The complete guide to all recommendations for Bangkok
- Noa
Get a variety of recommendations for Bangkok, the capital of Southeast Asia! Whether you are a backpacker, a family, a couple on a honeymoon, business people or foreigners, this city has something for everyone. The city is packed with temples, culture, attractions, diverse cuisine from all over the world, shopping and nightlife. Every trip to Thailand starts in Bangkok, whether you continue to the special islands in Thailand, Pai or Koh Lanta , so it is worth dedicating at least two nights there.
Important to note! For those arriving in Thailand on an international flight without a departure ticket, it is a good idea to obtain a fictitious flight ticket in advance.
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Table of content
Weather
There are two main seasons in Thailand:
Dry season
From the beginning of October to the end of March. Little rain, sunny and clear. In addition, this is also the peak of the tourist season. Towards March and onwards, the heat increases
Wet season
Very rainy, typhoons, monsoons and high humidity. Therefore it is a weak season for tourism (but there are many advantages! Cheaper prices, availability in most hotels). Despite the high chances of rain and storms, there are still many bright and sunny days. In other words, it is mostly a matter of luck
Recommendations for Bangkok: 10 must-see attractions
There is a lot to do in the city and it is worth dedicating at least 2 nights to it! It is a perfect city for getting to know Thai culture, Buddhist temples, authentic food and of course shopping. Here are the recommendations for Bangkok that you should not miss:
Bangkok City Pillar Shrine
One of the city’s important landmarks, the temple was built when the capital of the Kingdom of Siam moved to Bangkok.
The Temple of the Emerald Buddha
At the foot of the Royal Palace, there is an impressive and beautiful temple in honor of the Buddha.
Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan
One of the most beautiful temples in the city, especially at sunset when the light hits the ceramic tiles and gives it a magical look. You can also climb up for a beautiful view of the river.
Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan
Here is the giant reclining Buddha statue (45 meters long!), and you can also enjoy a Thai massage at the famous salon in the complex.
Lumphini Park
The perfect place to escape the noise of the city, see giant power lizards roaming freely, and have a picnic by the lake.
Paknam Phasi Charoen Temple
A spectacular complex of Buddhist temples and statues, made of marble and stone.
The Golden Mount
An impressive pilgrimage site and Buddhist temple, with a view of the entire city.
⭐ Over 4,300 positive reviews and recommended by 92% of travelers!
✅ A fascinating local experience – a cruise through Bangkok’s narrow canals in the Thonburi district
✅ English guidance – a professional guide who explains the culture and history of the city
✅ Visit to the Artists’ House (Baan Silapin) and Wat Paknam Temple
Reserve your spot now! ￬
⭐ Over 3,300 positive reviews and recommended by 92% of travelers!
✅ Visit two iconic markets – Makkalong Railway Market and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
✅ Includes train ride to the railway market
✅ Longtail boat ride among the floating stalls
Reserve your spot now! ￬
⭐ Over 2,000 positive reviews and recommended by 98% of travelers!
✅ Night culinary journey by tuk-tuk
✅ Tastings of excellent street food – including charcoal-fried noodles, traditional dishes and more
✅ Visit the flower market at night
Reserve your spot now! ￬
Recommendations for Bangkok: Shopping
There are so many places to shop around the city! You could literally spend a whole day there. Make sure you have enough space in your suitcase and don’t forget to drink plenty of water.
Siam Area
A collection of several huge shopping malls where you can find all the types of products you want.
MBK
An 8-story mall! A variety of electronics, phones, bags, clothes, watches, jewelry, and many other products. On the sixth floor there is a food court because you will probably want to take a food break at some point.
EmQuartier
One of the most luxurious and elegant shopping malls in Bangkok, part of The Em District complex in the Sukhumvit area. The mall is divided into three beautifully designed buildings with international and local brand stores, fashion, technology, cosmetics and gourmet restaurants. At the entrance there are stalls with all kinds of beautiful clothes and souvenirs.
centralwOrld
This is the largest mall in Thailand and one of the largest in Asia, with countless international brand stores, local fashion, electronics, cosmetics and even a huge Japanese supermarket
The Platinum Fashion Mall
A wide variety of fashion items across no less than six floors!
Union Mall
A fashion mall with great prices and convenience, less crowded because it is located in the northern area of the city.
Chatuchak - Weekend Market
Cool and authentic vintage details. There is so much to see, you could spend the whole day there!
