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Thailand is packed with magnificent temples.

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One of the must-do activities in Thailand for many travelers.

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Bangkok Travel Guide

Bangkok’s cityscape at night – bangkok travel guide, introduction to bangkok travel guide.

Bangkok is Thailand’s capital and most populated city. In Thai, it is known as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or simply Krung Thep, which means ‘City of Angels.’ Administratively, it is divided into 50 districts, each of which is subdivided into 169 subdistricts.

Before 1782, Bangkok was little more than a tiny trading post on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Then, after the burning of Ayutthaya by Burmese invaders, King Rama I (the first king of the current Chakri dynasty), made it the capital of Siam. Since then, Bangkok has been at the core of the late 19th century modernization of Siam, subsequently renamed Thailand, as the kingdom confronted Western pressures.

Bangkok is now one of Asia’s most cosmopolitan cities, with beautiful temples and palaces, natural canals, bustling marketplaces, and a dynamic nightlife that caters to all tastes. Bangkok is a massive and contemporary city packed with nightlife and delicious food. The city’s views, activities, and nightlife appeal to a wide range of visitors. Its primary historical and cultural tourism attractions are royal palaces and temples. Shopping and eating experiences provide a variety of options and pricing.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• How to get there
• Map of the Province
• How to get around
• Top attractions
• References and Attributions

Credit: [4K] Bangkok, Thailand | Cinematic Travel Video by filmk.

How to get to Bangkok

Bangkok has two airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK). Suvarnabhumi Airport, which opened in September 2006, is Bangkok’s major airport and one of the busiest in Southeast Asia. It is situated east of Bangkok. Don Mueang Airport is an older airport and located north of Bangkok. Currently, low-cost carriers are operated in Don Mueang Airport.

Railways connect Bangkok with Chiang Mai in the north, Nong Khai on the Laos border, Ubon Ratchathani in the east, Aranyaprathet on the Cambodia border, Sattahip on the coast to the south, Nam Tok to the west, and Padang Besar on the Malaysian border along the peninsula to the south. The luxurious Belmond Eastern & Oriental Express also occasionally operates between Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore.

Each province has its public bus terminal that links to one of Bangkok’s three public bus terminals. Each of the three public bus terminals in Bangkok serves a distinct route. They are intentionally situated in surrounding suburbs so that long-distance buses may avoid the city’s considerable traffic congestion.

The Eastern Bus Terminal is located close to the Ekkamai BTS station and serves locations in Eastern Thailand such as Pattaya, Rayong, Ban Phe (for Ko Samet), Chanthaburi, and Trat.

All sites in Western Thailand (including Nakhon Pathom and Kanchanaburi) and Southern Thailand are served by the Southern Bus Terminal (including Krabi, Phuket, Surat Thani, Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan, Hat Yai, and others).

The largest and busiest terminal is the Northern and Northeastern Bus Terminal. The upper level serves the Isaan area in Thailand’s northeast. The ground level serves Northern Thailand, and specific destinations that are shared with the Eastern Bus Terminal.

There are 4 major highways connect Bangkok from every direction in Thailand. The best way to go to Bangkok from Northern Thailand is to take the Paholyothin Road (Route 1). Mittraphap Road (Route 2) connects the provinces in Northeastern Thailand to Bangkok. Sukhumvit Road (Route 3) connects the provinces in Thailand’s eastern region. The Phetkasem Road (Route 4) connects the provinces in Southern Thailand to Bangkok.

Map of Bangkok Province

Click Here to Enlarge the Map

How to get around bangkok, by bangkok mass transit system (bts).

Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS) is an elevated rapid transit system in Bangkok. Bangkok Mass Transit System PCL (BTSC), a subsidiary of BTS Group Holdings (BTS), operates the system under a concession granted by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), which owns the lines. The BTS Sukhumvit Line extends north and south, finishing at Khu Khot and Kheha, respectively. National Stadium and Bang Wa are the final stops on the BTS Silom Line. The Gold Line connects Krung Thon Buri and Klong San. Lines meet at Siam station and Krung Thon Buri.

By Metropolitan Rapid Transit (MRT)

The MRT Blue Line between Hua Lamphong and Bang Sue, Bangkok’s second metro system, was the first to open in 2004. The MRT Purple Line opened in 2016, linking Tao Poon to Khlong Bang Phai in Nonthaburi, northwest of Greater Bangkok. The Blue Line and Purple Line are operated by the Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited (BEM) under a concession given by the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), which owns the MRT lines.

By Airport Rail Link (ARL)

Airport Rail Link (ARL) is a commuter and express rail line in Bangkok. Through Makkasan Station, the line links Suvarnabhumi Airport to Phaya Thai Station in downtown Bangkok. It is owned by the Thai State Railway (SRT) and operated by Asia Era One Company Limited, a group led by Charoen Pokphand (CP) Holding with partners including Ch. Karnchang PLC. (CK), Bangkok Expressway and Metro PLC. (BEM), Italian-Thai Development PLC. (ITD), and China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC).

By State Railway of Thailand Red Lines (SRT)

State Railway of Thailand Red Lines (SRT) is a commuter rail system in Bangkok. The SRT Dark Red Line connects Thammasat University’s Rangsit campus to Maha Chai in Samut Sakhon Province. In contrast, the SRT Light Red Line connects Salaya in Nakhon Pathom Province to Hua Mak in Bangkok. Both lines run via Bang Sue, which will serve as a connecting point to the MRT system. The system was developed and is owned by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT).

By Bangkok Bus Rapid Transit System (BRT)

Bangkok Bus Rapid Transit System (BRT) is a bus rapid transit system in Bangkok. The route has twelve stations in the center of the road that offers access to the right side of the buses. Both termini are connected to the Silom Line of the BTS Skytrain at Chong Nonsi and Talat Phlu. The BRT is now operated by Bangkok Mass Transit System PCL (BTSC), while the system is owned by Krungthep Thanakom PCL, a holdings company of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA).

By Chao Phraya Express Boat

Chao Phraya Express Boat is a ferry transportation service in Bangkok operating on the Chao Phraya River. It provides riverine rapid transit between Bangkok and Nonthaburi. Using the boats, in addition to the BTS and MRT, lets commuters escape traffic bottlenecks during peak hours.

By Saen Saep Express Boat

Saen Saep Express Boat is a water bus that travels through Bangkok’s business areas on the Saen Saep Canal. The express boat system runs parallel to Phetchaburi Road and provides the most direct route from Rattanakosin’s Golden Mount (and neighboring Khao San Road) to Siam Square and Pratunam.

By Public Buses

Public buses are the cheapest mode of transportation in Bangkok, but they are also the most difficult to use. The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) operates over 100 routes and over 3,000 vehicles, including regular and air-conditioned buses, as well as privately operated buses and minibuses. The most convenient approach to get a necessary Bangkok bus route for your travel is to use the Google Maps, which integrates nicely with the Bangkok public transportation system. However, because of Bangkok’s unpredictable traffic, the timetable and waiting time are frequently inaccurate. Nonetheless, visitors can use ViaBus as a helper to track Bangkok’s public buses in real-time.

A comfortable way to get around Bangkok. Taxis in Bangkok are metered and air-conditioned. The initial price is 35 THB. There are no additional fees (except from the airports). If a red sign on the taxi’s front window is lighted, it implies that the taxi is available for service.

Ride-hailing applications such as Grab, Bolt and inDriver are available in Bangkok. These applications make taxi rides easier and less likely to be scammed. There’s no need for users to try to pronounce the destination in Thai because they can simply input it into the app. These applications accept cash as well as credit card payments.

By Tuk-Tuk (Auto Rickshaw)

Tuk-tuks are one of Bangkok’s most identifiable modes of transportation, and they remain popular with tourists. Before getting into the tuk-tuk, always agree on the fare. Haggling is to be expected, and the driver will almost certainly offer an initially high price. Tuk-tuks are unmetered, therefore they will be slightly more costly than a taxi. It’s a good idea to compare the pricing to estimates of taxis from ride-hailing applications.

By Motorcycle Taxi

The quickest form of transportation in Bangkok. Motorcycle taxi drivers may be identified by their unique orange jackets. Unlike metered taxis, they usually remain at their regular stations rather than cruising about searching for passengers. To hire one, simply walk up to their station and indicate your location. Before boarding, make sure to agree on a fare with the driver. Fares are variable, although they are often less expensive than taxis and tuk-tuks for short distances and more expensive for longer cross-city trips. Nonetheless, there is usually a fare board with set rates published in Thai (some stations with tourists may have English written as well). It’s a good idea to compare the cost to estimates from ride-hailing apps.

Renting a car is a great alternative for traveling around Bangkok and the rest of Thailand. Although Bangkok’s roads are of high quality, driving in the city can be a nightmare due to enormous traffic jams. Applications such as Google Maps can assist cars in navigating the city from one location to another.

Top Attractions in Bangkok

Grand Palace

The official residence of the Kings of Siam.

Museum Siam

The country’s first national discovery museum.

Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

A well-known temple on the Chao Phraya River’s west bank.

Wat Saket (The Golden Mount)

The temple that is best known for its high hill with a breathtaking view.

The temple that is best known for the Reclining Buddha.

Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen

The temple famous for its iconic giant Buddha statue.

Chatuchak Weekend Market

One of the largest open-air markets in the world.

Jodd Fairs Night Market

One of Bangkok’s largest night market.

Yaowarat (China Town)

One of the largest Chinatowns in the world.

Famed for Ko Kret island and Buddhist monasteries in the Chao Phraya River basin.

Pathum Thani

Known for beautiful temples and interesting museums.

Nakhon Pathom

Home to an old religious monument known as Phra Pathom Chedi.

Samut Sakhon

Known for many cultural attractions and the making of Thai porcelains.

Samut Prakan

 Famous for the Mueang Boran Museum and Erawan Museum.

Chachoengsao

Famous for the Buddha image at Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan.

Kanchanaburi

Well-known for its stunning waterfalls and WWII memorials.

Best known for Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, waterfalls, and mountain sceneries.

Samut Songkhram

Home to many temples and the Amphawa Floating Market.

Phetchaburi

Famous for the beauty of its beaches, mountains, and royal palaces.

Prachuap Khiri Khan

A famous beach getaway for Bangkokians.

Home to the remains of the Kingdom of Siam’s capital, temples, and royal palaces.

Nakhon Nayok

Best known for adventurous activities such as rafting and kayaking.

Bangkok’s closest coastal town, best known for its beautiful beaches and fresh seafood.

Popular for peaceful beaches and Koh Samet.

External Resources

• Tourism Authority of Thailand – Bangkok (EN)
• BTS Skytrain – Routes and Fares (EN)
• MRT – Route Map (EN)
• Airport Link – Train Schedule (EN)
• State Railway of Thailand

Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) at sunset – Bangkok Travel Guide

Summary of bangkok travel guide.

Bangkok is a busy metropolis with a rich tradition and culture. It has become one of Southeast Asia’s most prominent and modern cities as a result of its expanding economic growth and tremendous appeal as an international tourist destination. The city’s emergence as a modern metropolis while keeping its cultural legacy is reflected by stunningly beautiful temples and palaces, as well as trendy skyscrapers and luxurious shopping malls. Still can’t make the decision? Feel free to check out other well-known provinces in Thailand:

• Ubon Ratchathani

A province in Isan region well-known for its national parks and temples.

Nakhon Ratchasima

A northeastern province known for the Phimai Historical Park and Khao Yai National Park.

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• Activities & Tours

Bangkok Ultimate Travel Guide for First-Timers

Everything you need to know to plan your first time in bangkok.

Sara Santos | April 15, 2024 January 19, 2024

Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is a bustling city known for its temples, street food, markets, huge shopping malls, and great nightlife.

In this Ultimate Guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to plan your first time in Bangkok, from the essential aspects like how to get around and a sample itinerary, to what to eat, popular day trips, and where to go next from Bangkok. As always, we’ll also provide practical tips, and our honest opinions about the places we visited.

People say that you either love or hate Bangkok. In my case, I have to admit, it was not love at first sight. Fortunately, during our 2-month Southeast Asia trip , we gave Bangkok a second chance, and that time, I simply fell in love with the city!

Bangkok: Practical Information

• Best time to visit : November to February for more pleasant weather
• Currency : Thai baht (THB)
• Language : Thai, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas
• How to get there : Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) or Don Mueang International Airport (DMK)
• How to get around : bus, MRT Subway, BTS Skytrain, Taxi/Grab, Tuk-tuk
• How to pay for stuff : mostly cash
• Plugs : type A, type B, type C, type F and type O
• Safety : very safe for tourists
• What to do : temple hopping, street food, street markets, floating markets, shopping, nightlife, rooftop bards, etc …

What is Included in this Guide?

Throughout this guide, we’ll cover the following topics. You can use the links below to quickly navigate to the sections that interest you the most.

Practical Information:

How Many Days Should You Spend in Bangkok?

How to get to bangkok, going to bangkok from europe, how to get to bangkok from the airport, where to stay in bangkok, how to get around bangkok, best time to go to bangkok, how to get internet in thailand.

Things To Do:

What to do in Bangkok – Bucket List

How to spend 4 days in bangkok our itinerary, popular day trips from bangkok.

• Where to go from Bangkok?

What to Eat in Bangkok?

Best places to eat in bangkok.

Other Thailand Travel Guides:

• Chiang Mai Travel Guide for First-Timers (14 Things To Do)

Ayutthaya Travel Guide: Visit on Your Own from Bangkok

• Maeklong Railway and Damnoen Floating Markets – What to Expect
• How to Spend Two Days in Kanchanaburi : Itinerary and Tips
• How to Spend one Day in Chiang Rai , Thailand: Things to Do and Tips
• Ao Nang Travel Guide for First Timers ( Krabi , Thailand)
• Koh Phi Phi : Things to Do and Tips for First-Timers
• Koh Lanta Travel Guide: 3-Day Itinerary and 10 Best Things to Do
• Koh Lipe : Best Things to Do and Tips for First-Timers
• Two Months Traveling in Southeast Asia: Our Itinerary

Bangkok is a big city, and how long you stay depends on how you like to travel. If you’re just passing through to go to the beaches, two or three days should be enough .

But if you’re traveling around Southeast Asia and have more time, allocating four to five days would allow you to check off the main items on your bucket list.

We spent a total of five days in Bangkok but only had four days to explore. We mainly stayed at the hotel on the first day to recover from the long journey and get used to the new time zone.

Bangkok is served by two main airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) .

The Suvarnabhumi Airport is the primary international airport serving the city. You’ll most likely arrive at the Suvarnabhumi Airport, which is a major international hub.

Besides domestic flights, Don Mueang also handles international flights, so it might also be an option when searching for flights to Bangkok.

If you’re traveling from Europe, several companies can take you to Bangkok directly or with just one layover. We chose Etihad Airways for our journey, which included a layover in Abu Dhabi, and the entire process went smoothly. Notably, it also offered the most economical fare with the shortest layover.

Here’s a compiled list of airlines that operate flights from Europe to Thailand with either just one layover or direct routes: Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France, KLM, Turkish Airlines, Emirates Airlines, Etihad Airways, Singapore Airlines, Swiss International Airlines, Qatar Airways, Finnair, Austrian Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines, and Thai Airways. While there may be more options, these are among the most well-known.

Tip : I like to use Skyscanner, Google Flights, or Kiwi.com to hunt for affordable flights. However, keep in mind that these platforms might not display all airlines. Checking the websites of specific airlines directly can sometimes be a better way to ensure you don’t miss out on any options.

There are several ways to get to downtown Bangkok from the airport. Either the BKK or DMK airports.

From Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)

From the Suvarnabhumi International Airport, the easiest way is to use the Airport Rail Link . When you exit the airport, follow the signs for the train station. Once there, buy a ticket to Makkasan. From there connect to the BTS Skytrain or MRT Subway to your desired destination. This was the option that we used. If you’re feeling a bit lost, don’t worry, the staff is always willing to help.

Alternatively, you can also get a taxi or ask for a Grab if you’re carrying a lot of luggage.

From Don Mueang International Airport (DMK)

From Don Mueang International Airport, you can either ask for a taxi/Grab or use the shuttle buses. Simply follow the signs to the shuttle bus once you get to the arrivals hall.

There is a bus stop with a shuttle bus to the BKK airport and four routes to take you to the city center with several stops along the way. We used the shuttle bus to Lumphini Park on our second time in Bangkok and it worked as expected.

• A1 Bus – to BTS Mo Chit
• A2 Bus – to Victory Monument
• A3 Bus – to Lumphini Park
• A4 Bus – to Khao San Road

Bangkok is a huge city. Don’t underestimate the time it will take you to get from one place to another. So, choosing a great location to stay is an important factor. I always like to stay close to public transportation, either a subway, skytrain, or bus station.

There are several main areas where tourists usually like to stay:

• Sukhumvit : diverse nightlife, shopping, and dining options, conveniently linked by the Skytrain (BTS). The accommodations here are a bit more expensive compared with other areas, but usually the hotels will have good views over the city.

• Silom : this was the area where we stayed at. This is centrally located and close to public transportation. There are plenty of choices for accommodation ranging from upscale to budget-friendly.

• Khaosan Road : also known as the Backpacker’s Street, it’s known for its crazy nightlife, affordable hostels, and close proximity to cultural attractions. It is not connected with the skytrain or subway.
• Pratunam : this is a shopping paradise, it offers budget-friendly stays and seamless access to markets, malls, and public transport.
• Riverside : with picturesque views along the Chao Phraya River, this area boasts luxury hotels, cultural sites, and convenient boat transport connections.
• Chinatown : a lively neighborhood with bustling markets and street food, Chinatown provides a cultural immersion and easy access to public transportation.
• Ratchada : emerging as an entertainment hub, Ratchada blends nightlife and shopping, connected by the MRT subway system, making it a trendy choice for visitors.
• Siam : a bustling shopping and entertainment hub, Siam offers a central location with proximity to major malls like MBK and Siam Paragon.

Bangkok is a big city and is served by great transportation options. I always use Google Maps to check how to go from one place to another and check the best routes. During our time in Bangkok, we ended up using almost all transportation options.

Getting around by bus is the most economical and convenient option because there are bus stops almost everywhere.

You can purchase the ticket inside the bus. Once onboard, find a seat and a ticket seller will approach you. Tell him where you want to go and pay for your ticket. Unlike in other countries, you don’t buy the ticket directly from the bus driver.

The only drawback of using the bus is that occasionally you might experience traffic delays, especially during rush hours.

BTS Skytrain

The BTS Skytrain is an elevated train system covering most of the city. Tickets can be purchased directly at the station from automatic machines or ticket counters, with the price depending on the number of stops.

The tickets are like small plastic coins. Pass the ticket at the gates to enter, and make sure to keep it with you until you reach your final destination. You’ll need it to exit at your desired station.

This is Bangkok’s metro system. It’s a great option to get around. You can buy the tickets directly at the station on automatic machines or ticket counters. The BTS and MRT are connected but use separate ticketing systems

Grab/Taxi: There are plenty of taxis serving Bangkok. When using a taxi, make sure the driver is using the meter or agrees on a price before starting the ride. If you prefer not to negotiate, you can use Grab, which is an app similar to Uber.

Tuk-tuk is another popular option for getting around the city, especially among tourists. We didn’t try a tuk-tuk in Bangkok, so I can’t formulate an opinion about it. However, I’ve heard that people are often scammed when using tuk-tuks. I’m not sure if it’s true or not. Always ensure that you agree on the price beforehand.

Tips For Using Public Transportation in Bangkok

• Sometimes, Google Maps may not provide directions using the Skytrain or Subway. When that happens, you’ll need to manually find the nearest station to your current location and the desired destination. Use the stations to plan your trip accordingly.
• The air conditioning in public transportation, Subway, and Skytrain stations is consistently set below 20ºC, which feels extremely cold compared to the outside temperature of 35ºC. It can be helpful to carry a light jacket in your backpack for these occasions to stay comfortable. Due to the temperature differences, I quickly caught a cold during my time in Bangkok.

We went to Bangkok in October and it was really hot with high humidity, which made sightseeing somewhat uncomfortable, and we quickly felt exhausted. If you have the flexibility to choose, the November to February timeframe is the best option for a more comfortable experience.

Nonetheless, Bangkok is generally a year-round destination with temperatures consistently above 25ºC. The city experiences two distinct seasons: the cool and dry season (from November to February) and the rainy season (from June to October). The best weather conditions are found from November to February when temperatures are moderate, and skies are mostly clear.

You can get a SIM/eSIM card at the airport. There is no shortage of stalls selling SIM and eSIM cards at the arrivals hall. I also heard that you can get cheaper options at 7-eleven and similar stores.

eSIM Card for Multiple Countries

In our case, we got an eSIM card from Maya that covered several countries in Southeast Asia. This was very convenient because we were visiting multiple countries in two months and we didn’t need to bother buying a card on each country.

This was probably a bit more expensive than buying physical SIM cards in each country, but the convenience of not having to worry about searching for Internet every time we moved countries is worth it.

We bought the card before going to Thailand, and we activated it when we arrived in Bangkok. It worked seamlessly in Thailand and all the other countries we went to. Maya offers great packages when you’re travelling to multiple countries in a short time. We also used it in Europe during a road trip. Learn more about Maya packages here .

eSIM Card for Individual Countries

If you’re just going to Thailand, or just an individual country, the Airalo app usually offers better options. We also used Airalo in Thailand and it worked just fine. We have already used Airalo in other countries as well without any issues.

If you use my referral code on Airalo , you’ll get a 3$ credit. Use the referral code below on your first purchase:

There are endless things to do in Bangkok. You could spend a year there and still have new things to do. However, there are a few things that every first-timer should include in their bucket list.

• Visit the Grand Palace;
• Temple hopping;
• Go to a floating market;
• Day trip to the railway market;
• Explore Ayutthaya on a day trip;
• Go shopping in the fake market in the MBK Center;
• Try Thai food and desserts;
• Go to a rooftop bar;
• See monitor lizards at Lumphini Park.

During our four-day stay in Bangkok, we managed to explore numerous attractions, making the most of our time in this bustling city. Nevertheless, there were a lot of places we wanted to visit but simply lacked the time or energy to do so.

