even a calm lake .

If you’re visiting Safari World Bangkok and Chocolate Ville in one day , consider booking this shuttle bus . It’s a time-saving choice since neither attraction is train-accessible.

Alternatively, you can take a Grab car from Safari World to Chocolate Ville, which will cost around 160 Baht and take about 30 minutes.

When you’re ready to head back to your hotel, getting a Grab car from Chocolate Ville is also simple.

You can take your dinner at Chocolate Ville. It offers lots of yummy food choices, from local Thai dishes to tasty Western meals. I believe you’ll enjoy it!

For a scenic dining view, I’d suggest grabbing a seat by the riverside.

Day 5 of the Bangkok itinerary will bring you to the best Thailand floating market and other unique tourist spots .

During our recent trip, we took a bus tour from the city centre of Bangkok to the markets . We chose this method because these places aren’t easily accessible by public transport .

If you want to follow what we did , just book the top-rated bus tour here .

Personally, I was very satisfied with the bus tour service . We had enough time to explore , and the guides offered recommendations on the best local foods to try.

Now, I’d love to share with you the destinations we visited on this day.

• 11:45 AM: Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
• 1:50 PM: Maeklong Railway Market
• 6:00 PM: The One Ratchada + Dinner

1. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market – 1 hours 45 minutes (11:45 AM to 1:30 PM)

Commence your morning with a visit to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market , the most famous floating market in Thailand .

This destination is not just a top day trip from Bangkok but also a haven for photography enthusiasts . So, make sure to include this place in your itinerary .

As you wander, hop on a boat ride for an up-close view of the market . You’ll find delicious local snacks being sold by boat vendors – make sure to taste a few!

If you join the tour like we did , the tour guide will arrange a boat ride for you , so there’s no need to worry about it.

While exploring the market along the canal , you’ll discover a wide range of delicious foods . Make sure to sample as many dishes and snacks as you can.

For your lunch , you can opt for the boat noodle , which is priced at 60 Baht . Then, pair it with the delicious mango sticky rice at 50 Baht . These two are very popular in the market, so make sure not to miss them.

And, you can try coconut ice cream , which is also a favourite among locals and even tourists . The price for this kind of dessert is normally 40 Baht .

Side note: Some travellers choose to visit Amphawa Floating Market . This market is celebrated for its seafood goodness and relaxing ambiance, but it’s not as renowned as Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.

2. Maeklong Railway Market (Rom Hup Market) – 1.5 hours (1:50 PM to 3:20 PM)

In the afternoon, make your way to the Maeklong Railway Market and capture the moving train . This is definitely the main reason why travellers want to visit this popular market when they’re in Bangkok.

Aside from that, this place is also a fun spot to buy some dried fruit snacks . Most of these are sold for as low as 50 Baht .

So, if you’re looking for delicious and affordable treats, you can buy them here.

And to energize you, try the fresh coconut in the market , which is also very cheap . It’s only 20 Baht! You really can’t find this kind of price anywhere in Bangkok , so don’t miss them out.

3. The One Ratchada – 3 hours (6:00 PM to 9:00 PM)

Kick off your evening at The One Ratchada . This cozy market is perfect for both shopping and eating .

If you’re like me and love local markets, this place is a treat. You’ll find stylish clothes and unique souvenirs to take home .

With a vast array of food options , you can easily have your dinner in the market .

Delight in delicious sushi , refreshing smoothies , and fresh coconuts . And for seafood lovers , don’t miss out on the grilled crabs and prawns .

To top off your visit, unwind at one of the laid-back bars with affordable drinks and lively music. Enjoy!

If you’re planning to see several attractions in Bangkok , you might want to consider getting the Bangkok Multi-Attraction Pass .

For instance, if you’re interested in visiting Safari World, enjoying a river cruise, and seeing the city from the Mahanakhon SkyWalk, buying tickets one by one would cost 3,230 Baht .

But if you get the multi-attraction pass , it’s just 2,400 Baht for all three . That means you save 830 Baht .

If two of you are traveling , you’ll save even more , about 1,660 Baht in total . The pass can get you into as many as 28 attractions . For more info, just hit the link below.

• Check out Bangkok Multi-Attraction Pass here

To help you craft the perfect itinerary for your Bangkok vacation, I’ve created a map that highlights all the best places in the city.

This way, you can see where each attraction is located and easily plan out your route from one must-see to the next.

For the best accommodation , below are my most recommended hotels to stay in Bangkok . These hotels are situated near BTS stations, shopping malls, and eateries .

• Holiday Inn Bangkok : For those who want to be near Chit Lom and Siam BTS stations, this hotel is a great choice. Not only that but this is also 5 minutes away from the top shopping malls such as Central World and Siam Paragon.
• Centara Watergate Pavillion Hotel : This hotel is very near to Pratunam Market and Platinum Fashion Mall. Just a 5-minute walk to Siam Paragon Mall and Central World Shopping Complex.
• ibis Bangkok Siam : This hotel is very close to MBK and Siam Paragon shopping mall. It’s also located next to the National Stadium station. This BTS station allows you to easily ride BTS Skytrain to visit other places in the city.

Just in case you do not know, it’s quite difficult to get a free Wi-Fi connection in Bangkok. That’s why it’s advisable that you get a Thailand prepaid SIM card ahead of time.

You can book here for the prepaid SIM card before you kick-start your vacation. This is actually what we did during our trip to the city.

Why Use Local Prepaid SIM Card

• It allows you to navigate around the city via Google Maps easily.
• It lets you check the precise train route from time to time while travelling.
• It gives you the chance to use Grab. Having a local SIM card is needed because the driver needs to call you beforehand to confirm the pickup location.

Why Book the SIM Card Online

• Online reservation offers you up to 50% discount compared to buying it directly at the airport.
• It’s easy for you to pick up the SIM card at the counter of Suvarnabhumi Airport or Don Muang Airport .

After your Bangkok trip, is Singapore or Penang your next stop? If yes, then better read my suggested 5 days in Singapore itinerary or Penang 3-day itinerary right here!

1. BTS Skytrain and Metro (MRT)

The best way to get around Bangkok is by taking the BTS Skytrain and Metro (MRT) . This transport option lets you skip the traffic jam and save your travel time .

You can purchase the train ticket from the ticket vending machines located in each station . Hence, you just buy the tickets every time you need to ride a train .

To check the train route, I recommend that you utilize Google Maps. This gives you the shortest route to reach your preferred destination.

Unfortunately, taxi scams in Bangkok are quite common . Some drivers do not use their taxi meter so they charge tourists a higher, fixed price .

Because of this, I encourage you to use Grab for safety purposes . The rates of this transport service are also reasonable, so nothing to worry about.

3. Airport Transfers

My most recommended choice when it comes to travelling from the airport to a hotel is via private airport transfer . It’s because this option offers stress-free transportation .

There’s no need to drag your luggage during train transfers . All you have to do is relax and wait for your destination.

I booked a private airport transfer during our trip , and their service was truly excellent , with a very friendly driver . They can even take you directly to any hotel in Bangkok .

Check out the prices at the below links.

Bangkok is all set for you; just add these ideas to your own itinerary. Have a fantastic time exploring!

30 Top Things to Do in Bangkok You’ll Want to Go in 2024

12 Best Bangkok Night and Day Markets to Visit in 2024

Asiatique The Riverfront in Bangkok: A Detailed Guide

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Send me an email when the author replied my comment. (Please take note your comment only will show on this blog post after approved by me to prevent spam comments.)

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

The 22 Best Things to Do in Bangkok

Bangkok is one of my favorite cities in the world . It’s a vibrant, chaotic, international, funhouse. A city of 1,550 square kilometers (600 square miles) and with a population of over 10 million, you could spend months here and you’d still only scratch the surface.

I’ve visited the city more times than I can count. I even lived there for a couple of years . I’ve watched the city change and grow in so many ways since I first landed here in 2004. But I never get tired of visiting.

While there are not a lot of traditional touristy things to do in the city (those fill a day or two), there are a lot of food and culture-based activities here that can give you a sense of what life is really like in Bangkok beyond the tourists.

Here are my top 22 things to see and do in Bangkok .

Table of Contents

1. Take a Walking Tour

2. see the grand palace, 3. visit wat pho and wat arun, 4. experience khao san road, 5. explore chinatown, 6. take a river cruise, 7. check out the floating market, 8. visit the museum of siam, 9. visit the bangkok malls, 10. tour more temples, 11. visit jim thompson’s house, 12. shop (and eat) at the chatuchak weekend market, 13. watch a muay thai fight, 14. relax in lumpini park, 15. see the national museum, 16. take a cooking class, 17. hang out at soi nana, 18. enjoy an event at the bangkok art and culture center, 19. wakeboard at lake taco, 20. take a day trip to ayutthaya, 21. see a ladyboy show, 22. take a food tour, where to stay in bangkok, the best things to do in bangkok: faq, get the in-depth budget guide to thailand.

One of the first things I do when I arrive at a new destination is take a free walking tour. You’ll get to see the main sights, learn a little history, and start to get a sense of the culture. Best of all, you’ll have an expert local guide with you who can help answer any questions you have and give you suggestions and recommendations for the rest of your trip.

Bangkok Walking Tour and Free Bangkok Walks both have a few different tours available every day that provide a solid overview of the city. Just be sure to tip your guide!

If you’d like to cover more ground, a biking tour of Bangkok is also a great option.  

The palace was originally constructed from wood as supplies were short. Eventually, after raiding other sights in the region, they were able to find the building materials they needed. Hidden behind high concrete walls, the palace isn’t one large building but rather a collection of wats (temples), chedis (mound-like structures containing Buddhist relics), carvings, statues, and the famous 15th-century Emerald Buddha.

A guided tour of the palace and Wat Phra Kaew starts at 400 THB and is a great way to learn more about the history of the palace.

Na Phra Lan Road, +66 2 623 5500, royalgrandpalace.th. Open daily 8:30am-3:30pm. Admission is 500 THB. Be sure to wear clothes that cover your legs, shoulders, and stomach. You can rent pants or shirts at the palace if you need them.  

Wat Pho, known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is famous for its massive golden reclining Buddha statue. Built in 1832, the statue is 15 meters (49 feet) tall and 46 meters (150 feet) long. It’s one of the most popular sights in the city.

The temple is the size of a city block and there are tons of reliefs, statues, courtyards, temples, and spires to see. But there is more than just a photo opportunity here. The prestigious Thai Traditional Medical and Massage School is also located on the grounds. When you are done seeing the sights, get in line for a massage (it’s considered the best massage school in the country). Be sure to arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon, otherwise you’ll have to wait at least 45 minutes for your massage.

Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn) is a gorgeous Buddhist temple on the edge of the Chao Phraya River (it’s just opposite the Grand Palace on the other side of the river). From the top of the main spire, you get sweeping views of the city. The intricately tiled facade reflects the light beautifully during sunrise and sunset. It’s my favorite temple in the city.

A joint guided tour of Wat Arun and Wat Pho starts at 400 THB.

Wat Pho: 2 Sanamchai Road, Grand Palace Subdistrict, +66 2 662 3553, watpho.com. Open daily 8am–6:30pm. Admission is 200 THB. Massages cost 300 THB for 30 minutes.

Wat Arun: 158 Wang Doem Road, +66 2 891 218. Open daily from 8am–6pm. Admission is 100 THB. Be sure to dress appropriately for both temples.  

This is one of the biggest Chinatowns in the world. It’s home to delicious restaurants and street food as well as places to shop. But the main draw here is the food; it’s one of the cheapest places to eat in the city and there are tons of vendors selling food you’ve likely never seen anywhere else.

If you’re a fan of seafood, be sure to spend some time wandering the narrow streets and sampling everything. If you’re not sure where to eat, just pick a stall that has lots of locals eating there.

In addition to the food, Pak Klong Talad, the flower market at the north end of Chinatown, is another main attraction here. It’s the biggest flower market in the city, with flowers coming in on boats every morning from all over the country.  

If you don’t want to pay for an (often overpriced) cruise, you can just ride a water taxi up and down the river instead for just a couple of dollars. Start at the central pier, go to the end, and come back. You’ll save money and still get an enjoyable tour of the river as it weaves throughout the city.  

The markets are chaotic and aromatic and can be a sensory overload. Arrive early (especially at Thaling Chan) so you can beat the crowds and tour groups. There’s a lot of cheap food here too so it’s good to come hungry. I always like to wander the market first to see what I want to sample and then go about eating my way around.

For a market a bit further afield, the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market just outside of Bangkok is another popular one to visit. You can take a half-day tour from Bangkok , leaving in the morning and returning in the afternoon.  

Opened in 2007, this museum highlights the origins of Thailand and its culture. Housed in a 19th-century European-style building, the museum is fully interactive. There are galleries, movies, and multimedia displays that cover culture, history, Buddhism, war, and the making of modern Thailand. The museum does an excellent job of keeping things both fun and educational.

4 Maha Rat Rd, +66 2 225 2777. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm. Admission is 100 THB.  

Some of the best malls to visit are Terminal 21 (my favorite mall and the best place to see stunning internationally themed décor), MBK Center (for electronics and knock-offs), Siam Paragon (upscale with designer clothing shops), Pantip Plaza (electronics), and Platinum (cheap, trendy clothes).  

• Wat Saket – Also known as The Temple of the Golden Mount, this is one of my favorites in the city because of its beautiful golden temple and wonderful views from its top. Admission to the temple is free, but it costs 50 THB to enter the chedi.
• Wat Benchamabophit – This temple is pictured on the back of the 5-baht coin and has 53 Buddha images in the courtyard representing different Buddhist mudras (ritual gestures). Admission is 20 THB.
• Wat Ratchanatdaram – Built in the 1840s, this temple is one of the few temples in the entire world with a bronze roof. Admission is free .
• Wat Traimit – Located in Chinatown, this temple is home to a massive solid-gold Buddha statue (it weighs 6 tons!). Admission is 40 THB .
• Wat Mahathat – This royal temple is home to Thailand’s oldest institute for Buddhist monks. It also hosts a weekly amulet market where you can buy amulets to help you with luck, love, money, and more. Admission is 50 THB .

Jim Thompson was an American spy during the Second World War and silk merchant in Thailand during the ’50s and ’60s. He mysteriously vanished in 1967 while in Malaysia’s Cameron Highlands . Some say he was lost or killed while hiking while others say he disappeared himself (he was a spy, after all).

When he returned to private industry after the war, he almost single-handedly revitalized Thailand’s sinking silk industry. While living in Bangkok , he lived in a traditional Thai home. It was decorated with beautiful teak wood and surrounded by a beautiful garden. Today, you can visit the house and learn about his life, the silk industry, and how and why Thais design their homes the way they do.

1 Khwaeng Wang Mai, +66 2 216 7368, jimthompsonhouse.org. Open daily 10am-6pm. Admission is 200 THB.

This massive, sprawling market is the size of a few football fields and is one of the largest open-air markets in the world. There are over 15,000 stalls and booths here and the market sees upwards of 400,000 visitors each weekend.

It’s the best place in the city to buy gifts or souvenirs, find knockoffs, barter, and eat delicious food. There are maps around the market so you can navigate the various sections though it always gets crowded and hectic so come prepared.

Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, +66 2 272 4813. chatuchakmarket.org. Open Saturday and Sunday 9am-6pm.  

Lumpinee Stadium is the best place to watch a fight in Bangkok. While Lumpinee has been hosting Muay Thai fights since the 1950s, the new stadium (which opened in 2014) is huge and can hold up to 15,000 spectators.

Matches typically last around 25 minutes unless there is a knockout and there are usually 7-9 fights per night. There are lots of food hawkers here as well so you can grab a bite while you watch the violent spectacle.

1 Ratchadamnoen Nok Rd, +66 2 281 4205, muaythaistadium.com. Fight nights are Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday at 6pm and tickets start around 1,600 THB (buy them online directly from the stadium website for the best price).  

There’s a lot to do here, and in a city that really, really, really lacks green space, it’s a blessing to have. Grab a book, pack a lunch, and come and lounge in the shade and watch the afternoon go by. It’s a nice change of pace from the hectic flow of the rest of the city (it’s a non-smoking area too).

192 Wireless Rd, +66 2 252 7006. Open daily 4:30am-9pm.  

Established in 1874, this museum focuses on Thai culture, with highlights that include a large collection of musical instruments, recorded music, ornate royal funeral chariots, and impressive wooden carvings. It houses the largest collection of local art and artifacts and has been undergoing renovations over the past few years so it’s slowly becoming more interactive and English-friendly (though some sections still don’t have English signs). Nevertheless, it’s still incredibly interesting to see the artifacts and items in the collection. They offer English tours on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 9:30am.

Na Phra That Alley, +66 2 224 1333, virtualmuseum.finearts.go.th/bangkoknationalmuseums/index.php/th. Open Wednesday-Sunday 9am-4pm. Admission is 200 THB.  

Here are some companies worth checking out to help you get started:

• Silom Thai Cooking School
• May Kaidee’s Cooking School (vegetarian only)
• Baipai Thai Cooking School
• House of Taste Thai Cooking School

There are two areas in Bangkok called Soi Nana. One is a sex tourism hub and not the one you should visit. The Soi Nana I’m referring to is known for its fun, hip nightlife. Located near the train station in Chinatown, this street is filled with bars and cocktail lounges making it a great place to have a few drinks and get a feel for the city’s wild nightlife.

Some of my favorite bars in the area are Pijiu (Chinese beer bar), Teens of Thailand (first gin bar in Thailand), Ba Hao (four-floor Chinese-inspired bar), El Chiringuito (Spanish tapas), 23 Bar & Gallery (bar in an art space).  

If you’re a fan of live music, art, and performance, be sure to visit the city’s Culture Center to see if anything is happening while you’re in town. Opened in 2007, the BACC hosts art, music, theater, film, design, and cultural events in its exhibition and performance spaces. There is also an art library, cafe, gallery, craft shop, and book store here too.

939 Rama I Road, +66 2 214 6630-8, bacc.or.th. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-8pm. Admission is free.  

If you want to get out of the city and have some adventure, head to the eastern outskirts of Bangkok for some wakeboarding (riding on a short board while being pulled along a set route). The lake is just 40 minutes away.

This is a popular thing to do with expats and though I never did it (I’m not much of an adrenaline junkie) my friends always said it was a fun time. It costs around 400-600 THB but comes with everything you need to have fun and stay safe (board, helmet, life jacket).  

In 1991, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a popular day-trip destination from Bangkok as it’s just 90 minutes away. While lots of companies offer tours, I recommend you simply go on your own by train (it’s much cheaper that way). A typical day tour from Bangkok costs about 1,300 THB.  

This glitzy spectacle is Bangkok’s version of Moulin Rouge. It’s a lively cabaret show with show tunes, dancing, K-pop, and elaborate costumes. It’s a glamorous, rambunctious night out that is guaranteed to entertain. Calypso Cabaret, founded in 1988, is the best place to see a show in the city. You can book your tickets online in advance here.

Playhouse Cabaret and Golden Dome Cabaret are two other reputable venues that host fun performances as well.

Calypso Ladyboy Show: 2194 Charoenkrung 72-76 Road, Warehouse #3, +66 2 688 1415-7, calypsocabaret.com. Performances are at 7:45pm and 9:30pm and tickets start at 800 THB.  

My favorite food tour company is Bangkok Vanguards . Their tour was put together with the help of my friend Mark Wiens from Migrationology . Mark is the biggest foodie I know and he spent years crafting the perfect Bangkok foodie tour. It doesn’t disappoint!  

Mad Monkey Hostel – A wild backpacker institution near Khao San Road, Mad Monkey Hostel boasts comfy beds, privacy curtains, and your own outlets and lamps. All the rooms have air-conditioning too. If you want to party, stay here!

Lub d Bangkok Siam – This is a popular spot for backpackers looking to stay somewhere other than Khao San Road. The rooms are spacious and have electronic key locks, the staff speaks fluent English, and there are plenty of group activities so it’s easy to meet people.

D&D Inn – D&D Inn is an institution on Khao San Road. It’s perfect for travelers with last-minute travel plans as there are always rooms available and reception is open 24 hours. There’s a bar and a pool on the rooftop that gets packed with travelers. It’s a comfy spot to stay on Khao San Road if you don’t want a hostel.

For a list of my favorite hostels in the city, check out this post .

And if you want to stay in a hotel, this post has all my favorite hotels in the city .  

What is Bangkok best known for? Bangkok is best known for its amazing street food and incredible temples. Don’t miss the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, and be sure to spend some time wandering the popular Chatuchak Weekend Market.

Is Bangkok cheap or expensive? While Bangkok is the most expensive city in Thailand, it’s super cheap compared to prices in Europe or the USA. On a backpacker budget, you should be able to get around for $35 USD per day. That gets you a hostel, street food, and cheap activities like temple visits. If you want to splash out on a more midrange budget, you can double that. Anything more than that and you’ll be living large!

Is the street food in Bangkok safe? Yes! The street food in Bangkok is some of the best in the world and is perfectly safe. Just look for stalls that are busy and have a lot of locals eating there. That will ensure the food hasn’t been sitting out long.

This post has more information on staying safe in Bangkok .

Which month is best to see Bangkok? November to the end of February is the best time to visit Bangkok if you want pleasant weather. Bangkok is “coolest” during this time but still averages a hot daily high around 29°C (85°F). However, because this coincides with Christmas and New Year, expect crowds and inflated prices.

Avoid July to October if you can. This is monsoon season and rains can be heavy and unpredictable. Prices are usually cheaper during this time though.

My detailed 350+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guidebooks and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel around Thailand. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Book Your Trip to Bangkok: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. Here is my complete list of the best hostels in Bangkok!

And, if you’re wondering what part of town to stay in, here’s my neighborhood breakdown of Bangkok !

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Bangkok? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Bangkok for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

Related Posts

Get my best stuff sent straight to you!

Pin it on pinterest.

27 Unmissable Things To Do In Bangkok, Thailand

This post may contain affiliate links. We may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase. Read Disclosure .

Bangkok is the bustling capital of Thailand and is famous for its lavish golden temples, floating markets, and world-class street food. There is so much history and culture to explore here, that you could spend weeks there and still not see it all.

It’s also home to an incredible nightlife scene, which attracts thousands of tourists from across the globe looking to part ways with their baht on cocktails that comes in buckets or experience the lavish sky bars.

If you’re thinking of visiting this exciting city but you’re not sure what things to do in Bangkok, Thailand, then don’t worry, we got you covered.

We interviewed Mark Wiens from Migrationology  who has called Bangkok his home since 2009. He shares with us his hints and tips for what to do in Bangkok as well as shares some hidden gems.

Video: Grand Palace / Wat Phra Kaew

Bridge on the river kwai, why visit bangkok, thailand.

But first, why visit Bangkok? Many backpackers use Bangkok as their starting point to explore Southeast Asia – why? Because it’s so easy to meet people. Not just other travelers, but locals as well. The people are so nice and friendly, you’ll instantly feel at home.

As well as this, it’s cheap, too. A simple meal can cost you no more than $2-$3 USD and many of the top things to do in Bangkok are even free to explore.

It’s home to golden shimmering palaces and temples, solid teakwood mansions, museums of everything imaginable, shopping that never ends, and a smorgasbord of delightful things to eat.

There are many reasons to include Bangkok on your travel bucket list, but thai milk tea must be at the top of it.

Best Things to Do in Bangkok

Now you know why Bangkok is worth visiting, it’s time to introduce to you the top attractions in Bangkok. These are some of the most unmissable attractions as well as some hidden gems. We’ve put some of these highlights together in a three day itinerary for Bangkok .

1. Grand Palace / Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)

Without a doubt, the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (on the same compound), are the most cherished and well-known things to see in Bangkok.

The golden palace and temple are a magical display of Thai craftsmanship and a must-see for any first-time visitor to the city.

If you only have time to see one temple, then this should be it.

2. Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha)

Another temple worth adding to your Bangkok itinerary is Wat Pho, better known as the “Reclining Buddha” temple. Though contrary to what people believe, the Reclining Buddha is not sleeping.

It is said in Thai Buddhism that this is the last position the Buddha was in before reaching Nirvana, and this is why the temple is so important to the locals.

