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Explore with Ease: Your Comprehensive Bangkok Map Guide

Exploring a bustling city like Bangkok can be overwhelming without a reliable guide. That’s where a detailed Bangkok map can be your best friend, helping you navigate through the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, bustling streets, and iconic landmarks with ease.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, having an interactive or printable Bangkok map handy can make all the difference. With its colorful streets, bustling markets, and hidden gems, Bangkok has so much to offer. With a map in hand, you can be sure that you won’t miss out on any of the city’s must-visit attractions.

Key Takeaways

• A detailed Bangkok map can be essential for exploring the city.
• Interactive and printable map options are available for convenience.
• The Bangkok Metro map can help you get around the city more efficiently.
• A Bangkok street map can be useful for exploring on foot.
• A tourist attractions map can help you discover hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Understanding Bangkok’s Layout: A Detailed Bangkok Map

Before exploring Bangkok, it’s important to understand the city’s layout. A detailed Bangkok map is an essential tool to navigate through the labyrinthine streets and vibrant neighborhoods of this bustling city. The capital of Thailand covers an area of 1,568.7 square kilometers and is divided into 50 districts, each with its own unique character and charm.

A Bangkok city map is the best resource to gain an overview of the city’s layout and identify landmark areas. The districts are grouped into five main regions, namely the Old City, Riverside, Sukhumvit, Silom, and Chinatown. The Old City, also known as Rattanakosin Island, is the historic heart of Bangkok and home to some of the most iconic temples and palaces. The Riverside area, along the Chao Phraya River, is dotted with luxurious hotels and shopping centers. Sukhumvit is the commercial and residential hub of Bangkok, while Silom is a financial district with a vibrant nightlife scene. Chinatown is a must-visit for its food, architecture, and cultural offerings.

A detailed Bangkok map allows visitors to plan their itinerary according to their interests and preferences. With the right map in hand, tourists can easily navigate the city and avoid getting lost. Moreover, understanding the city’s layout and the location of key areas help visitors save time and money spent on transportation.

Where to Find the Best Maps: Interactive and Printable Options

When it comes to exploring Bangkok, having a reliable map is a must. Luckily, there are many options for obtaining an interactive or printable map of the city.

Interactive Bangkok Map

One of the most convenient ways to access an interactive Bangkok map is through online resources. Many travel websites and apps offer interactive maps that allow visitors to zoom in on specific neighborhoods, search for landmarks and attractions, and even get directions.

Another option is to download a mobile app specifically designed for navigating Bangkok, such as Google Maps, Maps.me, or CityMaps2Go. These apps often provide real-time traffic updates and public transportation information, making it easy for visitors to explore the city on the go.

Printable Bangkok Map

For those who prefer a physical copy of a Bangkok map, tourist information centers and hotels are the best places to look. These establishments often provide free or low-cost printed maps that highlight popular attractions, transportation options, and other useful information.

Alternatively, visitors can print their own maps from online resources or pdf files available on official tourism websites. This option is especially convenient for those who prefer to plan their itinerary in advance and have a hard copy of the map on hand.

Navigating the City: Using the Bangkok Metro Map

The Bangkok Metro map is an essential tool for getting around the city efficiently. The metro system is extensive and connects many of the most popular tourist destinations in the city, including the Chatuchak Weekend Market, the Grand Palace, and Chinatown.

To use the Bangkok Metro, visitors can purchase single journey tickets or reloadable cards. The cards offer a discount on each journey and can be topped up at machines located in each station. It is important to note that the Metro system operates from 6:00 AM until midnight, so visitors should plan their journeys accordingly.

Tips for Using the Metro System Effectively

• Plan your route ahead of time using a Bangkok Metro map to avoid getting lost or confused.
• Avoid rush hour, as the Metro system can get crowded during peak times.
• Be aware of the no food or drink policy on the trains.
• Stay alert and keep an eye on personal belongings to avoid pickpockets.

Using the Bangkok Metro map is a convenient and affordable way to navigate the city, allowing visitors to visit many of Bangkok’s most popular tourist attractions with ease.

Exploring Bangkok on Foot: Using a Bangkok Street Map

While the Bangkok Metro is a convenient way to get around the city, exploring by foot is an excellent way to soak up the vibrant atmosphere and see some of the hidden gems that this city has to offer. For those looking to take a stroll, a Bangkok street map is the perfect tool to ensure you don’t get lost in this bustling metropolis.

A Bangkok street map is essential for understanding the layout of the city’s streets and alleys. The map will often provide details on the street names and numbers, which will make it easier to navigate the area. Tourists can also use this map to locate nearby attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest.

With so many streets and alleys in Bangkok, street vendors and local shops often have a unique character that can be easily missed. With a street map, visitors can discover hidden gems and experience the city’s authentic culture, from street food markets to art galleries and street performers.

It’s important to note that Bangkok’s narrow streets can be overwhelming at times, with traffic jams and crowds being a common occurrence. With a Bangkok street map in hand, you can find hidden alleys and shortcuts that lead you to your destination quicker. This map will also help you avoid getting lost in the maze-like streets of Bangkok.

Overall, a Bangkok street map is an essential tool for exploring the city on foot. It’s perfect for those who want to discover Bangkok’s hidden gems and experience the city’s authentic culture. With its detailed information on street names and numbers, nearby attractions, and traffic shortcuts, a Bangkok street map is a reliable guide for newcomers and seasoned travelers alike.

Unveiling the Hidden Gems: Bangkok Tourist Attractions Map

One of the most exciting things about exploring Bangkok is discovering its hidden gems – the lesser-known attractions that offer unique experiences. This is where a Bangkok tourist attractions map comes in handy.

The map highlights popular tourist spots, including historical sites, cultural centers, and unique markets. But it also contains hidden gems that may not be as well-known but are equally fascinating. With the help of this map, visitors can set out on an adventure to explore the city’s best-kept secrets.

Some of the highlights on the Bangkok tourist attractions map include the charming neighborhoods of Phra Khanong and Ari, which offer a glimpse into local life, and the ancient city of Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s just a short drive from Bangkok.

Visitors can also use the map to explore the city’s diverse culinary scene, from the famous street food stalls to upscale restaurants. The map includes recommendations for well-known dishes like pad thai and green curry, as well as lesser-known local delicacies.

Whether it’s uncovering hidden temples, exploring off-the-beaten-path markets, or trying new foods, the Bangkok tourist attractions map is an essential tool for any traveler looking to experience the authentic side of the city.

Landmarks and Points of Interest: A Comprehensive Bangkok Map

When exploring the vibrant city of Bangkok, it’s essential to have a comprehensive Bangkok map guide that includes all the landmarks and points of interest. Luckily, there are numerous tourist maps of Bangkok available that provide detailed information on must-visit places and iconic attractions.

One of the most popular landmarks on the map is the Grand Palace, a stunning complex of ornate buildings that served as the residence of the King of Thailand until the mid-20th century. Nearby is the Wat Phra Kaew temple, which houses the Emerald Buddha, a sacred and meticulously-crafted statue made of jade. Other temples worth visiting include Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, and Wat Pho, which holds the massive Reclining Buddha statue.

For those interested in history, the Jim Thompson House is a must-visit attraction. The house was owned by an American businessman who popularized the silk trade in Thailand and mysteriously disappeared in the 1960s. Today, the house serves as a museum that showcases traditional Thai architecture and art.

Bangkok is also known for its bustling markets, and one that should be on every visitor’s list is the Chatuchak Weekend Market. With over 15,000 stalls selling everything from antiques to clothing to street food, the market is a shopper’s paradise. Another popular market is the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, where vendors sell their wares from boats on the canal.

Other notable landmarks on the comprehensive Bangkok map guide include the iconic Wat Chanasongkhram Ratchaworamahawihan, the impressive Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall, and the breathtaking Wat Benchamabophit Dusitvanaram temple.

In conclusion, a comprehensive Bangkok map guide is crucial for anyone wanting to explore this vibrant city. By using a tourist map of Bangkok, visitors can easily navigate their way to all the must-visit landmarks and points of interest, ensuring a memorable and fulfilling trip to Thailand’s capital.

Making the Most of Your Visit: Ultimate Bangkok Map Guide

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, having a detailed Bangkok map is essential for exploring the vibrant capital of Thailand. With so many attractions, landmarks, and hidden gems to discover, planning your itinerary and getting around the city can be overwhelming without a reliable map.

To make the most of your visit, it’s important to use the available maps effectively. Here are some practical tips and recommendations for using a Bangkok map to optimize your experience:

• Start with a detailed Bangkok map: Before you begin your adventure, make sure you have a comprehensive map that includes all the important areas, districts, landmarks, and attractions. A detailed Bangkok map will help you understand the layout of the city and plan your itinerary effectively.
• Use a Bangkok tourist attractions map: To ensure you don’t miss any of the must-visit places in Bangkok, use a tourist attractions map that highlights the most famous landmarks, temples, palaces, markets and other iconic attractions. This type of map can also lead you to off-the-beaten-path experiences and hidden gems that are not as well-known.
• Create an itinerary: Once you have a detailed Bangkok map and a tourist attractions map, use them to create an itinerary that includes all the places you want to visit. Organize your itinerary based on location, so you can maximize your time and minimize travel time between different areas.
• Consider transportation options: With the help of a Bangkok map, consider transportation options to get to each location on your itinerary. The city’s efficient and affordable public transport system includes the metro, buses, and the famous tuk-tuk, which can help you avoid traffic and get to your destinations faster.
• Use landmarks to navigate: While exploring Bangkok, use the landmarks and attractions on your map as reference points. This will help you navigate the streets and alleys of the city more effectively and make sure you don’t get lost.
• Stay flexible: While a detailed Bangkok map and a well-planned itinerary are helpful, it’s important to stay flexible and spontaneous. Bangkok is a city filled with surprises, from lively street performances to bustling markets and cultural events. Allow yourself time to explore and discover new experiences.

By using a detailed Bangkok map, a tourist attractions map, and following these practical tips, you’ll be able to make the most of your visit to this vibrant city. There’s no better way to immerse yourself in the local culture and discover the rich history, traditions, and flavors of Thailand than by exploring Bangkok with confidence and ease.

In conclusion, having a comprehensive Bangkok map guide is essential for navigating the city with ease and confidence. By utilizing a detailed Bangkok map, visitors can better understand the layout of the city, plan their itineraries, and explore its vibrant culture and attractions.

Whether using an interactive or printable map, visitors can easily access the information needed to navigate and discover Bangkok’s hidden gems. The Bangkok Metro map is particularly useful for efficient and convenient transportation, while a Bangkok street map can help visitors explore the city on foot.

For those looking to experience Bangkok’s must-visit landmarks and attractions, a tourist map of Bangkok provides detailed information on iconic places such as the Grand Palace and Wat Arun. By using a comprehensive Bangkok map guide, visitors can make the most of their visit and optimize their time to fully immerse themselves in the city’s unique atmosphere.

What is the importance of having a reliable Bangkok map while exploring the city?

Having a reliable Bangkok map is essential for navigating the vibrant capital of Thailand. It helps visitors find their way around the city, locate key areas and districts, and discover the best tourist attractions.

Where can I find a detailed Bangkok map?

Detailed Bangkok maps can be found online, at tourist information centers, and in some hotels. They provide a comprehensive overview of the city, including streets, landmarks, and transportation options.

Are there interactive and printable options available for Bangkok maps?

Yes, there are interactive and printable Bangkok maps available. Online resources offer interactive maps that allow users to customize their experience, while printable maps can be obtained for convenience.

