Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok
9.5Superb · 1,294 Reviews
991/9 Rama I Road Pathumwan | Bangkok, 10330, TH
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About Bangkok
A Bangkok stay brings temple visits, evening street food, mall-hopping and nights out within reach of a city-wide rail and river network. Choose a base around the sights and the kind of evenings you want.
Bangkok’s historic heart is Rattanakosin, while districts such as Sukhumvit, Siam and Yaowarat offer different ways to spend a day and night. You can visit the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, browse malls and markets, or follow the evening food stalls around the city. BTS and MRT stations connect many neighbourhoods, and boats serve parts of the Chao Phraya River. This guide covers temples, street food, shopping and nightlife, then helps you choose where to stay and how to get around. It also includes airport transfers, seasonal weather and practical details for your trip.
Where to stay
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Places to stay by type in Bangkok
Places to stay in Bangkok
Hotels near landmarks
- Sanam Luang237 stays
- Siam Paragon mall252 stays
- Central World Plaza235 stays
- Wat Suthat and the Giant Swing165 stays
- Temple of the Emerald Buddha or Wat Phra Kaew160 stays
- Jim Thompson's House (Museum)181 stays
- Don Mueang International Airport (DMK)319 stays
- Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)176 stays
Districts
- Sukhumvit / Watthana869 stays
- Siam / Pathum Wan508 stays
- Khao San / Bang Lamphu440 stays
- Silom / Sathorn320 stays
- Riverside / Bang Rak236 stays
- Chatuchak200 stays
Hotel brands
Bangkok at a glance
Local currency
THB
(THB)
Local time
(GMT+7)
Suggested area to stay
Sukhumvit, Bang Rak, Silom
History, culture and food in Bangkok
When to visit Bangkok
How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.
Best months: January, November and December
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Jan56
Pleasant weather (avg high 32°C)
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Feb53
Chinese New Year (14 Feb-1 Mar 2026)
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Mar43
Bangkok International Motor Show
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Apr26
Often avoided: Extreme heat
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May22
Rainy (220 mm)
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Jun25
Typhoon season (Jun-Nov); impacts uncommon
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Jul19
Rainy (155 mm)
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Aug19
Rainy (197 mm)
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Sep0
Often avoided: Heavy rain and possible localized flooding
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Oct0
Often avoided: Heavy rain and possible localized flooding
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Nov58
Loy Krathong
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Dec61
Pleasant weather (avg high 31°C)
Things to do in Bangkok
23 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.
Showing 23 of 23 places ·
Best in the evening
6 places
Silom
Silom is among the areas to look for Bangkok street food. It is also part of the city’s business district, with nightlife and Lumphini Park.
Jodd Fairs
Jodd Fairs is among Bangkok’s street-food markets for evening visits.
Sukhumvit
Sukhumvit has restaurants, bars, malls and nightlife, with BTS connections. Nana, Asok and Thong Lo are stations on the Sukhumvit Line.
Silom/Sathorn
The business district has nightlife, rooftop bars and upscale clubs, with Lumphini Park nearby. The BTS Silom Line runs through Silom and Sathorn Roads.
Patpong
Silom, Bang Rak District
Patpong Road connects Silom Road and Surawong Road in Silom, Bang Rak District. Its night market has stalls selling a range of goods.
Chao Phraya River dinner cruises
Chao Phraya River
Manohra Cruises and Opulence Cruise offer dinner cruises on the Chao Phraya River, with river views and classic dishes.
Any time of day
17 places
The Grand Palace
Rattanakosin
The palace is a central historic sight in Rattanakosin, and its admission includes Wat Phra Kaew and the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textile. It opens daily 08:30-16:30; tickets are sold 08:30-15:30, and foreign admission is 500 baht.
Wat Pho
Wat Pho is home to the Reclining Buddha, which measures 46 metres long and 15 metres from its base to its topknot. Dress appropriately when visiting temples and places of worship.
Wat Arun
Thon Buri
Wat Arun stands on the Thon Buri side of the Chao Phraya River, directly opposite Wat Pho. Foreign adult admission is 200 baht.
Wat Saket and the Golden Mount
The Golden Mount has 320 stairs to the top. Admission to Wat Saket and the Golden Mount is 100 baht.
Wat Traimit
Near Hua Lamphong and Yaowarat on Charoen Krung Road, Wat Traimit’s Phra Maha Mondop houses the Phra Buddha Maha Suwanna Patimakorn, also called Luang Pho Thong. Dress appropriately at places of worship.
Wat Benchamabophit
Known as the Marble Temple, Wat Benchamabophit has an ubosot built with marble imported from Italy. Dress appropriately for a temple visit.