Wat Pho is also the location where the original Thai massage was created. It’s a seriously impressive sight you don’t want to miss!

3. Wat Arun (Temple of the Rising Sun)

One of my personal favorite temples in Bangkok is Wat Arun, located along the Chao Phraya River. You can climb two flights of steps up the main stupa for a fantastic view of the river.

The temple has been decorated with many statues and ceramic tiles, which change colour depending on the time of day you visit.

I recommend visiting at 5pm, just before sunset. This allows you to see how the temple changes color as the sun goes down.

You can also see the temple lit up at night.

The compound closes at 6pm and you need to get to and from the temple.

Top tip: you can get a pretty good nighttime view of Wat Arun from across the river in RONGROS, a restaurant with a roof terrace.

4. Vimanmek Mansion

Once the palace of the royal Thai family, the Vimanmek Mansion is the world’s largest golden teakwood structure and is now a museum.

The mansion itself is a work of stunning architecture, and the collection of precious artifacts inside it, are a glimpse into the Thai royal family.

5. Chatuchak Weekend Market

With both permanent stores and makeshift stalls, the Chatuchak weekend market includes around 8,000 vendors and attracts 20,000 visitors per day. It’s the one largest markets in the world and covers a whopping 27 acres of space.

Nearly everything you could possibly desire is available somewhere within the shopping sprawl. It’s only open on Saturday and Sunday though, and closes at 5pm, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly.

The market is a huge maze of market stalls and food stands, and it’s easy to get lost in the throngs of stalls.

Here is a great place to test out your bargaining skills and come away with a pair of iconic Thai elephant pants for less than 100 baht, and some other souvenirs that take your fancy.

Bangkok is a shopper’s paradise, and for more options, check out these 6 most popular shopping markets .

Top Tip for visiting: If you see something you like, just buy it. Don’t think about coming back for it as you’ll never find it again, and the sellers will increase the price as they know you want it.

6. Khlong Toey Floating Market

Floating markets are common in Bangkok and across South East Asia. Nearly everyone who owns a restaurant or street stall in central Bangkok does their shopping at this market.

Local fresh food markets are one of the best places to observe daily life in any city; for Bangkok, the most authentic place to see this is at the wild and hectic, and constantly energized, Khlong Toey Market.

For a less busy and cleaner option try Or Tor Kor Market , located across the street from Chatuchak Market.

7. Take a Free Bike Tour

You’ve probably heard of free walking tours, but have you ever heard of free bike tours? Well, this is way more fun than walking! And honestly, some walking tours are hit-and-miss in Bangkok. Sometimes they can be full of information, other times it’s a whistle-stop tour of the guide’s friend’s restaurants.

But the bike guided tour is nothing like this; it’s all about exploring the hidden gems and cultural hot spots. The tour takes you past Wat Khun Chan (Wat Waramartaya Punthasatharam), Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen, Wat Nak Prok, Wat Ratcha Orasaram Ratchaworawihan (Chom Thong) and Talat Phlu (Phlu Market).

Because Bangkok is so big, a bike tour is a great way to cover more ground in a short amount of time. Don’t worry though, your local guide will take you down the back streets, alleys and quiet lanes, so you don’t have to face the crazy Bangkok traffic.

Make sure you book your tour in advance so your guide knows how many bikes to bring. Although it’s a free tour, it’s customary to offer a tip if you enjoyed the experience.

8. Get a Thai Massage

If you’re thinking about getting a Thai massage, you should know that this is no ordinary spa day. In fact, it’s anything but relaxing.

Thai massages are a cross between massage and sports yoga, where your masseuse will pull, punch, tug and twist your body in all manner of ways. I bet you never knew you were so flexible.

Despite being beaten up a little bit, you do come away feeling strangely great. Maybe it’s because your back has been cracked for the first time in years, or maybe because you’re now 5-inches taller.

I joke, you won’t come away taller, but you will enjoy the experience.

Top tip: If you download the local app GoWabi, you can find Thai massages and other beauty treatments really cheap. Plus they have reviews from previous guests, so you know what you’re getting yourself in for.

9. Try Thai Boxing (Muay Thai)

If you’re someone who likes to stay active on your vacation, then you should add a Muay Thai class to your itinerary. This is a form of combat boxing that includes hitting with your hands, elbows, knees, and shins.

When done professionally, it can be brutal, and in some cases deadly. But a Muay Thai class isn’t nearly as aggressive as the professional sport.

You will be paired up with a professional trainer who will teach you the techniques, breathwork, and stances. It’s still quite a work out, but a great introduction to the sport.

Top tip: If you download the app ClassPass, you can find Mauy Thai classes FOR FREE. You can also find other fitness classes such as yoga and pilates, but you should definitely take advance of the free Thai Boxing if you can.

10. Watch a Muay Thai Fight

Now you know the techniques from your Muay Thai class, you can appreciate the sport better. Watching a Muay Thai fight is one of the top things to do in Bangkok, but it is not for everyone.

It is a full contact sport, which means the fighters come away with blood, bruises, and cuts.

If you’re squeamish or not interested in seeing people beat each other up, then give this one a miss. But if you enjoy boxing and want to experience local sports, then definitely check it out.

Muay Thai is a huge part of Thai culture, and for some locals, it’s a way of making a living.

Get tickets for a Muay Thai boxing match here!

11. Visit the Royal Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen Temple

For some reason, not many guide books mention the Royal Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen temple, which is pretty much unmissable because of the giant golden buddha statue that signals its location from miles around.

The temple itself is around 500 years old, but the 20-storey tall golden Buddha was completed in 2021. The house of worship is located on the outskirts of Bangkok on an island surrounded by canals from the Chao Phraya River.

The buddha is a fine work of craftsmanship and is definitely worth visiting. It’s also free to enter, so if you are looking for free things to do in Bangkok, this should be it.

There is also another stunning temple nearby, Wat Absonsawan Worawihan, which is also free to visit.

Fun fact: As these temples are more for locals to go to worship, you will see something unique here. Thai Buddhism takes some inspiration from Hinduism, and they believe in Karma. You may see people selling eels and small fish in the temple complex. People who visit the temples wanting to receive good karma will buy an eel or small fish and set it free in the river next door. This act of freeing an animal is said to bring them good karma.

12. Take a Long-Tail Boat Tour of Bangkok’s Canals

Bangkok is a flat city that’s connected by rivers, canals, and tributaries. The locals have been using the canals as transport for many years, and have even built their homes on stilts over the waters.

One of the best ways to experience how the locals live is to take a long-tail boat around the canals.

You might even be able to buy some street food (or should I say, water food) from a vendor selling noodles from their boat.

Book canal tours in Bangkok here!

13. Watch a Thai Puppet Show

Puppet Shows have been a tradition in Thailand for centuries and are still practiced to this day. What makes the puppet shows unique is that they are operated by three people – one to operate the head and right arm, one to operate the feet, and one to operate the left arm.

The three people and puppet will engage in a dance that tells a story. It takes years of practice to get to performance level, so it’s definitely worth watching a show if you have time. This is one of the most unique things to do in Bangkok at night.

Top tip: If you want to watch a puppet show but you’re traveling on a budget, you can watch the students practice for free every day at 2pm in the car park of Wat Kamphaeng (Wat Kamphaeng Bangchak) or sometimes from Artist’s House.

14. Visit Artist’s House, a Historic Home with a Stupa in the Garden

Just a short walk away from where the students perform the puppet shows is Artist’s House. This is a historic home that is well known for having a stupa in the garden.

You can purchase a cup of tea and a bag of fish food and feed the catfish out the front, or you can head upstairs of Artist’s house and see local art and the puppets used in the student’s puppet show.

READ MORE: Exploring the Bangkok Klongs on a trip to the Artist’s House

15. Try Award-Winning Street Food

Street food is a huge part of life in Bangkok. When the sun goes down, you’ll find vendors on every corner selling BBQ’d meet and local delicacies. Everyone eats street food in Bangkok, it’s a way of life.

There’s no better snack on the streets of Bangkok than a few skewers of freshly grilled pork paired with a bag full of sticky rice, otherwise known as Khao Neow Moo Ping!

Another street food you must try is Pad kra pao , the most commonly available stir-fried dish in Bangkok, is a choice of meat or seafood fried with garlic, chilies, and the all-important holy basil. Placed over rice, with a fried egg on the side, this is one of the classic Thai street food dishes.

For more deliciousness, check out this Eating Thai Food Guide  and 5 places to eat street food in Bangkok

Perhaps the most famous place to try street food is at Jay Fai. Jay Fai is the world’s only Michelin-Starred street food chef, and rose to fame after she appeared in the Netflix series, Street Food, which heavily mentioned her.

She is known for inventing dry Tom Yum, as well as several other unique dishes. You can expect to pay a little more than your average, and you should definitely visit early to reserve a table, but it’s definitely worth it.

Located just two doors down is another award-winning restaurant, Thipsamai, serving what is considered the best Pad Thai in Bangkok.

For traditional Thai curries that have been made using fresh ingredients, check out Jek Pui Thai Food .

Jay Fai is located at 327 Maha Chai Rd, Khwaeng Samran Rat, Phra Nakhon district, Bangkok 10200 and is open from 12pm until late.

16. Try Insects on Khao Shan Road

Khao Shan road is Bangkok’s party street and is lively every evening. If you’re looking to party, no doubt you’ll find yourself being dragged here by one of your friends.

Nearly all backpackers that visit Thailand eventually head to Khao San Road, a street that’s lined with hostels, bars, nightclubs, food, clothing stalls, and loads of travelers.

It’s not everyone’s favorite area of town, but if you’re searching for a budget accommodation and nightlife, Khao San Road is a popular option.

Even if you’re not into partying, you should still visit to try one of the more unusual street foods in Bangkok. Here, you’ll find many vendors selling scorpions, tarantulas, and some other mysterious-looking bugs.

I am yet to find anyone who enjoys the taste of these bugs, but it’s something the locals have been eating for centuries so it must have some nutritional value. When in Rome…or Bangkok…

17. Visit the Jim Thompson House

One of the top things to do in Bangkok is to visit Jim Thompson’s House. But who is Jim Thompson? He was an American businessman and architect who collected an extensive amount of artwork.

Today, you can see his collection in his former home, which is just as stunning as the artwork inside. The house was built in 1959 and is made up of six old teakwood houses.

18. Check Out the Flower Markets

The flower market in Pak Khlong Talad in Wang Burapha Phirom Sub district, is the biggest flower market in Bangkok and the number one place to go to buy flowers.

The market sells primarily flowers, fruits, and vegetables of symbolic value to the locals, as these are then given as offerings at temples and monasteries.

It’s worth checking out, though you won’t want to spend more than an hour here.

19. Go for a Run in one of Bangkok’s Parks

You might be surprised to hear that Bangkok has quite a lot of green space. Many people like to visit Lumphini Park to go for a run or enjoy the impressive outdoor gym there.

You can even peddle around the lake on a swan boat.

However, I much prefer the nearby Benchakitti Park which is accessible via a walkway from Lumpini Park.

Benchakitti is a huge park with a massive lake, running and cycle lanes, and a huge Lilly pond. You can walk across the Skywalk which takes you on a path over the Lillies and gives you an ariel view of the park.

This is a relaxing and chilled place to explore in Bangkok, and definitely one of the top things to do in Bangkok to nurse your hangover.

READ MORE: 6 Serene places in Bangkok to escape the chaos

20. Visit a Sky Bar

There are many rooftop bars in Bangkok that are located 25+ floors above the ground. These elegant cocktail bars are a more sophisticated attraction in Bangkok and are where you want to go if you don’t mind spending a lot of money.

A cocktail here could set you back around 1,300 baht – ouch!

Still, it’s a unique experience and the views are incredible. Some of the most popular sky bars are the Lebua at State Tower, Octave Rooftop Bar at Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit, and The Speakeasy Rooftop Bar.

21. Explore the Neighborhoods in Bangkok

If you’re looking for free things to do in Bangkok, then you should consider walking around some of the most notable neighborhoods. Here are some neighborhoods we think are worth checking out:

Yaowarat (Chinatown) , is a busy, hectic place that’s packed with stores, and overflowing with food. Bangkok’s Chinatown  is one of the best things to do in Bangkok.

During the day, you’ll discover markets selling everything from food to trinkets, and beginning in the evening, you can dine at the countless street food stalls that are set up along Yaowarat Road.

Siam and Pratunam , just a short distance from each other, are the most well-known shopping districts in Bangkok. Along with mega malls, you’ll find plenty of street shopping, entertainment, hotels, and restaurants.

22. Go Shopping at Siam Square Shopping Mall

Going shopping is another one of the best things to do in Bangkok.

Shopping is one of the most popular reasons people come to Bangkok, and there’s no better place to get everything you need than at Siam. Including Siam Discovery, Siam Square, Siam Paragon, Central World, and the giant MBK, you’ll never run out of shopping choices.

Just behind Central World, and a short distance from Siam, is Pratunam market. If you want the best deals on locally made wholesale clothes and fashion accessories, go to Pratunam.

23. Enjoy Songkran Festival in Bangkok

Songkran Festival , which officially takes place from April 13 – 15, is a joyous celebration of ushering in the Thai new year, spending time with family, and playing with water (as Thais refer to it as).

A light sprinkle of water over the head, which was previously a symbol of a fresh clean start, has now turned into an all-out water fight throughout the entire country.

During Songkran, stepping outside is like stepping into a swimming pool – you will undoubtedly get splashed. The entire country is ready to have fun, so it’s a perfect time to visit Thailand and celebrate with everyone.

25. Visit the Thailand Vegetarian Festival

After falling ill in Thailand, a group of Chinese opera performers decided to go on a strict vegetarian diet. Today, the vegetarian festival is an annual event and attracts many people from around the world.

You’ll find plenty of vegan street stalls throughout Bangkok, especially around Chinatown.

Are you vegetarian? Then check out this vegetarian Thai food guide.  

26. Visit the Erawan Museum

This giant 3 headed elephant, which doubles as a temple and private museum , is actually located just outside of Bangkok, in the province of Samut Prakan.

But with the extension of the BTS Skytrain (all the way to Bearing station), it’s easy to get there, and it’s a seriously impressive attraction.

27. Take a Day Trip from Bangkok

There are many places to visit outside Bangkok that are easily accessed within a day. Here are some unmissable day trips to take from Bangkok:

Suan Supatra Land fruit plantation.

One thing I can’t get enough of in Thailand is the abundance of fresh tropical fruit. I eat a lot of fruit! During the main fruit season, between April and July, I like to go to this fruit farm.

Not only can you see the fruit trees and see how each fruit grows, but you can eat as much fruit as you want!

Khlong Lat Mayom and Bang Nam Pheung Floating Markets

Many people that visit Bangkok head straight for the famous Damnoen Saduak floating market (which is about 1.5 hours outside of Bangkok) under the guidance of all the tour guides and guidebooks. Many don’t realize that within Bangkok there are also quite a few floating markets.

My two favorites are Khlong Lat Mayom and Bang Nam Pheung, both accessible by public transportation. They make a great place to wander, shop, and sample some tasty food.

Video: Klong Lat Mayom Floating Markets

One of the most well known day trips from Bangkok is to Ayutthaya , an ancient capital of the Siamese kingdom. Visiting temples, ruins, shrines, and forts are all attractions the city has to offer.

Book a day trip to Ayutthaya online here!

The famous bridge over the River Kwai was built by WWII prisoners of war and was used, and still is, to transport trains across the river.

There was a famous movie released in the 1950s, Bridge of the River Kwai, which tells the story of how prisoners were building the bridge and how there was a plot to bomb it. It was based on a true story.

Book a day trip to see the Bridge over the River Kwai here!

Where to Eat in Bangkok

Eating your way around the city is one of the best things to do in Bangkok.

Sukhumvit Soi 38 or Terminal 21

There are plenty of top street food streets in Bangkok , and one of them is Sukhumvit Soi 38.

Every night, street food stalls set up on both sides of the road serving delicious things like pad Thai, soup noodles, stir fried dishes, and Thai salads.

If you are perhaps apprehensive about trying street food, then a great place to find good quality, cheap food is at the food court in Terminal 21 shopping mall.

You have to get a card when you enter and put as much money on it as you would like. Then walk around the rows of food vendors until you find something you like. The mango sticky rice is really good here, and a small portion is only 35 baht.

Once you’ve eaten as much as you feel like it, you can get all the money on your card refunded.

Larb Bpet Yasothon

Situated on a sidewalk opposite a cemetery, we’ve nicknamed this popular Silom street restaurant “graveyard dining.” Attracting a large local crowd each evening, their entire menu is superb, especially their green papaya salad and grilled chicken wings.

Boat Noodles

Boat noodles are one of the most beloved soup noodle dishes in Bangkok. They were previously served directly from boat vendors floating in canals, but nowadays the most popular place for boat noodles is next to the canal at Victory Monument. The noodles are porky, rich, and always flavorful.

Sabai Jai Gai Yang

This long-standing Thai restaurant, that’s serves nearly all genres of Thai cuisine, is a great place to meet friends or to share a meal with your family. The grilled chicken is well known, as is their tom yum goong soup.

A combination of Royal Thai recipes and home comfort foods is what the chef aims to deliver at The Local. The marvelous array of salads, curries, and stir-fried dishes are not only perfectly balanced but are elaborately presented.

Be sure to try the famous Thai green papaya salad, Som Tam, which includes shredded green papaya, tomatoes, dried shrimp, garlic, and chillies. The ingredients are pounded together in a mortar and pestle and dressed in palm sugar, fish sauce, and lots of lime juice.

Where to Stay in Bangkok

Bangkok is huge and so it can often be overwhelming to choose a place to stay. Our advice is not to stress yourself with which district you stay in, either stay in the Old Town, Sukhumvit, or next to a BTS station.

For a budget place to stay, consider the Lub d Siam Square . It’s across the street from MBK shopping mall and right below the National Stadium BTS station, which makes Lub d Siam Square one of the most conveniently located hostels in the city. It’s a chic hostel with super comfortable beds and incredible showers.

Bangkok Loft Inn is a hotel that offers fantastic value for the price and makes a perfect place to stay for both families and couples. Located near the BTS Skytrain and very close to the river, you’ll have easy access to Bangkok’s top attractions.

For a luxury stay, consider Hansar . I’ve personally never stayed there, but I have heard from friends that it is Bangkok accommodation at its finest.

Getting Around Bangkok

Bangkok literally offers every form of transportation available: train, subway, bus, taxi, canal boat, riverboat, motorbike, tuk-tuk ride, and even some man-powered rickshaws in certain areas.

Around the central part of Bangkok, the BTS Skytrain (elevated train) and the MRT Subway , are the two most convenient and easy ways to get around. They are new, clean, efficient, and best of all, you don’t have to wait in traffic.

Unfortunately, while the plan is to expand the train lines, as of now they don’t cover the entire city, so it’s necessary to take other forms of transportation as well.

Public riverboats are also extremely convenient. Throughout the day, ferry boats usher passengers up and down Bangkok’s central Chao Phraya River, stopping at a series of piers along the way.

Since the area around the river is the old section of Bangkok, many of the most notable tourist attractions are along the banks of the river.

Taxis, tuk-tuks, and motorbikes are all widely available, affordable, and can get you anywhere in the city.

There is also an extensive bus network, and it’s possible to get pretty much anywhere in the city by direct bus.

Read more: Getting around Bangkok, Thailand  

Best Time to Visit Bangkok

April is the most exciting time of the year to visit Bangkok and all of Thailand. Though it’s the hottest time of the year, it’s when the famous water festival (which is actually Thai New Years), known as Songkran, takes place.

By relative standards, the best time to visit is November until January . This period is Bangkok’s cold season, making for a less sweaty and more pleasant visit. The weather is sunny and warm, and there’s little chance of rain. December is also one of the busiest tourist seasons, so many of the most well-known attractions are packed.

Visit Bangkok in November or January, when the weather is cooler, but there are still not as many visitors as in December, making those months a great time to visit.

Getting To and From Bangkok

Bangkok is a major Southeast Asian hub, so it’s never difficult to find a flight into the city.

There are hundreds of airlines and carriers that land at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport. I’ve flown everything from Korean Air to Emirates to China Airlines into Bangkok before.

If coming from other destinations in Southeast Asia, or even a few cities in Australia, Air Asia provides good deals on budget flights. Buses and trains are great, but sometimes if you get a good deal on an Air Asia flight it can save a lot of time, effort, and prices can be very reasonable.

Air Asia operates from Bangkok’s Don Mueang International Airport in the north of the city.

Getting to and from Bangkok by bus is probably the best option after budget flights. There are a number of different classes from sit down seats to luxurious armchairs that lean back into beds.

Mo Chit is Bangkok’s main bus terminal for northern destinations, while most buses bound for the south of the county leave from Sai Tai Mai . To get to some of the major destinations that are close to Bangkok, like Pattaya and Hua Hin, head to the Ekkamai Bus Terminal .

The railroad system is alright, but I wouldn’t call it overly extensive. The Bangkok to Chiang Mai route is a good option and there’s also a railroad line heading south.

Tips for Visiting Bangkok

Bangkok is a very exciting city, but in order to have the best time, I have a few words of advice for you:

• Visit Bangkok Markets . Hitting up the local markets is one of the best things to do in Bangkok for shopping, people watching, and food. I personally like to go to a market known as Wang Lang Market, a local open-air shopping area that includes an outrageous supply of street food and snacks.
• Try Durian. That’s right, the spiky, notoriously pungent fruit is what I consider one of the top attractions in Bangkok. Give it a try, you might love it (like I do)!
• Be careful of cars. Bangkok is one of the most dangerous cities for traffic and there seems to be no rules. The pedestrian light might be green but cars won’t slow down for you. Be careful when crossing the roads.
• Keep an eye out for scams. There are a few people who will try to scam you. When we visited, we had people come up to us asking us for money and they would PayPal us the money. Of course, we didn’t fall for it, but there are people who try to take advantage of tourists.
• Carry a photocopy of your passport. You need to have ID on you at all times by law, but if you don’t want to risk carrying your passport around with you, take a photocopy instead.
• Beware when booking a tuk-tuk tour. Some tuk-tuk drivers will try to charge you 100 baht for going a five minute journey, or take the “scenic route”. It’s better to use the Bolt or Grab Apps to order a bike or taxi so you know what your fare is beforehand.
• Wear a helmet! It’s fun to ride around Bangkok on a motorbike and this is the cheapest form of taxi, but make sure you wear a helmet.
• If you’re worried about trying street food, try a food tour to learn where all the best places are.

• 6 places to escape the chaos of Bangkok
• Planning a trip to Thailand with kids
• How to stay internet safe and private when using free Wi-Fi

Before You Go

So there you have it, those are the top things to do in Bangkok and as you can see, there’s so much to see and explore!

You never have to walk more than a few steps before you stumble into something that looks delicious!

It really is the incredible mixture of food that made me initially fall in love with Bangkok.

In busy areas of town, every square meter is home to a smiling vendor ready and happy to serve you a plate of spicy green papaya salad or a freshly stir-fried plate of chicken with basil. Bangkok is a never-ending buffet.

Along with food, I absolutely love the way Bangkok is a very modern functioning city, yet at the same time, it remains quite traditional and true to its rich cultural heritage. It’s possible to be surrounded by skyscrapers one moment and then be in a peaceful traditional community the next.

Lastly, I love Bangkok simply because everything is so extraordinarily convenient. Hungry, thirsty, sick, or have any other need whatsoever? You can literally walk outside your door and get whatever it is you need.

Before you go, make sure you book your accommodation in advance . The best hotels and guest houses get booked up in advance, so plan ahead if you want more options to choose from.

Bio: Mark Wiens was born in the UU, grew up in Kenya, and eventually moved to Thailand where he became insanely obsessed with food. On Migrationology , he shares his latest travel feasts, while on Eating Thai Food he blogs about mouthwatering Bangkok street food. Need more tips on things to do in Bangkok? Be sure to follow his street food videos on YouTube .

Pin it on Pinterest:

Can you suggest any things to do in Bangkok? Please share in the comments.

About The Author

Craig makepeace, 56 thoughts on “27 unmissable things to do in bangkok, thailand”.