How can I effectively use the Bangkok Metro map?

The Bangkok Metro map is crucial for navigating the city’s efficient metro system. It provides information on different lines and stations, helping visitors plan their routes and purchase tickets for easy transportation.

What are the benefits of using a Bangkok street map for exploring the city on foot?

Using a Bangkok street map allows visitors to navigate the bustling streets of the city while exploring on foot. It helps locate important landmarks, find specific streets, and discover hidden gems along the way.

What is a Bangkok tourist attractions map?

A Bangkok tourist attractions map highlights the must-visit places in the city, including famous temples, palaces, markets, and other iconic attractions. It helps visitors plan their itinerary and uncover off-the-beaten-path experiences.

What landmarks and points of interest can be found on a comprehensive Bangkok map?

A comprehensive Bangkok map includes landmarks such as famous temples, palaces, markets, and other points of interest. It provides a wealth of information for visitors to plan their sightseeing and explore the city’s culture.

How can I make the most of my visit to Bangkok using a map?

To make the most of your visit, use the Bangkok map to plan your itinerary, organize sightseeing routes, and maximize your time at each location. The map will help you navigate the city efficiently and optimize your experience.

Why is it important to have a comprehensive Bangkok map guide?

A comprehensive Bangkok map guide is important as it provides visitors with detailed information on navigating the city, discovering tourist attractions, and exploring hidden gems. It ensures a successful and enjoyable visit to Bangkok.

The Epic List of 41 Things To Do in Bangkok, Thailand (with a Map!)

By: Author Stefania Guglielmi

Posted on Last updated: April 11, 2023

Categories Asia , Thailand

Wondering what to do in Bangkok, Thailand? Ah, the possibilities! Bangkok offers so much. Check out the 41 best things to do in Bangkok according to travel bloggers.

Bangkok is such an exciting city to spend a few days! Bangkok is one of the main ports of entry in Southeast Asia and you’re likely to end up here at some point while traveling through Asia.

You definitely won’t get bored here: with its colorful markets, stunning temples to visit, foodie experiences of all kinds and an exciting nightlife, Bangkok attractions something for everyone, no matter your interests, age or budget. I’ve visited the city a few times and I feel there’s still so much to see and do.

But with so many possibilities, what are the top things to do in Bangkok, Thailand? I’ve asked my fellow bloggers what are their favorite places to visit in Bangkok and we came up with this epic list of 41 things to add to your Bangkok itinerary !

Here they are, divided by the same sections you’ll find in this post; you can use this map to create your own itinerary.

Table of Contents

The Best Temples in Bangkok

Go wow when visiting wat arun.

Photo and Text by Cat, Walk My World

No trip to Bangkok is complete without visiting Wat Arun, one of Bangkok top attractions. The iconic “Temple of Dawn” stands tall along the Chao Phraya River and is one of the most famous temples in Bangkok and the country. Wat Arun is a huge white stupa that is decorated with ornate mosaics and statues from the base all the way to the top. You can climb halfway up the stupa and get some stunning views across the river and to the Grand Palace and city beyond.

Wat Arun is at its quietest in the early morning on a weekday. We’d recommend avoiding the middle of the day as the crowds will be pretty unbearable and it gets incredibly hot (there’s little to no shade). The temple opens from 8am until 5pm and entry costs 50 baht. Make sure you dress appropriately (covering shoulders and legs) or you will be denied entry.

Even if you’re feeling temple fatigue, you will be glad you visited Wat Arun, which is different to any other temple we’ve visited in Bangkok . 

Wat Arun Opening Hours : 8.30am to 5.30pm Wat Arun Entrance Fee : 100 baht (approximatey $3)

⇒ If you’d rather visit the main temples of Bangkok with a guide,  BOOK HERE  the  Walking Temple Tour , that include Wat Pho, Wat Arun, The Grand Palace and more.

Check Out the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho

Photo and Text by Kevin, The Outcast Journey

Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Ratchaworamahawihan in  Bangkok  is also known as Wat Pho (luckily!).

Covering about 8 hectares, this temple complex is lined with collections of Buddha, murals, and a courtyard. Wat Pho is mostly famous for its 46 meter long Reclining Buddha , coated with gold, which you can’t miss when visiting this temple.

Make your way here- Wat Pho is just opposite the Grand Palace and pay an entrance fee of 200 Baht (free for children under 120 cm). Pay attention to the signs since attire is strictly observed here. Remember that it’s a religious place that you’re visiting, so sleeveless and shorts/skirts above the knee are not allowed.

Here you can also experience a traditional Thai massage. The Thai massage school here at Wat Pho is renowned all around Thailand, and apparently they give wonderful massages.

Wat Pho Opening Hours : 8am to 5pm daily Wat Pho Entrance Fee : 200 Baht 

⇒ You can also visit the Grand Palace together with Wat Pho and Wat Arun accompanied by a guide in a half-day private temple tour.  BOOK IT HERE

Visit the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew

Photo and Text by Slavi, Global Castaway

The Royal Palace is the biggest must-see sight in Bangkok. Visiting the capital of Thailand and skipping the Grand Palace is like visiting Rome and skipping on the Colosseum.

Built in 1782, the palace was the actual home of the King until the turn of the twentieth century.

Nowadays, the palace complex is used for ceremonial purposes and also home to the most sacred temple in the country – Wat Phra Kaew – The Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

According to the prophecy, the Emerald Buddha statue was created in India, where a famous prophet foresaw it would bring  “prosperity and pre-eminence to each country in which it resides”. No one is allowed near the Buddha beside His Majesty the King of Thailand who is responsible for the change of the seasonal cloak of the statue. There are three different robes – one for summer, one for winter and one for the Rainy season, and the ritual of changing them is very important for the Kingdom

Being as famous as it is, the Grand Palace has one of the highest entry fees in all Thailand – 500 Baht. Also, when you go for a visit, make sure your knees and shoulders are covered otherwise you’d forced to rent extra clothing.

Last but not least, the Palace is a top-rated tourist attraction during all seasons so go there as early as possible to avoid the crowds.

Grand Palace Opening Hours : 8.30am to 3.30pm Grand Palace Entrance Fee : 500 Baht

⇒ If you’d like to understand more about the place, CHECK OUT the Bangkok Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew Morning Join In Tour. 

Check Out the Less Known Marble Temple

The Marble Temple (its actual name is  Wat Benchamabophit ) is all made with Italian Carrara white marble and gold carvings.

It’s not as known as some other temples in Bangkok and off the path of most travelers, so you could very easily avoid the crowds and have it all for yourself! That was the case when I visited and trust me, after joining hundreds of people at Wat Pho, it was quite a relief! The sense of peace of this place… you really need to add it to your itinerary.

Wat Benchamabophit Opening Hours : 8am to 5.30pm daily Wat Benchamabophit Entrance Fee : 50 Baht (approximately $1.50)

Climb Up to the Golden Mount Temple

Ok, I promise this is the last Buddhist temple on this list, then it’s time for you to check out other attractions. The problem is, there are so many beautiful temples in Bangkok that choosing only 1 or 2 is very hard!

Wat Saket is definitely worth adding to your list. After climbing up 300 steps (bring water with you and maybe try and avoid going at midday!), you’ll reach the famous  Golden Mount  stupa that sits on top of the temple, which is built on a 80-meter high man-made hill. The views from the tops are nice, and also sometimes you’ll find monks chanting at the top!

Wat Saket (Golden Mount) Opening Hours:  9am to 5pm daily Wat Saket (Golden Mount) Entrance Fee:  50 baht

⇒ What about joining a half-day tour to the Temple of the Golden Mount + the Pad Klong Talad Flower Market and Chinatown? ⇒  BOOK HERE  the  Chinatown, Flower Market and Golden Mount Walking Tour.

You can also join a Bangkok bike tour and explore the temples in a fun way!

Pay a Visit To the Hindu Erawan Shrine

Photo and Text by Gábor, Surfing the Planet

Visiting some of the beautiful religious sights in Bangkok is one of the main highlights of any trip to Thailand . Actually, one of the main charms of Bangkok is the mixture of modernity and ancient Asian spirituality, and there’s hard to find a place where you can experience this better than in the Erawan Hindu Shrine. This holy place is found in the most modern part of the city center, just below the sky train rails.  

It’s such a peculiar place visited every day by local people who come to pray and ask for their wishes to get fulfilled. If the wish gets accomplished, they usually return with gifts to celebrate joyfully in front of the golden statue of Phra Phrom, which a Thai representation of Brahma, one of the major Hindu gods.

Erawan Shrine is close to the Chit Lom metro station.  

Erawan Shrine Opening Hours : 6 am to 12 am every day.

The Best Markets in Bangkok

Explore the gigantic chatuchak market.

A Bangkok must see, the best market in Bangkok is also the biggest market in all of Asia . The Chatuchak weekend market has more than 15,000 stalls selling just about anything that you’d like to buy – from daily essentials to live animals and everything in between. It is virtually impossible to leave the place without buying something.

The market is divided into lanes called Soi that are numbered so you can mark your trail without going around in circles. There is a sort of map to help visitors but it’s quite useless because you never know what you might find at which store. Clothing, handicrafts, ceramics and pets accessories saw the most crowds on my visit to the market. Do make time to marvel at the arts and crafts and antiques section too.

At the end of so much walking, talking and haggling, even a hardy traveler like me had to succumb to the allure of a foot spa. The market is open only on weekends and the average footfall easily crosses a couple of million shoppers – both local and foreign. Local tourists, in fact, bring large suitcases and backpacks to stuff their shopping so that by the end of the day, you are treated to the weird spectacle of locals toting around large bags looking like tourists!

Although it’s located outside the main Bangkok city centre, there is no dearth of transport options to take you back and fro from the market. The best option is to arrive and depart by the MRT underground station at Chatuchak Park or just take the bus if you have too many bags. To be included in your Bangkok sightseeing bucket list.

Chatuchak Market Opening Hours :   Saturdays and Sundays, 9am to 6pm, and Fridays 6pm to 12am. Chatuchak Market Entrance Fee : it’s free.

Check Out the Yodpiman Flower Market, Bangkok

Photo and Text by Soumya, Stories by Soumya

Yodpiman Flower Market located near the Yodpiman pier on the Chao Phraya river is a must-do on every Bangkok-goer’s list. Here, you can see flowers of all kinds, ranging from the very mundane to the most exotic. Tropical beauties such as marigolds, jasmines, plumerias, and amaranths are seen in plenty.

Apart from being the trading point for the freshest of flowers from all over Thailand, Yodpiman is also the ideal place to immerse yourself in the local culture and watch flower vendors go about their daily lives. You will see customers poring over flowers, vendors crying out to get their attention, and porters scurrying around to get their deliveries done.

The flower market is open throughout the day and entry into the market is free. However, the best time to visit is after midnight and before 4am. That is when flowers from all over the country come in and the hustle and bustle at the market goes to a very different level. Early morning is also a good time because that is when most retail customers come in to make their purchases.

⇒ You can join a tour that will let you explore a Flower Market, Chinatown, and an incredible sunset view from Wat Saket.  BOOK HERE  the  Chinatown and Flower Market at Sunset Group Tour.

Be Fascinated by the Amulet Market

The Amulet Market is one of the most fascinating markets in Bangkok. This is where people in search of protection come to look for secret trinkets and magic amulets that will (allegedly) bring them luck or health, with prices ranging anywhere from 5 to thousands of bahts.

If you are looking for something different, this is definitely an unusual one! The Amulet Market is located by Tha Phra Chan Pier.

Amulet Market Opening Hours : 7 am to 5 pm daily.

