Discover how Bangkok, Thailand — the Southeast Asian City of Angels — can stimulate your senses. Imagine the sounds of tuk tuks whizzing by, the mouth-watering smells of street food vendors and the sights of modern skyscrapers, ancient temples and colorful markets coexisting harmoniously.
Here’s a quick guide to Bangkok based on my latest vacation, whether you’re passing through or taking a tour of Thailand.
Know Before You Go
Language: Thai is the local language in Bangkok. I didn’t struggle much with language barriers since most people who worked at attractions and restaurants spoke English. It was less common for the taxi or rideshare drivers to speak English, but still manageable.
Currency: The Thai Baht is the local currency of Thailand. The United States dollar goes a long way in Thailand, making it an affordable destination. Be sure to carry some cash for markets, street food vendors and tips. I brought about $100 worth of Thai Baht for my stay.
Weather: The weather in Bangkok is typically hot and humid, with highs of 90 degrees Fahrenheit and lows of 70. Thailand has three main seasons: hot season (March–June), rainy season (July–October) and cool season (November–February). Be sure to stay hydrated. I stuck to bottled water while traveling.
Transportation: I traveled around Bangkok using tuk tuks, public transportation and rideshares. The tuk tuk is Thailand’s iconic three-wheeled rickshaw and a fun alternative for short distances.
For longer trips, Bangkok offers two forms of metro services: the above-ground BTS Skytrain and the underground MRT. The BTS and MRT go to different parts of the city, so be sure to check the transit map to see which one to take. I found the metro easy to navigate. It’s the cheapest option and saved me a lot of time given Bangkok’s infamous traffic.
Southeast Asia uses Grab as their main rideshare service. Rideshare was convenient if I didn’t want to take public transportation, and most of my rides were less than $10. Plus, the app translates the driver’s messages if they can’t speak English. Taxis are also widely available and affordable, but make sure your taxi uses a meter to ensure you’re fairly charged for your ride.
Where to Stay
As a Hilton Grand Vacations Member, there are several places within Hilton’s portfolio in Bangkok to fit every travel style.
Luxury: Waldorf Astoria Bangkok is located in Bangkok’s Central Business District and close to shopping and Lumpini Park.
Premium: Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok is just blocks away from major shopping centers. The BTS rail is down the street from the hotel, making it super convenient to get around the city.
Comfort: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Sukhumvit Bangkok is a street over from Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok and a more budget-friendly option.
Things To Do In Bangkok
Day 1
What to do: Bangkok is home to numerous ancient temples — wats — that showcase the city’s rich cultural heritage. The ornate structures are known for multi-tiered roofs, colorful mosaics and intricate carvings. Some of the most famous temples worth visiting are the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha and the Temple of Dawn. Since wats are buildings of religious devotion, visitors are expected to dress respectfully and cover their shoulders and knees.
Visit Bangkok’s Chinatown, the largest Chinatown in the world. Be sure to see the Temple of the Golden Buddha, the markets along Yaowarat Road and the Dragon Lotus Temple. Khaosan Road is famous for its vibrant nightlife and backpacking culture. It's the perfect way to top off a night in Bangkok.
Where to shop: Chatuchak Weekend Market boasts over 15,000 stalls selling souvenirs, jewelry, household goods and street food. Though Saturday and Sunday are the main market days, Chatuchak has limited stalls open from Wednesday through Friday.
Where to eat: For lunch, visit Sala Arun for traditional Thai cuisine along the river, overlooking the Temple of Dawn.
The Floral Café at Napasorn is a quaint coffee shop with delicious sweets near the temples, hidden above a flower shop.
Bangkok is the street food capital of the world. Let your nose guide you to discover the flavors of Thailand. You can find street food at Chinatown, Chatuchak Weekend Market, Sukhumvit Soi 33 and Soi Rambuttri, which runs parallel to Khaosan Road.
Day 2
What to do: Looking for a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok? Lumpini Park is within the city and features beautiful gardens, lakes and walking paths — perfect for a picnic or a stroll.
Where to shop: Exploring Bangkok’s shopping centers is a great way to take a break from Bangkok’s heat or stay dry from the rain. Some shopping centers to check out are Siam Paragon, Siam Center, CentralWorld, Terminal 21, Emporium and MBK Center.
Where to eat: Stop by Sala Rattanakosin Eatery and Bar for lunch near Sala Arun. It’s slightly more upscale, plus the restaurant gives you one last look at the intricate wats.
I wanted one nice sit-down dinner before departing Bangkok since I love Thai food. I selected an affordable multi-course meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Sra Bua by Kiin Kiin was everything I hoped for: an award-winning restaurant serving elevated takes on Thai street food and traditional cuisine. I cannot recommend this restaurant enough.
Insider tip: I had time to enjoy the 16-course dinner before my flight. If your flight is earlier in the evening, I’d recommend trying lunch.
Get ready to stimulate your senses and check off this bustling city from your travel bucket list.
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