Ohhh, bookmarked for later this month! I have been a few times, but really only as stopovers or at the end of a SE Asia trip, so this will be helpful for actual places to seek out! Thanks!

We actually fly to Bangkok next Thursday, so this awesome guide from Mark is perfect timing and has us pumped! Glad it will help you too 🙂

Thanks for the tips Mark. I’m reading this in between constant interuptions of ‘Should I take this?’ for our trip to SE Asia in a few days. As soon as we’ve offloaded our bags it’ll be staight to Sukhumvit Soi 38 for some street food.

Hey Shane, you’ve got your priorities right – straight for the street food! Have a great visit!

FLying to Bangkok tomorrow so this article came out at the perfect time for us!

Awesome Vicky! No doubt you will have a great time.

Great guide! I will add that for affordable and varieties as well as easy access place to eat is the food court in all the shopping mall in Bangkok. We frequent Siam Paragon’s food court during our visit. The food is clean and affordable. It’s a great start for those who can be easily intimidated by the side street eating. Plus you will have options to try different types of food in one place. If you need more guide for Bangkok with kids, let me know. 🙂

Yeah great tip on the food court situation for first timers! Definitely another affordable way to experience delicious Thai food. Yeah, lets have your Bangkok tips with kids 🙂

An awesome list! I’ve been in Thailand for just over a year now, and 4 of those months in Bangkok. There’s definitely a never ending list of things to go and do here – but this is a pretty substantial start of some of the most interesting (and some new ones I just added to my own to-do list)!! Thanks for sharing and getting the goods from Mark! 🙂

That’s awesome you’ve got so much time in Thailand. Jealous. But we’re looking forward to our two week trip this month and using these tips! Enjoy the rest of your time in BKK.

I have been to Bangkok a few months ago, but unfortunately didn’t have the time to do all the things you are suggesting here. Must go back. And Thai food, hmm-just delicious!

Hey Tammy, great to hear you’ve been to Bangkok already, there really are so many things to do and experience. Hope you can visit again in the future!

Great post! I’m going to check out some of those places, as I’m in Bangkok right now!

Great to hear that Nick, enjoy Bangkok!

I’m particularly interested in visiting arts and crafts shops for good quality products along with studios with artisans working. Any suggestions?

Ahhh, just realized this was your space Mark! Cheers Jason Lee~

Hi, I do not trust the “famous sellers” now, I really prefer to buy everything from Thailand now, this is where I buy my stuff, for $20 “Personal Shopper Bangkok” (Google it I don’t have the exact link) will go shopping for you (anything), cheap and good, I would love to find the same cheap service in Paris or New York !!!

Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand and there are many popular places as well as some religious places at there like the temple of God Buddha. Also A Museum is one of the great place which attract the attention of a traveller.

Yes…very huge and great article! Bangkok is too big to explore. Once I wrote a big report with photos about my travel in Pattay and Krabi, and I still can’t find forces to write a huge article about Bangkok.

Thanks for your impressions. It is very interesting to read, especially about Thai food )))

Great tips! Gald I found this post! We are leaving on the 14th of December 2013 for 3 weeks in Bangkok. SO excited. If you have any MORE tips please let me know! Thanks a mill! 🙂

You’ll have a great time. Here are all our posts on Bangkok https://www.ytravelblog.com/category/destinations/asia/thailand/bangkok/

Yeah great tip on the food court situation for first timers! Definitely another affordable way to experience delicious Thai food. Yeah, lets have your Bangkok tips with kids 🙂.keep going like this weel done.

thanks a lot..we will be travelling bangkok on november 2…oh..i mean with my sister..we are very exciting to visit all the places u have mentioned in your journey in thailand. your story helps us a lot and guide us when we will be there soon..excited..:)

Great article Ytravel!

I think Mark knows just about all there is to know about Bangkok! The advice to “eat everything you see” is spot on. You just have to toughen up the taste buds and go for it!

If you are looking to pack in some of these amazing experiences all into one day you should check out AdventureHoney’s “Bangkok Day Tour”. It offers a local guide and is really flexible and what you can see and do.

Check it out! https://www.adventurehoney.com/Experience/bangkok-day-tour-with-private-local-guide-35

This was an amazing find! I have been living in Chon Buri for four months and haven’t gotten to do too much exploring of Bangkok with all of the protests and such. A friend is visiting in April and will be using this as my bible! Thank you!

Aha! More protests in Thailand hey! We’re living in a no media travel bubble in Australia at the moment. Missing out on the global dramas. Glad the post could help you. We love Bangkok. Enjoy and stay safe

The protests are actually far smaller than they have been and, at this point, not remotely dangerous.

i’ve lived in Bangkok for 12 years and, at the beginning of the year, when the protests started to get big, protesters were camped out at the bottom of my street for almost a month. Annoying, to say the least. Particularly as for all their talk of being ‘democrats’ they are the least democratic group of people you could come across.

Now, however, they’vw relocated from all protest sites around Bangkok to Lumphini Park, so if you avoid heading into the park, you’re not likely to see much.

Overall, Bangkok is just as safe as it has always been in March, 2014. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend tourists travel here.

Oh and your commenter above ‘Personal Shopper Bangkok’ is a well known spammer. She’s been on every website I write for with her ‘don’t know the link’ comment. A scam website for sure 🙂

And there is NO need to ever hire a personal shopper in Bangkok. Shopping here is half of the fun, particularly as almost everything sold here is a fraction of the cost of the west.

Guys – have you been out to Wat Saket? Easy to reach by boat (no taxi needed) and it’s a great oasis with a golden pagoda and a cool view over Bangkok.

We sure have! I used to teach at Wat Saket High School and lived in an old converted office building. Wat Saket was the view from my bedroom window and my daily place to get away! Love it there

One place nobody mention is “Ancient City” which I love very much.

I call it “little Thailand”. When I was there for the first time, now nearly 35 years ago, it was way smaller than today. It has the propotions of Thailand but “in small” and you can see a lot places of interest – rebuilt or imitated – smaller than the original. The first time I was there, in 1980/81 we walked around the ground. Today it is not possible anymore and makes much more fun to drive with a golf caddy around. We come back to Thailand every 3-4 years and it is always a pleasure to visit this place again to see what was built last.

A place to enjoy Thailand from North to South within one day! Love it !!!

I would add: go watch a movie at Siam theater (or any other movie theatre). It’s cheap, it’s huge and you can watch trailers of thai movies, which are good for cultural knowledge ! and don’t forget to stand up for the national hymn.

The Grand Palace is definitely one of those things I’m aching for. But I’d also like to see a piece of modern Bangkok, it’s very exciting.

Great info. A day trip to Ayuttaya a must, it really is a highlight. I would actually suggest visiting the Jim Thomson house over the Vimanmek Mansion, we just thought it was way more impressive. Been there 5 times and never saw the Erewan museum…thanks for mentioning it. Frank (bbqboy)

Thanks for sharing your valuable thoughts. I am planning to visit the most famous cities in Bangkok Krabi during May month as i have booked my holidays with Uk based Travel agent

After reading your post, I’m more surely to plan a trip to Bangkok this June! I’m so thankful for your information! Hope you are always have great time in your trip! Cheers

I would like to recommend indoor activity “The Escape Hunt Experience” to be your choice. It’s like the escape game on the phone but it’s real to lock you in the room and you have to solve the puzzles until you can escape from the room. I really had extremely fun ! You can check it from the link below. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g293916-d4476446-Reviews-The_Escape_Hunt_Experience_Bangkok-Bangkok.html

in bangkok from where can you buy art & crafts and lanterns for restaurants

What a great list of things to do! My husband & I spent 2 days in Bangkok when we were on our 3 week tour of Southeast Asia on our honeymoon. I wish that we had more time to see everything but gives us a reason to come back 🙂

Check out what we did during our 2 days in Bangkok: http://moneyleftfortravel.com/2-days-in-bangkok-thailand/

After reading travel experiences of Caz and Craig my respect for both of them have increased deeply..Traveling is my passion and do believe in it. Lynn, As you said that you explored Southeast Asia and had to return back to your hometown in short time, I have mentioned about things to do in Bangkok city for couples which needs very short time to explore.You can get a list of more than 400 Bangkok attractions to visit here. On your next trip to Bangkok, surely plan a Bangkok itinerary using above link shared and make your trip everlasting..

I really miss Bangkok, what an amazing city… !

I love Bangkok’s beautiful modern temples in the Royal Palace and how it’s close to Ayutthaya’s ancient temples. Their rich culture is very fascinating. 🙂

Thanks to your post, I had a great time in Bangkok last year. I also found there are many free things to in that city. It’s touristy but it’s beautiful. This is my 8 free things to do in Bangkok: https://www.justgola.com/blog/8-free-things-you-should-try-in-bangkok-186 . If you can give it a view, tell me about your idea! Thanks a lot!

Hi! How is the month of May to visit Thailand? Thanks for your advise!

Thailand has three official seasons – hot, cool, and wet. The hot season runs from March through to June, with April and May the hottest months of the year. So if you can handle the heat and humidity you’ll be ok. Hope this things to do in Bangkok article helps with your visit.

Than you, Craig. Do you consider it as awful as it is in India in May? The weather channel forecasts 80-92ºF.. If it really is like that, I can handle it perfectly.

Awesome list! I’ve done quite a bit of the things mentioned on here but NONE of the festivals sadly. That vegetarian festival sounds awesome — and I’m not even a vegetarian ha. Any food-related event in Thailand sounds amazing to me though 🙂

Hey Jessica, glad you’ve done many on this list of things to do in Bangkok. And I agree on you in regards to the food – hard to beat.

Bangkok is such an awesome city! If you have a chance to visit here. Do not forget to check out Escape Break! Live escape games http://www.escapebreak.com/bangkok/

Me and my bestfriend are planning to book a flight this September. This really excites me to get lost in Thailand. Awesome! Thanks for this! 🙂

Unfortunately the Sukhumvit Soi 38 street food street has been (disastrously) closed down as well as Cheap Charlies. Pad Kra Pao for the win however.

Oh that’s sad!

Thanks Allan will update the article

Hi, loved your article. We’ll be visiting Thailand for 8 days in December and our flights are to and from Bangkok. Will really appreciate any help with itinerary planning. Wish to see elephant bathing, women with the long necks and of course everything else. Sounds crazy. But this trip is so long due and I want to see the most in this short time. Thanks in advance.

This is such a comprehensive city guide which I really enjoyed reading, Craig! Bangkok seems truly astonishing and a definitely worth visiting destination. These are all excellent suggestions. How many days would be enough to explore Bangkok properly?

Thanks for the tips Mark. I’m reading this in between constant interuptions of ‘Should I take this?’ for our trip to SE Asia in a few days. As soon as we’ve offloaded our bags it’ll be staight to Sukhumvit Soi 38 for some street food. !

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

2023 Bangkok Travel Guide (Budget + Itinerary)

by thepinay solobackpacker | Sep 12, 2023 | Featured , Itinerary , Thailand , Tourist Spots , Travel Guide | 44 comments

Bangkok is special to me, because this is where I first backpacked solo abroad. I remember booking a cheap airfare months before my trip. I booked a tour and a hotel from a travel agency but after paying it, they called me and said I had to pay for two because the hotel room is good for two. So I asked for a refund. And that’s how I started researching about DIY trips to Bangkok, Thailand that eventually led me to setting up this blog. I read a Bangkok Travel Guide that introduced the concept of backpacking and DIY travels to me.

TRAVEL BLOG CONTENTS

BANGKOK TRAVEL GUIDE

Bangkok is a good introduction to Southeast Asia backpacking because everything here is cheap (hotels, food, tours, shopping, transportation, etc.), it is easy to explore, it is rich in culture, it has arguably the best food in Southeast Asia, it is tourist-friendly (save for a few pushy touts), it is generally safe (except for tuktuk scams) and it is easy to cross the border (from Thailand) to neighboring countries like Cambodia, Laos and Malaysia. I’ll blog about border-crossing from Thailand in the future, but for the meantime, here’s my Bangkok Travel Guide with budget and itinerary to help you plan your next trip. .

WHEN TO VISIT BANGKOK  : Bangkok is situated in Southeast Asia, near the equator, dear readers. So expect it to be hot and humid during summer and prepare for torrential downpour during the rainy season.

November to February is the best season to visit Bangkok since it is cool and dry. I have traveled to Bangkok a few times during this season. However if you want to avoid the crowd, take note that December to January is the peak season.

March to June is pretty hot, I traveled a few times to Bangkok during this season and I could not stand staying in a fan room. I recommend booking an air-conditioned room if you plan to travel around the aforementioned months. If you want to get a tan, this is a good season for Thailand beaches. And if you are in Bangkok around second week of April, don’t miss the popular Songkran Festival.

July to October is the wet season, expect drizzles to heavy downpour that might ruin your travel plans. However, there is a good side to the low season, hotels and airfares can go as low as 50% off, so it can be pretty tempting to travel.

BANGKOK CURRENCY AND MONEY EXCHANGE: Bangkok uses Thai Bhat (THB or ฿) as currency. But I suggest you bring US dollars to get a better rate. I had a hard time finding a money changer in Bangkok that accepts Philippine peso the last time I was there. Money exchange shops are widespread in Bangkok, but bank rates are usually better, so, I prefer withdrawing cash from ATM.  Take note that there is a ฿200 (₱315 – $6) fee when you withdraw using foreign accounts.  Some banks like Aeon Bank charge less, about  ฿150 (₱236 – $5)  per withdrawal. So if you plan to withdraw from an ATM, make it one time big time since the fee per transaction is quite hefty.

BANGKOK WI-FI: While most accommodations in Bangkok have free Wi-Fi, it’s important to stay connected online while you are outside and touring around. You can use your data or rent a pocket Wi-Fi.

• Thailand Pocket Wi-Fi: RENT HERE
• Thailand Simcard: BUY HERE

BANGKOK ELECTRICITY : Bangkok and the rest of Thailand uses 220 V. Power outlets commonly have two-prong round or flat sockets. Bring universal adapter plug. You can also buy at convenience stores in Bangkok like 7Eleven.

BANGKOK TIME : Take note that the Philippines is 1 hour ahead of Bangkok, Thailand. Adjust your watch while in Bangkok so you won’t miss your tour or flight.

THAILAND VISA : Philippine Passport holders are entitled to a 30 day visa-free entry (by air) to Thailand. If arriving by land like crossing borders from Cambodia, Laos or Malaysia, you will only get a 15 day visa-free stay.

HOW TO GET TO BANGKOK FROM MANILA

Several airlines fly to Bangkok from Manila like Cebu Pacific, Thai Airways and Philippine Airlines.

BANGKOK AIRPORT (SUVARNABHUMI) TO BANGKOK CITY CENTER

• AIRPORT TRANSFER

If you want an easy and efficient transfer in a modern air conditioned vehicle from Suvarnabhumi airport to your hotel, you can book an airport transfer.

Bangkok Airport Transfer: RESERVE HERE

• AIRPORT TAXI

The Bangkok Airport taxis are located outside the First floor (Ground Floor), near entrances 3,4,7, and 8. Taxis have different colors depending on the taxi company.

There are 2 kinds of  Bangkok Airport taxis:

• Ordinary taxi: good for 2-3 passengers with small luggage
• Maxi taxis: good for 3-4 passengers with large baggages

Taxi fare is charge by the meter, plus additional  THB 50 (₱78 -$1.50) airport surcharge and Express Way fees.

To get an airport taxi, after collecting your baggage, proceed to the kiosk with “Taxi Meter Only” sign. You need to tell the staff where you need to go and you’ll be given a paper printed with your destination. You will be pointed to where you need to go for the taxi pick up.

If you will be taking Grab  from Bangkok Airport (Suvarnabhumi) to Bangkok City, expect to pay around  ฿375 (₱590 /$11) to ฿1,000 (₱1,571 /$30)  depending on your destination.  Travel time from Bangkok Airport (Suvarnabhumi) to Bangkok City is roughly 30-45 minutes.  Remember that many drivers in Bangkok aren’t fluent in English, so you might have a hard time communicating.

•   BY AIRPORT RAIL LINK

This is the fastest way to get to Bangkok City from Bangkok Airport (Suvarnabhumi Airport) if you want to avoid the infamous Bangkok traffic. However, it won’t bring you directly to your hotel, unless your hotel is near one of the BTS or MRT stations.

The Airport Rail Link is located at the Basement Level and is open from 5:30 AM to 12:00 midnight only.  Fare is roughly THB 45 (₱71 -$1.35) from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Bangkok City and vice versa.

The line starts at Phyathai Station to Suvarnabhumi Airport. The Airport line stops at 7 stations along the way.

• (A1) Suvarnabhumi Airport
• (A2) Lad Krabang Station
• (A3) Ban Thap Chang
• (A4) Hua Mak
• (A5) Ramkhamhaeng
• (A6) Makkasan (City Air Terminal, interchange with MRT Blue Line (Petchaburi)
• (A7) Ratchaprarop
• (A8) Phayatai Station (interchange with BTS Sukhumvit Line).

If you’re heading to Bangkok City, you can connect to BTS Skytrain or MRT Metro Trains at (A6) Makkasan Station for THB 35 (₱55 -$1) or at (A8) Phayatai Station for THB 45 (₱71 -$1.35). Fare for the city line is THB 15 (₱24 -$0.45) to THB 45 (₱71 -$1.35) depending on the distance.

Just to give you a brief explanation, the Airport Line is the line that connects to the airport from both the BTS and MRT Line (pretty much like Manila’s LRT and MRT). BTS is a skytrain that runs across Bangkok from North to South East are. Meanwhile, the MRT is a subway that runs along the main road in Bangkok.

BANGKOK AIRPORT (SUVARNABHUMI) TO SUKHUMVIT BY AIRPORT LINE + MRT/BTS SKYTRAIN

Here’s how to get from Bangkok Airport to Bangkok City via the Bangkok BTS and MRT Line:

1.At Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok Airport), make your way to the Basement Level. 2. Buy tokens or pass for the Bangkok Airport Train.

3.Ride the Bangkok Airport Train.

4.Alight at (A6) Makkasan Station. Fare is THB 35 (₱55 -$1).

5.If your hotel is located in Silom and Chinatown. Walk to the (BL21) Phetchaburi Station (MRT Blue Line).

6.Ride the blue line at (BL21) Phetchaburi Station to (BL22) Sukhumvit Station. Fare is THB 17 (₱27 -$0.51).

7. Alight at (BL22) Sukhumvit Station. Take Exit No.3 – Sukhumvit Road. From there you can get to Asoke intersection on Sukhumvit Road, to Silom and Chinatown.

BANGKOK AIRPORT (SUVARNABHUMI) TO SUKHUMVIT BY UBER/GRAB/TAXI

Coming from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) Airport Sukhumvit, Uber/Grabe/Taxi will cost you around TBH 325/PHP 496 (USD 10/EURO 8/ SGD 13/MYR 41).

BANGKOK AIRPORT (SUVARNABHUMI) TO KHAO SAN ROAD: BY UBER/Grab/Taxi

If you decide to take UBER/Grab/taxi to Khao San Road, prepare to pay around TBH 375/PHP 573 (USD 11/EURO 10/SGD 375/MYR 48).

BY AIRPORT LINE + BTS Skytrain

From Bangkok Airport to get to your hotel in Khao San Road, you can take the Airport Line + BTS Skytrain. The closest BTS Skytrain stations are National Stadium Station (closest station but needs 2 transfers), Ratchatewi Station (1 transfer) and Siam Station (1 transfer) but it is still quite far, about 5 KM. So from any of these stations, you can take Uber/Grab or taxi to Khao San Road.

STEP 1: Take the Airport Line to Phyathai (Phaya Thai) Station. STEP 2: Transfer to dark green line and alight at Ratchatewi Station or Siam Station. Take a cab/Uber/Grab to Khao San Road. Fare is around TBH 107/PHP 163 (USD 3/EURO 3/SGD 4.36/MYR 14).

STEP 1: Take the Airport Line to Phyathai (Phaya Thai) Station. STEP 2 : Transfer to dark green line and alight at Siam Station. STEP 3: From Siam Station, transfer to light green line to National Stadium. STEP 4: Take UBER/Grab/taxi to Khao San Road. Fare is about TBH 95/PHP 145 (USD 3/EURO 3/SGD 4/MYR 12). IMPORTANT: Good news is, the MRT Extension has been approved, so once that line opens, you can just get off at Democracy Monument Station (OR 5) and walk to Khao San Road.

BANGKOK AIRPORT (SUVARNABHUMI) TO SILOM

BY UBER/GRAB/TAXI

Uber/Grab/Taxi to Silom from Bangkok Airport (Suvarnabumi) will cost roughly TBH 375/PHP 573 (USD 11/EURO 10/SGD 375/MYR 48).

BY AIRPORT LINE + MRT/BTS SKYTRAIN OPTION 1

STEP 1: Take the Airport Line and alight at Makkasan Station. STEP 2: Transfer to MRT Blue Line en route to Hua Lamphong. Get off at Silom (Si Lom) Station.

STEP 1: Take the Airport Line and get off at Phyathai (Phaya Thai) Station. STEP 2: Transfer to BTS Sukhumvit Line en route to Bearing and alight at Siam Station. STEP 3 : Transfer to BTS Silom Line en route to Bang Wa) and get off at Saladaeng Station.

BORDER-CROSSING IN THAILAND

Poipet (Thailand) – Aranyaprathet (Cambodia)

ALSO READ: 

BANGKOK – CAMBODIA BORDER CROSSING

Huay Xai (Thailand)/ Chiang Khong (Laos) Koh Lipe (Thailand)/ Langkawi (Malaysia)

ALSO READ: BANGKOK TO CAMBODIA BORDER CROSSING

GETTING AROUND BANGKOK

Getting around Bangkok can be confusing at first, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to explore the city. There are 6 modes of transportation that you can use:

TRAIN (BTS Skytrain/MRT)

A cheap way to get around Bangkok is via the train (BTS Skytrain/MRT). You can use single-trip tokens or pre-paid Smart Passes. Single Journey tokens will cost you THB 15/PHP 23 (USD 0.45/EURO 4/SGD 0.61/MYR 2) – THB 52/PHP 80 (USD 2/EURO 4/SGD 2/MYR 7) depending on the number of zones you crossed, while the day pass is THB 130/PHP 199 (USD 4/EURO 4/SGD 5/MYR 16). You can purchase tickets from the ticket booth or ticket machines in every station. Always print the receipt or ask for one, you might need it later.

BY CAR RENTAL

• Enjoy a comfortable private charter from Bangkok in a modern air conditioned car (up to 3 people) or a van (up to 10 people)
• Choose between full or half day packages to suit the requirements of your trip
• Plan your own itinerary and let your driver find the shortest route to get there
• Feel safe in the hands of your experienced driver and guide on request (full day charter only)

Thankfully, Uber and Grab are now available in Bangkok that will make commuting hassle-free!

I’ve used taxi in Bangkok a few times, I just hail one and they automatically turn on the meter. If they don’t, insist on using it or get out and hail another cab. Do not approach the ones parked near Khao San Road, they don’t use the meter! Flag down is THB 35/PHP 53 (USD 1/EURO 0.89/SGD 1.43/MYR 35), and usually cost me around THB 70/PHP 107 (USD 2/EURO 2/SGD 3/MYR 9) to THB 100/PHP 153 (USD 3/EURO 3/SGD 4/MYR 13).

BANGKOK SCAM ALERT (FLAT FARE TAXI): When you ride a taxi and the driver refuses to turn on the meter saying it’s a flat fare taxi. The driver will most likely charge you about 3 times the usual meter rate. Get off and hail another cab.

The Chao Phraya express boat is usually a cheap way to get to the Grand Palace complex and Wat Pho, not to mention you will avoid traffic. Meanwhile, the Saen Saep express boat is popular among locals for daily commute.

IMPORTANT: If you are a female, do not sit next to a monk on a boat (or any public transportation) or stand in the same area of the boat. Do not touch them or their things. It is frowned upon.

BANGKOK SCAM ALERT (TBH 10 or TBH 20 Tuktuk Ride): Don’t believe when a local approaches you and tells you that ferry is not frequent and will leave at certain times of the day only. He will then hail a tuktuk to take you around for about TBH 20/PHP 30 (USD 0.90/EURO 0.76/ SGD 1.22/MYR 4) but instead of taking you directly to your destination, the driver will take you to different travel agencies and shops. TBH 30 is a small amount but if you are pressed for time, this can ruin your itinerary.