Wander around Rot Fai Ratchada Night Market (Train Night Market)

Photo and Text by Safia, Nomad Junkies

Bangkok can be defined by two things which makes it so dazzling to outsiders: the street food culture and the abundance of night markets. In this respect, every traveler should include in their itinerary a visit to the vibrant Rot Fai Ratchada Night Market where food, entertainment and shopping come together in one buzzing place.

The Ratchada location of the Train Market can be reached easily by MRT (Thailand Cultural Center Station), making it much more accessible than its sister market in Srinakarin.

A favorite among locals especially on Friday and Saturday nights, the Rot Fai Night Market exudes a trendy hipster vibe where you’ll find various vintage stores, barbershops and even tattoo parlors. Before you leave, get your hands on some street food and grab a drink on the rooftop of one of the bars that line the periphery of the market to see the hundreds of colorful stalls from above.

Rot Fai Night Market Opening Hours :  open daily from 5pm to 1am.

Foodie Experiences in Bangkok

Eat all the street food in bangkok.

Photo and Text by Veronika, Travel Geekery

When in Bangkok, you cannot deprive yourself of one of the most rewarding foodie experiences:  eating on the street ! And still eating VERY well.

See, street food in Thailand , and Bangkok especially, is something locals naturally have as part of their lives. When they don’t cook at home, they eat out on the street. Rarely in brick-and-mortar restaurants and more so in makeshift food stalls.

The quality is great overall. However, still exercise caution and don’t eat at a stand that locals avoid. It is said that if a street food vendor reduces the quality of the food sold, he’ll lose clients and will go out of business soon. There’s plenty to choose from and locals are picky.

For the main foodie area head to the Yaowarat Road in Chinatown. Sukhumvit Road (esp. Soi 23 to 39) is also popular.

But it’s also Bangkok’s numerous markets such as the Floating markets, Flower market, Weekend market, Train Night market, Pratunam Market… everywhere where there’s a market there’s plenty of delicious street food.

To be honest, though, street food is everywhere. Even in business districts, tucked away among skyscrapers. Local workers need to have lunch too and where else to eat quickly and well than on the street. 🙂

⇒ Check out this list of the best food tours in Bangkok !

⇒ If you’re looking for a Bangkok street food tour (they are my favorites!), check out this Old Town Bangkok Food Tour or the Chef-Designed Bangkok Food Tour For 8 Exclusive Guests .

⇒ Otherwise, head to Chinatown for your food tour. The  Chinatown 3-Hour Evening Hidden Gems and Food Tour will stop at vendors on the Michelin Guide + you’ll try all kinds of street dishes, desserts and drinks.  BOOK IT HERE

Eat Bugs in Bangkok

Video and Text by Gemma, Two Scots Abroad

There’s one delicacy that everyone backpacking in Bangkok should try and I don’t mean a delicious plate of pad Thai!

Bugs are a snack sold by street vendors around the Khao San Road area. Initially, you might assume that scorpions on sticks are just gimmicks served up for tourists alongside laughing gas but eating bugs is a legit local snack too.

Food vendors serve the likes of grasshoppers, crickets and ant queens – all fried and put on display for purchase. Once you have bought your insect of choice, the server will pop them in a small bag for you to take away.

We went for some simple fly-like creature which tasted salty. The worst part of the process was when the wings came away from the body, in my mouth! A local walked past and asked what we were up to. We offered him the leftovers and he munched them like a packet of potato chips/crisps!

Learn to Cook Thai Food at Amita Cooking Class

Photo and Text by Susan Portnoy, The Insatiable Traveler

Located on a narrow canal off the Chaya Prao River in Old Bangkok, is the Amita Cooking Class , the setting for one of the most delicious mornings you’ll spend in the city. Owner Tam Piyawadi Jantrupon, a demure figure with a big personality and a background in law, politics, music, and fashion, teaches travelers how to cook authentic Thai dishes in the third-generation family home in which she grew up.

Your morning begins with a hotel pick up and a scenic boat ride past Wat Arun, known as the Temple of Dawn, and the Grand Palace. Upon arrival, you’ll discover Tam’s hidden urban oasis, replete with a lush herb and flower garden and picturesque gazebo.

First, she’ll take you on a tour as she picks the ingredients you’ll use in the four-course meal you’re going to make. Then, in her charming open-air kitchen, she’ll show from scratch how each dish is made. Next, it’s your turn. Step by step she’ll walk you through the process until a meal fit for a king sits before you, followed by a leisurely lunch where you’ll dine on your own creation.

When it’s time to go, you’ll be driven back to your hotel, sated, recipe cards in hand, and any leftovers that remain.

Amita Cooking Class Opening Hours : every day except for Wednesdays (max 10 guests). Check the website for menu options. Amita Cooking Class Fee : the price is 3,000 Baht per person (approx. $95.00) and payment is in cash at the school after class.

Join a Night Food Tour by Tuk Tuk

One of the best things to do in Bangkok at night is going for a night tuk tuk tour of Bangkok where you’ll both get to see some of the most famous places in Bangkok by night + you’ll try all the local delicacies.

You’ll get to try the best Pad Thai in town before checking out secret bar with incredible views of Bangkok, then you’ll head to the Flower Market by night. I personally went on this tour, and it was a lot of fun (and a lot of food!). ⇒   BOOK HERE  the  Midnight Food Tour by Tuk Tuk

⇒ Another good option is the  Bangkok By Night Tuk Tuk Tour: Markets, Temples & Food.  BOOK IT HERE  

Eat the Best Pad Thai in Bangkok

If you’re a foodie, then you need to try Pad Thai in the spot where it was first invented . Pad Thai is the famous Thai dish, a mix of noodles, eggs, peanuts and prawns or chicken. Pad Thai was invented during World War II by the owner of Thipsamai Pad Thai restaurant [313 315 Maha Chai Rd] , so it makes sense to come here to try the best pad thai in Bangkok!

The restaurant is extremely popular, so expect long queues before the restaurant opens.

Thipsamai Pad Thai Opening Hours : 5 pm to 2 am daily.

Museums in Bangkok You Can’t Miss

Check out the jim thompson house museum.

Photo and Text by Maire, Temples and Treehouses

The Jim Thompson House Museum is a beautiful wooden house filled with Thai art and treasures, as well as pieces from elsewhere in Asia. It was built in the 1950s by the American silk tycoon and antiques collector Jim Thompson. The house is small, but has a peaceful vibe and it’s an interesting way to spend a couple of hours.

The entrance fee includes a guided tour, which is actually really interesting, focusing not just on the beautiful house but also on the figure of Jim Thompson, who reportedly once served as a spy, and later mysteriously disappeared in the Cameron Highlands of Malaysia.

Jim Thompson House Museum Opening Hours : 9 am to 6 pm daily Jim Thompson House Museum Entrance Fee : 200 baht for adults over 22 and 100 baht for younger visitors (free for children under 10)

⇒ BOOK HERE a half-day tour that includes a visit to Jim Thompson House + Suan Pakkad Palace, the former residence of Princess Chambon of Nakhon Sawan.

Visit The Erawan Museum

Photo and Text by Sharon, What The Saints Did Next

Walking inside the belly of a giant three headed elephant is an unusual experience and definitely one of the best places to see in Bangkok!  This massive elephant is 29 meters tall, weighs 250 tonnes and is made of copper and steel.

The structure is actually the Erawan Museum just on the outskirts of Bangkok a few kilometers from the end of the BTS Skytrain line at Bearing.  The museum was privately built to house a personal collection of ancient artifacts and with the intention of preserving Thai art and culture.

There are three levels inside which is modeled on the Hindu depiction of the universe.  The first floor is the ‘Underworld,’ second is ‘Earth’ and the top, ‘Heaven.’  It is also a temple of sorts and you are required to remove shoes before entering.  The interior is absolutely stunning, bright and colorful with a stained glass roof, intricate mosaics and beautiful stucco.  The detail and craftsmanship given to the decor is exquisite.  Outside, the gardens are just as lovely full of water features, sculptures and shady trees, a wonderful place to relax before heading back into the city.

Erawan Museum Opening Hours : open every day from 8am to 5pm Erawan Museum Entrance Fee : 400 baht 

⇒ BUY HERE your entrance to The Erawan Museum with audio commentary.

Take Tons of Photos at Art in Paradise

Looking for something different and to have a couple of hours of fun?

Located on the 4th floor of Esplanada Mall, this fun museum is full of 3D paintings where you and your friends become part of the scene. So many Instagram opportunities here!

You can fly like Aladdin on a carpet, or find yourself in the middle of Egyptian pyramids. There’s plenty of scenes, so you can really spend a few hours here and not get bored. A great idea for a rainy day.

⇒ BUY HERE your entrance for Art in Paradise Bangkok

Art in Paradise Opening Hours : 10 am to 10 pm daily. Art in Paradise Entrance Fee : 300 baht for adults, 200 baht for children.

The Infamous Bangkok Nightlife

Join the madness of khao san road.

You won’t be able to escape Bangkok without checking out Khao San Road, the infamous  party street of Bangkok . At some point you’ll end up here, guaranteed. In the same way that you’ll end up in Bangla Road when you visit Phuket !

Khao San Road is best visited at night time, when all the vendors come out and the street fills in with people. The famous book (then made into a movie) The Beach, described it as “the center of the backpacking universe”, and it couldn’t be more true. Here you find cheap eats, vendors selling elephant pants for $2, and bars selling the famous buckets of cocktails.

You can have a drink, go dance at one of the clubs, or relax and see the world going by at one of the many foot massage parlors right on the street. One of the most fun things to do in Bangkok at night.

Have Cocktails at Moon Bar at Banyan Tree Bangkok

Photo and Text by Cristina, The Lazy Trotter

Wondering what do in Bangkok? How about feeling like touching the sky while sipping some amazing cocktails from the very famous sky bar located on the 61st floor of the Banyan Tree Hotel [21 100 S Sathorn Rd] ?

Let’s be honest, it’s a must do in Bangkok that can’t be missed.

Enjoy the view of the whole city at your feet while holding a delicious cocktail – breaking news: mocktails are OK too – while repeating in your head these simple words “One day Simba, all of this will be yours”.

Although it WILL NOT be all yours (sorry, Simba!), what’s the matter in adding a touch of glamour to your travels to Thailand?

Last but not least, besides offering a breathtaking view of Bangkok, this sky bar is just one of the perfect locations for the best Instagram shots. EVER!

So, now that I have your attention, here come some useful info: the Moon Bar in Bangkok is located at the Bayan Tree Hotel. Entrance is free but expect to spend around 15$ for a cocktail. With such a great view, it is totally worth it!

Moon Bar Opening Hours : 5 pm to 1 am daily Average price of a cocktail : $15-20

A Late Night Bit of Lovin’

Text by Jean, Traveling Honeybird

If there is one must thing to do in Bangkok it is getting yourself a massage. There’s something so simply wonderful about sitting in that chair, relaxing with a tea, and having a lovely individual rub away all your worries. Playing tourist in the city can wreck havoc on your feet, and if you’re not used to the heat of South East Asia you may find yourself with burning hot foot.

A Thai foot massage, or if you have the time a full body massage, is an amazing way to experience Thai culture. The extra benefit being that the massage parlors are generally open until midnight and seemingly are on just about every main street in Bangkok. So you’ll have no issues finding your happy ending.

TIP TIME : If you’re also visiting Chiang Mai, check out my post on where to find the best massage in Chiang Mai !

Enjoy the Sunset from Sky Bar at Lebua

Like we said above, your Bangkok visit wouldn’t be complete without checking out one of the many rooftop bars. Then, why not make it two?

