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|Updated on October, 12,2024|

Are you dreaming about your upcoming adventure in Bangkok? Look no further! Dive into my Ultimate Bangkok Travel Guide to maximize your experience, save precious time and money, and craft unforgettable memories.

 

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand, with a tropical wet climate and dry season (between November and February). The average maximum temperature is above 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit) year-round, so it is hot. The rainy season in Bangkok is from June to October, but there is still a lot of sunshine.

 

Bangkok is known for its world’s best cuisine, some of the best markets in the world, its prostitution and red-light districts, nightlife, bad air quality (pollution), its culture and history, and more.

 

Read more about the best things to do in Bangkok and learn Bangkok tips.

 

The Ultimate Bangkok Travel Guide

What to Expect in Bangkok

• Most people do NOT speak English!
• 99% of places take only CASH
• Heat and humidity can be unbearable
• Busy streets and lots of traffic
• Cheap fare for public transport

Bangkok Packing Essentials

• Flip Flops
• Anti-bug spray
• Sunscreen with high SPF
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• A bunch of light T-shirts, a few dresses, and shorts (remember it is too hot, only pack light summer clothes)
• Swimsuit
• Comfortable sandals
• Sneakers (for hiking)
• Beach bag

You might be interested in The Ultimate Travel Packing Guide

Bangkok’s Best Areas to Stay For First-Timers

It is always stressful to pick the accommodation and location in any place you go to. Especially in Bangkok, as it’s the most popular tourist destination, which is full of hotels and hostels located next to each other and have similar prices.

Here are the best areas to stay in Bangkok.

1. The Khao San Area

Khao San is the most famous street in Bangkok, which offers a lot of entertainment and is always crowded because of many tourists. There are a lot of mid-range hotels/hostels in the area and within walking distance of the main Khao San Road and surrounding streets.

 

If you are staying in this area, expect to be close to the great restaurants, lots of delicious street food and fresh fruits, and a big market with unique clothes, shoes, and accessories for affordable prices. Don’t forget that many places accept only Cash.

 

PRO-TIP: If you buy anything at a market, don’t be afraid to bargain. Most of the time, they will sell it to you for less than was advertised initially. That is how I bought the canvas bug for just $5 instead of $10.

 

My experience of staying in the Khao San Road area was great. I stayed at The Lol Elephant Hostel, which was 10 minutes away from Khao San Road.

 

It was incredibly convenient because I could explore the area on foot without needing any transportation. The hostel is relatively new as it was opened in October 2018. One unique feature was the ‘barefoot rule,’ which is a common practice in Thailand, requiring guests to remove their shoes before entering any indoor space. I liked that each bed had a curtain and a power outlet. So it seemed that I had my own small, quiet room. All the staff was amiable and helpful. I enjoyed my stay there, and it was very cheap. This felt like home, plus I had a delicious breakfast every morning.

 

2. The Siam Square/Sukhumvit Area

This area is perfect for shopping, whether you prefer exploring street markets or browsing the big malls in Bangkok. The SkyTrain and subway conveniently link both areas, making transportation a breeze and ensuring easy accessibility via public transit

3. The Riverside Area

This is one of the prettiest areas of Bangkok. It is close to the significant historical sightseeing in Old Town. If you don’t travel on a budget, it is the best place to stay as it has various choices of luxury hotels.

4. The Chinatown, Bangkok

By far, this was the most impressive Chinatown I’ve ever visited. It boasts vibrant buildings, top-notch Chinese restaurants, and bustling traditional markets.

Transportation in Bangkok

Bangkok is a bustling city with lots of transportation options. That’s why finding your way to navigate around has never been easier in the capital of Thailand.

 

Take a pick at this transportation list in Bangkok City.

1. Bangkok MRT (Metro)

In other words, it is a Subway system. There are two main lines (Blue and Red). Trains arrive every 5-7 minutes and connect to the BTS Skytrain at Sukhumvit and Silom stations. It operates from 6 am to 12 am.

 

All information is available online, or, for better convenience, you can download an app. The price of a Single Journey Ticket depends on the destination (16-42 Baht per line and up to 70 Baht if you are changing lines). 

