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 Dynamic, exotic, and richly cosmopolitan, Bangkok is one of Southeast Asia's most unique travel destinations. As a city of contrasts, this cultural epicentre entices millions of travellers each year with its glorious golden temples, bountiful markets, stunning scenery, and tantalising cuisine. Revel in the frenetic pace as you soak up the sights, shop until you drop then tuk-tuk around town for a zesty slice of Bangkok’s indulgent and risqué nightlife.

A child sits on the boat and holds a fruit basket in the traditional floating market in Bangkok, Thailand. anekoho/Shutterstock.com

The City

To arrive in Bangkok is to be thrust into the pulsing heart of the Orient, a sprawling mega-city encompassing 50 districts and six ever-expanding provinces.

Known to the Thais as 'Krung Thep', South East Asia's own 'City of Angels' epitomises the East meets West tradition, where ancient trends blend and thrive with cutting edge sophistication.

Bangkok throbs and pulses with relentless heat and frantic pace as tuk-tuks zip along concrete boulevards and Skytrains zoom overhead. The true engine room behind 'Amazing Thailand', this city will amaze, dazzle, and humble the most seasoned global wanderers with its exciting fusion of cultural, spiritual, historical, and cosmopolitan charm.

Dusit is the political core of Thailand, home to lavish architecture and gardens, while Bangkok's rustic 'Old Town' Rattanakosin holds must-see sights such as the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and the royal gardens of Sanam Luang.

Glitzy Siam Square carves the city's commercial core with an array of shops, malls, and boutiques–a true shopper's paradise. Multicultural Yaowarat and Pahurat provide a feast for the senses, with the cuisine of Chinatown and a flurry of Indian markets. Sensational Sukhumvit Road roars at night with fine restaurants, bars, and raunchy clubs, while the ever-indelible Khaosan Road area is a delight for budget travellers and revellers alike–buzzing with curbside vendors, stalls, and wild nightspots.

Tourist in Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok, Thailand. noina/Shutterstock.com

Do & See

With a relentless array of sights, sounds, scents, and tastes all immersed in a bevvy of hidden treasures, Bangkok has an overwhelming variety of things to discover and absorb. Check out some of the best things to do and see in Bangkok, Thailand.

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Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn)

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The Grand Palace

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Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)

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Bangkok by Night: Temples, Markets, and Food by Tuk-Tuk

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Wat Phra Kaew (The Temple of the Emerald Buddha)

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Khaosan Road

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Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

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Chatuchak Weekend Market

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Ayutthaya Historical Park

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Jim Thompson House Museum

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Bangkok Canal Tour: 2-Hour Longtail Boat Ride

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Bangkok Cooking Classes

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Wat Traimit (Golden Buddha)

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Wat Saket (The Golden Mount)

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Lumphini Park

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SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World

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National Science Museum

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Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre

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Bangkok Art and Culture Centre

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Madame Tussauds Bangkok

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The Tilleke & Gibbins Museum of Counterfeit Goods

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Democracy Monument

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Snake Farm

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Bangkok Doll Museum

ChangChui Creative Park

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Dining

If nothing else, Bangkok serves as an epicentre of Southeast Asian culinary sensation, with endless cuisine varieties and flavours to boot.

Tantalise your taste buds with a journey through Bangkok's endless flurry of fine restaurants, delectable eateries, and simmering roadside food stalls.

Comprising the best places to dine with such a short list is an impossible task. However, here's what each of Bangkok's main culinary areas has to offer the gastronomic aficionado, with a sneak selection of some of the standouts.

