An Insider's Guide to Bangkok
The sprawling Thai capital offers rich history, fiery cuisine, expansive markets and plenty of options for fun. Here are the top things to know before visiting Bangkok.
By Chris Kucway | November 16, 2023
Welcome to Bangkok, the gateway through which most international travelers start their explorations of Thailand. Buzzing with nightlife, trendy restaurants and the largest open-air market in the world, Bangkok is a place for people with a zest for life. It’s also a city teeming with history and breathtaking temples where you can sneak a moment of calm amid all the excitement.
Here are our top suggestions for getting the most out of your visit to Thailand’s largest city:
Savor the flavors: From fine dining to street food, indulge in Thai cuisine at every turn
Temple time: Stroll through the intricately designed Buddhist temples, learning their unique stories
Enjoy the festivities: Plan your trip wisely to enjoy some of the biggest cultural celebrations
Why visit Bangkok?
There are plenty of reasons to visit Bangkok, including copious amounts of delectable cuisine, incredible history and unique shopping opportunities. “Have you eaten yet?” is a common greeting around Bangkok, a city that loves food like no other. Follow the neon lights and the wafting scents to Chinatown and dive into the delicious street food stalls. In the oldest part of town, Rattanakosin, you’ll find a trio of historical attractions: the elegant spire-dotted Grand Palace complex, featuring the Temple of the Emerald Buddha; Wat Pho temple, famous for being the birthplace of traditional Thai massage; and Wat Arun, or the Temple of Dawn, with its single spire soaring over the Chao Phraya River. Visit Chatuchak Weekend Market — JJ Market to locals — and get lost in the largest market in Thailand. Some 15,000 stalls offer everything from traditional handicrafts to local fashion and affordable artwork. One note to keep in mind: most vendors only accept cash and bartering here is half the fun.
When is the best time to visit Bangkok?
People often joke that Bangkok has three seasons: hot, hotter and hottest. To avoid the scorching months, the best time to visit is during the region’s dry season between November and March, when the average temperature hovers between 72 F and 90 F (22 C and 32 C). The hottest days are often experienced in April during the Thai New Year celebration, Songkran. But don’t let the temperatures deter you from being a part of the traditional festivities, it’s a jubilant time to visit as the city devolves into a gigantic celebratory water fight where no one is immune to getting drenched.
Getting to and around Bangkok
Arrive in Bangkok via Suvarnabhumi Airport, unofficially known as Bangkok International Airport. Transfers into the city are best made by taxi or with a pre-arranged hotel car and the drive is usually between 15 to 20 miles (24 to 32 kilometers), depending on where you’re staying. It can take anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours if there’s heavy traffic or bad weather. Once in Bangkok, both the two-line Skytrain (BTS) system and the underground subway (MRT) are air-conditioned bliss. It's not a trip to Bangkok without a tuk-tuk ride, so be sure to hop on one of these motorized open-air, three-wheel vehicles. They’re a fast, fun and inexpensive way to get around the city and see the sights.
Culture, cuisine and customs
Bangkok oscillates between strict Buddhism and keeping a mischievous eye for anything considered sanuk (fun). Embrace both sides of the city’s character for the most authentic experience, always remembering to respect the local culture. For example, Thai people believe the body is a temple, so never touch someone on the head or point your feet at them. Dining is practically a sport here, so visit Khao San Road, which offers street food for every taste, including Thai classics like spring rolls and mango sticky rice. Young local chefs have turned up the heat around the capital, with the twisting streets of Talat Noi offering some of the trendiest restaurants the city has to offer. Don’t forget to take an early-morning excursion to a floating market for fresh local fruit, seafood and other artisan goods.
A destination filled with great food, endless wonderment and significant historical sites awaits you in Bangkok. Take the time to explore local traditions and customs for a memorable experience that will leave a smile on your face and the urge to return.
After decades of living in Hong Kong and Bangkok as a travel writer, editor and photographer, Chris Kucway is now back on the other side of the Pacific Ocean and is based in Vancouver.
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