Our itinerary might not seem too packed, and you might think about adding more places to see in one day. But, Bangkok is huge, and it takes a while to get from one place to another, especially if you use public transportation.

Public transportation is efficient and fast, but the time it takes to walk to the stations, navigate to the platforms, and then walk to your desired destination, will take more time than you’ll anticipate. Plus, if the weather is hot and humid, it can wear you out pretty fast.

Day 0 – Adjust to the New Timezone

If you’re arriving from a distant location, keep in mind that you’ll probably spend your first day recovering and adjusting to the new timezone.

On the first day, I had high expectations. We had plans to visit temples, try street food, and more. However, the 16-hour journey left us utterly exhausted, added by the fact that I hadn’t slept for the previous 36 hours. I was so tired that we ended up spending the entire day at the hotel recovering and adapting to the new timezone.

Day 1 – Temple Hopping and Iconsiam

For first-time visitors to Bangkok, a must-do is spending at least one day temple hopping. There is no shortage of temples to see in Bangkok, we included some of the most famous ones in our itinerary.

When visiting sacred sites, make sure you dress modestly, which means long loose clothes covering the knees and shoulders.

Day 1 in Bangkok: Visited Places and Activities

The Golden Mount Temple (Wat Saket)

Wat pho – the reclining buddha.

• Sunset Overlooking Wat Arun
• Indoor Street Food Market at IconSiam

The Golden Mount Temple (also called Wat Saket), was our first experience in a Buddhist temple. This temple sits at the top of a hill and you need to climb some steps to get there. At the top, there’s a big golden pagoda and you can enjoy panoramic views all over the city. The entrance to the temple is free, but you need to pay to climb to the top.

At the time of our visit, climbing to the top was 100 baht per person.

Wat Pho is another popular temple in Bangkok famous for its huge reclining Buddha. This Buddha figure is 46 meters long and covered in gold leaf.

This is a big temple complex, with beautiful architecture and details. Wat Pho is also the temple with the highest number of Buddha figures. The entrance fee was 200 baht per person.

Watch the Sunset Overlooking Wat Arun

Once in Wat Pho, you’re close to the opposite margin of the Wat Arun temple. Seeing the sunset over Wat Arun is something very popular. Search on Google Maps for “ Wat Pho Pier ” and watch the sunset from there, or if you want a little more comfort, go to a restaurant or bar and enjoy the views.

Wat Arun means the Temple of Dawn, but it’s actually a beautiful place to watch the sunset as you see the temple lighting up.

Indoor Street Food Market at Iconsiam

After watching the sunset at Wat Arun, we caught the ferry (Chao Phraya Express Boat) to ICONSIAM. This is a huge luxury shopping. But, what stands out is its indoor street food market.

On the ground floor, you’ll find SookSiam which is a hub of food from all 77 provinces across Thailand. You’ll even find a cute and small floating market. All of this is inside a beautiful shopping mall with the comfort of air conditioning. How cool is that?

Alternatively, if you like fancy dining, you’ll also find plenty of options. You can watch our short video about Iconsiam below.

Day 2 in Bangkok – Temple Hopping

During our second day in Bangkok, we visited the Grand Palace and Wat Arun, two of the most popular temples. They are relatively close to each other, so it’s handy to visit both on the same day. At night, party at Khaosan Road, go to a rooftop bar, or indulge in street food markets in Chinatown.

Day 2 in Bangkok: Visited Places

Grand Palace

• Khaosan Road, or Chinatown, or rooftop bar

The Grand Palace is one of the main attractions in Bangkok. It was built back in 1782 and it served as the residence of Thai Kings for 150 years.

It’s a huge temple complex with a mix of Thai, Western, and Chinese architectural styles. Inside, you’ll find the Wat Phra Kaew temple, home to the famous Emerald Buddha.

The place is quite big and the temple closes in the early afternoon, so visiting in the morning is probably the best time.

In my opinion, this is a must-see despite the relatively high price of 500 baht. By chance, we visited on a public holiday, and the entrance happened to be free on that specific day.

When you visit, remember to cover your knees and shoulders. If you forget to wear modest clothing, don’t worry; there are vendors outside selling elephant pants.

After visiting the Grande Palace, we caught the ferry (only 5 baht per person) to the other side of the Chao Phraya River to explore Wat Arun. The entrance fee is only 100 baht per person.

Wat Arun is one of the most famous temples in Bangkok, you’ll see it advertised in many tourist agencies to promote Bangkok as a travel destination.

It’s very popular to visit this place in a Thai traditional costume. You’ll find several places renting outfits for both women and men near the temple.

We went to the temple on a public holiday and it was packed. If you want to visit with fewer people, consider going on a “regular” day of the week or early in the morning.

Tip: don’t miss watching the sunset or sunrise on the opposite margin of Wat Arun.

Khaosan Roan

The Khaosan Road is also known as the backpacker’s street and is very popular among tourists, so we went there to check it out. It is filled with restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops.

People usually enjoy the nightlife here, especially at night when you can find parties and cheap drinks. We went in the afternoon, and it was not too busy. Personally, I didn’t find it anything special, but maybe if you like lively parties, it’s worth checking out at night. Otherwise, you can probably skip it.

Go to a Rooftop Bar

If you’re not into the nightlife scene at Khaosan Road, you might consider checking out a rooftop bar for a different experience. One of the well-known ones is the Sky Bar at the Lebua State Tower, made famous by its appearance in the movie “Hangover Part II.” Keep in mind that many rooftop bars are expensive (this one certainly is) and often have dress codes.

A great alternative for budget travelers, recommended by one of our friends, is the Tichuca Rooftop with free entrance and no dress code.

In our case, our hotel in Silom had its own rooftop bar with fantastic city views, so we didn’t feel the need to explore other rooftop bars.

Explore Chinatown

Another option is to explore Chinatown at night. It’s a vibrant bustling district with lots of markets, street food, and narrow streets. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the time to explore Chinatown during our stay in Bangkok. But, make sure you add it to your list if you have the time.

Day 3 – Day Trip to the Railway and Floating Markets and Shopping at the MBK Center

One of the most popular day trips from Bangkok is going to the Maeklong Railway Market and the Damnoen Floating Market. While you can visit these places on your own, the most popular option is going on an organized tour—that’s what we did. This tour took us almost all day, but we still had time to do some shopping at the MBK Center.

Day 3 in Bangkok: Visited Places and Activities

• Maeklong Railway Market
• Damnoen Floating Market

Maeklong Railway Market and Damnoen Floating Market

The Maeklong Railway market is one of the most famous markets in Thailand because it’s located right on the railway track. When the train comes, vendors move their stuff, and after it passes, the market goes back to normal.

Do you want to see the perspective from inside the train? We caught on video what it looks like.

Related article: Maeklong Railway and Damnoen Floating Markets – What to Expect

Bangkok’s floating markets are also another popular attraction in Thailand. Vendors navigate through canals or waterways and sell their goods directly from the boat. Among them, the Damnoen Floating Market is widely advertised on tours but tends to be crowded and geared towards tourists.

We booked the highest-rated trip using GetYourGuide , but you can also book similar tours from tourism agencies in Bangkok.

We have an article describing what such a tour looks like. Everything is explained in this article: Maeklong Railway and Damnoen Floating Markets – What to Expect .

Shopping at the MBK Center

Our tour ended at the MBK Center. Visit the MBK Center was not on our plans, but we were glad we went there. The MBK Center, resembling a large fake market within a shopping mall, offers, not only, but lots of fake branded items at affordable prices. Some imitations are excellent deals, while others may not be worth the cost.

Always negotiate prices, aiming for a reduction of 20 to 40%. Additionally, you might get better discounts when purchasing multiple items. During our visit, we snagged two pairs of sneakers, t-shirts, and a watch, all at very reasonable prices.

In the MBK Center, there’s also a dining area and an entertainment section with games, Karaoke, and claw machines.

Day 4 – Day Trip to Ayutthaya

Going on a day trip to Ayutthaya from Bangkok is a great idea. Ayutthaya was the old capital of Siam that was destroyed by the Burmese some centuries ago. It features some of the most interesting temple complex ruins in Thailand. Some of the temple ruins even resemble Angkor Wat in Cambodia. That’s also where you’ll find the famous Buddha’s head intertwined on the truck of a tree.

If you’re hesitating due to a temple overload in Bangkok, don’t worry. Ayutthaya offers a unique experience with predominantly temple ruins, providing a distinct contrast to the temples found in the bustling streets of Bangkok.

You can easily go to Ayutthaya by train. The journey only takes about one hour and is super affordable. Everything you need to know to visit Ayutthaya is explained in the following article:

We went to Ayutthaya on our own, but if you prefer going on an organized tour, there are plenty of options.

We created a quick video with some footage about Ayutthaya and some more information that you can watch below.

Related article: Everything you need to know to visit Ayutthaya from Bangkok .

For those new to Thai cuisine, I believe these dishes are the easiest to start with, and they’re must-tries:

• Pad Kra Pow
• Fried Rice (everyone will like it)
• Papaya Salad (one of my favorites)

Crispy Pork

Mango sticky rice.

• Coconut Ice Cream

My Journey with Thai Food

When I first tried Thai food, I’ll be honest, I didn’t like it. It’s so different from what we’re used to in Portugal, where we mainly enjoy a Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil, salt, fish, and bread. The spices in Thai cuisine are so different from our usual flavors, and the food tends to be sweeter with minimal salt, giving our taste buds quite a “shock.”

Nevertheless, as we continued to experience Thai cuisine, we started to like it more and more… and I must admit that I had some of the most delicious meals ever during our time in Thailand. At the end of our journey in Thailand, I was quite sad to say goodbye to Thai food. I miss dishes like Pad Thai, Tom Yum, and the mango sticky rice.

Do you want more Thai dishes? We created a quick video compilation with 12 foods you mus try in Thailand.

Most spots offering Thai food are generally good, but we came across a few places that really stood out from the rest.

For mango sticky rice, I loved the Mae Varee Mango Sticky Rice shop. This sells mango sticky rice and other Thai sweets. Everything is freshly made, from the rice to the coconut milk, and they don’t use preservatives. This place is just a take-away place. After getting your mango sticky rice, consider heading to a park or returning to your hotel to savor this delicious dessert.

It took me a long time to try mango sticky rice because I thought I wouldn’t like it, but I enjoyed it so much that I wanted to eat it every day.

Tom Yum noodles instantly became a top favorite for me. This spicy soup is packed with flavors from ingredients like lemongrass, lime leaves, and chili peppers. It’s usually loaded with tasty seafood like shrimp, fish, lobster, or squid. You can choose what you want to include. You can also ask to have more or less spicy depending on your preferences

We tried Tom Yum at the Pe Aor Tom Yum Kung Noodle . Besides serving a delicious Tom Yum with several options of ingredients and different noodles, it was also incredibly cheap. We went there quite late for lunch, around 3 PM and it was packed.

Khao Soi is a dish from Northern Thailand, particularly from Chiang Mai. It is a flavorful Thai noodle soup known for its rich coconut curry broth, accompanied by tender meat (chicken, beef, or pork) and topped with crispy fried noodles for added texture.

Related article: Chiang Mai Travel Guide for First-Timers (14 Things to Do)

We tried Khao Soi at the “ Khao Soi Lam Duan Fa Ham Chiang Mai – Nang Linchi Branch “, a place recognized by Michelin for several years. It was delicious.

Crispy pork became one of my favorite Thai dishes. However, it might not be suitable for everyone since it’s deep-fried, and the oil could be a concern for some people. Additionally, its strong flavor might not appeal to everyone’s taste. The same restaurant where we had Khao Soi also specialized in crispy pork. I can confirm it was delicious. The name of the place is “ Khao Soi Lam Duan Fa Ham Chiang Mai – Nang Linchi Branch “.

Bangkok is conveniently located near interesting sites that make for excellent day trips. Here are some of the most popular options:

• Historic City of Ayutthaya – we did this day trip, and we loved it. Everything is explained in this Ayutthaya travel guide .
• Erawan Waterfalls – a visit to the 7-tier waterfalls in the Erawan National Park in Kanchanaburi makes a great day trip in nature—we explain everything in this Kanchanaburi Travel Guide . We spent three days in Kanchanaburi, but if you’re short on time, a day trip like this to Kanchanaburi can be a great option.
• Day trip to the Maeklong Railway Market and Floating Market – you can learn everything you need to know about this day trip in our article: Railway and Floating Markets – What to Expect .
• The Ancient City (Muang Boran) – this is a huge outdoor museum showcasing replicas of Thailand’s most significant historical and cultural landmarks. This is a beautiful place to take great pictures. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the time to include it in our itinerary.
• Wat Samphran – a beautiful cylindrical pink temple with a dragon surrounding it. It’s quite unique and with great panoramic views.

Where to Go from Bangkok?

From Bangkok, you can virtually go anywhere. But, if you just arrived in Thailand, these are some of the most popular options to continue your journey:

• Chiang Mai (either by train or flight): explore the northern part of Thailand with beautiful mountains and temples. Check our Chiang Mai Travel Guide .
• Kanchanaburi (by train): great little province where the Erawan Nation Park is located, known for its 7-tier waterfalls. Check our Kanchanaburi Guide .
• Phuket (by flight): to start your island-hopping journey.
• Krabi (by flight): another great starting point to explore Thailand’s beautiful islands —check our Krabi Travel Guide .
• Koh Samui (by flight): a great base to start exploring the islands of the gulf.

More Thailand Travel Guides

We hope you’ve found this Ultimate Bangkok Travel guide helpful to plan your time in Thailand. Everything we wrote was based on our own research and personal experiences while in Bangkok.

We have other Thailand travel guides that you may find useful. Take a look at them below:

Finally, you can use our links to book your accommodation, and activities and find cheap flights. You won’t pay more for it and you’ll be supporting our work.

Thanks for reading.

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Bangkok Starts Here

For a less nimble blogger, creating a Bangkok travel guide would be a difficult task, maybe even an unruly one. It’s easy for me, however, given that I’ve lived there on three separate occasions, to say nothing of my dozens of trips before, between and after those residential stints.

Intellectually, I approach my recommendations Bangkok attractions, day trips and restaurants from the standpoint of a quasi-local. On the other hand, I present and organize my suggestions in a way that reflects the time sensitivity necessary for your trip, which will almost certainly be a short one.

Although I’ll stop short of presenting a complete Bangkok itinerary, it will be easy for you to read between the lies of this post and create one. No matter what type of traveler you are, and whether you’re looking for things to do in Bangkok for three days or otherwise, Bangkok starts here.

Where to Stay in Bangkok

I’ve written a complete article about where to stay in Bangkok , but if you don’t feel like reading it, I’ll recommend a couple of areas and hotels convenient to my Bangkok travel guide here. In my more detailed article, I outline that you have two basic choices about where to base yourself in Bangkok: The Old City and the New City. (There are subdivisions within both of these, but I won’t go into them for a few more paragraphs.)

If you want to stay in the Old City (in particular on Rattanakosin island, on the east bank of the Chao Phraya), I recommend either the luxurious Chakrabongse Villas , or the simpler (but adjacent) Riva Arun . The best Bangkok hotels in the New City, meanwhile, range anywhere from the spartan Diamond City Hotel not far from the airport rail link, to the Eastin Grand Hotel in Sathorn, to the ultra-luxurious Rosewood Bangkok .

My Favorite Things to Do in Bangkok

Dig deep into bangkok’s old citi(es).

Searching for the best temples in Bangkok? Famous ones include Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) and Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), in Rattanakosin and Thonburi, respectively. Lesser-known temples and shrines I also love include the Wat Pak Nam “space temple” deeper into Thonburi, Erawan Shrine just across from CentralWorld Mall in Ratchadamri and Wat Saket , aka the “Golden Mountain,” from which you can get one of Bangkok’s most enchanting sunset views. The Grand Palace , meanwhile, is home to Wat Phra Kaew , the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

Devote a full evening to Chinatown

Whether you dine at Bangkok Chinatown restaurants like the understated dim sum joint Canton House , or brave the somewhat chaotic street food scene, Yaowarat is a logical place to continue exploring Bangkok once the sun has set on the old city. Hop in a tuk-tuk and head down to this exciting part of town, whether you have a cocktail at one of the many shophouses converted into gin bars, say your prayers at the magnificent Wat Traimit marble temple or practice your long exposure photography skills in front of the Chinatown Gate .

Embrace your inner shopaholic

Earlier I mentioned CentralWorld, which is one of almost countless malls along Rama I and Sukhumvit Roads in the heart of Bangkok. To be sure, whether you visit relatively basic malls like MBK Center near National Stadium , classics such as Siam Paragon and Terminal 21 , or upscale retail establishments like IconSiam , Central Embassy and Phrom Pong area’s Emquartier , shopping is one of the most accessible things to do in Bangkok. It’s also a very practical choice to make, given that the free AC you enjoy inside malls saves you from the city’s unrelenting heat! No matter how many days in Bangkok you decide to spend, you’ll want to enjoy some retail therapy.

(And your inner foodie—duh!)

Here’s a hack you might not be expecting: Much of the best street food in Bangkok is not on the streets. Rather, basically all the malls I listed above have their own food courts, where you can enjoy clean and safe versions of dishes you might otherwise only find on the street. You’re welcome! Of course, if you’re feeling more adventurous, you can always enjoy street eats in spots such as Convent Road in Silom, Soi Suan Phlu 8 in Sathorn and of course, Chatuchak Weekend Market (which, in spite of its name, is actually located closer to Kamphaeng Phet MRT station than to the Chatuchak Park one).

Make a point of taking day trips

The sheer number of day trips from Bangkok you can take is staggering, especially when you consider how much there is to do in the city. Obvious choices include the ancient city of Ayutthaya to Bangkok’s north and Pattaya , a coastal city (though not really a “beach” one) to the south and east. Other great places to visit on a day trip include various floating markets (the most famous of which is Damnoen Saduak in Samut Songkhram province) and Maekhlong Railway Market . Other destinations, such as the towering Buddha of Ang Thong , lush Kanchanaburi and Koh Samet island, are better seen on weekend trips.  

How Many Days Should You Spend in Bangkok?

For a long time, 3 days in Bangkok was my gold-standard answer for how long you should stay in Thailand’s capital. Now, having lived there (on more than one occasion), I can clearly see arguments why you might want to spend more or less time in Bangkok. On the low end, if you’ve only got a week or two in Thailand, it makes sense that two full days in Bangkok might be all the doctor ordered, at least to start with—you’ll likely need to come back here at the end of your trip.

Likewise, given all the things I’ve listed in this Bangkok travel guide (to say nothing of how delightful it is to discover Bangkok’s many neighborhoods), it makes sense that you would want to spend longer in Bangkok—and I’m not just talking about expanding your Bangkok 3-day itinerary into four or five. Staying in Bangkok for a week or longer is especially enjoying, because it allows you to feel as if you’re living there (even though—trust me on this one—living in Bangkok is definitely not for everyone).

Is Bangkok Underrated or Overrated?

This segues perfectly into the next question some of you are asking yourself, namely “is Bangkok worth visiting?” While, as I’ve just expressed, I don’t necessarily think living in Bangkok if for everyone, I do think every traveler to Thailand needs to visit Bangkok at least once. I’m biased in saying this: During my first trip to Thailand, more than a decade ago, I’d had no intentions of setting foot in the capital. It was only because my crappy point-and-shoot camera busted when I was on Koh Mak that I stopped in Bangkok at all. (I immediately fell in love, in case you couldn’t infer that.)

In general I would say that Bangkok is underrated, primarily because most people travel there either with wrong instructions or wrong intentions—usually both. For example, there is a certain subset of tourists that just wants to go wild, be it along foreigner-infested Khao San Road or on seedy Soi Cowboy, which is probably my least-favorite street of Sukhumvit Road. Even people who arrive in Bangkok wanting to have the best experience are often seriously misguided about where to go in Bangkok. You’re here, however, so that thankfully won’t include you.

Other FAQ About Travel in Bangkok

What can you do in bangkok for 3 days.

With three days in Bangkok, you can spend one day in the “old” cities of Rattanakosin and Thonburi, another exploring modern districts such as Siam, Silom, Sukhumvit and Sathorn and a third taking day trips, whether to ancient Ayutthaya, or the sprawling Chatuchak Weekend Market. Have a longer amount of time to spend? Thankfully, many of the things to do in Bangkok in three days can be spread out to four, five or longer.

Is Bangkok worth visiting?

Absolutely! Whether you prefer modern experiences like shopping malls and skybars, or visiting ancient temples like Wat Pho and the Grand Palace, Bangkok is one of the most dynamic cities in the world, and the indisputable hub of Southeast Asia. If you’re searching for what to do in Bangkok today, the possibilities are basically endless!

Is Bangkok safe for tourists right now?

Bangkok is safe in the sense that violent crime is relatively rare—petty theft is another story. As as certain other dangers, including traffic accidents, respiratory irritation from constant pollution and even occasional political demonstrations. With all this being said, Bangkok is much safer than most cities in the United States and Latin America.

The Bottom Line

Whether you’ve come here seeking a general Bangkok travel guide, to decide how many days to spend in Bangkok or wanting a complete itinerary for Thailand’s capital, I’m confident you’ve now found what you’ve needed. I’m biased—I lived here on several occasions after all—but I think Bangkok is one of the best cities in the world, and certainly among my favorites. Focus your energy on the city-center, divided between ancient Rattanakoskin or Thonburi and futuristic Silom, Siam and Sukhumvit, or take day trips to destinations like spiritual Ayutthaya and lush Kanchanaburi. Don’t want to leave your Thailand trip to chance? Commission a custom Thailand itinerary today!

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• Mar 14, 2023

Bangkok, Thailand: The Ultimate Travel Guide To The Capital Of Thailand

Updated: Mar 16, 2023

Bangkok is located in the center of Thailand. As a convenient and major transport hub, it’s usually the first place you’ll visit on your trip around the country. And while Bangkok is noisy, crowded, and overwhelming at times, it’s also exciting and fascinating. You can find an abundance of vibrant food markets, historic temples and palaces, and excellent nightlife. In this article, we highlight the most important things to know before going, where to stay, where to eat, the 10 best things to do in Bangkok for your first or second visit, and the best day trips from Bangkok.

