Bangkok

Bangkok travel guide overview

Bangkok is a chaotic, delicious, endlessly rewarding city where golden temples, floating markets, street-food stalls and rooftop bars share the same block. This Bangkok travel guide helps you plan the right length of stay, choose the best area to stay in and get around a city famous for its traffic.

Best time to visit Bangkok

November to February is the coolest and driest period and the best time to visit Bangkok. March to May is very hot, and June to October is the rainy season with short but heavy afternoon downpours. Even in the rainy season, mornings are usually clear and prices are lower.

Where to stay in Bangkok

Sukhumvit, especially around Asok and Phrom Phong, is convenient, modern and well connected by BTS Skytrain. Silom is lively at night and close to the river. For a more atmospheric stay near the temples, choose a boutique hotel around Rattanakosin or the trendy Chinatown side streets.

Top things to do in Bangkok

Start early at the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, take a longtail boat through the canals of Thonburi, and eat your way through Chinatown at night. Balance temples with a rooftop bar, a Thai massage and a day trip to a floating market or the ancient ruins of Ayutthaya.

• Wear long trousers and covered shoulders for temples
• Use the BTS Skytrain and MRT to skip traffic jams
• Insist on the meter in every taxi ride
• Book Ayutthaya as a full day trip by minivan or train

What and where to eat in Bangkok

Bangkok is arguably the world's best street-food city. Try pad kra pao, boat noodles, mango sticky rice and tom yum from busy stalls with high turnover. Chinatown at night is legendary, and rooftop bars offer surprisingly good food alongside skyline views. Book Jay Fai or a Michelin-recognised street stall well in advance.

Getting around Bangkok

The BTS Skytrain and MRT metro cover most tourist areas quickly and cheaply. Public boats along the Chao Phraya River are scenic and useful for the old town. Tuk-tuks are fun for short hops but negotiate the price first. Avoid taxis that refuse the meter.

A simple 4-day Bangkok itinerary

Day 1: Grand Palace, Wat Pho and a river sunset. Day 2: Chatuchak weekend market and a rooftop bar. Day 3: Chinatown street food and a Thai massage. Day 4: day trip to Ayutthaya or a floating market.