Bangkok is a huge, hot, fascinating city of golden temples, canals, markets and food that is some of the best in the world. Modern skyscrapers and elevated trains sit beside wooden houses and street stalls.
It is busy, noisy and warm, and a very easy place to enjoy. Many visitors use it as a first stop before heading to the islands or the north.
How many days: 4
Four days covers the temples, markets, river and a day trip. Three works if you keep your plans light.
Heat is the main challenge, so plan sightseeing for the morning and rest in the afternoon. The evening is the best time for street food.
What to do in Bangkok
- Visit the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
- A glittering complex of palaces and temples, home to the Emerald Buddha. Dress modestly, with covered shoulders and knees.
- See Wat Pho
- A temple with a giant reclining Buddha and a traditional massage school. Quieter than the Grand Palace.
- Take a river boat
- Express boats and ferries cross the Chao Phraya river, and long-tail boats explore the canals. A cheap and breezy way to see the city.
- Climb to Wat Arun
- The Temple of Dawn, with a tall spire covered in porcelain. The river view is best at sunset.
- Explore Chinatown
- A lively district of gold shops, markets and street food, especially at night.
- Visit a floating or weekend market
- Markets such as Chatuchak sell everything from plants to clothes. Go early, as it gets hot.
- Get a Thai massage
- Traditional massage is cheap and widely available. Choose a reputable place.
- Take a day trip to Ayutthaya
- The ancient capital has ruined temples and monasteries. Trains and boats make the trip easy.
- Visit a silk museum
- A teak house in a garden shows the story of Thai silk. A calm break from the heat.
- Watch the sunset from a rooftop bar
- Many hotels have rooftop bars with skyline views. Dress neatly, and check the dress code.
What to eat and drink
- Pad Thai and stir-fries
- Noodles and rice cooked in a wok with vegetables and meat. A staple of street food.
- Tom yum and green curry
- Spicy soups and curries made with coconut milk and herbs. Ask for your spice level.
- Mango sticky rice
- Sweet sticky rice with fresh mango and coconut cream. A classic dessert.
- Street food
- Stalls sell grilled skewers, noodles and sweets until late. Look for busy stalls with high turnover.
- Fresh fruit and juices
- Mangoes, pineapples and dragon fruit are sold from carts. Fresh juice is a great way to cool down.
- Thai iced tea
- Sweet, milky orange tea over ice. A local favourite.
- Boat noodles
- Small bowls of rich, spicy noodle soup, sold near canals. A cheap snack, and you can order several.
Getting around
The Skytrain and metro are fast, clean and air-conditioned. They avoid the city's heavy traffic.
Taxis and ride-hailing apps are cheap. Insist on the meter, or use an app.
Tuk-tuks are fun for short rides, but negotiate the price first.
Good to know
- The weather is hot all year, and there is a rainy season. Cool season, from November to February, is the most comfortable.
- Cover shoulders and knees at temples. Remove your shoes before entering buildings.
- Be wary of strangers who say the palace is closed, or who offer cheap tours. Check with official staff.
- Respect for the monarchy is taken seriously. Avoid joking or criticising.
- Check the entry rules for your nationality before you travel. Rules change, so use the official government site.
- Drink plenty of water and carry a small umbrella for sun and rain. Air conditioning is strong, so a light layer helps indoors.
- Bangkok is a good base for the rest of Thailand, with many flights and trains. Allow time to adjust to the heat on your first day.