Yaowarat Road
In Samphanthawong District, Yaowarat Road has indoor restaurants and roadside stalls serving savoury foods and desserts. Take the MRT to Wat Mangkon or use Rachawong Pier (N5) for the area.
Bang Lamphu
Rattanakosin Island
Bang Lamphu, near Khao San and Phra Athit Roads on Rattanakosin Island, is a backpacker area with food and lively bars. It is one of Bangkok’s street-food areas.
Pratunam
Pratunam is a street-food area as well as a place to browse wholesale and retail clothing markets. Its markets sell clothes, accessories and souvenirs.
Siam Paragon
Siam
This Siam mall is at Siam BTS Station, with Exit 3 connecting to the mall. It opens daily 10:00-22:00.
MBK Center
MBK Center opens daily 10:00-22:00. A connecting walkway links it with National Stadium BTS Station (W1).
CentralwOrld
CentralwOrld has BTS access from Siam Station Exit 4 and Chit Lom Station Exit 1 on the Sukhumvit Line.
Pratunam Market
Browse Pratunam for inexpensive clothes, fashion accessories and bargains. The area has wholesale and retail clothing markets, including souvenirs.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
This large market covers assorted goods, including produce, clothing, pets, plants and food. BTS Mo Chit and MRT Chatuchak Park serve the market.
Pak Khlong Talat
Pak Khlong Talat is active from daytime into late night and is open around the clock, though individual vendors’ hours vary. Take the MRT to Sanam Chai and use Exit 4 or 5.
Thonglor and Ekkamai
These upscale areas are known for restaurants, chic bars and nightclubs. Thong Lo is a station on the BTS Sukhumvit Line.
Banglamphu (Khao San)
Rattanakosin Island
This backpacker area has lively bars and food. Bang Lamphu is near Khao San and Phra Athit Roads on Rattanakosin Island.
Bangkok itineraries, day by day
Culture and history
Bangkok in Three Days: Temples, Food and Shops
A first Bangkok visit with royal temples, river crossings, shopping and street food after dark.
Made for a first time in Bangkok, these three full days suit visitors who want the city’s temples, street food, shopping and night scene without criss-crossing every hour. Mornings start at major temple grounds or markets; afternoons shift to malls and local shopping, with evenings on Khao San Road, at Asiatique or over Yaowarat dishes. For a practical Bangkok trip plan, arrange your dates first: Chatuchak’s general-goods market opens Friday to Sunday only, so swap days 2 and 3 if needed. For 3 days 2 nights Bangkok, choose a neighborhood that fits your evenings, then check availability.
Culture and history
Thailand in 10 Days: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket
Temple walks, Lanna food, Bangkok markets and Phuket beaches, linked by practical city-to-city routes.
This route suits travellers who want Bangkok temples and street food, Chiang Mai’s Lanna culture, and several days for Phuket beaches and the Phi Phi Islands. The rhythm moves from compact city walks to an overnight or daytime transfer, then finishes with beach and boat outings. For 10 days in Thailand, arrange the Bangkok to Chiang Mai connection first, then book the Chiang Mai to Phuket flight and confirm boat arrangements. Check that Chatuchak falls on Friday to Sunday. This Bangkok Chiang Mai Phuket itinerary balances city sights with time by the water.
Culture and history
Bangkok Old Town Temples: A One-Day Route
An early temple route through Bangkok’s old town, with walking links and an unhurried evening.
Bangkok in a day suits a first visit that would rather linger over old-town temples than race through a landmark checklist. Start early at Wat Suthat and the Giant Swing, continue to Loha Prasat and Wat Saket, then leave the evening open around Khao San Road. The morning is temple-focused, with walks between stops and room to slow down at the end. Arrange modest, temple-appropriate clothing before you set out; that is the one preparation to settle first. For an overnight base, compare Bang Lamphu and Sukhumvit.
Culture and history
Bangkok in 4 Days: City Stops and Ayutthaya
Three city days cover museums, markets and the river, followed by a focused Ayutthaya excursion.
This Bangkok 4 day itinerary suits travellers who want several city days and a focused excursion rather than squeezing Ayutthaya between other stops. The opening day pairs Museum Siam with a flower market; the next moves through Chinatown-edge shopping, Wat Traimit and The Old Siam Plaza. Day three shifts to the river and a waterfront park, while day four is reserved for rail travel and Wat Chaiwatthanaram. Set the excursion day aside in advance, then check the train schedule and temple opening times before travel. The city visits have varied settings, but Ayutthaya calls for a full-day commitment.
Culture and history
Bangkok in 5 Days: Markets, River Kwai and More
Balance two separate day trips with Bangkok neighborhoods, shopping, park time and a high-rise view.