 

If you stay in the city for more than just a few days and plan to use MRT often, it might be worth buying the Stored Value Card. You can add more money and use it whenever you need it.

 

You can buy tickets directly from the ticket office (sometimes there might be long lines as people ask lots of questions) or use the ticket machine as an alternative. It has both languages and accepts coins or paper money.

 

Once you complete the purchase, you will be given a token. This is considered your ticket. Keep it until you get out of the metro, at the entrance (you need to tap the pass to the indicated place on the gate), and at the exit (to insert it into the dedicated slot).

 

What I like about metros is that if you need to switch lines, you don’t have to go outside and buy another ticket. The only thing you need to do is to change the platform inside the metro.

2. Bangkok BTS (SkyTrain)

It has two major lines: the Sukhumvit and Silom lines. Both lines can be pretty packed (especially during rush hours).

 

Silom Line runs from west to south, between the National Stadium in the Siam shopping area and Bang Wa in Thonburi.

 

Sukhumit Line runs north to east from Mo Chit to Bearing.

 

Both lines meet at Siam Station and also connect at 2 points with the underground (MRT)–at Sala Daeng Station (Silom Line) and Asok Station (Sukhumvit Line). Trains arrive every 3 to 6 minutes and operate from 6.30 am and midnight. The cost starts at 15 Baht for one stop to 59 Baht. A one-day ticket for multiple travels costs 140 Baht.

 

Similar to BRT rules, tickets are sold in the office (except for single rides, which are sold at the machine only) and at the device. If you plan to use a SkyTrain more than once, you can buy a Rabbit card (a rechargeable smart card with some discounts offered).

 

Also, keep your ticket till the end. The ticket is tapped on the way to enter but inserted when leaving the metro. BTS app is also available in the App/Google Play stores.

3. Buses in Bangkok

In my opinion, it is the most valuable public transport, which allows you to see the whole city. Sometimes it might cost you comfort, as most of the buses are old, don’t have an air conditioner, etc., but for such a low price and great city views, it is worth it most of the time.

 

The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) covers over 100 routes and has more than 3,000 buses. For non-Thai residents, figuring out the route can be very exhausting and frustrating. In that case, use the BMTA map (you can get it at almost all bus terminals for free) or use your Google Maps (which I usually do).

 

Most buses (except for all-night ones) run between 5 am to 11 pm daily. The cost is around 8-10 Baht. Air-conditioned buses (light blue) start from 12 Baht (depending on the distance traveled). All-night buses (light red) are about 9.50 Baht. EURO II buses (yellow-orange) cost anything between 13 to 25 Baht, depending on the distance traveled.

 

To avoid any stress before your trip, have a slight change for fare (as it can be a problem for older buses if you have more significant banknotes, they won’t be able to give you a difference). The conductor will collect the fare, and you need to keep the ticket until the end.

 

If you are unsure if it is the right bus to get to your destination, always ask the driver before the trip to avoid going to the wrong place.

 

Keep in mind: Buses with yellow signs are considered fast buses as they use expressways and have fewer stops. Buses with blue signs think of slower buses as they use regular routes and have more visits.

4. Tuk-Tuks in Bangkok

This is the funniest transportation in Thailand, but you have to be careful with how much you pay for your ride, as the price is per ride, and it is always different. But, most of the time, you can negotiate it. Just be nice. Thai people like tourists :).

 

Tuk-tuk rides were a must-try on my Bangkok checklist. I hopped on several tuk-tuks, and while the experiences were enjoyable, I later learned there were ways to pay less if you knew the ropes.

 

Pro-tip: to negotiate the price of a ride, choose a driver sitting alone and away from a group. You can quickly negotiate from 5 to 15 Baht down, and also, it is essential not to use tuk-tuk in rush hours. Otherwise, you will be stuck in traffic inside the hot vehicle without any air conditioner.

 

Prices vary by distance. A brief trip will usually cost 30 Baht.

 

Where to get a tuk-tuk? If you are traveling from the airport, you can find them right there or wave to the riding tuk-tuk on the streets and jump in. Bangkok travels with riding tuk-tuk is so much fun :).

