Bangkok is chaotic in the best way: glittering temples, rooftop bars, night markets and some of the world’s best street food at tiny prices. Three days is a good start before heading to the islands or the north.
Top things to do in Bangkok
- Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew — home of the Emerald Buddha; strict dress code applies.
- Wat Pho — the giant reclining Buddha and a traditional Thai massage school.
- Wat Arun — cross the river by ferry and visit at sunset.
- Chatuchak Weekend Market — thousands of stalls — go early to avoid the heat.
- Chinatown (Yaowarat) — the best street-food evening in the city.
- Floating market & Ayutthaya — easy day trips from the city.
The most popular sights sell out in high season, so check skip-the-line tickets and guided tours in Bangkok a few days before you go — most can be cancelled for free.
Where to stay in Bangkok
Choosing the right area makes a big difference. Here are our favourite neighbourhoods — whatever your budget, compare hotel prices in Bangkok and pick a room with free cancellation.
- Sukhumvit — great transport, restaurants and nightlife.
- Riverside — beautiful hotels with river views.
- Silom — central business area with good markets and parks.
- Old Town (Rattanakosin) — close to the temples, more traditional.
Getting around
Use the BTS Skytrain and MRT metro to avoid traffic, and the Chao Phraya river boats to reach the temples. Grab and Bolt apps are easy for taxis. The Airport Rail Link connects Suvarnabhumi airport to the city centre.
Before you go
- Flights: prices usually rise as the date gets closer — compare flights to Bangkok and use the whole-month view to find the cheapest days.
- Insurance: medical care abroad can be very expensive, so get travel insurance before you leave.
- Internet: install an eSIM for Thailand before you fly to be online as soon as you land, without roaming fees.
Practical tips
- Fill in the Thailand Digital Arrival Card online before you fly.
- Cover shoulders and knees in temples.
- If someone says a temple is “closed today”, politely ignore it — it is a common scam.
- Always show respect to the Thai royal family.
Plan your trip to Bangkok
The trusted services we use to plan our own trips.
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