Check out our video on Bangkok to see the best things to do through our camera!

Table Of Contents

Important things to know, where to stay in bangkok.

Where To Eat And Drink in Bangkok

Best Things To Do In Bangkok + map

Day trips from Bangkok

Tips to save money and other resources

Best time to travel to Bangkok

The best time to visit Bangkok is between November and March . In this period the weather will not be as warm and humid as normal while also not being too cold. Because the weather is best in this period this is also the busiest period! The rainy season in Bangkok usually starts around late June and continues to early October. During its peak in July and August, flash flooding is not uncommon as the rainwater channels through the streets looking for a place to escape.

Cost and currency

Bangkok is a bit more expensive than other places in Thailand but it's still very affordable compared to countries in Europe and North America. Food can vary from cheap (street food stalls) to expensive (Michelin-star restaurants or rooftop bars). Also, hotels are affordable as long as you don't go for extremely luxurious 5-star hotels.

How to get around Bangkok

If you want to save some money on transportation, we recommend taking the MRT metro or BTS Skytrain for longer distances in the city. The traffic in Bangkok is horrible, so it’s not only the cheapest but also the quickest way to move around, especially during rush hour! You can also download the “Grab” or the "Bolt" App to book a ride (it's a ride hailing App like Uber).

Safety in Bangkok

Bangkok is a fairly safe city . Just as in every other big city you have to watch out for scams and petty theft but as tourists these are the only things you need to watch out for. Also, some people will try to rip you off, including taxi drivers who refuse to turn on their meters . You can avoid this by asking the price before getting into the taxi or simply using Grab or Bolt so you know how much you're paying for a ride. Avoiding travel scams requires some common sense and a healthy dose of suspicion.

The best place to stay for your first time in Bangkok is in the Old Town (Khao San & Banglamphu area are close to most attractions) or Sukhumvit area (modern area that is well-connected with public transportation). These are our top picks:

Nappiness Hotel - SHA ExtraPlus : this is the hotel that we stayed at and would definitely recommend! It's located right in the heart of Banglamphu in the Old Town and had comfy beds and shower for an affordable price.

Nouvo City Hotel : modern boutique accommodation in Bangkok's Khaosan Area, a 10-minute walk from lively Banglamphu Market. It also has a rooftop pool with sun loungers.

Baan Noppawong: beautiful colonial house in the Old Town. The rooms are clean and very comfy.

Sacha's Hotel Uno SHA: Ideally located in Sukhumvit, this hotel is minutes away from Bangkok's business and financial districts, commercial district and transportation links.

Where To Eat And Drink

Food markets in bangkok.

Sukhumvit 38

Tha Pra Chan & Banglamphu

Petchaburi Soi 5

Bang Khun Non (near Taling Chan floating market)

Khao San Road

Restaurants in Bangkok

There are a lot of great restaurants in Bangkok and you're guaranteed to find a great place around almost every corner. That said, here are some of our favorite picks in the Old Town area, close to the city's attractions!

Thip Samai : well-known for its delicious pad Thai

Raan Jay Fai : famous Michelin-star street food spot, but you need to come early to put your name down. This is Bangkok’s first street food stall to be awarded a Michelin star in 2018!

Pat café : affordable and good quality food

Eagle Nest : good rooftop bar with beautiful view over the river

The Deck : good rooftop bar and restaurant but more expensive

1608 cafe and bistro : waterfront restaurant that seems to attract locals but a bit pricey (lots of food options)

Saiwatana : near Wat Pho temple and good local lunch

Best Things To Do In Bangkok

If you're traveling to Bangkok and want to save time searching for directions to all of the places we mention in this article, then look no further than our custom map. Simply click on a point in the map below to get directions there for yourself!

Let's now jump into the 10 best things to do in Bangkok!

10. Try the street food

One of the first things you should do in Bangkok is try the diverse street food. You’ll find food stalls all around the city center, offering local cuisine that is both affordable and delicious. A dish generally costs between $1 to $3 and ranges from small snacks like barbecued chicken and steamed dumplings, to the famous Pad Thai and tasty sweet mango sticky rice. Some of the most diverse street food can be found in Chinatown (also called Yaowarat) , Banglamphu , and around Khao San Road .

9. Admire the Grand Palace

The Grand Palace is Bangkok’s most impressive and popular tourist attraction . Established in 1782, this complex was the royal residence for generations and is still used for important ceremonies today. The royal compound is enormous, covering over 200,000 square meters or 2 million square feet. The highlight is undoubtedly the colorful “ Temple of the Emerald Buddha ” (Wat Phra Kaew) . Keep in mind that when visiting Buddhist temples, you should dress appropriately to respect the culture, which means shoulders and anything above the knees should be covered up.

8. See the reclining Buddha at Wat Pho

Located only a few blocks from the Grand Palace, Wat Pho is a beautiful Buddhist temple that can easily be combined with your palace visit. Known as one of Bangkok’s oldest temples, this place has a rich history and is home to an impressive Reclining Buddha , measuring 46 meters or 147 ft in length and 15 meters or 49 ft in height. We visited later in the day and were greeted with Chinese New Year celebrations and Buddhist ceremonies. Wat Pho is also home to one of the earliest massage schools. You can get one of the best massages here!

7. Visit a floating market

For a more entertaining market experience, you should head to one of the floating markets near Bangkok. Located on a series of canals, these vibrant markets sell fresh and delicious foods as well as handcrafted souvenirs. The most popular floating market is Damnoen Saduak , which is about a 1.5 hour drive from the city center of Bangkok. A visit here is usually combined with the Maeklong Railway Market , where trains pass by a few times per day. We enjoyed this tour as it was something we had never experienced before.

But if you want to stay closer to the city, you can also choose to visit floating markets closer to the downtown area, such as Taling Chan and Wat Sai floating market . They are easier to access by public transportation, but make sure to check opening hours before going.

6. Take a stroll in Lumpini park

For a true escape from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, take a stroll in Lumpini Park. This big green oasis offers several lawn areas, paved walking paths, trees, playgrounds, and an artificial lake where you can rent boats . Since the park is located in modern Bangkok, skyscrapers rise all around it. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon enjoying the fresh air and shade.

5. Get a view over Bangkok

Another great thing to do in modern-day Bangkok is to get an elevated view of the city. And when it comes to rooftop bars and restaurants, you have a lot of choices. We visited the Mahanakhon building , home to Bangkok’s highest observation deck , which provides spectacular views of the city and river. There is also a glass ceiling that you can stand on to look down on the buildings below as well as a bar and seating area . The best time to visit is in the early evening when the sun slowly sets over Bangkok. But be aware that this is also the busiest time! Alternatively, you can head to one of the many rooftop bars in the city, such as Sky Bar, View Rooftop Bar Bangkok, and Yào Rooftop Bar.

4. Explore lesser-known Buddhist Temples

With roots steeped in centuries-old history and Buddhist culture, you can find hundreds of temples in Bangkok. In addition to visiting the most popular ones, it’s also worth visiting less well-known temples. We visited the Golden Mount and Loha Prasat in the Banglamphu area in downtown Bangkok with a local guide. While embracing the local culture with its unique traditions and beliefs, we saw Bangkok from a different perspective and got a real insight into the history of Thailand. We highly recommend getting a local guide at least once during your visit.

3. Experience Khao San Road

You can’t leave Bangkok without visiting its infamous backpacker district. Khao San Road is a vibrant street, packed with hostels, food vendors, clothing stalls, bars, restaurants, and travelers from every corner of the globe. It’s colorful, loud, and exciting in its own way. If you’re feeling adventurous, try some of the fried insects, such as grubs or scorpions. After having a few Chang beers at the bars, the insects might become a little more enticing!

2. Shop at Chatuchak Weekend Market

Known as Thailand’s largest market, Chatuchak comes alive every weekend. On Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm , thousands of shops open their doors to sell food, clothing, souvenirs, and home goods . It’s a great place to mingle with locals and shop for souvenirs at a more affordable price than the tourist areas in Bangkok. You can easily get here by metro as the market is next to the MRT Station called Kamphaeng Phet station.

1. Watch the sunset over the Chao Phraya River & Wat Arun

Flowing through Bangkok, the Chao Phraya River is the city’s lifeblood. During the day, many locals use the ferries and boats to commute to work here, and during the early evening, the city lights up with beautiful colors. From one of the rooftop bars next to the river ( Eagle’s Nest or The Deck Restaurant at Arun Residence ), you can watch the sunset over Wat Arun . It’s a great way to end the day! And if you’re looking for some more excitement, it’s also possible to take a dinner cruise down the river.

Additional things to do in Bangkok

There are a few things to do in Bangkok we didn’t mention that are definitely worth doing if you have some extra time in Bangkok:

Visit Jim Thompson House

Get a Thai massage

Shop at Asiatique: the Riverfront

Watch a Muay Thai match

Visit the Bangkok National Museum

Street art of Talat Noi

While Bangkok will easily keep you busy for a few days, it’s also worth exploring some of the amazing places nearby.

Day trip to Ayutthaya

One of the best day trips goes to the country’s former capital Ayutthaya, located only 1.5 hours to the north of Bangkok . Here, you’ll find remarkable temple ruins that date from between the 14th and 18th centuries.

Day trip to Kanchanaburi & Erawan National Park

Another great day adventure is to the historic Kanchanaburi and breathtaking Erawan National Park, where you can find one of Thailand’s most beautiful waterfalls . The movie “Bridge Over the River Kwai” put this place on the map, but Kanchanaburi is in fact way more than that. We highly recommend staying a few days if you can! We have a full video about the best things to do in Kanchanaburi , so check it out if you’re considering going there!

Use These Websites To Save Money On Your Trip To Bangkok

Booking.com for places to stay

Skyscanner for cheap flights

GetYourGuide for local tours

Rentalcars.com for affordable car rentals

Free Giveaway

Did you enjoy our article on the best things to do in Bangkok? Download our free giveaway and spark your wanderlust with our top 100 travel destinations around the world!

Other Top Bangkok resources:

If you're looking for some other suggestions and tips on Bangkok, here are some great articles that will help you:

Visit Bangkok: Top 30 Things To Do And Must See Attractions by Voyage Tips

10 Best Things To Do Your First Time In Bangkok by Earth Trekkers

20 Things You Should Do in Bangkok by Home Is Where Your Bag Is

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The 17 best things to do in Bangkok, from street food feasts to monastery magic

Nov 26, 2023 • 14 min read

Bangkok is full of incredible experiences – here are our favorites © NeoPhoto / Getty Images

Bangkok is the Asian megacity incarnate. Its vast urban sprawl – home to 22% of the Thai population – is studded with gleaming golden wat (Buddhist monasteries), towering skyscrapers, teeming markets, multi-lane highways, and clusters of village-style houses that show just how far Bangkok has come over the last 50 years. Needless to say, there's a lot to see and do!

For travelers, Bangkok is a feast for the senses. The sense of taste is pushed to almost orgasmic levels by the lavish spices and complex flavors of Bangkok street food. The eyes are transported by the gleaming spires and rainbow mosaics of Bangkok's temples and monasteries, and the ears resonate with the roar of traffic, music and Buddhist chanting. Even the sense of smell gets a workout from the traffic fumes, incense , jasmine blossom and city pongs.

With so much to experience, you'll need to plan carefully to fit everything in. Whether you're here for the culture, the history, the food or the nightlife, here's our pick of the best things to do in Bangkok.

Feast on Bangkok's famous street food

Home to what could well be the world’s most vibrant street food culture, Bangkok offers travelers a mind-boggling variety of light bites and cheap meals, dished out on almost every street corner. From Thai-style fried noodles, dumplings in myriad flavors, platters of fiery curries and jasmine rice, meaty skewers sizzling on barbecues, fresh-cut tropical fruit or a vast array of deep-fried desserts, the choice of street food in Bangkok is endless.

Locals and visitors throng daily to the countless stalls and carts lining Bangkok’s roadsides, as sizzling woks perfume the city air with the scent of lemongrass, chili, kaffir lime leaves and galangal. In recent years, some of Bangkok’s boroughs have cracked down on informal food markets resulting in the closure of many stalls, but the collective street food movement still thrives and night markets start up across the city from around 5pm daily. Things are generally quieter on Mondays, though, when many stalls close for the day.

Browse thousands of stalls at Chatuchak Weekend Market

Possibly Asia’s biggest open-air marketplace, the vast Chatuchak Weekend Market – also known as JJ Market – is the ultimate shopping experience for those in the mood to burn some baht. Rows of pavilions, each housing hundreds of shops and stalls, are organized in neat sections beneath shady canopies, with each section dedicated to selling specific categories of merchandise. 

Garments, shoes, kitchen essentials, glassware, handicrafts, antiques, healthcare products, home decor, foodstuffs, gardening supplies, even live pets – pretty much everything can be found here. Needless to say, you'll want to schedule the better part of a day to immerse yourself in this hugely popular experience. ATMs and moneychangers are on hand to fuel impulsive purchases.

As its name suggests, Chatuchak opens for business only on Saturdays and Sundays. On other days, the market is fairly deserted, except for the nearby JJ Mall that operates through the week. The BTS Skytrain serves nearby Mo Chit station, from where it’s a 500m walk (about a third of a mile).

Marvel at the graceful majesty of Wat Pho

Alongside a veritable forest of mosaic-covered stupas and prayer halls, the 16th-century shrine of Wat Pho is home to a magnificent 46m (151ft) sculpture of the Reclining Buddha – gracefully adorned with gold leaf and mother-of-pearl inlays – that commands pride of place as one of Bangkok’s most iconic sights. The monastery is also the spiritual home of Thai massage; treatments are offered daily, and Wat Pho has its own massage school.

Unsurprisingly, Wat Pho is visited by hundreds of people every day who come to marvel at its jaw-dropping main Buddha image, or pay their respects at the many shrines that dot the peaceful grounds of this sprawling complex. It's worth lingering to spend some meditative moments in the silent corridors and prayer halls before returning to the ceaseless din of the city.

Given Wat Pho’s religious significance, visitors should dress modestly to gain entry into the temple complex. A 200B entry fee is applicable for adults, and this includes a complimentary bottle of water (a welcome bonus on a hot day).

Soak up the buzzing atmosphere of Chinatown

A photographer’s muse, a foodie’s dream, a shopper’s paradise and a cultural anthropologist’s fantasy – that's Bangkok's Chinatown . Packed into one of Bangkok’s oldest boroughs, the district is a riotous supernova of smoke-spewing food carts, gold-laden jewelry stores, atmospheric temples, vibrant food markets and quaint family homes. 

Walking down the area's main thoroughfare, Th Yaowarat, is a sensory overload. The nose tingles with aromas of burning incense, jasmine tea and burnt garlic oil, as the eyes feast on a colorful jamboree of flashy neon signage and rows of ornamental lanterns and streamers dangling above the streets. At any time of day or night, you'll find Chinatown bustling with a multitude of residents and visitors. 

During the Chinese New Year celebrations in late January or early February, a carnival spirit sweeps through the entire district, with lively dragon and lion dances and sumptuous food galas adding a festive touch to the proceedings. While Chinatown is a fabulous budget dining destination, it’s worth noting that most street food vendors here only operate in the evening (and remain shut on Mondays). At other times, you'll have to find a sit-down restaurant.

Admire the regal grandeur of Wat Phra Kaew & the Grand Palace

Spectacular and majestic, the royal complex made up of Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace was established by former Thai kings as the nerve center of a capital city that soon expanded far beyond its original boundaries on the island of Ko Ratanakosin to become the modern-day Bangkok. 

Consecrated in 1782, the sprawling complex – which formerly served as the official residence of the Thai monarchy – is home to a number of imposing palaces, reception halls, temples and courtyards, and is easily the city’s biggest tourist attraction. The best reason to come here, however, is to visit the adjacent Wat Phra Kaew temple, home to Thailand’s most sacred religious artifact, the Emerald Buddha – actually made from jade and dating back to the 12th or 13th century.

The walls of the corridors lining Wat Phra Kaew’s courtyard feature the famed Ramakian Murals, originally painted in the 18th century and featuring lavish scenes from the Ramakian (the Thai version of the Indian epic Ramayana). Recently restored, these murals represent some of the finest religious art to be seen anywhere in the country.

Take a sunset dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River

Ranging in mood from subtly romantic to humorously tacky, a dinner cruise on the swirling waters of the Chao Phraya River can be one of the most enduring memories you'll take home from a visit to Bangkok. 

Depending on your choice of vessel – options stretch from sophisticated teakwood boats with curated fine-dining facilities to hulking catamarans outfitted with flashy lights and loud onboard entertainment – you'll be treated to either an atmospheric candlelit dinner served up by a private chef or a raucous floating party with thumping music and a buffet to feed a few hundred guests. Either way, it’s worth an evening of your time, not least for the cool evening river breeze that blows away the discomfort of a hot Bangkok day.

These cruises are wildly popular with tourists, and boats – especially the top-end ones – tend to get booked out weeks in advance. It helps to reserve a table before you get to Bangkok to avoid disappointment. Most dinner cruises operate from the piers at the showy, antique-stuffed River City Mall , picking up passengers from around 7pm.

Book in for a pummeling Thai massage

Blending ancient healing techniques and natural products aimed at holistically reviving the mind and body, Thai massage is one of Bangkok’s top experiences. The city has an unshakeable reputation as the massage capital of the world, and a vigorous kneading, particularly after a long day of sightseeing, can be heavenly.

Ranging from inexpensive foot massages at street-side parlors to the full pampering wellness package at chic spas, Thai massage comes in many therapeutic flavors. Some massages incorporate aromatherapy oils or herb presses, while others simply focus on a mix of pressure and stretching moves to relax muscles and increase blood flow.

Several well-known spa chains across Bangkok – Health Land , Divana Massage & Spa and Asia Herb Foundation to name just a few – offer high-quality massages at reasonable prices. However, they can get crowded (especially on weekends), so advance reservations are a wise move.

Graze through myriad Thai flavors at a night market

Bangkok’s legendary night markets offer a delightful combination of guilt-free holiday shopping, socializing with friends, boozy drinks served in buckets, and feasts of waistline-expanding Thai food at outdoor food stalls. 

The legendary Talat Rot Fai Srinakharin night market in Northern Bangkok promises one of the city’s most satisfying after-dark experiences, while the fashionable Artbox on centrally located Th Sukhumvit draws young hipster crowds with arty creations, smooth jazz performances and an irreverently laid-back atmosphere. 

In contrast, the more disreputable Patpong Night Market is a curious mix of souvenir stalls, food carts, massage spas, pubs with live music, and go-go bars peddling various forms of  "adult" entertainment. It's popular, but won't appeal to everyone.

But you'll find night market food stalls springing up all over the city from around 5pm most nights, including along the backpacker hub of Th Khao San (Khao San Rd). The underground MRT is a convenient way to get to Talat Rot Fai Srinakharin, while the BTS Skytrain can drop you near both Artbox and Patpong Night Market.

Step into history at the Jim Thompson House

Jim Thompson, the American entrepreneur and silk mogul, used his traditional Thai-style home on the canal running between Banglamphu and Th Phetchaburi as a repository for age-old Thai treasures and art. When he vanished mysteriously in 1967, his teak-framed house was transformed into a captivating museum – and one that every visitor secretly wishes they lived in. 

Why? The rooms are adorned with his exquisite art collection and personal possessions, including rare Chinese porcelain and priceless Burmese, Cambodian and Thai artifacts, set in a garden that's a miniature jungle of tropical plants and lotus ponds. You can also buy lush Jim Thompson silks on site.

Feel the complex character of Banglamphu 

Easily Bangkok’s most charming neighborhood, Banglamphu is the city’s former aristocratic enclave. Once filled with the riverside mansions of diplomats, dignitaries and minor royalty, the old quarter is today dominated by backpackers seeking R&R on famous Th Khao San, civil servants shuffling between offices and lunch spots, and bohemian artists and students bringing new life to antique shophouses. 

Busy street food carts and classic Thai restaurants offer ample options for hungry travelers and the area also hosts some of the city’s best live music. By day and by night, the lanes of Banglamphu host eclectic street markets selling Thai souvenirs and trinkets, with bars that spill out into the street and pop-up cocktail stands that buzz until midnight, when the sale of alcohol is officially banned until the following day.

Throw yourself into a Bangkok shopping spree

Even those who vocally oppose consumerism may feel a moment of weakness in Bangkok. One minute they'll be touting the virtues of a life without material possessions, the next they'll be admiring the treasure troves of street merchandise and mapping out the route to the nearest night market to pack their bags with Thai silks, handicrafts and famous name fashions. 

In this shopping-obsessed city, malls daisy-chain into an almost continuous shopping precinct, and the pavements in between the malls serve as a spillover retail space for vendors without a postal address. As well as top international brands, Bangkok is a long-established destination for bespoke tailoring, and has its own emerging fashion scene.

Start the retail adventure in megamalls such as Siam Paragon , centralwOrld , MBK Center and Emquartier . Post-shopping, pause for a cocktail at a rooftop bar with a city view – Red Sky , atop the Centara Grand at centralwOrld, Moon Bar atop the Banyan Tree in Sathorn, and Brewski at the Radisson Blu Plaza near Th Sukhumvit are all top choices.  

Ride the Chao Phraya River

Bangkok's most important waterway, Mae Nam Chao Phraya – the Chao Phraya River – is always teeming with activity. Hulking freighter boats trail behind dedicated tugs, river-crossing ferries skip across the wake, and children practice cannonballs into the muddy water that laps against the side of boat jetties and stilt houses.

You can witness soothing river vistas from the shore (ideally from Ko Ratanakosin or Thonburi), but it's more fun to get out on the water on a chartered long-tail boat or cruise along the river on the Chao Phraya Express Boat . Regardless of your vantage point, as the blinding sun slips below the horizon, briefly silhouetting the gleaming spires of temples and palaces against streaks of red and gold, Bangkok suddenly looks beautiful and serene.

Learn to make green curry at a Thai cookery school

Don't let a happy tummy be the only souvenir of a culinary visit to Thailand. Instead, spice up your life – and your future dinner-party menus – by learning to create the kingdom’s zesty dishes at a Thai cookery school.

