Bangkok
"The City of Angels" and capital of Thailand
Holidaymakers planning a Thailand holiday are often overwhelmed when they first arrive in Bangkok. The city can feel intimidating—hot, humid, noisy, and culturally unfamiliar. Yet Bangkok is a dynamic capital full of energy and excitement. The traffic is hectic, the sounds are intense, and the crowds can be daunting. But take a moment to relax, and you’ll find locals to be incredibly friendly, helpful, and welcoming.
Many tourists quickly head to Thailand’s southern beaches or northern mountains, missing out on the unique charm of Bangkok. That’s unfortunate, because Bangkok is one of the world’s most fascinating cities—rich in culture, history, and unforgettable things to do. With the right mindset, your Bangkok travel experience can be the highlight of your trip.
Bangkok - the hub of Southeast Asia
As one of the most exciting cities in Asia, Bangkok ranks high on the list for adventure-seeking travelers. With its rich history, vibrant culture, world-class shopping, and buzzing entertainment scene, Bangkok offers something for every visitor. Nearly every Thailand vacation begins and ends in this dynamic city—so be sure to spend time here. You won’t regret it.
Flowing down from the north, the majestic Chao Phraya River cuts through the heart of Bangkok. Alongside its network of canals—known as klongs in Thai—it provides a scenic and practical way to explore the city while avoiding traffic. Choose between the affordable public express boat service or hire a traditional long-tail boat for a more personalized experience.
Express boats stop frequently at key piers on both sides of the river, giving easy access to top Bangkok attractions like Wat Arun and the Grand Palace. A long-tail boat ride through the canals offers a unique glimpse into local life, and a dinner cruise is the perfect way to end a day on the water.
Bangkok is currently home to around 15 million people, though the exact number is uncertain. That’s roughly a 40% increase since the start of the Millennium, reflecting the city’s rapid growth and urban sprawl.
Chaotic traffic conditions on major roads are part of daily life.
While the underground MRT and elevated BTS Skytrain systems help ease congestion, they don’t fully solve the problem. Bangkok’s extensive city bus network moves millions of residents across the city each day. However, it can be challenging for tourists to use, as many routes are displayed only in Thai. You can find route information at select transport hubs like Victory Monument, and fortunately, bus line numbers are shown in Arabic numerals.
Non-air-conditioned buses are extremely affordable, and air-conditioned ones offer a more comfortable ride at a slightly higher fare—still budget-friendly for most travelers.
Discover Bangkok: some highlights and other tips
Theravada Buddhism is the dominant religion in all of Thailand and there are around 400 temples in the city of Bangkok alone. The most famous of these are among the most photographed buildings in the world. Among them, Wat Phra Kaeo, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the nearby Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha.
A great many of the most interesting sights are easily got to by taxi, for example the handicraft island, Koh Kret, in the Chao Phaya near Pak Kret and the interesting fresh market, Talad Thai, north of the city near Rangsit, east of Thammasat University Rangsit Campus.
If time allows, the wholesale clothing market at Bobae near the Prince Palace Hotel and the sprawling weekend flea market at Chatuchak are top Bangkok shopping destinations. For upscale retail therapy, head to modern malls packed with international brands—Terminal 21 on Asoke, Emporium on Sukhumvit, MBK Center at Siam, and Siam Paragon are among the most popular.
Culture lovers will enjoy exploring the many museums located in central Bangkok, offering insights into Thai history, art, and heritage.
For nightlife, the stretch between Nana and Asoke near Sukhumvit is filled with clubs, discos, and bars. The famous Soi Cowboy and Asoke area attract solo travelers and adventurous couples, while Soi Thonglor offers more refined bars and restaurants. For live music and casual dining, Hard Rock Cafe Bangkok at Siam Square is a lively spot open late into the night.
To enjoy panoramic views of the city, visit the observation deck at Baiyoke Tower 2, Bangkok’s tallest building. Alternatively, sip cocktails or dine in style at rooftop venues like the State Tower (Lebua) by the river or the Banyan Tree Noble Hotel on Sathorn Road.
