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Thailand Bangkok travel guide
31 things to do in Bangkok, where to stay, airport transfers, 4 MICHELIN-starred restaurants. Pick places on the map and get a day-by-day walking route from your hotel with steps, kilometres and minutes.
Top things to do in Bangkok
- Wat Traimit (Golden Buddha) — Temple at the edge of Chinatown housing a solid-gold Buddha weighing about 5.5 tonnes. (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Grand Palace — official residence of the King of Thailand since 1782 (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Wat Phra Kaew — Royal temple complex in Bangkok, Thailand (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Wat Arun — Buddhist temple in central Bangkok, Thailand (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Wat Pho — Buddhist temple in central Bangkok, Thailand (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Wat Benchamabophit — Buddhist temple in Bangkok, Thailand (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Bangkok National Museum — museum in Bangkok, Thailand (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Lumphini Park — public park in Bangkok (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Democracy Monument — monument in Bangkok, Thailand (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Erawan Shrine — shrine Dedicated to Brahma in Bangkok (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Vimanmek Mansion — royal villa in Bangkok, Thailand (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Wat Suthat — Buddhist temple in Bangkok, Thailand (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Sanam Luang — square in Bangkok, Thailand (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Assumption Cathedral — principal Roman Catholic church of Thailand (visit ≈ 35 min)
- Wat Saket — Buddhist temple in Bangkok, Thailand (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Chitralada Royal Villa — royal residence in Bangkok, Thailand (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Victory Monument — monument in Bangkok, Thailand (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Dusit Zoo — former zoo in Bangkok, Thailand (visit ≈ 150 min)
- Wat Bowonniwet Vihara — Buddhist temple in Bangkok, Thailand (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen — Buddhist temple in Bangkok, Thailand (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Wat Intharawihan — Buddhist temple in Bangkok, Thailand (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit — Buddhist temple in Bangkok, Thailand (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Wat Yan Nawa — Buddhist temple in Bangkok, Thailand (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Bangkok Art and Culture Centre — art museum and cultural center in Bangkok (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Sao Chingcha — landmark in Phra Nakhon district, Bangkok, Thailand (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, Bangkok — Amman Temple in Bangkok, Thailand (visit ≈ 30 min)
- National Art Gallery — art gallery in Bangkok, Thailand (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Wat Ratchabophit — Buddhist temple in Phra Nakhon district, Bangkok, Thailand (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Jim Thompson House — museum in Bangkok (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Wat Pathum Wanaram — Buddhist temple in Bangkok, Thailand (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Wat Ratchanatdaram — Buddhist temple in Bangkok, Thailand (visit ≈ 40 min)
3-day Bangkok walking itinerary
Starting point: Banglamphu / Khao San. The top 8 places at a normal pace (up to ~10 km of walking a day), in this order. Change places or your hotel on the map and the route is recalculated; distances are estimates with a street allowance.
- Day 1 (≈ 5.4 km · 7,300 steps · 1 h 13 min on the way): Democracy Monument → Wat Benchamabophit
- Day 2 (≈ 8.8 km · 11,850 steps · 1 h 56 min on the way): Wat Traimit (Golden Buddha) → Wat Pho
- Day 3 (≈ 5.5 km · 7,380 steps · 1 h 13 min on the way): Wat Arun → Grand Palace → Wat Phra Kaew → Bangkok National Museum
Hidden gems and overlooked spots in Bangkok
- Chatuchak Weekend Market — One of the world's biggest weekend markets, with thousands of stalls of clothes, crafts and street food. (visit ≈ 180 min)
- Yaowarat (Chinatown) — Chinatown of neon signs, gold shops, temples and street-food stalls that set up at dusk. (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Khao San Road — Backpacker hub that gets very lively at night with bars and stalls. (visit ≈ 45 min)
- Taling Chan Floating Market — Weekend canal-side floating market, more local and relaxed than the touristy ones. (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Damnoen Saduak Floating Market — The most famous floating market, with fruit and food sold from boats; go early in the morning. (visit ≈ 180 min)
- MOCA Bangkok — Private museum of contemporary Thai art in the north of the city: five floors, large collection, few crowds. (visit ≈ 90 min)
- Erawan Museum — Unusual museum inside a giant three-headed bronze elephant, with stained-glass halls, south of the city. (visit ≈ 75 min)
- Maeklong Railway Market — Market laid out on the tracks; stalls and awnings fold away in seconds as the train passes. (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Ayutthaya Historical Park — Temple ruins of the old Siamese capital, famed for a Buddha head embraced by tree roots; UNESCO-listed. (visit ≈ 240 min)
Where to stay in Bangkok
- Banglamphu / Khao San: Near the Grand Palace, backpacker-friendly and cheap.
