Why go to Bangkok
Bangkok is loud, hot and irresistible. Glittering temples sit along the Chao Phraya river, and every street corner seems to have a cook who has perfected one dish over decades.
Best time to visit Bangkok
November to February is the cool, dry season and the most comfortable time. March to May is extremely hot; April brings Songkran, the water-fight New Year. The rainy season (June to October) means short, heavy afternoon storms and fewer visitors.
Top things to see
Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
The Emerald Buddha; dress modestly.
Wat Pho
The giant reclining Buddha and a famous massage school.
Wat Arun
Temple of Dawn across the river; best at sunset.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Over 15,000 stalls.
Jim Thompson House
Teak houses and silk history.
Chinatown (Yaowarat)
Neon, gold shops and street food at night.
Things to do in Bangkok
- Take a Chao Phraya Express boat
- Explore the klongs (canals) of Thonburi by long-tail boat
- Get a traditional Thai massage
- Drink at a rooftop bar at sunset
- Visit the ancient capital of Ayutthaya on a day trip
Local experiences
- Eat at a night market like Jodd Fairs
- Ride a motorbike taxi for short hops (helmet on)
- Give alms to monks at dawn, respectfully
- Try boat noodles near Victory Monument
Where to eat in Bangkok
Dishes to try: pad thai, tom yum, green curry, som tam, mango sticky rice, khao man gai.
Jay FaiStreet food
Michelin-starred crab omelettes cooked over charcoal.
ThipsamaiPad thai
Pad thai wrapped in egg since 1966.
SornFine dining
Southern Thai cooking at its most refined.
Yaowarat RoadStreet food
Chinatown's after-dark food street.
Where to stay in Bangkok
Mandarin Oriental, BangkokLuxury
A riverside legend since 1876.
The SiamLuxury
Art Deco riverside retreat.
Ariyasom VillaBoutique
Calm 1940s villa off Sukhumvit.
Best areas to stay
Riverside
Classic hotels and boat access to sights.
Sukhumvit
Restaurants, nightlife and BTS access.
Silom
Business by day, food and bars by night.
Old Town (Rattanakosin)
Next to the temples.
3 days in Bangkok
Day 1: Temples of the old city
Day 2: Canals and Chinatown
Day 3: Markets or Ayutthaya
See the full day-by-day itinerary
Festivals and events
Chinese New YearJanuary or February
Yaowarat fills with lanterns, dragons and food.
Songkran13–15 April
Thai New Year and a city-wide water fight.
Loy KrathongNovember full moon
Floating offerings on the river.
Getting around
The BTS Skytrain and MRT subway beat traffic. River boats link the old town with Riverside. Use Grab or metered taxis rather than unmetered tuk-tuks. The Airport Rail Link runs from Suvarnabhumi to the city.
Practical information
- Plug types
- A, B, C, O (guide)
- Voltage
- 220 V
- Emergency
- 191 (police), 1669 (ambulance), 1155 (tourist police)
- Tap water
- Drink bottled or filtered water
Tipping: Optional; round up or leave small change. Service charges are common in hotels. See our tipping guide.
Entry requirements depend on your nationality; check your government's travel advice and the destination's official immigration site before booking.
How much does it cost?
Approximate US dollar figures covering accommodation, food, local transport and sights; flights excluded.
Good to know
- Cover shoulders and knees at temples
- Ignore anyone who says a temple is closed and offers a tour
- Speak respectfully of the monarchy; it is protected by law
- Drink bottled or filtered water
Bangkok travel FAQ
What is the best time to visit Bangkok?
The best months are usually Nov–Feb. November to February is the cool, dry season and the most comfortable time. March to May is extremely hot; April brings Songkran, the water-fight New Year. The rainy season (June to October) means short, heavy afternoon storms and fewer visitors.
How many days do you need in Bangkok?
Plan on 3–4 days to see the highlights at a comfortable pace.
What currency is used in Bangkok?
The local currency is the Thai baht (THB). Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carry some cash for markets and small vendors.
How much does a trip to Bangkok cost per day?
Roughly US$45 per person per day on a budget, US$120 mid-range and US$450 or more for luxury, excluding flights. Prices vary by season.
What food should I try in Bangkok?
Local favourites include pad thai, tom yum, green curry, som tam, mango sticky rice, khao man gai.
What plug adapter do I need for Bangkok?
Bangkok uses plug type A, B, C, O at 220 V. Check whether your devices support this voltage.
Restaurants, hotels and prices change. Confirm opening times and book popular places ahead. Last reviewed October 2026.
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