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Bangkok is a famous city that pleas to both backpackers on a budget and visitors with the sumptuous taste. With stunning places, temples, delightful foods, nightlife, and party hot-spots, Bangkok should be on every tourist’s bucket list. This city is one of the best places to visit in Thailand. Bangkok’s name in Thai is “Krung Thep”, which means “City of Angels” in English. It offers a tremendous blend of big city life, historical areas, and outstanding Thai culture.
Bangkok is one of those cities that will always be new, never old. No matter how many times you have been there, you will always explore something different. Bangkok is a wonderful place with a very eclectic list of allures. It is the capital of Thailand. It is a leading traveler destination that is unfailingly ranked among the earth’s most visited places.
Travel + Leisure magazine declared Bangkok as the “World’s Best City”. You must spend some days there and you will realize why. Bangkok is such a city that has something for everyone. As one of South East Asia’s most sensational municipalities, Bangkok is an incredible place to travel, whether for one day or several days. If you are traveling to Bangkok for the first time in your life, then I guess this inclusive travel guide will help you to plan your trip.
The reasons for what you should add Bangkok in your bucket list
- You can scrutinize the most elegant architecture and art in Bangkok which are second to none.
- You can have the most delightful and delicious street food in the world
- You will find a bunch of shopping malls when you pay a visit to Bangkok
- It is such a great place for you to experience the crazy nightlife.
- Public Transportation cost is too cheap in Bangkok
- You can enjoy the popular Thai massage in any spa Center.
Bangkok is a safe city to travel around the year
Bangkok is one of the safest cities for tourists and backpackers. The city is also safe for solo female visitors too. Millions of tourists travel to Bangkok every year. This city is known as the quintessential Southeast Asian city. It is a safe destination for you. Bangkok’s streets are also some of the safest in Thailand. There is a very lower threat of crime.
When are the best time and season to visit Bangkok
Bangkok normally remains hot and soggy throughout the year due to the effect of the tropical monsoon climate. Bangkok is at its enthralling best all over the year. Every single season has a unique charm. The peak season starts from November to March. But December to February is regarded as the perfect time for traveling.
The Offseason starts from May to October. This season is regarded as Low season. If you visit in the low season, you can fetch some great discounts. You can also arrange cheap flight tickets for your family if you visit there in winter. Though March April and May are the hottest months of the year, still tourists come to celebrate the Thai new year with amazing extravaganza.
Do you know about the best places to visit in Bangkok for the first-timer? let’s explore
- Grand Palace – The grand palace is situated at the heart of Bangkok city, bank of Chao Phraya river. This palace is a vast complex. this was the former residence king Rama of the Rattanakosin Kingdom. It is one of the most popular landmarks in Bangkok. Do visit there and get a glimpse of the royal life.
Your trip to Bangkok will be incomplete if you do not travel to the grand palace. So you should not miss the chance if you are planning to visit Bangkok. The grand palace is open to visitors every day between 8.30 am to 3.30 pm. The entry fee is 500 baht per person.
- Wat Pho – Wat pho is also known as the temple of reclining Buddha. This Buddhist temple is one of the eldest and hugest temples in Bangkok city. There are four chappals inside the temple complex. The 46 meters giant reclining Buddha sculpture makes the temple popular. This statue covered in gold leaves.
The reclining Buddha represents happiness and offers a calming aura. It opens from 8 am to 5 pm. You can also enjoy traditional Thai massage in wat pho, which is considered to be the best massage in Thailand. Thai massage is accessible till 6 pm. entry fees are free for kids under 4 feet and 100 baht for adults.
- Wat Arun – Wat Arun is known as the” temple of Dawn”. it is named after the Indian god of dawn Aruna. this temple is located on the west bank of the mighty Chao Phraya river. Wat Arun is one of the most elegant temples in Bangkok but it looks more elegant during the sunsets. Visitors get amazed by seeing the great architecture of this temple. Though it is called the temple of dawn, it looks most beautiful during the sunsets. So do not let the nickname fool you. It is opened from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm and costs 100 baht per person.
- Jim Thompson House – The Jim Thompson House is a museum located in central Bangkok, built-in 1959. This is the former house of Jim, an American spy, silk entrepreneur, and art collector. this museum has 6 traditional Thai architecture teak wooden buildings.
Timing – 9 am to 6 pm,
Entry fee – It costs 150 baht for adults above 22 years and 100 baht for those who aged below 22 years
- Khao San Road – Khao San road is also called as the backpacker’s paradise. This is a tiny road which was constructed in 1892, situated in the metropolitan area of the capital. A large number of tourists do come here for shopping and having delicious food. This street is famous for the night market.
Timing – It opens from 10 am to 2 am
Entry fee – No entry fee.