This Bangkok 5 day itinerary suits visitors who want a longer Bangkok stay, with a floating-market outing, a River Kwai excursion and time for city neighborhoods. The rhythm alternates two separate, travel-heavy days with markets, shopping, a park and skyline views, rather than stacking long journeys together. Arrange the floating-market transport and River Kwai tour details first, then confirm schedules before committing to either route. If you are comparing a 5 days 4 nights Bangkok break or a Bangkok 5 days 4 nights itinerary, this mix leaves space for both excursions and city time.
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With the family
Bangkok Art, Shopping and Parks in Two Days
Pair an indoor art stop and central shopping with two green spaces, using simple transit and taxi connections.
A Bangkok 2 day trip suits you if you want indoor culture and green space without trying to cover the whole city. Day one stays around the central shopping area, pairing contemporary art with a mall for browsing and meals. Day two gives the parks most of the attention, with walking routes at Benjakitti and a taxi or ride-hailing car to Queen Sirikit Park. The rhythm is deliberately focused, not a checklist of distant sights. First, check opening times for Bangkok Art and Culture Centre and any attractions you hope to visit; then choose a base in Sukhumvit, Silom and Sathorn, or Bang Lamphu.
With the family
Two Gentle Days in Bangkok for Family Travel
Pair two indoor shopping stops with three parks, leaving breathing room for child-led breaks.
Built for families who want a gentler family trip to Bangkok, this two-day route pairs indoor shopping with roomy park time rather than packing in attractions. Day one stays around Siam Paragon, MBK Center and Pratunam Market; day two moves through three parks, with taxi transfers between the larger green spaces. Keep visits flexible around snack stops and children’s energy. Check attraction hours before you set out, especially for the indoor stops, and decide which day needs the longer outdoor stretch first; that is the main thing to arrange.
With the family
A 10-Day Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket Route
Bangkok landmarks, Pattaya family stops and Phuket beach time, with two travel days built in.
This Thailand family holiday itinerary suits families who want city sights, indoor breaks, an island outing and beach time without filling every hour. The Bangkok Pattaya Phuket itinerary starts in Bangkok, continues by bus to Pattaya and then moves to Phuket, with a mix of active mornings and slower coastal stops. Arrange the Bangkok–Pattaya bus and the onward air travel from Suvarnabhumi to Phuket first. Check the Ko Lan boat and the Sunday market schedule, then let weather and the family’s energy shape the beach days.
With the family
Bangkok and Pattaya: Five Days of City and Coast
Pair Bangkok park, art, shopping and river stops with a short Pattaya stay and a Ko Lan day out.
Thailand itinerary 5 days suits travellers who want Bangkok culture and shopping followed by a short Pattaya stay, with park time, riverfront stops, a family attraction and an island outing. The pace shifts from a lighter park-and-gallery day to a full shopping day, then puts the bus transfer between city and coast before two Pattaya days. Arrange the Ekkamai bus before departure and collect your ticket at least 30 minutes ahead. For 5 days in Thailand, including a Thailand 5 days 4 nights stay, this Bangkok Pattaya itinerary gives each stop its own day without packing in extra destinations.
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Food and drink
Bangkok Markets and Street Food in One Day
A flexible day from Or Tor Kor Market through food neighborhoods to an evening market.
Bangkok food trip suits travellers who prefer browsing and choosing bites as they go, rather than fixing every meal in advance. Begin among the produce and street eats at Or Tor Kor Market, then move through Yaowarat’s restaurants and roadside stalls, Bang Lamphu and Sukhumvit before the evening market. The Yaowarat street food tour mood comes from mixing indoor dining with roadside tastings, while taxi hops link the neighborhoods. Arrange your day around market and vendor hours first, then leave eating stops open to appetite and what you find.
Food and drink
A Day Trip to Damnoen Saduak from Bangkok
Start early for the boat-side market, then return to Bangkok for a flexible riverside park stop.
This day suits travellers who want a close look at vendors selling produce, food and desserts from boats, with an optional canal ride and a park stop on the way back into Bangkok. For damnoen saduak floating market from Bangkok, arrange road transport before the day and confirm the market schedule first. Set out early for the market, then let traffic decide how much time remains for the return via Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) and Santichaiprakarn Park. The park is a riverside finish, not a temple visit.
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Shopping and markets
Bangkok Shopping: Malls and Market Districts
Pair riverfront retail with clothing markets, a weekend market and a Phahurat mall.