Sky Bar at Lebua   [1055 Si Lom, Khwaeng Silom] on the 63rd floor is The highest open-air bar in the world, and one of the most famous in the world thanks to the Hangover II movie.

Expect to find here an elegant ambiance (keep in mind that there’s a smart casual dress code in place) and quality cocktails,. You might not able to see some light show like from the rooftop at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore , but you’ll still have some stunning views over the city of Bangkok. Come here in the late afternoon, so you can enjoy the view during the day, at sunset, and at night.

Cocktails aren’t cheap, but the views make it worth it.

Sky Bar at Lebua opening hours : 6pm to 1am daily. Average price of a cocktail : $15-20

Wondering what to wear in Thailand? READ ALSO: The Ultimate Thailand Packing List

Unusual Things to Do in Bangkok Off The Beaten Path

Visit bangkok’s plane graveyard.

Photo and Text by Ben, Horizon Unknown

There isn’t much left to be discovered around  Bangkok’s  busy and humid streets. But there are still lesser traveled attractions that are well worth the effort to visit.

Bangkok ’s Plane Graveyard is a short taxi or ferry-boat ride from the centre of the city. It’s not marked on any map and isn’t a tourist hot spot – visiting it is one of the most unique things to do in Bangkok.

Lying in this graveyard are three giants who have been picked clean of anything valuable and left to decay. You can climb through these massive shells and explore without hordes of tourists getting in your way.

There are a small group of families that rely on tourist admission fees to survive and the fee can be anywhere from 100 to 800 Baht, apparently depending on the day. All up, if you’re looking for  lesser known and memorable Bangkok tourist attractions, head to the Plane Graveyard!

Go On a Boat Tour on the Bangkok Canals

Photo and Text by Jurga, Full Suitcase

One of the most special things we did in Bangkok was taking a long-tail boat trip on the canals. Hidden away from the hustle of the city, a boat trip through the historic Thonburi area offers a unique opportunity to see a very different part of Bangkok.

Lined by trees, wooden stilt houses, and colorful temples, Bangkok canals are a great place to  get a glimpse of how locals live. You can see children feeding fish and then jumping into the water to swim with them. We bought bread from the Buddhist monks to feed it to the fish as well (but no, we didn’t jump in for a swim)…

This area is also full with vendors, selling everything from food to souvenirs directly off their little wooden boats… There are several floating markets in this neighborhood, so depending on the day when you visit, this area can be a great place to discover this side of Thailand’s culture as well.

If you are looking for more off-beat experience in Bangkok, I cannot recommend the boat tour on the canals highly enough. Here you can find more information about  exploring Bangkok canals .

⇒  BOOK HERE  the  Best of Bangkok: Temples & Longtail Boat Tour with Lunch , which includes the main temples in Bangkok + a longtail boat in Thonburi.

Discover the Green Lung of Bangkok: Bang Kachao

Bangkok isn’t the first place you think of for having a green oasis, but surprisingly there’s one right in the heart of the city and many travellers aren’t even aware of it. Bang Kachao or the “Green lung” as many locals like to call it, is an island located at the bend of Chao Phraya river.

The place is great for cycling and a romantic hotspot for couples to escape the hustle and bustle of Bangkok. You can only get to Bang Kachao by boat.  Make your way to Klong Toei Pier and you can catch a boat to Bang Kachao. It’s only a quick 5 minute ride.

Once you get there the easiest way to get around the island is by bike. When you get off the boat you will find bike rental shops. Renting one for the whole day is just 100 Baht!

People on the island mostly get around by motorcycle but there are a few cars here and there. Cycle along the road and and you’ll see small elevated bike paths that lead into the untouched jungle along the side.

These bike paths are where the adventure starts, bike through the untamed scenery of trees and wildlife. The elevated bike paths don’t have railings on the side, but they’re wide enough for most people to be comfortable biking on. If you’re not confident about the bike paths then simply stick with the road and you’ll get to see the local life and temples in Bang Kachao.

People like visiting on the weekend for the floating market, but if you don’t go on the weekend then a popular place for expats is the Bangkok Tree House, a restaurant with great scenery.

Get a Sak Yant Tattoo in Bangkok

Photo and Text by Alice, Teacake Travels

Are you interested in receiving a tattoo unlike no other? You must consider the magical art of a Sak Yant! It is mystical form of a tattoo created by a bamboo stick, given to you by a monk. Depending on what you need in your life, it is a very powerful piece of protection which will serve you on your path ahead in life.

Where Sidewalks End are experts in Sak Yant tattoos and were able to recommend a clean and reputable place in Chiang Mai for me (but they can also help you in Bangkok too!).

On the day of the tattoo, one of their staff came with me and was my trusty and incredibly caring translator who helped me tell the monk what I needed in my life. As a result, the monk opened the pages of his book and struck his finger on what I should accept. The design was not only beautiful but immediately struck a chord with me. ‘Yes’ I said. ‘That’s it!’

This was definitely one of the highlights of my trip to Thailand and I still love my tattoo so much. If you are in Bangkok and want to do something a little different and meaningful, go and get yourself a Sak Yant tattoo! Find out more, including prices and possible times to visit by checking out my Sak Yant tattoo article .

Sak Yant Tattoo Cost with Where Sidewalks End : $250

⇒ Check out the Original Ink Experience that includes a private driver/guide/translator, a translated consultation before the ceremony to decide what tattoo designs suits you best, the Sak Yant ceremony and a meal afterwards. BOOK IT HERE

Best Cafes in Bangkok

Have a rainbow coffee at unicorn cafe.

Photo and Text by Tsareena, Manc Girl Missing

Bangkok is an incredible city, full of amazing sights and sounds and can be overwhelming!  If you’re looking for a little piece of calm and something completely different then the Unicorn Café is for you!

Hidden on a little side street it’s not likely to be something you’ll just find accidentally.  But if you search for it you wont be disappointed…

The  Unicorn Café [ [44/1 Soi Sathon 8, Khwaeng Silom, Khet Bang Rak] is themed extensively! Every surface is joyfully decorated to make you feel like you’re somewhere magical. They serve an array of magically themed food and drinks and you’ll feel like a child again.  I had waffles and ice cream and although it’s very pricey compared to regular street food it was worth every penny.

This place is definitely one for your Instagram account!

Unicorn Cafe opening hours : 12-20 pm Tuesday to Sunday; closed on Mondays.

Treat Yourself to Afternoon High Tea

Photo and Text by Anna, Anna Sherchand

One of the most fun activities in Bangkok is Afternoon high tea at The House on Sathorn [106 N Sathon Rd, Khwaeng Silom , Khet Bang Rak].

The menu offers two options. Heritage afternoon tea set (1350 THB) and Hotel Royal afternoon tea set (4000 THB) comes with a bottle of Louis Roederer Champagne also (375 ml).

I recommend visiting with a +1 as the food is more than enough for two people. Both sets start with the refreshing sorbet ( I am not a fan of sorbet but this one changed me!) and two bellinis. You can choose the type of tea you fancy and rest is taken care of. Shortly after comes the good-looking platters that will lift your mood and fill your belly. The traditional scones, Scottish smoked salmon croissants, Mascarpone, Blueberry cheesecake and more.

The quality and quantity are well thought of. I had to remind myself I am in Bangkok and not in Sydney or having tea in London ! Plus, the location is convenient, loads of parking space available, the decor and ambience of the place is welcoming and relaxing.

The House on Sathorn Opening Hours : open everyday from 12 pm to 12 am 

Try Out All the Hipster Cafes of Bangkok

If you like good coffee and design eateries and hipster cafes, then you’re in the right place. In Bangkok there are incredible cafes, some of them themed and super colorful, and other that are design-oriented and minimalist. I would have to write a full post about them cause there are so many, so instead you can check out this post for recommendations.

If I need to choose one, I suggest stopping at Elefin Coffee   [394 / 1 – 2 Maharaj Road] , which is across the street from Wat Pho. This cafe features coffee sustainably sourced in Chiang Rai, in Northern Thailand, and supports hill tribe farmers with their operations. Also, their lattes look so good!

I just find the coffee culture in Thailand to be great. Visiting hipster cafes is something I always recommend to anyone visiting Chiang Mai as well!

READ ALSO: 3 Days in Chiang Mai – The Perfect Itinerary

Other Fun Things To Do in Bangkok

Watch muay thai in bangkok.

Photo and Text by Jub, Tiki Touring Kiwi

If you’re looking for a free activity in Bangkok on Sunday, you can watch an afternoon of Muay Thai at the Channel 7 Area (it is also on the third Wednesday of each month).

The matches aren’t fake as it is a televised schedule each week, and you’ll see fighters looking to make a name for themselves. The arena will be jam-packed, but the ever courtesy locals set one grandstand up for foreigners, where there is slightly more personal space (barely).

There are usually six fights, with the fourth fight the main event so make sure to get there from the start. After the main event, the majority of the crowd leaves with just two minor fights left. I’ll never forget seeing the locals exchange handfuls of money after each fight!

Get Overwhelmed By Bangkok’s Chinatown

Entering Bangkok’s Chinatown is like entering a dazzling world of loud sounds, intense smell, and strange-looking food all around.

One of the largest in the world, Chinatown in Bangkok is filled with market stalls, restaurants, and shops, and it needs to be included on your list of places to visit in Bangkok. You’ll have to try some of its street food, and not knowing what it is that you’re eating is part of the fun!

Come visit during the day, or come after sunset when its historic streets are even more colorful and busy.

⇒ E xperience Bangkok’s Chinese heritage by joining a small-group tour through the markets and best eats in Chinatown.  BOOK IT HERE

Take a Walk at Lumphini Park

Photo and Text by Claire,  Claire’s Footsteps  

Every city needs a green lung – and for somewhere as busy as Bangkok, you’ll be very grateful for a walk in Lumphini Park to get in touch with some nature! The park was named after Lord Buddha’s Nepalese birthplace and was created to be an exhibition centre for flower displays.

It never became so, but it is now a popular recreational park, with many people using it to jog, practice tai chi, walk around or go boating on its lake. The park is a stark contrast to the concrete jungle that surrounds it, making for some great photo spots.

Lumphini Park Opening Hours : the park is open during daylight hours and into the evening (4:30 am – 9 pm) seven days a week. Lumphini Park Entrance Fee : it is free to explore, although activities like taking a paddle boat out will cost extra.

Explore the Trendy Neighborhood of Thonglor

Photo and Text by Sabrina,  Moon & Honey Travel  

After exploring  Bangkok ’s most iconic sites, why not head to one of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods. Thonglor (also spelled Thong Lo) is a hip neighborhood known for its vibrant food scene and upscale nightlife. Because of this neighborhood’s large Japanese population, delicious Japanese eateries abound. For Ramen lovers, head to NaNaSe Ramen.

Next, explore the trendy communal space called the Commons. Here, you’ll find a multi-floor food complex featuring bakeries and eateries. When you’re ready to grab a drink, head to speakeasy-style Rabbit Hole or Iron Fairies for a cocktail.

The easiest way to reach Thonglor is by taking the BTS Skytrain to Thong Lo station.

Cruise the Chao Phraya River

Photo and Text by Jorge and Claudia, Travel Drafts

One of the most special things to do in Bangkok is to cruise the Chao Phraya river in Bangkok. Besides being a memorable experience it is an easy and cheap way to travel through the city. Actually, it is the best way to reach several points of interest in Bangkok, like the Wang Lang Market and the temple Wat Arun. Cruising the river is also a great way to appreciate the view of the city and its skyline.