5. Taxi

Taxi is pretty expensive in Bangkok (like everywhere else), so you shouldn’t be much surprised. However, avoid taking it unless you want an excellent comfortable ride, which is not guaranteed.

 

Pro-tip: make sure that the driver has a meter, and it is on. He can tell that he might use the paid toll roads to skip traffic, but in that case, it will be an extra charge for you.

6. Motorbike Taxis

If you are not afraid of fast speed, motorbike taxis can be a good option for you as the drivers can get you to your destination fast, and you can avoid being stuck in traffic.

 

Pro-tip: Like with tuk-tuks, negotiate a price upfront and always use the helmet.

7. Take Advantage of Ride-Sharing Apps

There has been no Uber in Thailand since 2018 as they had to shut down, but they combined with Grab service. It operates the same way as Uber. To use the app, you will need to download it, sign up, enter the required information, and start using it whenever you need it.

8. Ride a Boat

If you feel good being on the water in a boat with many people and are not in a rush, take advantage of the ride and enjoy the views. This includes five express lines that stop at the central piers in the city. The most popular is the Chao Phraya River Express Boat trip. A one-way ticket will cost you 40 Baht and the day pass 140 Baht.

9. Ride a Mini-Van

To go on long-distance trips, mini-vans can be a good option for you. They are comfortable, provide quicker service than buses, and have AC. You share the cost with other people, and it’s pretty affordable.

What to Eat in Bangkok on a Budget

The food in Bangkok is very delicious. What else can I say :).

 

If you love Asian cuisine, there are unlimited options to choose from. Since I was staying close to Khao San Road and there were no supermarkets nearby where I could buy food, I ended up going to different restaurants every day.

 

Well, don’t think that you can’t afford it. That is not true, as prices in Bangkok for a meal are pretty low. I could spend as much as $5 for an entrée. All the food I tried was delicious, and I couldn’t stop eating noodles :). The only thing that disappointed me was the lack of communication between the waiter and me as they didn’t speak English and it was hard to explain simple things sometimes.

 

I wasn’t told or asked about sugar preferences in the drink, and If I didn’t like it for some reason, they didn’t want to change it and charged me anyway. Be careful with that. Always ask upfront for such details, especially if you are allergic to something.

 

I was hesitant to try street food as I have a sensitive stomach, but I heard only good things about it. So if you are not like me, take an opportunity and try their national dishes and don’t pass by fresh fruits. They are delicious.

 

If you’re on a budget in Bangkok, rest assured you’ll still enjoy delicious and affordable food. Street food is your best option for saving money while satisfying your cravings. You can find a wide variety of dishes at very low prices—think Pad Thai or mango sticky rice for just $2-3. Bangkok’s street food not only helps you save your money, but also offers authentic flavors that are hard to beat!

What to See and Do in Bangkok

1. Visit Khao San Road

The most popular place for backpackers is Khao San Road, one of the most famous Bangkok tourist attractions.

The best thing about this area is that you don’t have to walk a lot to find places, as they are all located next to each other. This area is famous for its cheap hostels, restaurants, Thai street food, market, and nightlife.

 

During the day, it can be quieter rather than at night. It is where you can relax (from getting a massage, for example), go shopping, overeat, or just party the whole night.

 

2. Visit Famous Palaces and Temples

There are so many temples in Bangkok, and not to be overwhelmed by all, I suggest visiting a few (the most famous) to get a sense.

 

Keep in mind: Before visiting temples in Bangkok, ensure your body is appropriately covered. It’s best to wear a long skirt and a shirt with sleeves. I once wore a T-shirt and shorts and was not allowed to enter the temple I was trying to visit. If you don’t have suitable attire, you can usually rent clothing at the temple, but keep in mind they only accept cash for this service.

 

You can’t miss visiting the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew. The entrance fee is the highest compared to the other famous temples, which is 500 Baht, but it is definitely worth the money as you will get more familiar with the fantastic Thai architecture. It is one of the places where you have to be dressed appropriately.

Wat Arun. The most iconic temple in Bangkok is located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, just across from Wat Pho. It is partly made up of colorfully decorated spins and stands sublimely over the water. The price is  200 Baht/adult and free for children (2024).

