Often overshadowed by Thailand’s beautiful islands, Bangkok isn’t on many people’s radar. Yet, the city and surrounding landscape have so much to offer! And if you’ve never been to Asia, traveling here for the first time can be overwhelming as is; therefore I have the solution for stress-free travel here.
With this Bangkok travel guide, you’ll learn where to stay, things to do, and tips on visiting Thailand all in one place. Be prepared for a sneak peek into where to eat vegan and some hidden gems as well.
Wondering about other things Bangkok has to offer?
Check out Pictures to inspire you to travel to Bangkok!
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Why to Travel to Bangkok
Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, is the hub for grand temples, vibrant nightlife, 5-star hotels, and warm weather. It not only offers something for those seeking adventures but is also historically rich in its traditions.
Nestled along the Chao Phraya River, the metropolis is home to over 11 million people, making it the most populated city in the country. Aside from cultural insights, a big draw for tourists is the photogenic atmosphere: glittering skyscrapers, bustling markets, and delicious food (yes, even vegan!).
As mentioned above though, the city is often overlooked by tourists who prefer tropical islands like Phuket and Koh Samui. However, Bangkok’s many different sides make it worth exploring beyond the superficial “big city”-activities. In this travel guide, you’ll discover some of the best tips on where to stay, how to get around, and THE ABSOLUTE BEST THINGS TO DO IN BANGKOK.
Best Time to Visit Bangkok
Thailand’s weather is one of its attractive factors when it comes to traveling here. The country enjoys a tropical climate with seasonal monsoon winds – making it hot and humid. Thus, the best time to travel to Bangkok is during the cool/dry season from November to February. In these months, there is less rainfall and the temperatures are more bearable than in the summer. The great weather is perfect for exploring the outdoors of the city and is generally calm and pleasant. A highlight of traveling in winter is that you get to experience seasonal festivals and holidays, such as Loy Krathong and the Lunar New Year. This time of the year is also high season for tourists, so if you’re looking to avoid crowds and get cheaper travel fairs, consider visiting between March and October.
Where to Stay
As Bangkok is Thailand’s capital, it’s a huge city to explore. That also means that there are plenty of areas to book a stay. If you’re a first-time visitor, the best places to stay will be in or near the city center. This will give you the best starting point to reach all of the best attractions, restaurants, and shops in this guide. Further, Bangkok is famous for luxury 5-star hotels with breathtaking rooftop pools in the midst of skyscrapers. As an Asian country, you can book these places for fairly cheap prices (depending on when you go).
We stayed on Sukhumvit Road and really enjoyed the area and hotels:
Mövenpick Hotel Sukhumvit 15 & Tastoria Collection Sukhumvit
Sukhumvit Road or Siam Square
These two neighborhoods are essentially the city center, which makes them an excellent destination for first-time travelers.
Siam Square, often regarded as the heart of Bangkok, provides convenient access to public transportation. Noteworthy attractions here include shopping centers such as Siam Paragon, centralwOrld, and MBK Center, as well as cultural sites like the Jim Thompson House and the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre.
In comparison, Sukhumvit is a lengthy road popular for its vibrant nightlife scene, featuring clubs, open-air bars, and numerous street food vendors.
Khao San
If you’re heading to Bangkok as a backpacker, consider this area. Though located near the Grand Palace, this neighborhood isn’t as “luxurious” as Sukhumvit or Siam. What charms here is the unique temples like Wat Arun and Wat Pho. Keep in mind that public transport does not extend to this region, requiring reliance on local public transport options such as taxis or tuk-tuks.
Bangkok Old Town
Though Old Town is quite a small area, it’s historically significant as a home to some of the most revered temples, including Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Mahathat, and the National Gallery. Staying here will put you in the middle of Bangkok’s traditional architecture.
More Neighborhoods to Know About:
- Silom: Financial sector with modern skyscrapers aka Bangkok’s Wall Street. Known for the Patpong red-light district.
- Chinatown: The city’s oldest neighborhood with fascinating historic sites; not necessarily known by tourists.
- Dusit: The country’s political center. A very green area with wide boulevards and famous for the Dusit Zoo.
- Thonburi: The best place to explore the daily life in Thailand as a local. Located by the river/canals and the easiest way to reach the Bangkok Floating Market.
How to Get Around
With Bangkok having so many great things to do, knowing how to get around is crucial. Thankfully, transportation in the country’s capital is versatile and relatively easy to find.
The main transportation known in Thailand is Tuk-Tuks. The small, three-wheeled vehicles have an open-air design and are the most popular way to get around for short distances. It can be looked at as a cheap local taxi alternative. That’s because there usually aren’t set fees, and the price can be negotiated pretty well. Most drivers are also friendly and know all the tourist attractions. You might even be able to get a deal for taking multiple trips with the same tuk-tuk on the same day. Just make sure you agree on the price BEFORE getting in! Generally, this is a fantastic way to get around Bangkok with a fun twist.
