BANGKOK AREA
This region is the vibrant, beating heart of Thailand, defined by the sprawling metropolis of Bangkok and its surrounding provinces. A land of golden temples, bustling floating markets, and world-renowned street food.
This guide will help you navigate the chaos and charm of the Thai capital and explore its historic and natural outskirts.
Why Visit Bangkok?
World-Class Street Food: Experience an unparalleled culinary scene, from Michelin-starred street stalls to historic shophouse restaurants.
Ancient History & Culture: Explore magnificent royal palaces and thousands of glittering temples that showcase the rich heritage of the Kingdom of Thailand.
The River of Kings: Discover the city’s lifeblood, the Chao Phraya River, with long-tail boat rides, historic canals, and riverside markets.
Smart Travel
Shoulder Season (November–February): This is the ideal time to visit. The weather is at its coolest and driest, perfect for exploring the city on foot. Be prepared for higher hotel prices around Christmas/New Year.
Peak Season (March–May): The hottest and driest months, with extreme temperatures, making daytime exploration challenging. Hotel prices can be lower, but air conditioning is a must.
Deep Off-Season (June–October): The rainy season brings heavy, though often short, downpours. You’ll find the best value on accommodation and fewer crowds, especially at major attractions.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
Bangkok City
The sprawling capital is a mash-up of ancient history and sleek modernity. Explore the Old City with its Grand Palace and Wat Pho, the bustling markets of Chinatown (Yaowarat), the riverside dining scene, and the mega-malls of the Siam and Sukhumvit districts.
Your Smart Tip: Escape the worst of the traffic by utilizing the fantastic public transport system: the BTS Skytrain and MRT Subway are often the fastest ways to get around.
Ayutthaya & Central Plains
Just a short trip from the capital, Ayutthaya was the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its vast, atmospheric ruins of temples and palaces are spread across a historical park. The surrounding plains are Thailand’s agricultural heartland.
Your Smart Tip: Hire a bicycle to explore the Ayutthaya Historical Park. It’s the most pleasant way to see the ruins, and the area is mostly flat and easy to navigate.
The Western Border: Kanchanaburi
This province is famous for its natural beauty, including waterfalls and national parks, and its poignant World War II history. It’s home to the Bridge on the River Kwai and the associated museums and war cemeteries.
Your Smart Tip: For a unique and memorable stay, book accommodation at a floating raft house on the Kwai River. It’s an incredibly peaceful escape from the city heat.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
The climate is tropical, with high humidity year-round. There are three main seasons: hot (March–May), rainy (June–October), and cool (November–February), though “cool” is relative, with daytime temperatures rarely dropping below 20°C.
Local Customs And Etiquette
The Monarchy: The Thai Royal Family is deeply respected. It is extremely important to show respect for the King and all members of the Royal Family.
Temples (Wats): Always remove your shoes before entering a temple building. Dress modestly—shoulders and knees should be covered for both men and women.
The Head & Feet: Never touch a Thai person’s head (considered the most sacred part of the body). Conversely, never point your feet at anyone or any sacred object (feet are considered the lowest part).
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Hostels ($10–$25), mid-range hotels ($40–$80), luxury ($120+). Luxury is very affordable here compared to Western cities.
Food: Street food meal ($1–$4), dinner at a mid-range restaurant ($15–$30 per person), fine dining ($50+).
Transport: BTS/MRT ticket ($1–$2), Tuktuk ride (negotiate price first!), taxi/Grab ride (cheap for short distances).
Activities: Temple entrance fees ($2–$6), cooking class ($40–$70).
Daily Budget:
- Budget: $40–$70 (hostels, street food, public transport).
- Mid-range: $80–$140 (hotels, restaurants, attractions).
- Luxury: $160+ (boutique hotels, gourmet meals, private tours).
Getting Around
Public Transport: The BTS Skytrain and MRT Subway are clean, efficient, and air-conditioned, connecting most modern parts of the city.
By Boat: The Chao Phraya Express Boat and canal (khlong) boats are a fast, cheap, and scenic way to avoid traffic.
Taxi/Grab (Ride-Share): Readily available and inexpensive. Always insist the taxi driver uses the meter or use the Grab app.
Tuk-Tuk: A must-try experience, but always agree on the fare before you get in. Best for short distances.
Must-Try Food
Pad See Ew: Wide rice noodles stir-fried with Chinese broccoli, egg, and a dark, sweet soy sauce.
Khao Pad: Simple but perfect Thai-style fried rice, often with chicken, pork, or shrimp.
Massaman Curry: A rich, mild, and slightly sweet curry with influences from Indian and Malay cuisine, usually containing potato, peanuts, and meat.
Tom Yum Goong: The iconic hot and sour soup, flavored with lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, chillies, and shrimp.
Som Tam: A spicy salad made from shredded green papaya, tomatoes, peanuts, and lime juice, often served with grilled chicken (Gai Yang).
Pad Kra Pao: Stir-fried meat (often chicken or pork) with Thai basil and chilli, served over rice with a fried egg.
Guay Teow Reua (Boat Noodles): Small bowls of intensely flavored noodle soup traditionally sold from boats on the canals.
Roti Gluay: A simple, sweet street dessert of thin, fried pastry stuffed with sliced bananas and drizzled with condensed milk.
Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niao Mamuang): Slices of fresh mango served with sweet coconut sticky rice, a seasonal favorite.
Khanom Krok: Small, sweet, creamy coconut-rice pancakes cooked in a hot dimpled pan.
Must-Try Drinks
Singha / Leo / Chang Beer: The three main, ubiquitous Thai lager brands. Light, crisp, and perfect for the hot climate.
Mekhong / SangSom: Popular Thai rums (often incorrectly called whiskeys) that form the base for many cocktails, often mixed with soda and lime.
Thai Iced Tea (Cha Yen): A creamy, sweet, and bright orange-colored tea made with condensed milk and evaporated milk.
Fresh Coconut Water (Maphrao): Served directly from the chilled coconut, an essential and natural refresher.
Ovaltine / Milo Volcano: A sweet, chilled chocolate malt drink topped with a huge, overflowing mound (“volcano”) of undissolved powder.
Fruit Shakes (Nam Pan): Blended fresh fruit (mango, pineapple, watermelon) often mixed with ice and simple syrup.
Krating Daeng (Red Bull): The original, non-carbonated Thai energy drink, which is much sweeter and often more potent than its Western counterpart.
Thai Coffee (Oliang): A strong, dark, black iced coffee, often sweetened with sugar and served with evaporated milk.
Butterfly Pea Flower Tea (Nam Dok Anchan): A mild, naturally blue-colored drink that turns purple when lime juice is added.