Bangkok Thailand

Ultimate Travel Guide to Bangkok, Thailand

Overview

Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, is a vibrant mix of ancient traditions and modern life. Known for its bustling streets, ornate temples, delectable food, and lively nightlife, it offers an unforgettable experience for tourists. This guide will help you navigate this incredible city.

Places to Go

  1. The Grand Palace: A complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok, housing several magnificent temples including Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha).
  2. Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn): This iconic temple is one of Thailand’s most recognizable landmarks.
  3. Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha Temple): Famous for its huge reclining Buddha statue and traditional Thai massage school.
  4. Chatuchak Weekend Market: The world’s largest weekend market with over 15,000 stalls selling everything from clothes to food.
  5. Siam Paragon and CentralWorld: For high-end shopping and dining experiences.
  6. Khaosan Road: Famous backpacker area with hostels, bars, and tourist shops.
  7. Asiatique The Riverfront: A large open-air market featuring shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
  8. Bangkok’s Chinatown (Yaowarat): For a taste of Chinese culture in Bangkok with its vibrant streets, food stalls, and markets.
  9. The Jim Thompson House : A museum displaying the lifestyle and artistry of Jim Thompson, an American architect who played a significant role in Thailand’s post-World War II silk industry.

Activities

  1. Boat Tours: Explore the canals (Khlongs) of Bangkok on a traditional longtail boat.
  2. Thai Cooking Classes: Learn to cook authentic Thai dishes in a fun and interactive environment.
  3. Bangkok Night Markets: Experience the local culture and try street food at markets like Talad Rod Fai (Train Market) or JJ Green Ville.
  4. Spa and Massage: Relax with traditional Thai massage or a spa treatment at one of Bangkok’s many spas.
  5. Rooftop Bars: Enjoy stunning city views while sipping cocktails at rooftop bars like Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar or Sky Bar (from Oblivion, the movie).
  6. Visit Floating Markets: Day trips to Damnoen Saduak or Amphawa Floating Markets offer a glimpse into traditional Thai life.

Where to Eat

  1. Street Food: Try pad Thai (stir-fried noodles), som tam (spicy green papaya salad), and mango sticky rice at street food stalls in places like Chinatown, Ratchawat Market, or Or Tor Kor Market.
  2. Bo.Lan: For high-end Thai cuisine with a modern twist.
  3. Blue Elephant: Another restaurant offering traditional Thai dishes in a luxurious setting.
  4. Vegetarian Rice Field: A popular vegetarian and vegan restaurant with many delicious options.
  5. Night Markets: Don’t miss the opportunity to sample various dishes from different food stalls at night markets like Chatuchak or Talad Neon.

Where to Stay

  1. Sukhumvit Area: Convenient for shopping and nightlife, with a wide range of accommodation options including luxury hotels, mid-range hotels, and hostels.
  2. Riverside Area: Offers stunning views of the Chao Phraya River and easy access to temples and attractions via river taxis.
  3. Silom/Sathorn Area: Ideal for business travelers with plenty of high-end hotels, restaurants, and bars.
  4. Khaosan Road Area: Budget-friendly accommodations and a lively nightlife scene.
  5. Chinatown: Affordable accommodation options and easy access to Chinese food and markets.

Things to Know

  1. Weather: Bangkok is hot and humid year-round, with the driest months being November to February.
  2. Dress Code: Temples require modest clothing (long pants, shirts with sleeves). Avoid wearing revealing clothes in public.
  3. Bargaining: It’s common to bargain at markets and street food stalls.
  4. Tipping: Tipping is not expected in restaurants, but it’s customary to leave some change for good service at cafes or small restaurants.
  5. Transportation: Bangkok has an extensive network of taxis, tuk-tuks, BTS Skytrain, MRT Subway, and boat services (river taxis and express boats).
  6. Scams: Be aware of common tourist scams such as overpriced taxis or tuk-tuks, ‘gem’ scams, and fake police officers asking for bribes.
  7. Respect Royalty and Religion: Thai law strictly forbids insults to the royal family or defamation of religion.

Tips

  1. Try Street Food: Don’t be afraid to try street food, but choose stalls that are busy and clean.
  2. Learn Basic Thai Phrases: Simple phrases like “hello,” “thank you,” and “how much” can go a long way in making your trip more enjoyable.
  3. Stay Hydrated: The heat can be overwhelming, so drink plenty of water throughout the day.
  4. Get Travel Insurance: Make sure to get travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, lost luggage, and trip cancellations.
  5. Use Cash: While many places accept credit cards, it’s still useful to carry cash (Thai Baht) for smaller shops and street food stalls.