Bangkok Travel Guide

Founded as the capital of Thailand in 1782, Bangkok is also the largest city in this country with about 10 million people, more than 10% of this country’s population. This spiritual and symbolic heart has an area of more than 1500 square kilometers spread across an alluvial plain divided by the Chao Phraya River. 

General Information

Bangkok

Over the decades, Bangkok has changed itself into a modern and bustling city, combining successfully its ancient traditions and modern progress. Nowadays, it has become one of the most influential cities not only in Thailand but also in Southeast Asia. 

Considered Asia’s jewel, Bangkok is now a wonderful tourist attraction for both domestic and international travelers thanks to its variety of destinations, beautiful weather, and convenient transportation. 

Wanting to discover Asian culture, you can immerse yourself in the sanctum atmosphere of the ancient pagodas in Bangkok. If you still wonder how Asian people live their daily lives, go to the local markets. In contrast, modern skyscrapers, shopping malls, or rooftop bars will be a must if you want to know how vibrant this city is. 

Weather in Bangkok

Traveling without checking the weather will cost you a lot more. So now, let’s check how the weather is in Bangkok all year round so that you can have a wonderful trip. 

Weather in Bangkok

Bangkok has three seasons:

• Hot season (March to May)
• Rainy season (Jun to October)
• Cool season (November to February)

Like many other cities in Asia, the capital of Thailand has all features of the tropical climate, from high temperature and humidity to heavy rainfall. In the hot season, the temperature may reach 40 degrees Celcius, causing limitations to traveling activities. However, have you ever heard about one of the biggest water fights in Thailand – Songkran? It takes place in April. So, if you are interested in this festival, come here with T-shirts, shorts, and sunscreen. 

From June to October, it rains a lot in Bangkok. However, you can take advantage of cheap accommodations if traveling during this time. Outdoor activities are not recommended but you can go shopping in Siam Paragon, EmQuartier, or Emporium shopping malls. Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World is also a good choice. 

The best time to visit Bangkok is from November to February when the weather is dry and cool. Visitors can go to many destinations, participate in a lot of outdoor activities and even discover the city on foot. 

Getting to Bangkok

You can take nonstop flights to Bangkok from many countries in the world like the UK, Ireland, Australia, the US, Canada, etc.; taking about eleven to twelve hours. Famous airlines such as Thai Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airlines, Singapore Airlines, etc. are now providing flights daily. If you want to save costs, you can consider indirect flights from Asian airlines, but the lower price means longer flying time. 

Getting around Bangkok

By bus or taxi

There are many ways to get around Bangkok, by bus, taxi, riverboat, or Skytrain. This city has an extensive network of buses and taxis, which are all equipped with air conditioning and run 24 hours every day. Although the price is fairly affordable, these two ways are not recommended because of the terrible traffic jams in this city. 

By Skytrain or Metro

Bangkok Skytrain System

Skytrain (or Metro) is the most convenient way to move around Bangkok. Though the system is not as extensive as the bus one, you don’t need to worry about gridlock. One bonus point is that the system uses the English language so visitors can buy tickets themselves at the station.

By riverboat

Located on the bank of the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok’s transportation heavily relies on canal systems (which are called Khlong in Thai) in the past. Nowadays, they are developed into a tourism attraction – riverboats along the Chao Phraya River. Taking a riverboat, you will have a chance to come across many impressive destinations in Bangkok and enjoy the overall scenic view of this city. The price for this service is also very affordable, from 0.3 to one dollar for your all trip. 

Where to stay in Bangkok

Bangkok provides visitors with a large variety of places to stay; from high-end hotels to affordable homestays. The best place to stay in this Thai city depends on your budget and how you want to spend your vacation. If you come here for the first time or you’re a backpacker, choose Sukhumvit or Bangkok Old Town. If you go with your family, Silom will be the best because there are a lot of parks, shopping centers, and dining options. Khao San Road or Chinatown is more affordable accommodations if your budget is low. 

Best Places to Visit in Bangkok

Inside the city

Siam Ocean World Aquarium

Sial Ocean World Aquarium

This is the largest aquarium in not only Thailand but also Southeast Asia. Siam Ocean World Aquarium is home to more than 400 species of fish and crustaceans. You can also see penguins and feed them if you want. Having a license, try diving with sharks here.

