Bangkok, Thailand. The City of Angels in the Land of Smiles. On the surface it’s a sweltering, chaotic, and gritty nature can be overwhelming. You’ll want to escape after the briefest of layovers. But spend just a little more time acclimatising to this complex, tropical metropolis, and you’ll find an endlessly fascinating and endearing destination. A place of frenzied flurries juxtaposed with serene sanctuaries. No matter how long or short your stay, here are five places you absolutely must visit in Bangkok.
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Table of contents
- Bangkok, a brief history
- What is Bangkok best known for?
- Is Bangkok cheap or expensive?
- What is the best time to visit Bangkok?
- How long to spend in Bangkok?
- Getting around Bangkok
- Top things to do and places to visit in Bangkok
- More things to do in Bangkok and its surrounds
- What to pack sightseeing in Bangkok
Bangkok, a brief history
What’s in a name?
Did you know Bangkok’s full name is the longest city name in the world? In full, it translates to “The city of angels, the great city, the eternal jewel city, the impregnable city of God Indra, the grand capital of the world endowed with nine precious gems, the happy city, abounding in an enormous Royal Palace that resembles the heavenly abode where reigns the reincarnated god, a city given by Indra and built by Vishnukarma”. Did you get all that? Officially the capital is known as the abbreviated “Krung Thep Maha Nakhon” and in English “Bangkok”.
Fishing village to capital
Once a fishing village on the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok only became Thailand’s capital in the last 200-years. Thailand was settled by the Tai people of southern China. At first, the country was divided into city-states ruled by various empires including the Khmer, Srivijaya and Mon-Dvarati.
By the 13th-century a unique cultural identity was emerging and the kingdoms consolidated into fewer, larger, more powerful groups. The last being the Ayuthaya Kingdom that succeeded until a Burmese invasion in 1767.
A new King established a new capital in Thonburi, west of the Chao Phraya River. His successor, King Rama I founded the Rattanakosin Kingdom. He preferred nearby Bangkok on the east side of the River instead, relocating the capital in 1782. Under Rama I, icons of Bangkok such as the Grand Palace and Wat Pho were constructed. Succeeding monarchs built more wats, schools, libraries and hospitals.
WWII to present
The city modernised and industrialised into the 19th-century. It took inspiration from Europe but was never colonised. Thailand’s absolute monarchy was replaced after the 1932 revolution by a constitutional monarchy.
Through WWII Thailand tried to remain neutral but joined forces with Japan following a 1941 invasion. This led to the bombing of Bangkok by the Allies.
Post-WWII, the capital’s population grew rapidly. Despite modernisation, development did not keep pace with growth. The city is still hindered with systemic communication, housing, water supply, pollution and transportation issues.
What is Bangkok best known for?
Bangkok is best known for being the capital and most populous city of Thailand. It is the seat of the Thai monarchy and home to 400+ Buddhist temples.
Is Bangkok cheap or expensive?
Bangkok is one of those cities that can be whatever you want it to be. While it has the highest living expenses of any city in Thailand, by Western standards Bangkok is relatively cheap. From budget-conscious backpacker to 5-star fantasy, you can find it in the City of Angels.
What is the best time to visit Bangkok?
Bangkok is situated in the tropics and experiences three seasons which have a considerable impact on visitor numbers. Temperatures are consistently hot year-round with an annual range of about 22°C to 35°C (71°F to 95°F). Rainfall and cloud-cover fluctuate more dramatically.
The highest temperatures occur March to June. During this time, expect an average maximum temperature of 34°C (93°F). Rainfall will gradually ramp up towards the end of June as monsoon season approaches. March to June tend to be too hot for most tourists, so it is a good season for bargain hunters. If you visit during Songkran (Thai New Year) in April, be prepared for the city-wide water fight, no one is exempt from the festivities!
From July to October monsoon season takes over, bringing a tiny drop in temperatures and much higher rainfall. September is the wettest month of the year. If there is a time to avoid visiting Bangkok, this is it.
The weather is slightly cooler from November through February. Rainfall and accompanying clouds are significantly less. Temperatures average a more pleasant maximum of 29°C (85°F). The more favourable weather combined with Western holidays draws tourists at this time of year. Therefore, you can expect more crowds and inflated prices.
How long to spend in Bangkok?
Bangkok has a polarising effect on travellers. You’ll either love it or hate it. But whichever side you end up falling on, just make sure you give it a fair chance. I recommend at least 3-4 days at first, to dip a digit into the city’s highlights. If you’re an experienced cultural traveller with a tolerance for pandemonious urban saunas, then you could easily fill 5-7 days.
Getting around Bangkok
Bangkok’s traffic rivals the worst of Los Angeles. Try to stay off the roads wherever possible, for smoother and more time efficient travel.
Tuk tuks look like a cute ride, but really you’re exposed to heat and exhaust fumes in these open rickshaws. If you want to experience travel by tuk tuk (pronounced “took-took” not “tuck tuck”), take one in the early morning or late in the evening to avoid discomfort. You will need to barter your fare and be warned, it is far from the most cost-effective mode of transport.
The Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS) Skytrain and Metropolitan Rapid Transit (MRT) are efficient ways of moving around the city. They provide airconditioned and clean transport for a very fair fare. Take the Skytrain over the MRT if you want an elevated view of Bangkok as you travel.
Tuk Tuk
No tuk-tuk, very expensive. Worth taking a trip once, late at night or in the morning when traffic is at a minimum. You don’t want to be stuck in a tuk-tuk in a traffic jam. There’s no airconditioning and you’re exposed to the exhaust fumes of the other traffic.
Taxi
If you need to travel by road, a metered taxi is a better option. You can hail a taxi if you see an illuminated red sign in the front window, this shows the Thai word available. There is a law that taxi drivers must use their meter but this is not always adhered to. You’ll find this especially outside major tourist hotels and hotspots, late at night or during rain. If a driver won’t use their meter, find another cab.
Rideshare
Grab is the South East Asian equivalent of Uber or Lyft, neither of which are available in Thailand. Though generally considered safe and reliable, a Grab ride will cost you significantly more than a metered taxi.
Tourist Ferry
There is a tourist ferry that runs from Saphan Taksin Skytrain stop to Phra Athit, close to Khao San Road, stopping at major tourist attractions along the way. The price is higher than the public ferry system but you will find it less crowded and there is commentary along the ride. There is an All Day River Pass that costs THB150 (about USD4.15) and is a great option for a full sightseeing day in Bangkok. See a timetable, get a route map and buy tickets here.
Ferries
Bangkok has two styles of boat, the Chao Phraya river ferries and the canal boats, known as “khlong” in Thai. You can find maps and schedules at for the official river ferry operator here.
Canal boats
The khlong system provides a wilder, more casual but local experience. These long boats zip around the city’s canals and are great for witnessing parts of the city you wouldn’t likely see. There’s no ferry map or schedule available online. They use a system of coloured flags to denote the route a boat is taking. Stops are short and sharp-do not hesitate to board or disembark. Fares are paid on the boat or at pier kiosks.
As of 2017 there is a tourist version run by the San Saeb Express boat service–look for a blue flag. It moves a little slower, uses larger boats, gives you more time to board and alight, and provides some English commentary of sights along the way. Of course, the tourist service is more expensive than the public boats.
Top things to do and places to visit in Bangkok
The Grand Palace
If you only have one day in Bangkok, you should absolutely prioritise the Grand Palace. The lavish, ornamentation and exquisite artistry of the Palace will blow you away. If the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles is your jam, just wait until you see this!
The current Royal Family resides in the more modern, Dusit Palace, utilising the historic Grand Palace complex for ceremonial purposes. Here they host international heads of state and Thailand’s highest ranking lie in repose.
The royal compound was initiated during the time of King Rama I and the founding of Bangkok as Thailand’s capital. Construction began in 1782 and the new buildings have been added by subsequent rulers. The glistening Palace is a spectacular introduction to Thai architecture, art and culture.
Tip: Only purchase tickets for the Grand Palace at the official ticket window and cost THB500 (about USD15 which includes Wat Phra Kaew). Do not listen to touts trying to sell private tours outside the gate.
Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
Bangkok is a city with more than 400 wats—Buddhist temple complexes. Fortunately, one of the finest is not far away, located right within the Grand Palace grounds.
Wat Phra Kaew is revered as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. The Convocation Hall, Ubosot, houses its namesake Buddha image—a small, meditative sculpture of emerald-hued jasper and clothed in gold.
Explore the Wat and be dazzled by buildings ranging from the relatively minimalist, gold-drenched Phra Sri Rattana Chedi to the glittering, mirror mosaics of Phra Mondop.
Note: The Emerald Buddha has three, very expensive outfits in its wardrobe, one for each season: warm, hot and rainy. These are ceremoniously changed by the King, who is the only one authorised to touch the Emerald Buddha.
Wat Phra Chetuphon (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)
Another historic Wat within short walking distance of The Grand Palace is Wat Phra Chetuphon or Wat Pho. King Rama I ordered the creation of this Wat for monks to study the Dharma – the doctrine of Buddhism.
During the reign of Rama III, the Wat was renovated and the feature, an enormous, gilt, reclining Buddha image completed in 1848. But don’t stop at this one Buddha, as impressive as he is, there’s about 1000 more images—the largest collection in Thailand. Explore the grounds thoroughly including the ordination hall, gardens and chedi (stupas). Entry to Wat Pho is THB300 (USD8.30).
Tip: Wat Pho is the national headquarters of education and preservation of traditional Thai medicine including massage. If you’re thinking about getting a Thai massage – this is the place. Book ahead to ensure you don’t miss out.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Should your time in Bangkok span a weekend, don’t miss the Chatuchak Market aka JJ Market. Enjoy getting lost in the 15,000 stalls of the outdoor bazaar that has a little of everything. It’s free to wander around, but you’re almost guaranteed to pick up a souvenir or food while you’re there.
