BANGKOK CITY
Bangkok, the “City of Angels,” is a dazzling, dynamic metropolis where ancient spiritual tradition meets dazzling modernity. It’s a city of dramatic contrasts: soaring skyscrapers rise above golden-spired temples and bustling street food stalls.
This vibrant capital on the Chao Phraya River is the cultural, commercial, and culinary heart of Thailand. It offers an electrifying mix of iconic historical sights, world-class shopping, and an unforgettable, non-stop street life experience.
Most Popular Attractions
Historic Core & Riverside Temples:
The Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew: The breathtaking former residence of the Thai King and home to Thailand’s most sacred statue, the Emerald Buddha.
Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha): Home to the colossal, gold-plated, 46-meter-long Reclining Buddha and the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn): A stunning, intricately decorated prang (tower) on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, famous for its colorful porcelain mosaics.
Giant Swing (Sao Ching Cha): An iconic, towering religious structure near Wat Suthat, once used for an ancient Brahmin ceremony.
Wat Saket (The Golden Mount): A low hill crowned with a glittering gold chedi, offering panoramic views of the historic district.
Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha): Houses the world’s largest solid gold Buddha image, weighing over five tonnes.
Bangkok National Museum: Houses the largest collection of Thai art and artifacts in the country.
Democracy Monument: A public monument commemorating the 1932 Siamese Revolution.
Chao Phraya River: The “lifeblood of Bangkok,” excellent for sightseeing via longtail boat or public river taxi.
Markets & City Hubs:
Chatuchak Weekend Market: One of the world’s largest weekend markets, selling everything from clothing and antiques to street food and pets.
Yaowarat (Bangkok Chinatown): A vibrant district famous for its gold shops, bustling atmosphere, and incredible evening street food.
Khaosan Road: The famous backpacker hub, packed with street vendors, bars, massage parlors, and guesthouses.
Pak Khlong Talat (Flower Market): A vibrant, 24-hour market overflowing with fresh orchids, flowers, and vegetable produce.
MBK Center: A sprawling, multi-story shopping mall famous for its mix of mobile phones, technology, and general merchandise.
Modern & Cultural Attractions:
King Power Mahanakhon SkyWalk: A spectacular glass tray observation deck on the 78th floor of one of Bangkok’s tallest buildings, offering incredible city views.
ICONSIAM: A luxurious riverside mall and entertainment complex, known for its indoor floating market and impressive fountain show.
Jim Thompson House: A serene complex of traditional Thai-style houses, showcasing the art collection of the American entrepreneur who disappeared in 1967.
Lumphini Park: Bangkok’s major green space, offering a peaceful retreat, jogging paths, and an occasional sighting of a monitor lizard.
Siam Paragon: A high-end shopping mall featuring luxury brands, a vast aquarium (SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World), and a multiplex cinema.
Erawan Shrine: A popular Hindu shrine located in a bustling downtown intersection, known for its continuous performances by Thai dancers.
Asiatique The Riverfront: An open-air riverside mall and night bazaar with boutique shops, restaurants, and a Ferris wheel.
Suan Pakkad Palace: A museum complex of traditional Thai houses, originally the residence of Prince Chumbhotbongse Paribatra.
Activities & Experiences
Explore the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew: Wander through the majestic former royal residence and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most sacred site.
Marvel at the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho: Visit the temple home to the massive, gold-plated Reclining Buddha and, optionally, take a traditional Thai massage at the on-site school.
Cruise the Chao Phraya River: Take a longtail boat ride or a Chao Phraya Express Boat to see the city’s temples and landmarks from the water, or enjoy an elegant dinner cruise at night.
Get Lost in the Chatuchak Weekend Market: Explore the world’s largest weekend market, a sprawling maze of over 15,000 stalls selling everything from food and clothing to antiques and pets.
Savor Street Food in Yaowarat (Chinatown): Go on a culinary adventure along Yaowarat Road, especially after sunset, when the entire area transforms into a vibrant, smoke-filled hub of incredible street food.
Take a Thai Cooking Class: Learn to master classic dishes like Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong, and Green Curry from a local chef. Many classes include a trip to a fresh market.
Watch a Muay Thai Fight: Experience the national sport of Thailand, a thrilling and intense martial art, at a stadium like Rajadamnern or Lumpinee.