You can charter a long-tail boat to explore Khlong Bangkok Noi and other canals in Thonburi. Negotiate the price first before leaving.

I’ve used the bus a few times before, it can be confusing. It’s a cheap way to get around Bangkok, however I won’t really recommend this because you might get lost if you don’t know where to get off.

There are motorbikes that can take you to your destination (short-distances). I’ve used this a few times to get to my hotel and evade traffic. They are mostly wearing helmet and uniforms and parked at the BTS/MRT Stations or bus stop. The fares are clearly posted, so make sure you read them or ask the driver before hopping on the motorbike. Helmet is provided.

Honestly, I’ve never used a tuktuk before for my Bangkok tour because of the gem scam issue. But a good friend advised me, it is not as bad as he thought. The drivers will add the gem market to the destination (it’s like when you take the tours in Vietnam or Indonesia and they take you to souvenir shops where the driver and the tourist guide get commissions). So it’s still up to you if you will purchase from those gem stores. If you do, they will get a commission. But if you are really hesitant since this will waste your time and ruin your itinerary but you want to experience riding in a tuktuk, you can use it for short distance ride but be wary of another scam the TBH 10 or 20 tuktuk ride. See details below this post (list of Bangkok Scams).

BANGKOK SCAM ALERT (CLOSED FOR TODAY): Don’t believe when a friendly local approaches you and introduces himself as a teacher and then will tell you that the Grand Palace or a certain temple or a certain attraction is closed for a Buddhist holiday or cleaning. He will then hail an accomplice tuktuk to tour you or take you to another temple or attraction. The driver will drive you around to gem stores or shops and get a commission for taking you there. I was told they usually get gas coupons.

BANGKOK TOP ATTRACTIONS

Ko rattanakosin area.

This is where Bangkok’s most important temples are concentrated, including the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. Dubbed as the historic center of Bangkok, Rattanakosin established sometime in 1782 when the capital of Thai Kingdom was moved here – Rattanakosin Kingdom, which was the 4th Kingdom of Thailand.

THE GRAND PALACE and WAT PHRA KAEW

When in Bangkok, don’t miss the Grand Palace the official residence of the Kings of Thailand since 1782. This sprawling complex is sprinkled with jaw-dropping buildings, gardens and pavilions.

Address: Na Phra Lan Rd, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, Thailand Open Hours: 08:30 AM– 03:30 PM Entrance Fee: THB 500/PHP 764 (USD 15/EURO 13/SGD 20/MYR 63), ticket includes a visit to Wat Phraew and Dusit Palace (you can use within 7 days).

BANGKOK SCAM ALERT: If a local approaches you and tells you the Grand Palace is close for the day and offers to take you to other temples instead. Do not believe him/her. It’s a scam. Go directly to the main entrance.

DRESS CODE: Do not wear shorts or tank tops, it is considered disrespectful. Make sure your legs and shoulders are covered. You can rent sarong near the palace gate in case you failed to comply like me.

HOW TO GET TO THE GRAND PALACE:

STEP 1: Take the Silom Line (BTS Skytrain) and alight at (S6) Saphan Taksin Station.

STEP 2: Hop on the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Ta Chang Pier (No.9). From here, the Grand Palace is about a 5-10 minute walk.

If coming from Khao San Road, the Grand Palace is about 20-30 minute walk. Consult Google Maps for directions. Or just take a taxi or UBER/Grab for about THB 47/PHP 72 (USD 1.42/EURO 1.19/SGD 2/MYR 6).

I’ve tried this route twice but I usually visit other temples along the way. Will write a more detailed Bangkok Walking Tour blog soon.

If coming from the National Stadium, Silom or Lumphini BTS/MRT Station, you can take Bus #47. Fare is about THB 7/PHP 11 (USD 0.21/EURO 0.18/SGD 0.29/MYR 0.89) on weekdays and FREE during weekends.

From Phaya Thai, Hua Lamphong BTS/MRT Station or National Stadium, you may take a cab or UBER/GRAB for about THB 100/PHP 153 (USD 3/EURO 3/SGD 4/MYR 13).

Bangkok Grand Palace and River Cruise Sightseeing Half Day Tour

• See the best of Bangkok on an immersive tour of the city with a professional guide
• Take a relaxing cruise down Chao Phraya River and view iconic Bangkok landmarks
• Have lunch at Wang Lang Market, a truly local place and a street food haven
• Transportation between sights and English speaking guide services are included

Inclusive Of:

Join in tour Air conditioned vehicle with free WiFi on board Professional licensed English/Chinese/Japanese/Korean speaking guide All admission fees as mentioned in the program (THB500) Boat ride at the floating market Insurance provided by the operator

Nearby the Grand Palace is another famous temple – Wat Pho, known for its gigantic reclining Buddha. But more than that, Wat Pho is actually the earliest public education center in Thailand. Interestingly, the Epigraphic Archives of Wat Pho (Temple of the Bodhi Tree) in Bangkok has been recognised by UNESCO in its Memory of the World Programme.

Address : 2 Sanamchai Road, Grand Palace Sub district, Pranakorn District, Bangkok Open Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Entrance Fee: THB 100/PHP 153 (USD 3/EURO 3/SGD 4/MYR 13)

HOW TO GET TO WAT PHO:

See directions above for getting to The Grand Palace. Wat Pho is near Tha Tien Pier adjacent to the Grand Palace but it is located on the other side of the entrance gate.

WAT ARUN Address: 158 Thanon Wang Doem, Khwaeng Wat Arun, Khet Bangkok Yai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Open Hours: 8:00 AM -6:30 PM Entrance Fee: THB 100/PHP 153 (USD 3/EURO 3/SGD 4/MYR 13)

HOW TO GET TO WAT ARUN:

See directions above to get to the Grand Place. Then ride the boat to Wat Arun at Than Tien Pier near the Grand Palace. Fare is THB 4/PHP 6 (USD 0.12/EURO 0.10/SGD 0.16/MYR 0.51). Boat leaves every 10-15 minutes from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

CHAO PHRAYA PRINCESS CRUISE

• View historic Bangkok landmarks, such as the Emerald Buddha Temple and Grand Palace, by night on a grand cruise ride
• Hark back to the 80s and 90s with a live band, performing hits by ABBA, Donna Dummer and the Supremes
• Enjoy the Bangkok nightscape and take in the cool breeze from the perch of the boat deck, overlooking the famous Chao Phraya River
• Indulge in a gourmet buffet of Thai delicacies as well as international favorites

Dusit is the the administrative center of Thailand, this is where the royal palace is located, as well as the magnificent Dusit Palace, Vimanmek Teakwood Mansion and Marble Palace.

DUSIT PALACE (Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall)

Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall is my favorite building in Bangkok because of the intricate paintings on its ceiling and the surreal Arts of the Kingdom exhibit.

Address: U-Thong Nai Road, Bangkok, Thailand

• As of October 1, 2017, the Dusit Palace is  indefinitely closed and the Arts of the Kingdom exhibit will be moved to Ayutthaya.

Entrance Fee: THB 150/PHP 229 (USD 5/EURO 4/SGD 6/MYR 19). But if you have the Grand Palace Ticket, it is included in the ticket so long as you pay a visit within 7 days.

DRESS CODE: Do not wear shorts or tank tops and make sure your legs and shoulders are covered. You can rent sarong near the palace gate in case you failed to comply like me.

IMPORTANT: Photography is not allowed inside, you need to deposit your bags including your camera and phone.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS: Vinmamek Mansion, Marble Temple

HOW TO GET TO DUSIT PALACE

The most convenient is to get there by Uber/Grab or Taxi. If coming from the Grand Palace to Dusit Palace (type Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall in Uber) fare is around TBH 145/PHP 221 (USD 4.35/EURO 3.68/SGD 6/MYR 18).. If coming from Khao San Road to Dusit Palace (type Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall in Uber), fare is about TBH 112/PHP 171 (USD 3.36/EURO 3/SGD 5/MYR 14).

But if you want to save a few bucks, you can ride the BTS Skytrain to Victory Moment Station and ride air-conditioned bus 12 or 515 to Dusit Palace at Ratchawithi Road. Alternatively, you can take the BTS Skytrain to Rajchathevi Station and ride bus 16.

If you are coming the Old City, take air-conditioned bus 70 to the Dusit Palace. You can hail bus 70 at Sanam Luang near the Grand Palace. If you are at Khao San Road area, you can hail bus 70 at Ratchadamnoen Klang Road. Then, alight outside the Royal Elephant National Museum at Uthong Nai Road. To be sure, ask the locals where to get off.

You can also take bus #3/9/32/43/64/65/524 and alight at Thewet Market or The National Library. Then, you can reach Dusit Palace on foot.

VINMAMEK TEAK MANSION (Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall)

What makes Vimanmek Mansion special, which is a former royal villa in Bangkok, is entire museum was built out of golden teak. Today, the mansion has been turned into a museum that is open to the public.

Address: 16 Rajvithi Rd, Khwaeng Dusit, Khet Dusit, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon

Update: Building is closed for renovation.

MARBLE TEMPLE

Address: 69 Nakornpathom Rd Dusit, Bangkok Open Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM Entrance Fee: THB 20/PHP 31 (USD 0.60/EURO 0.10/SGD 0.20/MYR 3)

KHAO SAN ROAD AREA

Khao san road.

WAT SAKET (GOLDEN MOUNT TEMPLE)

Open Hours: 8:00 AM -5:00 PM Entrance Fee: THB 20/PHP 31 (USD 0.60/EURO 0.10/SGD 0.20/MYR 3)

HOW TO GET TO THE GOLDEN MOUNT (WAT SAKET)

This is near The Grand Palace and Khao San Road. STEP 1: Ride the BTS Sky Train to Ratchathewi Station (N1) (Sukhumvit Line). Take Exit 1 and upon exiting turn around and walk straight ahead to Khlong Saen Seab. STEP 2: Ride the long tail boat from the pier to Phan Fha Pier at Wat Saket.

WAT SUTHAT AND THE GIANT SWING

Open Hours: 9:00 AM -4:00 PM Entrance Fee: THB 20/PHP 31 (USD 0.60/EURO 0.10/SGD 0.20/MYR 3)

OTHER BANGKOK ATTRACTIONS

ASIATIQUE SKY FERRIS WHEEL

• Marvel at the spectacular bird’s eye views of Bangkok city from clean and comfy, air-conditioned cabins
• Enjoy 3 full rotations on the Ferris Wheel
• Located at Asiatique the Riverfront, an open air mall with a range of entertainment, shopping and dining options

How to get to Asiatique:

Take the BTS Skytrain to Saphan Taksin [S6]. From Saphan Taksin Station, take exit 2 to the pier, about 80 steps. Take the ferry to Aisiatique. Ferry runs from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM. The free ferry runs until 8:00 PM only, so from 8:01 PM to 11:00 PM, you need to pay for the ferry.

MUAY THAI LIVE

• Witness fight scenes straight out of the big screen – in this live show on stage!
• See jaw-dropping martial arts moves in this tale about Thai boxing
• Experience the action up close with a Premium ticket
• Enjoy refreshments outside the venue before the show begins

BANGKOK DAY TOURS AND SIDE TRIPS

Damnoen saduak floating market.

• Discover Thailand’s most popular floating market without any forced shopping stops along the way
• Steer your boat down the narrow winding canals and explore one of Thailand’s oldest traditions
• Get a few souvenirs for friends back home and take beautiful pictures of the bustling floating market
• Learn all about the floating market’s long history from your professional guide

Join in tour Air-conditioned vehicle with free WiFi on board Professional licensed guide All admission fees as mentioned in the program Boat ride in floating market Insurance provided by operator

• Visit the neighboring seaside city of Pattaya and explore its scenic beaches on a day trip from Bangkok!
• Take a boat trip to Coral Island and explore its sparkling white beaches and crystal clear waters
• Enjoy fun-filled water activities such as jet ski, parasailing, sea walking, snorkeling and more!
• Experience Pattaya’s vibrant and bustling night life as you stroll along Pattaya Beach Road
• An English, Chinese, Japanese, or Korean speaking guide is available to guide you!
• Learn about the rich, enchanting history of Buddhism with visits to three of the most important temples in Ayutthaya – Wat Mahathat, Wat Phra Si Sanphet and Wat Lokayasutharam
• Discover the former glory and grandeur of Ayutthaya with a visit to Bang Pa-In Summer Palace
• Take a ride around the mystical city of Ayutthaya on a motor boat and marvel at the ancient ruins and structures
• Savor a delicious local lunch at Ayutthaya Floating Market while watching a Thai cultural show

Join in tour Air conditioned vehicle with free WiFi onboard Professional English/Chinese/Korean/Japanese-speaking guide All admission fees Boat ride Insurance provided by the operator

THINGS TO DO IN HUA HIN

• Visit Thailand’s famous markets on an immersive day trip from Bangkok
• Watch a train pass through the middle of a bustling market – Maeklong Railway Market
• Relax at the authentic weekend market of Amphawa, frequented by the locals
• See the iconic Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, the most popular market in Thailand (Three Markets Tour only)
• Learn about the history and culture of these iconic markets from your informative guide

Join in tour Air conditioned vehicle with free Wi-Fi on board Professional licensed English/Chinese/Korean/Japanese speaking guide All admission fees as mentioned in the program Boat ride at the floating market Insurance provided by operator

KANCHANABURI

Kanchanaburi Custom Tour from Bangkok

• Hike in one of Thailand’s best nature preserves and jump into the emerald pools of the 7 tier Erawan Falls in Erawan National Park
• Cross the Bridge over River Kwai, setting for the namesake World War 2 movie
• Visit WW2 memorials of Kanchanaburi, where the infamous Burma Death Railway was built with POW labor
• Hike through Hellfire Pass and walk in the footsteps of the thousands of Aussie POWs who cut through the mountain rock by hand
• Choose from a 1-2 day customizable trip in Kanchanaburi to see everything the province has to offer or just your favorites

Private customizable tour 12 hour charter service (per day) Experienced driver Air conditioned vehicle Fuel costs Toll charges Car seat available upon request Guide (optional) Insurance provided by operator

SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA

SIEM REAP TRAVEL GUIDE (Budget + Itinerary) 2019

Where to shop in bangkok.

This famed 8 storied mall is packed with over 2,000 shops selling clothes, bags, accessories, electronic gadgets, mobile phones and cameras. Prices are negotiable here.

Address: Phayathai Rd, Pathum Wan, Khet Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Open Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00PM

HOW TO GET TO MBK MALL:

Ride the BTS Skytrain and get off at National Stadium Station. MBK can be reached on foot from there.

CHATUCHAK WEEKEND MARKET

If you like bargain hunting then Chatuchak Market is for you. You can find almost everything you need here at bargain prices. You can even purchase in wholesale price.

Address: 587/10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Khwaeng Chatuchak, Khet Chatuchak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Open Hours: Saturday and Sunday 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

HOW TO GET TO CHATUCHAK WEEKEND MARKET

Take the BTS Skytrain and alight at Mo Chit station. Take Exit 1 and follow the crowd until you see stalls selling apparels. Turn right and continue to follow the crowd. You should see a small entrance to the Chatuchak Mark.

TERMINAL 21

Terminal 21 houses over 600 shops in its 9 floors selling everything you can possibly need. What’s unique about this mall is each floor features different cities like Tokyo, London, Paris, Hollywood, Caribbean, Istanbul and San Francisco.

Address: 88 Soi Sukhumvit 19, Khwaeng Khlong Toei Nuea, Khet Watthana, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Open Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

HOW TO GET TO TERMINAL 21: Take the BTS Skytrain and alight at Asok.

PLATINUM FASHION MALL

If you’re in Bangkok on weekdays but you missed the Chatuchak Market, you can find dirt cheap clothes and other apparels at Platinum Fashion Mall instead.

Address: 10400, 644/3 Phetchaburi Rd, Thanon Phetchaburi, Ratchathewi, Bangkok Open Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

HOW TO GET TO PLATINUM MALL:

Take the BTS skytrain and alight at Chidlom Station. Take exit 9 and walk through Ratchaprasong Skywalk. Turn right to enter Gaysorn Plaza Building.

PANTIP PLAZA

Pantip Plaza is the place to be if you like to shop for mobile phones, cameras, software, computer accessories, software and hardware and other electronic gadgets that won’t empty your wallet.

Address: New Phetchaburi Road in Ratchathewi district, Bangkok Open Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM HOW TO GET TO PANTIP PLAZA:

Take the BTS Skytrain and alight at BTS Chidlom Station. Hire a tuk-tuk or cab/ UBER/Grab to take you to Pantip Plaza. Alternatively, you may also walk 10 minutes down Ratchadamri Road past Central World on your left, over the Saen Saeb canal and then turn left on Phetburi Road. Walk for about two blocks to Pantip Plaza, which you should see on your left. Use Google Maps.

CENTRAL WORLD

Central World is the largest shopping mall in Thailand, and one of the largest in the world. You can find almost everything you need here. The mall has easy access to Erawan Shrine and Trimurti Shrine.

Address: 4, 4/1-4/2, 4/4 Ratchadamri Rd, Khwaeng Pathum Wan, Khet Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Open Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

HOW TO GET TO CENTRAL WORLD Take the BTS SkyTrain and get off at E1 Chit Lom Station (Sukhumvit Line). Take Exit 9 for Skybridge to Gaysorn Plaza and cross road to Central World via flyover.

SIAM PARAGON, SIAM DISCOVERY AND SIAM CENTRE Address: 991 1 Khwaeng Pathum Wan, Khet Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Open Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

This is the first mall I visited in Bangkok since it’s pretty accessible, just in front of Siam BTS Skytrain. Siam Paragon has over 250 shops that caters to high-end shoppers. Madame Tussauds is located on the 6th Floor of Siam Paragon.

MADAME TUSSAUDS BANGKOK (WAX MUSEUM)

HOW TO GET TO SIAM PARAGON:

Take the BTS Skytrain and alight at Siam BTS Skytrain station. You won’t miss the mall because it is just in front of the station.

BUDGET HOTELS IN BANGKOK

Silom is the financial district of Bangkok. It is also a good base due to the wealth of budget hotels here plus access to MRT link to Hualamphong Station. Also check out the old backpacker neighborhood near Lumphini Park packed with affordable rooms.

Lub d Bangkok Silom Hostel

4 Decho Road Suriyawong Bangrak, Silom, Bangkok, Thailand

HQ Hostel Silom

5/3-4, Silom Soi 3, Silom Road, Bangrak, Silom, Bangkok

Hostel Na Nara

72,74 Narathiwasratchanakarin Road, Silom, Silom, Bangkok, Thailand

(KHAO SAN ROAD AREA)

Khao San Road is Bangkok’s backpacker’s mecca. It is dappled with hostels, guesthouses and budget hotels Everything you could possibly need is available here.

TARA PLACE 

The warehouse bangkok .

120 Bunsiri Road, San Chao Por Sua, Phra Nakhon, Khaosan, Bangkok, Thailand

BAAN DINSO 2

78/3 Ratchadamnoen Klang Road Pranakorn Borvornnivate, Khaosan

SUKHUMVIT AREA

Sumkhumvit has a a wealth of budget and mid-range accomodations too. Also, it is pretty accessible as it is on the MRT links to the BTS and MRT Lines. It is also near the Eastern (Ekamai) bus station and the MRT links to Hualamphong Station.

Chan Cha La 99 Hostel

Rezt Bangkok

75 Soi 22, Sukhumvit Rd., Klongton, Klongtoey, Sukhumvit, Bangkok

Oneday Hostel Sukhumvit 26

BANGKOK ITINERARY

*Take note that the Philippines is 1 hour ahead of Bangkok, Thailand.

BANGKOK ITINERARY 4 DAYS 3 NIGHTS (BANGKOK + AYUTTHAYA)

Here’s a sample 4 days 3 nights Bangkok itinerary with side trip to Ayutthaya.  Feel free to tweak this depending on your budget and schedule.

BANGKOK ITINERARY 4 DAYS 3 NIGHTS

(bangkok + pattaya).

Here’s a sample 4 days 3 nights Bangkok itinerary with side trip to Pattaya.  Feel free to tweak this depending on your budget and schedule.

  ALSO READ: BANGKOK ITINERARY

Bangkok budget/cost, bangkok budget for 4 days 3 nights, (bangkok + ayutthaya).

Here’s a sample trip budget if you follow the Bangkok Itinerary 4 day 3 nights (Bangkok + Ayutthaya) above.

If you opt for Pattaya day trip instead of Ayutthaya day tour, you can replace the Ayutthaya budget with Pattaya City & Coral Island Day Tour from Bangkok with Klook for about THB/PHP 2,083 (USD 41/EURO 35/SGD 55/MYR 173). Total expenses for a 4 days 3 nights Bangkok trip if you follow the 2nd itinerary above is roughly TBH 6,026.03 / PHP 9,219/ USD 1180.26/EURO 153.46/SGD 246/MYR 764.

If you plan to do a 5 Day 4 night Bangkok trip, then you can do both Pattaya and Ayutthaya as side trips.

BANGKOK/THAILAND LAWS

It is very important to abide by the Thailand laws listed below to avoid getting into serious trouble. Better be safe than sorry.

• Never disrespect Thailand’s King, Queen, Heir or Regent by insulting them or defacing images of the monarchy (such as stepping on a bank note). It’s a serious offense that can result in 3 to 15 years in prison. This offense is known as Lèse majesté in Thailand, based on Thai Criminal Code section 112.
• Never step on the bank note. It is a serious offense.
• Illegal drugs (using, carrying, transporting or producing) is punishable by death sentence.
• The drinking age in Thailand is 20. Drinking alcohol is illegal in the following locations in Thailand: temples or places of worship, public offices, public parks, pharmacies, petrol stations and education institutions.
• Do not throw chewing gum on the ground (be careful when you spit it, make sure it goes to the trash can!). If caught, there’s a hefty fine and you can be jailed.
• Do not litter in Thailand, you can be fined THB 2,000 if you’re caught.

BANGKOK TRAVEL TIPS

• Take off your shoes when you enter a temple.
• Tuck your feet under you so that they are not pointing at anyone or anything when you are sitting on the floor.
• Never take photos of people while they are praying and do not have your picture taken with a Buddha image.
• Visitors are not allowed to enter a temple wearing revealing clothes like tank tops and shorts or skirts above the knees. Good thing, most temples will have sarong or pants for visitors to borrow.
• Female should never touch a monk or hand him anything directly. When offering alms, place it on a table for the monk to pick up. Also, do not sit next to a monk on a boat (or any public transportation) or stand in the same area of the boat. Do not touch them or their things.

BANGKOK SCAMS

• (CLOSED FOR TODAY/GEM SCAM): Don’t believe when a friendly local approaches you and introduces himself as a teacher and then will tell you that the Grand Palace or a certain temple or a certain attraction is closed for a Buddhist holiday or cleaning. He will then hail an accomplice tuktuk to tour you or take you to another temple or attraction. The driver will drive you around to gem stores or shops and get a commission for taking you there. I was told they usually get gas coupons.
• (TBH 10 or TBH 20 Tuktuk Ride): Don’t believe when a local approaches you and tells you that ferry is not frequent and will leave at certain times of the day only. He will then hail a tuktuk to take you around for about TBH 20/PHP 30 (USD 0.90/EURO 0.76/ SGD 1.22/MYR 4) but instead of taking you directly to your destination, the driver will take you to different travel agencies and shops. TBH 30 is a small amount but if you are pressed for time, this can ruin your itinerary.
• (FLAT FARE TAXI): When you ride a taxi and the driver refuses to turn on the meter saying it’s a flat fare taxi. The driver will most likely charge you about 3 times the usual meter rate. Get off and hail another cab.

SUKHOTHAI TRAVEL GUIDE

Bangkok itineraries, kanchanaburi tourist attractions, hua hin things to do, samut songkhram things to do  , kanchanaburi travel guide, related posts.

