Bangkok City Guide
We've been visiting Bangkok for over 10 years now, so we can fairly say that we know the city like the back of our hands!
Here are some of our favorite things to see, places to eat, and places to stay when we're in town!
table of contents
Things To See
- Grand Palace
- Wat Arun
- Wat Pho
- Chatuchak Weekend JJ Market
- Yaowarat Road Chinatown
- King Power Skywalk
- Ratchada Train Night Market
- Bangkok Art Culture Centre
- Canals
- Blue Elephant Cooking School
- Muay Thai Fights
- Erawan Shrine
- Thai Massage
- Siam Paragon
- Tuk Tuk Ride
- Tips To Avoid Scams
Where To Eat
- Ann Guay Tiew Kua Gai
- Jok Prince
- San Yod Pochana
- Somtum Der
- Somsak Claypot Crab
- Bangkok Bold
- Kub Kao Kub Pla
- Polo Fried Chicken
- Thanee Khao Molo Daeng
- Lakorn Brasserie
- Siam Paragon Food Court
- Tim Ho Wan
- Din Tai Fung
Where To Stay
Grand Palace
The former home to the Thai King, built over 150 years ago, the Grand Palace is one of the highlights of the old city in Bangkok. Inside, there are bejeweled temples, priceless relics, and Buddhist statues everywhere.
Make sure to also check Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) which has a small emerald and gold Buddha who’s cloak the king personally changes each season.
Wat Arun
The Temple of the Dawn was recently reopened in 2017 after a renovation to reveal five gleaming white temples covered in colorful porcelain and ceramic tiles.
You can take a great photograph on the stairs or at the base of any of the temples there.
If you’re short on time, Wat Arun is a great option to add to a one day Bangkok itinerary.
Wat Pho
Here you’ll find the jaw-dropping golden Reclining Buddha that is 151 feet (45 meters) long and 49 feet (15 meter) high!
There are also gobs of brilliantly decorated temples here along with what is regarded as the birthplace of southern style Thai massage.
If your muscles are sore, make sure to book a massage here.
Chatuchak Weekend JJ Market
One of the largest outdoor markets in the world, Chatuchak (JJ) Market is a great representation of the Thai spirit as you can find all sorts of interesting things here like handmade eyeglass frames, beautiful handmade dresses, handmade soap/shampoo, artificial flowers for home decor, kitchenware, knock-off sunglasses, and more!
It’s one of Zory’s must-do’s every time she visits Bangkok since she loves treasure hunting to find new things and also loves revisiting some of her favorite fashion boutique shops there.
Since it gets pretty hot and claustrophobic by 1 or 2 pm, it’s recommended to arrive here at open around 9:30 am. Just be prepared to walk a lot, sweat a lot, and enjoy getting lost in the chaos!
Yaowarat Road Chinatown
A visit to Bangkok isn’t complete without a nighttime walk through Yaowarat Road and its neon signs lit up in Chinese. But don’t just stop with the neon signs, as some of the city’s best street food and restaurants are in Chinatown, as evidenced by the concentration of Michelin Gourmand listings in the area.
Also, speaking of nighttime in Bangkok, here’s a great guide on things to do at night!
King Power Skywalk
Challenge your fear of heights by walking on a fully transparent glass deck over 78 floors high above Bangkok. The best time to enjoy the deck is at sunset and when it changes to nighttime. It’s especially interesting to see the city lights come alive below you through the glass from this high up.
Ratchada Train Night Market
One of the bigger night markets in Bangkok - this one has a great variety of vintage shops, bars, and shops along with your usual choice of cheap t-shirts, trinkets, and giant selection of delicious street food.
It’s also easy to get here by MRT (Thailand Cultural Centre) or by taxi/Grab. If taking taxi make sure to mention Ratchada Train Market as there is another train market in a completely different location.
Bangkok Art & Culture Centre
For a nice respite from the heat, definitely swing by this modern, airy art gallery to check out what’s on display. All the exhibits are usually free and showcase an eclectic mix of artists from all over Asia.
Cruise Around The Canals
Not many people know that parts of Bangkok are similar to Venice due to its winding river and canals. To experience a piece of the ‘Venice of the East’ - board a vintage long-tail boat to sail around the small canals to watch how locals live on the river and how merchants do business from their boats.