This Bangkok shopping tour suits travellers who like large retail centres as much as busy market districts, and who are happy to cross the city for different shopping styles. The day moves from riverside Asiatique to Pratunam’s clothing trade, then north to Chatuchak before ending at The Old Siam Plaza in Phahurat. Choose your shopping priorities before leaving and check opening hours for all four stops first, especially when fitting a weekend market into a city day. Use the shuttle boat for Asiatique and taxis or ride-hailing cars for the road legs; traffic can stretch those journeys.
Shopping and markets
Two Days in Bangkok: Parks and Chatuchak
Spend one day among parks and neighborhoods, then give Chatuchak Weekend Market the focus of the next.
This two-day break suits travellers who want one big market day without making both days feel packed. For a Bangkok weekend getaway, keep the first day lighter with Sanam Luang, Thonglor and Ekkamai, then JODD FAIRS Night Market; follow it with parks around a long browse at Chatuchak Weekend Market. A weekend in Bangkok is easiest to shape around the market: arrange your dates first so Chatuchak falls on its operating weekend day. Then keep the park visits as gentler bookends and browse at your own pace.
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Nightlife
Bangkok Evening Route: Yaowarat to Thonglor
Follow Yaowarat’s food streets with a rooftop pause, then spend the later evening in Thonglor and Ekkamai.
Food-focused travellers who want skyline views and a later-night finish can start with browsing in Yaowarat, pause at Vertigo and Moon Bar, then continue to Thonglor and Ekkamai. The evening moves from street food and shops to a rooftop viewpoint, then restaurants, bars and nightclubs; use road transport for the two transfers. For Bangkok at night, arrange how you’ll get back before the evening runs late and check market and venue hours first. Take the MRT to Wat Mangkon station for the first stop, and choose your sleeping area around your morning plans.
Budget
Bangkok in 2 Days: Markets, Parks and Old Streets
Two days of market browsing, public parks and a riverside finish, with practical links between stops.
This two-day route suits travellers who want Bangkok’s market neighborhoods and public parks, with few paid attractions and room to browse rather than rush. Day one links Chatuchak Weekend Market, Or Tor Kor Market and a leafy park; day two moves through Bang Lamphu to the Chao Phraya riverfront and a flower market. Set a daily spending limit first, then check transport and market hours to avoid unnecessary detours. It works as a budget trip to Bangkok, a Bangkok budget itinerary, or a Bangkok backpacking itinerary; Bangkok budget travel here means prioritising public spaces and market streets.
Budget
Bangkok Layover: A Brief Central City Visit
A short airport-to-city route with contemporary art, nearby malls and a careful return to Suvarnabhumi.
For a Bangkok layover with enough time between flights, this brief outing suits travellers who want a taste of central Bangkok without turning a connection into a packed sightseeing day. The rhythm is airport transfer, contemporary art, time at Siam Paragon and MBK Center, then a return via Phaya Thai. A Bangkok 12 hour layover still depends on your actual flight schedule and transfer choices: check those first and set a firm time to head back, with a generous buffer before departure.
Budget
Thailand in 14 Days: Bus, Train and Ferry Route
A slower overland route through Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Phuket, Phi Phi, Krabi and Koh Lanta.
This Thailand budget travel route suits travellers who value public transport, ferry crossings and quieter stops over a fast checklist. The rhythm shifts between city walks, heritage visits, beaches and transfer days, with a few sharp changes of direction to resolve. For Thailand on a budget, compare southbound bus and island-ferry connections first, then check lodging availability before fixing the sequence. You can make the listed stops work as a loose framework for backpacking Thailand, but confirm the out-of-area visits and return legs before committing to bookings.
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Couples
Bangkok in 2 Days: Parks, Riverfront and Views
A gentle two-day Bangkok break pairs park paths with riverfront browsing and an evening together.
Bangkok for couples can be a relaxed two-day city break, especially if you want open-air walks, browsing and an evening together. Day one gives the parks room to breathe before a riverside stop at Asiatique; day two puts ICONSIAM in daylight and saves Vertigo and Moon Bar for later. Taxi transfers connect the longer cross-city moves, so avoid adding extra daytime stops. Choose your evening venue first, then pick a base that suits how you want to get around.
Couples
10-Day Bangkok, Krabi and Koh Samui Itinerary
Pair Bangkok’s museums and riverfront with Krabi island time and unhurried days on Koh Samui.
For couples who want city culture followed by coast, this Thailand honeymoon itinerary opens with Bangkok’s public spaces, river piers and rooftop views, then shifts to Krabi’s islands and inland pools before a ferry crossing to Koh Samui. The rhythm is liveliest on travel days; keep the beach days open for swimming and slow meals rather than adding more stops. Arrange the flight to Krabi and the onward land-and-ferry connection to Samui before the trip, then confirm the Hong Island boat outing and the day’s route across Krabi.
