Bangkok, Thailand Destination Guide
Section 1: Intro to the Destination
If you are looking for a fantastic getaway with incredible food, atmosphere, culture, nightlife, shopping and historical sites, then Bangkok is the place for you! The city is usually quite hot and the traffic can be very busy, but the Thai hospitality is like no other. Enjoying the amazing cuisine is one of the top reasons for a visit to the energetic city, with life changing meals on the street or in the modern restaurants. Bangkok does a wonderful job bring together the old and new, and you will not run out of things to do or see. Just make sure you do your research in advance and map out a plan before you go so that you don’t miss a thing!
Which of the Following Phrases Best Describes this Destination?
Energetic, Traditional, Modern
What’s the Destination Known For?
Bangkok is a center city in Asia for visitors, receiving around 15 million a year
The city does a wonderful job blending the old traditions with the new modern buildings and technology.
Shopping! Bangkok is known for its many street markets, large Chatuchak Weekend Market, huge shopping malls, floating markets, and more. It’s the place to purchase all goods and usually at a bargain price.
Food! Thailand cuisine is world famous for its extoic flavours and strong fragrances. The city is covered in opportunities to taste the local food or international cuisine, from street vendors and night markets to Michelin Star restaurants
The city has a very active nightlife with rooftop bars, live music, trendy clubs, and cool bars. The most popular areas to explore at night include Patpong, Nana, Soi Cowboy, and the red-light district.
Getting There
Location: 1 Nong Prue, Amphoe Bang Phli, Chang Wat Samut Prakan 10540
located in the Bang Phli area, about 15 miles east of downtown Bangkok
Visa: American citizens will receive
The international airport
Train: The Airport Rail Link (ARL) runs from 6:00-24:00 and costs around $1.00-2.00 to the center of the city
Bus: also a great cheap option into the city! You can learn about the bus lines on the airport’s website.
Car: it isn’t necessary to rent a car while visiting Thailand
Ridesharing: from the airport you can use the app Grab or take a metered Taxi, should cost around $10.50 to the city
Shuttle Bus: there is a free 50-60 minute bus between the airports
DMK Don Mueang International Airport
Location: 222 Vibhavadi Rangsit Rd, Khwaeng Sanambin, Khet Don Mueang, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10210
located about 15 miles north of the city
Train: leaves between the hours of 6:00-21:00. The station is about 500 metres from the airport and takes about 1 hour to get to the central station.
Bus: the best routed is to take a 20 minute bus ride to Mo Chit Skytrain Station (BTS) and then take the cheap and air conditioned Skytrain (BTS).
Ridesharing: from the airport you can use the app Grab or take a metered Taxi, should cost around $10.50 to the city
Tipping: 10% at restaurants, 10 baht at Bars, no tipping with street vendors, coffee shops, or fast food restaurants, 15% for a massage
Greeting: “Wai” is very common in Thailand, which is a slight bow with your hands in a prayer-like position in front of your chest.
Gestures: Pointing is very rude, but gesturing with an open hand is considered much nicer.
Do’s: take off your shoes when entering someone’s home or temple. You must cover your shoulders and knees when visiting temples. Eat your rice with a spoon. “Wai” or press your palms together in front of your head when you meet the elderly or monks.
Don’t: Touch someone else’s head or point your feet at anyone. Kiss on the lips, affection in public is not very popular.
Words/Phrases to know:
Hello – Sa Wat Dee Khrab (male)/Kaa (female)
Please – Xin Vui Long
Thank you – Khop Khun Khrup (male)/Ka (female)
Yes – Chai
No – Mai
Goodbye – Chao Tam Biet
Excuse Me – Kor Thod Krub (male)/Ka (female)
I don’t understand – Mai Khao Jai
Cheers! – Chon Gaew!
How much is that? – A Nee Tao Rai?
“Bangkok has a tropical climate, with stifling hot temperatures, high humidity and influences from the South Asian monsoon system. The year is divided into three seasons; hot season from March to June, rainy season from July to October and cool season from November to February”
Temperatures:
Spring:
High: 95F / 35C
Low: 77F / 25C
Summer:
High: 91F / 33C
Low: 79F / 26C
Fall:
High: 90F / 32C
Low: 75F / 24C
Winter:
High: 91F / 33C
Low: 79F / 21C
Elevation: 4.9 ft / 1.5 m
The best month for swimming is April, the average sea temperature is 86F. The wettest month of the year is September.
