Travel Guide: Bangkok
Thailand’s capital is a tropical metropolis with rich heritage and vibrant nightlife.
Cover photo: Posing at the Grand Palace, Bangkok, Thailand (2023).
Intro
Thailand is one of the world’s top travel destinations, and for good reason; it’s a tropical paradise with friendly people, ornate style, delicious food, and infinite entertainment.
The nation has captivated hearts and minds through Western films like James Bond installment The Man with the Golden Gun (1974), The Beach (2000) starring Leonardo DiCaprio, and The Hangover Part II (2011). It’s also confirmed as the next setting for popular HBO series White Lotus.
Offering massage, boxing, shopping, temples, and clubs, the capital Bangkok is a prefect entry-point to Thailand. It’s one of my favorite cities in the world! Please read on for more information and travel tips.
Please click on an image above for more details.
History
Annotated map of Southeast Asia featuring Bangkok, Thailand (1989/2024). Readapted by Danny With Love from the book Thailand: A Country Study via the U.S. Library of Congress.
Thailand was first known as Siam, dating back to 1238, when the Sukhothai Kingdom revolted from the Khmer Empire, becoming the first independent Thai state. From its founding in 1351, Ayutthaya was the second capital, until the shining city was devastated by the Burmese army in the 18th century. Downstream, the small trading center known as Bangkok (บางกอก) — “Village of Wild Plums” — was declared Thailand’s new capital in 1782.
Bangkok’s official name is the longest in the world: the City of Angels, the Great City, the Residence of the Emerald Buddha, the Impregnable City of Ayutthaya, of God Indra, the Grand Capital of the World Endowed with Nine Precious Gems, the Happy City Abounding in Enormous Royal Palaces Which Resemble the Heavenly Abode Wherein Dwell the Reincarnated Gods, a City Given by Indra and Built by Vishnukarm. Locals simply call it Krung Thep (กรุงเทพ), the “City of Angels.”
Prime Minister Luang Phibunsongkhram renamed Siam as Prathet Thai (ประเทศไทย) — “Thailand” — in 1939, with the word Thai (ไทย) both meaning “free man” and referring to the nation’s dominant ethnic group. It’s the only nation in Southeast Asia never colonized by a European power! Thailand is now a parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarchy.
As Bangkok was a hub for U.S. soldiers during the Vietnam War, the capital’s modern hedonism is a legacy of American influence. Military presence lead to widespread infrastructure investment and servicemen’s demand birthed the city’s tourism industry, including hotels, bars, clubs, and sex-work.
Daily Life
Thailand has a population of 71 million, with 11 million residing in Bangkok, the nation’s only cosmopolitan area. Over 90% of Thai people are Buddhist! Thailand preserves a distinct blend of Buddhist and Hindu culture, embodied in wat (temples), chedi (pagodas), and Yaksha guardians.
The official language is Thai. On average, Thailand ranks low in English fluency, but I’ve had little trouble in Bangkok. Sawatdee means “hello” and kop khun is “thank you!”
The temperature in Bangkok fluctuates between 31 degrees Celsius (87 Fahrenheit) in April to 26 degrees Celsius (79 Fahrenheit) in December. Monsoon or rainy season lasts from late June to early October.
The national currency is the Thai baht (THB). It’s necessary to carry cash for small businesses, street food, and tuk-tuks (motorized rickshaws). Please note that many places — including temples and museums — practice dual pricing for locals and foreigners. Tipping is not customary and the country uses plug types A, B, C, F, and O.
Grand Palace
Bangkok’s top attraction is the Grand Palace, former residence of Thailand’s king. It’s the historic heart of Bangkok, dating back to the capital’s founding in 1782.
While most buildings are closed to the public, the massive complex is worth visiting to admire its architectural splendor, featuring golden spires, intricate carvings, elaborate murals, and fantastical statues.
The nation’s holiest temple, Wat Phra Kaew (“Temple of the Emerald Buddha”), is located here. The diminutive jade — not emerald — artefact offers blessings of good fortune.
Like for most temples, visitors are asked to dress modestly. Shoulders and knees must be covered. The grounds are open daily; ignore scammers who say otherwise. I recommend visiting at opening (8:30) — to beat crowds and midday heat — and avoiding weekends. Tickets also include entry to the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles as well as a traditional performance at Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre.
Cuisine
Thai is one of the world’s most popular cuisines! Since 2002, the government has supported Thai restaurants worldwide to promote soft-power and boost the tourism industry, under the pioneering “Global Thai” program.
Popular dishes include pad Thai (“Thai noodles”), pineapple fried rice, tom yum (“hot and spicy”) soup, and mango sticky rice. Personally, I love Thailand most for fresh coconut and sweetened Thai tea. The nation uses Western cutlery: fork and spoon. It’s also a good place to try the luxury fruit durian!
Shopping
Featuring mega-malls and unique markets, shopping is a large part of Bangkok’s appeal. I recommend visiting a night market! Khao San Road is especially popular with tourists.