Visit a Rooftop Bar: Ascend to one of Bangkok’s many incredible sky-high bars (like Vertigo or Tichuca) for sophisticated cocktails and panoramic city views, especially at sunset.
Tour Jim Thompson House: Discover a complex of beautiful traditional Thai houses that were once the home of the American entrepreneur who revitalized the Thai silk industry.
Haggle at a Floating Market: Take a day trip just outside the city to witness the colorful chaos of a floating market like Damnoen Saduak or Khlong Lat Mayom.
Walk the Golden Mount (Wat Saket): Climb the winding steps to the temple at the top of a man-made hill for beautiful views over the historic Ratanakosin Island.
Local Tips & Transport
The BTS Skytrain & MRT Subway:
Traffic Escape: These elevated (BTS) and underground (MRT) trains are the best way to beat Bangkok’s notorious traffic, which can be intense, especially during weekday rush hours (7-9 AM and 4-7 PM).
Coverage: The lines connect major shopping, business, and nightlife areas. However, the historic district (Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Khao San Road) is not directly served, so a mix of transport is needed.
Ticketing: The systems use separate ticketing (no unified card yet for all lines), so you’ll need a new ticket/token when transferring between the two networks. Consider a rechargeable stored-value card (e.g., Rabbit Card for BTS) for convenience.
Taxis & Ride-Hailing Apps (Grab/Bolt):
Taxis: Always insist the driver uses the meter (starting fare is 35 THB). Do not accept a flat rate, which is almost always inflated. Many drivers don’t speak English, so having your destination written in Thai is essential.
Ride-Hailing: Apps like Grab or Bolt offer a fixed price upfront and are often the easiest, most stress-free option, especially during non-peak hours.
Tuk-Tuks:
The Experience: A fun, classic Bangkok experience, but they are often not cheaper than a metered taxi and are best for short distances.
Negotiation: Always negotiate the fare with the driver before getting in. Be firm but friendly.
Avoid Scams: Politely but firmly decline any offer from a tuk-tuk driver or stranger on the street to take you to a “lucky” jewelry store or a “one-day-only” tourist attraction; these are common scams.
Boat Transportation:
Chao Phraya Express Boat: An excellent, cheap, and scenic way to navigate the length of the river, connecting you to major sites like the Grand Palace (Tha Chang Pier) and Wat Arun.
Canal Boats (Khlongs): A fast, no-frills, and very local way to cut through central parts of the city, avoiding road traffic entirely.
Respect for Monarchy and Religion:
The Royal Family: The Thai Monarchy is deeply revered. It is important to show respect to images of the King and the national anthem. Stand still and silent if the national anthem is played in public (e.g., in cinemas or train stations).
Temple Etiquette: Dress modestly when visiting temples (Wats). Shoulders and knees must be covered. Remove your shoes before entering a temple hall (look for a pile of shoes as a sign) and do not point your feet toward any Buddha image or a person.
Cultural Sensitivities:
The Head and Feet: The head is considered the most sacred part of the body, and the feet the lowest and dirtiest. Never touch a Thai person’s head, even a child’s. Do not point your feet at anyone or anything, particularly a Buddha image.
“Wai”: The traditional Thai greeting is the Wai (a slight bow with palms pressed together). A friendly smile, known as a Yim, is also a key part of Thai culture.
Dining and Hydration:
Eating: Thai people primarily use a fork and a spoon to eat. The fork is used to push food onto the spoon, which is then used to eat. Never put the fork directly into your mouth.
The Heat: Bangkok is hot and humid year-round. Plan your activities, especially temple visits, for the early morning. Stay hydrated and don’t be afraid to duck into an air-conditioned mall or 7-Eleven for a quick cool-down.
Hidden Gems & Local Spots:
Pak Khlong Talat (Flower Market): Visit late at night or very early in the morning to see the beautiful, fresh flower market in full swing.
Lumpini Park: Bangkok’s “Central Park” is a fantastic place to observe local life, from tai chi groups to giant monitor lizards basking by the water.
Street Art in the Khlong Ong Ang Canal area: A restored canal walk with rotating street art installations and a lively market on the weekends.
Erawan Museum and Ancient City: While technically just outside the city, these are incredible, less-crowded destinations for stunning architecture and history.
Top Restaurants
Rung Rueang Pork Noodle [$3-$8] – A legendary noodle shop in Sukhumvit 26 that has been serving some of Bangkok’s best Tom Yum and Tom Yum Noodle soup for decades.