2024 LILIW TOURIST SPOTS + ITINERARY

42 BAGUIO TOURIST SPOTS + ITINERARY (2024)

SAN JUAN BATANGAS TOURIST SPOTS + THINGS TO DO (2024)

2024 ALBAY + LEGAZPI TRAVEL GUIDE (ITINERARY + BUDGET)

44 comments.

You are a blessing!! Thank you!! I’m about to go to Bangkok on the 2nd and my friend just frigging ditched me.. Thank you!!!!

welcome. enjoy Bangkok! 🙂

Hi! i just want to say thank you for posting this. It will make our trip so much easier and less hassle.

Keep it up!

welcome. enjoy your trip, Patricia! 🙂

Hello Ms. Gael, thank you very very much for this detailed and informative travel blog for Bangkok. I am planning to go there this end of October till 1st week of November, 2018 to meet my Indian friend and to celebrate also my birthday there. It will be our first time to travel in Bangkok, I hope it will be very memorable for us. I super appreciate this blog. Thank you! (^_^)

Awww! Really appreciate you dropping by! Thanks for reading! Hope you enjoy your Bangkok trip! Safe travels always! 🙂

Hi Gael, heaidng to Bangkok in two days from Canada. Last minute trip for 11 days. Very excited and I’m glad that I found your blog, some great ideas!

Thanks again!

Welcome! Enjoy Bangkok! 🙂

I’ll be going to Bangkok this May and I am a bit nervous since this will be my first time to travel alone. But thank God, I found this detailed blog post. Thank you so much! <3

Planning my First Trip outside the Philippines. Thanks a Lot. 🙂🙂🙂

Welcome! Excited for you! Have fun! 🙂

Hi thanks for the Tip. Super great help.

Can I ask a question. For any car or van hire in thailand in Klook, is it per vehicle or per person for the price? Just confused.

rate for car or van hire via klook is usually per vehicle. 🙂

for the car rental usually it’s per vehicle. click the link on the blog for more details. 🙂

I use this as my reference for our trip in Bangkok next week! You’re great! 🙂

Thank you! Enjoy! 🙂

Hi! I was wondering if there was an error with the post? Your sample itinerary for Bangkok+Ayutthaya is missing, instead the budget breakdown for Bangkok+Ayutthaya was doubled. I hope to see the itinerary for Ayutthaya. Your post is very helpful, more power! ^^

Thank you for that pointing that out. Apologies. I fixed it already. 🙂

Hello! may i ask if what is advisable? using a 4g sim or renting a pocket wifi? thanks.

if you are alone, you can just use a sim card since it’s cheaper. Pocket wifi id advisable for those traveling in groups

Wow! This is amazing! I’ll use this itinerary on my Bangkok trip. This is very helpful. Thank you for taking time to share your wonderful experience. More power!

welcome! hope you enjoyed Bangkok! 🙂

This would really help for our future thailand trip, but which most you suggest place to stay??? Near the victory mall and airport.

Can you also post any travel tips if we’ll DIY our trip to Ayutthaya? 🙂

I’ll work on that 🙂

This is very, very helpful! I am currently working on the itinerary for our Bangkok trip this September 🙂

Hi, Is there a “show money/proof of fund” at Thai Immigration? Thank you!

Supposedly, but usually they ask those who’ve been crossing back and forth sa Thailand for visa run.

I got a lot of useful information here! We will be traveling to Bangkok next week. Hihi. Will share my itinerary as well. Thanks a lot 🙂

Welcome. Enjoy Bangkok! 🙂

Love how detailed this guide is. I actually send this to my mom since she’s going to BKK with her friends. She couldn’t thank me enough cause she’s able to fill up their itinerary.

Awww. Glad was able to help! Hope she enjoys her trip! Thanks for dropping by! 🙂

Saan po may bilihan ng murang mga damit? 🙂

Sa Chatuchak Market 🙂

Bangkok is a great place to hangout. Really you have shared a great piece of information for Bangkok travelers. Your post is too long, but it is worth reading it. Good luck and keep writing!

Thank you for reading! Safe travels! 🙂

I went to Bangkok last year, but was only in for about a day and a half total as I was going south towards Chumphon. I love this guide and am looking forward to implementing it on my next trip in Bangkok! You sound very knowledgeable about the city and getting around.

these kind of blog are so much informative and surely so much helpful for the bloggers that are really needed to be the at best part.

What’s your advice for first time female travellers planning to visit Bangkok? I’m really scared and I dont know if I should still push through my plans. 🙁

Bangkok is safe naman for solo female travelers. Traveled there many times alone. You can read this guide to help you plan your trip 🙂

This is really helpful.Thank you.

welcome. enjoy Bangkok!

How’s the traffic condition?

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• BEACH RESORTS
• BORDER CROSSING BY BUS
• Cruise Guide
• FERRY SCHEDULE AND RATES
• General Santos
• Historical Sites
• Hotels and Resorts
• Shiragawago
• SHIRAKAWA-GO
• Cameron Highlands
• Kota Kinabalu
• Kuala Lumpur
• New Zealand
• Cagayan North
• Camarines Norte
• Caramoan Island
• Catanduanes
• Davao del Sur
• Ilocos Norte
• Lanao del Norte
• Kalanggaman
• Mindoro Occidental
• Puerto Galera
• Negros Oriental
• Nueva Ecija
• SAN TEODORO
• Puerto Princesa
• San Vicente
• Quezon Province
• Northern Samar
• Surigao del Norte
• Surigao del Sur
• Capones island
• Zamboanga City
• Zamboanga del Norte
• Solo Female Travel 101
• South Cotabato
• Star Cruises
• Kanchanaburi
• Tourist Spots
• Travel Apps
• Travel Gadget
• TRAVEL GADGETS
• Travel Guide
• TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
• Uncategorized
• UNESCO World Heritage Site
• HO CHI MINH CITY

COPYRIGHT NOTICE:

Terms of use:.

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

I've been a travel writer, TV host, and DJ in Bangkok, Thailand. Here's my ultimate guide to visiting the city.

• I've lived in Bangkok, Thailand, off and on for over a decade as a journalist, TV host, and DJ.
• Here's my comprehensive travel guide for everything you should do and see while visiting Bangkok.
• Visit Insider's hub for travel guides, tips, and recommendations .

Bangkok delivers an incredibly unique mix of relentless bustle, intensity, and excitement. That's why I lived and worked here for over a decade since 2010 as everything from a local journalist and guidebook author to a TV host and DJ.

What has kept me gripped after all these years is Bangkok's 24/7 state of flux. Living here, you learn the local Buddhist principle of impermanence quickly — bars, restaurants, and skyscrapers open and shut in a heartbeat, ex-pats come and leave with the seasons, and street vendors bounce around the city at a baffling pace. 

With so much activity, navigating Bangkok as a first-timer can be daunting, so I put together the following guide on the best things to see and do in Bangkok from a local's perspective to help you out.

Explore Insider's guide to visiting Bangkok.

→ I've lived in Bangkok for years and think it's a challenging city to navigate. Here's what any visitor should know about its airports, boats, and trains.

→ i've deeply researched bangkok's best hotels as a travel guidebook author. here are my 10 top places to stay, from magical tree houses to no-frills hostels., → i've lived in bangkok for most of the past decade — here are 10 places where you should actually eat, from fine dining to street food, → 10 activities that locals love in bangkok, thailand, that go beyond the main tourist spots, including the best markets, museums, and spas, → if you're traveling to bangkok, thailand, here are the latest covid-19 rules, the best time of year to visit, and important items to pack.

• Main content

2024 BANGKOK TRAVEL GUIDE with Sample Itinerary & Budget

If backpacking were a college degree, Bangkok would have to be the 101 course.

Not only is Bangkok the the most visited city in the world, it also considered the global epicenter of backpacking culture. The famed Banana Pancake Trail, perhaps Asia’s most used travel route, often starts and ends in the Thai capital. No shock there, given that it sits at the heart of mainland Southeast Asia, boasts affordable prices, serves delicious local cuisine, and is home to some of the most hospitable people you’ll ever meet. Best of all, even during the pandemic, it remains tourist-friendly.

We have just arrived from our ninth — yes, 9th — Bangkok visit, and in this article, we’ll share with you all the tips and latest updates we’ve collected.

ESSENTIAL BANGKOK LINKS

Before we dive into the details, here’s a list of links to some of our recommended hotels, tours, attractions, and other must-haves, for easy reference in the future.

Top Bangkok Hotels Find Deals on Agoda! Top Day Tours on Klook Ayutthaya Day Tour Floating Market & Railway Market Tour Pattaya Day Tour Transportation Passes BTS Rabbit Card BTS One-Day Pass Internet Connection Data SIM Card Pocket Wifi

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

UNDERSTANDING BANGKOK

Bangkok is the capital and the commercial, economic, and political center of Thailand. The name Bangkok is an exonym, something that foreigners use. Thais call it Krung Thep (meaning City of Angels), short for its official name Krung Thep Maha Nakhon , which is also a shortened version of its full, ceremonial name: Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit.

At first glance, Bangkok appears as your typical highly-urbanized metropolis, but a closer look reveals it remains very much in touch with its past. The city’s roots as the capital can be traced back to 1782, when King Rama I, after the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767, ordered the people to move south and establish a new center at a more militarily strategic location along the Chao Phraya River. Many of Bangkok’s most visited attractions today were built under King Rama I, including the Grand Palace complex and the other temples that will be discussed in the guide.

Here are a few more facts you need to know:

• Language : Thai. For newly exposed non-native speakers, it can be quite intimidating, especially its lengthy words. It’s also a tonal language, i.e. the meaning changes with the tone. But many road and establishment signs are also written in Latin alphabet. English isn’t normally spoken. You’ll encounter taxi drivers and vendors who cannot speak English. But most younger locals can. And what the Thais lack in English fluency, they make up for with their friendly attitude toward tourists.
• Timezone: UTC+07:00 (ICT – Indochina Time), year round. No daylight saving time observed. Same time zone as Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. Thailand, in general, is one hour behind the Philippines, Singapore and Malaysia.
• Currency : Thai Baht (THB, ฿). TTHB100 is roughly USD 2.89, EUR 2.72, SGD 3.9, PHP 161 (as of December 2022).
• Modes of payment : Cash. Although some restaurants and hotels accept credit cards, smaller establishments prefer cash.
• Religion: Buddhism is the predominant religion, practiced by almost 93% of the population. Most others identify with Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Confucianism.

WHERE TO STAY IN BANGKOK

Best area to stay.

Bangkok is a vast city, and many of the key attractions are spread apart. Thankfully, there are also plenty of neighborhoods that are ideal places to stay. What’s best depends on why you’re in Bangkok in the first place.

• If you’re on a budget , SIAM and SILOM have a good selection of hostels and budget hotels, especially the areas around BTS National Stadium Station or MRT Ratchathewi in Siam and BTS Sala Daeng and MRT Si Lom in Silom. From any of these, most of the attractions easily accessible, ensuring savings on transportation. Cheap food spots are also scattered around these districts.
• If you’re backpacking or after Bangkok’s wild nightlife, the KHAO SAN area should be your top choice. Khao San Road is loud, but it is where backpackers from around the world congregate. The area also harbors countless hostels and other lodging options for budget travelers. It’s also easily accessible from the Grand Palace and the city’s popular temples.
• If you’re here to shop ’til you drop , the PRATUNAM and SIAM areas are ideal because of the many bargain centers and shopping malls around.
• If you wish to experience modern Bangkok, the SUKHUMVIT area has a lot of dining, shopping, and clubbing options, including many of its famed rooftop bars. It’s also where most expats are based, creating a more cosmopolitan vibe.
• If you’re a foodie , SILOM and CHINATOWN are home to some of the best but affordable food spots in the city. Silom is the business district with the Lumphini Park, Bangkok’s largest green space, at its center, ensuring a balance between quiet and chaos. The BANGLAMPHU area (near the Democracy Monument and Khao San Road) also has a great selection of Michelin-listed pocket-friendly restaurants.

All these areas are conveniently located because there are BTS/MRT stations nearby. Well, almost. The only exception is KHAO SAN / BANGLAMPHU, which is a 30-minute walk away from the nearest BTS Station (Sam Yot) . But Khao San is close to a pier, where you can board a boat to get to key attractions along Chao Phraya River. Other than that, tuktuk and taxi are the main transportation options to and from Khao San. That said, I can still recommend staying there, especially if you wish to have a taste of Bangkok’s backpacking culture.

If you prefer to stay somewhere easily accessible, the SILOM and SIAM areas are my top recommendations. Both have a number of BTS/MRT stations and offer a little bit of every thing that the other districts have to offer — good food, shopping, and nightlife.

Top Budget Hotels & Hostels in Bangkok

Here are some of the top-reviewed hostels and budget hotels on Agoda that won’t break the bank:

• Tamni , near Hua Lamphong Station & Chinatown. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Daraya Hostel , Siam. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Siam Eco Hostel , Siam. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Kinnon Deluxe Hostel , Silom. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• HOSTEL URBY , Chinatown. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Baan Kun Mhor Hostel , Chatuchak. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• LOBSUEK Hostel หลบศึก โฮสเทล, Khao San Area. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• VIX Bangkok @ Victory Monument. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Lub d Bangkok Siam Hostel , Siam. Check Rates & Availability! ✅

Top Mid-Range/Upscale Hotels in Bangkok

If you have a bigger budget, here are the top properties on Agoda:

• Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok, Siam/Silom. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Carlton Hotel Bangkok , Sukhumvit. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Bangkok , Sukhumvit. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Old Capital Bike Inn , Khao San area. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• ASAI Bangkok Chinatown . Check Rates & Availability! ✅
• Ago Hotel Chinatown. Check Rates & Availability! ✅

Search for more Bangkok Hotels

HOW TO GET TO BANGKOK

Bangkok is one of the busiest and most connected cities in the world. If you’re living in a major city, chances are, there’s a direct flight from where you are to Bangkok.

The city is served by two airports:

• Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) , the newer and bigger airport, serving most airlines, except a few low-cost carriers. It’s situated east of the city proper, roughly 1 hour away.
• Don Mueang Airport (DMK) , serving mostly AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, and TigerAir Taiwan. It lies north of the city center, 45 minutes to 1 hour away, depending on traffic conditions.

Manila to Bangkok

If you’re flying from Manila, it’s easy to find direct, non-stop flights to Bangkok as multiple airlines operate this route. As of this writing, here are your options:

TO SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT (BKK)

• Philippine Airlines
• Cebu Pacific Air
• Thai Airways

TO DON MUEANG AIRPORT (DMK)

• Philippines AirAsia

Travel time: 3.5 to 4 hours.

For our most recent visit, we flew with Philippine Airlines for many reasons:

• 30 kg check-in baggage allowance. Most other airlines only provide 20kg. Although we had been to Bangkok many times before, this would be the first time we intended to go shopping here. Bangkok is a retail paradise, so bargain hunters can easily have a field day at any of their shopping centers. It turned out to be a great decision because we really did use almost the entire 30 kg.
• FREE rebooking. There were a lot of uncertainties about this recent trip. When we booked our tickets, we still weren’t decided yet on how long we wanted to stay in Thailand. It was a multi-city trip and we weren’t sure if we also wanted to visit Chiang Mai and Koh Samui. We wanted more flexibility, just in case. As of this writing, PAL doesn’t charge additional rebooking fees if the new flight is within 60 days after the original flight. (But double check first because airline policies change often these days.) Fare difference still needs to be settled, though.

To compare ticket prices, you may search Skyscanner!

HOW TO GET TO DOWNTOWN BANGKOK

Just in case you missed it, Bangkok has two airports: Don Mueang Airport (DMK) , located 25 km north of the city center, and the new Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) , 30 km west of the city center.

We’ll be creating a more detailed guide about this. But here’s a condensed rundown of the ways to get to downtown Bangkok from either airport.

Suvarnabhumi Airport to Bangkok City Center

The AIRPORT RAIL LINK is the fastest way to get to the city proper because you’ll be dodging Bangkok’s infamous traffic jams. You can find the station at the basement of the airport’s passenger terminal. There’s a train every 15 minutes from 6am to 12 midnight (every 10 minutes within the peak hours).

It’s connected to the city’s BTS Skytrain at two stations: Makkasan (฿35) and Phayathai (฿45), the last station. Travel time: around 25 minutes.

Depending on where your hotel is located, you can switch lines.

• To SUKHUMVIT or SILOM Area: You can connect at either Makkasan or Phayathai Station. Find out the station closest to your hotel and transfer to either the MRT Blue Line at Makkasan Station (then to Petchaburi Station) or to BTS Sukhumvit Line (Light Green Line) at Phayatai Station.
• To SIAM Area: Alight at Phayathai Station and transfer to BTS Sukhumvit Line (Light Green Line). Catch a train bound for Kheha. Get off at Siam Station (or whatever station is closest to your final destination).
• To VICTORY MONUMENT Area: Connect at Phayathai Station and transfer to BTS Sukhumvit Line (Light Green Line). Catch a train bound for Kho Khot. Alight at Victory Monument Station.
• To KHAO SAN Area: Alight at Makkasan Station, transfer to MRT Blue Line at Petchaburi Station, and get off at Sam Yot Station. From here, take a cab, tuktuk or Grab to Khao San.

By Taxi or Grab

If you’re a group or if you have heavy luggage in tow, consider taking a cab or book a Grab car straight from the airport (especially if you’ll be staying Khao San area). If you opt for a taxi, always insist on using the meter.

Travel time: 45 minutes to 1 hour

TAXI RATES: Fare: around ฿400 Airport surcharge: ฿50 Highway toll fees: ฿75

GRAB RATES: ฿530 and ฿600, inclusive of toll fee or highway fee. This is based on the experience of our team.

Don Mueang Airport to Bangkok City Center

According to reports, the Don Mueang Airport was finally connected to Bangkok’s train network in August 2022. I say “according to reports” because we haven’t tried this ourselves yet.

From the airport, you can walk to the Don Mueang Station, along the SRT Dark Red Line . Board the train bound for Bang Sue and alight there, at the last stop. Transfer to the MRT Blue Line.

• To SILOM Area: Most stations in Silom are along the Blue Line, so just get off at the station closest to your hotel.
• To SIAM Area: Alight at Chatuchak Park Station and transfer to BTS Sukhumvit Line (Light Green Line) at Mochit Station. Catch a train bound for Kheha. Get off at Siam Station (or whatever station is closest to your final destination).
• To VICTORY MONUMENT Area: Connect at Phayathai Station and transfer to BTS Sukhumvit Line (Light Green Line). Catch a train bound for Kheha. Alight at Victory Monument Station.
• To SUKHUMVIT Area: The Sukhumvit area has a lot of stations that are either along the MRT Blue Line or the BTS Sukhumvit Line (Light Green Line). If the closest station to your hotel is along the Blue Line, it’s going to be easy because you’re already on the same line. If your hotel is closer to a Light Green line, alight at Chatuchak Park and transfer at Mochit Station. Then, board a train bound for Kheha.
• To KHAO SAN Area: Alight at Sam Yot Station (along the same Blue Line) and take a cab, tuktuk or Grab to Khao San.

If, for whatever reason, you do not like taking the train straight from Don Mueang Airport, you can also take the bus and the switch to BTS/MRT. And follow the steps above.

There are direct buses from Don Mueang Airport to select destinations around Bangkok.

• To MOCHIT BUS TERMINAL: Bus A1
• To BTS MO CHIT STATION: Bus A1
• To VICTORY MONUMENT: Bus A2
• To BTS RATCHADAMRI STATION: Bus A3
• To LUMPHINI PARK: Bus A3
• To KHAO SAN ROAD: Bus A4

Fare: ฿30-50 , depending on route

To see the complete list of stops, visit this page .

If you want a more straightforward journey, consider taking a cab or book a Grab car straight from the airport (especially if you’ll be staying Khao San area).

Travel time: 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic Fare: around ฿540 (including ฿50 airport surcharge)

If you opt for a taxi, always insist on using the meter.

POCKET WIFI AND DATA SIM CARD IN BANGKOK

Data Sim Card

This is the cheapest and most convenient option. Klook has two main options: TrueMove and dTac. Both offer:

• 15GB data for up to 16 days
• Internet connection anywhere in Thailand
• Inclusive of FREE call credits
• Pickup at Suvarnabhumi Airport or Don Muang Airport

✅ RESERVE TRUEMOVE DATA SIM HERE!

✅ RESERVE DTAC DATA SIM HERE!

Pocket Wifi

If your phone is locked to your home network or you have more devices to connect, you can rent a pocket wifi. You’ll find many wifi rental booths around Bangkok, but if you want to stay connected from the get-go, you can reserve one in advance via Klook and just pick it up at the airport, either at Don Muang Airport or Suvarnabhumi Airport.

If you’re coming from Manila, you can also get one at NAIA Terminal 3. Either way, they can accommodate up to five devices at one.

✅ RESERVE POCKET WIFI – BANGKOK PICKUP!

✅ RESERVE POCKET WIFI – NAIA PICKUP!

HOW TO GET AROUND BANGKOK

The Thais have their own address system and first timers in Bangkok can be easily disoriented. Wikitravel explains it really well: “Large roads such as Silom or Sukhumvit are thanon while the side streets branching off from them are called soi. Sois are numbered, with even numbers on one side and odd numbers on the other side. Thus, an address like 25 Sukhumvit Soi 3 means house number 25 on the 3rd soi of Sukhumvit Road.”

Although it is not as sweat-free as in Hong Kong or Singapore, commuting in Bangkok is quite easy. Vehicular traffic can get crazy during rush hour though. But if you’re used to the giant parking lot that runs across Manila called EDSA, you’ll be fine in Bangkok (or any other Southeast Asian city for that matter).

Getting around via public transportation means using one or more of these four modes:

• Train (BTS Skytrain/MRT) . Bangkok’s train system is fast and reliable, and will take you to many attractions throughout the city. I always find myself taking the train most of the time because many attractions are located close to a station. Also, it allows me to bypass traffic jams especially during rush hours. Although connected at a few stations, the BTS and the MRT are completely separate systems, run by different managements and use different tickets. The fares for both are similar, ranging from 16 to 52 baht. Most stations have a counter than can break your large bills and a ticket machine that accepts bills. For a more convenient journey on BTS, use a Rabbit Card (stored-value ticket) or a One-Day Pass (unlimited rides for 1 day).
• Boat . The two boat services operating in Bangkok are the Chao Phraya Express Boat, which plies up and down the Chao Phraya River and is popular among tourists for it stops at many of the city’s most popular landmarks; and the Saen Saep Express Boat, used mostly by locals who commute to work. The Chao Phraya boat is the best option for you if you intend to visit the Grand Palace complex (at Tha Chang) and Wat Pho (at Tha Tien), and Khao San Road (at Phra Athit) within one day! Both the Chao Phraya TOURIST BOAT and the cheaper ORANGE-FLAG BOAT will make a stop at these key tourist attractions. Fare: tourist boat, ฿50 single ride or ฿180 for day pass; orange-flag boat, ฿15 flat rate.
• Taxi/Grab . If my destination is too far from a train or boat station, I would just hail a cab. A ride costs more than in Manila but nowhere near the rates in Hong Kong or Singapore. The flagdown is 35 baht and the average ride within the city is probably around 100. You might encounter cab drivers who take advantage of tourists by not using the meter and then overcharging. If the driver refuses to use the meter, just get off the vehicle. Know that all cabs in Bangkok must use the meter. Many of these drivers wait for tourist passengers at the popular attractions like temples and Khao San Road.
• Tuktuk. I didn’t even bother. They are very expensive, even more expensive than cabs, and many (not all, but it’s hard to know) are involved in scams. If you really want to try for the heck of it, just agree on the price first.

THINGS TO DO IN & AROUND BANGKOK

Before we enumerate the many attractions waiting for you in Bangkok, allow us to introduce KLOOK PASS BANGKOK & PATTAYA . This ticket will give you up to 45% discount. The pass is valid for 30 days upon confirmation.

How it works is simple. With this pass, you’ll have access to a number of attractions. You get to choose how many and what these attractions will be. The first step is to choose how many attractions you want your pass to cover and purchase the pass. Once paid, you can go to the BOOKING section or your app or account, and redeem it. Say, if you purchase a 3-attraction pass, you can book up to 3 attractions from the list. Some attractions might also require you to reserve afterwards.

