Bangkok
Bangkok is where most Thailand trips start, and it deserves more than a transit night. The old city holds the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and a river that still works for a living; the new city holds rooftop bars and some of the best eating on the planet.
What Bangkok is actually like
It is loud, hot and relentlessly useful. Distances are longer than the map suggests, so we group the old city on one day, the river on another, and leave the evenings free for markets and rooftops. Two full days is the minimum; three is comfortable.
How we plan Bangkok
We put you near the river if it is your first visit — the ferries become your transport and the Grand Palace is a short walk. Return visitors usually prefer Sukhumvit or Silom, where the food is better after dark and the BTS does the work.
Things to see in Bangkok
Palace & temple
The Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew
The royal palace compound and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, all gold spires and mirrored mosaics behind a wh…
Temple
Wat Pho & the Reclining Buddha
A working temple with a 46-metre gold-leaf reclining Buddha, a courtyard of 91 stupas and Thailand's original sc…
Temple
Wat Arun, Temple of Dawn
A porcelain-encrusted prang on the west bank of the Chao Phraya, best seen from the water as the light drops.…
Market
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Fifteen thousand stalls across 27 sections, from vintage denim to orchids, plus more food than anyone can reason…
Market
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
The classic floating market, an hour and a half west of Bangkok: narrow canals, fruit boats and vendors who have…
Sport
Rajadamnern Boxing Stadium
Bangkok's oldest Muay Thai stadium, opened in 1945, with fight nights several times a week.…
Tours that include Bangkok
Bestseller
4.9 (145)
Thailand Highlights
Bangkok · Ayutthaya · Chiang Mai · Phuket
Bestseller
4.9 (90)
Northern Kingdoms
Bangkok · Sukhothai · Chiang Mai
Bestseller
4.9 (180)
Siam in Slow Motion
Bangkok · Chiang Mai · Krabi
Bestseller
4.9 (160)
Thailand with a Family
Bangkok · Kanchanaburi · Hua Hin
Private
4.9 (160)
Bangkok & the River Kwai
Bangkok · Kanchanaburi
Private
4.9 (80)
Best of Thailand
Bangkok · Ayutthaya · Sukhothai · Chiang Mai
Experiences here
Add Bangkok to a longer trip
Most travellers combine it with two or three other places. Tell us your dates and we will suggest the route.