Art in Paradise

The Art in Paradise museum is an ideal place for people of all ages. It is known as the place where your eyes trick your brain. The cherished and fun-filled 3-D artwork here will leave your trip with unforgettable memories. Ten different zones in the area of 5800 square meters of the museum will introduce you to 10 different aspects of arts, from Aqua, and Mirage to Classic Art, Dinosaur, and so on. Art in Paradise is said to satisfy every visitor. 

Floating market

Floating markets are organized throughout Bangkok city. Each has a different opening and closing time; therefore, try to do research before going to save time. Khlong Lat Mayom, Amphawa, Dammnoen, and Taling Chan are the four most famous floating markets in Bangkok. The best time to come here is in the morning to avoid crowding and hot weather. 

Floating market in Bangkok

Arriving at floating markets in Bangkok, you will have a chance to sit on a boat, observing local people buy and sell goods. Try to imagine how interesting it is to enjoy some tropical fruits on the boat or eat Thai traditional food cooked in floating kitchens. 

The Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew

Wat Phra Kaew

The Grand Palace is considered the spiritual heart of Thailand, where the Thai King lives. This elegant destination is adorned with the featured architecture of the country so you are advised to have a tour guide with you to best understand each detail. Wat Phra Kaew (also called the Temple of Emerald Buddha) is located within the grounds of the Grand Palace. This temple is famous for the image of an Emerald Buddha carefully carved from a jade block. Before leaving this place, don’t forget to come across the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles to admire the royal gown collections and learn how to silk if you want. 

Wat Arun

Wat Arun (also called the Temple of Dawn) is the best place to see the sun rising and setting in Bangkok, Thailand. You can also enjoy the whole fabulous view of the Chao Phraya River. Just remember to dress properly when coming here. 

Siam Serpentarium

Siam Serpentarium is known as the snake museum of Thailand. Here, you will see a variety of snakes doing different activities, and watching snake shows. Want to discover how snakes are born and survive in nature, Siam Serpentarium will be the right place. 

Line Village

Line village

Line Village is also a must-visit place in Bangkok, where you can interact with many cute stickers of the LINE application. It will bring you an extremely fun and fantastic experience when playing with your favorite characters. Enter the Brown’s room to read books and relax; discover Cony’s sweet room or find out how luxurious the Boss’s space is. You can take as many photos as possible and there are always staff to support you. 

Nearby attractions

Bangkok Safari World

Bangkok Safari World is about 40 kilometers from the center of Bangkok. It has two separate themes with different kinds of animals, the Safari Park and the Marine Park. The Safari Park will take you closer to the wildlife with animals such as lions, tigers, deer, camels, and so on. Seeing the animal shows is a must when you come here. Even so, if you are adventurous enough, you can try feeding them. 

A day at Bangkok Safari World will be the highlight of your trip. Visiting the Safari Park in the morning, having lunch buffet right here, and getting ahead to the Marine Park in the afternoon to enjoy the Dolphin Show. 

Ayutthaya City

Ayutthaya City

Without Ayutthaya City, your trip to Bangkok will not be completed, especially if you are a historical and architectural lover. This UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of Buddhist monasteries, temples, and statues, which will bring you deep knowledge of the ancient culture of Thailand.

Koh Samae San Island

Koh Samae San island

Want to escape from the bustling atmosphere of Bangkok, Koh Samae San should be your first choice. This island is not so far from the capital of Thailand so you can go on a day trip. Once arriving here, you will be surprised by the white sandy beaches, clear water, and pleasant weather. 

Maeklong Railway Market

After nearly 2 hours of driving to the west of Bangkok, you will arrive at Maeklong Railway Market – a very busy market across the train line. Here you can buy many kinds of tropical fruits and vegetables and see trains run through every hour.

Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market

Don’t like the crowded atmosphere of floating markets in the center of Bangkok, you can move to Khlong Lat Mayom floating one, which is only about one hour away from the city center. This market has more goods but fewer people. Sit on a boat tail, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and have a bowl of rice noodles. This experience is much more interesting than you can imagine. 