- Lumpini Park – Lumpini Park is the first public park in Bangkok. It is a great spot to just relax and enjoy the peace. The park is one of the top tourist destinations in Bangkok. This is a green space with varieties of plants, birds. Lumpini Park is a perfect spot for enjoying the calmness, fresh atmosphere, and shade. You have to visit the park whenever and wherever you are in Bangkok. You can arrange a picnic with your family and friends there.
Timing- 5 am to 9 pm
Entry fee – There is no entry fee for the entrance.
- Madame Tussauds – If you visit Bangkok for the first time and search for popular tourist destinations, Madam Tussauds should be on your prior list. This is one of the best holiday destinations in the world. This world-famous wax museum will give you the chance to touch your favorite celebrity. You will also get the opportunity to stand next to your favorite one and get clicked.
Timing – It is opened from 10 am to 9 pm
Entry fee – It costs 650 baht for children and 850 baht for seniors.
- Bangkok National Museum – Bangkok national museum is the first public museum in Thailand and the largest museum in Southeast Asia.it was constructed by King Chulalongkorn ( King Rama v) in 1874. The museum has the biggest collection of Thai art and ancient artifacts. It is a perfect niche for tourists who love to gain a wider understanding of history.
Timing – The museum is generally open every wed-sun from 9 am to 4 pm. Bangkok’s national museum remains close on the national holidays of Thailand.
Entry fee – The fee is 200 baht per person.
- Wat Suthat – Wat Suthat is popular for the bright red long swing at the entrance. the swing is almost 21 meters long. It can be seen from far away because of the size and bright color.
You can also visit the Chatuchak market which is known as the haven for shopaholics, safari park- the house of wildlife, Chinatown- a foodie’s paradise, rose garden, Dusit zoo, and several temples in Bangkok.
Do you know that Bangkok is synonymous with shopping?
Bangkok is a popular destination for tourists all around the world, has its sophistication and traditions that fascinates travelers from all over the world. The city is packed with interesting and accessible shopping experiences in the myriad of markets which flourish in the capital. You can select the best one for shopping on our list.
Siam Paragon
Location – 991 Rama 1 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Open – Every day from 10 am to 10 pm
Contact no – +66 (0)2 610 8000
Icon Siam Shopping Mall
Location – 299 Charoen Nakhon Rd, Khlong Ton Sai, Khlong San, Bangkok 10600, Thailand
Open – From 10 am – 10 pm, every day
Contact no – +66 (0)2 495 7080
MBK Center
Location – 444 Phayathai Road, Wang Mai, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Open – From 10 am – 10 pm, every day
Central Chidlom
Location – 1027 Ploenchit Rd, Lumphini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Open – Every day, from 10 am to 10 pm
Contact no – +66 (0)2 793 7777
Platinum Fashion Mall
Location – 222 Phetchaburi Rd, Thanon Phetchaburi, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Open – 9 am to 8 pm, Every day
Contact no – +66 (0)2 121 8000
All Season Place
Location – 87 Wireless Road, Lumphini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Open – 24 hours
Contact no – +66 (0)2 625 1800
Pantip Plaza
Location – Phetchaburi Rd, Makkasan, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Open – Every day 10 am to 9 pm
Contact no – +66 (0)2 254 9797
Central Plaza Pianklao
Location – 222 Borommaratchachonnani Rd, Arun Amarin, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
Open – Every day from 10 am to 10 pm
Contact no – 66 (0)2 877 5000
Seacon Square
Location – 55 Srinakarin Road, Nong Bon, Prawet, Bangkok 10250, Thailand
Open – 10.30 am to 9.30 pm (Monday to Friday)
Contact no – +66 (0)2 721 8888
Peninsula Plaza
Location – 153 Ratchadamri Rd, Lumphini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Open – every day from 10 am to 8 pm
Contact no – +66 (0)2 254 3320
Terminal 21
Location – Sukhumvit Road, Khlong Toei, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Open – From 10 am to 10 pm, Every day
Contact no – +66 (0)2 108 0888
Best floating markets in Bangkok, Thailand you must visit
Besides the stunning and gorgeous shopping malls and street markets, you can confront a fully different experience on a visit to any floating markets in Bangkok. Floating market culture is profoundly influenced in Thai daily life. Here you can find many tour guides who can give you the info about cheap travel deals.
You can purchase fresh foods and enjoy the scenery if you pay a visit to the local floating market. In Bangkok, you will find a lot of floating markets. A trip to Bangkok would not be complete without paying on a visit to floating markets. Here is the ultimate list of the best floating markets for you to travel.