Regarding which is the best boat to cruise, you have several options, several touristy boats, private tours and the local express boat. Our preference goes to the express boat as it is the easiest and cheapest way to travel through the river. The best route is the orange express boat, for only 15 Bath it takes you to all the places you need. But there are a few other different routes – the green, yellow and local line. One piece of advice is to avoid the rush hour, as all the locals return home and it’s quite chaotic.

Cruising the river Chao Phraya will be one of the most unforgettable things to do in Thailand .

⇒ BOOK HERE an affordable 2-hour cruise in the Chao Phraya River with a live band and buffet.

Visit the Butterfly & Insectarium Garden

Text by Gloria, Nomadic Chica

If you are looking for something different to do in Bangkok, other than shopping and seeing temples, a visit to the Butterfly and Insectarium Garden may be a great option for you.

The best would be to combine it with your visit to Chatuchak Market, as the Roftai Park where is located is right next to the huge and busy weekend market. The Butterfly Garden is a bit tricky to find as there are no signals leading to it, but you can find it while you walk in between the beautiful Queen Sirikit Gardens and the Rotfai Gardens.

The entry free Garden is hosting about 500 butterflies inside a beautiful and simple dome, including other insects plants and flowers that gives the best home for the species you find. Inside you can also find more information about the life of the butterflies as well as rooms with butterflies at different growth stages.

To get there, just go until the Mo Chit Station, and take the exit number 3. Then, walk across the Chatuchak Market, get some snacks and keep going until the Rofti Park where you will find the Butterfly Garden and Insectarium.

Butterfly & Insectarium Garden Opening Hours : 8.30 am to 4.30 pm every day except Monday when it’s closed. Butterly & Insectarium Garden Entrance Fee : Free to visit.

Get Pampered with a Thai Massage

You really can’t visit Bangkok without going for a Thai massage. Thailand is famous around the world for the  traditional art of Thai massage , and you’ll find thousands of massage places in Bangkok for all budgets. Prepare to pay as little as $5 dollars for a traditional Thai massage or a foot massage, or hundreds of dollars for fancy packages at the luxury spas.

When I lived in  Chiang Mai , in Northern Thailand, I was almost getting a massage every week cause they are so affordable.

You won’t have problems finding a massage parlor (there’s one at every corner… literally), or you can book in advance a massage at the Sukhumvit 31 branch of the Let’s Relax Spa chain. And if Thai Massages are too harsh for you, you can also choose an aromatherapy oil massage or a hot stone massage.  ⇒   BOOK IT HERE

Find Peace on the Bangkok Riverside

Photo and Text by Bradley – Dream Big, Travel Far

I honestly believe that Bangkok is a city like no others. It is so busy and alive and filled with people up and awake at all hours of the day. We stayed there for 4 nights during our 3 week Thailand trip two years ago, so had plenty of time to explore the sites. But with so much time spent discovering the temples and monuments, we wanted something a bit different.

We wanted some peace and quiet and a way to get away from the hustle and bustle for a few hours. So this is when we discovered the Bangkok riverside . Here, you will find a number of new restaurants and bars that have been built in order to cope with the rising number of tourists in the city. It’s perfect for those of you who want to relax in the evenings and enjoy the sunset.

It feels like a world away from Khao San Road, despite being situated slap bang in the middle of the city! If you are out and about exploring the temples, then you can easily get to the riverside restaurant by either taxi or, better yet, taking a riverboat back upstream once you’re done for the day.

The Best Day Trips from Bangkok

Explore the ancient ruins of ayutthaya.

Photo and Text by Chris, Chris Travel Blog

Just 80 kilometers north of Bangkok you find the old capital of the  Ayutthaya  Kingdom . A trip by taxi costs approximate 1400 Thai Baht (or 3000 for a full day) but cheaper options are available by bus (60 Thai Baht) or train. If you make an  Ayutthaya  day trip from Bangkok it’s most easy to go by car as you can use it also in  Ayutthaya  itself.

Go early morning at 7AM to arrive around opening time of most temples at 9AM. Most close around 7PM. Many smaller remains are free to visit but major temples and palaces charge approximate 50 Thai Baht to enter.

The  Ayutthaya  Historical Park is a huge complex, but many core sights are close to each other within walking distance. They include Wat Phra Ram, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, Wat Phra Mahathat, Wat Lokayasutharam and Wat Chai Watthanaram (visit last by car). If you’re by car you can reach Wat Phukhao Thong in the north in 15 minutes. You’ll have to limit your time at each site to 45-60 minutes so that you can see everything in a day.

Within the park itself you can either walk, use the car, or rent a bike for approximate 50-100 Thai Baht. All structures date from the 14 th  to 18 th  century and are magnificent. You’ll get a good understanding of the old Thai  Ayutthaya  Kingdom while exploring the site. An  Ayutthaya  day trip is a must do from Bangkok.

⇒ If you’d rather join a tour to Ayutthaya, check out the  Ayutthaya Day Tour by Bus & Boat that includes transportation by bus on the way there and a cruise on the Chao Phraya river on the way back. BOOK IT HERE

⇒  If you prefer to go with a private driver, check out the  Ayutthaya Day Trip with Private Driver from Bangkok.  BOOK IT HERE

READ ALSO: 20+ Incredible Places To Visit in Thailand

Be Amazed by the Maeklong Railway Market

Photo and Text by Audrey,  Gumnuts Abroad

One of the most fun things to do in Bangkok is visit the famous Maeklong Railway Market. We checked it out during our stay in Soi Rambuttri and it’s one of the most bizarre markets we’ve ever visited. Visiting it is one of the best things to do near Bangkok.

At first glance this market looks the same as other Thai markets with the same bustling atmosphere, and the sights, sounds and smells we’ve come to love. But there’s one difference. It has a train running through the middle of it! Crazy, right?

The train passes by without a foot to spare and it’s so close you can reach out and touch it.

Vendors pull baskets of goods away from the tracks, fold overhead awnings back and jump to the side just in time as the train trundles past. As soon as it’s gone everything is returned to its original place, and shoppers and stall holders go about their day as though nothing remarkable ever took place.

We visited the market on a private tour but it’s also possible to visit independently. 

⇒ Check out available tours to the Maeklong Railway Market under the next paragraph.

Drift Down the Canals at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Photo and Text by Patti Morrow,  Luggage and Lipstick

There are several floating markets in Bangkok, but the most popular (and most crowded) one is the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, one of the most interesting places to visit near Bangkok.  It’s a cacophony of color, sounds and smells.  While it can be crammed with tourists, especially during the midday, it’s still a lot of fun and should not be missed.

The best way to see the market is early in the morning, on a long-tail boat.  You’ll drift down the canals and have the opportunity to see vendors and purchase fresh fruit, hot street food, and souvenirs right from the narrow wooden boats, which you could not do if you were visiting the market on foot. The activity translates amazingly well for photography, making the floating market one of the most Instagrammable places in Bangkok!

⇒   BOOK HERE  the  Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Maeklong Train Market Tour or if you have limited time and want to maximise it with a private driver/guide, BOOK HERE the Damnoen Saduak and Train Market Private Tour (two of the most popular things to do around Bangkok).

Check out also a completely different type of floating market , the one we saw at Inle Lake in Myanmar. READ MORE : Inle Lake, Myanmar: A Complete Travel Guide

Visit the Less-Known Taling Chan Floating Market

Photo and Text by Jennifer and Tim, Luxe Adventure Traveler

Bangkok  is built on an extensive network of canals and the floating markets are one of the top things visitors to  Bangkok  want to experience. While there are many floating markets, what many travelers don’t realize is that they are often outside of  Bangkok  itself. Some have become incredibly touristy, while others have managed to maintain their authenticity.

We love the  Taling Chan Floating Market . It’s more difficult to reach from  Bangkok  and a bit smaller than some of the other well-known floating markets, but you’ll find many locals eating, laughing and enjoying the day out at the market.

The blue crabs in a chili-lime-garlic sauce are a specialty at the Taling Chan market . Messy, but delicious. Also try the fried Thai basil, Thai barbecued pork skewers and the Thai crispy pancakes. But no matter what you eat while at the Taling Chan market, you definitely won’t leave hungry!

⇒ You can also visit the market with a tour that includes a visit to Taling Chan and to Khlong Lat Mayom, another very local, non-touristy floating market. BOOK HERE the Khlong Lat Mayom & Taling Chan Local Floating Markets Tour

Where to stay in Bangkok | Best Bangkok Hotels

You arrived till here? Congrats! I hope this post has helped you decide what to see in Bangkok. If you are also looking for a place to stay in Bangkok, check out my selection of the best hotels in Bangkok for all budgets.

            Visualizza questo post su Instagram                     • And you brave soul are the hero of your own story • • Two weeks ago in Bangkok I had the pleasure to stay at Amari Watergate, which I truly loved. Complimentary cocktails in the executive lounge, a great breakfast selection and more important, the attention of the hotel to sustainability and eco-friendliness. Plus, THIS POOL! • Where was your favorite hotel’s pool? • @amariwatergatebangkok #amariwatergate #discoveramari Un post condiviso da STEFANIA | Travel + Lifestyle (@everysteph) in data: Lug 24, 2018 at 9:50 PDT

Luxury Hotels

Boutique hotels & luxury for less: $100 or less.

Amari Watergate Bangkok : Sustainable 5-star hotel with an incredible pool and the best breakfast I’ve ever had + the executive lounge buffet is #goals. Read my full review HERE . Check out prices and availability for Amari Watergate .

Chillax Heritage : New 4-start hotel just 5 minutes walking from Khao San Road. Stunning pool with a view on the 7th floor rooftop, modern fitness center. The rooms come with hot tubs. Check out prices and availability for Chillax Heritage .

Budget Options

Siam Plug In Boutique Hostel : Modern, boutique hostel with excellent reviews. The rooftop has great views over the city and you can stay in either a shared room or a private (they’re all design). Check out prices and availability for Siam Plug In Boutique Hostel .

How to get around Bangkok

Bangkok is a huge city, and walking will only bring you so far. These are the best ways to get around Bangkok:

• The Skytrain (BTS) and the Subway (MRT) are very useful to move quickly around town, especially at peak times when the city is congested. The Skytrain is an elevated train while the MRT goes undergorund and together they cover the most important districts of the city (for some areas though, you’ll still have to go by Grab or taxi). You can change from BTS to MRT and the other way around at Silom and Asoke station. If you’re going to use the BTS a lot, I recommending buying in advance a discounted day pass .

• Although I usually recommend public transportation, in Bangkok many times I find Grab (the local version of Uber) to be much faster and much less of an hassle, so if you have limited time in the city you should consider using Grab, which is cheaper than normal taxis. Uber isn’t available in Thailand, so make sure you download beforehand the  Grab app for IOS  or the  Grab app for Android . Sign up with my  referral code   GRABEVERYSTEPH  and get free rides and discounts!

• Tuk Tuks are definitely for tourists, and their prices are crazy inflated! Sometimes they’ll ask for triple what Grab asks! If you still want to take it for a ride though, make sure you agree on a price beforehand not to incur in bad surprises.

• Taxis – there are many different taxi companies, and not all of them are good ones. I definitely suggest taking a Grab instead, but if you want to take a taxi it’s best to have your hotel calling for one rather than hailing one in the street. Make sure the meter is on when you start the ride.

• If you’re coming from Suvarnabhumi Airport , you can taxi a taxi, a bus or the Airport Rail Link to downtown Bangkok. Prefer not to deal with taxis or public transport after a long flight? Book here an affordable private transfer  to your hotel. If you are coming from Don Mueang Airport instead,  book here .

