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Bangkok is loud, hot and full of good food, with old temples standing next to glass towers and boats running up and down the river. This guide sticks to the practical side: how to get there for less, how to get around once you arrive and what to see.
Getting to Bangkok
Most long-haul flights from Europe land at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). Low-cost regional flights often use Don Mueang (DMK), so check which airport your onward tickets use. Our route guides compare nonstop and one-stop options:
From the airport to the city
- Airport Rail Link: from Suvarnabhumi to the city in under 30 minutes, connecting with the BTS Skytrain at Phaya Thai.
- Taxis: use the official public taxi rank and insist on the meter.
- Ride-hailing apps such as Grab are widely used.
- Pre-booked transfer: the easiest option after a night flight.
Where to stay
| Area | Best for |
|---|---|
| Riverside | Views, luxury hotels, easy boat access to the temples |
| Old Town (Rattanakosin) | Walking to the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, a more traditional feel |
| Sukhumvit | Nightlife, restaurants, Skytrain access, every budget |
| Silom | Business district, rooftop bars, night markets, near Lumpini Park |
| Siam | Shopping malls and the centre of the Skytrain network |
| Khao San Road area | Backpackers, cheap guesthouses, lively bars |
Getting around
- BTS Skytrain and MRT: fast, air-conditioned and the best way to beat traffic.
- Chao Phraya Express Boat: cheap and scenic, stopping near the main temples.
- Tuk-tuks: fun for a short ride, but agree the price first.
- Taxis and apps: affordable, but traffic can be heavy at rush hour.
Top sights
- Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew: home of the Emerald Buddha. Shoulders and knees must be covered.
- Wat Pho: the giant Reclining Buddha and a famous traditional massage school.
- Wat Arun: the Temple of Dawn, beautiful at sunset from the opposite riverbank.
- Chatuchak Weekend Market: thousands of stalls, open at weekends.
- Chinatown (Yaowarat): best in the evening for street food.
- Lumpini Park: a large park in the city centre.
Scams to avoid
- “The Grand Palace is closed today”: a classic trick to take you to a gem shop. Check opening times yourself at the official entrance.
- Cheap tuk-tuk tours that stop at shops paying commission.
- Taxis refusing the meter: walk away and take the next one, or use an app.
Day trips from Bangkok
- Ayutthaya: the former royal capital and its temple ruins, about 1 h 30 min away.
- Floating markets such as Damnoen Saduak, and the Maeklong railway market.
- Kanchanaburi: the Bridge over the River Kwai and waterfalls.
Compare and book guided day trips online.
Book the rest of your Thailand trip
- Airport transfer: a driver meets you at arrivals, ideal after a long-haul flight.
- Thailand eSIM: mobile data from the moment you land.
- Tours and activities: temples, island trips, cooking classes and more.
- Travel insurance: worth having on a long-haul trip, mainly for medical cover.
Start with the flight, usually the biggest cost of a Thailand trip.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Bangkok?
Three to four days covers the main temples, markets and one day trip.
When is the best time to visit Bangkok?
November to February, the cool and dry season. March to May is very hot, and June to October is the rainy season, with lower prices.
What should I wear to temples?
Clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. Some temples lend or rent cover-ups at the entrance.