A Travel Guide to Bangkok, by Locals
Bangkok, one of the most visited cities in the world, is rich in history, and most people travelling to Thailand will stop in this city full of surprises. Bangkok is worth a few days, from historical landmarks to jaw-dropping shopping malls and vibrant nightlife. Here, we list a few places you should add to your list.
From the old tiny local restaurants to the most internationally recognised names, Bangkok now has more food and dining options than you can eat. Then you have all those fabulous rooftops, and we tried them all! (well, almost). Fantastic hotels, ludicrous shopping malls, and plenty of temples to visit. Bangkok offers more than you can handle, even if you only stay for a couple of days on your way to Phuket.
What to Do in Bangkok?
Best Things to Do by Areas of Bangkok
Bangkok Temples
Bangkok is home to many famous temples that are important parts of Thai culture. Wat Phra Kaew, inside the Grand Palace, is the most sacred temple and is known for the Emerald Buddha. Nearby, Wat Pho is famous for its large Reclining Buddha and traditional Thai massage. Across the river, Wat Arun stands out with its beautiful design and riverside location. Visiting these temples is a great way to learn about Thai history and architecture.
Bangkok Rooftops
Bangkok’s rooftop scene is like stepping into a movie with tall buildings and amazing restaurants and bars on their roofs. You can see the whole city below, all colourful and lively. People chill out, eat food from a wide range of countries, and sip all kinds of drinks while enjoying the stunning views. Some places even have pools or comfy seats, making it fun to hang out day or night.
Bangkok Shopping
Bangkok is an amazing place to shop, with many different types of markets, streets, and shopping malls. Big shopping malls like ICONSIAM and Siam Paragon have brand-name shops, restaurants, and cinemas. Night markets such as Jodd Fairs and Talad Rot Fai are popular for cheap clothes, souvenirs, and street food. Floating markets and weekend markets like Chatuchak are fun places to find local products and try Thai snacks. For something more traditional, fresh markets are where locals buy seafood, meat, and fruit.
Bangkok Shopping Malls
Bangkok Markets
Bangkok Hotels – Where to Stay in Bangkok?
Bangkok has a wide range of hotels to suit all budgets and travel styles. You can find luxury hotels with rooftop pools and city views, like those along the Chao Phraya River or in the Sukhumvit area. There are also many mid-range hotels, boutique stays, and budget hostels close to popular areas like Silom and Khao San Road. Staying near a BTS Skytrain or MRT station makes it easy to travel around the city.
Bangkok Neighbourhoods
Bangkok has many interesting areas. Sukhumvit is a busy part of the city known for shopping malls, restaurants, and nightlife. Chinatown is full of street food, gold shops, and busy markets. The Old City is where you’ll find famous temples like Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace. Siam is the best area for shopping, with big malls like Siam Paragon and MBK. Silom is a business district by day and a lively nightlife spot at night. Riverside is a great place to stay because of its beautiful views and easy access to temples and markets. Each part of Bangkok has its own style, so it’s good to choose an area that matches what you want to do.
Map of Bangkok Neighbourhoods
Beyond Bangkok
