Bangkok

Travel Guide
Wat Arun
Revel in the color, noise and history of Thailand’s frenetic capital, a city that welcomes its visitors with a clash of old and new.

Traveling into Bangkok for the first time is a dizzying assault on the senses. Ride a tuk-tuk through the city center and you will pass neon-lit streets packed with clubs, ancient alleys and grandiose temples. Breathe in the scents of a thousand street food stalls. Listen for the chants of praying monks mingled with the voices of market vendors and shoppers haggling with one another.

Visit the Bangkok National Museum and the Bangkok Folk Museum to learn about the multifaceted history of the city. It used to be two separate cities, Krung Thep and Thon Buri, located on either side of the Chao Phraya River. Although Krung Thep has been the capital of Thailand since the late 18th-century, when the Grand Palace was built, the two municipalities were only recognised as one city in the 1970s.

Make the palace your first stop when exploring Bangkok, before visiting the spectacular temples that line the riverbank. Hop on a boat and drift along the Chao Phraya River for unbeatable views of Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Arun, recognizable for their towering stupas. Explore the temples on foot to encounter gigantic Buddha statues and golden Thai architecture.

Experience modern Bangkok in the sleek, air-conditioned malls in the districts around Siam Square. For a different, typically Thai shopping experience, pound the pavements of the city’s many markets. Chatuchak Weekend Market is one of the best, offering antiques, handicrafts and quick eats.

Don’t leave without trying some street food. Wander through the old town of Banglamphu or Chinatown and snack on bowls of noodles or green curry and rice.

Visit Thailand’s exhilarating capital in any season to experience its sights, smells and sounds. In low season, between May and October, the weather stays hot and humid but offers the chance to save money on accommodations. Come in mid-April to join in with the water fights and colorful festivities of Songkran, Thailand’s new year celebrations.

Bangkok Travel Guide Video

Where to stay in Bangkok

Mandarin Hotel Managed by Centre Point
Mandarin Hotel Managed by Centre Point
4.5 out of 5
662 Rama IV Road, Bangkok, Bangkok
The price is S$89 per night from 21 Oct to 22 Oct
S$89
per night
21 Oct - 22 Oct
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Bangkok. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"We specially appreciate the concierge service, particularly the friendly and helpful Bellcaptain Mr. PONG and company."

Reviewed on 21 Sep,2023

Mandarin Hotel Managed by Centre Point
Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok
Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok
4.5 out of 5
28 Charoenkrung Soi 70, Bangkholame, Bangkok, Bangkok
The price is S$158 per night from 9 Oct to 10 Oct
S$158
per night
9 Oct - 10 Oct
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Bangkok. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Siam Paragon Mall and Khaosan Road are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"Fantastic stay. Lovely staff all round. Extremely helpful"

Reviewed on 17 Sep,2023

Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok
Grande Centre Point Hotel Terminal 21
Grande Centre Point Hotel Terminal 21
5 out of 5
2, Sukhumvit Soi 19 (Wattana), Sukhumvit Rd., Klongtoey Nua, Bangkok, Bangkok
The price is S$224 per night from 3 Oct to 4 Oct
S$224
per night
3 Oct - 4 Oct
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Bangkok. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
"Best location in town"

Reviewed on 14 Sep,2023

Grande Centre Point Hotel Terminal 21
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Urbana Sathorn Hotel
Urbana Sathorn Hotel
5 out of 5
55 South Sathorn Road Tungmahamek, Sathorn, Bang Kholame, Bangkok, Bangkok
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Bangkok. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a children's pool. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,244 reviews)
Excellent value for money.
"Very clean hotel with excellent facilities. Beds are very comfortable and good variety of options for breakfast. Location near BTS so very convenient for exploring Bangkok. Would recommend staying at this hotel to others."

Reviewed on 15 Sep,2023

Urbana Sathorn Hotel
Citadines Sukhumvit 11 Bangkok
Citadines Sukhumvit 11 Bangkok
4 out of 5
22/22 Sukhumvit 11, Sukhumvit Road, Wattana, Bangkok, Bangkok
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Bangkok. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Popular attractions Terminal 21 Shopping Mall and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,044 reviews)
"Close to metro subway station. Amazing location. Very lively. Nice and pleasant staff"

Reviewed on 17 Sep,2023

Citadines Sukhumvit 11 Bangkok
Metropole Bangkok
Metropole Bangkok
4.5 out of 5
Thonglor, New Petchaburi Road 2802, Bangkapi, Huaykwang, Bangkok
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Bangkok. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Popular attractions Terminal 21 Shopping Mall and Pratunam ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (288 reviews)
"This property is clean, private, comfortable and complete. Very pleased with the aesthetic and how it’s just a 5 minute walk to the water taxi. The swimming pool not so clean, jacuzzi also not working, the sauna is good."

Reviewed on 18 Mar,2023

Metropole Bangkok
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Bangkok

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
746
" "5 - Excellent 43.62573099415204%
4 - Good
730
" "4 - Good 42.69005847953216%
3 - Okay
194
" "3 - Okay 11.345029239766081%
2 - Disappointing
28
" "2 - Disappointing 1.6374269005847952%
1 - Terrible
12
" "1 - Terrible 0.7017543859649122%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
10 May 2020

Great city

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
28 Mar 2020

Unfortunately Bangkok is changing towards large shopping malls and losing it's old edge. There are still interesting things there but I don't feel we will be rushing back.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
15 Mar 2020

Wonderful city and one I will remember forever

4/5 - Good

Terry
13 Mar 2020

Bangkok as always is very busy and there are many cars, however, there is plenty of places to visit and the food is always very good.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
9 Mar 2020

I have travelled to Thailand often in the last 20 years so Bangkok is just a stop over before returning to UK, have seen most sites over this time but for first time visitors there is plenty to see, Sukhumvit 1-15 is a good area to locate as it is ea

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
8 Mar 2020

Love everything about this wonderful city