🇹🇭 Bangkok
Thailand · Central Thailand
Thailand's buzzing, energetic capital known for ornate shrines, vibrant street life, and canal passenger boats.
Bangkok — Ninara from Helsinki, Finland · CC BY 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
🗓️ Best time to go
November to February when it is dry and relatively cool. April is the hottest month, and September–October is the wettest.
🚆 Getting around
The BTS Skytrain and MRT Subway are clean, air-conditioned, and skip traffic. Express boats on the Chao Phraya River are great for reaching historic sites. Avoid taxis in rush hour.
About
A sensory explosion of high-rise skyscrapers, historic gilded temples, chaotic street food stalls, and bustling night markets.
Interesting places to visit
The Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew
The spectacular former royal residence housing the highly revered Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
An iconic heritage temple decorated with colorful porcelain pieces that catches the sunset beautifully.
Wat Pho
Home to the massive, 46-meter-long Reclining Buddha and the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
One of the world's largest outdoor markets, featuring over 15,000 stalls.
What to eat
Pad Kra Pao
Stir-fried minced pork or chicken with holy basil and chili, served over rice with a crispy fried egg.
Som Tum (Papaya Salad)
Spicy, sour, sweet, and salty shredded green papaya salad.
Boat Noodles (Kuay Teow Reua)
Rich, dark herb-spiced noodle bowls, traditionally served in small portions at Victory Monument.
Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niew Mamuang)
Sweet glutinous rice cooked with coconut milk and served with fresh yellow mango slices.
Practical tips
Dress respectfully for temples
Shoulders and knees must be covered. No sandals/flip-flops at the Grand Palace.
Watch out for tuk-tuk scams
Never trust drivers who say a major temple is 'closed today' and offer to take you shopping instead.