After visiting the canals, you can check out some of the floating markets that operate in the canals in and around Bangkok.
Blue Elephant Cooking School
One of the most famous cooking schools in Thailand, you’ll learn how to make Royal Thai cuisine using only the freshest ingredients while learning presentation as well.
Some of the highlights include massaman beef, peanut beef satay, and crab with soy paste.
As the quality of the instructors are high, the classes aren’t cheap - but you get what you pay for! You’ll come away with a great base to further your own Thai cooking.
Muay Thai Fights
For a free intro to the national sport of Muay Thai - MBK Fight Nights are free, include a good mix of Thai and International fighters, have English commentary, ring girls, and live music. It’s best to check the schedule as the fight nights are usually on the last Wednesday of the month, but can change depending on the organizer.
For a great paid Muay Thai option, check out the Muay Thai Show at Asiatique inside a 600 person stadium.
Through theater, acrobatics, and five actual Muay Thai matches, it’s a great way to learn about the sport!
Muay Thai Live Knockout Real Fight Ticket - Bangkok, Thailand | GetYourGuide
Erawan Shrine
One of the holiest sites in Bangkok, this is a great place to see and experience how prayer and religion are a major part of Thai life.
The main statue here is Phra Phanom, which is the Thai representation of the Hindu god Brahma.
Many times you’ll see Thai dance troupes performing, as they are hired by worshippers thanking the shrine for having their prayers answered.
Thai Massage
Did you go to Thailand if you didn’t get a proper Thai Massage? Don’t fall victim to this by making sure you get one! There are loads of places to pick from and after countless massages we found that Asia Herb Association Benchasiri had the best blend of comfort, modern amenities, and price.
We also learned Thai Massage for four months in Chiang Mai so you can trust our opinion on this! :)
Siam Paragon
Once you spend enough time in Thailand, you’ll see that Thai people love three things - shopping, eating, and taking photos. The bustling Siam Paragon mall complex solves all those things and as a result is constantly brimming with activity.
We mostly come here to eat at the ginormous food basement, which has everything from traditional grilled Thai pork and Hong Kong milk bread to high end sushi joints and American burger joints.
They’re also a great place to shop for anything you’ve forgotten from back home.
Personally - I love bookstores and they have an amazing branch of the Kinokuniya Bookstore from Japan there. I literally spent 8 hours there one day just browsing all the books!
Tuk Tuk Ride
Make sure to hop in a tuk tuk at least once while getting around town. Even better , pick one that’s completely lit up and blasting music. Try to negotiate a decent price with the driver before you hop in as well. I like to use Grab to figure out what a reasonable price is, for example.
Tips on how to avoid scams
Bangkok is a generally safe place, but like any tourist hotspot there will be scammers trying to trick you into spending money.
For example, local scammers like to hang around busy tourist spots telling you that the temple is ‘closed today’ and to let them take you somewhere better. Their plan is to take you to some gem shops where they get a cut of any sales.
Also, watch out for vendors ‘accidentally’ giving you the wrong change. This is easily remedied by only paying in small currency and saving the big bills for large retail shops like 7-11 or the mall.
Grab is a great way to get around town and it avoids any potential scams from corrupt tuk tuk drivers, who are sometimes known for overcharging and taking you to local gem shops against your wishes.
Don’t accept any ‘free gifts’ from locals on the streets near tourist attractions. They will hound you for money if you take the 'free gift'.
Overall, Bangkok is very safe place and just like any other city in the world - using common sense goes a long way! :)
Where To Eat
If you’re a foodie, love exploring new kinds of cuisines, or want to just dip your toes in - Bangkok is a great place for culinary adventuring!
Here is a list of some our favorites:
Check out our Bangkok Food Guide for more in-depth information on each restaurant.
Ann Guay Tiew Kua Gai
Jok Prince
San Yod Pochana
Somtum Der
Somsak Claypot Crab
Bangkok Bold
Kub Kao Kub Pla
Polo Fried Chicken
Thanee Khao Molo Daeng
Rosewood
Siam Paragon Food Court
Tim Ho Wan
Din Tai Fung
When you’re done eating, check out some of Bangkok’s coolest craft beer bars!
