Creating a Bangkok travel guide might seem daunting, but with firsthand experience and a local’s perspective, it becomes an exciting endeavor. Having lived in Bangkok on three separate occasions, and visited countless times before and after, I can confidently guide you through the wonders of this vibrant city.
My recommendations for Bangkok attractions, day trips, and dining come from a place of deep familiarity, almost like a local resident. However, I understand the time constraints of a typical trip, which is why I’ve organized this guide to be efficient and practical for your visit, likely a shorter one.
While this isn’t a rigid Bangkok itinerary, it provides all the essential information to help you craft your own perfect plan. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, and whether you’re planning for three days in Bangkok or longer, this guide is your ideal starting point for exploring the captivating capital of Thailand.
Need personalized help planning your Bangkok adventure? Consider commissioning a custom Thailand itinerary today!
Contents
1 Where to Stay in Bangkok
2 Top Things to Experience in Bangkok
2.1 Explore Bangkok’s Historic Old City
2.2 Immerse Yourself in Chinatown’s Nighttime Buzz
2.3 Indulge in Bangkok’s Shopping Scene
2.4 Savor Bangkok’s Culinary Delights
2.5 Venture Out on Bangkok Day Trips
3 How Many Days to Allocate for Your Bangkok Trip?
4 Bangkok: Underrated or Overrated Destination?
5 Frequently Asked Questions About Bangkok Travel
5.1 What to Do in Bangkok in 3 Days?
5.2 Is Bangkok a Worthwhile Travel Destination?
5.3 How Safe is Bangkok for Tourists Currently?
6 Final Thoughts on Your Bangkok Adventure
Where to Stay in Bangkok
For a comprehensive look at accommodation options, I’ve previously written an in-depth Bangkok guide on where to stay. But for a quick overview relevant to this Bangkok travel guide, here are my top recommendations. Essentially, your choice boils down to two main areas: the Old City and the New City. (We’ll delve into specific neighborhoods within these areas shortly.)
If you prefer to stay in the Old City, particularly on Rattanakosin Island, nestled on the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River, consider the opulent Chakrabongse Villas for a luxurious experience, or the charming and conveniently located Riva Arun. In the New City, Bangkok’s hotel scene is incredibly diverse. Options range from budget-friendly choices like the Diamond City Hotel, conveniently near the Airport Rail Link, to upscale hotels such as the Eastin Grand Hotel in Sathorn, and the epitome of luxury, the Rosewood Bangkok.
Top Things to Experience in Bangkok
Explore Bangkok’s Historic Old City
Are you on a quest to discover the most beautiful temples in Bangkok? Must-visit iconic temples include Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) and Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), situated in Rattanakosin and Thonburi respectively. For those seeking hidden gems, I recommend exploring Wat Pak Nam, the unique “space temple” tucked away in Thonburi, the Erawan Shrine, easily accessible near CentralWorld Mall in Ratchadamri, and Wat Saket, also known as the “Golden Mountain,” offering breathtaking sunset panoramas of Bangkok. Don’t miss the Grand Palace, the royal complex housing Wat Phra Kaew, the revered Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
Immerse Yourself in Chinatown’s Nighttime Buzz
Whether you choose to dine at one of Bangkok Chinatown’s excellent restaurants like Canton House, a low-key dim sum haven, or venture into the vibrant and bustling street food scene, Yaowarat is the perfect place to continue your Bangkok exploration after sunset in the old city. Take a thrilling tuk-tuk ride to this electrifying district and experience its nightlife. Sip on expertly crafted cocktails at trendy gin bars housed in repurposed shophouses, offer prayers at the magnificent Wat Traimit, home to the Golden Buddha, or practice your night photography skills capturing the iconic Chinatown Gate. Exploring Chinatown is undoubtedly one of the best things to do when visiting Bangkok.
Indulge in Bangkok’s Shopping Scene
Earlier, I mentioned CentralWorld, just one of the numerous shopping malls lining Rama I and Sukhumvit Roads in the heart of Bangkok’s modern districts. From everyday malls like MBK Center near National Stadium to luxury destinations such as Siam Paragon and Terminal 21, and upscale retail paradises like IconSiam, Central Embassy, and Emquartier in the Phrom Phong area, Bangkok caters to every shopping desire. Shopping is not only a popular activity but also a practical escape from Bangkok’s heat, thanks to the malls’ air conditioning! No matter how many days you spend in Bangkok, retail therapy is a must-do experience.