Cooking schools in Bangkok range from formal affairs for amateur chefs to home cooking for the recipe-phobic. Everyone always has a grand time – visiting a wet market, fumbling with ingredients, tasting the fruits of their labor and trotting home with new cooking techniques.

Dive into the vintage universe of Papaya

What began as a personal antique-collecting hobby for the reticent owner of  Papaya has snowballed over the years into a mind-boggling collection of vintage 19th- and 20th-century objects that occupy every inch of a warehouse-size exhibition space off Th Lat Phrao in northern Bangkok.

Art-deco furniture, 1960s beer signage, superhero statues, Piaggio scooters, typewriters, movie projectors, love seats, TV sets, VHS players, wall clocks, storefront mannequins, lampshades – the list goes on and on. Many objects are technically for sale, but the owner prices them astronomically just to keep his collection from depleting, so treat it more as a museum of recent history.

Walk the SkyWalk at King Power Mahanakhon

Offering an unparalleled 360° view of the Bangkok cityscape, this two-tiered observation deck is perched atop King Power Mahanakhon , currently Thailand’s tallest building. Stepping onto the dizzying SkyWalk – a glass-floored balcony dangling 78 floors and 310m (1017ft) above the earth – is a hair-raising experience, but you can soothe your nerves afterward with a stiff sundowner at the open-air bar one flight up on the skyscraper's pinnacle. An indoor 74th-floor observatory offers a less vertiginous experience, for a cheaper entry fee.

Cheer on the fighters at a Thai boxing match

Almost anything goes in the quintessentially Thai martial art of moo·ay tai (also spelled Muay Thai) – more commonly known outside Thailand as Thai boxing or kickboxing. If you don’t mind the full-contact physicality, a Thai-boxing match is well worth attending for the pure spectacle, the wild musical accompaniment, the ceremonial beginning of each match, and the frenzied betting.

The best of the best compete at Bangkok’s two boxing stadiums. Built on royal land at the end of WWII, the art-deco-style Rajadamnern Stadium is the city's original stadium, and it has a relatively formal atmosphere. The other main fighting stage, Lumpinee Boxing Stadium , has moved from its eponymous 'hood to a modern home north of Bangkok. Admission fees vary according to seating; we recommend sitting in the 2nd- or 3rd-class seats for maximum fan atmosphere.

Plunge into the backpacker mayhem on Th Khao San

Th Khao San, better known as Khao San Road, is genuinely unlike anywhere else on earth. It’s an international clearing house of independent travelers either entering the liberated state of traveling in Southeast Asia or pausing for one last party before returning to the comfortable normality of "real life" back home. Its uniqueness is probably best illustrated by a question: apart from airports, where else could you share every inch of space with the citizens of dozens of countries at the same time?

Strolling down this market-stall-crowded thoroughfare, you'll see everyone from first-time backpackers scoffing banana pancakes to 75-year-old grandparents sipping G&Ts, and everyone in between, including hippies, hipsters, nerds, glamazons, package tourists, global nomads, weekend trippers, gap-year explorers and other travelers of every color and creed.

Th Khao San is perhaps the most high-profile product of the age of independent travel, but the bedbug-infested guesthouses of old have been replaced by boutique hotels, and downmarket TV bars showing pirated movies have been transformed into hip design bars thronged by flashpackers in designer threads. No visit to Bangkok would be complete without a wander along this famed street.

This article was first published Jun 3, 2021 and updated Nov 26, 2023.

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• Destinations

Bangkok Travel Guide

The capital of Thailand, Bangkok has captivated visitors for centuries with a vibrant street life, elaborate royal palaces, and iconic Buddhist temples. There’s a healthy variety of sights to see in Bangkok, making it a unique destination suitable for every type of traveler on any type of budget. —Adam Groffman

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• 1 Understand
• 2.1.1 Skytrain
• 2.1.2 Metro
• 2.1.3 Airport Rail Link
• 2.2 By boat
• 3.2 Museums
• 3.3 Neighborhoods
• 4.1 Massage and spas
• 6.1 Markets
• 6.2 Malls and department stores
• 6.3 Tailors
• 6.4 Book stores
• 7.2.1 Fusion
• 7.2.3 Asian
• 7.2.4 Indian and Middle Eastern
• 7.2.5 European
• 7.2.6 American and Tex-Mex
• 7.3 Splurge
• 8.1 Go-go and beer bars
• 8.2 Bars and pubs
• 8.3 Wine bars
• 8.4 Superhip
• 9.2 Mid-range
• 9.3 Splurge

<a href=\"https://tools.wmflabs.org/wikivoyage/w/poi2gpx.php?print=gpx&amp;lang=en&amp;name=Bangkok/Sukhumvit\" title=\"Download GPX file for this article\" data-parsoid=\"{}\"><img alt=\"Download GPX file for this article\" resource=\"./File:GPX_Document_rev3-20x20.png\" src=\"//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f7/GPX_Document_rev3-20x20.png\" decoding=\"async\" data-file-width=\"20\" data-file-height=\"20\" data-file-type=\"bitmap\" height=\"20\" width=\"20\" class=\"mw-file-element\" data-parsoid='{\"a\":{\"resource\":\"./File:GPX_Document_rev3-20x20.png\",\"height\":\"20\",\"width\":\"20\"},\"sa\":{\"resource\":\"File:GPX Document rev3-20x20.png\"}}'/></a></span>"}'/> Sukhumvit (Thai: สุขุมวิท) is a high-end area in Bangkok with fancy condominiums, hotels, restaurants, bars and clubs. It has attracted affluent Thais and expats from all over the world. Following the road south east, the area changes its character and becomes a residential neighbourhood similar to other suburban areas in Bangkok.

Sukhumvit Road is not only one of the longest roads in Thailand, but one of the longest roads in the world. Towards the west end it changes name to Phloen Chit Road and Rama I Road as it enters the Siam Square area, but to the east it runs most of the way to the Cambodian border. The sois are numbered from west to east, with odd numbers north and even numbers south of Sukhumvit Road. The sois on the north and south sides of Sukhumvit don't line up; for example, Soi 33 is opposite Soi 24. Confusing is that these sois also have names of their own (for example, Soi 55 is better known as Soi Thong Lo) and these sois can also have sois of their own (such as Thong Lo Soi 1).

Looking at the high-rise apartment buildings, the Skytrain and the perennial traffic jam on Sukhumvit Road, it is hard to believe that this area used to consist of rice fields until World War II. After the war, this area became developed with large contemporary villas catering to the upper class. As property values kept rising, developers have been buying more and more land and cashed them in by constructing big apartment high-rises. The construction of the BTS Skytrain in 1999, covering most of Sukhumvit Road, has increased the popularity of this district even more.

The lower-numbered sois (roughly between Soi 1 and 63) are a popular residential area for western expatriates and affluent Thais. It is densely packed with shopping centres, restaurants and hotels. The fleshpots of Nana Entertainment Plaza (in Soi 4) and Soi Cowboy (between Soi 21 and 23) are also in this area, as are plenty of more (and less) salubrious bars. Also, the pavement of Sukhumvit itself has become a huge market carrying everything from luggage to fake Rolex watches, and after midnight they turn into roadside bars and pubs. Sukhumvit offers the best dining in Bangkok, from five-star dining to street stands, the variety of choices and tastes are almost overwhelming. Japanese nationals can be found in the area Soi 21 and upwards, but most tend to congregate around Soi 55. Indians have settled around Soi 12, while Arabs are grouped at Soi 3/1, which informally is known as Soi Arab . After Soi 63, Thais take over again, though this might change when the Skytrain extension is completed in late 2011.

South of Sukhumvit's sois lies Khlong Toei , known to foreigners for Thai Port FC and for the Khlong Toei Market . Khlong Toei is a borough, a market and a port, all named after the canal that flows through the area. It means "canal of pandan" as that plant used to grow along the southern bank of the canal. A large part of it was filled up to make way for Rama IV Road in 1947. South (and under) the Chaloem Maha Nakhon Expressway are the infamous Khlong Toei slums, generally unexplored by even the most adventurous travellers. At the banks of the Chao Phraya river is the Khlong Toei Port , which has a history dating back to the ninth century, when it connected Bangkok with the cities upstream the river. Since 1981, it has lost most of its economic relevance when the larger Laem Chabang Port near Pattaya took over business.

By public transit

The BTS Sukhumvit Line runs, as the name suggests, over Sukhumvit Road from west to east. Sukhumvit can directly be reached by Skytrain from Siam Square or Phahonyothin . The journey from Mo Chit takes about 25 minutes to reach Asok station, while from Siam station takes about 10 minutes. If you're coming from Silom , you'll need to take the Silom Line north and change onto the Sukhumvit Line at Siam station. It takes about 20 minutes for a ride from Saphan Taksin station to reach Asok station, including the transfer at Siam. Trains leave every 5–10 minutes for a fare of about 15-40 baht.

The most important BTS stations are (from west to east) Nana, Asok, Phrom Phong, Thong Lo, Ekkamai, Phra Khanong, On Nut, Udom Suk, Bang Na and Bearing. Each station serves the neighbourhood of the same name. Asok is the most convenient station as it is in the centre of Sukhumvit and has a direct transfer with Bangkok's MRT metro system. In the following years, the Sukhumvit Line will be extended southwards to Samut Prakan and eastwards to Suvarnabhumi Airport's proposed second terminal. Samrong, the first station in Samut Prakan, opened in April 2017.

If you're coming from Silom or Ratchadaphisek , you can directly reach Sukhumvit by Bangkok's MRT metro system. The most convenient station is Sukhumvit , which is right in the middle of the district and you can transfer onto the BTS Sukhumvit Line. The other stations in the district are Khlong Toei and QSNCC. The metro ride from Silom takes about 10 minutes, while the ride from Ratchadaphisek takes about 15 minutes. Trains leave every 5–10 minutes for a fare of about 15-40 baht.

Airport Rail Link

The Airport Rail Link provides a direct connection between Suvarnabhumi Airport and Phaya Thai station, a ride that takes 26 minutes. At Phaya Thai, you have to switch onto the BTS Skytrain. As the systems are not integrated, you will have to buy a new ticket. Take a train in the direction of Bearing and get out at the station of your choice — Nana and Asok are the most widely used stations.

The Saen Saep Express Boat service is a rough, but entertaining way of getting in and around Sukhumvit. The Saen Saeb canal forms the northern boundary of Sukhumvit's sois and is a cheap alternative means of escaping the traffic jams if you're coming from Khao San Road , the eastern side of Rattanakosin or Ramkhamhaeng .

There are two lines: The Golden Mount Line runs from Panfa Leelard near the Golden Mount in Rattanakosin east to Pratunam near Ratchaprasong intersection. The NIDA Line runs from Pratunam all the way northeast along Ramkhamhaeng Road to Wat Sriboonreung . A single trip from Panfa Leelard to Nana Nua takes about 35 minutes and costs 13 baht. You must switch boats at Pratunam. Other stops along Sukhumvit's northern sois (from west to east) are Nana Chard , Asoke-Petchaburi , Prasanmit , Italthai , Wat Mai Chonglom , Baan Don Mosque , Soi Thonglor , Charn Issara and Vijit School .

If you're coming from the Grand Palace area in Rattanakosin, there are two ways to get into Sukhumvit. The fastest way is to take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Sathorn pier in Silom . From there, continue your way north using the BTS Skytrain Silom Line. You'll need to switch trains at Siam BTS station and continue your way east onto the Sukhumvit Line. The whole journey from Rattanakosin takes about 40 minutes. Alternatively walk for about 30 minutes, or a 5 minute taxi journey, to Panfa Leelard pier and continue your journey using the Saen Saep Express Boat.

This first tip on bus travel is one to remember: do not do it! Sukhumvit Road is probably the most congested road of Bangkok and traffic jams exist the whole day until late in the evening. Also, it is difficult to find out which bus goes where or where to get out. Better take the Skytrain, metro or express boat, even if it costs a little more.

If you insist, there are many bus routes through the Sukhumvit area. The most important one is ordinary and air-conditioned bus 25 , which starts far southeast of Sukhumvit Road. From there, it goes all the way northwest along Sukhumvit Road and then rides over Ratchadamri Road and Rama IV Road to Silom . It then continues its way to Hualamphong Train Station, through either Charoen Krung Road or Yaowarat Road (depending on direction) and finally on to Tha Chang in Rattanakosin (for the Grand Palace).

From Suvarnabhumi Airport, you can take bus AE3 for 150 baht to Sukhumvit. It runs up the Bang Na-Trat Expressway and along Sukhumvit all the way up to Siam Square . It then loops back around to Nana and then back out to the airport. Another option is bus 552 , which heads on to On Nut, where you can continue your way with the Skytrain. There are many stops and depending on traffic the ride can take from 1 to 2 hours.

• 13.724359 100.578987 3 Green Lantern Cafe and Sex Museum , 1045 Sukhumvit (cafe) ( Close to Thong Lo BTS. Take Exit 3, head in the direction of Soi Thong Lo (Soi 55) ). A coffee shop with a Museum of Sex, devoted to the history of eroticism and the sex industry in Thailand. The proprietor's father, a wealthy property developer, has a larger sex museum, Kamavijitra, on Sukhumvit Soi 38. ( updated Apr 2019 )
• 13.718361 100.577775 4 Kamavijitra: The Art of Lovemaking ( Museum of Thai Eroticism ), 25/14 Soi Sukhumvit 38 , ☏ +66 80 994 6683 . M-F, 10:00-18:00 . According to its website: "Massive collections of Siam erotic art that will blow your eyes." Make reservation one day in advance. The founder's son has a more modest exhibition at his Green Lantern Cafe on Soi 55. 500 baht . ( updated Apr 2019 )
• Kamthieng House Museum ( พิพิธภัณฑ์เรือนคำเที่ยง ), 131 Sukhumvit Soi 21 (Asok Rd) ( BTS Asok or MRT Sukhumvit ), ☏ +66 2 661-6470 . Tu-Sa 09:00-17:00 . Ban Kamthieng is a 19th-century ancient Thai stilted teak house where you definitely wouldn't expect it: right in the middle of Bangkok's high-rises. It was transported from Chiang Mai in pieces and assembled in Bangkok in 1964 to function as the headquarters of the Siam Society, an organisation that has the goal of preserving the cultural heritage of Thailand. Beside the house itself, on display are traditional tools, arts and crafts used by Lanna farmers and fishermen from northern Thailand in olden times, as well as a large selection of Thai flora in its yard. There is a heavy focus on the cultural heritage of northern Thailand, as that's where the house and most of the tools on display came from. The only downside of the museum is that it's quite small, so don't expect to spend here longer than 30 minutes (or even 15 minutes if you're quick). 100 baht .  
• National Science Centre for Education ( ศูนย์วิทยาศาสตร์เพื่อการศึกษาแห่งชาติ ), 928 Sukhumvit Rd ( BTS Ekkamai ), ☏ +66 2 391-0544 . Tu-Su 08:30-16:30 . This is an exhibition centre about the variety of scientific knowledge. Among the attractions are a planetarium, an aquarium as well as a permanent exhibition on sports science, communication technology and natural environments. One-hour shows at the planetarium start at 11:00 and at 14:30 with additional shows on Saturdays and Sundays at 10:00 and 13:30. 20-40 baht .  
• Thailand Creative and Design Center , 6F, Emporium, 622 Sukhumvit Rd ( BTS Phrom Phong ), ☏ +66 2 664-8448 . Tu-Su 10:30-21:00 . There couldn't have been a better place for this design gallery, at the Emporium, the most fashionable shopping mall of Bangkok. The TCDC, as abbreviation-loving Bangkokians call it, seeks to show and promote Thailand's design innovations. There is a permanent exhibition addressing the question, "What is design, and how it is influenced by factors like society, history, politics, economics, geography and religion?" There is also a temporary exhibition that often changes. If you want to enter the resource centre and the library, you can get a free one-day pass. You can only do this once and you must carry your passport with you. Spend the day reading amazing design books, or just using the Internet. If you want to visit the resource centre and library again later, you'll need to pay for a subscription. Free .  

Neighborhoods

• 13.7425 100.553556 5 Soi Arab ( Middle East Street ), Sukhumvit Soi 3/1 ( Walk West from Nana BTS, and turn North onto Sukhumvit Soi 5 ). See the mingling of Arab and Thai cultures in this dense Arab neighborhood by Nana station. The area is flush with tourists from across the Arab world. It's interestingly filled with shops for two things: agarwood, an expensive wood burned as incense in the Middle East, and Arab sandals. ( updated Nov 2018 )

Massage and spas

Focus on yourself and get pampered at one of the many massage establishments around Sukhumvit. If you want a more upmarket experience, you could head for a spa. Some of the better ones include:

• Bliss Massage & Spa ( บลิส มาสซาจแอนด์ สปา ), Sukhumvit Soi 33 ( BTS Phrom Phong ), ☏ +66 2 258-5018 . 10:00-00:00 daily . Offers traditional Thai massage, head and foot massage along with a "fish spa" — wherein you immerse your feet in a tank of water and little fish nibble away at the dead skin.  
• Center Point Boutique Spa ( เซ็นเตอร์พอยท์ มาสสาจ บูติก แอนด์ สปา ), 2/16 Sukhumvit Soi 24 ( BTS Phrom Phong exit 2 ), ☏ +66 2 663-6696 . 10:00-01:00 daily, last booking 23:30 . Offers excellent traditional massage in a soothing environment. 400-1,900 baht .  
• Happy Feet , Sukhumvit Soi 7 ( BTS Nana, behind The Park Hotel ), ☏ +66 2 650-3517 . 10:00-23:00 daily . This massage parlour offers excellent traditional Thai massage, oil massage, aromatherapy, foot massage and nail care. 300 baht/hr .  
• Hatthai Massage , Sukhumvit Rd ( near exit 1 of BTS Thong Lo, close to the 7-eleven ). A traditional two hour Thai massage is given upstairs, where patrons are separated by curtains, which are often opened up so masseuses can chit chat. A 90 minute reflexology foot massage is done at ground level, opposite a large television; try not to doze off. It is popular with Japanese businessmen staying at the nearby Grand Tower Inn. Beware when searching for it, as there are now two places across the street with exactly the same name. 350-400 baht/hr .  
• 13.7408 100.5608 1 Health Land Asoke , 55/5 Sukhumvit 21 Rd ( MRT Sukhumvit exit 1, BTS Asok exit 3 ), ☏ +66 2 2261-1110 . 09:00-23:00 daily . Part of the reputable Health Land spa chain. Offers foot reflexology, traditional Thai, therapeutic and aromatherapy body massage. 350-950 baht .  
• Leyana Day Spa and Garden , Soi To Sak, 33 Thong Lo Soi 13 ( BTS Thong Lo, walk into Soi Thong Lo, take a left into Thong Lo Soi 13, then a right into Soi To Sak ), ☏ +66 2 874-4461 . M-F 11:00-22:00, Sa-Su 10:00-22:00 . This spa is specialised in half-day packages designed for couples. Getting there is quite a hike, but you can get a free transfer from the BTS station if you request this beforehand. 5,500 baht/3 hr .  
• Praiphana , Sukhumvit Soi 55 ( BTS Thong Lo, across Thong Lo Soi 8 ), ☏ +66 2 392-6518 . 10:00-23:00 daily . Another massage parlour, this one offers a traditional Thai massage, oil massage and aromatherapy, manicures and pedicures. For 15 baht, you can get a 15 minute neck and shoulder massage. 300 baht/hr .  
• 13.739677 100.570342 2 Kopi-O Board Game Cafe , 160 Sukhumvit Thanon 33 ( BTS Phrom Phong ), ☏ +66 86 519-3425 . M 12:00–18:00; Tu–Su 12:00–22:00 . A mix of expats and locals play together at this chill hangout with a wide variety of board games, as well as snacks, coffee, tea, and juice. 50 baht/hr . ( updated Feb 2020 )
• 13.71093 100.603555 3 Pink Chili Thai Cooking Class , 250/10 Sukhumvit Soi 77, Onnut Soi 2/1 ( BTS Onnut ), ☏ +66958208659 , [email protected] . 09:00-18:00 . Thai Cooking class in the heart of Bangkok. Fun place to learn how to cook Thai food. 1000 baht . ( updated Oct 2020 )

If you are one of the more sporty types who like to keep active on your vacation, the national sport of Muay Thai or Thai Boxing is a great way to stay in shape. Other learning activities include cooking and meditating .

• 13.7325 100.571 1 Chacrit Muay Thai School ( โรงเรียนชาคริตมวยไทย ), 15/2 Sukhumvit Soi 39 ( BTS Phrom Phong exit 3 ), ☏ +66 8 9499-2052 . M-Sa 08:00-12:00+14:00-19:00, Su 08:00-12:00+13:00-17:00 . Accredited Muay Thai school teaching Muay Thai to novices and professionals. Academic visas can be arranged for long term foreign students. 400-800 baht/hour .  
• 13.7302 100.5683 2 Cooking with Poo and Friends , Khlong Toei slum ( Pick up in front of Emporium Suites, 622 Sukhumvit Road, near BTS Phrom Phong ), ☏ +66 80 434-8686 , [email protected] . M-Sa 08:15 . A Thai cooking school operating in the middle of Khlong Toei slum. Each day has one class which includes shopping for ingredient at Khlong Toei wet market for the daily changing menu. Transfers included. Payment when booking. 1,500 baht .  
• World Fellowship of Buddhists , 2F, 616 Benchasiri Park, Soi Methi Niwet ( BTS Phrom Phong, off Soi Sukhumvit 24 ), ☏ +66 2 661-1284(-90) . First Sunday of the month 14:00-17:30 . Offers meditation classes in English every afternoon on the first Sunday of every month. The office also provides information on places to learn and practice meditation in Thailand. Classes and information are free of charge. Free .  

As Sukhumvit is one of Bangkok's main thoroughfares, the long road is lined with shops, boutiques and modern shopping plazas ranging from Soi 3 (Soi Nana Nuea) up to Soi 63 (Soi Ekkamai). Most shops and restaurants are concentrated between Soi 3 and Soi 21 (Asok Rd) and along shortcuts between Asok and Ekkamai.