Because of the hot climate, many locals enjoy spending time in malls. My favorite is the luxe Iconsiam, which sits on the Chao Phraya river. Don’t miss the floating market downstairs. CentralWorld is great too.
The best souvenirs are Thai silks and spices. Last year, I purchased an exquisite shirt from Jim Thompson and a tin of Thai tea. Elephant pants and Muay Thai (boxing) shorts are also popular. Tourists are eligible for a tax refund (7% VAT) if they spend over 5,000 baht (approx. 140 USD), including tax, at participating stores. Don’t forget your passport.
Entertainment & Activities
Bangkok has still much to offer besides eating and shopping, like Muay Thai shows and Thai massage. Try a ferry ride or river cruise to enjoy the winding Chao Phraya river. You can also watch giant monitor lizards at Lumpini Park!
In addition to Wat Phra Kaew (“Temple of the Emerald Buddha”), don’t miss landmark Wat Arun (“Temple of Dawn”), and Wat Pho (“Temple of the Reclining Buddha”), Bangkok’s oldest and largest temple.
For art and culture, I recommend a visit to the wonderful Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) and the National Museum, boasting royal artefacts. The Jim Thompson House — residence of the late American entrepreneur credited with saving Thailand’s silk industry — is also exquisite.
To enjoy views over the city, I suggest Sky Bar at State Tower, featured in the film Hangover Part II, or landmark skyscraper King Power Mahanakhon (“Great Metropolis”). Pro-tip: dine at Mahanakhon Bangkok SkyBar or Ojo for complimentary entrance to the Skywalk observation deck.
My favorite experience in Bangkok was the dinner show at Mandarin Oriental’s Sala Rim Naam, featuring traditional dance and live music. The combination of elegant costumes, graceful choreography, and skilled musicians is simply magical. Reservations are required.
Events
Thailand’s most popular event is Songkran, or Thai New Year, a purification festival known for street-wide water fights amidst the hottest month, taking place April 13th to 15th. The light festival Loy Krathong takes place around November, featuring floating lanterns. Bangkok is also a great choice for New Year’s Eve, offering a stunning fireworks display over the Chao Phraya river.
Transportation & Accommodation
Bangkok is served by two airports; southern Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) handles long-distance flights, while northern Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) is mostly used for domestic and regional travel. Both are approximately one hour from the city center.
Hotels are scattered around the city. Khao San is close to major attractions, though it’s admittedly loud and dirty, most popular with backpackers. Sukhumvit or Silom are generally better options. For flexibility, the best choice is to stay near a BTS metro station.
The most popular ride-hailing app is Grab. On average, rides around the city cost me 195 baht (about 5.5 USD), with 460 baht (13 USD) between the airport and Silom. As they are less safe and more expensive, I recommend using tuk-tuks sparingly. Crucially, always negotiate a price beforehand, as otherwise drivers may take you on a detour and charge extra for the inconvenience.
Safety & Laws
Thailand, including Bangkok, is generally safe. I have never had any problems! Please be mindful of pick-pocketing and bag theft. Drink bottled water only; do not drink tap water. As Bangkok’s air quality is low, consider wearing a mask.
It is illegal to criticize the Thai monarchy and best to avoid speaking about the government in public. Thailand has decriminalized the use of cannabis, but the drug’s future is uncertain. Please check online for current information.
Silom Soi 4 is the center of the city’s gay scene, Bangkok, Thailand (2022). Photo by Danny With Love.
LGBT+
Thailand is arguably Asia’s most queer-friendly destination, with gay sex decriminalized as early as 1956 and widespread acceptance of the queer community today. The nation is especially famous for ladyboys (LB) and increasingly-popular gay dramas called “Y series” (ซีรีย์วาย). It appears likely that same-sex marriage will be legalized before the end of the decade.
The country’s largest queer scene is centered around Silom Soi 4; the most popular club is DJ Station. Bangkok Pride is held in June and White Party is Asia’s largest gay New Year’s festival. Be aware, gay apps are crowded with sex-workers, locally called MB (for “money-boy” or “massage-boy”).
Top Attractions
Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew (“Temple of the Emerald Buddha”)
Wat Pho (“Temple of the Reclining Buddha”)
Sala Rim Naam (traditional dance dinner show) RESERVATION REQUIRED
Jim Thompson House (silk entrepreneur’s traditional residence)
Wat Arun (“Temple of Dawn”)
Museum of Contemporary Art (art & culture)
Iconsiam (luxe riverside shopping mall)
King Power Mahanakhon (landmark skyscraper with observation deck)
Lumpini Park (urban park with monitor lizards)
National Museum (history & culture)
Sky Bar at State Tower (Hangover Part II filming location)
Khao San Road (tourist street market)
Additional Ideas
From Bangkok, I highly recommend a trip to the Historic City of Ayutthaya, the kingdom’s old capital which is preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Offering unique architecture — and the closest beaches to Bangkok — Pattaya is a worthy day-trip as well.
Thailand is a large country, with many beautiful places! Up north, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are also popular. The nation’s best beaches are found on the islands of Phuket, Ko Phi Phi, and Ko Samui.