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Nature
Bangkok and Phuket in 7 Days: A First-Timer Route
Balance Bangkok’s landmark temples and markets with Phuket’s Old Town, viewpoints and flexible beach time.
Thailand itinerary 7 days suits first-timers who want Bangkok’s landmark temples and food streets alongside Phuket’s Old Town and beaches. Start with full days in the capital, then shift to island culture and coast, leaving beach time flexible around the activities you most want to prioritize. Arrange the Bangkok to Phuket flight first. The route works for 7 days in Thailand, whether your idea of one week in Thailand leans toward temples, town walks or swimming; a Thailand 1 week itinerary can also use the beach days to follow local conditions.
Nature
7 Days in Bangkok and Krabi: Temples and Coast
Spend three days among Bangkok temples and food streets, then slow down with beaches and boat outings in Krabi.
This Bangkok and Krabi itinerary suits travellers who want classic city sights followed by a slower beach stay. The first days pair temple visits with Chinatown food and a climb above the old town; in Krabi, leave room for Railay, an island outing, Krabi Town and easy coastal time. Arrange your southbound flight in advance, then choose boat outings around the pace you want and check their routes and timings with the operator. Ao Nang is a practical base for the beach and boat days.
Nature
Bangkok and Koh Samui: A 7-Day City and Beach Trip
Three days of Bangkok temples and neighborhoods, followed by four days of beach and island time on Samui.
This Bangkok and Koh Samui itinerary suits travellers who want landmark temples, street food and an easy shift into beach days. The rhythm starts with two days in Bangkok, then moves south for relaxed, area-by-area visits around Samui, with a boat trip to Ang Thong at the end. Arrange the Bangkok to Samui flight before the trip so the travel day is set; Bangkok Airways operates direct flights from Suvarnabhumi to Samui. Choose your island base around the beaches and neighborhoods you want close by, and check availability before booking.
Nature
Seven days of beaches in Phuket, Phi Phi and Krabi
Spend time on Phuket’s shores, sleep overnight on Phi Phi, then finish among Krabi’s beaches and cliffs.
This Phuket Krabi itinerary suits travellers who want plenty of sea time and a change of scenery without rushing through every stop. Begin among Phuket’s old streets, then leave room to adjust the beach days around conditions. An overnight on Phi Phi breaks up the route before the Krabi finish, where Railay’s cliffs and the Ao Nang coast set a slower pace. Arrange both ferry legs first, including the return crossing needed to fit the Phuket stops on Day 3; check boat times with the operator before setting the rest of your days.
Nature
Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Krabi in 10 Days
Capital-city landmarks, northern temples and Andaman coast stops, connected by domestic flights.
For travellers who want Bangkok culture, Chiang Mai temples and Andaman scenery, this ten-day route pairs city visits with a longer stretch of coast and island time. The Bangkok Chiang Mai Krabi itinerary moves from monuments and food streets to old-town museums, then to Railay and Krabi’s islands. Arrange both domestic flight legs first, especially the Chiang Mai to Krabi connection. Also resolve the Chiang Mai khantoke dinner listed after the Krabi arrival, since it does not fit that day’s route.
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Things to book
Tours and activities in Bangkok
Guided tours, day trips and tickets to book alongside your stay.
Standard tour
Bangkok: White Orchid Chao Phraya Dinner Cruise free Beer
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Ayutthaya Glittering Sunset or Sunshine Tour with Heritage Boat
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Top Three Temples Group Tour in Bangkok
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Train Market
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Private Grand Palace & Wat Arun Temple Tour
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Standard tour
Biking Through Bangkok’s Green Lung
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Activity tour
Day trip to Ayutthaya and Bang Pa-in Palace
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Multi day tour
Thailand Experiences and Adventures (9 days)
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Before you go to Bangkok
- Foreign adult admission to the Grand Palace
- 500 baht
- Length of Wat Pho’s Reclining Buddha
- 46 m
- Daily opening hours at Siam Paragon
- 10:00-22:00
- Orange-flag express boat fare for its full route
- 19 baht
- Estimated train journey from Don Mueang to Krung Thep Aphiwat
- 17 min
- Tourist Police hotline
- 1155
How do you get from Bangkok’s airports into the city?
Suvarnabhumi has a City Line to Phaya Thai, while Don Mueang has a train, buses and 24-hour taxis.
- Suvarnabhumi City Line: Suvarnabhumi Airport Station is on Level B1 of the main terminal. The City Line runs via Lat Krabang, Ban Thap Chang, Hua Mak, Ramkhamhaeng, Makkasan and Ratchaprarop to Phaya Thai, where passengers can connect to the BTS.