The pavement of Sukhumvit Rd was for years cramped with endless roadside stalls offering many of the same items as the Patpong Night Market, such as souvenirs, accessories, knock-off clothes, pornographic DVDs, pirated films and other junk with prices somewhat better than in Patpong. However, in 2016 city officials started enforcing old regulations prohibiting street vending and only few vendors renting space at shopfronts remain. Haggling is generally expected, but it'll only save you a few more baht. This change has made the sidewalk much easier to use even with a stroller. However, Thailand is infamous for bouts of enforcement which do not last so it remains to be seen if the stalls return making the section from Soi 3 to Soi 15 tough going, again.

• Khlong Toei Market , Rama IV Rd ( MRT Queen Sirikit National Convention Center ). 24 hours . Huge and surprisingly central, this market is definitely off the tourist trail. The stalls sell goods for Thais, at Thai prices. It is basically a food market with meat, seafood and farm products on sale, accompanied by the usual second hand clothes stalls. It is always open, but best experienced in the early hours of the evening.  

Malls and department stores

There are plenty of malls and department stores throughout Sukhumvit Road. The best ones are Emporium and Terminal 21 , but you might as well hop on the Skytrain to Siam Square . At Thong Lo , all things are cool , be it clothing, gadgets or interior design. It could be called the "Siam Square of Sukhumvit" with its hip fashion boutiques, trendy designer stores and overall swanky appearance.

• 13.7306 100.5691 1 Emporium , 622 Sukhumvit Rd ( BTS Phrom Phong exit 2 ), ☏ +66 2 269-1000 . 10:00-22:00 daily . This upmarket mall, with selections of everything in design, including watches, cosmetics and clothes, is the top competitor to Ratchaprasong's Gaysorn Plaza. The lower floors are dedicated to brands like Louis Vuitton and Rolex, but (unlike Gaysorn) it has more affordably priced goods on the upper levels. Kinokunyia book store has a large selection of English language books, including travel-related ones. The top floor is home to one of the nicest cinemas in the city after Siam Paragon (and somewhat less pricey than that one) and the Thailand Creative and Design Center. Emporium also has a popular food court and a good selection of restaurants on the fifth floor. A very upscale happening (and crowd), this place challenges the idea of food courts as being simple places to have a snack after shopping. Park Food Hall serves an extensive three-course meal with wine in a dimly-lit atmosphere. You can also go to the regular food court, which is comparatively small and hidden behind the other restaurants, but cheap and often packed. At peak hours it's difficult to get a seat if you're alone. The prices have been increasing over the past years though.  
• 13.7311 100.5693 2 EmQuartier , 637 Sukhumvit Rd ( BTS Phrom Phong exit 1 ), ☏ +66 2 269-1000 . 10:00-22:00 daily . After opening in 2015 EmQuartier remains the newest upmarket mall in Bangkok after the plans for EmSphere have been shelved. The mall uses unusual architectural features to differentiate itself: there is a 40 m waterfall, an indoor tropical garden, the SkyCliff view point on the 45th floor, and a hanging garden enclosed in a spiral walkway that connects 9 floors of restaurants topped with a Japanese one with a rooftop terrace. Otherwise the mall has the usual stuff: restaurants, shops with hundreds of foreign and Thai brands and an IMAX cinema.  
• 13.7191 100.5854 3 Gateway Ekamai , Sukhumvit Soi 42 ( BTS Ekamai exit 4 ), ☏ +66 2 108-2888 . 10:00-22:00 daily . This mall is the southernmost one on Sukhumvit Rd before the border with Samut Prakan. It titles itself as a Japanese lifestyle mall and houses some peculiar businesses like a weird maid cafe with a concept imported from Japan and Snow Town theme park where you can play with snow and even get downhill skiing lessons.  
• 13.7344 100.5821 4 J Avenue , 323/1 Thong Lo Soi 15 ( BTS Thong Lo ). 07:00-00:00 daily . Opened in 2004, this four-story upscale "lifestyle mall" that is typical for the swanky Thong Lo neighbourhood. It is an open-air mall with giant rain trees inside. Its modern architecture and hip designer shops are catering to Thong Lo's Japanese crowd (that's what the J stands for).  
• 13.7205 100.5687 5 K-Village , 93-95 Sukhumvit Soi 26 ( BTS Phrom Phong, then taxi ), ☏ +66 2 258-9919 . 10:00-22:00 daily . The so-called "lifestyle malls" are popular in Bangkok. K-Village has been around since 2009. Touted as a "neighbourhood lifestyle mall", apparently this should be a small village where you can meet and know people. In practice, it's just another upscale mall with supermarkets, restaurants, cafés, spas and (of course) a lot of fashion stores.  
• 13.7425 100.5525 6 Nana Square , 49 Sukhumvit Rd ( BTS Nana ), ☏ +66 2 253-0192 . 10:30-22:30 daily . Quite a generic shopping mall, but at a convenient location. It has everything you would expect from a typical Bangkokian mall, including a food court, Starbucks, Watsons and dry cleaner.  
• 13.7424 100.5515 7 Ploenchit Center , 2 Sukhumvit Rd ( BTS Phloen Chit ), ☏ +66 2 656-8600 . Although the name might suggest otherwise, this shopping centre is not on Phloen Chit Road, but can be found at the western edge of Sukhumvit Road. The ground floor has the typical chain stores (Starbucks, McDonald's, Boots), as well as lower-priced clothing outlets, jewellery shops and a supermarket. Most tourists don't make it out this far, so most of the visitors are local office workers from surrounding buildings. The sixth floor is one of the cheaper food courts in the area with a good selection of Thai dishes. It uses with a coupon system.  
• 13.738 100.5594 8 Robinson , 259 Sukhumvit Rd ( BTS Asok or MRT Sukhumvit ), ☏ +66 2 651-1533 . 10:00-22:00 daily . Robinson is the well-known department store that is spread all over Bangkok. Its food court, while still decent, is a bit more expensive than the others, and you may need to order twice to get full. It's in the basement floor of the building.  
• 13.73806 100.56043 9 Terminal 21 , 288 Sukhumvit Soi 19 ( BTS Asok ), ☏ +66 2 108-0888 . 10:00-22:00 daily . The curvilinear glass-and-steel façade resembles a 21st-century airport. The basement level has a Caribbean theme and is where you will find the gourmet market, take-away food outlets, market-style food vendors as well as banks and bookstores. The ground floor is named Rome, with international and local fashion labels such as Kipling, Fox, CC:OO, Nike, Jaspal, Adidas and Levi's. Paris on M floor takes you to a faux Champs-Élysées. The 1st to 3rd floors are home to smaller shops by local independent labels. Women's fashion is on the 1st floor (Tokyo) and men's fashion is on the 2nd floor (London). The 3rd floor (Istanbul) is for gifts, jewellery, fashion accessories, toys, beauty products and home décor. San Francisco is on the 4th and 5th floors, with more than 50 restaurants and cafés. If you like food courts, head up to Pier 21 on the 5th floor. This is perhaps one of the best food courts in Bangkok for price, taste and variety: dim sum, grilled seafood (fast food style), Hainanese chicken rice, delicious pad thai, roast duck noodles and vegetarian options. Desserts include mango sticky rice, shaved ice dessert and ice creams. SF Cinema City operates an eight screen cineplex on the 6th floor. Two screens have digital 3D capabilities.  

If you know where to go, Sukhumvit offers some of the best bespoke tailoring in Bangkok. Never go to custom tailor shops that get your suits and shirts ready in 24 hours or less. If you want good quality, go to a reliable tailor which will ask for two to five sittings. The entire process will take about a week. For more information on bespoke tailoring, see the Buy section of the main Bangkok article.

• Crown Tailor , 13 Sukhumvit Soi 8 ( BTS Nana, just inside Soi 8 ), ☏ +66 2 2535541 . M-Sa 10:00-20:00 . Highly regarded as one of the best places to get a suit on Sukhumvit Rd. It is definitely worth the visit for good quality material at affordable prices.  
• Jhasper Fashion , 155/32 Sukhumvit Soi 11 ( BTS Nana exit 3, walk 50 m into Soi 11 ), ☏ +66 2 6512522 . M-Sa 10:00-20:30 . Good tailoring store for men's and women's suits, trousers, shirts and dresses.  
• New Landmark Boutique , 102 Sukhumvit Rd ( BTS Nana, at the corner with Soi 4 ), ☏ +66 2 6568190 . M-Sa 11:00-22:30, Su 14:30-20:00 . A favourite among European flight crews. The owner visits Europe about once a year for orders. Very good advice, high quality and fair prices. Across Sukhumvit there is another "Landmark Tailor" not affiliated with this one.  
• Rajawongse Clothier , 130 Sukhumvit Rd ( BTS Nana, near the Landmark Hotel ), ☏ +66 2 2553714 , fax : +66 2 253-8390 , [email protected] . M-Sa 10:30-20:00 . To quote Denis Gray, from The Associated Press: "A stop at Rajawongse Clothier has over the years become a must for visiting statesmen, ambassadors and generals, along with some of the world's top spies and secret service agents."   The changing room walls are filled with business cards of customers over the years: American embassy employees from across Asia are common. The back wall also has photos of Jesse, the owner, with George H. Bush who stopped by.
• Savile Row Tailor , 625 Sukhumvit Soi 22 , ☏ +66 22354427 . M-Sa, 09:00-21:00 . Savile Row fabrics range from cottons and linens, to cashmere and merino wool. They can also can use kid mohair for suits, and Egyptian cottons and Oxford for shirts. Overcoats can be sewn from Italian cashmere.  
• Fashion Galleria Bangkok , Suite 108, River City Shopping Complex Yotha Road, Next To Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel Bangkok 10100 Thailand ( Talad Noi ), ☏ +66816250606 . Fashion Galleria offers true bespoke tailoring experience at competitive pricing in Bangkok. 350$ . ( updated Mar 2017 )
• Tailor On Ten , 93 Sukhumvit Soi 8 ( BTS Nana exit 4, walk down to the end of Soi 8, on the left ), ☏ +66 8 01439447 . M-Sa 10:00-19:00 . Good quality tailor, owned and managed by a Canadian who produces beautiful suits and shirts. Their prices are competitive and they carry a wide range of fabrics.  
• Women's Tailor Bangkok , Times Square Building, Unit 11-01, 11th Floor, 246 Sukhumvit Rd ( BTS Asok exit 5, walk into the Times Square Building and take the elevator up to the 11th floor. It's an office unit inside unit 11-01. ), ☏ +66 8 23212693 , [email protected] . M-Sa 08:30-19:30 . Good custom tailor for women's clothing. Transparent prices and many fabrics to choose from.  

Book stores

Sukhumvit has a number of specialty stores frequented by tourists.

• 13.7384 100.5587 10 Asia Books , 221 Sukhumvit Rd ( between Soi 15 and 17, towards Nana from Robinson Department Store ), ☏ +66 2 651-0428(-9) . M-F 09:00-20:00, Sa-Su 08:00-20:00 . Every nook and cranny is packed with books in this Sukhumvit branch of Bangkok's oldest English-language bookstore. It remains a good source of maps and books on Thailand and Southeast Asia although the original shop has grown to a chain that seems to have an outlet in every big shopping mall in addition to online sales.  
• 13.728817 100.5696 11 Dasa Book Cafe , 714/4 Sukhumvit Rd ( Between Soi Ari and Soi 28 ). Daily, 10:00-20:00 . Great collection of used English, French, German, Scandinavian, and Finnish books, 15,000 in all. General fiction and guidebooks can be found on the ground floor; mystery, children’s, history, politics and non-fiction are on the first floor; horror, true crime, sports, philosophy, psychology, nature, and language books are found on the third floor. Prices range from 50 to 3,000 baht, although most books are priced around 200 baht. Used books are usually priced at half the price of new books. Owners are Kaweewut Wuttiwibhu and Donald Gilliland. 30-5000   baht . ( updated Nov 2017 )
• Sun Books , 593/5 Sukhumvit Rd ( BTS Phrom Phong exit 5, between Soi 33 and 35 ), ☏ +66 81-751-2659 . 09:30-07:30 daily . If you don't have time to go to Khao San Rd, Elite Book House is a worthy alternative for buying second-hand English-language books. They have a small selection of English fiction books but mostly store Japanese books. 100.56828 . ( updated Apr 2017 )

Sombat Permpoon Gallery , 12 Sukhumvit Soi 1 ( BTS Phloen Chit ), ☏ +66 2 2546040 . 09:00-20:00 daily . Sells both paintings and sculptures by established artists and those of the new generation. There are more than 10,000 artworks by Thai artists on sale.  

There is a huge selection of places to eat in and around Sukhumvit and its side sois, although prices tend to be on the high side by Thai standards. With practically every cuisine in the world represented, this is the place to break your pad thai diet and sample some of the best Japanese, Lebanese or Indian food you will ever eat.

While not as much an institution as in Siam Square , the food courts in any mall or department store are a good option if you're trying to survive Sukhumvit on budget and want air-conditioning. Just like in Siam Square, food courts come in many varieties, from basic snack places to more upscale dining. The Emporium Mall, Ploenchit Center and Robinson all have decent food courts (see Buy ). Most food courts use some variation of a coupon system; unused coupons are always refunded.

There are some cheapie sois with excellent street food if you know where to go:

• Soi 38 Night Market , Sukhumvit Soi 38 ( BTS Thong Lo exit 4 ). 20:00-03:00 daily . Soi 38 gives you some of the better street food in Bangkok. Not a restaurant in itself, just sit at a table and order whatever you like from the numerous foodstalls (they'll figure out the bill for you). You can find the most delicious mango and sticky rice (ข้าวเหนียวมะม่วง khao niow ma muang ) in town. Also try the herbal fish ball noodles. 30-60 baht .  
• Talat Na Sukhumvit Soi 1 ( ตลาดนัทสุขุมวิท ซอย1 ), Sukhumvit Rd ( BTS Phloen Chit ). Between Soi 1 and Soi 3 is a set of street food stalls with the best one furthest from the street. It is called Oowan Im (literally 'fatty is full'), but is sign-posted in English with just the word "Seafood" on an otherwise Thai sign. Seafood is their specialty — good things to order include the "crispy fish in chili sauce", tom yum soup and any of their Thai salads (such as mixed seafood salad). The Chinese-style fried vegetables are also delicious.  
• 13.728242 100.570496 1 Roong Roeng ( ร้าน รุ่งเรืองก๋วยเตี๋ยวหมู ), 10/3 Sukhumvit Soi 26 ( BTS Phrom Phong ). No frills place selling tom yum pork noodles or Sen Lek Hang Tom Yum in Thai. Popular among the local office workers. Does not see many Western tourists, though staff can communicate in basic English. 50 baht .  

Budget restaurants are generally hard to find, but the following are favorites among Bangkok's large expat population:

• Ramen Ichiban , 3/7-9 Sukhumvit Soi 24 ( BTS Phrom Phong ), ☏ +66 2 258-6314 . An authentically Japanese greasy-spoon noodle joint specializing in ramen soup. For less than 100 baht, the large bowl is a good value. 80-150 baht .  

Thai food with a modern twist has become particularly popular the last years. Fusion restaurants are centred around the H1 complex on Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Soi Thong Lo).

• Be your Guest' Café , 24 Sukhumvit Soi 53 ( BTS Thong Lo exit 1 ), ☏ +66 8 1637-9047 . 11:00-18:00 daily . Delicious diverse cooking experience with dishes from all around the world. Soup, salad, sandwich, mains, as well as a selection of typical French, Thai and fusion food are served. The café also provides a large choice of food for take away and delivery. The Villa is also a three-bedroom guest house in a relaxing tropical garden with private pool. 300 baht .  
• Greyhound Café , 2F, Emporium, 622 Sukhumvit Rd ( BTS Phrom Phong ), ☏ +66 2 255-6964 . 10:00-22:00 daily . An extremely modern restaurant of concrete and brushed steel, offering a fusionesque menu of food ranging from authentic Thai to Italian pasta to Elvis burgers. Mains are around 300 baht, although the lunch sets are cheaper. 300 baht .  
• Thyme Bistro & Martini Bar , 1F, Kingston Suites Bldg, 39/3-7 Sukhumvit Soi 15 ( BTS Asok ), ☏ +66 2 120-8288 . 06:30-23:00 daily . A restaurant located in Kingston Suites Bangkok, its dishes could be described as "fusion", as it offers local, international and some popular Mediterranean dishes. The asparagus rolls are recommended, as are the Martinis. 300-400 baht .  
• 13.736243 100.557723 2 Cabbages and Condoms , Sukhumvit Soi 12, Khlong Toei ( BTS Asok ), ☏ +66 2 229-4610 . 11:00-22:00 daily . Run by Thailand's Population and Community Development Association, the odd name refers to the fact that the NGO promotes agricultural production as well as condom use; and no prizes for guessing what you'll get after dinner instead of an after-dinner mint. The food is competent but toned down for the foreign palate. A bit expensive for what you get but it's for an excellent cause. 300 baht .  
• Kinnaree , 43 Sukhumvit Soi 8 ( BTS Nana ), ☏ +66 2 256-0328 . 11:30-15:00, 18:00-00:00 daily . Very nice Thai ambience and decoration, great in the evening. Lounge bar and private rooms upstairs. The different sets of lunch menus are reasonably priced. The food is excellent and includes dishes hard to find elsewhere. Some dishes could be more spicy by Thai standards though. 200-400 baht .  
• Ruen Mallika , 189 Sukhumvit Soi 22 ( BTS Phrom Phong, a far hike into Soi 22, take a right at the 7-11 and after about 300 metres it is on your right ), ☏ +66 2 663-3211 . 11:00-23:00 daily . A very good restaurant in an "antique" Thai house with a leafy outdoor section. The menu is a huge picture book which should help in ordering. The staff are very friendly and wear traditional Thai outfits to complete the ambience. 450-650 baht .  

Finding your way around the mindblowing variety in Sukhumvit might feel a bit daunting at first. One way to approach the area is to visit its ethnic food neighbourhoods. Little Japan is located near Sukhumvit Soi 33 and across the street at Sukhumvit Soi 24, with Phrom Phong BTS station straddling the two. There is also a smaller concentration of Japanese restaurants along Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Soi Thong Lo), notably the Nihonmura ("Japan Village") in Thong Lo Soi 13.

• Akiyoshi , 2F, Taksin Square Bldg, 1521/1 Sukhumvit Rd ( BTS Phra Khanong ), ☏ +66 2 714-0791 . M-F 11:00-14:00, 17:30-22:00, Sa-Su 11:00-22:00 . The two must-tries here are the Japanese-style sukiyaki and the shabu shabu. The employees will light up a burning pan on your table and you can just throw in the ingredients yourself. The food is really delicious, and they will serve until you're full. The ambience is best-suited for a group of people. But better make a reservation if you're coming after 18:00, as it's often packed. 400-500 baht .  
• Grande Teppanyaki and Grande Ramen , 25/17-19 Sukhumvit Soi 55 ( BTS Thong Lo ), ☏ +66 2 714-1020 . Two small Japanese restaurants facing each other, popular with Thais and Japanese. Sub-100 baht lunch menus are particularly good value. 130 baht, subs 80 baht .  
• Le Dalat , 47/1 Sukhumvit Soi 23 ( BTS Asok or MRT Sukhumvit ), ☏ +66 2 258-4192 . 11:00-14:30, 18:00-22:00 daily . Two Vietnamese restaurants, two locations about a block apart and across the street from each other. When it's a nice day outside, take a seat in the beautiful tropical garden which is wonderful. The traditional interior You can get lunch for about 250 baht, which is a good value. Service can be rough, be especially wary for the overcharge at the end. 450 baht .  
• Nihonmura ( นิฮมมูระ ), 87 Soi Thong Lo 13 ( BTS Thong Lo ). Nihonmura, commonly known as Japan Village, is a dining complex with about a dozen quality Japanese restaurants. 350 baht .  
• Nobu , 414 Sukhumvit Soi 55 ( BTS Thong Lo, between Thong Lo Soi 12 and 14 ), ☏ +66 2 392-5297 . 11:00-14:00, 18:00-00:00 daily . This is a nice local restaurant. They are very good for lunch with a large selection of Bento (boxed lunch) specials. Getting dinner here is a lot more expensive than lunch. It is focused on fresh seafood and dishes from the Osaka region of Japan. It's always crowded with Japanese expats that live in the area. 300 baht .  
• Tenderloins , 9 Sukhumvit Soi 33 ( BTS Phrom Phong ), ☏ +66 2 258-4529 . 10:00-01:00 daily . This Australian barbecue restaurant calls itself a "contemporary upmarket sports bar and steak house", and even they have to admit that it is a weird combination. They serve up a good grill, although a bit on the pricey side. Their 250-baht lunch sets might be a better idea. Reserving a table is recommended, especially at weekends. 250-500 baht .  
• Xuan Mai , 351/3 Sukhumvit Soi 55 ( BTS Thong Lo, across the street from Mercedes-Benz Thong Lo ), ☏ +66 2 185-2619 . Tu-Th 11:00-14:00, 17:00-22:00, F-Su 11:00-14:00, 17:00-00:00 . Excellent and varied Vietnamese menu, served by the owner, a charming lady who was a former Vietnamese beauty queen and FBI operative before moving to Bangkok to open a restaurant. It has an open kitchen, so you can see the cooking in action. 250-450 baht .  
• Vientiane Kitchen , 8 Soi Napha Sap Yaek 1, Sukhumvit Soi 36 ( BTS Thong Lo, at the corner of Soi 36 and Soi Napha Sap Yaek 1 ), ☏ +66 2 258-6171 . 12:00-00:00 daily . This relaxed-looking Lao restaurant serves very good Lao food. It has a nice ambience featuring a band playing music from Laos. 150-300 baht .  

Indian and Middle Eastern

Soi 3 and Soi 3/1, a short walk from Nana BTS station, are known as Soi Arab for the heavy concentration of Middle Eastern businesses in the area; in some spots you will see more signs in Arabic than in Thai! Thanks to a demanding clientele and heavy competition, the food here is some of the best this side of Lebanon.

