Bangkok Travel Guide
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Top Attractions
Cheap Flying Tips
Where to Stay
Things to Do
Your Guide to Bangkok
The capital and largest city in Thailand, Bangkok is a city that is both full of history and modern spectacles. Founded in the 15th century and home to over fourteen million people, Bangkok is one of the most intriguing and alluring cities to visit in Southeast Asia.
Visiting Bangkok is an experience like no other due to its incredible and unique food, architecture, wildlife, culture, and nightlife. With a proper guide, your time in Bangkok can be one of the most unforgettable experiences of your life.
Keep reading to learn more about where to stay and what to visit in Bangkok to ensure your stay is as memorable as possible.
Top Attractions in Bangkok
Bangkok is a city with a wide variety of attractions. From historical sites to nature hikes and incredible nightlife, Bangkok is a city that appeals to all ages and lifestyles. Make certain you come for long enough to properly enjoy everything the city has to offer!
The Grand Palace of Bangkok
The Grand Palace is a massive complex and was the official residence of the king of Thailand, dating back to the Kingdom of Siam from 1782 until 1925. However, the 2.3 million square foot palace compound is still used for official events, such as coronations and other important ceremonies.
The palace features some of the most beautiful and iconic architecture in the country. The complex is filled with gardens, museums, pavilions, and temples of incredible scale and splendor.
The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, also known as Wat Phra Kaew, is the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. The Emerald Buddha that is housed there is considered the nation’s palladium, an object upon which the safety and prosperity of the nation are said to depend.
Wat Pho
Built in the 17th Century, Wat Pho is one of the oldest temples in all of Thailand. It was constructed before Bangkok was even established as the capital. Its full name is Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan, and it is home to the “Reclining Buddha,” a 46 m (~151 ft.) long golden statue of the Buddha.
Because of this, it is also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha”. The statue is so massive that it cannot be viewed all at once from one side, but rather in sections around the temple. The image of the reclining Buddha represents the Buddha during his last illness and reaching the final nirvana (parinirvana).
The temple is also viewed as the first public university in Thailand, having taught students in science, literature, and religion through sculptures and murals found throughout the grounds.
Khao San Road
Often referred to as the Mecca of backpackers, Khao San Road is a major congregation point for travelers from all over the world. It is one of the major bases of travel in Bangkok. Many of the tourist destinations in Bangkok can be reached by coach from Khao San Road.
There are also hundreds of kiosks, food stands, street music, and bars and restaurants to keep you entertained all day and night long. Khao San Road is an exciting and eclectic spot that has surprises around every corner.
It is also the location of cheap accommodations, ranging from poor hostels to affordable three-star hotels.
The Experience Flying into Bangkok Airport
Touching down in the massive Suvarnabhumi Airport (AKA Bangkok Airport) can be a bit intimidating at first due to its massive size. However, the airport is relatively new (opened in 2006) and can easily be navigated regardless of language barriers.
To get to your Airbnb/hotel/etc., you can take a bus, taxi, or the Bangkok Airport Rail Link. Download the Grab app (similar to Uber but for SE Asia and utilizing cash), and you can get to your room in no time.
Top 3 Tips to Fly Cheap to Bangkok
There are several options for flying cheaply and safely in and out of Bangkok. Here are the top three tips for flying on a budget.
1. Use a budget airline
Use a budget airline out of the old airport of Don Meung. Some of these airlines included Bangkok Airways, Nok Air, and AirAsia. Flights that contain layovers are also generally cheaper at the cost of extending your travel time.
2. Search for cheaper quotes
Websites like Skyscanner and ITA Matrix search are a good spot to begin your search for cheaper quotes. Initial quotes for tickets on sites like Expedia can be more expensive than quotes on the aforementioned sites.
3. Keep an eye out
Keep an eye out. Often, tickets are much cheaper on certain days (Tuesday vs. Friday). Buying tickets that depart or arrive during the weekdays can save you hundreds of dollars. Simply buying the ticket itself during the week can also provide cheaper flight prices.
Popular Areas of the City to Stay
There are essentially two areas of the city to stay in the old city and the new city. The old city is home to the main attractions, the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. The new city has a more vibrant nightlife and is more alive, and contains Khao San Road and Bangkok’s massive Chinatown.
Popular Hotels in Those Areas
The following two hotels are good options for those with a decent budget. These are found in the new city:
If you are on a budget, consider:
Popular Airbnb Places in Those Areas
If you want a space that’s more personable and feels closer to home, try an Airbnb. These are some popular hosts and locations for solo travelers and families/groups.
Located at Sukhumvit 13, The Trendy Condominium is one of the most popular Airbnb spots in Bangkok. Starting at $13/night, this entire condo is available on the outskirts of the old city.
The D Hostel, located right smack in the middle of old Bangkok, is an excellent option for those traveling alone or in small groups. Starting at $11/night and offering free BBQ and cooking classes every Friday, this is a great spot for younger adults.
The Mustang Nero Hotel is another popular spot, being apparently the most Instagrammed Airbnb in Bangkok. The building was converted from an old commercial building and features a minimalist style. This trendy spot is located in the new city.
Top Things to Do in Bangkok
A city such as Bangkok can keep you entertained for years. However, if time is more limited, here are the top 3-5 things to do in Bangkok.
Exploring the Food of Bangkok
An important thing to do whenever traveling is to try the food! Typically, Thai food is relatively spicy. However, it is bearable, and you can order most things without the spicy sauce. Besides, when in Rome (or Bangkok)! Here are only a few of the best foods/restaurants to check out when you are in Bangkok:
- Street vendors serve some of the best food in Bangkok and should not be ignored and serve Thai cuisine staples like Laab moo (minced pork), Khao neow (sticky rice), and Som tam (papaya salad with seafood).