The weather is best between November to February with the sunshine lasting between 8-9 hours. The coldest month is December, with a low of 79F.
How to dress: for the tropical weather! It is very warm so loose layers or clothing that can breath is highly recommended.
Getting Around
In-city transportation:
Bangkok has high traffic between 7:00-9:00 and 17:30-20:00. Highly suggest avoiding the highways during this time.
Skytrain: the BTS tickets can be purchased at the stations but only in coins. There are a total of 2 lines and the day pass costs $4.00.
Buses: operate from 5:00-23:00, a night bus follows. A very cheap option, costing around $0.30.
Fast Buses: the BRT has its own lane and moves faster throughout the city then the regular bus
Underground: the MRT consists of 2 lines, and the tickets can be purchased at the stations in coins. You can connect to the sky train at the Asok station.
Ridesharing: Grab and Taxis are great cheap options around the city, just beware of traffic
Tuk Tuks: great means of transportation for short trips! However, make sure you don’t over pay, a short trip should cost around 30 baht.
Train Station: Hua Lamphong is the main terminal in the northeast and is a great way to explore north of the city or go on a one day excursion.
Boat/Ferry: You can explore the city using the Chao Phraya Express down the main river, or the Khlong Saen Saep traveling from east to west.
Section 2: What to See, Do, and Eat
Breakfast
Cafe
$
Location: 72 Charoen Krung Rd, Khwaeng Wang Burapha Phirom, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200
Times: Monday to Sunday: 5:00-16:30
Casual dress
The cafe has been serving breakfast for more than 80 years.
Best known for their breakfast combos of fried eggs, ham, sausage and Chinese sausages, as well as French toast, bread with butter and sugar and egg custard bread. The popular local drink is the hot/iced milk tea
cafe
$$
Location: 179 Atsadang Road | Phra Nakorn, Bangkok 10200
Times: Monday to Sunday: 10:00-20:00
Casual dress
The location is close to the Grand Palace
Best known for the food items originating from a farm in Northern Thailand and sourcing sustainable produce from other Thai organic farms
cafe
$$
Location: 8 Thonglor, Sukhimvit 55, Bangkok 10110
Times: Monday to Sunday: 10:00-20:00
Casual Dress
Serves a very extensive brunch menu
Best known for its French omelette, croque madame, croque calin as well as eggs benedict with poached salmon, duck confit, onion soup and pan-fried foie gras
Brunch
Cafe, European
$$
Location: 149 Soi 12 Sathorn, | Silom, Bangkok 10500
Times: Monday to Sunday: 7:00-23:00
Casual dress
Swedish-inspired brunch place that opened in 2013
Best known for its amazing coffee and freshly-baked in-house bakery, granola or muesli
Cafe
$$
Location: 1/11 Trok Mahathat, Maharaj Road, Phranakorn District, Bangkok, Thailand 10200
Times: Monday to Sunday: 9:00-21:00
Casual dress
Serves brunch all day long and is close to the riverside in historic Rattanakosin
Best known for its Bagels, burgers, pasta, bacon and eggs, granola, erry jam & cheese pancake, tasty banana caramel French toast, delectable smoked salmon bagel and variety of milk shakes
Asian
$$
Location: Muban Seri Villa Alley, Lane 1, Khwaeng Nong Bon, Khet Prawet, Bangkok, 10250, Thailand
Times: Monday to Sunday: 10:00-20:00
Casual dress
Fantastic brunch spot for large groups that want traditional Thai food
Best known for cooking your meat, vegetables, and noodles in broth right in front of your eyes
Lunch
Thai, Asian
$$
Location: Silom Complex, 2F, Silom Road, Bangkok 10500
Times: Monday to Sunday: 10:00-21:00
Casual dress
Best known for Deep Fried Pork Belly in Fish Sauce, Green Curry Chicken Served with Roti, and Calamari Fried with Chilli and Salt
Seafood
$$
Location: 156 Soi Phiphat, Narathiwat Ratchanakharin Road, Bangkok 10500
Times:
Casual Dress
Located under the Chong Nonsi BTS, not a touristy spot!
