Bangkok

Things to do in Bangkok

Compare tickets, tours, transfers, hotels and flights for Bangkok in one place, and see who provides each one before you book.

Photo: Mastertongapollo, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

AirportsSuvarnabhumi (BKK), Don Mueang (DMK)
Getting aroundSkytrain, metro, river boats and taxis
CurrencyThai baht (THB)
Best monthsNovember to February

Bangkok in brief

Bangkok is Thailand’s capital, a huge, hot and busy city on the Chao Phraya River. Golden temples, street food and modern shopping centres stand side by side.

The main sights are in the old city by the river: the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun on the far bank. River boats are the easiest way to reach them.

Traffic is heavy, so use the Skytrain and metro where you can. The city is also the starting point for Ayutthaya and the floating markets.

Top attractions in Bangkok

Tickets and guided visits for the city’s best-known sights.

Wat PhoWat Pho
Attraction

Wat Pho

A large temple complex with a reclining Buddha forty-six metres long, close to the Grand Palace.
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Photo: Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew — Basile Morin (CC BY-SA 4.0); Wat Pho — Manoonp (CC BY-SA 4.0); Wat Arun — Jakub Hałun (CC BY-SA 4.0); Chatuchak Weekend Market — Mussi Katz (CC0); Chao Phraya River — Radosław Botev (CC BY 3.0 PL); Chinatown (Yaowarat) — Marcin Konsek (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Wikimedia Commons

Tours and day trips

Guided tours, day trips and experiences, with photos, reviews and prices.

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Getting there and around

Airport transfer from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)A pre-booked car from arrivals to your hotel. Alternatives are the Airport Rail Link or a metered taxi from the official rank.
Trains from BangkokTrains reach Ayutthaya in about an hour and a half. Overnight sleeper trains run north to Chiang Mai and south towards the islands.
Car rentalNot recommended in the city, where traffic is heavy. Driving is on the left.

Flights

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Where to stay

Pick a neighbourhood first, then compare hotels.

1

Sukhumvit

A long modern avenue on the Skytrain, with hotels, restaurants, shopping and nightlife.
2

Riverside

Hotels along the Chao Phraya, with river views and boats to the main temples.
3

Old City (Rattanakosin)

Closest to the Grand Palace and the temples, with smaller hotels and guesthouses.
4

Silom and Sathorn

The business district, with good transport links, rooftop bars and Lumphini Park.
Hotels in Bangkok with live prices

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Bangkok day by day

  1. Day 1: The Grand Palace and the river templesThe Grand Palace early in the morning, then Wat Pho, and the ferry across to Wat Arun before sunset.
  2. Day 2: Markets and ChinatownChatuchak Market if it is the weekend, or the shopping centres around Siam, then Chinatown for dinner.
  3. Day 3: AyutthayaA full day among the temple ruins of the old capital, by train or on a tour.
  4. With a fourth dayTake a morning tour to the floating market and the railway market.

Local tips

  • Cover your shoulders and knees for the Grand Palace and the temples. Remove your shoes before entering temple halls.
  • Ask taxi drivers to use the meter, or use a ride-hailing app.
  • Use the Skytrain and metro to avoid road traffic, especially at rush hour.
  • Ignore strangers who say the Grand Palace is closed today. Check at the gate yourself.
  • Carry cash in small notes for street food, markets and boats.

Before you go

eSIMMobile data for Thailand. Buy and install it before you travel.
AiraloYesimSaily
Travel insuranceCover for medical costs and cancellations.
Luggage storageLeave bags near the station or the sights.
Radical Storage
Flight delay compensationCheck whether a delayed or cancelled flight qualifies.
AirHelpCompensair

Everything for Bangkok

Ten services for the trip, all in one place.

Attraction ticketsMuseums and landmarks, with timed entry explained
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Tours & day tripsGuided and self-guided
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Airport transfersA driver waiting at arrivals
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HotelsLive prices, book in a few steps
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FlightsFind the cheapest route
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Car rentalLocal and international companies
LocalrentGetRentacarEconomybookingsQEEQAutoEurope
eSIMMobile data, bought before you travel
AiraloYesimSailyDrimsim
Travel insuranceCover for the whole tripHow it works
Trains & busesCity to city tickets
Klook (Europe trains)
Cruises & boatsSightseeing and dinner cruises
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Travel guide

Bangkok is coolest and driest from November to February, and 3 to 4 days covers the main sights. Suvarnabhumi Airport has a direct rail link to the city in about 30 minutes.

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Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Bangkok?

November to February is the coolest and driest time. March to May is very hot, and the rains fall from June to October.

How many days do I need in Bangkok?

Three days cover the main temples, a market and Chinatown. Add a day for Ayutthaya or the floating markets.

What should I wear to the Grand Palace?

Clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. Shorts, short skirts and sleeveless tops are not allowed.

How do I get from the airport to the centre?

From Suvarnabhumi, the Airport Rail Link reaches the city in under half an hour and connects with the Skytrain. Metered taxis and pre-booked transfers are also available. Don Mueang is linked by train, bus and taxi.

Is Bangkok easy to get around?

Yes, if you avoid the roads at busy times. The Skytrain, metro and river boats reach most places visitors want to see.