- Raan Jay Fai: Must-visit. First street food vendor in the world to be awarded a Michelin star, this place may be packed but is well worth it.
- Pad Thai Thip Samai: If you enjoy pad thai, make sure this is one of your stops.
- Issaya Siamese Club: Housed in a colorful villa over 100 years old, this contemporary Thai food at this restaurant is more pricey but worth it.
- Ming Kwan Vegetarian Restaurant: Offering some of the best authentic vegan Thai food in the country, this spot is a can’t miss.
- Kuay Tiew Kua Kai Jae Keng Jae Ngim: The name itself is a mouthful. Serving fried noodles with chicken and egg, this place has top-notch authentic Thai food.
- Rod Ded: Serving authentic Thai food at decent prices, this hole-in-the-wall place is worthwhile for any foodie. Try the Tom Saep (hot & sour soup with beef).
Note: peanuts are used in a lot of recipes in Thailand, so make sure to mention if you have an allergy!
Bangkok Art and Culture Centre
Art lovers should be certain to visit the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre. It is a prime example of Thai architecture and culture and has rotating new exhibits from Thai artists.
The Bangkok Art and Culture Centre is closed on Monday and is open from 10 AM to 9 PM from Tuesday to Sunday. The best part of it all is that there is no admission charge!
Chatuchak Weekend Market
The largest market in all of Asia, the Chatuchak Weekend Market is home to over 15,000 stalls and 11,000 vendors. In this vibrant and colorful market, one can get lost in the market for hours, perusing all sorts of goods, such as plants, electronics, clothes, ceramics, food and desserts, and books, among many others.
As the name suggests, the market opens Friday evenings at 6 PM and is open all day Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM to 6 PM, though many stalls stay open much later.
Muay Thai
The most recognizable martial art originating from Thailand, Muay Thai is an intense spectacle for those with the stomach for it.
The Rajadamnern Stadium is one of the sport’s most iconic arenas and was the first Muay Thai stadium built in the country in 1945. This place features some of the highest levels of Muay Thai fights in the world, featuring both men and women fighters.
The other main Muay Thai stadium in the city is the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium. Regularly featuring some of the top names in Muay Thai, Lumpinee Stadium has an atmosphere and energy that cannot be beaten. However, the stadium only features fights between men.
On Sundays just after 2 PM, there are free shows on Channel 7 Boxing Stadium near Chatuchak Market. These are absolutely worth seeing but be prepared for large crowds.
Red Light Districts of Bangkok
The notorious red-light districts of Bangkok are worth a visit if that is up your alley. Some of the most famous massage parlors in the world can be found here. The bars and clubs here are generally safe, though you must make sure to be on your toes for scams and “free” shows.
Patpong is a more tourist-friendly district and offers many dazzling aspects of nightlife in Bangkok, including many bars and clubs. This spot features many places that offer affordable drink prices and delicious food.
Soi Cowboy is an extremely animated part of Bangkok, a neon-soaked avenue offering over thirty bars to choose from. This district is generally safe and attracts a diverse crowd, featuring body painting and massage parlors.
Soi Twilight is one of the most well-known spots for LGBT-friendly clubs and bars, though anyone is sure to be dazzled by the numerous go-go bars and drag performances that can be found throughout the area.
Natural Splendor of Bangkok
There is plenty to do in and around Bangkok that is more nature-oriented and family-friendly. From jungle bike tours to national parks to jungle river rafting, Bangkok offers these unique experiences not found in many other places worldwide:
- Ayutthaya Historical Park: An hour’s drive away from Bangkok is the former capital city of Thailand. It possesses hundreds of archaeological sites, including many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, some dating back to the 14th century.
- Erawan National Park: Offering incredible views and known for its waterfalls and cave systems. Swim in the pristine turquoise pools around the waterfalls and hike the many gorgeous trails that are teeming with unique wildlife.
- Animal Sanctuaries: Very popular, particularly the tiger ones. However, many sanctuaries mistreat their animals, so it is not recommended to give them your patronage.
- Some places like Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary take in former working elephants to rehabilitate them. If you visit a sanctuary, make sure the animals are well treated.
Coolest Airbnb Experiences in Bangkok
There are many interesting Airbnb experiences to be had in Bangkok. Whether you want to explore the city by yourself or as part of a group, these experiences can allow you to explore the city in a truly unique way.
A great way to stay healthy while on vacation, this awesome street art running tour takes you on an 8K route around the city to see the city’s top art galleries, as well as through Bak Rak, a street covered with stunning wall paintings and murals. The route ends in Chinatown, where you can get back all the calories you just burnt. $57/person.
Escape the bustle of Bangkok for a day and become a real Thai farmer with this unique experience. During this all-day experience, wear traditional farmer clothes as you learn how to grow coconut, rice, and more and learn to make Thai herb drinks. Sightsee the countryside by bike, followed by a delicious authentic Thai dinner. $111/person.
Looking for the ultimate Instagram photo album of your travels? Look no further than this extensive Instagram Tour of Bangkok. Covering many picturesque parts of Bangkok, such as Wat Pho and Wat Saket, this tour will have your friends back home forever jealous of your travels. This is a very affordable experience at $33/person.
Final Thoughts
Bangkok is truly a wondrous city full of history, culture, nightlife, and delicious food. For this reason, many people have this place on their bucket lists. Always remember to be respectful to the people and observe cultural etiquette at all times. Be safe and, most importantly, enjoy yourself!