• Akbar , 1/4 Sukhumvit Soi 3 ( BTS Nana ), ☏ +66 2 255-6935 . 09:00-00:00 daily . Being two decades old, this mid-sized Indian, Pakistani and Middle Eastern restaurant is one of the most established restaurants in Bangkok. It serves good quality food at reasonable prices. Its location next to Soi Arab is ideal as you can compare with other restaurants in the area. Try the Akbari Chicken. 150-200 baht .  
• Al Hussain , 75/8 Sukhumvit Soi 3/1 ( BTS Nana ), ☏ +66 2 252 0240 . 12:00-23:00 daily . Indian and Middle Eastern specialties. Pokhara fritters and other good things.  
• Beirut Restaurant , B1, Ploenchit Center, 2 Sukhumvit Rd ( BTS Nana ), ☏ +66 2 656-7377 . In an unlikely location, next to a supermarket in an otherwise nearly desolate shopping mall, Beirut gets negative points for ambience but serves up very good Middle Eastern fare. The basic shawarma in a pita is a nice simple snack. Don't confuse this one with the Lebanese restaurant on the ground floor (Café de Beyrouth), which is much more expensive. 90-220 baht .  
• Indian Host , 30 Soi Sukhumvit 22 ( BTS Phrom Phong, next to Grande Mercure Hotel ), ☏ +66 2 260-1115 . 11:30-23:30 daily . This restaurant has contemporary North Indian cuisine and Indo-Chinese fusion dishes. Its food is authentic and much like you'd taste in India. The tender lamb Raan is their signature dish. 200-400 baht .  
• Khana Khazana , 153 Sukhumvit Soi 11/1 ( BTS Nana ), ☏ +66 2 255-2289 . 11:00-00:00 daily . Pure Indian vegetarian restaurant with North Indian, South Indian and Gujarati food. 200-500 baht .  
• Masala Art , Unit-L 205, 2F, Thonglor Eight Building, 88 Thong Lo Soi 8 ( BTS Thong Lo ), ☏ +66 2 713-8357 . 11:00-15:00, 18:00-23:00 daily . This is a luxury North Indian restaurant with its own philosophy. Masala is the Indian word for spice, and the "art of spices" means that there should be a natural balance of spices to get healthy, herbal and delicious food. This restaurant offers a fixed lunch and dinner special. It boasts a great decor, as well as authentic (and spicy) Indian food. Prices can be steep though, especially if you opt for a three-course meal. 220-450 baht .  
• Mrs Balbir's , 155/1-2 Sukhumvit Soi 11/1 ( BTS Nana, next to Business Inn Hotel ), ☏ +66 2 651-0498 . Tu-Su 11:30-23:00 . The curries are some of the best in all of Bangkok, and a good value compared to other Indian restaurants along Sukhumvit. It has fewer than ten tables, but that just gives it a cosy and personal feeling. Try the chicken tikka, it's delicious. 250-400 baht .  
• Shahrazad , 6/8 Sukhumvit Soi 3/1 ( BTS Nana ), ☏ +66 2 251-3666 . 10:00-02:00 daily . Great Middle Eastern, Malaysian and Indian food. Its dishes are well-served by hijab-clad Thai waitresses with many Arab expats hanging out here. It's been open since 1983 and one of Soi Arab's oldest and most respected restaurants. Its decor is very basic, but the food is amazing. 150-350 baht .  
• 13.742818 100.557662 3 SriGanesha , 19 Sukhumvit Soi 13 ( BTS Nana ), ☏ +66 86 820-5875 . 10:00-22:00 daily . Authentic Southern Indian dosas, idlis, etc., tucked into a narrow stall on the ground-level plaza of the Sukhumvit Suite building. 100-350 baht .  
• 13.74044 100.55311 4 Heidelberg Restaurant and Bar ( ร้านอาหาร ไฮเดลเบิร์ก ), 21-21/1 Sukhumvit Soi 4 ( BTS Nana, down Soi 4, then on the left across from 7-Eleven ), ☏ +66 2 252-3584 . 24 hours daily . A Swiss-German restaurant. Pricey but food is good and ample. Drink elsewhere, except if you want a drink at 04:00. The Thai offerings can be had much cheaper, but some of the European offerings are difficult to find elsewhere. Free Wi-Fi. Also has a few nicely appointed rooms from 1,850 baht. Breakfast 120-180 baht, dinner 170-400 baht .  
• Limoncello ( พิซเซอเรีย ไลมอนเซลโล ), 17 Sukhumvit Soi 11 ( BTS Nana ), ☏ +66 2 651-0707 . 12:00-14:00, 18:00-00:00 daily . A bright, airy pizzeria; the best Italian-style pizza in Bangkok, very thin and crispy with a great range of toppings. Amazing desserts too (try the profiteroles!). Avoid the house wine, though. As is usual in Thailand, wine is very pricey, and at 1,300 baht it is not worth it. 250-450 baht .  
• Stable Lodge , 39 Sukhumvit Soi 8 ( BTS Nana ), ☏ +66 2 653-0017 . Daily, 07:00-00:00 . Unlike other places, this restaurant (and hotel) focuses on traditional Danish and Scandinavian food, though some Thai and international cuisine is available. There's a Scandinavian all-you-can-eat lunch buffet with open sandwich selection on Saturdays and Sundays between 12:00 and 15:00. Every evening from 18:00 is an all-you-can-eat international barbecue buffet. Aside from these discount offerings, a la carte is overpriced and not worth it. The hotel is a well-known meeting spot among Scandinavians with a nice family atmosphere. It costs about 1,800 baht for a clean and quiet room with swimming pool. 300 baht .  
• 13.73685 100.560967 5 Pala Pizza Romana , Asok BTS/Terminal 21 ( Under the northside stairs leading from Asok BTS to the MTR ). 08:00-23:00 . Busy casual Italian diner hiding under Asok BTS with pizza by the slice, pastas, and many others. Great for good-value Italian and the crowds passing by. THB75 for a pizza slice . ( updated Aug 2017 )
• 13.737717 100.567575 6 Peppina , 27/1 Sukhumvit Soi 33 ( BTS Asok or BTS Phrom Phong ), ☏ +66 2 119-7677 . Sa Su 11:30-23:00, M T W Tu F 11:30-15:00/17:00-23:00 . Neapolitan pizzas, local seafood, and imported cured meats and cheeses served in a hip atmosphere. Beer, wine, and cocktails too. 300-600 baht .  

American and Tex-Mex

• 13.722415 100.584452 7 Bourbon St , 9/39-40 Soi Tana Arcade, Sukhumvit Soi 63 ( BTS Ekkamai ), ☏ +66 2 381-6801 . 07:00-01:00 daily . This place serves some surprisingly authentic Cajun food. Premium prices are charged for dinner but the two or three-course lunches at 230-290 baht are a good value. On Tuesday evenings they have a Mexican buffet starting at 18:00 which is somewhat cheaper than regular prices. The original location at Washington Square off Sukhumvit Soi 22 has closed. 230-690 baht .  
• Charley Browns Mexicana , 19/9-10 Soi Sukhumvit 19, Sukhumvit Rd , ☏ +66 2 044 2553 . M 17:00-00:00, Tu-Su 11:30-00:00 . Certainly the oldest Mexican restaurant in Bangkok and probably one of the best. They have special offers on most days, including half priced margaritas and sangrias on Tuesdays and Cheap Charley Brown's night on Sundays (they match the cheap prices at Cheap Charlies who is closed that night). A tip are the 150-baht lunch sets, which is a steal. Free WiFi. 400-500 baht .  
• Ronny's New York Pizza , Sukhumvit Soi 4 ( BTS Nana ), ☏ +66 2 255-2626 . 13:00-02:00 daily . Self-proclaimed as the first New York-style pizza place in Bangkok. It's open till late, so that's good, but generally the place is not special. The staff are pleasant, but the quality of the pizzas leave much to be desired. Serve only full pies until 17:00, then slices also. Bring your laptop for free Wi-Fi. 300-450 baht .  
• Mexicano , 1F, Rembrandt Hotel, 19 Sukhumvit Soi 18 ( BTS Asok or MRT Sukhumvit ), ☏ +66 2 261-7100 . 17:00-01:00 daily . One of Bangkok's few Mexican restaurants. It is on the expensive side, but every day of the week (except Mondays) there is a live Latin American band playing. 300-500 baht .  
• Sunrise Tacos ( ซันไรซ์ทาโก้ แม็กซิกัน กริลล์ ), 236/3-4 Sukhumvit Rd ( BTS Asok ), ☏ +66 2 229-4851 . 24 hours . Mexican grill with traditional favorites like nachos, tacos, burritos, enchiladas, fajitas and satisfying salads. The meals are fresh and they have 24 hours delivery available. It is a popular expat place. They have another branch in Emporium. 100-250 baht .  
• Baan Khanitha , 36/1 Sukhumvit Soi 23 ( BTS Asok ), ☏ +66 2 258-4181 . 11:00-14:00, 18:00-23:00 daily . Well-known if mildly touristy restaurant in an old Thai house, the primary concession to Western tastes being the lack of chili. It is on the expensive side with most mains (especially seafood), but the food is generally excellent and the presentation spot-on. Best known for their pomelo salad (ยำส้มโอ yam som-o ) and red curry with duck (แกงแดงเป็ด kaeng daeng pet ). 1,000-1,500 baht .  
• Basil , 1F, Sheraton Grande Hotel, 250 Sukhumvit Rd ( BTS Asok ), ☏ +66 2 649-8366 . 18:30-22:30 daily . Exceptional traditional Thai food with a twist in this trendy and sophisticated restaurant. It is definitely expensive, but the food is very good and there's a romantic ambience. Try the massaman curry, a delicious dish from southern Thailand. Bring your wallet though. 1,000 baht .  
• Indus , 71 Sukhumvit Soi 26 ( BTS Phrom Phong ), ☏ +66 2 258-4900 . 11:30-14:30, 18:00-23:00 daily . The food is mainly authentic north Indian with a wide range of spicy Indian tastes. An impressive list of vegetarian dishes is also available, as well as wines from around the world. Its impressive sandstone walls and wood carvings make a great interior. Or go outside, experiencing an amazing world of your own, not even noticing it is right here in downtown Bangkok. It is recommended to make a reservation by phone. 1,000 baht .  
• 13.736775 100.571431 8 L'Opera , 53/1 Sukhumvit Soi 39 ( BTS Phrom Phong, walk into Soi 39 and continue until the second red light, the restaurant is on the corner on your left ), ☏ +66 2 258-5606 . 11:30-14:00, 18:00-22:30 daily . Established 1984, this is the oldest genuine Italian restaurant in Bangkok, and most likely also in Thailand. Though long established as the Italian place to eat amongst the Thai stars, politicians and local business elite, the atmosphere is relaxed and caters to tourists and middle class as well. The food prepared by the Italian chef is top class and they stock a wine selection to match. It is expensive by any means, 1,500 baht is a normal price for a bottle of wine. 1,500-3,000 baht .  
• La Buca , 220/4 Sukhumvit Soi 1 ( BTS Phloen Chit exit 5 ), ☏ +66 2 253-3190 . 11:30-14:00, 18:00-22:30 daily . This little Italian restaurant is possibly one of the most authentic in Bangkok. The Italian owner changes the menu weekly, and a good selection of wine is available. Romantic, but on the expensive side, even without wine. 500-800 baht .  
• Maru , 95/5-6 Thong Lo Soi 3 ( BTS Thong Lo ), ☏ +66 2 712-5001 . 17:00-00:00 daily . A highly praised Japanese restaurant. Prices are extremely high although between 17:00-19:00, they offer reasonably priced dinner sets for around 500 baht. 500-3,000 baht .  
• 13.731244 100.569233 9 LukKaiThong Royal Cooking @ The EmQuartier District , Room No. 6A04-05, 6th Floor, The EmQuartier Department Store, No. 693, Sukhumvit Road ( BTS Phrom Phong ), ☏ +66 2 003-6301 , +66 2 003-6302 , fax : +66 2 003-6205 , [email protected] . 10:00-22:00 daily . An upmarket restaurant that serves Thai-Chinese cuisine. Popular dishes include the river prawns, stewed pork belly and Thai tea shaved ice. 200-800 baht .  
• 13.72247 100.58205 10 The Gardens of Dinsor Palace , Soi Chumbala, Sukhumvit Rd ( BTS Ekkamai, exit 1 ), ☏ +66 2-714-2112 . 08:00-23:00 daily . Set in the grounds of a former royal mansion in Ekkamai, this restaurant is surprisingly affordable for its luxurious setting. There is a large variety of dishes, their sophisticated French mains are particularly worth it. While not very well known among individual visitors, it does attract tour groups, which could negatively affect the otherwise splendid atmosphere. 500 baht . ( updated Jul 2018 )

The Sukhumvit area contains more watering holes than can easily be counted, and touts are not as big of a problem here as in Patpong. However, the scene is oriented towards Western ex-pats and wealthy high-society Thais, for more of a local ambience (and local prices) head a bit north to Ratchadaphisek instead.

Go-go and beer bars

Soi Cowboy (off Asok Road) and Nana Entertainment Plaza (Soi 4) are packed full of go-go bars much like those in Patpong . Soi 33 is packed with hostess bars, which are more upscale than the Soi Cowboy and Nana Plaza bars and do not feature go-go dancing. Since the establishments are jammed side by side on the streets (or along the interior courtyard, in Nana Plaza), it's easy to go go-go bar hopping: they all come in different sizes, music, lighting and dancer physiques. You'll probably find one to fit your preferences.

While the places all operate with more or less the same concept, the following have been around for a while and are unlikely to rip you off:

• Angel Witch , 2F, Nana Entertainment Plaza, Sukhumvit Soi 4 ( BTS Nana ). 19:00-02:00 daily . A single stage, with choreographed shows most evening at 22:00 until 00:00. Not as heavily packed outside of showtimes, nor the best place for a single man on the hunt, but an excellent "gentler" introduction for couples and those merely curious to see the sights. Beer 150 baht .  
• Beer Garden Soi 7 , 15 Sukhumvit Soi 7 ( BTS Nana, about 100 m up the soi on the left ), ☏ +66 2 255-7858 . 10:00-02:00 daily . Not a go-go bar, but basically a pick-up joint where men easily get numerous young and not so young ladies for a night, particularly at weekends. It is popular as there is no "barfine" here. It can also be a nice place to relax with moderate Western music, if you tell the ladies to go away. They serve German and other beers, including wheat beer (Franziskaner). You can eat European food at the tables or just have a drink at the bar.  
• Long Gun ( Lucky Star ), Soi Cowboy ( BTS Asok ). 19:00-02:00 daily . Not the largest or flashiest bar — indeed, it has seen better days — but is reputed to be the oldest bar in the Soi and by extension the oldest go-go bar outside of Patpong. It's got a somewhat less frenetic atmosphere than some of the bigger bars, and may be worth a visit as well as a piece of (possibly apocryphal) history. Beer 120 baht .  
• Rainbow 4 , 2F, Nana Entertainment Plaza, Sukhumvit Soi 4 ( BTS Nana ). 19:00-02:00 daily . Squeezes two stages into a small space, and is always packed with girls and punters. Beer 160 baht .  
• Suzie Wong , Soi Cowboy ( BTS Asok ). 19:00-02:00 daily . Small and unprepossessing at first sight, the only hint of a Chinese theme are the cheongsams of the waitresses, but this go go and its sister operation Sheba's across the street are famed for putting on some of the best shows in Bangkok. Beer 130 baht .  

Bars and pubs

Looking for a place to watch your favorite sport on the big screen? Sukhumvit from Soi 2 to 33 offers plenty of choices. The stereotypic bars here are British pubs with rugby on, selling lots of beer and pub grub (be it grill menus or other simple snacks). The workers are young Thai hostesses in tight outfits who serve Western ex-pats that generally are older than 40.

• Bradman's Sports Bistro , 4/6 Sukhumvit Soi 23 ( BTS Asok or MRT Sukhumvit ), ☏ +66 8 6807-1384 . 10:00-02:00 daily . An Australian bar and bistro with many TVs everywhere for watching different kind of sports. There are several sound rooms, so customers can watch different sports at different parts of the bar. The owner is actively involved in the business, and sometimes asks his customers which sport should be on.  
• Bully's ( บลูลี่ส์์ ผับ ), 8 Sukhumvit Rd ( BTS Nana, next to the JW Marriot Hotel ), ☏ +66 99 616 0008 . 14:00-00:00 daily . A typical Sukhumvit-style bar with drinks, food, pool table and football screens. Beer is averagely priced and always cold, but a bottle of water is expensive at 80 baht. Excellent pub-style food.  
• Gulliver's Traveler's Tavern , 6/1 Sukhumvit Soi 5 ( BTS Nana ), ☏ +66 2 655-5340(-42) . 12:00-01:00 daily . A large, western sports bar with English-speaking staff serving Western and Thai food and drinks. There are large flat screen TVs all around, so a variety of sports are shown simultaneously (baseball, football, rugby, golf, etc). Plenty of pool tables are in the rear, with female Thai players ready beat you. Unusually for Thailand, children are not admitted, making this place no good for families.  
• Old German Beerhouse , 10, 23 Soi Sukhumvit 13 ( BTS Nana ), ☏ +66 2 168 7898 . 08:00-01:00 daily . The only place that looks like a German Brauhaus. The beers served are Warsteiner and Erdinger, but they also have the Frankfurter Apfelwein (a sort of German cider). Along with the beer go their simple Thai or European dishes for 120-200 baht. Free WiFi is also available.  
• The Robin Hood , P.B Building, 597-597/1-3 Sukhumvit Soi 33/1 ( BTS Phrom Phong, across the Emporium ), ☏ +66 2 662 3390 . 09:00-00:00 daily . English pub with pub grub and daily happy hour specials. Australian and British sports on large flat screen TVs. Popular with ex-pats.  
• The Sport Corner , 394/2 Sukhumvit Soi 20 ( BTS Phrom Phong, at the corner of Soi 20 just behind the 7-11 ), ☏ +66 2 077 9757 . 14:00-01:00 daily . The Sport Corner offers numerous big flat-screen TVs, both indoors and outdoors, showing sports from around the world. Friendly, hassle-free hostesses, along with affordable drinks, Thai and Western food, make it a fun place to cheer your favourite team on.  

With a growing interest in foreign as well as local wines, there is a growing number of wine bars in Bangkok and many of these are in the Sukhumvit area. Most of these are trendy establishments with selections of exclusive French, Italian, Spanish and other international wines.

Soi 11 and 23 have some of the trendiest clubs in town. These venues are all about seeing and being seen, popular among the well-to-do Thai and expat crowd. Soi 55 (Thong Lo) and Soi 63 (Ekkamai) also have their fair share of places to spend the night, but these are somewhat more modest and have more in common with traditional bars.

Fairly strictly applied dress codes apply to the following listings, so no flip-flops, shorts or sleeveless shirts. Always bring your passport as club owners must (and will) check it upon entry.

• Glow , 96/4-5 Sukhumvit Soi 23 ( BTS Asok, then enter Soi 23, pass Soi Cowboy on the left, then take the first turn to the right ), ☏ +66 2 261-4446 . 22:00-03:00 daily . Glow is Bangkok's top spot for underground house music. The crowd is usually less posey and more fun than at the other 'top' clubs. This place is popular with international visitors looking for a funky "European-style" clubbing night. Thursday nights are dubbed "No Problem Disco", while on weekends their parties have different themes on rotation.  
• Long Table , 25F, Column Bldg, 48 Sukhumvit Soi 16 ( BTS Asok or MRT Sukhumvit ), ☏ +66 2 302-2557 . 17:00-02:00 daily . A swanky superhip bar and restaurant, one of the "see and be seen" venues of Bangkok. Its interior design is very impressive. Located on the 25th floor, it has an excellent view of Bangkok's skyline. If you're coming for dinner, all visitors dine at one long table that is touted as the longest dining table in the world. The food could best be described as fusion, an interesting mix of Thai and international cuisine. Dinner 1,500-2,000 baht .  
• Narz ( นาร์ท ), 112 Sukhumvit Soi 23 ( BTS Asok or MRT Sukhumvit ), ☏ +66 2 258-4805 . 19:00-late daily . Catering mostly to moneyed Thais, this funky dance club is most reminiscent of the clubs in Ibiza. There is a whole lot going on with on-stage-performances, shiny disco balls and light shows. It is one of Bangkok's top clubbing spots, and a place to see and be seen, especially if you're into trance or house music. It is renowned DJ Paul Oakenfold's venue of choice. Narz is also known for staying open far later than most other places that close at 02:00. 500 baht .  
• 13.723251 100.580378 1 Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar , 2 Sukhumvit Road Soi 57 ( BTS Thong Lo ), ☏ +66-2-7970000 . 17:00-02:00 . While far off from the city center, the 360 degrees views on the top floor remain nothing short of spectacular. Three floors with beautiful lighting and a wide selection of beers and cocktails. This all comes with a price though. ( updated Jul 2018 )

Property values in Sukhumvit are among the highest in Bangkok, and accommodation is priced to match. There are plenty of four and five-star hotels that cater to those with a lot of money (including business travellers). Guest houses à la Khao San Road are hard to find, and will set you back at least twice as much.

Another market is the sex industry. Some hotels nearby Nana Entertainment Plaza and Soi Cowboy offer "short time" stays. This short term option is cheaper, but can only be used for a couple of hours. It is meant for sex tourists and locals who want to spend a couple of hours with their "date". These hotels generally are quite cheap, but they can feel seedy and are not recommended for overnight stays.

Many other hotels explicitly hang up signs banning sex tourists; many of these don't allow you to bring in any Thai lady (which can lead to an awkward situation if you just want to bring a friend or your Thai girlfriend), while others will allow them only if they are present with an ID card at the time of initial registration.

