Top things to do in Bangkok
Attractions, tours, and activities in Bangkok
Bangkok: the city's best neighborhoods
Find a great area to stay in Bangkok
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Sukhumvit
5.4 miles from downtown
Business or pleasure? A medley of neighborhoods spiral in offshoots from this road: the largest in Bangkok. Pass on Asoke (the main business district) and head into the "Sois" (side streets) for true variety. Eat to your heart's desire in Phrom Phong, known as "Little Tokyo," or hang out with the fun and fabulous in Thong Lo and Ekkamai's eateries.
Places to stay from $1 a night
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Siam
2.2 miles from downtown
Commerce is at the heart of modern Siam. Siam Paragon and the Siam Center are filled with cell-phone clutching fashionistas and tech-savvy urbanites shopping for clothes, electronics and more. Head over to the petite designer stores in Siam Square for a more boutique-style shopping experience, or to MBK Center for souvenirs, electronics and more.
Places to stay from $11 a night
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Sathorn
3.2 miles from downtown
Sathorn is Bangkok's Financial District, its sights mainly confined to office blocks, hotels and embassies. However, it's not all business. Art aficionados should check out M.R Kukrit’s Heritage Home: a former Prime Minister's home, now a museum; it’s a gem of Thai architectural style.
Places to stay from $6 a night
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Silom
2.5 miles from downtown
All roads lead to Silom, an area that glistens with modern skyscrapers and historic temples. Stroll Lumpini Park or see a venomous snake at the Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute. Let your gaze zig-zag up the stunning façade of the Sri Mariamman Hindu Temple. Afterwards, grab an affordable or extravagant snack or dinner in Soi Lalaisub nearby.
Places to stay from $4 a night
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Khaosan
0.6 miles from downtown
Every traveler needs to go to Khao San Road. It’s slightly touristy reputation is preceded only by its avalanche of sights and smells, essential for getting into the groove of Bangkok's rhythm. Swing over to Santichaiprakarn Park for river views and buildings that dot the coast. Stick around at night for the unique shophouse eateries.
Places to stay from $4 a night
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Riverside
1.7 miles from downtown
Pop a bottle of champagne open and slip into thousand-thread-count sheets in Bangkok’s capital of luxury. There aren't many major attractions here besides the smaller temples and shopping areas, but it’s great for a bit of dining too. Try Asiatique for dining and décor, or head to River City Shopping Complex for unique knickknacks.
Places to stay from $8 a night
About Bangkok
Including tips for the best time to visit Bangkok
Bangkok is undeniably one of Southeast Asia’s most energetic capitals. The city center is an exciting mix of old buildings, enormous shopping malls, and holy shrines that can take days to fully explore. Hunt for souvenirs in the Chatuchak Market or visit the shining temples of Wat Arun and the Grand Palace’s Wat Phra Kaew, considered the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand.
After the sun sets, Bangkok’s legendary nightlife kicks into gear. Take a walk down Khaosan Road, famous for its endless stretch of bars, restaurants, and street food vendors all packed together under a wild array of neon lights. Pad Thai is Thailand’s signature dish, but foods like mango sticky rice and “gieow”—a minced pork dumpling wrapped in wonton dough—are definitely worth a try.
Getting around Bangkok is part of the fun, whether you’re balancing on the back seat of a tuk-tuk in Chinatown, cruising past the floating markets on a long-tail boat, taking the metro or just going on foot. Also, Suvarnabhumi Airport is only 30 minutes away by train or taxi.
Tonight
From $11 per night
This weekend
From $22 per night
Next weekend
From $19 per night
| Most popular time to visit | October-December |
| Cheapest time to visit | January-March |
| Local currency | THB 100 = $2.70 |
| Language | Thai |
| Average weekend price | $69 per night |
| Average weekday price | $68 per night |
| Average stay | 2 nights |
Points of interest in Bangkok
Stay near the top sightseeing spots in Bangkok
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Mo Chit Northern Bus Terminal
4.9 miles from downtown
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Khao San Road
0.6 miles from downtown
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Victory Monument
2.2 miles from downtown
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Chatuchak Weekend Market
4.3 miles from downtown
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Siam Paragon Mall
2.1 miles from downtown
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Platinum Fashion Mall
2.3 miles from downtown
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Central World Plaza
2.4 miles from downtown
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MBK Shopping Mall
1.8 miles from downtown
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Sampeng Market
0.9 miles from downtown
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Asiatique The Riverfront
3.5 miles from downtown
Bangkok reviews
What other travelers say about Bangkok
Bangkok is a great city, people are very kind and helpful.
