Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and is at the top of the list of travelers. The city has something new to show you every time you visit. It is a perfect blend of excellent food, unique culture, happening nightlife, shopping and all at an affordable price.
You can explore tons of markets and shopping malls as well as spend your day roaming through the Old City enjoying the sights.
This Bangkok travel guide is curated for the readers to inform them of the top places to visit, where to go in Bangkok, the top things to do there, the best places to stay, and what to avoid while visiting Bangkok.
Best places to visit in Bangkok
Bangkok has a lot to see, and it is impossible to mention all the top places to visit in Bangkok in one visit. Here are the top recommendations that you must see if traveling to Bangkok.
Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
The Grand Palace was built in 1782 and was the official home of Thailand’s Royal Family unit till 1925. The king currently lives in Dusit but Grand Palace is used for royal ceremonies and functions. You can see ornate buildings, courtyards, and luxury gardens. The Wat Phra Kaew also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is one of the main structures at the Grand Palace. It is the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand and a must-see.
Wat Pho
Another name for Pho is the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. It has around 400 gilded Buddha images with a giant reclining Buddha in it. It is also one of the major royal temples in Thailand. Thai massage is taught and practiced at the temple to this day.
Wat Arun
Wat Arun is situated opposite Wat Pho. It is one of the best places to see because of this riverside location and its unique design.
Jim Thompson House
This is a museum in the Siam area. It is around a 10-minute walk from the major MBK shopping center. You can shop for the beautiful Southeast Asian art collection of Jim Thompson. Jim is known for saving Thailand’s silk industry during the 50s and 60s. People go to see the museum because of the mystery behind Jim’s disappearance in 1967. His body was never found.
Top things to do in Bangkok
Bangkok has something to offer everyone regardless of age, and interest. Here are the top things to do in Bangkok that you can enjoy alone or with family.
Chao Phraya River Cruise
The river goes through the center of the city and is a major means of transport of commuters daily. You can view popular places like Wat Arun, Wat Pho, and the Grand Palace during the cruise. This calming cruise can be a memorable one for your family.
Riding a bicycle through Bang Kachao
Not everyone enjoys the hustle and bustle of cities. If you are one of them you will love to see Bang Kachao. This is an island created by a bend in the Chao Phraya River. It has 16 sq km of mangrove forests, luscious palm trees, and a wild jungle. You get to ride on elevated pathways and submerge yourself in nature.
Bar Hopping
Bangkok is known for its nightlife which makes it a popular destination. There are hundreds of bars that you can explore with your gang if you plan bar hopping. The most popular ones are Soi 11 in Sukhumvit, and San Road.
Massages and Spa-Treatment
If you are travelling to Bangkok to relax then don’t forget to get a massage. You can get excellent food massage, body massage, or relaxing spa treatment. There are tons of legitimate and illegitimate spas all around Bangkok and enjoy.
Watching a Live Muay Thai Kickboxing match
If you love action then you must watch a live Muay Thai kickboxing match when in Bangkok. The best places to see it at Lumpinee or Rajadamnern stadium. The tickets are available on the stadium’s website.
Best time to visit Bangkok
Bangkok has a tropical climate and is warm throughout the year. It has two seasons rainy and dry. If you want to avoid the rain, visit Bangkok from November to April. To enjoy the rain you can visit from May to October. November to February is the best time to visit Bangkok because of its dry and cool climate. It is easier to move around and visit palaces during this time although it gets expensive due to many visitors coming over to Bangkok during these months.
How to travel in Bangkok?
Bangkok is a perfect place to visit but the transportation system there can be a little difficult. It has many overbridges, highways and excellent roads but traffic jams can be a pain for the tourists. Here are a few ways how to travel in Bangkok without feeling intimidated.
You can take a taxi to get around Bangkok. A taxi with a turned-on red neon light means it is available. For shorter distances, you can hire a tuk-tuk. It is a fun way of community especially if you have luggage with you. Traveling in BTS (Sky train), or MRT (Subway) is the best way to avoid traffic jams.
If you want to have fun while traveling you can use the Chao Phraya Express. You get to travel along the waterway and see the city as well as avoid traffic. You can also use the Grab – taxi application. It lets you put your pickup and drop location on your smartphone. It is safe, convenient and you won’t have to worry about explaining to them where to go.
Best places to stay in Bangkok
Finding the best places to stay in Bangkok can be difficult, but we’ve got you covered. The best idea is to stay in the commercial area especially if it is near to a BTS or MRT station to make travel easier.
The most popular areas in Bangkok among tourists to stay are in downtown Bangkok, like Sukhumvit, Silom, Riverside, Chinatown, Rattanakosin, and Chatuchak. You can also live near the Suvarnabhumi Airport if you plan to travel by air.
Interesting facts to know about Bangkok
Learning about fun facts about the place before visiting can make it more interesting. It can also teach you a lot about the culture of the city not to mention help you start a conversation with fellow tourists. Here are a few exciting facts to know about Bangkok that will leave you amazed.
1. Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahinthara Yutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udom Ratchaniwet Mahasathan Amonphiman Awatansathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukamprasit is the actual name of Bangkok and is in the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest name for a place.
2. Red Bull was created in Bangkok by Chaleo Yoovidhya in 1976 with the help of an Australian businessman, Dietrich Mateschitz.
3. You might be committing a crime if you
· Move out of the house without an underwear
· Drive a bike bare-chested
· Use Durian fruit as a weapon
· Step on the currency due to the King’s image being on it.
4. Seeing a third-gender washroom is common in the country. Thailand is known to be very accepting of various sexual identities.
What to avoid in Bangkok?
Enough said about what to do and where to go. Here are a few things to avoid in Bangkok to have a memorable visit to the place.
1. Avoid getting into a parked taxi. There are rows of taxis standing waiting for you to hire them. These drivers are waiting to drill a hole in your pocket. Better to hail a moving taxi and save money.
2. Do not avoid the King’s Anthem. The National Anthem is played before a movie, at the train stations and markets at 8 am and 6 pm. Stop and stand still till it ends. Showing disrespect to the Anthem or the King can land you in trouble.
3. Avoid scammers offering you tours at cheap prices. They will charge you a hefty price for taking you to places not worth seeing.
4. Do not sit next to a monk. Monks are not to touch a woman therefore if you are a female and see a monk sitting move at least 1 meter away to avoid an awkward situation
5. Do not wear skirts or shorts to a temple. Most people visit the temples in Bangkok but remember to dress properly. Wear a T-shirt that covers your shoulders and shorts that are below your knee.
How to find best Bangkok Vacation Packages?
Going to Bangkok on a vacation has never been easier due to the number of ways and tons of Bangkok vacation packages available online and offline. You can find some excellent travel packages with or without flights. There are packages that offer accommodation, food, guided tours, and sightseeing for individuals as well as for groups.
Here are a few you can check out. Best of Pattaya & Bangkok, Magical Pattaya, Phuket & Bangkok vacation, and Exotic Samui with Bangkok – Land only. With the convenience of these impeccably crafted vacation packages, all you have to do is relax and let Bangkok work its magic.
Takeaway on Bangkok Travel
Bangkok is surely a captivating city that has a perfect combination of tradition and modernity. It is filled with experiences like vibrant street markets to mouth-watering food. Visiting Bangkok can be a unique and enriching travel experience as long as you follow the laws and customs.
Plan your Thailand trip wisely; consider the weather and local festivals before booking a ticket to this enchanting land.
Happy Bangkok travel!
