In this guide
Bangkok is loud, hot, delicious and endlessly fascinating. Gilded temples sit next to glass towers, and the best meal of your trip might come from a plastic stool on the pavement. Here's how to make the most of it.
The big temples
- The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew: the former royal residence and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Go when it opens to beat the heat and crowds, and follow the dress code.
- Wat Pho: home to the 46-metre Reclining Buddha and a famous traditional Thai massage school.
- Wat Arun: the "Temple of Dawn" across the river, stunning at sunset from the opposite bank.
Life on the river
Ride the Chao Phraya Express Boat or the tourist boat between the piers; it's the most scenic way to reach the old town. In the evening, a dinner cruise or a long-tail boat through the Thonburi canals (khlongs) shows a quieter side of the city.
Markets
- Chatuchak Weekend Market: thousands of stalls selling everything from clothes to plants and antiques (Saturday and Sunday).
- Night markets such as Jodd Fairs for food and souvenirs.
- Floating markets like Damnoen Saduak or Amphawa (best on weekends) are a half- or full-day trip from the city.
- Chinatown (Yaowarat): neon signs and some of Bangkok's best street food after dark.
Food you shouldn't miss
Try boat noodles, pad krapow (holy basil stir-fry), grilled pork skewers, khao man gai (chicken rice), tom yum, and mango sticky rice. A guided street-food tour is a great first-night introduction.
Modern Bangkok
- Rooftop bars in Silom, Sathorn and Sukhumvit offer skyline views; check the dress code.
- Shopping malls like Siam Paragon and ICONSIAM are attractions in themselves, with huge food halls.
- Lumpini Park for an early-morning run among monitor lizards.
- Jim Thompson House, a museum of traditional teak houses and Thai silk.
Day trips
- Ayutthaya: the ruined former capital, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, about 1.5 hours away by train or car.
- Kanchanaburi: the Bridge over the River Kwai and Erawan Falls (best as an overnight trip).
Getting around
Use the BTS Skytrain and MRT to beat traffic, river boats for the old town, and ride-hailing apps for everything else. Insist on the meter in taxis.
Bangkok is the perfect start to a bigger trip: see our 10-day Thailand itinerary and compare flights to Bangkok.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Bangkok?
Three days covers the main temples, a market, a food tour and a rooftop sunset. Add a fourth day for a trip to Ayutthaya or a floating market.
What is the best area to stay in Bangkok?
Stay near a BTS or MRT station. Sukhumvit is convenient for nightlife and food, Silom and Sathorn for business and rooftop bars, the riverside for views and easy boat access to the old town, and Rattanakosin/Banglamphu for temples on a budget.
What is the dress code for the Grand Palace?
Cover your shoulders and knees: no sleeveless tops, short skirts or shorts. Wear shoes or sandals with a back strap if possible, and avoid see-through clothing.
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