Bangkok is a stunning megacity that attracts millions of visitors annually worldwide. Thailand’s capital is brimming with life and culture, offering anyone who visits a chance to experience world-class food, stunning sceneries, memorable landmarks and the country’s world-renowned hospitality.
Thailand’s tropical climate could see temperatures going up to 90 degrees any time of the year. So, for half the year, the city would experience average high temperatures of 91 to 92 degrees. Then, the cool season will take over for the other half of the year, and crowds will begin rushing in.
Note: Bangkok is mostly sunny and hot all year round. The temperatures may go down but it is still best to wear clothing appropriate for the hot season.
Only a few tourists come to Bangkok during the monsoon season, which means it’s the “low season.”
The wet season, which runs from July to August, sees a lot of rainy days and torrential rain. But despite the unforgiving weather, many feel this is a great time to see the city as excursion and hotel prices are at an all-time low. This makes the rainy Bangkok weather perfect for tourists hoping to save a significant amount of money.
From early November through March, Bangkok sees its peak tourist season. It is virtually impossible to explore Bangkok without rubbing shoulders with other tourists during this time.
In addition to the holiday crowds, also expect outdoor beer bars to be packed.
During the peak season, the prices of accommodations and activities are the highest. Therefore, it is recommended to book months ahead to save some money.
There are fewer crowds from April through June, regarded as off-season weather. However, you would likely need to contend with the scorching heat during these months, with April being the hottest month temperature-wise.
If you are willing to face high daytime temperatures, the off-season may be the perfect time for you to visit Bangkok. Additionally, you could also save a little on room rates and airfare.
April
32°C
Avg.Rain
9mm
May
32°C
Avg.Rain
9mm
Jun
32°C
Avg.Rain
10mm
This is the best time to visit Bangkok. The average temperature during these months ranges between the high 80s and low 90s. However, the temperature can also fall to the 60s from early December to late January.
Key events:
Golden Mount Temple Fair, wherein families and tourists can enjoy a number of activities found at popular fairs worldwide.
Beer Garden Festival, wherein tourists and locals can enjoy a great variety of brews, food and music shows.
Loy Krathong, wherein people gather around bodies of water to pay respects to the Water Goddess.
These months are the hottest and rainiest times in Bangkok. Unfortunately, temperatures rarely fall to below 90 degrees during these months during the daytime. And while rain showers are frequent, they do very little to bring down the heat.
Tourists visiting Bangkok are likely to snag the best travel deals during this low tourist season.
Key events:
Amazing Grand Sale, which is an annual shopping event where discount rates range from 10% to 80%
Crab Festival, which offers tourists a chance to taste fresh crab from the city’s seaside district
Moon Festival, wherein stalls sell Chinese moon cakes, joss sticks and candles.
Songkran Festival, one of the most popular Thai festivals. It celebrates the Thai New Year.
Bangkok, Thailand, has two airports that accommodate international flights: the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK).
The Suvarnabhumi Airport is the primary airport that services foreign travellers that enter Thailand by air. Opened in 2006, this Bangkok Airport is located 30 kilometres from the city centre. The airport serves dozens of long-haul flights to international airports with Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, Austrian Airlines, Turkish Airlines and Singapore Airlines, among others.
The BKK Airport is also connected to a sky-train called “Airport Rail Link.” The sky-train operates across the city and connects to the MRT Petchaburi Station and the Phaya Thai BTS station. The fees vary, depending on the distance. Generally, ticket prices range between 16 to 45 Thai Baht.
Don Mueang Airport primarily services domestic flights from Bangkok to the rest of Thailand, including Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Udon Thai, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Krabi and Hat Yai, among others. The airport is also a hub for regional flights within Asia.
The Don Mueang Airport has two terminals. Terminal 1 mainly services airlines that fly domestically, including Thai AirAsia, R Airlines, Orient Thai, Thai Lion Air, THAI Smile and Nok Air. Terminal 2 services all international flights.
Both airports offer airport transfer via free shuttle buses.
It can be pretty overwhelming getting around Bangkok. The city was once known for its traffic jams and was named the 12th most congested city in the world in 2017. However, gradual improvements in its public transport have significantly reduced the time that locals and tourists spend in traffic.
Ride-Hailing AppsBangkok is not as tech-savvy as some countries in Southeast Asia. However, there is no denying that certain apps can make transportation in Thailand’s capital easier and more convenient.
Grab
Grab was one of the first transportation apps to appear in Bangkok. The Singaporean-developed app is still one of the most reliable ways to flag a cab in a city where taxi drivers can be unprofessional and non-English speaking.