- Suvarnabhumi public taxi: Public taxis operate 24 hours a day on Level 1 of the main terminal, between Gates 4 and 7 on the inner curb. Obtain a queue ticket first. Fares start at THB 35 or THB 40, with the metered fare set by Department of Land Transport rates, plus a THB 50 airport surcharge paid to the driver.
- Don Mueang train: The adult fare from Don Mueang to Krung Thep Aphiwat is 33 baht, and the estimated journey takes 17 minutes.
- Don Mueang buses and taxis: The A1 and A2 bus fare is 30 baht; A3 and A4 cost 50 baht. Don Mueang taxis run 24 hours, with pick-up at Terminal 1, Level 1, Door 8 and Terminal 2, Level 1, Door 15.
- Airport shuttle: A free shuttle between Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi operates 05:00-24:00 for passengers with connecting flights only.
How do you get around Bangkok?
Use the BTS and MRT for city journeys, and river boats for routes served by the Chao Phraya.
- BTS Skytrain: The Sukhumvit Line runs from Kheha Samutprakan to Khu Khot, while the Silom Line runs from Bang Wa to National Stadium. Siam is the interchange between the lines; the BTS route-map legend gives service hours as 06:00-24:00.
- MRT: The MRT Blue Line includes Sukhumvit, Si Lom and Chatuchak Park stations. Chatuchak Park Station has exits to Mo Chit BTS Station; the Blue Line operates daily 06:00-24:00.
- River boats: The orange-flag Chao Phraya Express Boat runs Nonthaburi-Wat Ratchasingkhon for 19 baht throughout. The yellow-flag route runs Nonthaburi-Sathorn for 24 baht throughout; routes and fares differ by flag.
- Cards and connections: Rabbit Card can pay fares on the BTS Silom Line, BTS Gold Line, MRT Yellow and Pink lines, BRT, and specified Chao Phraya Tourist and Express Boat flags. Yaowarat Road is served by Wat Mangkon MRT station and Rachawong Pier (N5).
Where should you stay in Bangkok?
Choose Sukhumvit for rail links and nightlife, Siam for shopping, or Khaosan for a backpacker-area base.
- Think first about your evenings and the sights you want nearby. BTS and MRT connections make several areas practical, while the historic centre and riverside neighbourhoods offer a different setting.
- Sukhumvit: Sukhumvit has malls, restaurants, bars and nightlife, with BTS connections and stations including Nana, Asok and Thong Lo. It suits visitors who want plenty of places to eat and go out nearby.
- Bang Rak: Bang Rak includes historic Charoen Krung Road, with Captain Bush Lane, House No.1, the Old Customs House, Bangkok General Post Office and Assumption Cathedral. Patpong’s night market is in Silom, Bang Rak District.
- Silom: Silom is part of Bangkok’s business district, with nightlife and Lumphini Park. The BTS Silom Line runs through Silom and Sathorn Roads.
- Khaosan: Banglamphu (Khao San) is a backpacker area with budget guesthouses, lively bars and food. Bang Lamphu is on Rattanakosin Island near Khao San and Phra Athit Roads.
- Nana: Nana is a station on the BTS Sukhumvit Line, within the Sukhumvit area known for bars, restaurants and nightlife. Choose it if being near that rail line and evening options matters to you.
- Pratunam: Pratunam has wholesale and retail clothing markets, with bargains on clothes, accessories and souvenirs. It is also one of Bangkok’s street-food areas.
- Phaya Thai: Phaya Thai Station is the end of the Suvarnabhumi Airport City Line, and passengers can connect to the BTS there. This makes the area relevant if you want that airport rail connection.
- Sathorn: Sathorn is part of Silom/Sathorn, Bangkok’s business district, with nightlife and Lumphini Park nearby. The BTS Silom Line runs through Sathorn Road.
Which temples and historic sights should you see in Bangkok?
Start in Rattanakosin for the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, then add Wat Pho, Wat Arun or the Golden Mount.
- Rattanakosin is Bangkok’s historic heart, with Wat Phra Kaew, the Grand Palace and Wat Arun among its landmarks. The Grand Palace is open daily from 08:30 to 16:30, with ticket sales from 08:30 to 15:30; foreign admission is 500 baht and includes Wat Phra Kaew and the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textile.
- Dress respectfully at temples and places of worship. At the Grand Palace, sleeveless, see-through and short tops, short or torn pants, tight pants, bike pants, mini skirts, pants skirts and sleeping suits are prohibited. Men visiting royal palaces should wear a sleeved shirt and long pants; women should wear a sleeved shirt with a knee-covering skirt or long pants.
- For the Grand Palace, avoid sleeveless shirts, shorts, see-through clothing, close-fitting or ripped jeans and flip-flops.
- Check before you go, as temple and palace admission details may change.
