Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Bangkok
Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and the most populated city in the nation, boasting a population of more than 8 million. It is a popular tourist destination due to its vibrant culture and nightlife and is known for its amazing street food, shopping scenes and diverse attractions. In this article, we’ll look at everything you need to know about planning and visiting Bangkok, from finding the best flights to picking an ideal accommodation and exploring the city’s attractions.
Getting to Bangkok
Bangkok is a major international hub and the primary gateway to Thailand, making it very accessible from most countries in the world via air travel. The city is served by two major airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK). Suvarnabhumi Airport is the most popular choice for international visitors, while Don Mueang Airport is best for domestic visitors.
When looking for flights to Bangkok, the best option is to use a comparison site like Skyscanner or Momondo. These sites allow you to search for flights from your home destination to Bangkok and quickly identify the best deals on offer. It’s also possible to filter results by price and carrier, so you can find the perfect flight to suit your budget and travel needs.
Finding Accommodation in Bangkok
Bangkok boasts a great range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels and everything in between. Prices can range from $25 per night for a budget hotel up to more than $500 per night for a luxury hotel. To find the best deals, use a hotel comparison site like Kayak or Trivago – these sites allow you to search for hotels in Bangkok and filter the results by price, location and star rating.
If you’re looking for something a bit more unique and off-the-beaten-path, consider staying in an Airbnb or renting an apartment through one of the many property sites, like Booking.com or HomeAway.
Exploring Bangkok’s Attractions
Bangkok is packed with unforgettable attractions and activities, so you might feel overwhelmed when trying to plan what to do during your stay. To help narrow down your choices, here’s a list of some of the most popular attractions in Bangkok:
- The Grand Palace – One of the top attractions in Bangkok, the Grand Palace was built in 1782 and is home to Buddhist temples and royal residence.
- Chatuchak Weekend Market – Shop till you drop at Chatuchak Weekend Market. This buzzing market has more than 15,000 stalls selling all sorts of items, including clothes, souvenirs, books, food and more.
- Lumphini Park – Lumphini Park is Bangkok’s central park and a great spot for picnicking or visiting one of the many temples located within it.
- Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) – The stunning Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) is located on the banks of Chao Phraya River and is one of Bangkok’s most iconic sights.
- Jim Thompson House – Visit the famed Jim Thompson House Museum, former home of silk merchant Jim Thompson.
- Cruise Along the Chao Phraya River – Experience Bangkok from a different perspective with a cruise along the Chao Phraya River.
- Visit Bangkok Lebua Rooftop Bar – Enjoy 360 degree views of Bangkok with a visit to the iconic Lebua Rooftop Bar. Including transfers, you can experience this incredible rooftop bar with GetYourGuide, who offer an amazing round-trip transfer tour that includes pick-up from your hotel and complimentary drinks at the bar.
Local Thai Cuisine
Of course, one of the best things about visiting Bangkok is trying its incredible local cuisine. The city has some of the best Thai food in the world and there are so many places to choose from when it comes to eating out.
When looking for somewhere to eat, the street food scene is one of the best places to start – there’s something for everyone here, whether you’re after a quick snack or full meal. Popular dishes include Pad Thai, Khao Pad (fried rice) and Gai Yang (grilled chicken). For dessert, you can try Thorn Mamuang (mango with sticky rice). Try to head out early in the evening – that’s when most stalls are open – or visit one of the local night markets, like Pratunam Market or Talat Rot Fai (Train Market).
For something more formal, there are plenty of excellent restaurants all over Bangkok. Sample some unique Thai dishes at one of the Michelin-starred restaurants, like Suhring or Elsewhere, or head to Chinatown for some delicious street food – no matter what you choose, you’re sure to find something delicious!
Safety Tips for Visiting Bangkok
Bangkok is generally considered safe for visitors but it’s important to take precautions when you are travelling around the city and exploring its attractions. Be aware of your personal belongings at all times and don’t carry large amounts of cash or other valuables on your person; it is best to store these items in a hotel safe or lock box while out and about. Try not to walk alone at night as streets can be quite dark; if possible, get a taxi instead or make use of public transport, which is generally reliable, efficient and affordable. Additionally, be mindful of local customs as it’s important to be respectful when visiting temples and other religious sites.
Visiting Bangkok on a Budget
Traveling doesn’t have to be expensive – even if you’re planning a trip to Bangkok! It’s possible to enjoy all the city has to offer without breaking the bank; simply plan ahead and follow these budget tips:
- Research flight costs – use comparison sites like Skyscanner or Momondo to identify which airlines offer the best deals.
- Choose budget accommodation – look for hotels with good reviews and use hotel comparison sites like Kayak or Trivago to get the best deals.
- Declutter your purchases – it’s easy to get carried away shopping in Bangkok but try not to buy more than you need since there is often a weight limit for luggage!
- Take advantage of public transport – opt for buses, boats or tuk tuks instead of taxis whenever possible.
- Avoid tourist traps – if possible, ask locals for recommendations on where to eat or visit as they will know where to go for authentic experiences without getting ripped off.
- Look for deals – you can get discounts on attractions with tourism cards like Klook or SangThong City Pass; these cards also provide discounted fares on public transport.
- Research free things to do – there are plenty of free things to do in Bangkok; walking tours, street art tours or exploring local markets are all great ways to keep busy while keeping expenditures low.
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