Additionally, Grab helps prevent overpricing by setting your fare before you book a trip.
With Grab, you can choose if you want a luxury car, a private car or a taxi to fetch you. Users can also carpool with others, although this may not be ideal given the COVID-19 situation.
Grab also offers a ride “for ladies only” and an option to hail a motorcycle taxi.
InDriver
The app first entered the Bangkok scene in November 2021 and has positioned itself as one of the most popular ride-hailing apps in the city. InDriver users can choose to hail a car or a motorcycle taxi.
What makes InDriver unique is that there is no set fee. Instead, passengers and drivers can negotiate the fare of a ride through the app. This allows passengers to choose which ride they want to fit their budget and the driver to arrange for a more favourable fare depending on the traffic.
AllThaiTaxi
AllThaiTaxi is Grab’s main rival in Bangkok. But unlike Grab, the app only allows users to book taxis. Despite that, you are more likely to book a cab using AllThaiTaxi than Grab during rush hour as there are fewer users on this platform.
Drivers wanting to be featured on AllThaiTaxi are all required to register their information. This system ensures that you will only get an honest and professional taxi driver who will not try to scam you.
LINE Taxi
Line Man is a product built by the same developers that made the popular chat platform LINE. Like AllThaiTaxi, Line Man focuses mainly on making cab-hailing easier for users.
Line Max Taxi operates 24 hours a day and serves worry-free trips anywhere in Bangkok. Additionally, the app has a function that helps passengers immediately contact the police in case of an emergency.
Bolt
Bolt functions the same way as Grab in that it gives users options to choose from five types of vehicles: four-seaters Bolt, Economy and Taxi, six-seater XL and eight-seater Van. However, Bolt offers the cheapest fares among other ride-hailing apps.
CarForeign tourists can rent private cars to get around in Bangkok. In general, travellers must have an international driving license to do so. However, many car rental companies do not always care if you give them your credit card number.
When renting a car, make sure you include local auto insurance in the price. Consider renting a vehicle from one of these three reputable car rental agencies: EZY Rent A Car, Sawasdee Rent a Car and Thai Rent a Car.
Note: Thailand is a left-hand driving country.
Bangkok Skytrain (BTS Skytrain)The Skytrain is an excellent transportation choice for travellers who want to move between bustling areas, especially during rush hours when traffic is at a constant standstill.
The central Skytrain station is the Siam Station, connecting two lines: Sukhumvit Line and Silom Line.
BTS Skytrains run every 5 to 10 minutes, beginning at 6 a.m until midnight. Ticketing offices are open from 6 a.m. to midnight.
Fares range from 16 Thai Baht to 59 Thai Baht for single journey tickets. Ticket machines installed on the station will also display the cost of the trip from your current location. The BTS Skytrain also offers unlimited rides for one day, with tickets costing 140 Thai Baht each.
Bangkok MRT (Underground Train)Bangkok’s MRT is a mass transit system that serve over 400,000 passengers daily.
Bangkok MRT has two lines: the Blue Line and the Purple Line. The lines meet at Tao Poon Station.
The MRT subway runs from 6 a.m. until midnight, with the trains arriving at the station every 5 to 10 minutes. Ticket prices are based on the distance between stations and range from 15 Thai Baht to 50 Thai Baht.
There are two apps that make it easier to know which line to take and which station to get off.
Bangkok MRT App
The Bangkok MRT App features a searchable route map, information about each MRT station and a fare calculator.
Next Station
Next Station is an unofficial MRT app that allows users to plan their routes with the help of Google Maps. The tool shows you the nearest Skytrain and subway to your location and which ones you should take to arrive at your destination.
Motorbike Taxi / Motorcycle TaxisIf you’re looking to travel shorter distances, motorcycle taxis may be the best option. Orange-vested motorbike drivers can be found in almost every street corner in Bangkok.
Motobike taxis are considered the fastest mode of transportation in the city. However, they are also the most dangerous.
Fares for motorbike taxis typically start at 20 Thai Baht.
If you’re stuck in a traffic jam and don’t know where the closest motorbike taxi terminal is, you can download an app that allows you to hail one.
GoBikeGoBike is a motorcycle-hailing app that allows users to call for one to come to their location. Just type in where you are and a driver will zoom to where you are in no time.
GoBike offers different payment options, including credit card and cash.
Motorbike RentalLike in car rentals, you would need to have an international motorcycling license to rent a motorbike in Bangkok (though some stores will gladly look away if you leave them your credit card number.) Renting a motorbike in Bangkok is only advisable for riders who are very experienced in navigating notoriously dangerous and confusing roads.