Where can you find Bangkok street food?
Yaowarat is a strong choice for evening street food, with restaurants and roadside stalls serving savoury dishes and desserts.
- Food stalls open in the evening around Bangkok, with rice, noodles, somtam, grilled chicken and fresh seafood among the things to eat. Yaowarat Road is a popular food area with both indoor restaurants and roadside stalls, and you can reach it from Wat Mangkon MRT station or Rachawong Pier (N5).
- Other street-food areas include Bang Lamphu, Silom, Chong Nonsi, Pratunam, Ratchaprasong, Phetchaburi Soi 10-12, BTS Ratchatewi Station, Siam and Sukhumvit. Rules restrict cooking or selling goods on roads and in public places, except on private roads or in areas officially permitted for specified days and times with traffic-officer approval; permitted areas should have clearly marked boundaries and hours.
- At Yaowarat Road, use clearly marked permitted vending areas and follow their displayed hours.
- For Yaowarat, the MRT route is Wat Mangkon station; Rachawong Pier (N5) also serves the area.
Where should you go shopping in Bangkok?
Siam is a convenient starting point for malls, while Pratunam and Chatuchak Weekend Market offer market browsing.
- Siam brings malls, shops and street vendors together around a BTS interchange, making it an easy base for a shopping day. Siam Paragon and MBK Center are both open daily from 10:00 to 22:00, with BTS access to each. CentralwOrld has access points at Siam Station Exit 4 and Chit Lom Station Exit 1.
- For clothes and accessories, Pratunam has wholesale and retail markets with bargains, while Chatuchak Weekend Market offers assorted goods, including produce, clothing, pets, plants and food. Pak Khlong Talat is active from daytime into late night and is open around the clock, though individual vendors’ hours vary.
- Use the BTS connections at Siam Paragon and MBK Center to pair shopping with a rail journey.
- For Chatuchak Weekend Market, take BTS to Mo Chit or the MRT to Chatuchak Park.
Where should you go out in Bangkok at night?
Sukhumvit, Thonglor and Ekkamai suit nights around bars and restaurants, while Silom and Banglamphu offer other nightlife scenes.
- Sukhumvit has malls, restaurants, bars and nightlife, with BTS connections; Nana and Asok are among the stations on the Sukhumvit Line. Thonglor and Ekkamai are known for upscale restaurants, chic bars and nightclubs. Silom/Sathorn has rooftop bars and upscale clubs, while Banglamphu (Khao San) is known for lively bars and food.
- For river views over dinner, Manohra Cruises and Opulence Cruise offer dinner cruises on the Chao Phraya River with classic dishes. Vertigo and Moon Bar at Banyan Tree Bangkok and Sky Bar at Lebua State Tower are rooftop viewpoints. Thailand’s legal drinking age is 20; alcohol may generally be sold 11:00-24:00, with separate legal conditions for some venue types and locations.
- The legal drinking age is 20, and general alcohol sales hours are 11:00-24:00; some venue types and locations have separate conditions.
- Licensed entertainment venues in some Bangkok tourist areas may extend opening hours until 04:00; the extension applies only to venues with licences.
When is a good time to visit Bangkok?
Bangkok is hot year-round, with Thailand’s cool season from mid-October to mid-February and rainy season from mid-May to mid-October.
- Thailand’s hot season runs from mid-February to mid-May, its rainy season from mid-May to mid-October, and its winter season from mid-October to mid-February; monsoon dates can vary. Bangkok’s average highs range from about 31°C in December to 35°C in April. Rainfall is highest in September, at about 344 mm, and lower in January, at about 9 mm. Crowds are high in January-April and November-December, medium in May-August, and low in September-October.
- Songkran (April): The traditional festival runs 13-15 April, with celebrations in Bangkok and other destinations.
- Loi Krathong (November): Loi Krathong is celebrated nationwide on the full-moon night of the 12th month in the Thai lunar calendar, normally in November.
Arrival card
Non-Thai nationals must submit a Thailand Digital Arrival Card online before entering Thailand.
- Submit it within 3 days in advance of arrival, including the arrival date. It applies to entry by land, air or sea, is valid for one use on the expected arrival date, and must be submitted again for each entry.
- Transit passengers who do not pass through immigration do not need one; leaving the airport requires one.
VAT refund
Eligible purchases must total at least 2,000 baht including VAT per day per store.
- Buy from a shop displaying the “VAT REFUND FOR TOURISTS” sign and take the goods out of Thailand within 60 days. For total purchases of 20,000 baht or more, present the goods, P.P.10 form and original tax invoices to Customs before check-in.
- Make the refund request on your departure date, trip by trip; claim at an international airport counter or mail the documents to the Revenue Department. The general VAT rate is 7 percent.