April 25, 2024
Bangkok is a great city, people are very kind and helpful. Lots of nice shopping malls, great restaurants and lots to see, is a perfect place for holiday and highly recommend to visit for at least 2 weeks.
I booked a little way out of the hectic, grubby, concrete...
April 25, 2024
I booked a little way out of the hectic, grubby, concrete and glass high rise and choked up road network that is the city centre. There are sights of interest everywhere but I think it is the politeness and calm of the people that has a real impact on your senses. Most people speak no English which surprised me but, if you know Thai for please and thank you, gesturing will get an eventual result. Workers in information centres and higher end or “western” shops etc can speak more English so there are options. I didn’t have the courage to try the “street food” others rave about. I wasn’t so confident in the hygiene standards. I did pay for a Malaria course but I will just go with sprays next time. I might have been bitten once. You can go to a different temple every day and see them in many places - you do get to a point where if you’ve seen one, you’ve kind of seen them all! The one to see is Wat Arun in my view. Use of the riverboat (like buses) and incredibly cheap! Tuk tuk dare fun and good value too but an air conditioned taxi is probably the best option if you have luggage, but be prepared to sit in traffic!
I like to visit temples and there are many around Bangkok.
April 22, 2024
I like to visit temples and there are many around Bangkok. Some are spectacular. You need time to visit them. The food is great especially if you like spicy. It is easy to get around using their public transport. Or plenty of taxis, tuk-tuks or motorcycle taxis. The people are very friendly and when shopping for souvenirs you can barter. There are some taxis/tuk-tuks who see a tourist and think they can make money by charging an inflated fare. Always take a metered can, they have a light on the windscreen so you know. And if you think a tuk-tuks fare is too high walk away and find one you think is a good price. Before visiting a temple google the dress code there.
I had the most thrilling experience on my first trip to...
April 21, 2024
I had the most thrilling experience on my first trip to Thailand - I chose to visit during the Thai New Year (Songkran), and it turned out to be one of the most memorable adventures of my life! The warmth and hospitality of the locals added to the charm of this already mesmerizing destination. I can't wait to go back and relive those exciting moments again!
Visited the Ratchadamri shopping district, Chatuchak weekend...
April 17, 2024
Visited the Ratchadamri shopping district, Chatuchak weekend market, Chinatown (Yaowarat), Wat Arun, Silom and Thong Lo among other places. Food is cheap and available almost 24 hours a day, although the 10% service charge mandated by many restaurants and establishments in return for basic service felt exorbitant, a sentiment that is apparently shared by the locals as well. Public transport-wise, buses tend to be old and unwelcoming for inexperienced travelers, whereas the MRT and BTS services are clean and comfortable. Grab rides are near indispensable for medium-distance travel. Oftentimes it was a challenge to communicate with service crew, as many struggled with basic English, even at the airports and tourist hotspots. Overall, an eye-opening experience but will bring a Thai phrasebook next time.
1) seafood paradise
April 16, 2024
1) seafood paradise 2) Shopping attractive 3) Traffic lights make even a short distance a suffering 3) Big language barrier at almost all age/education levels 4) Signage and directions are not tourist-friendly, almost everything in Thai language 5) Very fancy malls, but high prices except in sale season
Popular places to stay in Bangkok
Stay in some of the best accommodations Bangkok has to offer
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Bedtime storeys near ICON SIAM Bangkok, Thailand
From $304 per night
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Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai Ratchathewi, Bangkok
From $196 per night
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Thanabhumi Khaosan, Bangkok
From $27 per night
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Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok - SHA Extra Plus Certified Siam, Bangkok
From $250 per night
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TEAK VILLA Bangkok, Thailand
From $21 per night
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Other accommodations in Bangkok
Pick from a wide variety of places to stay in Bangkok
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Apartments
From $7 per night
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Resorts
From $26 per night
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Villas
From $18 per night
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Cottages
From $15 per night
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Serviced apartments
From $11 per night
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Vacation Homes
From $34 per night
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Guest Houses
From $5 per night
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Hostels
From $1 per night
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Motels
From $14 per night
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B&Bs
From $10 per night
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Homestays
From $10 per night
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Self-Catering Accommodations
From $8 per night