Motorbikes are a great transportation option for people who do not like getting stuck in traffic jams in the huge city.
Tuk TuksA Tuk-tuk is a quintessential Thailand transportation option that is a motorized three-wheeler. Tuk-tuks do not have a meter. Instead, passengers have to negotiate the fare with the driver before starting the trip.
Despite being a classic transportation option, many advise tourists to skip tuk-tuks as drivers charge a bit more on people who are not locals. Additionally, tuk-tuks may cost as much as a meter taxi does for the same route.
TaxiAll taxis in Bangkok have a meter installed. However, many still try to quote passengers a price than switching on the meter.
To avoid situations like this, it is advised for foreign tourists to hail taxis on the move rather than getting in those parked near tourist attractions. Also, look for sharply-dressed drivers with well-maintained vehicles as they likely work for taxi agencies.
Once you get in the taxi, make sure the driver turns the meter on. If they refuse to do so, switch to another cab.
Note: The meter of the taxis should always start at 35 THB. Some taxi drivers will offer you a fixed price for a ride, but it will most likely be overpriced.
Airport Rail LinkThe Airport Rail Link (ARL) is a train service that takes you from the Suvarnabhumi Airport directly to the city centre and vice versa.
The ARL departs the airport every 20 minutes. The total travel time from the Suvarnabhumi International Airport to the Phaya Thai Terminal Station is approximately half an hour.
BicycleOver the past few years, cycling has seen a surge in popularity in the city. There are even stands in tourist areas where travellers can rent bicycles at reasonable rates through the “Pun Pun Bike Share Program.”
The program initially began with two stations around Bangkok. As of 2022, there are over fifty stations around the city, each holding eight bicycles for rent.
Travellers hoping to rent a bike would be required to pay a membership registration fee of 320 THB. Bicycle rental rates range from 0 THB to 100 THB, depending on the length of time you plan to borrow the bicycle. All bicycles rented should be returned at the end of the day. Overnight and multiple day rentals are not allowed.
River Taxis (Chao Phraya Express Boat)Many long orange-and-white boats run along the Chao Phraya River, giving locals and tourists access to parts of the city that metro lines do not reach. Additionally, river taxis provide tourists with the opportunity to sightsee while travelling from one part of the city to the other.
Bangkok is one of the most popular and vibrant cities in Southeast Asia. It’s also home to some of Thailand’s best affordable and luxury hotels. Having said that, it can be pretty overwhelming to choose where to stay, especially when there are more than a dozen accommodation options available.
Like in any other country, each area in Bangkok is different. Each location offers travellers its own set of pros and cons. Choosing where you want to stay in Bangkok should depend on what you want to get out of your holiday.
In this section, we will list the pros and cons of staying in an area in the city of Bangkok. We hope our guide can help you find the best place to stay in the city.
Jump to location
“Khao San is the centre of the backpacking universe,” this is how the Hollywood film The Beach described Bangkok’s most popular street. The film’s description is pretty spot on.
Khao San Road is the most famous street in the city. No backpacker travelling to the town skips out of visiting the Khao San area, with good reason. The area is lined with various pubs and stalls offering cheap but mouthwatering street food, glasses of beer and other cold drinks. Many vendors in the area also offer affordable clothing, shoes and accessories.
While there are no five-star hotels in the area, Khao San is an excellent choice for people looking for budget accommodation. There are plenty of guesthouses and mid-range hotels conveniently located near the best stalls. The road is also near the Banglamphu area and the Royal Palace.
Khao San Road can become very busy, especially during the evenings. The loud music from the bars and the noise from the crowds flocking to street food vendors and stores may make it difficult for you to sleep.
Additionally, there are more hostels than hotels in the neighbourhood. The prices of hostels could go as low as 80 THB a night.
There is no nearby Skytrain or MRT station. The best way to get to Khao San is by ferry, taxi, bus or tuk-tuk.
Bangkok’s Riverside is famous for its scenic views, especially from sunrise until dark. The area is peppered with towering temples and shrines representing the city’s historical roots.
The Riverside neighbourhood is perfect for people looking for top-end accommodations and five-star hotels. There are also a few boutique hotels nearby old traditional houses turned into quaint guesthouses.
Riverside can be reached by many modes of transportation. However, the best way is by taking a ferry boat up and down the river, which would pass by iconic landmarks such as the Grand Palace, and the iconic Wat Pho and Wat Arun temples. It is also nearby the mighty Chao Phraya river.