How To Get To Your Next Destination

I’m pretty sure you’ll head to some other beautiful destinations after Bangkok! I usually use the Bookaway website to book my transportation in Southeast Asia. It saves me time, and this way I’m sure I’ll find a seat. Buses and ferries can get full, especially if you’re traveling during the high season! Here are a few options for travel from/to Bangkok:

➤ Heading to Chiang Mai: BOOK HERE the bus or train ticket to Chiang Mai

➤ Heading to Pattaya: BOOK HERE the bus or minivan ticket to Pattaya

➤ Heading to Hua Hin: BOOK HERE the bus or minivan ticket to Hua Hin

➤ Heading to Koh Samui: BOOK HERE the bus+ferry ticket to Koh Samui

➤ Heading to Siem Reap (Cambodia): BOOK HERE the bus ticket to Siem Reap

You can also search what’s the best way to get to your next destination down here:

Have you been to Bangkok and you have other suggestions for things to do? Please leave them in the comments!

This posts contains affiliate links, meaning that if you book through my links, I will receive a small commission, at no extra cost for you whatsoever.

Stefania Guglielmi is the founder of Every Steph. Originally from Bologna, Italy, she's been traveling full-time since 2016 and has visited over 50 countries across 6 continents. She believes sustainable travel and luxury travel can go hand in hand and has been advocating for responsible tourism since 2014. Stefania's advice and travel experiences have been featured in important publications such as Business Insider, Refinery29, and Yahoo Money.

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Kathy@DavesTravelCorner

Wednesday 20th of March 2019

Bangkok should be on the must visit of every travel. The city is so spread out - I'm overwhelmed!! Thanks for sharing.

Friday 22nd of March 2019

So glad it was helpful! Bangkok truly is a giant

Friday 1st of March 2019

Such a great city! Still some of these I need to do, next time!

Tuesday 5th of March 2019

Me too! We would have to spend months in Bangkok to do it all :D

9 things you should know before visiting Bangkok

Apr 25, 2024 • 6 min read

Make the most of your time in bustling Bangkok with our 9 insider tips © Witthaya Prasongsin / Getty Images

I moved to Bangkok in 1999, a time when most visitors to Thailand reluctantly did a night in this megacity before beelining to an island or the north. Synonymous with traffic jams, pollution and urban sprawl, the Thai capital was largely seen as an unwanted but obligatory stopover.

Decades later, things have changed and Bangkok is now the destination of choice for many visitors – with good reason. Easier to get around and cleaner than ever, with a vibrant eating and drinking scene that caters to just about every budget and an enviable spread of intriguing sights and fantastic-value shopping, the city has more to offer than ever before.

Yet like any big city, Bangkok has its quirks and surprises. Here's what you need to know before you go.

Find out what you should know in advance about Thailand , including important cultural, religious and legal issues, etiquette and health.

Bangkok is easier to get around than ever

Bangkok used to be synonymous with traffic jams and air pollution. The jams still happen, but the good news is that the city’s public transportation system has grown immensely. The various above and underground rail networks currently unite 10 different lines – with more in the works – and 192 stations, including trains linking both of Bangkok’s international airports and the city center.

On top of this, taxis remain ubiquitous and cheap – though subject to the issues that make the city’s traffic so infamous – while quirky public transportation systems such as the city’s river and canal taxis provide a slow but steady (and scenic) way to get around.

Crime happens but it's rare

Thailand has a low crime rate and is generally considered a safe country. Bangkok suffers from the same type of violent crimes as any big city, but anecdotally, is considered a safe place. Apart from occasional bag snatching and theft, the most dangerous thing in the city is its traffic (Thailand’s roads are some of the deadliest of any country). Solo women travelers and locals I’ve spoken to also report feeling safe in the city.

A particular Bangkok annoyance is scams directed at tourists. These typically involve taxi drivers who refuse to use their meters, or tuk-tuk drivers and/or well-dressed, English-speaking men who appear out of nowhere offering free tours that inevitably lead to dodgy gem shops or tailors. The good news is that most of these situations are easy to spot and relatively low-pressure; if something seems off, simply walk away.

It’s also worth noting that Bangkok’s police don’t have a great reputation. Steer clear of them unless you really need help.

Street food isn’t the only good food

Western chefs and food media have been raving about Bangkok’s street food for more than a decade. And it’s a fun, often delicious way to eat. But if you relegated yourself to street food alone, you’d miss the entire scope of Bangkok’s cuisine.

Supplement those streetside noodles with meals at the charming, decades-old restaurants in the old town – these are the places that get the most praise in the Thai-language media. In Bangkok’s newer districts, such as along Thanon Sukhumvit, consider a Japanese meal – the city is home to one of the largest populations of Japanese people outside of Japan.

If your budget allows, consider a splurge restaurant. While the rest of the world was obsessing over its street food, Bangkok's dining scene went in the opposite direction and today is home to several modern, cutting-edge upscale restaurants.

Sometimes it's too hot to handle

Bangkok is one of the hottest capital cities in the world, with an average mean temperature of 29°C (84°F). This heat is compounded by intense humidity and the urban environment, which reflects and retains heat, meaning the city often feels much, much ( much ) hotter. April is Bangkok's hottest month, with an average daily max temperature of 35°C (96 ° F) and during the “winter” in December and January, temperatures rarely dip below 20°C (68°F).

All of this means you shouldn't try to cover too much ground on foot – an already difficult task given the city’s lack of pedestrian infrastructure. If you do walk, learn the technique of regularly ducking into air-conditioned malls, hotel lobbies and 7-Elevens to cool off.

Likewise, pack light clothing, but remember – Thais are conservative when it concerns showing skin in public and Bangkok is not the beach.

Bangkok is a queer-friendly city

LGBTIQ+ people are made to feel welcome in Bangkok, which is generally considered Asia’s most queer-friendly city. The epicenter of the gay scene is Thanon Silom, especially in and around Soi 4, which is ostensibly Asia’s biggest queer nightlife area.

Thankfully, it looks like this queer-friendly vibe will extend to legislation. In 2023, the Thai parliament passed draft bills on same-sex marriage, which are expected to become laws, making Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia to allow same-sex marriage.

Keep in mind that public displays of affection between people of any gender are frowned upon in Thailand.

There are better budget options than Khao San Road

If you want to be based in the world’s most famous backpacker strip – and all that that entails – book a bed or room on Thanon Khao San, generally known as Khao San Road. It’s lively and fun, and provides easy access to the city’s old town.

But having moved slightly upscale in recent decades, Khao San Road no longer represents the best value area to stay in Bangkok. And with loud bars and a boozy vibe, it’s definitely not the most peaceful place to stay.

If you want to have access to the backpacker amenities but don’t want the noise and hassle, consider staying in the streets nearby, such as Thanon Rambutri or Thanon Phra Athit.

Monsoon season brings sudden surprises

During the annual monsoon, from approximately May to October, Bangkok’s streets occasionally turn into rivers. During this time of year, don’t be surprised if you have to camp out on an elevated street corner or in a 7-Eleven until the waters recede.

Malls are part of city life

While shopping malls are a dying breed in much of the west, they’re thriving in Bangkok. The city is home to some of the most over-the-top shopping centers in the world, which in contemporary Bangkok, have a dual function as (conveniently air-conditioned) social centers. Thais gather at the city’s more than 500 shopping centers to chat, eat, take selfies and occasionally make purchases, and so should you.

Bangkok essentially shuts down during the Thai New Year

Every year around April, Bangkok grinds to a halt during Thai New Year, known as Songkran or the water festival. The tradition has its origins in the cleansing role of water, but these days it essentially means that Bangkok becomes ground zero to a multi-day, raucous water battle.

Whether you're into it or not, you’ll be splashed with water and/or smeared with baby powder. Don’t even attempt stepping outside your door with your Sunday best on and don’t expect your favorite restaurant, or that museum or monument to be open (shopping centers, inevitably, will be operating). Discover more about Bangkok's festivals and seasonal attractions in our guide to the best time to visit the city .

Weed isn’t exactly legal in Bangkok

In June 2022, marijuana and hemp were removed from the Category 5 narcotics list in Thailand. However, there are still many restrictions and smoking marijuana in public is not legal and is not recommended.

Yes, there's a sex industry, but it's easy to avoid

“One Night in Bangkok” is indeed a reality. But if you steer clear of the main red-light zones at night – namely Thanon Patpong, Soi Nana and Soi Cowboy – it's likely you won’t even witness this side of the city.

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Bangkok  >  Old Town Bangkok Free Walking Tour

Top 10 Bangkok Tips  |  Suggested Itineraries For Bangkok

• Old Town Walk
• Chinatown Walk
• Chinese New Year In Bangkok
• Helpful Visitor Tips
• Suggested Itineraries For Bangkok

Old Town Bangkok Walking Tour:

Location : Old Town Bangkok ( Rattanakosin ) Cost : Free, Self-Guided ( Optional Fees Listed Below ) Start :  N8 Ferry Stop ( Tha Tien ) Stop :  Arun Residence Restaurant Walking Distance :  2.5 Miles for the full loop   ( +2 Miles By Boat ) Time Required :  2 Hours of Walking ( 7+ Hours with all stops ).  For a condensed shorter version considered skipping stops 6-13. Planning Your Time :  Make sure to do Wat Arun and the Royal Palace early to avoid huge crowds and long lines.  Cutting out the Long Tail Boat Ride and Royal Barge Museum will save you about an hour but the ride is enjoyable and a good break from walking.  If you get a late start do Wat Arun, then Wat Pho, followed by the Grand Palace. Getting Around :   Chao Phraya River Ferry Boat Routes Map Fun Scale :  10 out of 10

Historical Overview of Old Town:

Before Bangkok was established, the Choa Praya River once had a drastic horseshoe bend that curved to the West around some olive groves.  The area inside the horse was settled by Khmer as his residence and later by the Thais in the 1500s who named their small village Olive Town ( Bang Makok ).  The River was eventually straightened to its current path by a canal allowing boats to travel to the Siamese capital of Ayutthaya 50 miles to the North more easily.  Olive Town ( Bang Makok ) only slowly grew as did the community of working-class Chinese immigrants on the Eastside of the River.

When the capital of Ayutthaya fell to the Burmese in 1767, General Taskin was inspired by Wat Arun to move the capital to Olive Town ( Bang Makok ).  The General had just become King, called his new capital Thornburi, and built his new capital right next to Wat Arun.  The General’s reign only lasted 15 years as the Chakri dynasty took over in 1782 under King Rama I.

One of King Rama’s 1st moves was to move the capital across the Choa Praya River to the East and build a huge Grand Palace complex modeled after the ancient capital of Ayutthaya. As he started his new capital called Rattanakosin, Rama had to convince the Chinese settlers in the area to move a couple miles South to the current Chinatown.  Everything went pretty smoothly and it laid the groundwork for what became the city of Bangkok ( or Island City ).  To this day, the Chakris are still the Royal Family figureheads although there is now an elected President actually running the country.