Wat Saket. The gorgeous, artificial hill has a golden chedi on top, said to contain a relic of Buddha. It offers a beautiful view of the city after climbing 344 stairs. The cost is 100 baht/adult, within walking distance from Khao San Road.

 

Wat Pho. The oldest and largest temple. It is known as one of the largest temples in Bangkok, and its giant reclining Buddha is 46 meters long and covered in gold leaf. The cost is 300 Baht per adult.

 

Wat Traimit. It is located in Chinatown and costs 100 baht. It is the most significant golden statue in the world, measuring 3 meters in height, and inside, you will see a six-ton gold Buddha statue which makes this temple unique and visited by tourists every time.

3. Check One of The Bangkok Floating Markets

The most popular is the Damnoen Saduak floating market. I didn’t visit it myself, but it seemed fun. Boats are full of fresh fruits, juices, and food.

4. Get a Thai Massage

As I am a big fan of massage, especially foot massage, this was the must-do on my list :). I took advantage of the location I stayed at and was getting a massage, mostly every day. A massage in Thailand is very cheap, which makes it affordable for everybody. It costs about $24 or less (800 Baht). I loved it.

5. Visit Chatuchak Weekend Market

It reminds me of the markets we used to go to as kids back home. Long rows of clothes, shoes, and accessories where you can also negotiate prices. It is a great place to find everything you need. Shop it until you drop it :). Keep in mind that it can be overcrowded on the weekend and to avoid many people, it is a good idea to come early.

6. Join Chinatown, Bangkok Tour

The Chinatown tour is one of the day tours you can have on your Bangkok visit. Packed with market stalls, many restaurants, and frequent gold souvenir shops, Chinatown is an experience not to miss. As there is so much to do and see, you can spend hours browsing stores, eating the best Thai food, or visiting temples.

7. Explore the Lumpini Park

It is one of the largest parks in central Bangkok. The park is full of green plants and offers a great view and relaxation. You can have a picnic, read a book, ride a bicycle, or enjoy the Jazz orchestra on Sunday.

8. Try an Extreme Sport

If you are adventurous, don’t miss the opportunity to try zip lining in Bangkok. Flight of the Gibbon is the best deal I could find. It was not the cheapest experience, but I wanted to try it very badly, so the price did not matter much to me at that time.

 

I did my research upfront and got prepared. You can pay a small deposit online with your card and the rest with cash only. I had never tried zip lining before and wanted to experience it in Thailand for the first time.

 

My experience was excellent. They picked me up from the central location, and I rode in a van with two more girls for about 1.5-2 hours as it was located outside the city (between Bangkok and Pattaya). After we got some safety training and instructions, we started our adventure.

 

The whole zip-lining experience through Thai rainforests lasted about two hours (an entire trip of about 7 hours). After it was done, they served delicious Thai food, and we went on the Khao Kheow Safari Park tour, which was also excellent, and they gave us a ride back to the point where they picked us up.

 

I should say that zip-lining was so scary for me, but I also enjoyed it and recommended it to you.

 

4 Most Useful Apps in Bangkok

1. BTS&MRT Map for Android and BTS&MRT Map for IOS
2. Thai-English Translator for Android and Thai-English Translator for IOS
3. Grab (an Uber alternative) IOS, Android
4. Discover popular events in the city on Eventbrite for Android and IOS

If you want to get the full travel itinerary to plan your stay in Bangkok, check out this article Things to Do in Bangkok in 3 days.

 

 

Final Thoughts

As a tourist in Bangkok, I must admit it wasn’t my favorite destination. The intense heat in February, the language barrier, limited credit card acceptance (cash-only), and a general feeling of unease left me less than thrilled with the experience.

 

But, as I wrote about those days, it made me want to go back someday and experience it all over again. My trip to Bangkok had its ups and downs, but it was interesting and exciting. I hope my Bangkok travel guide helped you discover the best of the city and inspired you to explore its vibrant culture, street food, and hidden gems.

 

How was your experience in Bangkok? What were your favorite places to visit in Bangkok?

 

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