- Damnoen Saudak Floating: Damnoen Saudak was established in 1866. It is the most famous floating market in Thailand. It is one of the eldest and biggest floating markets in Bangkok. If you want to travel to a traditional floating market in Bangkok, Damnoen Saudak should be on your prior list. This place is a traveler haven. Many tourists come to Damnoen to enjoy their holiday.
It is located in Ratchaburi province which is quite far from the capital, it takes almost two hours to get to the floating market from Bangkok. You can go there by bus or a taxi. You can also take a boat around the canals. It is open every day from morning to night but early morning is the best time to visit as you can avoid the crowd. There are many great places to travel in Bangkok. Damnoen is one of them. Visit Damnoen Saudak and experience the vibrant scene of sellers selling their products from boats.
- Amphawa Floating Market: Amphawa floating market is a little far from the city center. This floating market lies on the Amphawa river. The journey takes approximately one and a half hours. This is not as big as Damnoen but still, it attracts a lot of tourists. It is situated in Samut Songkharam, a beautiful part of Bangkok.
Amphawa market is an afternoon and night market which is open on the weekends. It opens every Friday to Sunday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. It is famous for fishes and seafood. You will be amazed by the stunning looking prawns, crabs, and squid. Amphawa gets prettier when darkness falls. You can get the best view if you visit thereafter the evening.
- Taling Chan Floating Market: This floating market is situated near Khlong Chak Phra adjoining to the southern railway line. Taling Chan floating market is one of the closest floating markets in Bangkok which is approximately 12 km away. It is not so huge like Damnoen but still very conventional.
It has the charisma and verismo of a local market. You can find fresh fruits and vegetables and much delicious Thai food in this market .while you are there, you can enjoy a short boat trip through the Riverside. Try a foot massage after having your meal.
- Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market: Khlong lat mayor is one of 3 floating markets situated close to the Capital. It is nearly 20 km away from Bangkok. It is one of the most beautiful and traditional floating markets in Bangkok which was opened on 24th November 2004.
Khlong Mayom is a much narrower canal than Amphawa and Damnoen with an elegant look. This market has a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. You can have a great variety of local Thai food and snacks. Khlong lat mayor is a weekend floating market, open Saturday and Sunday from 8 am to 5 pm.
- Bang Phil Floating Market: This floating market is a perfect place for those seeking good food and local culture. It is one of the most traditional floating markets in Bangkok. Dating back to over 150 years ago, it is one of the eldest markets in Thailand. Bang Phil offers local Thai foods such as Thai noodles, Thai rice, Thai soup, fresh fruits, seafood, and many more to alleviate your hanger. In addition to the market, you can enjoy the boat ride too.
The best street foods in the world await you in Bangkok-Must eat foods
Bangkok is synonymous with street food. This city is popular for its delicious street foods. Street food in Bangkok offers convenient, tasty, and inexpensive banquets and it is one of the purest routes to get in touch with the Thai culture. Chinatown is one of the best city Districts for street food. It is one of the best places to go to.
If you cherish an authentic Thai dish, Chinatown will be the best place for you. So it can be said without any doubt, Bangkok is one of the best cities for food. It is tough to narrow down the list of Bangkok’s best street foods. But despite there being foods everywhere you glance at Bangkok, these 10 dishes are best.
- Pad thai (Thai stir-fried noodle)
- Ba MEE (Thai wonton)
- Khao man gai (Thai chicken rice)
- Kuay Jab Nam Sai (Thai rice noodles soup)
- Tom yum Goong (Spicy Thai seafood soup)
- Moo ping (Grilled pork stick)
- Hoi nang rom song kreung (Raw oysters)
- Kanom pang ping (Toast bread with jam)
- Goong Yang (Grilled prawns)
- Krapo pla (Fish Maw soup)
- Gang kiew wan gai (Thai Green Curry)
- Kway Teow Rua (Boat noodles)
- Roti kai + gluay (Banana egg Prata)
- Tim katiCoconut ice cream
Where you can visit for a great dining experience in Bangkok?
You can find a bunch of food stalls wherever you go in the city. Having Thai food in any local food stall is an illustrative part of Bangkok’s experience. According to international news network CNN, Bangkok is one of the 23 best cities in the world for street food. This is quite impossible for you to avoid having traditional Thai foods there. You can find a bunch of food restaurants wherever you go in the city.
- Savelberg
- Eat Me Restaurant
- Nang loeng market
- Hia Tai Kee
- Blue elephant
- Thipsami
- Jib kee
- Kanom Beung bang mae prapa
- Chote Chitr
- On lok yun
- Khun ya restaurant
- Le Normandie
Here is a list of the best Thai hotels in Bangkok where one can stay
Bangkok is a center of lively tradition, elevated buildings, several historic sites, and popular cuisine. Bangkok is home to many luxurious and vibrant hotels. The hotels in Bangkok are the same. All of them are focusing to be the best, the prominent, and the magnificent too. Whether the price range, area, amenities, and hotel service you’re searching for, these hotels are the most prominent Bangkok hotels.