Here are the attractions in Bangkok and Phuket that you may choose from:

Mahanakhon Skywalk

Siam amazing park.

• Safari World
• SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World
• Madame Tussauds Bangkok
• Pororo Aquapark
• Sanctuary of Truth
• Dream World
• Frost Magical Ice of Siam
• Underwater World
• Ancient City Museum
• Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
• Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha
• Wat Pho & Wat Arun Walking Tour
• One More Thai Massage
• Chao Phara Princess Dinner Cruise
• Alcazar Cabaret Show
• Tiffany’s Show
• Bangkok Hop on Hop Off Bus

✅ CHECK RATES & GET PASS HERE!

How much you save depends on what you book. Regardless of the attractions you use it on, the price of the pass remains the same. So what we recommend is to use this pass on pricey attractions.

Here are examples on how you could save using this pass:

Grand Palace and Temples Tour

If you’re fit and you enjoy walking, you’ll be glad to know that many of the city’s key attractions are located within walking distance of each other. For example, Bangkok’s most popular temples and shrines, Chinatown, and even Siriraj Forensic Museum are easily accessible from the Chao Phraya River and can be easily visited in one day.

How to get there : If you’re from Silom, Siam or Sukhumvit areas, take the train to Saphan Taksin Station. Take Exit 2, and walk to the boat terminal. Buy a ticket and board a boat to either Tha Thien or Tha Chang. Boat fare is ฿50 if you board the tourist boat or ฿15 if orange-flag boat.

Here are the usual stops:

• Grand Palace. A complex of structures, pavilions, and courtyards including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The entrance fee also includes admission to “Khon: Thai Classical Masked Dance”. Boat stop: Tha Chang Pier (No. 9). Opening hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Ticket counters close at 3:30 PM). Entrance fee: ฿500.
• Wat Arun. Probably the most recognizable landmark in Bangkok with a 70m tall spire (called prang). Boat stop: Tha Thien pier (N8) and then cross the river on a smaller boat. Opening hours: 8:00 AM-6:00 PM Entrance fee: ฿100, inclusive of bottled water.
• Wat Pho. Famed for the enormous reclining Buddha that it houses. Boat stop: Tha Thien pier (N8) and then walk up the perpendicular road to Wat Pho. Opening hours: 8:00 AM-6:30 PM Entrance fee: ฿200, inclusive of bottled water.

Dress Code : The rule is to have your shoulders, knees, and heels covered. The following are not allowed:

• Shorts, short skirts, mini-skirts, tight fitting trousers
• Torn trousers/pants
• Sando, vests, sleeveless shirts
• See-through shirts

The management used to rent out pants to inadequately dressed tourists, but perhaps because of the pandemic, they only sell those now for ฿200 apiece.

Although it’s completely possible to pull this off DIY-style, it’s still much more recommended to join a guided tour so you have better appreciation of each site. These are historic and cultural landmarks that hold so much significance for the Thai people. You can book a guided tour on Klook, which includes all entrance fees, boat transfer fee, insurance, and the service of an English-speaking guide.

✅ CHECK ITINERARY & BOOK HERE!

Floating Markets & Railway Market

Aside from its ornate spires and temples, Bangkok is also best known for its floating markets. But the truth is, these boat-navigated markets are actually located outside the capital. Two of the most accessible are:

• Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in Ratchaburi Province
• Amphawa Floating Market in Samut Songkhram

A visit entails boarding a small boat as you negotiate the market canals. Plenty of souvenir and food options around!

Another market that has been attracting throngs of tourists is the Marklong Railway Market. Yes, railway, because it’s set up along the train tracks. And when a train chugs along, watch and be amazed by how the vendors make way for it. You can also spend an hour chilling at a railway cafe.

Klook has tours that combine Maeklong Railway Market with either Damnoen or Amphawa Market — your choice. There are several departure times available so choose the most convenient for you.

✅ CHECK RATES & OPTIONS HERE!

At 314 meters tall, King Power Mahanakhon is one of Thailand’s tallest buildings, housing a hotel, residential units and tourist attractions. From the outside, it looks like a pixelated skyscraper, a design that easily captivates. Inside, a multimedia elevator will take you to the highest outdoor observation deck in the country, allowing a magnificent view of Bangkok and surrounding areas.

But most visitors are here for the Skywalk. Atop the building is an area with a glass floor that you may walk on, creating a nerve-wracking but pretty mind-blowing experience.

You need to wear the shoe covers provided onsite before you’re allowed to step on it. And mobile phones (and other loose items) are NOT allowed within the glass tray area. This means that you won’t be able to take a selfie while on the glass. If you’re after photos, best to visit with someone else. Or if you’re traveling alone, make friends with other solo visitors and just take photos of each other.

Location: 114 1 Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Road, Bang Rak, Bangkok Nearest Station: Chong Nonsi BTS Station Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Mahanakhon SkyWalk); Entrance Fee: Mahanakhon SkyWalk (Indoor & Rooftop) – Adult, ฿836; Child (3-15 y/o), ฿250; Senior (Above 60 y/o), ฿250.

Only a limited number of tickets are sold per day, so it’s best to book in advance. You can reserve online via Klook! You can also check out other Mahanakhon experience package options and choose the one that suits your preference.

✅ RESERVE A TICKET HERE!

Bangkok Nightlife

No Bangkok trip is complete without getting a taste of its (in)famous nightlife. We already mentioned Khao San Road , the backpacker mecca. It is crowded, loud, and wild. Thunderous music from nightclubs and the delicious smell of street food fill the air, while tourists fill every vacant seat, table and corner.

Aside from Khao San, Bangkok has several other nightlife districts! Most clubs and bars are safe, but as in any other major city, not all. Scams targeting tourists do exist at some establishments. You’ve probably heard about tourists entering a bar and then not being allowed to leave without paying a hefty price for a ridiculously overpriced drink.

If you want to try Bangkok nightlife and make sure you’re in good hands, you may join a guided tour. Klook has two main options: a bar hopping tour , more like a pub crawl, and a Hangover tour , where you get to visit the bars featured in The Hangover 2 movie (including a ping pong show)!

✅ JOIN HANGOVER TOUR HERE!

✅ BOOK BAR HOPPING TOUR HERE!

Dream World Bangkok

Bangkok has its fair share of theme parks, too! And on top of that list is Dream World , a 25-hectare adventure park featuring over 40 rides, shows, and other attractions, spread around four key zones!

Some of the most popular rides are the cable car, Sky Coaster (rollercoaster), Tornado, Vikings (pendulum ride), and Grand Canyon (water rapids)!

ENTRANCE FEE

• Dream World Visa (26 rides with unlimited time per ride EXCEPT Alien, Bump Car, and Haunted House, which can be enjoyed once only): ฿600
• Dream World Super Visa (includes all the rides for unlimited time): ฿1,000
• Children below 90cm : FREE

Opening Hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Saturday – Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. The schedule might change, so it’s best to check updated opening hours before going. Location: 62 Moo 1, Rangsit-Ongkharak Road (Km.7), Thanyaburi, Pathum Thani How to Get to Dream World: From Victory Monument BTS Station, take Bus No. 523 or 538 to Dream World.

Dream World is very popular even among locals, so you might want to book your ticket in advance to skip the line. You may also add transfers.

✅ GET SKIP-THE-LINE TICKETS HERE!

The Siam Amazing Park is the largest theme park in Thailand and is home to the largest wave pool in the world (according to the Guinness World Records). You can also enjoy exhilarating rides including Southeast Asia’s first suspended looping coaster with five inversions and the 7-story water slides.

Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. The schedule might change, so it’s best to check updated opening hours before going. Entrance Fee: Adult, ฿1000; Child, ฿850; Children below 101cm, FREE. Location: 203 Suan Sayam Road, Khan Na Yao, Bangkok How to Get There: From Victory Monument BTS Station, head towards Ko Din Daeng Bus Stop via the circular skywalk, then take Bus No. 168 or 36ก to Siam Amazing Park.

Visitors must purchase their tickets at least one day in advance. You can book online via Klook! You can also choose the package — combine your ticket with an international lunch buffet or combine it with both lunch and shared transfer.

✅ GET DISCOUNTED TICKET HERE!

Ayutthaya Day Tour

Founded in the 1350s, Ayutthaya was Siam’s old capital before it was destroyed by the Burmese. Today, however, parts of its glorious past still shine through, especially at the Ayutthaya Historical Park, where four major temples stand up to this day: Wat Mahathat, Wat Phra Ram, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, and Wat Ratchaburana – the Royal Palace and Wiharn Phra Mongkol Bophit. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.

Lying about 80 km from Bangkok, it is easily accessible and can be visited on a day trip. You can do this independently by taking public transportation and then hiring a tuktuk to tour you around. (We’ll write a separate post about it.) But if you need a guide and you want someone else to take care of everything for you, you can book with Klook.

✅ SEE OPTIONS & RESERVE HERE!

Pattaya Day Tour

Pattaya is another popular day trip destination from Bangkok, thanks mainly to its proximity, just around 150 km and roughly 2.5 hours away. The closest major beach destination to the capital, it is best known for water sports, island tours, and beach activities. But it also harbors some cultural structures like Wat Phra Yai Temple and the Sanctuary of Truth.

Jump-Off Point: Bangkok Eastern Bus Terminal/Ekkamai Bus Terminal or Mo Chit Bus Terminal (Bus); Hua Lamphong Railway Station (Train) How to Get to Pattaya: By bus, go to Bangkok Eastern Bus Terminal, then take the bus bound for Pattaya. The travel time is about two and a half hours. The one-way fare is ฿130-200 per person. By train, go to Hua Lamphong Station and get on a train to Pattaya. The travel time is 2-3 hours, depending on the type of train. The fare is ฿30-฿300, depending on the ticket class. The train for Pattaya normally leaves early in the morning — around 6:00 AM.

If you want a convenient roundtrip transfer between Bangkok and Pattaya, you can just join a guided tour. Klook offers Pattaya Beach and Koh Larn Coral Island Full Day Tour from Bangkok. This covers roundtrip transfers, an English-speaking guide, a Sanctuary of Truth ticket, insurance, and bottled water.

✅ CHECK RATES OR RESERVE HERE!

Muay Thai Match

If you’ve ever wanted to witness a live muay thai match, there’s no better place to make that happen than Bangkok! The two common venues are:

• Lumpinee Boxing Stadium 6 Ramintra Road, Anusawaree, Bangkok
• Rajadamnern Thai Boxing Stadium 1 Ratcha Damnoen Nok Road, Bangkok

You can secure your slot in advance and get discounted ticket by booking online through Klook!

✅ GET LUMPINI STADIUM MATCH TICKET HERE!

✅ GET RAJADAMNERN STADIUM MATCH TICKET HERE!

Other Attractions:

• Siriraj Medical Museum . Not for the faint of heart! Also known as the Museum of Death, it houses a huge collection of artifacts gathered in the 120 years of the Siriraj Hospital’s service as a pioneer in the medical field in the country. These pieces are divided into seven smaller museums dedicated to parasitology, anatomy, and forensic science among others. It’s a must-visit for dark tourism enthusiasts and those who simply wish to learn more about these fields. How to get there : Board the SkyTrain to S6 Saphan Taksin Station, take Exit 2, and hop onto a Chao Phraya Express Boat to Siriraj Pier N10 or Tha Rot Fai Pier, both on the west side of the river. Walk a couple of blocks into the hospital complex. Follow the signs to Adulyadej Vikrom Building. The museum is on the second floor. More info : Siriraj Museum
• iconSIAM . Opened in 2018, this massive shopping mall is one of the largest in Asia. It is bursting with retail shops including luxury labels and budget-friendlier options, and the first Takashiyama Department Store in the country. But it’s best known for its indoor floating market, mimicking those in nearby provinces and showcasing local products and cuisine. Nearest Station: Charoennakorn Station (Sky Train Gold Line via Krung Thon Buri BTS Station) or Saphan Taksin BTS Station (then ferry from Sathorn Pier to IconSIAM) Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
• Bangkok Chinatown . Popular for its shops, especially near Charoenkrung Road. But there are also temples around the district. To be honest, it’s not as grand or as visually arresting as Chinatowns in other countries, unless you visit during the Chinese New Year, when the district really comes to life. How to get there: Take the Skytrain to S6 Saphan Taksin Station (BTS Silom Line), take Exit 2, and walk to the boat terminal. Buy a ticket and board a Chao Phraya Express Boat. Alight at the Ratchawong Pier (N5) and make your way on foot from Ratchawong Road to Sampeng Lane and Yaowarat Road.

WHERE TO SHOP IN BANGKOK

Here are some of the best areas to satiate your inner shopaholic! We’ll be creating a separate, more detailed article about these spots in another post.

• Pratunam . Bangkok’s most popular shopping district. Between its busy alleys are even busier blocks filled with indoor and outdoor stalls selling mostly apparel and accessories. Smack at the heart of the area stand two massive malls — Platinum Shopping Mall and the Paladium World Shopping — both filled to the brim with bargain finds. Most of these specialize in wholesale, they also sell in retail quantities. How to get here : Take the MRT to Ratchaprarop Station and walk south from there. It should take around 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can also take the BTS Skytrain System and get off at Chit Lom Station.
• Chatuchak Weekend Market . If your visit in Bangkok falls on a weekend, squeeze this into your itinerary. This retail paradise is a labyrinth made of shops, once popular only to wholesale traders but eventually became a favorite attraction among tourists. Here you’ll find almost anything you can think of: from souvenirs to flowers to clothes to furniture to street food! Prioritize this over Pratunam. We found that most of the items in Pratunam are also sold here at a cheaper price. (That said, I think Pratunam has a much more diverse selection when it comes to apparel.) Nearest BTS Station: Mo Chit Station, take exit 1.
• Siam Square . Made more popular to foreigners as the shooting location for the hit movie The Love of Siam, Siam Square does not disguise itself with pretenses of being culturally significant. It is a shopping and entertainment district. Yet, if you think about it, it somehow represents a generation — a younger, more industrialized, more fashionable Bangkok. Catering mostly to college students and young adults, Siam Square comprises several blocks harboring a wide array of stores — over a hundred of ’em — apparel stalls, boutiques, bookshops, record stores, restaurants, cafes, even cinemas. How to get here : Take the BTS Skytrain System and get off at Siam Station.
• Ratchada (Train Night Market) . The colorful rows of tent stalls of Ratchada (New Rot Fai Market) will absolutely fill your stomachs with its wide selection of affordable Thai cuisine and international dishes— snacks, street food, sweets, exotic delicacies, and milk teas! The market also offers affordable clothing, accessories, shoes, and many more! Nearest Train Station: Bangkok MRT Thailand Cultural Centre Station. Take Exit 3, then walk towards Esplanade Mall. Ratchada is located just beside the mall. ⛔️ Opening Hours: As of this writing, Ratchada Night Market remains temporarily CLOSED!

WHERE TO EAT IN BANGKOK

We’ll be creating a more detailed version of this article soon. But in the meantime, here’s a quick rundown of our favorite places to eat in Bangkok.

• Thipsamai , where we had the best pad thai of our lives. It’s said to be the first store to serve the now ubiquitous noodle dish. It uses thinner rice noodles coated in shrimp oil. Michelin bib gourmand awardee Address: 313 315 Maha Chai Rd, Samran Rat, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand Bestsellers: Pad Thai, ฿105; Pad Thai with prawns: ฿150 Open: 10AM – 12MN for takeaway only; 5PM – 12MN, dine in & takeout
• Jeh O Chula (Jay Oh) , for the best affordable tom yum noodle soup! It’s crazy popular that queuing can take up to 2 hours, unless you arrive early. We arrived past 4pm, just in time for the opening. But barely 5 minutes after we arrived, the line grew quickly. If you could, reserve a table via Klook. Those who book with Klook have a separate line, which is much shorter. Reserve here! ✅ Michelin bib gourmand awardee Address: 113 ซอย จรัสเมือง Rong Muang, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand Bestsellers: Tom yum mama (spicy tom yum noodle soup), plain ฿150, with meatballs, squid, shrimps and crispy pork belly, ฿300; salmon salad, ฿300. Open: Daily 4:30PM-12MN
• Polo Fried Chicken , another Michelin-recognized establishment just across Lumphini Park in Silom area. It started out as a humble street stall but grew to become a proper eatery serving only a few Thai favorites. Address: 137/1-3,9 10 Sanam Khli Alley, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand Bestsellers: Fried chicken half, ฿130; som tam (papaya salad) with salted egg and dried shrimp, ฿80; pork larb/laap (spicy sour minced meat salad), ฿80. Operating Hours: Daily 7am-8:30pm
• Moo Yang Mae Sumontha , a hidden stall inside Chatuchak Market serving moo yang (grilled pork). But its version is roasted honey glazed, which is incredibly tender, succulent, and properly cooked. Address: 587 โครงการ 22 ซอย 4 /2ตลาดนัด จตุจักร 10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Chatuchak, Bangkok Bestseller: Roasted honey glazed pork, ฿60 per 100g. Open: Weekends 8AM-6PM
• Kuang Heng Chicken Rice , established 1932. If you get hungry while shopping around Pratunam, this is the place to refill that empty tummy! It’s located just next to Platinum Mall and across the street from Palladium. Address: 930 Phetchaburi Rd, Makkasan, Phaya Thai, Bangkok 10400, Thailand Bestsellers: Hainanese chicken and deep-fried chicken, ฿50 (single); chicken/pork satay, ฿80 per 10 sticks. Open: Daily 7am-10pm
• Jay Fai , with one Michelin star and featured on the Netflix series Street Food . It’s so incredibly popular that we still haven’t been able to try it. It doesn’t accept reservations beforehand, so you need to show up and fall in line early to be considered for the waitlist. We attempted three times but the waitlist was always full by the time we arrived. Nevertheless, I’m adding it to this list so you could try it for yourself. Address: 327 Maha Chai Rd, Samran Rat, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand Bestsellers: Hainanese chicken and deep-fried chicken, ฿50 (single); chicken/pork satay, ฿80 per 10 sticks. Open: Wednesday-Saturday, 9am-9pm Closed: Sunday-Tuesday

USUAL PRICES IN BANGKOK

Below is the list of the prices of common items that you will need for a comfortable budget stay in Bangkok! Bear in mind that the figures are in Thai Baht.

FAST FOOD & CONVENIENCE STORE

• Bottled water (500ml): ฿6-12
• Bottle of softdrink (550ml): ฿20
• 7-Eleven rice meal: ฿40-55
• Big Mac (McDonald’s): ฿128

STREET FOOD

• Grilled meat: ฿10-30 per stick
• Pad thai: ฿50-60
• Noodle soup: ฿50-70
• Rice meals: ฿50-100

ENTRANCE FEES

• Grand Palace: ฿500
• Wat Pho: ฿200
• Wat Arun: ฿100
• Siriraj Medical Museum: ฿200
• Mahanakhon Skywalk: ฿836
• Dream World Bangkok: ฿575
• Siam Amazing Park: ฿650

TRANSPORTATION

• BTS/MRT fare: ฿16-52
• Taxi flagdown rate: ฿35
• Grabcar within the city: ฿100-280, depending on distance/traffic conditions

TOURS (with Transfers)

• Maeklong Railway Market + Damnoen/Amphawa Floating Market: ฿1356
• Ayutthaya: ฿1690
• Pattaya + Koh Larn: ฿2239

SAMPLE BANGKOK ITINERARY

Here’s a sample itinerary that you may use. We stayed much longer, but if you have only an extended weekend to spend in Bangkok, here’s something to consider.

Note that this itinerary assumes that you’re a party of 2 , splitting some of the costs, and that you’re staying at a hotel in Siam, close to BTS National Stadium Station. Feel free to adjust here and there to match your hotel location, flight schedule, and your travel preferences.

DAY 1: MAHANAKHON SKYWALK & JEH-O-CHULA 01:00 PM – Arrival in Bangkok – Pickup Data SIM Card & Rabbit Card 02:30 PM – Train to Phaya Thai Station ฿45 – Transfer to BTS to Siam, ฿25 03:00 PM – Walk to your hotel, check in, freshen up 04:00 PM – Train to BTS Chong Nonsi Station, ฿28 04:15 PM – Mahanakhon Skywalk, ฿836, Book here! – Chill and wait until sunset 07:00 PM – Train to BTS National Stadium, ฿28 07:15 PM – Walk to Jeh-O Chula 07:30 PM – Eat tom yum set at Jeh-O Chula, ฿350/pax, Reserve here! ! 09:00 PM – Walk or train to Siam, ฿22 09:30 PM – Back to hotel, lights out

DAY 2: DIY TEMPLES TOUR & KHAO SAN ROAD 07:00am – Wake up call 08:00am – Train to BTS Saphan Taksin Station, ฿37 08:30am – Walk to Sathorn Pier 08:45am – Board orange-flag boat, ฿15 09:15am – Get off at N9 Tha Chang Pier 09:30am – Grand Palace Complex, ฿500 10:00am – FREE Tour at Temple of Emerald Buddha 11:00am – Lunch, ฿100 12:00pm – FREE shuttle to Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre 01:00pm – Khon Performance (included in Palace ticket) 01:45pm – Walk to Wat Pho 02:00pm – Wat Pho, ฿200 03:30pm – Boat to the other side of the river, ฿5 03:45pm – Explore Wat Arun, ฿100 05:00pm – Boat to the other side (Tha Thien*), ฿5 05:15pm – Boat to N13 Phra Arthit, ฿15 05:40pm – Walk to Khao San Road 06:00pm – Dinner & drinks at Khao San, ฿400 09:00pm – Taxi/grab to Silom, ฿100/pax *Note: Tha Thien/Tha Tian Pier is temporarily closed for renovation, as of Dec 2022. For now, you may walk all the way back to Tha Chang and catch the boat to Phra Arthit Pier.

Day 4: SHOPPING, DEPARTURE A: If this falls on a weekend 08:00am – Wake up call, check out, leave bags 08:40am – BTS to Chatuchak Park Station, ฿42 09:00am – Shop at Chatuchak Market 11:00am – Lunch at Moo Yang Mae Sumontha, ฿120 11:30am – Continue shopping 02:00 PM – BTS back to hotel, ฿42 02:20pm – Back to hotel, pick up bags 02:50pm – BTS to Phaya Thai Station ฿25 – Transfer to ARL to Suvarnabhumi Airport, ฿45 03:30 PM – Flight check in 06:45 PM – Flight out B: If this falls on a weekday 08:00am – Wake up call, check out, leave bags 08:40am – BTS+ARL to Ratchaprapop Station 09:00am – Platinum + Palladium Malls 11:30 AM – Lunch at Kuang Heng Chicken Rice, ฿120 12:30pm – Continue shopping in Pratunam 02:00 PM – ARL+BTS back to hotel 02:20pm – Back to hotel, pick up bags 02:50pm – BTS to Phaya Thai Station ฿25 – Transfer to ARL to Suvarnabhumi Airport, ฿45 03:30 PM – Flight check in 06:45 PM – Flight out

If you follow this Bangkok itinerary, prepare to shell out ฿5000 (USD 144, EUR 136, SGD 195, PHP 7950) , excluding airfare and hotel but including a bit of allowance for wiggle room and to make up for any possible price adjustments and incidental expenses.

If you spend TH฿600 per night per person on accommodations, the same itinerary will cost you TH฿6800 (USD 197, EUR 185, SGD 264, PHP 10,800) , excluding airfare but with some allowance to cover adjustments and incidental expenses.

(If you’re coming from the Philippines, it doesn’t include the PHP1650 travel tax yet.)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BANGKOK

What are the covid-19-related travel requirements in thailand.

The Thai government has lifted COVID-19 restrictions for tourists. Travelers are only required to present the usual border requirements like passport (and visa if applicable). No proof of vaccination required.

But if your next destination is a country that requires an RT-PCR COVID test (like India and China), travel insurance is mandatory . It must cover the full length of intended stay in Thailand + 7 extra days.

* This section is as of January 2023

Is Bangkok safe?

Yes, Bangkok is generally safe and tourist-friendly. Of course, you should still use common sense at all times, and don’t flash your gadgets in the open or leave your valuables unattended.

My only frustration with Bangkok is that it has more than its share of scams targeting tourists, so always be careful.