Kuay Jab Uan Pochana [$3-$8] – A very popular street food stall in Yaowarat (Chinatown) famous for its Kuay Jab Nam Sai (wide rice noodle rolls in a peppery pork broth).
P’Aor Tom Yum [$5-$15] – Highly regarded by locals, this restaurant near Ratchathewi is known for its incredible, rich, and creamy Tom Yum Goong (spicy shrimp soup).
Wattana Panich [$5-$15] – Located in Ekamai, this humble shop is famous for its generational beef and goat stew, which has been simmering in the same giant pot for over 50 years.
Somsak Boo Op [$10-$20] – A canalside favorite known for its Chinese-Thai dish Goong Ob Woon Sen (prawns baked with glass noodles in a clay pot).
Mit Ko Yuan [$5-$15] – A classic, simple Thai restaurant near the Giant Swing offering well-loved, traditional Thai dishes like Tom Yum and Pad Kaprao in a no-frills setting.
Sanguan Sri [$5-$15] – A long-standing, humble local institution in the Witthayu (Wireless Road) area, serving home-style Thai dishes and curries at lunch, popular with office workers.
Baan Kuay Tiew Ruathong [$3-$8] – An iconic shop near Victory Monument specializing in Kuay Tiew Reua (Boat Noodles), serving small, rich bowls of pork-blood-based noodle soup.
Nai Mong Hoy Tod [$5-$15] – Located in Chinatown, this famous street-side shop specializes in Hoy Tod (crispy oyster or mussel omelet), cooked on a sizzling griddle.
Khao Gaeng Jek Pui [$3-$8] – A famous, unpretentious curry-on-rice stall in Chinatown where you sit on stools facing the street; a true local, authentic experience.
Krua Aroy Aroy [$5-$15] – A favorite with locals for its authentic and well-flavored Southern Thai curries, including the spicy Gaeng Som and Massaman.
Nhong Rim Klong [$10-$20] – A highly-regarded, unassuming canalside spot in Ekamai known for its incredible stir-fried seafood dishes, particularly the crab Pad Kee Mao.
Soei Restaurant [$10-$20] – A famous, slightly rustic local favorite in the Dusit area, known for its strong, authentic flavors and dishes like Kaem Pla Too Tod (fried mackerel cheeks).
Sri Trat [$15-$30] – A restaurant focusing on the distinct, rich cuisine of Trat Province in Eastern Thailand, offering unique regional dishes in an elegant, homey setting.
Supanniga Eating Room [$15-$30] – With multiple branches, this restaurant is praised for its authentic, hard-to-find recipes from the Trat and Isaan regions, offering rich, flavorful Thai food.
100 Mahaseth [$20-$40] – Known for its innovative “nose-to-tail” Isaan (Northeast Thai) cuisine, this spot elevated traditional, often-overlooked ingredients into modern, refined dishes.
Issaya Siamese Club [$30-$50] – Set in a beautiful, colonial-style house with a garden, this restaurant offers modern, refined Thai cuisine by a celebrity chef.
Namsaah Bottling Trust [$20-$40] – Located in a striking pink villa, this Asian gastro bar offers a sophisticated setting and creative Thai dishes with a global twist.
The Local by Oam Thong Thai Cuisine [$25-$45] – Highly-regarded for its authentic, heirloom Thai recipes from different parts of the country, presented with a modern flair.
Potong [$40-$80] – A Michelin-starred, multi-award-winning restaurant by Chef Pam, offering a modern, innovative take on Thai-Chinese fine dining in a historic building.
Gaa [$50-$90] – Known for its groundbreaking Indian-Global-Thai fusion cuisine, this modern restaurant offers a unique tasting menu experience.
Le Du [$60-$100] – A Michelin-starred restaurant focusing on innovative Thai cuisine using seasonal and local ingredients, with a strong emphasis on pairing food with wine.
Paste Bangkok Restaurant [$70-$120] – A Michelin-starred restaurant specializing in contemporary interpretations of ancient Thai royal recipes, focusing on delicate flavors.
Sühring [$80-$150] – While not Thai, this Michelin-starred restaurant is a unique, must-try in Bangkok, offering modern German fine dining in a beautiful, intimate townhouse setting.