Street food
Your stomach will rumble constantly with all the delicious wafts of street food in Bangkok. Take yourself on a moveable feast, sampling flavoursome snacks across the city. Neighbourhoods such as Chinatown and Baan Tad Thong are street food hubs worth exploring. Remember to practise basic food safety principals below and if you’re still feeling unsure, sign up for a street food tour.
- Avoid raw fruit and vegetables that cannot be peeled.
- Don’t eat lukewarm foods—hot foods should be hot!
- Avoid wild game such as bats, monkey or rodents.
- Pass on tap water and ice. Opt for bottled or filtered water instead.
- Eat at street food vendors that are busy. This indicates that the food is good, but more importantly, it is being turned over quickly and not sitting around.
Take a cooking class
Whether you’re well acquainted with Thai cuisine or tentatively being introduced, a cooking class is a brilliant experience. Classes are fun and interactive, with a delicious reward at the end. Some classes include shopping ingredients at a local market, while others dive straight into the kitchen.
I took a half-day class at BaiPai Cooking School, who have an open kitchen and dining space in a Thai-style building. It’s a tranquil escape from the urban rush and beautiful setting to enjoy learning about Thai culture through your stomach.
Phranakorn (National Museum Bangkok)
The National Museum exhibits various aspects of Thailand’s history, ethnology, archaeology and artistic heritage. The Museum’s collection was seeded by the country’s royals. Phranakorn is Thailand’s first national museum when it was established in 1874 inside the grounds of the Grand Palace. It was moved to Boworn Sathan Mongkol Mansion aka Wang Na (Front Palace), residence of the defunct position of viceroy, in 1887.
Entry to the National Museum is THB200 (USD5.50). Once inside, you can join a free tour in various languages led by volunteers on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Jim Thompson House
In his lifetime, American Jim Thompson went from WWII spy to revivalist of the Thai silk industry. The trained architect also had a passion for Thai culture and curated an incredible home and art collection for himself in Bangkok.
Thompson’s home-turned-museum is open to the public with a small entrance fee. I recommend you take a guided tour to get the most out of the experience. Treat yourself to some silken souvenirs in the Jim Thompson store or a delicious meal at the adjoining Jim Thompson restaurant. Learn more about this fascinating man’s life and see pictures of his house here.
More things to do in Bangkok and its surrounds
If you have more time, here are a few more places to visit and explore in and around Bangkok:
- Museum of Siam
- Warehouse 30 arts precinct
- Erawan Museum
- Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
- Wat Paknam and its giant golden Buddha
- Wat Saket (The Golden Mount)
- Pak Khlong Talat flower market
- Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha)
- Damnoen Saduak floating market day trip, often combined with the Maeklong railway market
- Railroad bridge on the River Kwai day trip
- Ayutthaya (Thailand’s former capital and UNESCO World Heritage Site) day trip
What to pack sightseeing in Bangkok
Here’s a few items to make sure are in your day pack when sightseeing in Bangkok. These simple objects can make a world of difference to your comfort and easy of navigating the city.
- A small travel towel, handkerchief or bandana can be useful for wiping away sweat. You can also moisten a towel with cold water and put it around your neck as an instant cooler.
- Carry some small change for bathrooms and public transport.
- Sometimes you will be required to present a copy of your passport, usually a good quality copy will suffice, so you can leave your original secured in your hotel safe.
- A scarf or light sweater for overzealously air-conditioned stores, cafes and malls.
- If you have serious allergies or dietary requirements, it is best to take these written in Thai wherever you go. Someone at your hotel may be able to help write them down for you. You can also purchase laminated or print-at-home cards in various languages at equaleats.com.
- Toilet paper in a ziplock bag. Females may also find it useful to use carry a urination device if you don’t like squat-style bathrooms.
- Grab a business card from your hotel lobby with the name and address in Thai, in case you need to take a cab or tuk-tuk.
- Take a portable charger/battery pack and cable for charging devices on the go.
What to wear in Bangkok
Here are a few key pointers on what to wear in Bangkok, for a full Southeast Asia packing list, see this guide.
Comfortable walking shoes
Wear a pair of comfortable walking shoes, that you can easily take on and off. Bangkok’s sidewalks are uneven to non-existent so you should wear sturdy shoes. You’ll have to remove your shoes when entering religious sites. So, while they should be secure for walking around, you want to avoid complicated straps, buckles or ties. Your shoes also need to be able to withstand getting wet in a tropical downpour.
Light, breathable fabrics
Natural fabrics such as cotton and linen are generally the most comfortable in tropical weather. Synthetics tend to trap heat, though specially-engineered, moisture-wicking fabrics used to make some athletic gear, can be a good option.
Respectful attire
When visiting religious sites, which includes the many Wats in Bangkok, it is essential for all genders to dress appropriately. Midriffs, chest, shoulders down to your elbow and legs to below the knee need to be concealed. This is where a generously sized, lightweight and breathable scarf or sarong can be a really useful item to have in your daypack.
Enjoy the steamy frenzy of Bangkok, with its contrasting oases of calm and serenity!
Peace, love & inspiring travels,
Madam ZoZo