What are the common Bangkok scams?

Bangkok’s scams are more organized than they appear. One widespread modus operandi involves people loitering by the gate of temples (or other tourist spots) and approaching tourists. I almost fell for this on my first trip. They are very friendly, and they usually introduce themselves as teachers. They claim that the site you’re about to visit is closed because it is a holiday and that they know a more beautiful place that is not on tourist maps. They then hail a random tuktuk (which isn’t random at all for the driver is part of the scam) and tour you around. You will be taken to a jewelry store selling overpriced gems and accessories. The tuktuk may also overcharge you for the ride.

Khao San Road is also rife with scams. You’ll find tourist agents selling all sorts of transportation tickets that turn out to be less than what they promise. For example, you’ll find plenty of “direct buses” to Siem Reap, but most of them are not really direct as they involve switching vehicles at one point during the trip. Worse, some of these buses stop at “travel agencies” that will sell you fake visa.

Patpong is also notorious for scams. You’ll be invited by barkers to a sexy club to see a “pingpong show” or other mind-blowing presentations, to say the least. They’ll say the show is free but you must order a drink. The catch is, the drink is ridiculously overpriced.

As in any other city, be careful and vigilant. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

When is the best time to visit Bangkok?

November to February , when the temperature and precipitation levels are kind and low. But because of the pleasant weather, it is also the peak season. High season begins in November and ends in April, around Songkran Festival (Thai New Year, April 13-15). If you’re visiting within this period, prepare to share the city with millions of other tourists.

Bangkok could’ve been a year-round destination if it weren’t for the bouts of rain and flooding problems, which is why it is best to avoid the wettest months.

Rainy season is from May to October, but the wettest months are September-October. We have tried traveling to Bangkok in January, July, August, September, October, and November, and we can tell you that the precipitation level can definitely affect your overall travel experience. We’ve been stranded in some sites because of torrential rains and flooding and ended up wasting much of our time.

What is tipping policy in Bangkok?

Tipping is NOT mandatory in Bangkok, but it is surely appreciated.

When eating at sit-down restaurants, a tip of 10% of the bill should be fine. You can also just round off your bill. For example, if your bill is ฿135, you can leave ฿150. Same with cabs. If the meter is ฿105, round it off to ฿110 or ฿120. At hotels, you can give ฿20-50 to the porter who carries your luggage to your room, depending on the number of pieces. For a massage, tip ฿50. For full-day tour guides, at least ฿200 is alright.

Where to exchange money in Bangkok?

Bangkok has countless money changers, but most of them have poor rates, especially those at the airport. Trust me. I made that mistake and lost a lot in the conversion. If you really need to do so at the airport, exchange only a little or enough to get you to the city center.

At the city center, find a SuperRich Thailand branch. SuperRich has the best rates, make sure it’s a legit SuperRich branch.

What is the power socket used in Bangkok?

Most common sockets are sort of a combination of Types A and C. They have two holes that can accept both flat and round pins, the shape of two door knobs or rubber stamps facing each other. This type of socket can take plugs that are Types A, C, and F. If your plug has three pins, you will be needing an adaptor.

Do I need a visa to visit Thailand?

Foreigners holding passports issued by the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, United States, United Kingdom, Germany and 40+ other countries can enter Thailand visa-free , provided that they stay shorter than 30 days.

To see the complete list of countries, visit this: List of Visa-Free and Visa-on-Arrival Countries

However, visitors must have the following upon entry:

• a valid passport (with at least 6 months validity)
• return or onward ticket
• at least 10,000 baht per person or 20,000 baht per family or equivalent in other currencies, cash.

It will also help to have a hotel reservation .

Note that if you’re not arriving by air, you’re only allowed to enter Thailand twice per year.

Do I really need 10,000-baht show money at the immigration?

In theory, yes. It is the law. But it’s not implemented all the time. Lately, they have been a bit stricter.

Our team has been in and out of Thailand recently but none of us were asked how much we carry. But it would help to just comply, just in case.

The amount should be 10,000 baht per person or 20,000 baht per family.

It doesn’t need to be in baht. It can be any currency as long as it has the equivalent value.

Updates Log

2024•1•5 – Removed travel insurance for test-requiring next destination as it no longer applies 2022•12•21 – First up

More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Is this post helpful to you?

Related Posts:

• BANGKOK ON A BUDGET: Travel Guide
• BANGKOK TRAVEL GUIDE with Budget Itinerary
• THAILAND TRAVEL GUIDE with Multi-City ITINERARIES: 4, 6, 7, 12 Days
• For the Love of Siam Square and Platinum Mall in Bangkok
• Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok
• BANGKOK TO SIEM REAP by BUS or TRAIN: Crossing the Border
• CHIANG MAI TRAVEL GUIDE: Budget, Itinerary, Things to Do
• 10 Best Affordable BANGKOK Restaurants Aside from Jay Fai (Where to Eat Cheap)

• Recent Posts

• 2024 Cebu Pacific Promos & PISO SALE with List of Covered Destinations - 4 March 2024
• Top 13 FREE Attractions to Enjoy in MACAU - 19 February 2024
• 7 New MACAU Attractions to Add to Your Itinerary - 18 February 2024

I stumbled upon your travel blog website and I’m absolutely loving it! Your posts are so informative and inspiring, and they’ve given me some great ideas for my own travels. I especially enjoyed your recent post on Travel blog, and I can’t wait to see where you’ll take us next!

Thanks for sharing your experiences with the world, and keep up the amazing work! I’ll definitely be following along on your adventures.

Thank you so much for preparing this blog, Yosh!!! I cannot imagine the length of time it took you to lay out this information, so thank you! I appreciate it a lot now that I am in charge of our Thailand itinerary – it’s crazy!

Glad it was helpful. And yes, it takes us days (sometimes, weeks) to produce just one travel guide. But it’s always worth it!

Featured On

We heard you!

Your comment is now queued for moderation! We’ll try to get back to you soonest. While waiting, follow us on these channels.

Subscribe on Youtube! Follow us on Instagram!

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• World's Best

The 3 Best Hotels in Bangkok in 2022

These are the best city hotels in Bangkok, according to readers’ votes in the World’s Best Awards survey.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Note: If you’re looking for our most recent recommendations, check out the 2023 list of our favorite hotels in Bangkok .

This Southeast Asian capital of nearly 11 million residents is at once super modern yet steeped in history — and packed with so many cultural sites to see and places to eat that the best hotels in Bangkok act as sanctuaries for visitors. Luckily, there is no shortage of options, from small boutique properties to the splashy luxury name brands.

Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels (including safari lodges) were rated on their facilities, location, service, food, and overall value.

The Banyan Tree Bangkok in the Central Business District earned the No. 3 spot this year, thanks to 327 spacious rooms with views of the city; a rooftop swimming pool; and 10 food and beverage venues that range from Saffron (for modern Thai cuisine) to Vertigo, an outdoor bar and grill on the very top of the high-rise building. All of which makes the hotel an "amazing experience," according to one reader.

Over at the Anantara Siam Bangkok (this year's runner up), "everything is perfect," says another voter. A grand, soaring lobby greets guests upon arrival; the 354 rooms have teak furniture and marble bathrooms that are some of the biggest in the city; and the intimate seven-room spa offers traditional Thai massages. All that, along with the palm-fringed swimming pool (flanked by a peaceful lily pond), almost makes you forget you're in one of the world's largest metropolises.

But it was the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, that took top honors. Read on for more about what made it the favorite and the full list of the best hotels in Bangkok.

1. Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok

Since it opened in 1876 as Bangkok's first luxury hotel, the Mandarin Oriental has welcomed a roster of famous guests, including Joseph Conrad, Noël Coward, and Elizabeth Taylor. Today, the property's allure is as strong as ever. Set along the Chao Phraya River, the M.O. is well known for its afternoon tea in the Author's Lounge (its traditional atmosphere enhanced by wicker furnishings and hand-painted fabrics) and for the Michelin-starred Le Normandie by Alain Roux. The French fine-dining restaurant, which debuted in 1958, is located on the top floor of the Chao Phraya wing. The river view from its floor-to-ceiling windows is an impressive backdrop for one of the city's most unique culinary experiences.

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 96.18

Book on Tripadvisor

2. Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel

Score: 94.13

3. Banyan Tree Bangkok

Score: 91.47

About food & everything else

Bangkok Travel Itinerary: Where to eat and drink in 2023

Bangkok is still very much a great place to visit as Singaporeans, and I'm so glad we are able to travel there without any PCR or ART tests from 1 May 2022! We also used our SQ miles so it only costed SGD85 each for us to fly Singapore Airlines. Me and my sister went to Bangkok from 4-8 May 2022 and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves with the myriad of food, shopping and massages (for my sister) that made the trip such a satisfying one. Of course, diet needs to start after coming back. Anyway I know a lot of y'all are planning trips to BKK so here's my travel itinerary in pictures, with a table of all the places I've been to that I planned and curated using Google Maps into daily timetables. Read on to the photo captions for each place and DM or email me if you've any questions!

51 Ekkamai 23 Alley.

I had so many views for this place on my TikTok. There was no queue and while the omelette was slightly pricey, it was full of crab meat and very filling!

112, 1 Ekkamai Rd

160, 11 Thong Lo Rd.

Another modern Thai cuisine restaurant - it's small and cosy but the dishes are done really authentically.

23 Sukhumvit Road. Clean, professional and really good price for foot massage!

31 Phahonyothin Soi 7, Samsen Nai (Ari BTS).

Here's my travel itinerary for 5D4N in Bangkok in May 2022 (you can also download it from  Google drive ).

Post a Comment

Get Connected

Popular posts.

• Food Review: CouCou Hotpot Brew Tea 湊湊火鍋 at Suntec City Tower 1 & 2 #03-332, 3 Temasek Boulevard, Singapore 038983 I went to one of the fanciest hotpot places that opened in Singapore this year and do not regret it. CouCou Hotpot . Brew Tea 湊湊火鍋 is a hot...
• Bubble Tea Intel: Liho Singapore menu 2023 *Updated October 2023" Here's the latest bubble tea menu from Liho Singapore, taken at their AMK Hub branch. I still drink their mi...
• Cafe Review: The Apricus Coffee & Food Co. at 248 Jln Kayu, Singapore 799472 The popular Populus cafe at Neil Road (blogged about them here ) has a new sister, and that's the Apricus cafe at Jalan Kayu! The name...

Latest Posts

@alexischeong.

Filipinos’ Travel Guide to Visiting Bangkok in 2022

June 20, 2022 by Andrea Gabot

Thailand is one of the most visited travel destinations in Asia because of its mix of serene beaches, world-famous cuisine, and rich culture. Bangkok , in particular, offers much to be explored. Read on for your ultimate guide to visiting Bangkok in the new normal!

Travel Guidelines and Requirements

All visitors to Thailand must have an approved Thailand Pass, an all-in-one place where you can upload your travel information. Learn more about the Thailand Pass in this video from the Thai Embassy:

It only takes as little as one hour to get approved if you have all your requirements ready. As of May 2022, the required documents for entry are: 

• Philippine passport
• Flight itinerary (to confirm arrival date) 
• Certificate of full vaccination (2 doses) 
• Proof of COVID-19 Insurance policy (10,000USD minimum coverage)

Unvaccinated travelers still have to apply for the Thailand Pass with the additional requirement of booking an Alternate Quarantine hotel for five nights. However, you can avoid the quarantine period by presenting an RT-PCR test result that is no older than 72 hours before your departure date. Here is a hassle-free package to make sure that you are fit to fly! 

[visual-link-preview encoded=”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”]

As long as you can complete all these travel requirements, Philippine passport holders can stay in Thailand for up to 30 days without a visa! 

How To Get To Bangkok

You can choose from a number of airlines that have direct flights to Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport or Suvarnabhumi Airport from Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport: 

• Cebu Pacific Air
• Philippine Airlines
• Thai Airways
• Bangkok Airways
• Malaysian Airlines 

Make your arrival hassle-free with these airport transfer services! You can choose from a fleet of cars, SUVs, and vans that is right for you and your travel companions, starting at 16USD. Click here for more information! 

[visual-link-preview encoded=”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”]

[visual-link-preview encoded=”eyJ0eXBlIjoiZXh0ZXJuYWwiLCJwb3N0IjowLCJwb3N0X2xhYmVsIjoiIiwidXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cua2tkYXkuY29tL2VuL3Byb2R1Y3QvMjA3NjA/Y2lkPTQ2MjQmdWQxPTIwMjIwMTYmdWQyPXRoIiwiaW1hZ2VfaWQiOi0xLCJpbWFnZV91cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2ltYWdlLmtrZGF5LmNvbS92Mi9pbWFnZS9nZXQvczEua2tkYXkuY29tL3Byb2R1Y3RfMjA3NjAvMjAxODEyMTQwNzAyMTNfVTRKbEgvanBnIiwidGl0bGUiOiJQcml2YXRlIFRyYW5zZmVyIGZyb20gRG9uIE11ZWFuZyBvciBTdXZhcm5hYmh1bWkgQWlycG9ydCB0byBCYW5na29rICYgVmljZSBWZXJzYSB8IFRoYWlsYW5kIiwic3VtbWFyeSI6IlN0YXJ0IG9mZiB5b3VyIFRoYWlsYW5kIHRyaXAgaW4gZWFzZSBhbmQgY29tZm9ydCB3aGVuIHlvdSBib29rIGEgcHJpdmF0ZSB0cmFuc2ZlciBmcm9tIFN1dmFybmFiaHVtaSBBaXJwb3J0IChCS0spIG9yIERvbiBNdWVhbmcgQWlycG9ydCAoRE1LKS4iLCJ0ZW1wbGF0ZSI6InVzZV9kZWZhdWx0X2Zyb21fc2V0dGluZ3MifQ==”]

Where to Stay

The conrad bangkok hotel.

The Conrad Bangkok Hotel has five-star accommodations at affordable prices. Its location in the heart of the city is ideal to explore the best that Bangkok has to offer. Click here for a discounted rate of 158USD for a 2 days, 1 night stay for two adults, plus breakfast and dinner! 

[visual-link-preview encoded=”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″]

The Baiyoke Sky Hotel

The Baiyoke Sky Hotel is a budget-friendly option with an amazing view of the Bangkok Skyline. Prices start at 37USD per night for three adults or two adults and one child, plus meals! Click here for more information.  

[visual-link-preview encoded=”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”]

Where To Eat

River cruise dinner.

Try having a meal on the Chao Praya river for a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Choose from the different dinner river cruises below, starting at 19USD! 

• White Orchid River Cruise

[visual-link-preview encoded=”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”]

• Chao Praya Princess River Cruise

[visual-link-preview encoded=”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”]

• Bangkok Saffron Dinner Cruise 

[visual-link-preview encoded=”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″]

Banyan Tree – Vertigo

Experience dining in the sky with Banyan Tree – Vertigo! Enjoy the Bangkok skyline with views from the 61st floor, while being served a premium four-course, fine dining meal. Prices start at 111USD. Click here for more information. 

[visual-link-preview encoded=”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”]

Things To Do

Ayutthaya private tour.

Experience the ancient city of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya with this all-in-one day tour! This comes with your own private car and driver for easier transport throughout Bangkok, starting at 104USD! Click here for more information. 

[visual-link-preview encoded=”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″]

Floating Markets Private Tour

The Amphawa and Damnoen Saduak Floating Markets are must-see attractions when in Bangkok! Book a private tour for both these locations plus others, for as low as 102USD! Click here for more information. 

[visual-link-preview encoded=”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″]

Stay up-to-date with the latest discounts and promotions, and plan the perfect Bangkok getaway with KKday ! 

Share this:

Related posts.

ICYMI: South Korea is finally resuming the issuance of all tourist visas starting June 1,…

After the whole of Australia finally reopened to international tourists last February 2022, top cities…

After two years of being stuck at home, we’re gradually able to indulge our wanderlust…

KKday is the leading e-commerce travel platform that connects travelers with authentic local tours & activities.

You may also like

Quirky Museums You Can Visit In South Korea

August 9, 2019 August 9, 2019

9 Top Spots for Shopping in Hong Kong

September 2, 2016 December 5, 2018

Awesome Things To Do To Explore Or Rediscover The City of Manila

February 3, 2022 February 2, 2022

Newly Opened In Bangkok 2022: Best Dining Spots, Accommodations and Activities

There’s always lots to do in the buzzing cosmopolitan city of Bangkok. For those who are heading to the Thai capital for your ultimate ‘revenge travel’ holiday, here is your ultimate guide of new hotels, restaurants and activities that need to be on your itinerary in 2022.

The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon

Photo courtesy of The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon

The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon is a new lifestyle hotel bringing design, comfort and convenience to the streets of Bangkok. Strategically located in the vibrant Silom district and within the futuristic King Power Mahanakhon skyscraper, it’s a perfect spot for business travellers and holiday makers alike. Think lush modern rooms that showcases Bangkok’s cityscape through floor-to-ceiling windows, endless dining options, and a serene terrace pool deck embellished with greenery and sheltered day beds.

The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon is located at 114 Narathiwas Road, Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500. 

SQ Boutique Hotel

Photo courtesy of SQ Boutique Hotel

SQ Boutique Hotel is the epitome of convenience with excellent city accessibility, and strong internet connectivity. Located right at the hotspot of Asoke, department stores, shopping malls and street markets, public parks as well as restaurants and nightlife are within easy reach. As for the rooms, expect crisp and clean rooms boasting plush linens, and modern furniture for your comfort.

SQ Boutique Hotel is located at 54 Soi Sukhumvit 19, Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110.

Oakwood Hotel & Residence Bangkok

Photo courtesy of Oakwood Hotel & Residence

Perfect for those on business or a luxurious romantic getaway, look forward to Oakwood Hotel & Residence Bangkok’s spacious rooms with comfortable king beds, bathtubs, kitchenettes and other amenities. Its perched on South Sathorn Road, near Saphan Taksin Skytrain station, means it’s easy to indulge in delicious dining options, shopping at Icon Siam, cruises along the Chao Phraya River and visits to art galleries, temples, and museums.

Oakwood Hotel & Residence Bangkok is located at 143, South Sathorn Road,Yannawa, Sathorn, Bangkok 10120.

Gardina Asoke Hotel & Residence

Photo courtesy of Booking.com

Nature is everywhere at the new Gardina Asoke Hotel & Residence. After getting your Instagram pics by the lush outdoor swimming pool, head down to the sauna to treat yourself with a relaxing steam. Located away from the main roads and close to Benchakitti Park, the service apartment is the perfect quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok.

Gardina Asoke Hotel & Residence is located at Sukhumvit 16 Road, Khwaeng Khlong Toei, Khet Khlong Toei, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110. 

Aspira Grand Regency

Photo courtesy of Aspira Grand Regency Sukhumvit 22

Situated between Asoke and Phrom Phong Skytrain stations, Aspira Grand Regency is great for shopaholics and entertainment seekers, with major shopping complex Terminal 21, Emporium and EmQuartier within a short distance from the hotel. Relaxing indoors? Your vintage chic rooms are decked out in local silk, teakwood furniture and even boasts a bathtub. A rooftop swimming pool ties in the whole deal too. 

Aspira Grand Regency Sukhumvit 22 is located at 12/3 Soi Sukhumvit 22 (Sainamthip), Sukhumvit Road, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110.

Attractions

Ichiba station.

Photo courtesy of Ichiba Station Night Market

Bangkok is taking a leaf out of Japan’s book with a new night market. Instead of fairy lights and neon signs that you’d expect, Ichiba Station features picturesque sakura flowers, iconic red Japanese lanterns and decorations. As you pop by the outdoor restaurants, enjoy the likes of sushi, sashimi, yakitori sticks, sukiyaki bowls, Thai fare, and snacks. Try your luck at the many claw machines, treat your loved to a shopping-spree and a gorgeous manicure, or take in the live music.

Ichiba Station Night Market is located at 489 3 Ram Inthra Rd, Ram Inthra, Khan Na Yao, Bangkok 10230. Open daily 5pm-12am.

Benjakitti Forest Park

Photo courtesy of Supanut Arunoprayote on WikiMedia

Bangkok never sleeps, but if you need to take a break, Benjakitti Forest Park is the place for you. Surrounded by skyscrapers, the lush greenery makes way for jogging, biking, and leisurely strolls. For a peaceful and quiet ambience, head down in the morning, whilst the sunset golden hours make for that Instagram image. Stay a bit longer to see the twinkling lights of the cityscape brighten up the already beautiful place. The park just went through a massive expansion and renovation, so now’s the best time to visit. 

Benjakitti Forest Park is located near BTS Asok, at Ratchadaphisek Rd, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110. Open daily 5am-9pm.

Future Factory

Photo courtesy of Future Factory

Known for hosting unique music events, parties and art exhibitions, creative space Future Factory has re-opened in a new location. A one-stop shop for all things entertainment, expect a huge al fresco area to enjoy your drinks, multiple bars, two floors of shops, a tattoo studio, revolving flea markets, and plenty of dining options. The spot will host many more live events and performances in the future, so stay tuned.

Future Factory is located at 3249 Rama IV Rd, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110.

Harajuku Thailand

Photo courtesy of Harajuku Thailand

Continuing the Japanese fantasy, Harajuku Thailand brings you the pleasure of a town within a town. Spanning over 48 acres, expect more than just street-eats and inexpensive shopping. The Japanese-style village sports Japanese architecture, crowds dressed in traditional kimono and yukata, and the quintessential sakura blossoms. There are even shrines where visitors can write their wishes on hanging wooden plaques. End the day with a relaxing stroll by the river or going for a duck pedal boating adventure.

Harajuku Thailand is located at Suwinthawong 110, Suwinthawong Road, Krathum Rai, Nong Chok, Bangkok 10530, p. +66 889826154. Mon– Thurs 10.30am – 9pm, Fri– Sun 10am–10pm.

Ega Bangkok

Photo courtesy of Ega Bangkok

Indulge in home-style Thai food at this gem of a restaurant. Brought to you by the same folks behind Italian restaurants It’s Happened To Be A Closet and A Fox Princess, Ega (crow in Thai) boasts a whacky and funky interior – though the food is anything but. Focused on regional Thai recipes, highlights include Yum Makuar Yao (฿250), a spicy grilled eggplant salad with shrimp and pork, and Pla Kang Tod Nam Pla (฿490), a crispy river fish with sweet fish sauce.

Ega Bangkok is located at Chinatown, 829 Yaowarat Rd., Chakrawat Subdistrict, Samphanthawong District, Bangkok 10110. Open Sun-Tue, Thu-Sat 10am-10pm. Closed Wed.

Independence Bar

Photo courtesy of Stanislav Rozhkov on Unsplash

Another new landmark in Bangkok’s Chinatown is Independence bar. Run by the YOLO Group (Teens of Thailand, Tax, and Asia Today), it’s all about wines – think traditional, natural, fortified, vermouth, and of course, wine-based cocktails. We highly recommend trying the Madeira Tonic (฿360), enhanced with chrysanthemum honey, and Porto Finale (฿380), a delicious coffee and chocolate concoction with ruby port.

Independence Bar is located at 687 Maitri Chit Rd, Pom Prap, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok 10100. Open Wed-Sun 6.30pm-12.30am. Closed on Mon & Tue.

North Restaurant

Photo courtesy of North Restaurant

A newly opened fine dining restaurant offering innovative gourmet creations based on Lanna culinary heritage, North Restaurant wins in both aesthetic and flavour. Their 11-course dinner set menu (THB 2,488) sees dishes like Wagyu A5 Beef Tartare seasoned with 13 kinds of northern spices, the bursting with favour Pumpkin Curry With Freshwater Sea Bass and Vodka-Cured Fish Roe and the northern noodle curry Khao Soi , reimagined as a tortellini dumpling with chicken curry mousse, puff pastry stick and beetroot jam.

North Restaurant is located at 8 Sukhumvit 33, Bangkok 10110, p. +66 0614262642. Open daily 6pm-11pm.