Getting around in Bangkok
Most major tourist hotels in Bangkok are conveniently located along BTS Skytrain routes, making public transport easily accessible. Taxis are plentiful and fares are low by international standards. Always insist that the driver uses the meter, and if possible, provide your destination in writing—a hotel business card or shop address works well. Hotel reception staff can offer helpful transport advice.
While most taxi drivers are honest, it’s best to switch cabs if you encounter any issues.
Tuk-tuks, the iconic three-wheeled vehicles, are a fun way to experience Bangkok traffic—but caution is advised. Tuk-tuk drivers are known for running scams that often lead to unwanted shopping stops. Always negotiate and agree on the fare before starting your journey.
Motorcycle taxis, found at many road junctions, are arguably the fastest way to navigate Bangkok’s traffic. They’re ideal for adrenaline seekers, but be sure to agree on the fare in advance and wear a helmet for safety.
Weather in Bangkok
As a tropical country near the equator, Thailand never gets truly cold.
The most pleasant time to visit is during the cooler, drier months from November to March. April and May bring intense heat, while the rainy season typically spans June to October.
Thais loosely divide the year into two seasons. April marks Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year and water festival, which signals the approach of the rainy season. In November, the Loy Krathong Festival—also known as the Festival of Lights—celebrates the beginning of the dry season.
UV intensity remains high year-round, so sun protection is essential regardless of when you visit. daily sunshine duration are well above Central European values, even in the rainy season.
Arrival and onward travel
Bangkok is served by two major airports. The primary international gateway is Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), located east of the city. As one of Asia’s busiest aviation hubs, it handles over 45 million passengers annually and offers excellent road and rail connections to central Bangkok.
The second airport, Don Mueang Airport (DMK), lies to the north of the city center along the main highway to northern Thailand. Opened in 1914, it was Bangkok’s main airport until 2006 and now caters primarily to budget airlines. Despite its secondary status, Don Mueang handles nearly as many passengers as Suvarnabhumi.
Important Tip: Always double-check your departure airport—transfers between BKK and DMK can take 1 to 2 hours depending on traffic. Direct connections are limited, with only a few options like the Commuter Van Line 555. l
By Train: Scenic and Relaxed Travel Across Thailand
In today’s fast-paced tourism, sightseeing trains may seem outdated—but they offer one of the most immersive ways to explore Thailand. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) connects Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Station with major cities across the country. Overnight sleeper trains are ideal for long-distance travel to southern destinations like Hat Yai and Surat Thani, or northern hubs such as Chiang Mai, Nong Khai, and Udon Thani.
SRT offers three booking classes and a helpful information desk at Hua Lamphong.
Trains provide a comfortable, scenic journey through rice fields, forests, and small towns—perfect for travelers seeking a relaxed pace.
By Bus: Affordable and Efficient Long-Distance Travel
Thailand’s long-distance buses offer a budget-friendly way to explore the country, with basic comforts like air conditioning and reclining seats. Buses depart from three main terminals in Bangkok:
Mor Chit Terminal: North and Northeast (e.g., Chiang Mai, Isan)
Sai Tai Terminal: South and West (e.g., Hua Hin, Krabi)
Ekkamai Terminal: East (e.g., Pattaya, Trat) Tickets can be purchased at the terminals for upcoming travel dates. During peak seasons and Thai holidays, advance booking is highly recommended to secure your seat.
By Plane: Fast Access to Thailand’s Top Destinations
Domestic flights are ideal for travelers short on time.
Koh Samui is reachable via direct flights from Bangkok or a budget-friendly route through Surat Thani, followed by a bus and ferry from Donsak Pier.
Phuket and Chiang Mai are served by multiple airlines, including both full-service and low-cost carriers, with frequent daily departures. Flying is fast—but it skips the rich cultural and natural landscapes between destinations.