Sorn [$150-$250] – A two-Michelin-starred restaurant specializing exclusively in refined Southern Thai cuisine, focusing on traditional cooking techniques and rare ingredients.
Gaggan Anand [$200-$350] – A world-renowned, progressive Indian fine dining restaurant by Chef Gaggan Anand, offering a theatrical and playful tasting menu.
Chef’s Table [$200-$350] – A two-Michelin-starred French restaurant with an open kitchen on the top floor of the State Tower, offering a luxurious and interactive dining experience.
Mahorab [$100-$180] – Located in a beautifully restored traditional Thai house, this restaurant offers refined, multi-course menus based on traditional Thai flavors and history.
Nahm [$100-$180] – A pioneering, Michelin-starred restaurant celebrated for its classical Thai cuisine, focusing on complex, authentic flavors and traditional recipes.
Sra Bua by Kiin-Kiin [$80-$150] – Located in the Siam Kempinski Hotel, this Michelin-starred restaurant serves an innovative, modern take on Thai food using contemporary European techniques.
Khao [$70-$120] – A Michelin-starred restaurant dedicated to authentic and classic Thai cuisine, focusing on high-quality, regional ingredients.
Blue Elephant Bangkok [$60-$100] – Housed in a gorgeous historic mansion, it specializes in Royal Thai cuisine and classic, meticulously prepared dishes.
Indus [$40-$80] – A sophisticated, well-regarded restaurant offering refined North Indian cuisine in a lavish setting with an extensive à la carte and tasting menu option.
Vertigo Rooftop at Banyan Tree [$70-$120] – A sophisticated open-air restaurant on a rooftop, offering an unparalleled 360-degree view of the city alongside international cuisine.
Baan Phadthai [$10-$20] – This highly-rated spot specializes in the ubiquitous Pad Thai, but uses excellent, high-quality ingredients and regional twists for a superior version of the classic.
Rot Dee Det [$5-$15] – A popular, unpretentious restaurant near Siam Square specializing in legendary braised beef and pork, often served with rice or noodles.
Ginger Farm Kitchen [$15-$30] – Offers traditional Northern Thai (Lanna) dishes using organic ingredients sourced from their own farm in Chiang Mai, bringing a “Farm to City” concept.
Zaab Eli [$10-$25] – A modern eatery that brings the bold, spicy, and sour flavors of authentic Isaan (Northeast Thai) cuisine to a convenient urban setting.
Baan Suriyasai [$20-$40] – Set in a lavish colonial mansion, it serves authentic recipes once favored in royal households, offering a refined, traditional Thai experience.
The Never Ending Summer [$20-$40] – Located in a huge, former warehouse on the river, this chic restaurant serves classic Thai cuisine in a rustic, industrial-chic setting with a great atmosphere.
Indigo [$25-$50] – A cozy, locally-loved French brasserie in the Sathorn area, known for its quality European comfort food like steak and pommes frites.
Osito Unique Spanish [$25-$45] – A popular, non-touristy Spanish restaurant known for its quality jamón ibérico, excellent small plates, and a curated selection of Spanish wines.
Rongros [$20-$40] – Located along the Chao Phraya River, it serves delicious and authentic Thai food with stunning, postcard-perfect views of Wat Arun, especially at sunset.
Cabbages & Condoms [$15-$30] – A unique restaurant that supports a good cause (family planning and sexual health), featuring whimsical condom-themed decor and good quality Thai food in a charming garden.
Thip Samai [$5-$15] – Known by many as the “Ghost Gate Pad Thai,” this famous street-side establishment is often busy but serves its signature, old-school Pad Thai wrapped in a thin egg omelet.
Yao Restaurant and Rooftop Bar [$30-$60] – Located on a rooftop in the city center, offering excellent views and an elegant menu of traditional Chinese cuisine.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
BKK Social Club: Found in the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River, this glamorous bar is a nod to Buenos Aires, offering exceptional signature cocktails and a sophisticated atmosphere perfect for a high-end evening.
Tropic City: Located in the Charoenkrung creative district, this vibrant spot is known for its excellent rum-focused, tiki-inspired cocktails, a funky atmosphere, and lively DJ sets.
The Iron Fairies: Tucked away in the Thonglor neighborhood, this highly theatrical bar features intricate, fantastical décor, cozy nooks, and is famed for its potent cocktails and live jazz music.