First Aid Kiss Cafe & Bar

Photo courtesy of First Aid Kiss Cafe & Bar

One of Thonglor’s most distinguished landmarks is a 30-year old pharmacy located at the beginning of the street. Now, the owners of the pharmacy has transformed its upper floors into a café and bar. The drugstore concept serves bites and drinks named after popular pills, remedies and herbal ingredients. The top picks? The First Kiss (฿200), a smooth chrysanthemum pudding served with black tea, and the fruity Hangover (฿130), a refreshing concoction of strawberry and watermelon. For caffeine lovers, Inspirin (฿125) is a milk-based coffee drink with touches of pandan.

First Aid Kiss is located at 58, Soi Sukhumvit 55, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110. Open Tue-Sun 10.30am-5.30pm. Closed on Mon.

Photo courtesy of Antito

Newly open and already recognised by the Michelin Guide, Antito is Chef Amerigo Sesti’s lover letter to his Italian roots in Bergamo, a city northeast of Milan. Whip your phone out for pictures of the bright and funky interiors featuring lots of interesting art pieces and pops of colour. Pasta lovers, order the Cavatelli Arrabbiata (฿330), where hand-made shell-like pasta cooked in a rich spicy arrabbiata sauce is topped with creamy smoked ricotta. The crispy Pizza Fritta (฿380) has also received its fair share of plaudits, with a deep-fried dough, sweet tomato sauce and fresh burrata.

Antito is located at 14/F, Eastin Grand Hotel, South Sathorn Rd., Bangkok, p. +66 022108100. Open daily 11.30am-11pm.

BKK Social Club

Photo courtesy of BKK Social Club

Opened in December 2020, BKK Social Club has quickly made its mark in Bangkok’s cocktail scene. Making its debut at No. 10 on the prestigious Asia’s 50 Best Bars list, the bar also received the Mitcher’s Art of Hospitality Award, so you know you’ll be well taken here. Amongst the luxe ambiance and art-deco interior, delve into signature cocktails like the herbaceous and citrusy gin-based La Pampa (฿450), the sweet berry flavoured Jujuy (฿280) or the Tigre (฿450), a smooth combination of sweet fruits with a spicy kick.

BKK Social Club is located at 300, 1 Charoen Krung Rd, Khwaeng Yan Nawa, Khet Sathon, Bangkok 10120, Thailand. Open Tues-Sun 5pm-12am.

UOB Cardmembers can enjoy a variety of Travel Insider Escapes deals, with up to 15% off accommodation bookings with Agoda , Booking.com and Expedia or up to S$50 savings on travel bookings, with Klook or Trip.com . If you’re looking to rent a car to explore your destination, get up to 20% off Avis Car Rental or Budget Car Rental . Last but not least, don’t forget the Travel Insurance !

Don’t have a UOB Card? Find the right credit card for all your needs here .

Top Image: Andreas Brücker on Unsplash

Plan your holiday with The Travel Insider today!

Create New List

Choose a list to add.

OR     Create New List

Added successfully!

Where do you live.

Choose your desired language

Login to ensure your favourites will be saved even if you clear your browser's cache.

Skip login and continue

Shopping mall owner said to consider biggest IPO since 2022

PUBLISHED : 21 Mar 2024 at 12:46

WRITER: Bloomberg News

Shopping mall owner Siam Piwat Company is moving closer to what would be Thailand's biggest initial public offering (IPO) in about two years, according to people with knowledge of the matter.

The Bangkok-based company is asking international banks to submit proposals for a potential first-time share sale that may take place before the end of this year, the people said, asking not to be identified as the process is private. Siam Piwat is aiming to raise US$500 million to $750 million in the IPO, they said, adding that deliberations are ongoing and it could decide not to list. 

The considerations coincide with a rebound in tourism to Thailand after travel dried up during the coronavirus pandemic, with overseas visitors topping 8 million this year already, government figures show. 

A representative for Siam Piwat referred a query from Bloomberg News to a September statement, where the company said it was planning to expand in Thailand and elsewhere in Asia. At the time, it said it had appointed Kiatnakin Phatra Securities and Kasikorn Securities to advise on its expansion and fundraising, including a possible listing in Bangkok at some point. 

The country’s most recent major IPO was Thai Life Insurance Public Company Limited's in 2022, when it raised over $1 billion. First-time share sales in Thailand total $253 million so far this year, down from $297 million over the same period in 2023, according to data compiled by Bloomberg .

Founded in 1959 as Bangkok Inter-Continental Hotels Co, Siam Piwat adopted its present name in 2003 and owns several high-end shopping centres, including Siam Paragon and Iconsiam in Bangkok.

RECOMMENDED

Isuzu allocates b32bn for thailand investments, ieat signs land sale to boost southern economy, malaysia airlines posts first profit in over a decade, smoking out the truth up north, trio vie for virtual bank licences.

Hong Kong man caught as Phuket tour guide

Dusit suggests more tourism segments.

• Burda Luxury
• Prestige Online
• Pin Prestige
• TRAVEL+LEISURE

XG announces first world tour in 2024 with a stop in Bangkok

Japanese group XG will be embarking on their inaugural world tour, ‘The first HOWL,’ with a stop in Bangkok in 2024.

The announcement for the tour also includes stops across Asia in cities such as Osaka, Yokohama, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Taipei, and more. The tour will commence on 18 May 2024.

After the Asian leg of the tour, the Japanese group, known for their hit ‘LEFT RIGHT’, is set to continue their journey in North America and Europe.

XG in Bangkok 2024: Venue, ticket prices and more

While the details of their 2024 Bangkok concert are yet to be disclosed, it is known that XG will be performing two-night shows in both Osaka and Yokohama on 18 to 19 May, followed by 25 to 26 May, respectively. Further information regarding the venue and ticket sales will be released in due course. Keep an eye on this space for tour updates.

Tour dates for the XG 1st WORLD TOUR ‘The first HOWL’ in Asia:

18 to 19 May 2024: Osaka, Osaka-Jo Hall

25 to 26 May 2024: Yokohama, K-Arena Yokohama

TBA: Bangkok

TBA: Kuala Lumpur

TBA: Singapore

TBA: Manila

TBA: Taipei

XG, which stands for Xtraordinary Girls, is a Japanese girl group that was established by Xgalx, a subsidiary of Avex, a notable entertainment company in Japan. The group, based in South Korea, is made up of seven talented members: Jurin, Chisa, Hinata, Juria, Cocona, Maya, and Harvey. They debuted on 18 March 2022, with the release of their digital single Tippy Toes .

The group’s name, Xtraordinary Girls, is a representation of their mission to inspire young people globally with their unique music and performances. The band started to gain attention with the launch of their social media accounts on 25 January 2022, and a video titled ‘Xgalx – The Beginning’ which spotlighted their journey through the Xgalx Project. Their pre-debut phase included various teasers such as rap and vocal covers, solo dance performances, and a dance video directed by South Korean dancer and choreographer, Choi Hyo-jin.

XG made their official debut with their all-English digital single Tippy Toes and followed it up with another single titled Mascara . Their debut performance on Mnet’s M Countdown in South Korea gained them significant attention. Later on, they went viral with a rap cypher video titled Galz Xypher that amassed 15 million views on TikTok.

In 2023, XG released their third all-English single, Shooting Star , and an additional track titled Left Right . They made history on 6 March 2023, by entering the Mediabase US Radio Top 40, a first for any Japanese female artist and group. Their journey continued with the release of Grl Gvng on 30 June 2023, which was a pre-release single for their debut EP, ‘New DNA’.

Watch XG’s LEFT RIGHT music video here

(Hero and featured image credit: @xgofficial/Instagram) 

Melissa Foong

Senior Digital Writer

Born and raised in the beautiful city of Kuala Lumpur, Melissa loves writing all things fashion, beauty and dining-related. She has written for BURO 24/7 and Augustman, and when she's not busy chasing deadlines, you can find her tucked in a blanket rereading her favourite series of fantasy novels, Harry Potter.

Yes, I agree to the Privacy Policy

Most Popular

Recommended for you

What to do in Bangkok: 12-18 March 2024

Summer Sound Festival 2024: Lineup, venue, tickets, and more

K-pop group RIIZE is coming to Bangkok this July

Rolling Loud is coming back to Thailand this November 2024

Follow our daily snapshots at @ lifestyleasiath

Subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest updates.

You’re all set

Thank you for your subscription.

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Study About Purported Ancient ‘Pyramid’ in Indonesia Is Retracted

The study, based on research featured in a Netflix documentary, fueled debate over a site that is used for Islamic and Hindu rituals.

By Mike Ives

Reporting from Seoul

The American publisher of a study that challenged scientific orthodoxy by claiming that an archaeological site in Indonesia may be the world’s “oldest pyramid” says it has been retracted.

The October 2023 study in the journal Archaeological Prospection made the explosive claim that the deepest layer of the site, Gunung Padang, appears to have been “sculpted” by humans up to 27,000 years ago.

The study’s critics say that it incorrectly dated the human presence at Gunung Padang based on radiocarbon measurements of soil from drilling samples, not artifacts. The journal’s American publisher, Wiley, cited that exact reasoning in the retraction notice it issued on Monday.

Gunung Padang is widely considered a dormant volcano, and archaeologists say that ceramics recovered there so far suggest that humans have been using it for several hundred years or more — not anything close to 27,000 years. The pyramids of Giza in Egypt are only about 4,500 years old.

The retraction, based on a monthslong investigation, said that the study was flawed because its soil samples “were not associated with any artifacts or features that could be reliably interpreted as anthropogenic or ‘man-made.’”

Some archaeologists said in interviews that they welcomed the retraction. But the study’s authors called it “unjust,” saying in a statement on Wednesday that their soil samples had been “unequivocally established as man-made constructions or archaeological features,” in part because the soil layers included artifacts.

“We urge the academic community, scientific organizations, and concerned individuals to stand with us in challenging this decision and upholding the principles of integrity, transparency, and fairness in scientific research and publishing,” the authors wrote.

The study ’s lead author, Danny Hilman Natawidjaja, an earthquake geologist, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Neither did Wiley or the editors of Archaeological Prospection, Eileen Ernenwein and Gregory Tsokas.

One prominent supporter of Mr. Natawidjaja’s research, the journalist Graham Hancock, said in a statement he did not see the retraction as “fair, justified or good science.” He said that instead of issuing a retraction, the journal should have published critiques of the paper, a move he said would have allowed readers to make up their own minds.

“Science should not be about suppression,” said Mr. Hancock, who interviewed Mr. Natawidjaja for an episode about Gunung Padang on “ Ancient Apocalypse, ” his 2022 Netflix documentary series.

The Society for American Archaeology has said that Mr. Hancock’s Netflix show “devalues the archaeological profession on the basis of false claims and disinformation.” He has vigorously rejected that argument, arguing that archaeologists should be more open to theories that challenge academic orthodoxy. Netflix did not respond to a request for comment on the retraction.

People from Indonesia have long traveled to Gunung Padang, a hilltop site dotted with stone terraces, to hold Islamic and Hindu rituals. A domestic narrative portraying it as a very, very old pyramid had support, and financing, from the central government during the administration of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who left office in 2014. His successor, President Joko Widodo, cut off the funding.

Archaeologists said in interviews on Wednesday that they welcomed the retraction.

One of them, Noel Hidalgo Tan, an archaeologist in Bangkok who had relayed his concerns about the study to Wiley, said that he considered the retraction “entirely appropriate” because the study’s evidence did not support its conclusions.

“It was unfortunate that the paper had to get to this stage,” said Dr. Tan, who works at the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Archaeology and Fine Arts. “But it was better to be retracted than to have nothing said about it at all.”

Dwi Ratna Nurhajarini, the head of the Cultural Heritage Conservation Office in West Java Province, the location of the site, said the study’s conclusions should be re-examined in light of the retraction.

“The structures at Gunung Padang are indeed layered and terraced, reminiscent of civilizations from Indonesia’s distant past,” she said by phone on Wednesday. “But their age might not be as old as suggested.”

Rin Hindryati contributed reporting.

Mike Ives is a reporter for The Times based in Seoul, covering breaking news around the world. More about Mike Ives

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

U.S. Department of Commerce

• Press Releases

Was this page helpful?

Secretary raimondo leads successful presidential trade and investment mission to the philippines, president’s export council trip to thailand, office of public affairs.

First-of-its-kind Presidential Trade and Investment Mission to the Philippines announced over $1 billion in investments

Raimondo leads members of the President’s Export Council on fact-finding trip to Thailand to identify opportunities to strengthen bilateral commercial relationship

Raimondo hosts virtual IPEF Ministerial and Department of Commerce publishes text of the proposed Clean Economy Agreement, Fair Economy Agreement, and Agreement on IPEF

WASHINGTON – Last week, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo traveled to Southeast Asia on behalf of President Biden to lead a Presidential Trade and Investment Mission to the Philippines and members of the President’s Export Council on a fact-finding trip to Thailand.

From March 11-12, Secretary Raimondo led a delegation of senior executives from 22 prominent U.S. businesses and non-profit organizations on a first-of-its-kind Presidential Trade and Investment Mission to Manila. Secretary Raimondo met with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to discuss cooperation and joint efforts to strengthen commercial relationships and to build resilient supply chains across the Indo-Pacific and reaffirm the importance the United States places on a strong bilateral trade and investment relationship between the two countries.

In Manila, Secretary Raimondo and the Mission’s delegation met with the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) of the Philippines to discuss key economic areas of mutual interest. The Secretary also participated in two roundtables – one with Filipina women in business for a discussion on supporting women’s economic empowerment, and one with representatives from labor organizations to emphasize the importance that the Biden-Harris Administration places on advancing labor rights and standards globally.

While in the Philippines, Raimondo encouraged both the U.S. and Philippine private sectors and Philippine government to capitalize on the historic momentum in U.S.-Philippine relations. Together, delegates participating in the Mission have announced over $1 billion of recently-completed or anticipated U.S. investments , creating educational and career opportunities for an estimated over 30 million Filipinos.

“In our first-of-its-kind Presidential Trade and Investment Mission to the Philippines, we announced over $1 billion in investments,” said Secretary Gina Raimondo . “We share an important relationship with the Philippines, and I believe the work we accomplished will make our partnership even stronger.”

Following Secretary Raimondo’s successful Mission to Manila, the Secretary traveled to Thailand to lead members of the President’s Export Council (PEC) to Bangkok from March 13-14. The focus of this official visit was to identify opportunities for both countries to strengthen commercial relationships across manufacturing, supply chain resiliency, the digital economy, and clean technology.

In Bangkok, Secretary Raimondo met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Phumtham Wechayachai to discuss trade and investment priorities related to the digital economy, clean energy and sustainability, and semiconductors. The Secretary and Minister of Commerce also met with PEC members to exchange ideas on strengthening trade and investment ties across both countries.

While in Thailand, Secretary Raimondo also met with key government officials and stakeholders of the semiconductor industry to discuss ways to strengthen global supply chain resilience and cooperation between the United States and Thailand. Raimondo met with the Minister of Digital Economy and Society Prasert Chanthararuangthong to discuss opportunities for collaboration in the digital economy, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. With the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, the Secretary had a meeting focused on strengthening diplomatic and commercial ties through the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF), and with Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, Secretary Raimondo thanked Thailand for its continued partnership in advancing shared economic priorities, including through IPEF.

“In Bangkok, members of the PEC met with key representatives and stakeholders, including in the semiconductor industry, to look at how we can strengthen global supply chain resilience,” said Secretary Gina Raimondo. “The U.S. is committed to working with Thailand on this critical issue, and to continue finding ways we can address shared challenges and opportunities with Thailand, as well as our IPEF partners throughout the region, to uplift our economies, workers, and countries.”

In addition to bilateral meetings and engagements with stakeholders, this official visit to Thailand served as an opportunity for Secretary Raimondo to join Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara, along with the ministers from the 12 other IPEF partners, in their first ministerial meeting of 2024. During the meeting, Secretary Raimondo reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to work closely with IPEF partners to quickly begin operationalizing the IPEF Supply Chain Agreement after its entry into force on February 24, 2024, and welcomed the significant progress made since the substantial conclusion of the negotiations for the proposed IPEF Clean Economy Agreement, the IPEF Fair Economy Agreement, and Agreement on IPEF in November 2023. The IPEF partners discussed the ongoing cooperative work ahead across the three proposed agreements, and building on that progress, the Department of Commerce published the text of the proposed agreements. 

Please find readouts, press releases, and notable media coverage from Secretary Raimondo’s travel to the Philippines and Thailand below:

Presidential Trade and Investment Mission to the Philippines

• Readout of Secretary Raimondo’s Meeting with the Advisory Committee on Supply Chain Competitiveness
• Readout of Secretary Raimondo’s Meeting with Secretary Pascual and Secretary Go of the Philippines
• Readout of Secretary Raimondo’s Meeting with President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. of the Philippines
• Readout of Secretary Raimondo’s Meeting with the Private Sector Advisory Council of the Philippines
• Readout of Secretary Raimondo’s Roundtable Discussion with Women Business Leaders in the Philippines
• Readout of Secretary Raimondo’s Roundtable Discussion with Labor Organization Leaders in the Philippines
• Presidential Trade and Investment Mission: Partnering with the U.S. Private Sector to Deepen U.S.-Philippine Commercial Ties

Reuters: US companies to announce investments of over $1 billion in the Philippines    

“American companies are set to announce investments amounting to more than $1 billion in the Philippines, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said during an official visit to Manila on Monday. Raimondo is heading a two-day trade and investment mission, the first of its kind for the Philippines. The delegation includes executives from 22 companies including United Airlines, Alphabet's Google, Visa, KKR Asia Pacific and Microsoft – Speaking at a joint briefing with Philippine officials after meeting with Marcos at the presidential palace, Raimondo said Washington's commitment to expanding trade and investment in the Philippines extends to the larger Indo-Pacific region through the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework - a 14-nation U.S.-led group. Raimondo reiterated the United States has no intention of "decoupling" from China but it would not be allowed access to Washington's advanced technology.”

Bloomberg: US Companies to Invest $1 Billion in Philippines, Raimondo Says    

“US companies that joined the trade and investment mission organized by President Joe Biden will invest more than $1 billion in the Philippines, according to US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo who leads the delegation. The US and Philippines alliance is “ironclad,” Raimondo said in a joint briefing by the US group and Philippine officials Monday. The commerce secretary leads an investment mission with about 20 American executives to strengthen economic relations. Microsoft Corp. announced new partnerships and programs to accelerate AI adoption in the Philippines, according to a separate statement. Other US investments include in the areas of digital upskilling, solar and nuclear projects, and a new airline route to Cebu province, Raimondo said.”

Manila Standard: US top-level execs to visit PH in trade, investment mission    

“DTI Foreign Trade Service Officer Jollan Margaret Llaneza reported that the US trade delegation “will be a high-level delegation comprised of 22 business delegates and C-level representatives from strategic sectors. “Our goal here is to foster the relationship between our Philippine business sector and their American counterparts, so we can have commercially meaningful partnerships,” she added. – US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo leads the upcoming visit, which fulfills a promise made by US President Joe Biden during President Ferdinand Marcos’ US trip last year. Among the members of the US delegation are Filipino-American artist Allan Pineda, also known as ‘Apl.de.Ap,’ who will be representing his foundation; United Airlines president Brett Hart, Capital One Philippines president Sara Murphy, and US-ASEAN Business Council president and CEO Ted Osius.”

The Filipino Times: US companies to invest over $1 billion in PH    

“US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo brought good news to the Philippines, saying that 22 American companies are investing over $1 billion worth of investments in the country. Arriving in the country on Monday, March 11, Raimondo met with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and the country’s economic team to represent United States President Joe Biden, who wants to strengthen trade relations with the Philippines. “US companies are interested to invest in Filipinos. Just look at the many American companies that provide employment and professional development for thousands of Filipinos, putting them on a path to higher-paying jobs,” Raimondo, who leads a high-level Presidential Trade and Investment Mission, said in a press briefing.”

Financial Times: US seeks boost for Philippine chip sector as competition mounts with China    

“US commerce secretary Gina Raimondo has called for a sharp increase in capacity for assembling, testing and packaging semiconductors in the Philippines, as Washington seeks to bolster rapidly growing defence co-operation with its oldest Asian ally. The Philippines has 13 so-called back-end semiconductor plants that specialise in assembling, testing and packaging chips manufactured elsewhere. “Let’s double it,” Raimondo said on Tuesday during a US trade and investment mission to the Philippines. The appeal followed pledges of $1bn of fresh investment in the country from companies including Microsoft and United Airlines that were part of a 22-strong business delegation. The push comes as government officials and analysts warn that Washington must add more economic engagement to its military and security co-operation with Asian partners if it is to compete successfully with China in the region.”

President’s Export Council Fact-Finding Trip to Thailand

• Readout of Secretary Raimondo’s Meeting with Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Phumtham Wechayachai
• Readout of Secretary Raimondo’s Meeting with Thai Minister of Digital Economy and Society Prasert Chanthararuangthong
• Readout of Secretary Raimondo’s Meeting with Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara
• Readout of Secretary Raimondo’s Meeting with Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin
• Raimondo, IPEF Ministers Welcome Continued Progress at Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) Virtual Ministerial Meeting

Reuters: Thailand to benefit from semiconductor production rejig, says US commerce secretary    

“Thailand stands to gain from a move by the United States to diversify semiconductor production, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said on Wednesday, adding that American firms were ready to "supercharge" investments into the Southeast Asian country. The electrical and electronics industry is one of Thailand's main foreign investment magnets, and a key sector that Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's government is looking to expand as it seeks to kickstart a sluggish economy. "Production of semiconductors is dangerously concentrated in one or two countries in the world," Raimondo said at an event in Bangkok, outlining that the U.S. would look to push additional investments into countries that are part of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) as it seeks to diversify production.”

Associated Press: US commerce secretary hails progress at year’s first meeting of Indo-Pacific trade grouping    

“U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo on Thursday praised the progress made by the 14 countries in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity after the group held a ministerial meeting Thursday to discuss proposed guidelines for regional commerce. Raimondo was in the Thai capital Bangkok to take part in the virtual meeting, the year’s first for the grouping. She is on an Asia tour that also took her to the Philippines this week with a private sector delegation to promote trade, investment and the diversification of global supply chains, especially for semiconductors. Washington launched the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, or IPEF, in May 2022 to establish a zone of economic cooperation in a region that is estimated to account for 40% of global GDP.”

Politico: Commerce touts IPEF progress, unveils new draft agreements    

“Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo on Thursday said negotiations towards the completion of the U.S-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework are entering a new stage, and released proposed texts covering agreements on “clean economy” and “fair economy” as well as overarching rules for how the IPEF arrangement will function. “It’s clear that the next phase of IPEF will continue to deliver concrete results for each of our economies,” Raimondo said during IPEF’s first ministerial meeting this year, according to a readout from Commerce. The virtual ministerial was hosted by Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara and attended by ministers from the other 12 countries involved in the initiative...Commerce also announced new initiatives across the IPEF pillars to support economic cooperation. The proposed agreement on IPEF would establish two ministerial-level bodies to meet annually, as well as an IPEF Council tasked with considering matters that affect the agreement’s broad operation, as well as proposals for the accession of new members.”

The Nation Thailand: US Secretary of Commerce enhances economic partnerships during Bangkok visit    

“Secretary Raimondo spoke with Amcham President Ornkanya Pibuldham of Bank of America. Raimondo emphasized Thailand's pivotal role as a trade partner and underscored the US commitment to amplifying collaboration in the region. Ornkanya remarked, "Our dialogue centred around forging synergies that not only boost trade but also stimulate technological advancements and sustainable growth." Amcham represents over 650 member companies; the attendees included business executives from diverse sectors such as automotive, energy, digital technology, manufacturing, banking and finance, and more. The event was also attended by US Ambassador to Thailand Robert Godec, members of President Biden's Advisory Council, and senior US Department of Commerce officials. Raimondo is in Thailand with the President Biden's Export Council. The meetings aim to provide a platform to explore avenues for expanding US-Thai commercial relations, with Raimondo expressing her appreciation for the partnership between the two countries.”

Share this page

We've detected unusual activity from your computer network

To continue, please click the box below to let us know you're not a robot.

Why did this happen?

Please make sure your browser supports JavaScript and cookies and that you are not blocking them from loading. For more information you can review our Terms of Service and Cookie Policy .

For inquiries related to this message please contact our support team and provide the reference ID below.