On the iconic Wat Arun side, tourists can visit the world-famous Icon Siam, a luxurious shopping mall featuring a breathtaking view on the topmost floor.
Nearby, there is also an open-air mall called Asiatique the Riverfront. The mall is a “mini” theme park featuring a giant Ferris wheel and other entertainment options.
Bangkok’s Riverside is more expensive than other Bangkok neighbourhoods. This applies to hotel prices, restaurants and tourist attractions. Additionally, Riverside only has one Skytrain station, Saphan Taksin. From there, you can walk to the hotels along the Central Pier or take a ferry to Siam Paragon Shopping Mall.
If you’re hoping to see the beautiful Bangkok skyline from a rooftop pool or a sky bar, the Sukhumvit area is the best Bangkok neighbourhood for you. This area is one of the most modern and cosmopolitan neighbourhoods in the capital and is marked by shopping malls, supermarkets, rooftop bars and skyscrapers.
Sukhumvit is incredibly popular among ex-pat and westerners living in the neighbourhood, in part due to its wide range of dining options available. Many restaurants serve a variety of cuisines, including Middle Eastern, Italian, Australian and American dishes. The neighbourhood also has many shops selling traditional Thai food.
Apart from its vibrant nightlife and rich city scene, Sukhumvit is also home to accommodations of any price range. Additionally, it’s also well-connected to public transportation, including the Skytrain and the MRT subway.
While Sukhumvit is generally a family-friendly neighbourhood, some streets house go-go bars and sexy shows. Between the streets of Soi Nana 4 and Soi 23 also sits the red-light district.
Being a highly urbanized area, Sukhumvit lacks traditional tourist attractions and parks. The roads could also become heavily congested with traffic.
The Silom district is similar to New York’s famous Wall Street. Many people in Bangkok visit this neighbourhood to conduct their business dealings. This made the Silom area an excellent place for restaurants and shopping stores to open up shop.
Apart from having an excellent range of dining and shopping options, the Silom district is also home to open-air Patpong Night Market and Lumphini Park – Bangkok’s largest and most beautiful park.
The streets of Patpong 1 and Patpong 2 (Soi 5 and 4) serve as the home to plenty of go-go bars and pole dancing. These streets can be a bit too loud and crowded. However, they are easily avoided. Other than that, the Silom area is very family-friendly.
While shopping stores are littered across Bangkok, no other place allows you to “shop till you drop” unlike the Siam area. The district is home to the highest density shopping malls and shopping centers in Bangkok and possibly the rest of Thailand. These malls include Central Chitlom, MBK Shopping Mall, Siam Center, Siam Discovery and Siam Paragon Mall.
With that being said, Siam is not only about malls; it is also home to Siam Square, which is a haven for small shops and eateries selling the latest fashion trend that young Thais find appealing. The Bangkok neighbourhood also houses several popular tourist destinations, including the Jim Thompson House Museum and Siam Ocean World.
Siam is a very busy neighbourhood, especially during the weekends. It can also be very challenging to find a restaurant or a stall that sells authentic Thai food. For the most part, people coming to the Siam district only have two dining options: food courts or international restaurants.
Chinatown is a neighbourhood that’s just bursting at the seams with energy, sounds and life. Anyone can attest to that. This part of town is also full of more upscale yet affordable boutique hotels that bring in more visitors each year.
While Chinatown itself is worth touring, most of the action happens on Yaowarat Road. Every evening, thousands of Bangkok locals come here to feast on mouthwatering street food, such as fresh seafood, roasted duck and dim sum. Many decades-old restaurants also operate in Chinatown.
Chinatown’s buildings are very old. Additionally, the neighbourhood is one of the oldest areas in Bangkok and was inhabited by Chinese traders even before the city was named the country’s capital. If you plan to visit Chinatown, expect to see some dilapidated streets and buildings.
Siam is not the only shopping district in Bangkok. Pratunam, an area located a walking distance away from Siam, is also packed with unlimited shopping opportunities. Markets and vendors line every street in the area, selling items at incredibly low prices… if you haggle right.
Due to the low prices of commodities, many people flock to the Pratunam area, especially on weekends. This can make the neighbourhood very chaotic.
There is no reason to stay near the Suvarnabhumi Airport unless you have an early plane to catch or if you arrive late in the city. There are no sights to see in the neighbourhood, and not much is going on in the area.
Hotel prices near the Suvarnabhumi Airport tend to be cheaper than those found in the city. Additionally, solo travellers or backpackers can also rent a capsule bed that cost 590 THB a night.