• Pridi Hostel , 71 Pridi Soi 35 ( BTS Phra Khanong ), ☏ +66 8 9103-1388 . Pridi Hostel is a family-run establishment in a renovated building in central Sukhumvit. It is clean, has bathroom and shower facilities, and serves a nice breakfast of fruit and toast. There is a small convenience store with snacks and smoothies on the ground floor, and a lounge area with cable TV, internet terminals and a sofa. There are private rooms and dorms available. Nalin, a Thai woman who speaks English, runs the day-to-day business and happily advises where to go. 500 baht per person .  
• Royal Express Inn Bangkok , 4/3, Soi Sukhumvit 8, Sukhumvit Rd ( a few minutes’ walk from Nana BTS Skytrain Station. ), ☏ +66 2 251-5615 . An inn with 19 cheerful, modern, & cozy rooms, with all rooms featuring a comfy king size-bed, wall-mounted flat screen TV, en suite bathroom & Wi-Fi. From 990 baht .  
• Soi 1 Guesthouse , 220/7 Sukhumvit Soi 1 ( BTS Phloen Chit ), ☏ +66 2 655-0604 . This is one of the best backpacker hostels in the Sukhumvit area. There are 4-bed and 8-bed mixed and female-only dorm rooms, as well as 3- or 4-bed private rooms with shared baths. All rooms have air-conditioning. The dorms have a very social atmosphere, so this is not just a place to sleep, but to meet and hang out with other travelers (and the owner, an American called David who has lived in Bangkok for 15 years). Don't expect to sleep: people will turn on the light and ask you to come along with them to party. If that's not for you, then you're best off at another hotel. There is a 24-hour reception, common room, bar with food served, pool table, Internet (1 baht/minute). The Wi-Fi, lockers and long-term storage are free of charge. The owner arranges, on request, pub crawls and enjoys taking groups of guys out to Soi Cowboy. His advice is sage. Read his 4-page treatise on how to spot a ladyboy, which is pinned in the bar toilet. A downside is the price of the beer, which is three times the price paid at the 7-Eleven 10 m away, and bringing outside drinks in is forbidden. 400 baht per person .  
• Som's Guesthouse , 295/13-14 Sukhumvit Soi 22 ( BTS Phrom Phong, walk down soi 22 and take a left into the side street after the Imperal Queen's Park ), ☏ +66 2 259-1043 . A basic guest house with nine rooms that have cable TV, fridge and hot shower. Six of them have air-conditioning, while the other three only have a fan. Furniture looks shabby and old, but it suffices if you're on a budget. 800-900 baht .  
• Star Light Hotel ( 27 Hotel ), 81 Sukhumvit Soi 22 ( BTS Phrom Phong, walk into Soi 22 and take a left into Soi Som Soong, the soi that comes right after Washington Square ), ☏ +66 2 258-2272 . This is an old, no-frills Thai-Chinese hotel near Washington Square. As is usual, there are "short time" and overnight options. Rooms for both these types have air-conditioning. Don't expect anything more than just a cheap room. 350-500 baht .  
• Royal Asia Lodge , 91 Sukhumvit Soi 8 ( BTS Nana ), ☏ +66 2 251-5514 . This is quite a simple hotel that just gets the job done for a lower mid-range price. Furniture looks old, the faucet needs to be fixed and the swimming pool is small. As it is about 800 metres from the main road, it is quieter and cheaper than other hotels. To make up for the distance, there is a complimentary tuk-tuk service that runs to Sukhumvit Road 24 hours a day. 1,100 baht .  
• Royal Ivory , 73 Sukhumvit Soi 4 ( BTS Nana ), ☏ +66 2 656-7517 . This hotel is mid-way along Soi 4, but still a 10-15 minutes walk from the main road: if you're too lazy than there is a free shuttle service. The rooms are surprisingly spacious and quiet, which given its location is a plus, but they look a little run down. air-conditioning and TV with satellite TV channels. The pool is small, but OK for a quick dip. The restaurant has a large TV screen, a pool table and serves good local food. Near the sleazy Nana Entertainment Plaza, so there are lots of Western men with bar girls around. 1,300-1,800 baht .  

There is plenty of good quality, mid-range accommodation on Sukhumvit. It is possible to book on a weekly basis and get a large discount at many places.

• Ambassador Hotel , 171 Sukhumvit Soi 11 ( BTS Nana ), ☏ +66 2 254-0444 . The hotel is very big with 750 rooms. Rooms in the tower wing (2,400 baht) has a better view, but the rooms in the main wing are cheaper (1,600 baht). Rooms look a bit worn, but it seems renovation is in progress. No in-room safe. The pool on the roof is especially nice. 1,600-6,000 baht .  
• The Davis , 88 Sukhumvit Soi 24 ( MRT Queen Sirikit National Convention Center ), ☏ +66 2 260-8000 . Run by massage parlour magnate-cum-politician Chuwit Kamolsivit, this is one of the best deals in Bangkok. A boutique hotel at lower splurge prices (1,400 baht/night for a month's stay). Each room is furnished differently yet tastefully. The primary negative is the location very deep down Soi 24, quite a hike (15-20 minutes) from Sukhumvit itself. 2,800-4,100 baht .  
• Dynasty Inn , 5/4-5 Nanatai , ☏ +66 2 252-4522 , [email protected] . A few metres from the better known Nana Hotel. Free Wi-Fi, excellent coffee shop, on-site travel agent and beauty salon. 1,080-2,000 baht depending on room and season .  
• Kingston Suites , 39/3-7 Sukhumvit Soi 15 ( BTS Asok ), ☏ +66 2 120-8288 . Classic looking rooms and very spacious with all the mod-cons expected. As it is off the main road, it makes for a quiet stay. There's limited choice for breakfast, but the buffet is good. 1,600-2,000 baht .  
• Legacy Express , 29 Sukhumvit Rd ( BTS Phloen Chit ), ☏ +66 2 655-7474 . This luxury hotel has 63 big rooms with jazzy colours, an LCD TV and a bathroom. There is a 7-Eleven on the ground floor as well as a small restaurant. "Short stay" also available. 1,300-2,300 baht .  
• Majestic Suites , 110-110/1 Sukhumvit Rd ( BTS Nana, at the corner with Soi 4 ), ☏ +66 2 656-8220 . This hotel is directly around the corner from Nana Entertainment Plaza and close to the BTS station. The rooms are modern and well-maintained, but some people may find the "single studio" rooms for 1,350 baht small. There is ample space for 100 baht more in the "single superior" rooms. Free internet. Not to be confused with the newer, larger and pricier Majestic Grande nearby on Soi 2, although they share ownership and guests at the Suites can get a pass to use the pool and health club at the Grande. 1,350-2,100 baht .  
• 13.73296 100.562598 1 Maitria Hotel Sukhumvit 18 Bangkok - A Chatrium Collection ( โรงแรมมายเทรียณ์ สุขุมวิท 18 กรุงเทพ – เอ ชาเทรียม คอลเลคชั่น ), 26 Sukhumvit Soi 18, Sukhumvit Road, Klongtoey ( Get off at Sukhumvit MTR or Asoke BTS station ), ☏ +66 2302 5777 , [email protected] . Check-in: 1400 hrs or 2 pm , check-out: 1200 hrs or noon . 131-room hotel with outdoor swimming pool and fitness center. THB 2,500 . ( updated Mar 2021 )
• 13.745555 100.558602 2 Maitria Mode Sukhumvit 15 Bangkok – A Chatrium Collection ( โรงแรมมายเทรียณ์ โมด สุขุมวิท 15 กรุงเทพฯ -เอ ชาเทรียม คอลเลคชั่น ), 81 Sukhumvit Soi 15, Sukhumvit Road, Klongtoey – Nua, Wattana ( Get off at BTS Asoke Station to walk to Sukhumvit 15 ), ☏ +66 2 651 3355 , [email protected] . Check-in: 1400 hrs , check-out: 1200 hrs (noon) . 82-room hotel with outdoor swimming pool, fitness center and a restaurant (Uzzie Restaurant - breakfast buffet or a la carte style and all-day dining on Mediterranean cuisine available). THB 2,200 . ( updated Mar 2021 )
• Nana Hotel , 21/4 Sukhumvit Soi 4 ( BTS Nana ), ☏ +66 2 255-2525 . A relic of the past. The kind of place that still has sand-filled ashtrays dotted around the entrance, the lobby, at each elevator. The rooms are quiet, clean, pleasantly decorated, and serviced daily. There's an antiquated bathroom with atrocious plumbing, refrigerator, in-room safe and TV. In-house bar and disco. It is a decent lower-end option, if you are not bothered by the nearby hotspots for sex tourism, and staying in a hotel that also offers an hourly rate. Very good breakfast buffet free with room and great swimming pool. Wi-Fi is 300 baht for a 24 hr, 60 baht for 1 hr. 1,490-3,290 baht .  
• 13.740266 100.555784 3 On8 Sukhumvit ( โรงแรม ออนเอท สุขุมวิท ), 160/1-162 Sukhumvit Soi 8 ( BTS Nana ), ☏ +66 2 254-8866 . The staff are friendly, almost like a small family. Decent breakfast and the menu whilst small is varied. Plenty to keep you busy around the hotel with a night market, spas, local restaurants and pubs. Free internet. From 1,652 baht .  
• Salil Hotel Sukhumvit Soi 8 , 50, 50/1 Sukhumvit Soi 8 ( BTS Nana ), ☏ +66 2 253-2474) . This is a small and stylish boutique hotel in the Nana area of Sukhumvit. It has all the modern room facilities you'd expect, including TV, air-conditioning and a water boiler for noodles or tea. There's no lift, so good luck carrying your luggage upstairs. Breakfast is included. 1,690-2,500 baht .  
• Salil Hotel Thonglor Soi 1 , 44/14-17 Sukhumvit Soi 53 ( BTS Thong Lo, walk up Soi 53, then take a right into Soi Thong Lo 1 and then a left into a small street ), ☏ +66 2 662-5480 . A boutique hotel in the Thong Lo area with 40 rooms that are decorated in colour-vintage style. Air-conditioning, fridge, free WiFi, LCD TV, DVD player, hairdryer, mini bar and safe. It is close to Thong Lo's BTS station and the party areas of Soi 55 and 63. Inclusive of breakfast. 1,690-2,190 baht .  
• Sawasdee Sukhumvit Inn , 123 Sukhumvit Soi 57 ( BTS Thong Lo ), ☏ +66 2 714-0703 . Sawasdee has many different discount offers, it's quite a trouble to figure it out, but you might save a bit. It is a basic no-frills hotel on the lower end of the mid-range price category. It has 44 decent rooms with air-conditioning, a large bed and windows. They offer good service and the atmosphere overall is relaxed. The coin-operated internet terminals in the lobby cost 10 baht for 15 minutes. 1,000-1,200 baht .  
• Swiss Park Hotel ( โรงแรมสวีส พาร์ค ), 155/23 Sukhumvit Soi 11 ( BTS Nana, turn right just after the Grand Business Inn ), ☏ +66 2 254-0228 . This is a well-managed hotel with clean and comfortable rooms. Rooms numbered up to 6 on each floor are more desirable as they have a view, while the others look out onto a building site that seems to have ground to a halt. Free WiFi in the lobby. 1,400-2,800 baht .  
• Woraburi Sukhumvit , 128/1 Sukhumvit Soi 4 ( BTS Nana ), ☏ +66 2 656-7029 . This is a decent and clean lower-end hotel with a swimming pool. It is at the end of the soi, but that's actually a good thing as it's quieter than other hotels in the area. If you order more night at once, they give you a discount. Also, if you order from Booking.com, you can save 200 baht per night compared to booking from the hotel's own website. 1,050-2,500 baht .  

Several of Bangkok's luxury hotels are concentrated on and near Sukhumvit. To splurge in Bangkok is cheaper than you initially think. Your options include:

• Amari Boulevard (now known as the Boulevard Hotel) ( โรงแรมอมารี บูเลอวาร์ด ), 2 Sukhumvit Soi 5 ( BTS Nana ), ☏ +66 2 255-2930 . A distinctively triangle-shaped and conveniently located four-star hotel with two wings, the Krung Thep wing being newer, better and pricier than the older musty Siam wing. Service is not great and every time you exit the hotel you are assaulted by taxi cab drivers and prostitutes. There may be better choices on Sukhumvit Road, but assuming that you've not come to this part of Bangkok for a quiet 'get away from it all' break, the location is great. It is right in the thick of the action, with many of Sukhumvit's attractions a short stroll away. 2,300-8,500 baht .  
• 13.736482 100.562034 4 The Continent Hotel , 413 Sukhumvit Rd ( MRT Sukhumvit or BTS Asoke exit 6 ), ☏ +66 2 686-7000 , [email protected] . 3,000 baht .  
• JW Marriott Hotel ( โรงแรม เจ ดับบลิว แมริออท ), 4 Sukhumvit Soi 2 ( BTS Phloen Chit ), ☏ +66 2 656-7700 . Marriott's flagship in Bangkok, a very short block from Nana Plaza (which explains the colourful clientele). Opened in 1997 and decorated in Thai style, complete with bellboys wearing pith helmets and funny trousers. 4,960-60,000 baht .  
• Park Plaza Sukhumvit , 16 Ratchadaphisek Rd ( BTS Asok ), ☏ +66 2 263-5000 . The rooms are nice, clean and spacious. There's a swimming pool at the top of the hotel, from which you have stunning views of Bangkok. Free WiFi throughout the hotel and an extensive breakfast is included in the price. 2,420-4,950 .  
• Mercure Bangkok Sukhumvit 11 , 18 Sukhumvit Soi 11 ( BTS Nana ), ☏ +66 2 120 8888 . A modern hotel on the trendy Sukhumvit Soi 11, close to all the action, shopping and nightlife. Spacious, comfy and clean rooms, generally with a good view. There's an excellent poolside area with plenty of deck chairs for lounging, although the sun is blocked by a large building most of the day. The Splash Bar by the pool serves nice drinks and the breakfasts are varied. If you're a football fan, there is a Manchester United Restaurant and Bar at the hotel, but if not, plenty of restaurants and bars are within walking distance. 2,600-6,200 baht .  
• Solitaire Hotel , 75/23 Klongtoey-Nua Sukhumvit Soi 11 ( BTS Nana ), ☏ +66 2 081 3999 . A splendidly quiet and luxury retreat. It has spacious rooms with extremely comfy beds along with large 42" TVs and a kitchenette. You can treat yourself to a massage at the Ananda Spa. Free WiFi throughout the hotel. There's also a free tuk-tuk shuttle service to Nana and Asok BTS stations. A downer if that it's often not possible to book just one night (must be two or more). 3,500-4,300 baht .  
• S15 Sukhumvit Hotel , 217 Sukhumvit Soi 15 ( BTS Asok ), ☏ +66 2 651-2000 . This boutique hotel is right in the middle of Sukhumvit. It's not particularly big, but looks very good. It has a professional atmosphere in an informal way, friendly and relaxing. The restaurant is good too, although choice is a little limited. No pool, but offers a compact gym with steam and sauna. 2,600-5,500 baht .  
• Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit , 250 Sukhumvit Rd ( BTS Asok ), ☏ +66 2 649-8888 . High rise five-star hotel ideally located right by Asok BTS station with a walkway connecting the station directly to the hotel. Expect all the usual five-star facilities, including some superb restaurants such as the renowned Italian restaurant Rossini's. 6,800-18,000 baht .  
• 13.738048 100.557319 5 The Westin Grande Sukhumvit , 259 Sukhumvit Rd ( BTS Asok ), ☏ +66 2 207-8000 . Check-in: 15:00 , check-out: noon . Like the Sheraton, the Westin is part of the prestigious Marriott group of hotels. Probably not quite as opulent as the Sheraton, but also noted for some fine dining at the excellent Japanese restaurant, Kisso. 4,600-9,800 baht .  
• 13.730194 100.56877 6 Emporium Suites by Chatrium ( โรงแรมเอ็มโพเรียม สวีท บาย ชาเทรียม ), 622, Sukhumvit Soi24, Klongton, Klongtoey ( Get off at BTS Phrom Phong Station, use the direct covered link and walk through the adjoining Emporium Shopping Complex to get to Emporium Suites by Chatrium ), ☏ +66 2664-9999 , [email protected] . Check-in: 1400 hrs or 2 pm , check-out: 1200 hrs or noon . 378-room hotel located in Emporium Shopping Complex building and next to Benjasiri Park, is one of the Chatrium Hotels & Residences hotels with outdoor swimming pool, Fitness Center and one restaurant (The Emporia Restaurant, offers all-day dining with a breakfast buffet, Cantonese cuisine & dim sum lunch, and an a la carte menu, opens from 06:00 to 23:00). THB 4,600 . ( updated Mar 2021 )
• 13.724398 100.566728 7 Marriott Executive Apartments Sukhumvit Park, Bangkok ( MEA Sukhumvit Park ), 90 Sukhumvit 24 Alley, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei ( Get off at BTS Phrom Phong Skytrain then take exit to Sukhumvit Soi 24 and walk along the soi, the hotel will be on your right. ), ☏ +66 23025555 , [email protected] . Check-in: 15:00 , check-out: 12:00 . ( updated Aug 2024 )

Sukhumvit is packed with Internet cafés, pubs and bars offering free Wi-Fi and computer access at rates as low as 0.5 baht/minute. Trying to print something will probably shed a whole new light on your experience. Be wary of key loggers which reputedly are epidemic at Thai Internet cafés. There have also been cases where memory cards get infected with a virus when plugged into an Internet café computer.

• If you came here for Soi Cowboy and Nana Entertainment Plaza, Soi Patpong in Silom offers more of the same. If you just came out of Long Table and want to continue your night the superhip way, Silom is also the way to go.
• Unlike most foreign travellers, the locals tend to go out in Ratchadaphisek . You might want to check out Royal City Avenue (often abbreviated as RCA), an entertainment paradise with bars, clubs and theatres, or one of Ratchada's popular sois.
• Quite similar to Sukhumvit and right next to it is Siam Square , Bangkok's hippest shopping and entertainment district. It is only 10 minutes away by Skytrain.
• Going east on Sukhumvit Road (Hwy 3) will take you across the town border to Samut Prakan with sights like Erawan Museum and Ancient Siam only 100 m off the highway. If you push onward you will end up in Pattaya and finally in Trat near the border of Cambodia .

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Bangkok , which has a population of approximately one million and covers an area of 1,500 km 2 , is the capital of Thailand . Founded in 1782, the city has emerged in the last 200 years as not only the country's political capital, but also as Thailand's cultural and commercial hub. The city combines the charm of Thailand's gentle and friendly culture as well as all elements of a modern metropolis. You will find the city dotted with innumerable Buddhist shrines and temples (over 400 in number), a vibrant cultural life representing the performing and other arts of Thailand, pavements selling many items alongside the glittering shopping malls, food courts, a nightlife throbbing with much vigour and all types of activities. For a visitor and a tourist, Bangkok has many dimensions. You have many choices and shall surely find the place interesting.

• 1 Hotels and lodging
• 2 Attractions
• 3 Temples and shrines
• 6 Waterways
• 8.1 Getting to Bangkok
• 8.2 Exploring Bangkok
• 9 Practical information and resources
• 10.1 Text with links to user-reviews on other pages
• 11 Nightlife
• 12 Photo gallery
• 13 Everything else
• 14 External resources

Hotels and lodging [ ]

• Amari Watergate Hotel luxury 5 star lodging
• Amari Don Muang Airport Hotel
• Amari Boulevard Hotel
• Amari Atrium Hotel
• Honey Hotel, Soi 19, Sukhumvit Road

Attractions [ ]

Undoubtedly Bangkok is a paradise for tourists. It has deep historical heritage as well as traditional and modern amenities and activities to keep tourists engaged fully during their stay. Bangkok has many temples and shrines, magnificent palaces, museums and charming waterways. Each one has its own story to tell and the city's many layers shall continue to unfold during your stay.

Temples and shrines [ ]

Erwan dance

Palaces [ ]

Museums [ ], waterways [ ], shopping [ ].

Bangkok's main shopping centres are mostly located within a 1 km radius from the main skytrain (BTS) station at Siam Square. New shopping complexes have been built and others renovated over the last few years. Siam Paragon is accessible from Siam Square skytrain station. It is huge by any standard, houses a luxurious department stores, and shopping plaza featuring world-famous brands. At basement level, there is a large food court, and gourmet (super)market. Siam Paragon also houses cinemas, convention facilities, and Siam Ocean World (large aquarium with exotic fish species).

Siam Paragon

CentralWorld Plaza is even larger than Siam Paragon. It is an older shopping complex, which has been renovated and enlarged. It is a 5-minute walk from the Chitlom skytrain station. CentralWorld Plaza houses 2 department stores (Zen, Isetan) and lots of local and international shops. MBK-Center is another large shopping complex, just 500 metres west of Siam Square. It is an older shopping mall, which also has been recently renovated. Shopping is more economical here, and shops are smaller. The place is invariably crowded. Siam Square itself spreads out over a number of side streets off the main road. A lot of local fashion outlets are located here. Siam Discovery Center and Siam Center are also located along Siam Square skytrain station. Located at the Ratchaprasong intersection, Gaysorn Plaza is smaller, consists almost exclusively of upmarket brand name shops. It is located just west from the Chitlom skytrain station. On the other side of the Chitlom skytrain station is Central Chitlom, an upmarket department store of the Central Group. If all the above is not yet enough, a few kilometres to the east on Sukhumvit Road, Emporium Shopping Complex is also worth a visit if you are looking for upmarket goods. If you are not exactly looking for fancy expensive goods, we suggest you visit the Weekend Market at Chatuchak. It opens on Saturdays and Sundays, and consists of hundreds of small shops, selling trinkets, cheap clothing, handicrafts. Since the Weekend Market is mostly outdoors, be prepared to suffer a bit in the Bangkok heat. If you are staying along Sukhumvit road, we recommend you take a stroll in the early evening along the road. There are many outdoor vendors, but always bargain the price down before buying anything.

Maps and transportation [ ]

Getting to bangkok [ ], exploring bangkok [ ].

You may move inside the city and its immediate vicinity by using BTS Sky Train, BMCL Subway, buses, taxis, tuk-tuks(a type of three-wheeler), motorcycle taxis, and even boats.

BTS Sky Train [ ]

A Sky Train

BTS Sky Train is not only fast but safe mode of transportation. Tourists may buy season tickets to save money. The Sky Train covers major commercial sections of the city.