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Yaowarat Road

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Sukhumvit Road

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Siam Square

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Korean Town

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Phahurat Road

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Silom Road

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Eat Me Restaurant

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Suda Restaurant

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Le Dalat

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Roti Mataba

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Took Lae Dee

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Seven Spoons

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80/20

merchants making coffee on his boat in the floating Market / selective focus kungverylucky/Shutterstock.com

Cafés

Bangkok's café scene is vibrant and ever-evolving, reflecting the city's blend of tradition and modernity. The Thais have a growing appreciation for coffee, and this is evident in the plethora of coffee shops that pepper the city's streets. From chic, minimalist cafés to cosy, vintage-inspired coffee houses, there is no shortage of spots to enjoy a meticulously brewed cup of coffee. While tea, particularly traditional Thai iced tea, remains a popular beverage, the urban trend leans towards coffee, with both locals and tourists flocking to these establishments.

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Floral Café at Napasorn

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Bluetamp Cafe

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Old Town Cafe Bangkok

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Ceresia Coffee Roasters

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Gallery Drip Coffee

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Unbranded Cafe

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Audrey Cafe Glamour

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Authors' Lounge at Mandarin Oriental

Asian lover couple enjoying look at view twilight time on top view bar and restaurant in this time beautiful colorful night at Bangkok City PK.Inspiration_06/Shutterstock.com

Bars & Nightlife

When the sun comes down, Bangkok is well-versed on how to have a seriously good time.

A city famous for its wild nightlife, Bangkok’s bars, clubs, taverns, and lounges light up the streets, bustling and bursting with action. Partiers and revellers will rejoice with an abundance of rock pubs, jazz cafés, and sleek cocktail bars.

Many nightspots have free entrance, though some popular venues charge a modest entry fee. The city also yields an array of sophisticated entertainment for more refined pleasure seekers, including Broadway-inspired stage shows, traditional performances, and nighttime river cruises.

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Khaosan Road Area

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Jodd Fairs Night Market

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The Bamboo Bar

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Vertigo & Moon Bar Rooftop

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Bangkok by Night: Temples, Markets, and Food by Tuk-Tuk

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Sirocco

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Phra Nakhon Bar & Gallery

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Maggie Choo's

Traditional floating market , Thailand. i viewfinder/Shutterstock.com

Shopping

Have we mentioned that Bangkok is a veritable shoppers’ paradise? You’ll find pretty much everything and anything you could ever want, need or desire in this town - from fashion to electronics, novelties and crafts. Hit up and indulge in Bangkok’s enormous array of modern shopping hubs, contemporary stores, cosmopolitan boutiques and exotic, labyrinthine markets for every conceivable consuming penchant.

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CentralWorld

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Siam Paragon

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Siam Center & Siam Discovery

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Terminal 21 Asok

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Chatuchak Weekend Market

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MBK Center

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Asiatique The Riverfront

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Emporium

Grand palace and Wat phra keaw at sunset Bangkok, Thailand. Beautiful Landmark of Asia. Temple of the Emerald Buddha. landscape of the capital city. view of thailand SOUTHERNTraveler/Shutterstock.com

Tourist Information

Best Time To Visit

If you are looking to avoid holiday crowds, you should visit Bangkok in November and early December. However, note that Bangkok is generally very busy. Rainfall is highest in September and October but the climate is hot and humid throughout the year, making Bangkok the perfect year-round destination.

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Passport/Visa

Visitors to Thailand typically need a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining, a visa (depending on their nationality), and a completed arrival/departure card, which is usually provided on the aeroplane or at the port of entry. Additionally, there may be specific entry requirements related to health, such as vaccinations or medical certificates, so be sure to check the latest visa requirements and entry regulations from the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in your country through official government channels before planning your trip to Thailand.

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Website: www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-visa/thailand-visa-services

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Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK)

Suvarnabhumi International Airport, situated about 30 kilometres east of central Bangkok, is Thailand's largest and most modern airport, serving as a primary gateway for international travellers.

The most efficient way to reach the city is via the Airport Rail Link, which connects directly to the BTS Skytrain and MRT subway systems, making it easy to access various parts of Bangkok. Additionally, taxis and private car services are readily available, offering a comfortable 45-minute ride into the heart of the city, depending on traffic conditions.