Bangkok is an extremely fascinating city to visit. Like many other cities across the globe, Bangkok never seems to sleep. There is always a hive of activity, whether it be festivals, events, food tours or shopping tours. If it’s your first time in Bangkok, here’s a guide that would show you all the best things to do while you’re in the city.
The city of Bangkok is home to an estimated 500,000 street food vendors. Most street food stalls follow recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation, which means they have perfected the techniques needed to make delicious street food. Here are the areas selling street food that you should try when visiting Bangkok.
Like other places, Bangkok has its local delicacies and foods that you cannot see anywhere else. While a food tour is a great way to discover each specialty, it can also be particularly daunting knowing what and where to find the best local dish. Here’s our pick of the best food tours you should join while in the City of Angels.
Bangkok is a trove of art and culture. It’s also a city that hopes to impart excellent knowledge to anyone visiting. Here are some classes and workshops you can join when you go to the Thai capital.
Bangkok draws more visitors than any other city in Thailand, and there’s a great reason why. Apart from the breathtaking natural beauty surrounding the Thai capital, Bangkok is also home to some of the most beautiful and ornate temples and ancient ruins. The culture of the Thai people is something that genuinely needs to be experienced to be fully appreciated. Here are the best tours for starters.
Travel Guides
Thailand, in general, is very friendly for backpackers and travellers on a budget. However, prices are a little bit higher in the capital city of Bangkok than in other provinces.
Bangkok province is a very affordable place to travel to. However, costs can quickly add up, especially if you enjoy the nightlife or prefer to eat Western food.
In general, you can travel comfortably in Bangkok on 1,000 to 1,500 Thai Baht ($30 to $45 USD) per day. However, if you want to stay at a better hotel and eat amazing food in mid-range to high-end restaurants, you should budget 2,500 to 5,000 THB per day.
Bangkok is such a beautiful city… so much so that there is no possible way you can experience all of the city’s most remarkable sites in comfort in two days. So at a minimum, you should plan to devote four to five days to enjoy your Bangkok holiday fully.
– Don’t get taxis that are already parked. These taxis usually charge double the standard rate.
– Don’t forget to show respect to the monarchy by standing up for the Thailand National Anthem, which is played every day at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
– If you are a female, do not sit next to a monk.
– If you are a female, you are also prohibited from touching a monk.
– Do not buy rounds in a nightclub. It will cost more than a whole liquor bottle.
– Don’t wear shorts or a skirt when you visit temples.
– Do not drink tap water.
– Do not touch a stranger on the head
Wat Phra Kaew – Siam Square – Siam Paragon – Khao San Road – Patpong Night Market – Chao Phraya River – Wat Pho Reclining Buddha – Chatuchak Weekend Market – Emerald Buddha – Wat Saket – Dusit Palace – Train Night Market
There are many unique Thai foods served at the famous Chatuchak Weekend Market that travellers who visit Bangkok must try. A Chatukchak Market Food Tour should include:
Coconut Ice Cream – Grilled Honest Roast Pork – Herbal Soup with Chicken – Ice Sticks – Choconana – Red Ruby – Freshly Made Ice Cream – Teh Tarik
– Get a traditional Thai massage in Wat Pho
– Drive to Ayutthaya to visit the historic city of Siam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
– Visit Wat Phra Kaew, a significant Buddhist temple in Thailand
– Visit the Buddha Gallery where the ashes of King Rama I are buried
– Visit The Bangkok Art and Culture Center
– Try out the city’s Floating Markets
– Take yoga classes on the weekend
Thai cuisine features some of the most vibrant and unique dishes in all of Asia. The best Thai food can be found in these areas:
Chinatown – Rattanakosin – Silom Road – Sathorn Road – Sukhumvit Road – Lumphini Park
It is not mandatory for foreign travelers to have travel insurance or medical insurance but we advise to get one just in case an unfortunate event happens. It is always good to be safe.
Foreign travelers no longer need to quarantine upon their arrival in Thailand.
Travel-related apps
Nostra Map – Grab – InDriver – Bolt – AllThaiTaxi – Line Man – Bangkok MRT – Next Station
Translation apps
Google Translate – IHG Translator
Dining apps
Eatigo – Wongnai – GrabFood – FoodPanda
Finance
XE – Transferwise – SuperRich
News and other media
HumorCast – BK Now
The Songkran festival, held from April 13 through 15, is considered the world’s biggest water fight. The festival actually attracts thousands of tourists from around the globe.
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