If you find yourself in an area with no available tuk-tuks, getting a traditional taxi can also be a possibility.
Another great and affordable option is taking the public transport. The Sky Train and Metro operate frequently in the city and avoid the often busy traffic on the roads. Compared to the tuk-tuks, they obviously won’t bring you to the exact destination but with a little bit of walking you can reach most of the popular attractions in Bangkok.
Lastly, depending on the location of your stay, walking will get you to many places too. Within the city center, most things are in walkable distance. This way you’ll be able to get an impression of the city’s streets and might find some hidden shops.
For maximum flexibility, you can also consider car or motorbike rentals. Only opt for this option if you plan on traveling outside the city. Driving in Thailand, especially Bangkok, isn’t the best idea for tourists as the streets are extremely busy and narrow/confusing.
Where to Eat vegan
Overall, Bangkok is known for its vibrant and delicious cuisine. If you already enjoy Thai food at home, consider this paradise with all the authentic ingredients and flavours! On top of this, the capital is extremely vegan-friendly with fully plant-based restaurants all over the city.
Here are some of my favorite food spots…
Veganerie Concept:
With multiple locations around Bangkok, this restaurant chain has to be the best fully vegan place around! With an extensive menu and a bakery section, there are no wishes left unfulfilled.
The Vegan Table:
Another fully vegan place, the trendy and fun vibes amid Bangkok’s nightlife pair perfectly with delicious comfort food.
Earth House by the Earthling Cafe:
You’re looking for a trendy and aesthetic cafe-style restaurant? Head to this plant-based spot and get ready to take amazing pictures.
Curious about more? Check this out:
Vegan Food Guide to Bangkok
What to Do in Bangkok
Visit Temples
Wat Arun
Wat Ben
Thailand is probably most known for its rich culture with architecturally stunning Buddhist temples. As there are hundreds of sacred monuments in Bangkok alone, you’ll find yourself running into them sooner or later. Regardless of how long you’re staying in the city, it’s a must to plan for at least one temple visit!
Bangkok’s Best Temples:
- Wat Arun – a beautiful white temple with intricate designs right by the river
- Wat Pho – Bangkok’s biggest and oldest temple
- Wat Ben – aka Marble Temple, one of the most pictured temples on Social Media
Read my guide on the best temples in Bangkok and get inspired.
Floating Markets e.g. Khlong Lat Mayom
Contributing to the Asian flair, Bangkok is home to floating markets in and around town. They are a truly unique experience to make. Here, vendors typically sell local Thai goods and fresh foods from little boats on the river/canal. The Khlong Lat Mayom market, in particular, is very traditional to the city’s culture and makes a fantastic stop when you’re in the area.
Find Rooftop Bars
Rooftop bars are a fantastic way to see the city from above and enjoy a drink during sunset. The best thing is that you’ll find plenty in Bangkok’s city center. This activity can also fit into any schedule because it’s best during golden hour. So make sure to end your day with panoramic views!
Rooftop Bars in Bangkok with breathtaking views:
- Flashback Rooftop Bar on the top floor of the hotel Tastoria Collection
- Vertigo on the 61st floor of Hotel Banyan Tree Bangkok
- Penthouse Bar + Grill from the Park Hyatt Bangkok
The Grand Palace
Though also included in Thailand’s Best Temples list, due to its size and significance, the Grand Palace had to get its own mention. This fascinating monument is a major architectural symbol of the Thai Royal family. It consists of multiple buildings and the temple Wat Phra Kaew, including the Emerald Buddha and ancient scriptures.
Jim Thompson House – museum
If you love learning about art and architectural masterpieces, head to this remarkable 1959-built museum. This place houses an art collection of the American businessman and architect Jim Thompson and is about half an acre in size. What makes this museum worth a visit is the beautiful garden and exceptional architecture. On top of that, you can also learn how silk is made.
Explore Chinatown
Like most big cities, Bangkok also has the popular neighborhood of Chinatown. What makes Thailand’s capital so special though, is that it’s home to one of the world’s largest Chinatowns. Coming here will show you a whole new side of the city: Chinese-influenced shops, souvenirs, and local street food vendors. Whether it’s exploring the area yourself or taking a foodie tour, there is a lot to see! The historic Yaowarat Road is located within walking distance from landmarks like Wat Traimit Temple and is definitely worth a visit.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Similar to Bangkok’s Floating Markets on water, there is an abundance of weekend markets on land. If you’re looking to find souvenirs or explore local food within the busy streets, this is the spot for you. The Chatuchak Market is one of the largest in the world, covering an area of 27 acres with over 15,000 stores.
Visiting every vendor here is impossible but see it as a challenge to discover as much as possible!