Best known for cheap mouthwatering seafood - Garlic Prawns, Steamed Fish in Lime Sauce, Stir-fried Pork with Chilli Sauce, Thai-style Omelette, Stir-fried Kale, Stir-fried Morning Glory, Salted Egg yolk Squid
Thai, Asian
$$
Location: 458/6-9 Siam Square Soi 8, Rama 1 Road | Patumwan District, Bangkok 10330
Times: Monday to Sunday: 10:00-23:00
Casual Dress
A very traditional Thai restaurant, but the chef flavours the dishes to suit the stereotypical Western tastes
Best known for marinated chicken wrapped in pandanus leaves, Tom yum kung, chicken with cashew nuts, som tam, and spring rolls
Dinner
Thai, Asian
$
Location: 313 Mahachai Road, Old City (close to Wat Saket)
Times: Monday to Sunday: 17:00-1:00am
Casual Dress
Best Pad Thai in Bangkok by locals and foreigners
Best known for the “The Superb Pad Thai” with prawns wrapped in omelette
Thai, Asian
$$
Location: 392/14 Soi Siam Square 5, Rama 1 Road, Bangkok
Times: Sunday to Monday: 10:45 a.m.-21.30 p.m
Casual Dress
Loved by locals and tourists!
Best known for Som tam (Thai papaya salad), sliced barbecued pork, deep-fried chicken
Asian, Wine Bar
$$
Location: 36-38 Soi Pratoo Nok Yoong, Maharat Road
Times: Monday to Thursday 11:00-22:00, Friday to Sunday 11:00-23:00 (top floor bar opens 17:30)
Dressy Casual
Located across the Chao Phraya River with a fantastic patio view of the Wat Arun. Reservations are highly recommended
Best known for its fried frog legs, great pomelo salad, mushroom salad and duck confit with green apple, mango sticky rice
Other (Food Trucks, Late Night Bites, Ice Cream Shops, Cafes, Wine Bars)
Cafe
$
Location: 67 Chakphet Rd, Khwaeng Wang Burapha Phirom, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200
Times: Sunday: closed, Monday to Saturday: 10:00-20:00
casual
The cafe is hidden behind a flower market that you have to walk through first
The cafe is known for its homemade sweet treats - massive cakes, flower flavoured ice-cream and teas
A great way to learn how to make traditional Thai dishes with the locals.
Location: throughout the city
More class options!
Price: range from $25-$90
Top things to See and Do
Built in 1782, the Palace is the former residence for King Rama I to King Rama V of the Rattanakosin Kingdom
The Palace is known as the spiritual hub of the Thai Kingdom and is famous for its architecture and intricate details. The most impressive is the Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha).
Location: Na Phra Lan Rd, Maharaj Pier | next to Wat Phra Kaeo Temple Complex, Bangkok
Time Open: Daily 8:30-15:30
Price: $15.00 admission fee
Please note that there is a strict dress code, and you must have your shoulders and knees covered
Located behind the Temple of the Emerald Buddha
This is the Temple of the reclining Buddha, 46 meters long and covered in gold leaf
Location: 2 Sanamchai Road. | Grand Palace, Pranakorn, Bangkok 10200
Time Open: daily 8:00-17:00
Price: $3.00 admission fee
Other: this is a great place to get a Thai massage, the location is known as the leading school for Thai massage.
Experiencing the floating markets in Bangkok is a must do! Thailand is considered the Venice of Asia, and there are 5 to 6 floating markets throughout the city.
The floating markets are about eating and purchasing the fresh traditional food
Location: Taling Chan Market, Bang Ku Wiang Market, Tha Kha, and Damnoen Saduak
Time Open: daily, usually early in the morning
Price: ranges depending on the tour that you take
Great way to spend a day trying the local favorites! You can tour on your own or check out an official street food tour.
