Rattanakosin (Old City)
The historic core: the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun, with riverside piers and street markets between them. The best area for sightseeing, best done early.
Thailand
Bangkok Travel Guide
Bangkok is loud, hot and gloriously alive — golden temples, riverside markets, one of the world's great street-food scenes, and nightlife that runs until dawn. It is also easier to navigate than it first appears: the Skytrain and metro cover the modern centre, and the historic core is compact enough to explore on foot. This guide covers the seasons, the best neighbourhoods, and the sights worth planning around.
ThailandTypical trip: 4–5 days
Best time to visit
November to February is the cool, dry season and Bangkok at its most comfortable — expect high-20s weather and blue skies. March to May is genuinely hot; plan for mornings and evenings outdoors. May to October is the monsoon season, which usually means a short afternoon downpour rather than ruined days. Mid-April's Songkran water festival is chaotic, fun and a bad time for temple visits.
Where to base yourself
Sukhumvit
The hotel and nightlife spine of modern Bangkok — Skytrain access to everything, endless food options and the city's most convenient base for first-timers.
Riverside
Hotels with river views and the ICONSIAM mall, connected by the Chao Phraya express boats. A calmer, pricier base with the old city a short boat ride away.
Silom & Sathorn
The business district by day and a bar and restaurant scene by night, including the famous rooftop sky bars. Good-value hotels with the metro at your door.
Things to do in Bangkok
Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew
The royal complex and its Emerald Buddha — Bangkok's single most impressive sight. Dress conservatively and arrive at opening time to beat the tour groups.
Wat Pho
Home to the 46-metre Reclining Buddha and Thailand's first university. A short walk from the Grand Palace; allow an hour and finish at the on-site massage school.
Wat Arun
The riverside temple with the porcelain-encrusted prang, best seen from across the river at sunset or climbed early for views over the old city.
Chao Phraya River Boats
The express boats are the fastest, cheapest way to see the city from the water. Skip the tourist boats and take the orange-flag route for the real thing.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Over 15,000 stalls across 27 sections — clothes, ceramics, plants and some of the best street food in the city. Go Saturday morning before the heat peaks.
Yaowarat (Chinatown) at night
Bangkok's street-food heart: seafood, noodles and desserts served from carts under neon signs. Bring cash and come hungry after 6pm.
Good to know
The BTS Skytrain and MRT metro are fast, air-conditioned and cheap — they cover the modern city, while boats handle the river. Tuk-tuks are fun, but agree a price before getting in. Temple dress codes are strict: covered shoulders and knees at the Grand Palace are non-negotiable.
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