Things to Do in Bangkok

Skywalking at Mahanakhon Observatory

Mahanakhon Observatory

Mahanakhon Skywalk is the tallest building in Thailand and is also a must-see place for tourists. The Skywalk is 314 meters high and provides visitors with a panoramic view of Bangkok City. Arrive here at different times to have different feelings. For example, if you want to view the stunning sunrise, come here in the morning. Or, if you want to enjoy the vibrant city lights, the evening will be the best time.

Having dinner on Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise

The Chao Phraya River is majestic at night when the lights are vibrant and the weather becomes more pleasant. You can plan to have a romantic dinner on the cruise or just stay at the riverfront if your budget does not allow it. Both experiences are wonderful enough. 

Watching Siam Niramit Show

Siam Niramit Show

People all over the world know the Siam Niramit Show as a symbol of Thai art and a world-class performance with more than 100 performers gathering on a large stage. This kind of art will mesmerize audiences with opulent costumes and special effects created by advanced technologies. The Siam Niramit Show will bring you a different experience during the trip to Bangkok. 

Enjoying Thai Massage

Do you know that Bangkok is the “massage capital” of the world with both luxurious and street-side massaging centers? Thai people consider massage a regime, not only to relax but also for health and beauty purposes. They focus on medical treatments to bring customers the most rejuvenating experience. Therefore, if you have a chance to go to Bangkok, don’t forget to try this relaxing method. 

Still wondering where to go and what to do, or how to plan your Bangkok trip perfectly, let’s provide you with a complete 4-day itinerary in Bangkok.

What to eat in Bangkok

Pad Thai

Pad Thai

This is one of the most colorful dishes you have ever seen. Pad Thai is made from noodles topped with shrimp, red pepper, yellow limes, and green cilantro. Enjoying this dish, you will feel a little bit sour, sweet, and spicy. These flavors perfectly blend in your mouth and create an unforgettable taste. 

Boat Noodles

Thai boat noodles

The main ingredients that makeup Thai Boat Noodles are pork, beef, bean curd, dark soy sauce, and other popular spices in Thai cuisine. It was first served on boats only so the bowl was small to hand over easily. Nowadays, you can find this Thai specialty in many riverside stalls and restaurants but still in small bowls. 

Steamed Dumplings

Love dumplings? This dish will never make you disappointed. Thai Steamed Dumplings (called Kanom Jeeb in Thai) mesmerize every food tripper with the delicious taste of shrimp, pork, and crab meat combined with water chestnuts. So, if you are a seafood lover, trying Kanom Jeeb is a must. 

Spicy Papaya Salad

It will be a big mistake if you miss this kind of food during your trip. Spicy papaya salad or Som Tam combines dried shrimp, green papaya, lemon grass, fish sauce, peanuts, and tomatoes. It is rich in flavor but very low in calories so you can enjoy it without worrying about any health problems. 

Mango Sticky Rice

Mango sticky rice

Mango sticky rice is a popular dessert in Thai cuisine. To make the best of this dish, the local people have to choose the ingredients very carefully; sweet and juicy mangoes, soft-texture sticky rice, and fresh coconut milk. Sometimes, they can use durian or jackfruit instead of mangoes. 

Souvenirs of Bangkok

Thai silk

Thai silk

Thai local people produce silk in a very special way, from choosing materials to weaving. To have the best silk ingredients, the farmers have to feed the caterpillars a very strict diet so that they can give out the highest-quality silk, which will later be weaved into dresses, scarves, or blankets in a skillful way by the artists. You can easily find these silk products in many tourist attractions in Bangkok, Thailand. However, they are quite expensive. 

Carved soaps

Handmade carved soap

If you want to bring your friends and families handmade souvenirs from Bangkok, this is exactly the best choice. Soaps here are carved into many weird shapes such as fruits, flowers, and even cheeky things. Carved soaps can store their aroma for up to two years at room temperature. 

Durian treats

Durian is named the King of Fruits in Asia and Thai durian as well as its treats are famous all over the world. You can easily buy durian chips, dried durian, and durian candies as souvenirs for your friends anywhere you go in Bangkok. Its unique smell may make you uncomfortable the first time but when you are familiar with it, you will be mesmerized by its flavor.

Above, we have provided you with all essential Bangkok travel information. Do not hesitate to contact us if you need help with an unforgettable trip to Bangkok, Thailand.