- Siam: BTS interchange and big shopping malls.
- Sukhumvit (Asok): BTS–MRT interchange; restaurants and nightlife.
- Silom: Business district, Lumpini Park and night markets.
- Riverside (Charoen Krung): River-view hotels and boat transport.
- Ari: Local and quiet; cafés and street food.
Getting from the airport to Bangkok
- Suvarnabhumi (BKK): Airport Rail Link train ≈ 26 min
- Don Mueang (DMK): SRT Red Line train ≈ 15 min, then MRT
Getting around
BTS Skytrain and MRT beat the traffic; Chao Phraya express boats serve the riverside. Use Grab or Bolt for taxis.
Classic places to eat
- Jay Fai: Charcoal-fired crab omelette; expect a queue.
- Thipsamai: Pad thai wrapped in an egg net.
- Krua Apsorn: Crab curry omelette and home-style Thai dishes.
- Wattana Panich: Beef noodle soup from a pot simmering for decades.
- Mae Varee: Mango sticky rice in Thonglor.
- Kai Tod Jay Kee: “Polo” fried chicken and som tam near Lumpini.
MICHELIN-starred restaurants
Last known stars; check the MICHELIN Guide before you go.
- Le Normandie by Alain Roux — 2 MICHELIN stars, French
- Sühring — 2 MICHELIN stars, German, modern
- Mezzaluna — 2 MICHELIN stars, European, modern
- Raan Jay Fai — 1 MICHELIN star, Thai street food
Romantic views
- Riverside facing Wat Arun (Sunset): The sun sets behind Wat Arun across the river.
- Lumphini Park (Early morning): Rent a boat on the lake and enjoy a calm moment among the skyscrapers.
- Rama VIII Bridge (Evening): From the park below you see the lit-up cable bridge and the river.
- Golden Mount (Wat Saket) (Sunset): From the golden stupa on top you look over the old town roofs.
Football stadiums in Bangkok
- Thai-Japanese Stadium: Home of Bangkok United F.C.
Good to know before visiting Bangkok
- Fine: Insulting the monarchy (lèse-majesté) carries long prison terms, including social media posts.
- Fine: Bringing, owning or using e-cigarettes or vapes is illegal; expect confiscation, fines or jail.
- Fine: Since 2025 cannabis sales need a prescription and public smoking is banned; other drugs bring severe penalties.
- Fine: Smoking and dropping butts on popular beaches is banned.
- Fine: Scooters need a motorcycle licence and helmet; don't leave your passport as a rental deposit.
- Warning: In temples cover shoulders and knees and remove shoes; never climb Buddha images.
- Emergency: police 191, ambulance 1669, fire 199
- Plugs: A/B/C/O, 230V
- Tap water: Don't drink tap water; use bottled.
- Tipping: Tipping isn't required; leave small change; upscale places add 10% service.
Sources: UK FCDO — Foreign travel advice: Thailand, Tourist Police (Thailand) — 1155, Wikivoyage — Thailand, T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı — Türk vatandaşlarının tabi olduğu vize uygulamaları · For information only; rules change, check official sources before you go. Last checked: 2026-10
Bangkok travel FAQ
- How many days do you need in Bangkok?
- The top 8 places in the centre take about 3 days at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel. Allow 5 days for the top 20 places within walking distance.
- What are the top things to do in Bangkok?
- Highlights: Wat Traimit (Golden Buddha), Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Arun and Wat Pho. The map has 31 things to do in total.
- Where to stay in Bangkok?
- Banglamphu / Khao San: Near the Grand Palace, backpacker-friendly and cheap. Other options: Siam, Sukhumvit (Asok), Silom, Riverside (Charoen Krung) and Ari.
- How do you get from the airport to Bangkok city centre?
- Suvarnabhumi (BKK): Airport Rail Link train ≈ 26 min · Don Mueang (DMK): SRT Red Line train ≈ 15 min, then MRT
- How do you get around Bangkok?
- BTS Skytrain and MRT beat the traffic; Chao Phraya express boats serve the riverside. Use Grab or Bolt for taxis.
- Which MICHELIN-starred restaurants are in Bangkok?
- According to the last known data there are 4 starred restaurants: Le Normandie by Alain Roux (2 stars), Sühring (2 stars), Mezzaluna (2 stars), Raan Jay Fai (1 star). Check the MICHELIN Guide before you go.
- What is the emergency number in Bangkok?
- Emergency: police 191, ambulance 1669, fire 199.
- Do you tip in Bangkok?
- Tipping isn't required; leave small change; upscale places add 10% service.
Nearby cities
Siem Reap · Vientiane · Phnom Penh · Chiang Mai · Phuket · Ho Chi Minh City · Naypyidaw · Hội An
Thailand travel guide: all cities · All cities