Bangkok: The ultimate city guide

Bangkok is one of the world's great cities — overwhelming on first arrival, utterly addictive within 24 hours. The food is exceptional, the temples are stunning, and the city never sleeps. It's the most visited city in the world for good reason.

Getting Around

• BTS Skytrain — the fastest way across the city; get a Rabbit card and top it up
• MRT — covers areas the BTS doesn't, including Chinatown and Lumphini
• Grab — use for anywhere not near a train station; always cheaper than tuk-tuks
• Chao Phraya Express Boat — the most scenic and useful way to reach the riverside temples
• Tuk-tuks — for short hops in the old city; agree on a price before getting in

What to See

• Wat Pho — home of the giant reclining Buddha; go early before the crowds
• Wat Arun — best viewed from across the river at sunset
• Grand Palace — tourist-heavy but genuinely impressive; dress respectfully
• Chatuchak Weekend Market — one of the world's largest markets, best on Saturday morning
• Damnoen Saduak Floating Market — worth the early start
• Lumphini Park — the city's green lung; perfect for an early morning run

Where to Eat

Bangkok's street food scene is the best in the world. Key areas:

• Yaowarat (Chinatown) — the go-to for seafood, dim sum, and late-night eating
• Thip Samai — widely considered the best Pad Thai in Bangkok
• Or Tor Kor Market — the highest quality fresh produce and prepared food market in the city
• Khao San Road area — backpacker central, better for atmosphere than food
• Silom Soi 20 — excellent local lunch spots away from tourist prices

Where to Stay

• Khao San Road area — backpacker hub, great for meeting people, budget hostels from 200 THB
• Silom / Sathorn — more central for business and nightlife, mid-range hotels
• Sukhumvit — most expat-friendly area, great transport links, wide price range
• Riverside — romantic and quieter, best for a splurge

Stay at least three nights. Bangkok rewards people who slow down — the best experiences are the ones you stumble onto.

Day Trips

• Ayutthaya — ancient capital, 90 minutes by train, rent a bicycle to see the ruins
• Kanchanaburi — Bridge on the River Kwai, war cemeteries, waterfalls
• Amphawa Floating Market — more local than Damnoen Saduak, best on weekends