Vesper: Situated in the central Silom business district, this award-winning cocktail bar offers a regularly changing menu of innovative, high-concept drinks in a stylish, art-deco inspired setting.
Teens of Thailand: A cozy, minimalist cocktail bar in the Chinatown area, specializing exclusively in gin and offering creative concoctions that rotate based on available seasonal ingredients.
Rabbit Hole: A stylish, speakeasy-style bar hidden in the trendy Thonglor area, known for its creative approach to classic cocktails and its intimate, dimly-lit ambiance.
Bamboo Bar: An iconic, jazz-infused institution in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel on the Chao Phraya River bank, offering classic cocktails and a truly luxurious, timeless experience.
Sky Bar: Dramatically perched on the 63rd floor of the State Tower in Silom, this open-air bar is world-famous for its stunning, panoramic city views and its appearance in the film The Hangover Part II.
ABar Rooftop: Located on the 37th floor of the Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park in the Sukhumvit district, this bar boasts a large gin collection and a sophisticated rooftop setting with great views.
Q&A Bar: A hidden speakeasy-style bar in the Asok area of Sukhumvit, designed like a luxury train carriage, offering expertly crafted classic and bespoke cocktails in a discreet setting.
Ku Bar: A small, discreet cocktail bar located down a side alley in Chinatown, recognized for its commitment to local and regional spirits and its unique, laid-back vibe.
Vertigo and Moon Bar: Situated on the 61st floor of the Banyan Tree Hotel in the Sathorn district, this dual venue offers an unparalleled, open-air drinking and dining experience with a breathtaking 360-degree view of the city.
Opium Bar: A stylish cocktail bar adjacent to a popular Chinese restaurant in Chinatown, it’s modeled as a modern Shanghai speakeasy with high-end drinks and a moody atmosphere.
Find The Photo Booth: A charming speakeasy in Sukhumvit Soi 11 that you enter through a faux photo booth, offering a playful setting and a rotating menu of creative cocktails.
Backstage Cocktail Bar: Set within the Playhaus Hotel in the Thonglor area, this theatrical bar embraces a 1920s Hollywood theme and focuses on using premium spirits for its diverse menu.
ONYX Bangkok: Located in the major entertainment complex of RCA (Royal City Avenue), this is one of Bangkok’s largest and most famous clubs, frequently hosting international DJs and known for its high-energy EDM and House music.
MUSTACHE Bangkok: A popular underground venue located on Sukhumvit Soi 23, focusing on Techno and House music in a more intimate, European-style club setting.
Sing Sing Theater: A highly stylized venue in the Sukhumvit Soi 45 area, designed with a lavish Chinese theater aesthetic, offering stunning visual shows, performances, and a mix of House and Hip-Hop music.
Beam: Found in the Thonglor neighborhood, this club is famous for its powerful sound system and minimalist, warehouse-style decor, focusing on Techno and Deep House music for a serious clubbing experience.
Levels Club & Lounge: A popular, multilevel club located on the 6th floor of the Aloft Hotel in Sukhumvit Soi 11, playing a mix of Hip-Hop, R&B, and EDM across its various rooms and terrace.
Route 66: An enormous, long-running club located on RCA, famous for its multiple zones that cater to different music tastes, from live Thai pop to international Hip-Hop and Electronic music.
Sugar Club Bangkok: Located in the heart of the nightlife hub of Sukhumvit Soi 11, this is Bangkok’s premier spot for authentic Hip-Hop, hosting top international DJs and dancers.
The Club at Koi: Situated atop the Sathorn Square Building, this club in the Sathorn district offers a chic, luxury experience with a mix of Hip-Hop and commercial House, plus a large terrace with skyline views.
Demo: Located in Thonglor, this venue offers a raw, industrial vibe, typically playing high-energy Electronic and Dance music, and is popular with the younger, local crowd.
Insanity Nightclub: A massive, high-production club on Sukhumvit Soi 11, known for its international DJ lineup, epic laser shows, and a massive dance floor, playing high-tempo commercial EDM and Open Format.
BarSu: Located within the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, this jazz bar turns into a lively club venue later in the evening, offering live music and DJ sets in a stylish setting in the Asok area.
Babyface Superclub: A large-scale club in the Ekkamai neighborhood, popular for its high-production lighting and sound, and a focus on commercial dance music.