Bangkok
The gateway to a Thailand that is intense, luminous and full of contrasts.
Bangkok guide: what to do, where to stay and a 4-day itinerary
A practical starting point for navigating the energy of Thailand's capital, from golden temples to street food.
Bangkok can seem intimidating at first, but rewards those who surrender to its rhythm. Staying near the Skytrain (BTS) or the river completely changes the experience in this giant metropolis.
The contrast between tradition and modernity.
In Bangkok, centuries-old temples share the street with futuristic skyscrapers and mega malls. The "Old City" (Rattanakosin) holds history, while areas like Sukhumvit represent the cosmopolitan metropolis.
Escape the monsoon season.
The best time to visit is between November and February, when the weather is "cooler" and dry. From March temperatures rise drastically, and between July and October it rains quite often (though usually short and intense showers).
How much does a trip to Bangkok cost?
Bangkok is incredibly versatile: you can eat for €2 on the street or spend €200 in a luxury restaurant. Indicative values in euros (€) for ease.
- Accommodation: €30 to €80 / night (comfortable and modern hotels with pool).
- Food: €15 to €30 / day (combining phenomenal street food with a regular restaurant).
- Transport: €3 to €8 / day (using BTS, MRT and local boats).
- Attractions: Temples range between €1 (Wat Arun) and €14 (Grand Palace).
Connected to the Skytrain.
Traffic in Bangkok is famously chaotic. The golden rule is to stay near a BTS or MRT station to move fast over the traffic jams.
Sukhumvit
The most practical area. Filled with modern hotels, mega malls (Terminal 21) and excellent connections.
Search hotels →Silom / Sathorn
Close to Lumphini Park. Great restaurants, sky bars and very close to the river connection.
Search hotels →Riverside
Where the luxury hotels are. Beautiful views of the Chao Phraya river and easy boat access to temples.
Search hotels →Khao San
The backpacker hub. Very cheap and close to temples, but lacks direct train connections.
Search hotels →Avoid taxis during rush hour.
The BTS (Skytrain) and MRT (Subway) are the best ways to get around. Buy a Rabbit Card to avoid queues.
- Chao Phraya Express Boat: Excellent for reaching the Grand Palace and Wat Arun. Take the Orange Flag boat.
- Grab & Bolt: The Uber equivalents. Great for late nights or areas without trains, but avoid during peak hours.
- Tuk-tuks: Fun for a quick ride, but you must negotiate the price before getting in (and they are often more expensive than Grab).
4 days in Bangkok.
The Golden Icons
- Morning: Start early at the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha). Walk to Wat Pho to see the Reclining Buddha.
- Afternoon: Cross the river on the ferry (5 THB) to visit Wat Arun. Stay for sunset.
- Evening: Explore the vibrant Chinatown (Yaowarat) and eat some of the best street food in the city.
Markets and Modernity
- Morning: Chatuchak Weekend Market (if it's the weekend). Otherwise, visit Jim Thompson House or Lumphini Park (watch out for the monitor lizards).
- Afternoon: Explore the Siam area malls (Siam Paragon, CentralWorld) and MBK Center.
- Evening: Drinks at a rooftop bar (like King Power Mahanakhon or Lebua State Tower) for panoramic views.
Day trip out of the city
- Morning/Afternoon: Take a half-day tour to the Ayutthaya ruins (ancient capital) or to the Railway Market (Maeklong) and Floating Market (Damnoen Saduak).
- Evening: Relaxing Thai massage (try Health Land or a local spa) followed by dinner in Sukhumvit.
Riverside and Night Markets
- Morning: IconSiam (the most impressive mall by the river).
- Afternoon: Explore the creative district of Talad Noi with its street art and old cafes.
- Evening: Asiatique The Riverfront or Jodd Fairs night market.
3 mistakes to avoid
- The "Grand Palace is closed" scam: Tuk-tuk drivers outside temples might tell you it's closed and offer to take you elsewhere (usually a gem shop). Ignore them and walk to the main entrance.
- Not dressing properly for temples: Shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women. The Grand Palace is especially strict (no leggings, no ripped jeans).
- Forgetting to ask for the meter: If you take a street taxi, insist on "meter please". If they refuse, get out and find another one.