Recommendations for restaurants in Bangkok
From cheap local food that has been awarded a Michelin star, to world-class chef restaurants, this is one of the most culinary cities there is! Below is a sampling of some of the best places to eat.
Sushi Ninja
If you’re craving sushi and Japanese food (which happens to me every day), this is a highly recommended place.
Sae Phun
A restaurant that won a Michelin star for its chicken and rice dish! Note that the place closes at 2:00 PM.
K. Panich Sticky Rice
For fans of Mango Sticky Rice, a famous Thai dessert of mango, sticky rice, and coconut sauce, this is among the best you will eat.
Thipsamai
Their Pad Thai dish won a Michelin star, and not by chance! Very tasty and special. It’s worth getting some orange juice too, it’s really not something ordinary.
May Kaidee Tanao
A variety of stunning Thai and vegetarian dishes.
Mango Vegetarian & Vegan
A little expensive, but fresh, delicious, colorful and very special vegetarian food!
Jeng Noodle
Local food, cheap, fresh and delicious. There is a variety of vegetarian dishes.
SUSHIRO - Sushi conveyor belt
Throughout the city (especially on the upper floors of the malls) there is a sushi conveyor belt like in Japan! The wait takes about an hour, then you can order dishes from the tablet or take them from the conveyor belt. One of the fun experiences!
Accommodation recommendations in Bangkok
The main area, which mainly attracts backpackers, is Khao San. This area has plenty of restaurants, hotels, hostels, stalls, nightlife, and more. It is highly recommended for tourists to stay in this area, or its surroundings. Here are some recommendations from cheap to expensive:
Recommended dormitories for backpackers, in the heart of Khao San.
⭐ Rating of 8.8 on Booking.com
✅ Excellent location
✅ Private rooms or dormitories
✅ Breakfast included
Book now:
A little far from Khao San, but it is among the most beautiful and magical hotels there is. Each room is decorated in its own style and there is a Zen garden at the entrance.
⭐ Rating of 9.1 on Booking.com
✅ Spacious rooms – each room has its own style
✅ Excellent breakfast option
✅ Zen garden and seating areas at the entrance
Book now:
A 5-star hotel in a central location and suitable for couples or families.
⭐ Rating of 9.1 on Booking.com
✅ Excellent location
✅ Private and luxurious rooms
✅ Excellent breakfast option
Book now:
Recommendations for additional destinations after Bangkok
After spending a few days in the city, you’ll obviously want to continue to Thailand’s beaches or the villages of the north! There are dozens of places worth exploring in the country, but here are a few that are especially worth exploring.
Mook , Kradan and Hai – small islands in Thailand that are heaven on earth. You can reach them by flying to Krabi or Phuket and then taking a boat, or by bus + boat.
Pai, Northern Thailand – A very magical town with its own unique energy. You can fly to Chiang Mai and from there take a 3-hour van, or alternatively take an overnight trip.
Koh Lanta – One of the most calm, peaceful and pleasant islands in Thailand. You can reach Lanta by flight or overnight trip to Krabi + ferry or van.
Krabi – A particularly popular destination with plenty of attractions. About 14 hours drive from Bangkok or a two-hour flight.
Bangkok FAQs
How much time should you spend on Bangkok?
It depends on the pace of the trip, but usually 3-5 days is an excellent time to experience the city, combining a visit to markets, temples, shopping, and street food.
How do you get around the city?
The city is huge with heavy traffic, so it is recommended to use the train (BTS), the subway (MRT), and use the Grab app for taxis.
Where is the best place to shop in Bangkok?
At MBK you will find everything you want. For more upscale shopping you will find Siam Area and EmQuartier.
What are the must-see attractions in Bangkok?
Among the sites not to be missed: the Grand Palace, Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), Wat Arun, Chatuchak Market and a tour of the city’s canals.
Should you try street food in Bangkok?
Absolutely! This is one of the best cities in the world for street food, with excellent stands for Pad Thai, Mango Sticky Rice, Som Tam (spicy papaya salad) and more. It’s worth eating at places with a high turnover of customers and making sure the food is cooked well.
Which area of the city is best to stay in?
The Khao San area is suitable for backpackers and those who are coming to the city for the first time. The Siam area is suitable for those looking for shopping, with huge malls like Siam Paragon and MBK. The Sukhumvit area is suitable for a luxurious style, there are malls, chef restaurants and cool nightlife. There is also Chinatown for those who like street food, markets and temples.