BMCL Subway [ ]

It is a comfortable option for local transportation within the city of Bangkok and cover major sections of the city.

Bangkok has many types of buses ranging from open air buses to air-conditioned coaches. These buses cover most of the city areas and around the city too.

These are convenient mode of transportation within the city limits and its immediate vicinity. They are metered beginning with a minimum fare and then depending on the distance travelled and the waiting charges.

Tuk-tuk [ ]

Tuk-tuk is a type of motorised three-wheeler vehicle and is useful for short distances. Mostly tuk-tuks will be without overhead covers. You should bargain the fair beforehand to avoid unnecessary hassles after finishing the journey.

Motorcycle Taxis [ ]

These are useful particularly during rush hours though you should negotiate the fare in advance.

Many types of boats identified by colours are available, and they offer services from Bangkok to some neighbouring places. Boats with no flags stop at all pier, while Rapid boats display orange flags. Express boats display yellow flags. Then there are superfast boats with blue flags. It is always better to take a boat with facility of a guide as the guide will tell you about the riverside during the journey.

Practical information and resources [ ]

• Currency : Baht (฿) (THB)
• Time zone : UTC+7
• Official language : Thai

source: Weatherbase

Restaurants [ ]

Some Thai Dishes

All around Bangkok, there are many restaurants and stalls selling food. Apart from many specialities of the land, Thai foods blend and balance five fundamental flavours (hot or spicy, sour, sweet, bitter, and salty). Foods from many parts of the world are also easily available in Bangkok: eating options are virtually limitless in Bangkok, be it night or day. You have the choice to grab a quick morsel from a roadside food cart, or you may sit and enjoy a leisurely meal at a trendy restaurant or food court. Alternatively, you may enjoy your food in the traditional Thai style in antique teak houses or on board a dinner cruise.

Text with links to user-reviews on other pages [ ]

Nightlife [ ].

Bangkok is the most preferred tourist destination in Asia and the third top in the world according to some reviews. It offers many dimensions for exploration to the tourists, and one among those many are Bangkok's notorious nightlife which include many streets where prostitutes openly solicit for business. Despite this, there are many other world-class spots and joints in Bangkok which present a diverse nightlife, cultural presentations, foods representing almost all the major cuisines of the world including the famous food of this land—Thai foods, westernised clubs and discos, well stocked pubs and bars with drinks from almost all corners of the world. In short, Bangkok, Asia's most diversified city, has a similarly diversified nightlife catering to all tastes and all budgets.

Photo gallery [ ]

Everything else [ ]

External resources [ ].

Add links to other sites here

• Bangkok Photographs ⁣ – a collection of photographs representing many aspects of Bangkok life including city views, nightlife, shopping, museums, culture, markets, monuments, and many others.
• DanceinBangkok.com ⁣ – contemporary ballet, modern and modern-jazz dance classes
• ThailandWebsites.com
• Tour Hub Asia

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Overview • Discuss! • Hotels • Restaurants • Photo gallery • Attractions • Shopping • Transport • Numbers to know • Maps • Everything else • External resources

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Your Ultimate Guide to Bangkok

• When to visit
• Getting around
• Attractions
• Tours & Packages
• More of Asia

Floating markets and elderly women tossing enormous woks on street corners. Hushed temples and shadowy sacred courtyards, rowdy Thai boxing matches, free flowing Chang beer and sex shows illuminated in garish neon.

More than 11 million people live in Thailand’s capital and it has the hectic traffic and bizarrely mismatched buildings to prove it. This is a city made up of thousands of contrasts that coexist in exhilarating harmony. Challenge yourself to look beyond the chaos and you’ll find a certain beauty in the sounds of the car horns and monks chanting at sunrise. Whether you love it or hate it, there’s no place like Bangkok.

So where to start when planning your Bangkok adventure?

Here are our picks of the best things to see and do in Bangkok.

You can also read our Phuket Travel Guide here.

When to Visit Bangkok

There is no such thing as a quiet day in Bangkok, but late November into early December tends to be a little quieter, perfect for visiting Bangkok’s many tourist attractions.

From December to March, you can expect balmy, dry days for Thailand’s idyllic islands, so this is the perfect time to combine Bangkok with a beach holiday.

July and August are the rainiest months, with short, sharp bursts that often flood the streets in areas such as Lad Phrao.

The hottest months in Bangkok are April, May and June.

How to See Bangkok

Public transport in Bangkok is generally reliable and inexpensive. If you’re nipping around the inner city, the skytrain is quick and air conditioned. You can buy tickets at individual stations or a rechargeable one for B100 ($4.50).

The best way to get around at night is taxi and there’s a flock of the distinctive yellow cars on every street, ready and waiting to be hailed by tourists. Make sure that the driver is using the metre. It’s illegal for them to name a fixed fare before you go.

Tuk tuks buzz through the old town’s streets at worrying speed and they don’t have metres, so you have to negotiate the fare with the driver yourself. However, sitting in the little carriage in front while colourful snatches of Bangkok life flash by is one of the city’s must dos.

What better way to experience a new place than with a chilled cocktail in hand? Grab a table at one of Bangkok’s best rooftop bars or restaurants and watch the city’s infamous nightlife unfold around you without even having to leave your seat.

Bangkok Tourist Attractions

The number one tourist attraction in Bangkok has to be the Grand Palace , a vast complex of golden spires, temples and throne rooms which was built to house the Kings of Siam in right royal style in 1782. Don’t miss the Temple of the Emerald Buddha , home to a tiny yet vastly significant jade statue which has its clothes changed three times a year by the King himself.

Silk entrepreneur, Jim Thompson’s, house is now a fascinating museum filled with rare, beautiful artefacts and seeped in myths about his mysterious disappearance. The National Museum is equally fascinating and is mostly made up of King Rama V’s private art collections.

Travelling with tots? One of Bangkok’s best attractions for kids is a visit to Wat Pariwat, a kooky temple complex with references to pop culture such as Disney characters and David Beckham scattered throughout its dazzling community of sacred statues.

Best Activities in Bangkok

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9 Essential Bangkok Things to Do

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Massage is a key part of Bangkok’s culture and there is a famous massage school at Wat Pho , the national headquarters for the preservation of Thai medicine. Combine some pampering time with a visit to the complex’s temples and the enormous reclining Buddha statue.

Hire a bicycle and free wheel through the coconut groves and mango farms on Bang Krachao, a verdant island hidden in a bend in the Chao Phraya River. Life moves at a far slower pace here, and the traditional teak houses and friendly locals are a welcome change from the frenetic pace of city life.

Escape the bright lights of the city centre by exploring the Charoen Krung Road art district, a low rise street that’s crammed with interesting creative types and contemporary galleries. Find Wat Pho

For a taste of more traditional Thai creativity, head to the Sampran Riverside (also known as Rose Garden Cultural Centre), located just an hour’s drive from Bangkok. This organic farm offers workshops such as weaving and cooking classes.

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Bangkok Accommodation

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It isn’t called the ‘Land of Smiles’ for nothing and Bangkokians know a thing or two about hospitality. From stylish guesthouses to humble homestays and ultra-luxe design havens, Bangkok has the hotel you’ve been looking for.

For timeless style, try the Siam Bangkok , an oasis of tranquility that’s awash with fascinating antiques and exotic plants. Check out the full review here .

If a lobby filled with young, glamorous types sipping cocktails and gyrating to djs sounds like a bit of you, check into the Sofitel So . We loved its sleek design and moody lighting on our visit .

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Best Restaurants in Bangkok

Fragrant wafts of lemongrass and sour, spicy noodle soup. Rice flour cakes topped with toasted coconut, sticky rice with fresh mango and fiery curry. The abundance of cheap, delicious food is one of the main tourist attractions in Bangkok. So, where to find the best restaurants?

Canvas is where art meets food, and every dish on the six-course tasting menu looks like a masterpiece. While there are not currently any 3 michelin star restaurants in Bangkok, Gaggan has been awarded two and will fit the bill if you’re looking for something very special.

Despite the government’s recent crackdowns on vendors operating without a license, street food remains the beating heart of Bangkok’s dining scene. It doesn’t get any more authentic than perching on a stool on the side of the road and demolishing khao pad (fried rice) off a paper plate. Most vendors don’t have websites, so be sure to brush up on our detailed guide of where to find Bangkok’s best street eats here.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out chef and TV star, Marion Grasby’s, insider tips on where to eat, drink and play in Bangkok here.

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Places to Shop in Bangkok

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You can sate your wildest consumerist fantasies in Bangkok. This city is a shopaholic’s dream, with countless bargains, bootleg items and fake designer goods just crying out for you to take them home. In fact the huge choice on offer makes Bangkok’s shopping opportunities one of its main attractions.

Downtown, focus your attention on Chitlom and Pratunam, for clothing by up and coming designers and MBK , a mall that specialises in the most convincing fakes around.

Bustling Banglamphu is the city’s backpacker area and a wander down Thanon Khao San Market is a right of passage for youngsters visiting the city. Expect only the ‘essentials’ such as clothes made of hemp and bootleg versions of brands such as Nike and Apple.

The godfather of all markets is the Chatuchak Weekend Market, a kaleidoscope of arts, live animals and crafts which draws more than 200,000 people every day.

For more inspiration, check out our list of Bangkok’s best markets here. You might be needing that spare suitcase after all…

Tours & Packages Bangkok

Watts and skyscrapers that all look similar and mopeds wobbling under the weight of entire families. Market vendors yelling confusing fragments of English, dogs barking and loud music spilling out of karaoke bars. Bangkok is a sensual rollercoaster and one that you may find easier to navigate with the help of a tour.

You can book a private tour guide for a reasonable price through most hotels. Get a sense of the hidden gems you can expect to see here .

One of the top sightseeing tours in Bangkok has to be cruising the Chao Phraya River at night, as the glittering lights of Rama I Bridge, Wat Arun and the Royal Palace glide by. White Orchid offers a dinner cruise with live music.

Stroll under the imposing archway and straight into the 18th century in Chinatown, the oldest and most atmospheric neighbourhood. A local tour guide is key for exploring this part of Bangkok. Exploring its warrenlike streets and higgledy piggledy buildings on a walking tour is one of the city’s major attractions.

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Bangkok Travel Guide

Home / Bangkok Travel Guide

Bangkok is a bustling metropolis that never sleeps. It has everything that you would expect from a real world metropolis. It is modern, full of great food and there are lots of things to see and do.

This is a personal travel guide to Bangkok, to help you both before and during the trip. Here you can read about sightseeing in Bangkok, how to get around, recommended hotels and other things that can be useful to know.

See & Do in Bangkok

Khao san road.

A backpacker area that has become known around the world, much thanks to its exotic menu of beetles, scorpions, spiders, snakes, grasshoppers and other critters. Khao San Road is almost a must to visit, at least if you’re a backpacker. This area has everything you would want to buy and a whole bunch of like-minded travelers who are preparing for a crazy party night.

A large part of Bangkok’s population are of Chinese descendants, and it’s really no surprise that Bangkok is home to one of the world’s largest Chinatowns. Here are many things to explore, but it’s mostly the massive amount of food that attracts visitors.

Wat Pho, Wat Phra Kaew, and the Grand Palace

These three sights are some of the most famous landmarks in Thailand. Tourists usually visit all three on the same day since they are very close to each other. Wat Pho is a fantastic temple area with a rich history and many beautiful temples and stupas. The temple area is perhaps best known for the giant reclining Buddha statue.

Wat Phra Kaew is located inside the palace area, and this is where you will find Thailand’s most sacred Buddha statue – The Emerald Buddha.

The Grand Palace is also considered a holy place and you will not be allowed to enter if you don’t follow the dress code (no shorts or tank tops). The palace has been home to several of Thailand’s kings, and it’s truly majestic.

Visit a rooftop bar

Visiting a rooftop bar is definitely something one should do when visiting Bangkok. There’s a wide variety of rooftop bars, and they come in different price ranges and altitudes. Here are ranging from exclusive rooftop bars to the most mundane places where dress code is less strict and prices lower.

Some of the most famous rooftop bars in Bangkok are Vertigo and Moon Bar, Sirocco, Red Sky, Park Society and Distil. For those with a lower budget, I can recommend Wanderlust and Nest Rooftop Lounge, which is more casual and have lower prices.

Visit a floating market

For those who want to experience something different and exotic, I can recommend visiting a floating market. Bangkok has a couple of floating markets to choose from, and it’s a perfect day trip to get a better insight into the local culture. Although there are two-three markets around the city, you will find the largest floating markets about 1-2 hours outside the city.

The biggest floating markets are Bang Khu Wiang, Damnoen Saduak Khlong Lat Mayom, and Amphawa. The best way to get there is by booking a trip through a travel agent. You can also get there via public transportation, but it is much easier to go there on the tour.

If you like shopping, then you will love Bangkok, especially if you’re a girl. Bangkok has everything you can imagine with everything from exclusive designer boutiques to international chains like H & M, Zara, Pull & Bear and of course all the local markets and shops with lots of different clothes.

Bangkok’s largest shopping malls are Central World, Terminal 21, MBK, Gaysorn, Siam Center. Failure to time so that you are in Bangkok over the weekend so do not miss to visit the Chatuchak Weekend Market, which is Asia’s largest market.

However, If you’re a guy, you might find some limitations when it comes to clothes. The same applies you’re a long or a larger girl/woman since sizes are specially adapted for Thai women.

It is both convenient and easy to get around between different parts of Bangkok. In the central regions, it’s easy to get around on foot, thanks to the skywalk that goes above the roads. However, when it comes to getting around to the various sights and neighborhoods it’s recommended to use one of the following transportations:

BTS (Skyline)

Just as the name suggests, this is a train that goes up in the air. Bangkok’s BTS is super smooth and has two lines serving the central parts of the city. The sky trains are air-conditioned and offer a quick and easy way to get around. They are an attraction in itself!

Metro system covers the parts without the sky train and also offers more stations to hop on and off. The Metro is also cheaper than the BTS and works just as smoothly. When I’m in Bangkok, I always use either the Metro or BTS to get around.

It is cheap to go by taxi, and there are plenty of them. If you’re more than two traveling it may be cheaper to take a taxi rather than Metro and BTS. But be sure to use the taxi meter. It is the law that one should have the meter on, so if the driver doesn’t want to use taximeter, then it is almost a guarantee that the driver is trying to scam you.

Thailand is known worldwide for its tuk-tuks and Bangkok is completely crawling with them. While it’s fun and different to go with this, you should be aware that there is both a safety risk in traffic, and many drivers are trying to lure tourists.

Getting around by boat can be a good option if you want to explore the area along the Chao Phraya River. Several boats and ferries go up and down the river. The cheapest cost from 3 THB, but it is also possible to buy a full-day ticket or to rent your own boat.

A note of caution, for people who try to sell you expensive tickets. A one-way ticket should not cost more than 40-50 THB per person.

Recommended hotels

Lebua at state tower.

A luxurious option with ultra-modern rooms and fresh décor. From here you are close to the Chao Praya River and Lumphini Park, and it is easy to get to other parts of the city. At the top, you will find the most glamorous rooftop bar in Bangkok. Hotel guests also have access to an outdoor pool and gym. The breakfast is delicious and plenty of varieties. The staff is helpful and keeps a high level of service.

Click here to see photos, reviews, and prices

Red Planet Surawong Bangkok

A modern and clean hotel in the middle class to suit both business travelers and tourists. Wi-fi is fast, and the staff is pleasant and helpful. The hotel lies in the area of Silom, and it is easy to get to other parts of the city by metro or bus. Red Planet Surawong is the perfect choice if you want a high standard but still want to keep the price down. Red Planet Surawong is undoubtedly one of Bangkok’s most affordable hotel.

SidaRe Bed and Breakfast

If you are traveling on a lower budget, or would rather spend your money on activities and food? Then SidaRe the ultimate place to stay in Bangkok. It’s a family-run guesthouse with simple standard close to both the metro and a direct train from the airport. A room costs under 15 $ per night, so it’s perfect if you do not want to stay in a hostel with shared rooms, but still want to keep down the cost of accommodation.

Bangkok is arguably the world’s capital when it comes to street food. To be honest, I have never seen so much food that is available around the clock. Here is everything from regular restaurants to fast food restaurants and small stalls selling street food such as skewers, noodles, and various rice dishes.

Best of all? Street food is incredibly cheap, and it’s both delicious and safe to eat. Bangkok has all kinds of Thai food one can imagine mixed with dishes from other Asian cuisines and dishes from around the world.

Good to know

Flight time.

Direct Flights to Bangkok from Europe will take approximately 9-11 hours.

Time difference

Time zone: GMT +7. A difference of 6 hours ahead compared to Central Europe.

Currency and debit cards

Thai Bath (THB). Credit and debit cards are generally accepted at more well-known hotels and restaurants, otherwise not so much. However, there are plenty of ATM:s, but remember it’s better to take out a larger sum since all Thai banks have a fee of 200 THB, no matter what card you use.

Electrical outlets

220 volts. Adapter required, and can be bought here .

Tap water in Bangkok is not safe to drink. Vegetables and other things that have been rinsed with tap water should also be avoided to prevent diarrhea and other nasty things. It is safe to brush your teeth with tap water, but sensitive people should still avoid it.

Approximately 8.5 million people in urban areas and 15 million in the metropolitan area.

Thai. The majority who work with tourism speaks English. Otherwise, only mostly simple English or none at all. Some citizens also speak Chinese.

I've been a travel writer, TV host, and DJ in Bangkok, Thailand. Here's my ultimate guide to visiting the city.

• I've lived in Bangkok, Thailand, off and on for over a decade as a journalist, TV host, and DJ.
• Here's my comprehensive travel guide for everything you should do and see while visiting Bangkok.
• Visit Insider's hub for travel guides, tips, and recommendations .

Bangkok delivers an incredibly unique mix of relentless bustle, intensity, and excitement. That's why I lived and worked here for over a decade since 2010 as everything from a local journalist and guidebook author to a TV host and DJ.

What has kept me gripped after all these years is Bangkok's 24/7 state of flux. Living here, you learn the local Buddhist principle of impermanence quickly — bars, restaurants, and skyscrapers open and shut in a heartbeat, ex-pats come and leave with the seasons, and street vendors bounce around the city at a baffling pace. 

With so much activity, navigating Bangkok as a first-timer can be daunting, so I put together the following guide on the best things to see and do in Bangkok from a local's perspective to help you out.

Explore Insider's guide to visiting Bangkok.

→ I've lived in Bangkok for years and think it's a challenging city to navigate. Here's what any visitor should know about its airports, boats, and trains.

→ i've deeply researched bangkok's best hotels as a travel guidebook author. here are my 10 top places to stay, from magical tree houses to no-frills hostels., → i've lived in bangkok for most of the past decade — here are 10 places where you should actually eat, from fine dining to street food, → 10 activities that locals love in bangkok, thailand, that go beyond the main tourist spots, including the best markets, museums, and spas, → if you're traveling to bangkok, thailand, here are the latest covid-19 rules, the best time of year to visit, and important items to pack.

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THE ULTIMATE BANGKOK TRAVEL GUIDE

Most travel guides are written with under 2 days actual time spent in destination.

This Bangkok guide is based on over 7 years first-hand experience.

It’s loaded with easy to follow itineraries, over 50 unique destinations , and best kept local secrets, and common tourist traps identified.

You’ll be exploring Bangkok like a true local right from the airport terminal.

And you’re guaranteed to save MORE than the price of the guide.

A few ways this guide will benefit you:

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Details: 43 pages of local advice, colorful photos, and useful maps. Last Updated: September 2023

BONUS: INTERACTIVE MAP ACCESS

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Supercharge your travels with exclusive lifetime access to my personal Google Maps destination pins. Contains 50+ unique destinations, things to do, places to eat and drink right around Bangkok, updated regularly.

WHAT YOU'LL DISCOVER

This guide is your one-stop resource for things to do in Bangkok The Bangkok Travel Guide contains a huge range of destinations. Some you will know, others are local secrets!

Lively Markets

Visit floating markets, fresh markets, and night markets. Cruise the busy canals of Amphawa, dodge the train at the Maeklong Railway Market, and explore the pottery market on an island right in Bangkok!

Ancient Temples

Did you know there are over 400 temples in Bangkok? Visit the classics like Wat Arun but then venture to local secrets like Wat Bowon Niwet and Wat Chakrawat. You’ll get opening hours, entry fees, and easy to follow directions.

Inner City Oasis

Escape the city madness and laze in a green oasis. There are amazing hidden parks right in the city center. Explore the huge Chatujak Park in Mor Chit, or the Sri Nakhon Wetland Park on Bang Krachao island. There is much more nature in Bangkok than you’d think!

Bangkok has just about everything you need in terms of shopping. Here you’ll learn where to get the best deals on electronics, the cheapest clothing, and lots of great factory seconds products.

Don’t spend all your time on Khao Sarn Road. With a bunch of alternate bars that locals love, you’ll have a great selection of places to hang out every night of the week. Enjoy Thai live music, tasty food, and cheaper drinks!

Local Neighbourhoods

Learn how locals live with an introduction to Bangkok’s suburbs. Have you heard of Phra Khanong, Phra Nakhon, Onnut, Thong Lor, or Ekkamai? Discover incredible food, cheaper drinks, and lively local bars.

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Your One-Stop Bangkok Guide

this guide is for travellers who...

• Will stay at least 1 day in Bangkok
• Want to discover lots of local secrets
• Are ok travelling independently

this guide is not for those who...

• Want a constant raging KS Road party
• Are just visiting for the sex industry
• Want all transport pre-packaged

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this Bangkok Travel Guide unique? This guide contains all your favorite top destinations, but also lots of unique local attractions you won’t otherwise know about.

Why do you know Bangkok so well?  Bangkok is my second home. I’ve lived and visited regularly over the past eight years.

Can I get a printed copy? This guide is only available as PDF, however, you can still print it out yourself.

How is this guide different to your blog posts? My Bangkok related blog posts give you an introduction to destinations. This guide goes further and gives you step by step directions, entry fees, and opening hours. There is just way more detail in here!

Can I contact you with further questions or problems? Sure, I’m happy to help.  You can send me an email here.  I normally try to respond within two days.

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