Address: Suvarnabhumi International Airport

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Phone: +66 2 132 1888

Website: https://suvarnabhumi.airportthai.co.th

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Don Mueang International Airport (DMK)

Bangkok’s first airport now serves mainly short-haul flights for budget airlines on domestic routes. It lies 24 kilometres north of central Bangkok.

The easiest and quickest way to reach the city is via the Don Mueang Tollway, which takes around 30 minutes by taxi or car, depending on traffic. Alternatively, the A1 and A2 airport shuttle buses connect to the Mo Chit BTS Skytrain and Chatuchak Park MRT stations, providing seamless access to Bangkok's extensive public transport network.

Address: Don Mueang International Airport

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Phone: +66 2 535 1192

Website: https://donmueang.airportthai.co.th

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Public Transport

Navigating Bangkok is a breeze with its efficient public transport system, offering a mix of modern and traditional options. The BTS Skytrain and MRT (Metro) are the city's most popular choices for tourists, providing fast, air-conditioned travel above and below ground, respectively.

The BTS runs along two major lines, Sukhumvit and Silom, connecting key areas such as Siam Square, Chatuchak Weekend Market, and the riverside. Meanwhile, the MRT's Blue Line and Purple Line cover extensive routes, linking to important cultural sites and bustling commercial districts. Both systems are user-friendly, with clear signage in English, making it easy for visitors to explore Bangkok's diverse neighbourhoods.

For a more local experience, the city's extensive bus network is an affordable way to get around, though it can be less predictable due to traffic. Bangkok's colourful buses range from air-conditioned models to older, open-window varieties. Additionally, tuk-tuks and motorcycle taxis provide quick and exhilarating rides for short distances, while the Chao Phraya Express Boat offers scenic river travel, perfect for visiting attractions like the Grand Palace and Wat Arun.

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Website: www.bts.co.th/eng

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Taxi

Finding a taxi in Bangkok is quite easy, with thousands of brightly coloured vehicles—typically in shades of green and yellow, or pink—roaming the streets. These taxis are metered, ensuring that you pay a fair rate for your journey.

For added convenience, you can also use popular ride-hailing apps like Grab and Bolt, which allow you to book a ride quickly with fixed pricing and cashless payment options.

Another way to navigate Bangkok's bustling streets is by the iconic tuk-tuks, the colourful three-wheeled motorised rickshaws. These vibrant vehicles offer a more adventurous alternative to taxis, often negotiating through heavy traffic with ease. While tuk-tuks don't use meters, fares can be negotiated with the driver before starting your journey. For short trips, they can be quicker and more convenient than traditional taxis.

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Post

Post offices in Bangkok typically operate from 8:30am to 4:30pm on weekdays, with some branches open on Saturdays until noon. They offer a range of services including domestic and international mail, parcel delivery, express mail services, and postal banking. Many also provide additional conveniences such as bill payments, money transfers, and the sale of packaging materials. Bangkok's post offices are easily recognisable by their bright red signage and the Thai Post logo featuring a stylised eagle.

Address: General Post Office - 2 Charoen Krung Road, Bang Rak, Bangkok

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Pharmacy

In Bangkok, Boots and Watsons dominate the pharmacy scene. Boots, well-known to UK travellers, has nearly 200 outlets throughout Thailand, offering a wide array of health and wellness products along with expert pharmacy services. Watsons, Asia's leading health and beauty retailer, boasts over 150 shops in Bangkok alone, providing an extensive range of health and beauty products. Both chains ensure that travellers have convenient access to essential medical and personal care items while exploring the city.

Address: Boots (CentralWorld) - 999/9 Rama I Road, Pathum Wan, Bangkok

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Phone: +66 2 252 1280

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Telephone

Country code: +66

Area code central Bangkok: 02

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Electricity

The standard voltage is 220V and the frequency is 50Hz. Power plugs and sockets are type A, B, C, F and O.

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