Temple clothing
Dress respectfully at Bangkok temples and places of worship, and follow the Grand Palace’s specific dress rules.
- At the Grand Palace, sleeveless shirts, short or see-through tops, short or torn pants, tight pants, bike pants, mini skirts, pants skirts and sleeping suits are prohibited.
- For royal palaces, men should wear a sleeved shirt and long pants; women should wear a sleeved shirt with a skirt covering the knees or long pants.
Electrical plugs
Thailand’s outlets are 220 volts at 50 cycles per second.
- Outlets generally take flat, two-pronged plugs; some have holes for round plug ends, and few have three holes for grounded plugs.
Emergency help
Call the Tourist Police hotline on 1155.
Alcohol rules
The legal drinking age in Thailand is 20, and alcohol may generally be sold 11:00-24:00.
- Separate legal conditions apply to some venue types and locations. Alcohol sales may also be restricted on major religious days or during other official periods announced by authorities.
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Near Bangkok
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Frequently asked questions about Bangkok
How do I get from Suvarnabhumi Airport to central Bangkok?
Take the City Line from Suvarnabhumi Airport Station on Level B1 to Phaya Thai, where you can connect to the BTS. It stops at Lat Krabang, Ban Thap Chang, Hua Mak, Ramkhamhaeng, Makkasan and Ratchaprarop along the way.
How much is a taxi from Suvarnabhumi Airport?
Public taxi fares start at THB 35 or THB 40, with the metered fare set by Department of Land Transport rates. Add the THB 50 airport surcharge, paid directly to the driver, and obtain a queue ticket before boarding.
How do I get from Don Mueang Airport into Bangkok?
From Don Mueang, the train to Krung Thep Aphiwat costs 33 baht for an adult and takes an estimated 17 minutes. A1 and A2 buses cost 30 baht, while A3 and A4 cost 50 baht; taxis operate around the clock.
Which Bangkok area is good for a first visit?
Sukhumvit is a practical base if you want BTS connections, restaurants, malls and nightlife in the area. For a historic setting, Rattanakosin has the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Arun.
Where should I stay in Bangkok for nightlife?
Sukhumvit has bars and nightlife with BTS connections, while Thonglor and Ekkamai are known for upscale restaurants, chic bars and nightclubs. Silom/Sathorn also has nightlife, rooftop bars and upscale clubs.
Where should I stay in Bangkok on a budget?
Banglamphu (Khao San) is a backpacker area with budget guesthouses, lively bars and food. It is on Rattanakosin Island near Khao San and Phra Athit Roads.
Where can I eat street food in Bangkok?
Yaowarat Road is a popular street-food area with indoor restaurants and roadside stalls serving savoury foods and desserts. Other Bangkok street-food areas include Bang Lamphu, Silom, Pratunam, Siam and Sukhumvit.
How do I get to Yaowarat Road?
Take the MRT to Wat Mangkon station or use Rachawong Pier (N5), which serves the Yaowarat Road area. Yaowarat Road is in Samphanthawong District.
Which Bangkok temples should I visit?
The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew are in Rattanakosin, while Wat Pho and Wat Arun face each other across the Chao Phraya River. Wat Saket and the Golden Mount are another option.
What should I wear to Bangkok temples?
Dress appropriately and respectfully at temples and places of worship. At the Grand Palace, sleeveless, see-through and short tops, short or torn pants, tight pants, bike pants, mini skirts, pants skirts and sleeping suits are prohibited.
How much does the Grand Palace cost?
Foreign admission is 500 baht, including access to Wat Phra Kaew and the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textile. The palace opens daily 08:30-16:30, with tickets sold 08:30-15:30.
When is the best time to visit Bangkok?
Thailand’s winter season runs from mid-October to mid-February, while the rainy season runs from mid-May to mid-October. Bangkok’s average high ranges from about 31°C in December to 35°C in April, and September has about 344 mm of rain.
What festivals are celebrated in Bangkok?
Songkran’s traditional festival is 13-15 April, with celebrations in Bangkok. Loi Krathong is normally celebrated in November on the full-moon night of the 12th month in the Thai lunar calendar.
What should I know about money and shopping in Bangkok?
The general VAT rate is 7 percent, and eligible purchases must be at least 2,000 baht including VAT per day per store. Shop at a store displaying the “VAT REFUND FOR TOURISTS” sign and take goods out of Thailand within 60 days to meet the stated conditions.
Can I use the BTS and MRT to get around Bangkok?
Yes. The BTS Sukhumvit and Silom lines meet at Siam, and the MRT Blue Line includes stations such as Sukhumvit, Si Lom and Chatuchak Park.