Go on Chao Phraya River
What makes Bangkok so special is its location right by the water. Chao Phraya isn’t only the largest and most important river in Thailand, it’s also fun to explore via boat. Famous landmarks like Wat Arun and the city’s skyscrapers can be seen right from the water (e.g. sightseeing cruises). Also, walking along the river and seeing the 13 main bridges during sunset is totally bucket list worthy.
Mahanakhon Skywalk
Assuming you aren’t afraid of heights, consider visiting Thailand’s highest observation deck at 314 meters high. The Mahanakhon Skywalk is famous for its walkable glass floor and 360° views of Bangkok. On top of that, you can also enjoy your afternoon in the coffee shops situated inside the skyscraper. Overall, this makes for a great stop while in the city and grants amazing picture opportunities.
It’s recommended to get tickets ahead of time since slots can be booked up quickly.
Stroll through Malls
Being in a big city comes with the possibility to explore new and exciting shopping plazas and stores. Especially when the weather isn’t the greatest, spending your day inside Bangkok’s selection of malls for sure won’t get boring. The options here range from enormous buildings to intriguing architecture.
Bangkok’s Best Malls:
- centralwOrld: the 9th largest shopping complex in the world | includes a movie theatre, arcades, temples
- Siam Paragon: one of Thailand’s largest malls | with an aquarium, bowling alley, art gallery, concert hall
- Terminal 21: themed after an airport, each floor is a different country
- MBK Center: built in 1985 – it used to be Asia’s largest mall
Night-Outs
The city of Bangkok is famous for its bustling nightlife and spectacular bars. As mentioned above, rooftop bars have been the leading trend for a while now. But also just the feeling of walking around at night through lively hub spots and doing some bar-hopping screams Thailand. Khaosan Road is the perfect place for this; the plethora of neon lights shining in the dark makes it extremely photogenic. You can also find many open-air bars here.
Lumpini Park
On the other hand, Bangkok isn’t just skyscrapers and busy streets: if you need a break from the hustle and bustle, going to the park is a fantastic option. You can find many green spaces in the city, but Lumpini Park is one of the largest. Come here to see a various flora and fauna, statues, and a Chinese-style clock tower. Besides, there’s the possibility to rent a boat on the lake or go to the nearby aquarium and public library. It’s a lovely way to connect with nature while staying in a concrete jungle.
Baiyoke Sky Tower
Last but not least, heading back to skyscrapers. Similar to Mahanakhon, Baiyoke Tower II is a thrilling way to see Bangkok from above. The rotating observation deck grants one of the best views of the city. The tower is 309 meters tall with 85 floors and even hosts restaurants, bars, and shops inside. Make sure to be here around sunset and stay until the city starts sparkling in the dark.
Unless you’re a big fan of skyscraper photos, planning in either Mahanakhon or Baiyoke will be enough since both have similar views.
Good to Know – Visiting Thailand’s Temples
Finally, since part of this list are temples and sacred places, it’s crucial to know basic etiquette. Check out this post to read more about Bangkok’s best temples and if you’re not sure what to wear, what to bring, and need advice and tips on sightseeing temples.
This sums up the complete Bangkok Travel Guide with plenty of inspiration on what to explore in the beautiful country of Thailand.
Whether you like your vacation to be more laid back or adventurous, this bucket list should have something for all needs!
Leave your suggestions and must-dos in the comments. 🙂
Wondering what’s next in Bangkok? Check out these:
Vegan Food Guide to Bangkok || A Full Temple Guide
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Great comprehensive post!
I’m traveling to Bangkok soon so this was very helpful!
Their temples are so beautiful! Thank you for putting the prices up too.
The roof top bar views look incredible!! I didn’t get a chance to check any of those out when I was in Thailand, but I definitely will next time! How cool
We were so glad we spent a few days in Bangkok when we got to Thailand. We did use tuk tuks for transportation but I must admit they did try to scam us! But still a good way to see the temples and other sights in the city. Sadly we missed the floating markets so a good reason to go back.
When I was backpacking through Thailand, I stayed near Khao San. The area was convenient, cheap, and filled with bars and restaurants. It’s been some time since my visit, but your post brings back fond memories.
Great post! I saved it for our trip this upcoming November.
Absolutely stunning photos! I can’t wait to try one of those vegan restaurants
Great post, will save this one for my next opportunity to travel to Bangkok. I look forward to trying the rooftop bars, with their great views over the city.
This is such a helpful post – I’m heading to Thailand this year and this will come in so handy when mapping out the Bangkok portion!
Such an in-depth listicle of top things to do in Bangkok! I’ve only been here once but I didn’t get to visit a few of the places you mentioned in your guide. I’ll be saving this for a future trip!
These are some real great gems that you’ve uncovered! I’ve been to Bangkok twice and haven’t been half to these places – the Jim Thompson House sounds right up my alley!
I’m yet to decide between Indonesia and Thailand for this year’s travel and Bangkok’s floating market plus its diversity intrigues me more thanks to your article.