Bangkok

Travel Guide

Sukhumvit showing cbd and night scenes
Temple of the Emerald Buddha showing a temple or place of worship
Wat Arun
Temple of the Emerald Buddha which includes a temple or place of worship and religious aspects as well as a large group of people
Sukhumvit which includes a sunset and a city

Bangkok Travel Guide Video

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to stay in Bangkok

Sukhumvit

Sukhumvit

4/5(1,519 area reviews)

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

Sukhumvit
Lumpini Park featuring a park, a lake or waterhole and a house

Bangkok City Centre

3.5/5(59 area reviews)

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

Bangkok City Centre
Bangkok featuring a bridge, skyline and a river or creek

Siam

Erawan Shrine and MBK Center are top sights in Siam, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Ratchadamri BTS Station or Siam BTS Station to see more sights in the area.

Siam
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Silom

4/5(136 area reviews)

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

Silom
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Asoke

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

Asoke
Wat Pho showing interior views

Bangkok Riverside

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

Bangkok Riverside

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Bangkok

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
2149
5 - Excellent 47%
4 - Good
1852
4 - Good 41%
3 - Okay
475
3 - Okay 10%
2 - Disappointing
58
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
28
1 - Terrible 1%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Bangkok is highly polluted and has too many cars on the roads. Go there then travel to another city. Not worth the hassle.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I live here.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

If you like the city life, you'll like Bangkok. Just be prepared for the traffic.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Ok considering recent events ok

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Ok...not alot of entertainment

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Fascinating city; a world all of its own.

Cities near Bangkok