Savor Bangkok’s Culinary Delights
Here’s an insider tip: some of the best street food in Bangkok isn’t actually on the street. Many of the malls mentioned above feature fantastic food courts where you can enjoy delicious and hygienic versions of classic street food dishes. You’re welcome! For the more adventurous foodies, explore authentic street eats in areas like Convent Road in Silom, Soi Suan Phlu 8 in Sathorn, and of course, Chatuchak Weekend Market (despite its name, it’s closer to Kamphaeng Phet MRT station than Chatuchak Park MRT).
Venture Out on Bangkok Day Trips
The variety of day trips from Bangkok is astounding, especially considering the abundance of attractions within the city itself. Popular choices include the historical city of Ayutthaya to the north of Bangkok and Pattaya, a coastal city (though not primarily known for beaches) to the southeast. Other excellent day trip destinations include various floating markets, the most famous being Damnoen Saduak in Samut Songkhram province, and the unique Maekhlong Railway Market. For longer excursions, consider weekend trips to destinations like the towering Buddha statue in Ang Thong province, the lush landscapes of Kanchanaburi, or the island paradise of Koh Samet.
How Many Days to Allocate for Your Bangkok Trip?
For a long time, my standard recommendation was a 3-day Bangkok itinerary. Having lived here for extended periods, I now recognize compelling reasons to spend more or less time in Thailand’s capital. If your Thailand trip is limited to a week or two, allocating two full days to Bangkok might be sufficient, especially at the beginning of your journey – you’ll likely return before departing.
However, given the sheer volume of attractions and experiences outlined in this Bangkok travel guide, and the joy of discovering Bangkok’s diverse neighborhoods, spending longer is highly recommended. Consider extending your Bangkok 3-day itinerary to four, five days, or even a week or more. A longer stay allows you to truly immerse yourself in the city and experience a sense of local life (although, be warned, living in Bangkok full-time isn’t for everyone!).
Bangkok: Underrated or Overrated Destination?
This leads us to the question many travelers ponder: “Is Bangkok worth visiting?” While I acknowledge that living in Bangkok isn’t for everyone, I firmly believe that every visitor to Thailand should experience Bangkok at least once. Confession time: on my first trip to Thailand over a decade ago, Bangkok wasn’t even on my radar. It was only a broken camera on Koh Mak that unexpectedly led me to Bangkok. (And yes, I instantly fell in love with the city.)
Generally, I consider Bangkok underrated, largely because many tourists arrive with misconceptions or misguided intentions – often both. Some visitors seek only the wild party scene, whether on tourist-heavy Khao San Road or the infamous Soi Cowboy, arguably my least favorite street on Sukhumvit Road. Even travelers seeking authentic experiences often lack proper guidance on where to go in Bangkok. But you, reading this Bangkok travel guide, are now well-informed and ready for an incredible experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bangkok Travel
What to Do in Bangkok in 3 Days?
With a 3-day Bangkok itinerary, dedicate one day to exploring the historic “old cities” of Rattanakosin and Thonburi. Spend another day discovering modern districts like Siam, Silom, Sukhumvit, and Sathorn, and use the third day for a day trip, perhaps to ancient Ayutthaya or the bustling Chatuchak Weekend Market. If you have more time, these activities can easily be spread out over four, five, or more days.
Is Bangkok a Worthwhile Travel Destination?
Absolutely! Whether you are drawn to modern attractions like upscale shopping malls and rooftop bars or prefer historical sites like Wat Pho and the Grand Palace, Bangkok is one of the most dynamic cities globally and the undisputed hub of Southeast Asia. If you’re wondering what to do in Bangkok today, the options are virtually limitless!
How Safe is Bangkok for Tourists Currently?
Bangkok is generally safe in terms of violent crime, which is relatively uncommon. Petty theft, however, is more prevalent. Other potential concerns include traffic accidents, air pollution, and occasional political demonstrations. Despite these, Bangkok remains significantly safer than many cities in the United States and Latin America.
Final Thoughts on Your Bangkok Adventure
Whether you were searching for a general Bangkok travel guide, trying to decide how many days to spend in Bangkok, or seeking a comprehensive itinerary for Thailand’s capital, I trust this guide has provided the information you need. While I admit my bias – having lived here multiple times – I genuinely believe Bangkok is one of the world’s greatest cities and certainly a personal favorite. Focus your exploration on the city center, dividing your time between historic Rattanakosin and Thonburi and modern Silom, Siam and Sukhumvit, or take enriching day trips to destinations like spiritual Ayutthaya and verdant Kanchanaburi. If you appreciate this Bangkok travel blog and want to ensure your Thailand trip is perfectly planned, commission a custom Thailand itinerary today!