*From the Tha Tien ferry station, take the river crosser to the… 1.  Temple of the Dawn  ( Wat Arun ):  While no one quite knows how old Wat Arun is, there has been a Khmer-style ( Prang ) Hindu Temple at this site since long before the area was first  settled by the Siamese ( Thai )  in the 1500s.  At that time the Chao Phraya River, which was later straightened in the 1600s, did a huge horseshoe bend around both the Temple and a series of large olive fields.  Because of the olive fields ( Makok in Thai ), the village was named  Bang Makok, and the temple was referred to as  Wat Makok .  The village remained small as Siam’s capital city, and population center, was 50 miles to the North in Ayutthaya, but King Narai ( 1656-88 ) did let the French build a fort near the Temple which many say made him appear too foreign-friendly.  As King Narai lay on his deathbed in 1688, a 40,000-person revolt toppled the French fort saving Siam from becoming a colony and preserving Siamese Empire. \ Almost 100 years later the Siamese capital city of Ayutthaya fell to Burmese forces in 1767 and was largely left in ruins.   General Taksin  led the Siamese forces to kick the Burmese out and quickly became the new King after his victory.  It is said that during the war General Taksin saw Wat Makok in the morning light and was deeply inspired by it.  This memory moved King Taksin to relocate the capital of Siam from Ayutthaya to Bang Makok and renamed the new capital  Thornburi .  The temple was renamed Wat Arun after the  Hindu god of the Dawn,  and King Taksin built his new Royal Palace ( Derm Palace ) next to it, where the Royal Thai Naval Academy sits today.  King Taksin revered the Hindu temple so much that he kept the famed Emerald Buddha Statue  here from 1778 until his death 4 years later.

With Taksin’s death, the Chakri Dynasty took over the throne under King Rama I ( 1782-1809 ).   The new king, once again moved the capital, this time just across the river to Rattanakosin.  King Rama I transferred the Emerald Buddha Statue to his new Grand Palace, and largely ignored Wat Arun while his new capital was being built.  Luckily his successors, King Rama II ( 1809–1824 ) and King Rama III ( 1824–1851 ), decided to do  extensive restorations and upgrades to Wat Arun after years of neglect.  During this time the main Prang tower was further built up, capped by a seven-pronged Trident of Shiva, decorated with colorful Chinese porcelain pieces, and supported by rows of detailed statues.  During the process, the main tower, which is meant to represent the legendary  Mount Meru , grew to a height of 262 feet.  In ancient Hindu mythology, Mount Meru was the center of the Universe and was said to be 672,000 miles high.  While the main tower is extremely impressive, we also like the four smaller towers on the corners dedicated to the Phra Phai,  Hindu God of Wind , as protection for the Temple.

You could spend hours examining the amazing statues that circle almost every inch of Wat Arun’s facade and ground.  As you enter the temple complex you’re greeted by  two huge demon statues ( yaksha ) from the Hindu story of Ramayana guarding the ordination hall.  The white guardian is Sahassateja, the green one is Tasakanth, and both guard against evil spirits.  As you approach the base of the 234-foot-tall Wat Arun, make sure to check out the sculptures of animals and Chinese soldiers which are not just guarding, but also supporting the first couple levels of the tower.  As you climb up the very steep steps toward the top of the tower, you’ll come very close to four statues of the Hindu god Indra riding on her elephant Erawan.  The views from the top are very rewarding.  The best views of the Temple itself come from the river at dawn as the porcelain shines in the sun or from dusk on as a combo of a sunset backdrop and accent lighting make Wat Arun look amazing.

Visiting Hours:  Daily 7:30am-5:30pm.   Cost:  50Baht.   River Crossing Ferry:  Ferries leave from Tha Tien every 10-15 minutes from 6am-10pm and cost only 3 Baht.  Temple Website:  ( HERE ).

*After crossing back over the river avoid the temptation to visit Wat Pho and follow the Grand Palace wall along the… 2. Street Side Amulet Market:  While the official amulet market sits a little further North, and later on the tour, this streetside market gives you a little taste of what is to come.  The amulets being sold are mainly meant either for a wide range of good luck or to ward of evil depending on what one you buy.  Really you don’t have much of a choice but to walk by the street vendors as the only entrance to the Grand Palace is all the way on the North side of the Palace wall so why not check it out?  If anyone around the market or side wall of the Grand Palace tries to offer you a tour or says the Grand Palace is closed for a special occasion ignore them, they are scammers.  The Grand Palace is open pretty much 365 days a year every year.

*Finally getting to the Northside of the Palace wall you are ready to enter the grounds of the… 3a.  The Grand Palace Complex :  When King Rama I took the throne in 1782 as the first member of the Chakri Dynasty, he quickly moved the Siamese capital across the Chao Phraya River.  After abandoning King Taskin’s Derm Palace in Thornburi ( West of the River ), Rama I started to build his massive Grand Palace in Rattanakosin ( East of the River ).  In an effort to bring good luck to Siam, the new Royal complex was laid out exactly like the ancient Northern capital of Ayutthaya had once been.  The area where King Rama I wanted to build his new complex had already been occupied by Chinese settlers for hundreds of years, but he got them to move a couple of miles South forming today’s Chinatown.  The 2,351,000-square-foot Grand Palace has stood the test of time, largely in part to it serving as a city within a city.   King Rama’s new mini-city contained its own Royal guards, temples, food, and even a national mint for making money.  Over the generations, each new Chakri King built their own Throne Hall and the complex continued to grow with more impressive buildings.  In 1925, King Rama VII decided to turn the family palace in Dusit Park into the new main Royal residence, and ever since Kings have only occasionally stayed in the Grand Palace.  Palace Website:  ( HERE ).

3b.  Visiting The Grand Palace :  Enter the Grand Palace at the large gate on the North side of the complex and work through the courtyard to the ticket booth.  After buying your ticket, the best plan is to 1st visit Wat Phra Kaew ( listed below ) and then continue to the center of the Grand Palace.  Many of the Grand Palace’s buildings are closed to the public, but even just walking around the outside of the impressive Throne Halls is really fun.  Our favorite set of buildings is the Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat group which was completed in 1882.  This series of 9 buildings holds a Royal Weapons Museum  and the coolest of the Throne Halls.  The main building of this set is a great blend of Thai and European architecture plus some of the  coolest trees on the planet.  The trees are manicured in a way that the branches form dense round balls of greenery which are very Doctor Seuss-like.  Also, make sure to stop by the Royal Guard standing motionlessly on watch by the front steps.

Scam Alert: If someone tells you that the Grand Palace is closed for the day don’t believe them.  Go to the main entrance and look for yourself, it is extremely rare for the complex to be closed for a special royal ceremony.  Often the scammers will tell you it’s closed for so many hours and try to take you to other “temples” in the meantime which usually ends up in you being taken to a gold or gem shop they get a commission at.  Dress Code: No shorts or tank tops, must have legs and shoulders covered no matter how hot it is as it is an active temple.  You can rent Thai pajama pants and cover-up shirts very cheaply near the gate if needed.  There is an official clothes rental place just inside the Palace, but the locals near the main gate will save you a wait in line although it might be $1-2 more.  Visiting Hours:  Daily 8:30am-4:30pm, last tickets sold at 3:30pm.   Ticket Cost: 400 Baht which also includes a joint entrance to Wat Phra Kaew Temple plus a visit to Bangkok’s Dusit Palace within 7 days.  Once inside you’ll head right to the ticket counter to buy your pass.  There is no shade in line and the wait can be really long if you don’t show up earlier in the day.   Palace Website:  ( HERE ).

4a. Wat Phra Kaew Temple:  The  biggest highlight  of the Grand Palace complex is by far a stop at the large temple called Wat Phra Kaew.  As you enter the main gate is on the Temple’s Southwest corner, notice the dark stone  hermit statue in front of you. This statue is the Patron of Medicine and many locals with sick relatives make offerings here for good health.  Join the locals by making an offering of incense and by touching a dampened Lotus flower to the top of your head for good luck.  Make sure to also look for the Temple’s  Elephant Statues as it is good luck to circle around one 3 times and then rub its head.

After gaining your good luck, it’s time to investigate the 3 huge towers making up what is called the  Upper Terrace  area.  As you approach from left to right, the jewel of the Upper Terrace is the Sri Lankan-style  Golden Chedi  called Phra Sri Rattana.  It is hard to not be constantly drawn to the Chedi as you walk around the Temple grounds.  The tower isn’t just beautiful, but also important as it is said to contain a piece of Buddha’s breastbone and his ashes.  Make sure the take in the model of Cambodia’s  Angkor Wat  complex as you round past the Golden Chedi.  It might seem like an odd place for a model of a foreign temple, but serves as a reminder of the Empire’s power from when they controlled neighboring lands.  In the middle of the Upper Terrace is a big green library called the  Phra Mondop .  The library has mother-of-pearl doors, statues of Chakri kings, plus snakes guardians ( nagas ) with both human and dragon heads.  The last tower on the Upper Terrace is the orange and green  Royal Pantheon which is only open to the public one day in October each year to celebrate the forming of the Chakri dynasty.  Near the Pantheon are a couple of small golden pyramids circled by  brightly colored guardians .  These playful pyramids are one of our favorite places for photos in Bangkok.

On the far North side of the Temple past the Upper Terrace are another collection of 3 buildings making up the  Upper Terrace .  From left to right are the Auxiliary Library ( Ho Phra Monthien Tham ), Wihan Yot, and the Royal Mausoleum ( Ho Phra Nak ).  Enjoy the ornate roofs of these buildings before moving toward the Temple’s outer wall.  The best-hidden feature of Wat Phra Kaew is the 178 mural panels lining the inside of the wall enclosing the temple.  These panels wrap clockwise starting at the North gate and around depicting the complete story of the Ramakien .  Notice the colorful demons fighting in the battle scenes, these are the same protective figures portrayed in the giant demon statues around this and many of the other temples around Bangkok.

4b. Emerald Buddha Statue:  The most famous building at Wat Phra Kaew sits right behind the hermit statue and houses the historic  Emerald Buddha Statue .  This jade statue was said to have been  carved in India in 43BC before being hidden in a Sri Lankan cave for protection 500 years later.  The beautiful statue bounced around for the next 1000 years before being moved to Chiang Mai’s mighty Great Stupa in 1468.  This lasted until 1552 when the Emerald Buddha was moved to Laos to avoid Burmese invasions that ended up overtaking the city 4 years later.  It stayed in Laos until being re-captured by the Thais and brought to Bangkok in 1784.  The 2 foot-tall dark green statue of Buddha is actually made out of solid jade and not an emerald at all.

The statue’s Emerald Buddha figure wears  seasonal costumes , which are changed three times a year to correspond with Summer ( crown and jewelry ), Winter ( golden shawl ), and Rainy Months ( gilt robe and headdress ).  This clothing change ceremony is done by the King of Thailand who is the only one allowed to get all the way up to the statue.  Covering the interiors walls of the building are murals depicting the life of the Buddha, his steps to enlightenment, and the Buddhist cosmology of the Worlds of Desire, Being, and Illusion; they start on the left with the birth of Buddha in Nepal.  Photos are not allowed inside, but you can get photos with a zoom lens near the entrance.  The  golden doors and guardians  around the building are also well worth your time before moving on.

5. Chao Phraya River Long Tail Boat Ride: You haven’t really arrived in Bangkok until you get out onto the Chao Phraya River on a Long Tail Boat ride.  The Chao Phraya cuts through almost the full North-South length of Thailand and, in a city of canals, has always served as Bangkok’s true highway.  The Chao Phraya River may be dirty, congested, and noisy, but it is the best way to experience Bangkok.  Most of the major piers have a few passenger ferry route options, but we suggest getting on the water by hiring a traditional Long Tail Boat.  These long, low-profile boats ( called Ruea Hang Yao in Thai ) are able to carry a ton of people or goods at high speeds even in swallow water.  A modern adaption on almost all the Long Tails has been to use a full-on car or truck motor instead of a standard boat motor.   The long tail boats even use the motor drive shafts as long rudders to give the drivers 180 degrees of steering capability which is really helpful on the crowded river.   It’s a bit crazy to see the driver standing so close to the powerful motors’ blazing fast and exposed fan blades, but it adds to the adventure.