Where To Stay
Shanghai Mansion
If you’re staying in Chinatown, the Shanghai Mansion is located right in the middle of bustling Yaowarat Road. Rooms are wonderfully decorated with Chinese flair, comfortable, quiet, and well priced at $70 a night.
They have a wonderful breakfast buffet for an additional $12 a person.
21 Sala Daeng
Located in the heart of Bangkok next to the Saladaeng BTS and Silom MRT - this is one of our go to places to stay if we want something value conscious, comfortable, and perfectly situated.
Prices run around $70/night.
Eastin Grand
Another fantastic hotel conveniently located in the business district with it’s own private walkway connected to the Surasak Skytrain, you’re within easy reach of the Chao Praya river which connects you to the old city to visit places like the Grand Palace, Wat Po, Wat Are, and Chinatown.
One of the highlights here is the large infinity pool overlooking the city. There are large sunbeds dotting the edges of the pool as well as pool chairs on the left side.
Grab a corner room to have floor to ceiling windows with grand views of Bangkok.
The Glass House is famous for it’s Cantonese food while Blunos is run by a British Chef who formerly operated a couple of two star Michelin restaurants in the UK.
Double rooms range from $130 to $200, depending on the season.
Lebua
Long famed for it’s gorgeous rooftop bar and restaurants in the Dome - Lebua is conveniently located near the Chao Phraya River and is just moments away from the Saphan Taksin Skytrain and Sathorn Pier. Both will take you to all parts of the city.
All the rooms are suites with fantastic views of the city, spacious, and have a large pillow menu. What’s a pillow menu you say? Well, it’s the option to pick a wide array of pillows, based on your sleeping style (side, back, front, etc).
But the main draw here is the rooftop Dome, with its open air restaurant and bar that comes alive at night. The best time to visit the bar is at sunset so you can see Bangkok’s golden hues turn into a vibrant twinkling city.
The pink bar is another highlight and offers a very Instagrammable experience!
Tower Club rooms get access to the Tower Club Lounge on the 52nd floor, where food/drink are served all day long.
Tower Club River View Suites range from $210 to $260, depending on the season.
Rosewood Bangkok
An outstanding 5 star luxury experience, Rosewood really delivers in all aspects - decor, service, food, location, and overall ambiance.
Starting with the location - it’s perfectly located and directly connected by private walkway to the Ploenchit Skytrain. You’re just minutes away from many popular spots like Siam Paragon, Erawan Shrine, and Lumphini Park.
The decor is tastefully modern and elegant. You’ll see this in the lobby, main dining room, bedrooms, and all the restaurants/bars in the hotel. The bar and Nan Bei restaurant has especially striking Art Deco decor that will leave your jaw on the floor.
The food is also something Rosewood really focused on perfecting. All of the pastries at breakfast were as good as any I’ve had in Paris for example. The Thai and Western food at Lakorn Brasserie was just as excellent - I had an amazing braised octopus dish and Kobe beef steak that rivaled any of the top restaurants in San Francisco that I’ve been to.
The rooms are equally as nice with comfortable bedding, soundproofed walls/windows, and lovely amenities.
The lovely saltwater lap pool has a waterfall connected to it and is a lovely respite from the Bangkok heat.
At night, make sure to swing by the rooftop bar where they have a live DJ playing music from his turntable and great mixologist bartenders.
Deluxe Rooms start at around $400 USD.
137 Pillars
With probably the best rooftop pool in all of Bangkok, 137 Pillars is a sleek five star luxurious option for those looking to splurge a bit.
The suites are extremely well appointed with large balconies equipped with large comfortable daybeds overlooking the city. Each suite also has Bose sound systems, mood lighting, and included smartphones with unlimited phone calls/internet.
There are two fantastic pools at the hotel. The on on the 27th floor is for all hotel guests, has a nice view of the city, and is quite expansive. The rooftop pool is reserved for Suite guests and has a wide open view of the city.
There is a fantastic mix of food options such as the ground floor Bangkok Trading Post, Nimitr Restaurant, and Baan Borneo Club.
Suite rooms start at around $400 per night.