Popular street food bites: Pad Thai, spicy soup, Papaya Salad, Fried Chicken, Grilled Pork, Sweet Potato Balls, Pandan Sweetmeat, Crispy Pancake, Grilled Honey Roast Pork, Fried Banana Pancake, Waffle and Mango Sticky Rice
Time Open: every day
Price: ranges from $20.00-$40.00
Thai Massage
A traditional Thai massage is a series of stretching and body manipulation techniques
5 things to note about a Thai Massage: you’re clothed, the beds are usually on the floor, the massage can be quite intimate and painful
There are hundreds of Thai Massage shops in Bangkok and it can be quite overwhelming when finding the best spot. The best advice is to ask a local (don’t just go to one on the street) or you can check out a higher end shop.
Price: the average cost is between 200-400 baht ($6-12) for 2 to 3 hours
Boat Ride on Chao Phraya River
Enjoy a long tail boat ride down the small canals of the Chao Phraya River and access the Grand Palace, Wat Arun and the temple of the reclining Buddha.
Book a tour!
Location: Central Pier or Sathorn Bridge Pier
Time Open: ranging from 9:00 to 17:00
Price: ranging from $4-$15
Once only popular among wholesalers and traders, the market has become one of the top spots for tourists to find the perfect souvenirs. The best way to navigate the market.
The market consists of 15,000 stalls selling Thai street food, vintage clothing, décor, souvenirs and everything in between,
Location: Kamphaeng Phet Road | Lat Yao, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900
Time Open: Monday & Tuesday: closed, Wednesday to Thursday: 6:00-18:00, Friday: 6:00-18:00, Saturday & Sunday: 6:00-18:00
Price: free
A must-try is fresh coconut ice cream with a range of toppings.
Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn)
One of the most stunning temples in Bangkok, it is located on the Chao Phraya River and the best time to visit is during sunset.
Location: 158 Wang Doem Road | Wat Arun, Bang Kok Yai, Bangkok 10600
Time Open: daily 8:30-17:30
Price: 100 baht ($3.00)
Festivals/Parades
Water Festival (Songkran)
During the Thai New Year, most locals travel back to their hometowns for family reunions
The celebration consists of large parties in the streets with massive water fights
Location: Khao San Road and Silom Road
Date: April 13-15
The streets in Chinatown are covered with people celebrating with firecrackers, dragon dancers, and banquets
New Years is a time to be spent with family, praying to the gods, and paying respect to the ancestors
Main Attraction:
Location: Chinatown in Bangkok
Date: January or February
Nightlife
Great spot for a drink with a view of the city
The highest rooftop bar in the world!
Location: The Dome at lebua, 1055, Silom Road, Bangkok 10500
Time Open: Monday to Sunday: 9:00-1:00am
$$
Soi Cowboy
The area was named after the cowboy hat-wearing African-American who opened the first bar here in the early 1970s
More than 20 A go-go bars line the street. They are pretty easy to navigate and open-minded.
Location: just across from Terminal 21
Time Open: keep an eye out for potential happy hours!
$$
List of A Go-Go Bars
Hidden Gems (hole-in-the-wall restaurant, something natural, a neat piece of history)
Ayutthaya (day trip)
About 50 miles north of Bangkok, Ayutthaya was founded in 1350 and was the second capital of the Siamese Kingdom. Ayutthaya is now an archaeological site and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Take a day trip to the city and see the many historic temples and palaces.
Price: ranging from $90.00-$160.00 for the day trip
Muay Thai Originated as part of the training regime of the Thai military
Thai boxing is known as the ‘the art of eight limbs’, since the boxers can use their shins, elbows, knees and fists during each match
Location: Matches take place at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium (6, Ramintra Rd, Anusawaree, Bangkok) and at Rajadamnern Thai Boxing Stadium (1, Ratcha Damnoen Nok Road, Bangkok 10100).
Time Open: in the evening
Price: ranging from $15.00-$60.00
Is not a spot that you want to miss while in Bangkok. The area is lined with local restaurants, shops, bars, and temples. It is a fantastic spot for exploring in both the day and the evengin.
Location: Traimit Road (west of Hua Lampong Station)
Time Open: day and night
Price: free