After negotiating your private rental, which is explained below, you’re off the cruise the River in upwards of 35mph.  There will be splashes here and there from the waves so to stay the driest sit toward the front of the boat or hold up the plastic protector on the side.  If you are wondering why most of the boats are wrapped in colorful ribbons and decorated with fresh flowers it is not just for looks, but for good luck and safe travels.

Hiring a Long Tail Boat: Typically you pay a flat fee to go from point to point while sharing the boat with other people, but to really explore you want to negotiate a private rental.  If you know where you want to go, especially on a map, it will help a ton with negotiating.  The N9 Ferry Stop ( Tha Chang ) is going to be the easiest place to snag a Long Tail, but you may be able to also get one from the N8 Ferry Stop ( Tha Tien ) or Maharaj Pier with some luck.   Cost: A good deal is going to cost between 400-550Baht an hour and you will typically pay at the end of the trip.

6. Thonburi Canals:  With a ton of canals shooting off the Chao Phraya River the ones on the Thonburi side are really where you want to go to get a glimpse into Bangkok’s yesteryears.  Even just a short ride down the main Thonburi Canal, you will feel the urban jungle of the Bangkok fade behind you as you troll between the compact riverside houses.  Most of the houses are very working class and without land, so be prepared to see children on the porches and parents doing laundry in the river.  Many tourists who travel the canals end up being invited to meet local canal dwellers and are offered to buy goods from them.  A lot of the goods are junk, but there is something romantic about buying hand-made crafts from locals, even if they are a little junky.  We find the Thonburi Canals to be a great experience, especially with a camera, and it shouldn’t be missed unless you are on a tight schedule.  Sometimes the most amazing part about the ride through the canals if getting off of your feet for a little while after a lot of walking.

Taling Chan Floating Market:  If your driver suggested going out to the floating market first know that it is a full 3 miles from the Choa Phraya River.  If you don’t have a full day available to travel to the more popular Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, then checking out Taling Chan Market here may be worth it.  It is open on the weekends from 8am-5pm.

7. Royal Barges Museum:  One of the more unique attractions in Old Town Bangkok is the Royal Barges Museum where you can see the gilded longtail boats of Thailand’s former Kings.  The coolest one is the fancy  Golden Swan ( Suphannahongse ) , which was built by Rama IV in 1911.  Surprisingly the 150-foot-long boat is carved from a single piece of teakwood!  Almost all of the barges have large colorful Garuda figures protecting their every side and they are quite stunning.  Outside of the obvious ornate details, we also love how the barges’ defensive cannons are blended right into the Garudas figures like a piece of fine artwork.  The museum isn’t a must see if you are tight on time, but it is cool and free of the hoards of shoulder to shoulder tourists you get elsewhere in Old Town Bangkok.   Hours:  Daily 9am-5pm.   Getting Here:  A good driver will be able to drop you off up close but many are not able to so it will be a short winding walk from the pier which is marked by signs.

8. Maharaj Amulet Market:  The market area near the Maha Rat Pier holds the largest amulet market in Bangkok every Sunday, but has street-side stands 7 days a week. Expect to see hoards of superstitious locals inspecting the amulets closely to determine which ones to buy either for good luck or to ward off evil.  Some of the people are pretty hard-core and even use magnifying glasses.  We really like exploring the covered market area between Maha Rat and the River as it is fairly free of tourists.

9. Temple of the Great Relic ( Wat Mahathat ):  There has been a temple here since before Bangkok was even a city, but it was in 1851 when one of their monks Prince Mongkut Chakri, became King Rama IV that the temple became famous.  King Mongkut had been on a27-year pilgrimage before inheriting the Siamese crown, which gave him a lot of exposure to outside cultures.  During his reign this exposure carried over and he welcomed Western visitors and mixed in parts of their cultures.  If this sounds familiar it is because King Mongkut is the one portrayed in the famous play and  the movie The King and I .  The temple itself has since grown into one of the top ten universities for Monks in all of Thailand and also serves as the Center for Vipassana Meditation.  There isn’t much to see here as a tourist but it has an interesting history.   Hours:  Daily 9am-5pm.   Cost:  20Baht.   Meditation Classes:  Daily at 7am, 1pm, and 6pm in section 5 located near the Monks’ quarters.

10. Sanam Luang:  Sanam Luang is a wide open,  oval shaped grassy field  that has been used for royal ceremonies since King Rama I moved the capital to this side of the river in 1782.  While not used very often for Royal functions, Rama I felt it was an important part of the Royal complex so it could be laid out exactly like the ancient Northern capital of Ayutthaya had been.  Most of the ceremonies over the centuries have been for cremations for Royal family members, but on most days it is just home to a ton of pigeons.

11. City Pillar Shrine ( Lak Muang ):  With how superstitious the Thai people are, every Thai city has a City Pillar meant to bring good luck.  Bangkok’s pillar was placed in the ground by King Rama I at 6:45am on Sunday April 21s,t 1782 marking the start of the Chakri Dynasty and official founding of the City.  While some cities like Chiang Rai have their City Pillars outside, Bangkok has been surrounded by a shrine since shortly after it was put up. Over time these shrines have grown more grand and in the 1850s Rama IV even added a second pillar for double the luck.  During the Rattanakosin celebration for the cities 200th anniversary in 1982 the shrine around the pillar was rebuilt with the tall Prang-shaped white tower you see today.  After checking out the City Pillar stop by the nearby yellow Ministry of Defense with  rows of cannons  meant to show off Thailand’s might.  At one point all of the cannons pointed toward the Grand Palace, but luckily they have tastefully aimed them elsewhere.  The building is not open to the public, but you are free to roam among the cannons which serve as a mini-museum.   City Pillar Visiting Hours:  Daily 7am-5pm.   Cost:  Free.

*Right next to the Ministry of Defense is the often overlooked grounds of… 12. Saranrom Palace:  This beautiful salmon colored Palace was finished in 1866 and to us looks more Spanish than Thai.  The Palace and its park were built as a Royal Palace for King Rama IV who died before it was finished so the next King, Rama V, gave it to his own sons.  One of his sons ascended to become King Rama VI and turned the Palace into the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1926 after he moved out.  As you head South you’ll run into the Sararom Royal Park which was built by Rama IV, but was turned into an exotic zoo by King Rama V.  It remained a zoo until Dusit Zoo opened and the animals were moved, but it still has some of its original flair including a beautiful red fountain.

13. Wat Ratchapradit:  If you feel like exploring off the beaten path a block,  Wat Ratchapradit  sits just to the East of Saranrom Palace near the river and has a couple of interesting pagodas. The footbridge that goes over the Royal Canal ( Lawd ) was built by one of King Rama V’s wives. Since she was born in the year of the Pig it became known as Pig’s Bridge and now holds the popular golden pig statue.

14.  Temple of the Reclining Buddha  ( Wat Pho ):  In 1788 Rama I completed the Wat Pho ( officially called Wat Phra Chetuplon ) over a former temple which dated back to the 1500s.  His inspiration came from gathering fragments of Buddha statues in the former capital of Ayutthaya, some of which were incorporated into his new temple complex.  The centerpiece of King Rama’s temple was an oversized seated Buddha statue, called  Phra Buddha Theva Patimakorn , which can still be seen elevated on a 20-foot-tall platform inside the large central Bot.  In total there are over 1000 Buddha statues in the vast Wat Pho complex, but the main draw by far is the gigantic  Reclining Buddha .

Sitting inside that Temple’s Phra Virhara building, the  150-foot-long, 19-foot-tall  golden Reclining Buddha was built in 1832 by King Rama III.  The statue depicts Buddha laying on his side, not sleeping, but at the moment where he gained enlightenment.  This pose is fitting as right next to the building is a large  Bodhi Tree  said to have grown from a cut off a piece of the original tree in India which Buddha meditated under.  The huge gold plated statue has Mother of Pearl covering his large eyes and the souls of his feet.  The pearl on his feet helps to show 108 Thai and Indian scenes ( called Lakshanas ) representing the  108 auspicious characters of Buddha .  The number 108 is carried on throughout the building including the 108 bronze bowls where visitors drop coins in for good luck.  You can buy a sack of coins inside and its said leaving one in each bowl will bring good fortune.  Before leaving the Phra Virhara building, make to take in the murals covering the walls which show scenes from the life of Buddha.

After checking out the historic Bodhi Tree and  Crocodile Pond  near the Reclining Buddha, head right for the Temple’s  4 tall Chedi towers .  The 3 Chedis in a row hold ashes from generations of the Chakri Royal Family and the 4th one not in the row is called the Phra Si Sanphet Chedi which holds a sacred Buddha statue.  Only the Royal Family is allowed inside the Chedis, but you can still admire the towers’ beautiful and details porcelain exteriors.  You are bound to see various statues of bearded  Chinese Ballast , or stone giants, by most of the Temples gates.  These guardians represent various segments of Chinese society, but 4 of the sets actually depict  Farangs .  Farang is the Thai word for Caucasian foreigners and the statues have big noses, European Clothes, and top hats.  The character is out of respect of Marco Polo who was the first to introduce the European lifestyle to the Chinese.

Wat Pho is said to be the  birthplace of Thai massage  and it is home to a massage school with eager students ready to work your muscles.  Beware ahead of time that if you order the traditional Thai massage it deals with a lot of stretching so it’ll be a lot rougher than ordering the standard massage.  As part of the Institute of Massage visitors can also join in to learn the art of massage in 10-15 day classes.  Elements of the roots of massage can be seen all over the Temple.  The  Medicine Pavilion  near the 4 Chedis is the best example as it is filled with 60 stone plaques from the 1700s.  The plaques are diagrams details Thai Massage therapeutic points and energy pathways, with 30 focused on the front of the body and 30 on the back.  The most playful showing of massage is called  Hermit Hill  where small statues of naked images doing yoga poses and massage dot a series of grassy mounds.

Visiting Hours:  Daily 8am-6pm.   Admission Cost:  100 Baht.   Massage Cost:  Thai or Foot Massage for 30 minutes is 260 Baht; 1 hour for 420 Baht.    Dress Code:  While is isn’t enforced as strictly as the Grand Palace they technically don’t allow shorts or tank tops.  Should have legs and shoulders covered.   Temple Website:  ( HERE ).

Other Sights Near Old Town Bangkok:

16.  Bangkok National Museum :  Housed in the Front Palace ( Wang ) which was the home of the King Rama II.   Hours:  Wednesday-SunDay 9am-4pm.   Cost:  Baht.   Museum Website:  ( HERE ).

17. National Theatre:  Traditional Dance Shows

18. Khao San Road:  night life street/market from the Beach ( shamrock, brick bar, Gazebo Khao San top bar in world ), pop up bars like the Volkswagen camper on Rambuttri, restaurants ( bombay blues, Madame Musur )

19. Wat Rakhang:  Temple of Bells, decently large sitting Buddha statue

20. Chinatown Walking Tour:  info on the way

21. Mid Town Walking Tour:  info on the way

22. Dusit Walking Tour:  info on the way

23.  Taling Chan Floating Market:  Open Weekends 8am-5pm

Patravadi Theatre:

Bangkok Forensic Museum

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Disclaimer: Information on this page and in our walking tours were deemed accurate when published, however, details such as opening hours, rates, transportation, visa requirements, and safety can change without notice. Please check with any destinations directly before traveling.