- Mandarin oriental hotel
- Shangri La hotel
- Ariyasom villa
- The Akura prestige
- U Sathorn hotel
- Anatara riverside Bangkok resort
- Grand hyatt Erawan Bangkok
- Le Meridien Bangkok
- Riva Arun hotel
- Siam Kempinski
Easiest ways to get around Bangkok like a local
Getting around by public transportation is one of the easiest ways of getting around Bangkok. Bangkok is one of the cities in the world having the heftiest number of transport systems. If you are a first-time visitor, you may find it difficult when choosing suitable transports to get around.
Transportation systems of Bangkok were established on water travel. Getting around Bangkok is quite expensive if you don’t have any idea about the routes. Read on here to familiarize yourself with the different transport means of the city and get around Bangkok with ease.
- BTS: Bangkok mass transit system, also known as Sky train is an efficient and easy way to navigate around the city. You can enjoy a relaxed train ride at a low cost. BTS was opened in 1999 with 35 expanding stations. It is an elevated train which links major areas of importance within central Bangkok and also links to the river-boat pier at Saphan Taksin. The sky train is a great way to travel to Bangkok.
- MRT: MRT, also known as metropolitan rapid transit is an underground network that linking with the airport rail link and the BTS. It was opened in 2004. It has 18 stations and two major lines. You can use MRT to visit some of the best vacation spots in Bangkok you wish for.
- Taxi: You can see yellow-colored taxis everywhere in Bangkok. Taxis are one of the most popular transport means in Bangkok. They are metered and quite inexpensive. But some of the taxi drivers try to negotiate a fixed fare. so be very careful about that. Always try to use a taxi with a meter.
- Buses: There is a large network of buses in Bangkok. buses in Bangkok offers the cheapest way to get around the city. you can explore the view of Bangkok by bus. Most of the regular buses are available between 5 am to 11 pm and they cost around 8 baht. But the expressway buses are a bit expensive than the regular ones, they cost 10 baht.
- Tuktuk: Bangkok is famous for its exceptional transport mean called tuk-tuk. Your Bangkok trip will be incomplete if you do not ride on a tuk-tuk. Tuktuk is a three-wheeled motorized transport.it can take 2-5 people . they do not have a meter, so you have to negotiate the fare.
- Motorcycle Taxi: Motorcycle taxi is a common transport means you can find on every street corner. It is so helpful for accessing BTS or MRT. The price ranges from 15 baht to 50 baht, it will depend on your distance.
- River-Boat: An easier way to explore Bangkok is to ride on the Chao Phyra Express boats. The boats pick up passengers on both sides of the river. This is also a fast way to get around.
Some enchanting secret places of Bangkok tourist must see
For any first-time tourist to the city, Bangkok is a treasure trove of experiences. To the visitor, who has either went the city on several occasions or is simply exhausted from the extensively accepted must-visit temptations, Bangkok is no less appealing! Even if a traveler has already visited the most popular tourist places or the vibrating shopping centers, the city still has some secret gems for them to explore.
- Maeklong Railway Market
- Museum of Contemporary Art
- The Artist’s house
- Fantasia Lagoon waterpark
- Airplane graveyard
- The ghost tower
- Lumphini park
- Flow House Bangkok
- Chao Mae Tuptim Shrine
The most beautiful beaches near Bangkok that must be on tourist’s bucket list
Bangkok’s beach is a great blessing for tourists who is craving peace, and relax, far away from the chaos of the city. Bangkok is such a crowded city that each once in a while, people need a beach trip. Beaches near Bangkok have everything to refresh the tourist’s body and mind both. The city has no dearth of gorgeous shoreline, with great areas of coastline. The city of gold is lined with some of the most stunning and amazing beaches in the world. Even if you are not a beach enthusiast, still, the white sands and turquoise blue crystal clear beaches water will attract you for sure. You will be stun to see the beautiful landscapes of the beaches near Bangkok. You can experience the beauty of marine life & culture if you visit there once in your life. Choosing the best one to travel can be quite difficult for you but I listed these beaches in ways that for each type of tourist, an excellent beach can be unearthed near Bangkok in Thailand.
- The Crescent Moon beach (Phrachan beach)
- Pattaya beach
- Ko Lanta
- Ko Kood
- Tawaen beach
- Tien beach
- Samae beach
- Phi Phi Island beach
- Hua Hin
- Ban Krut
Discover the most exciting hiking trails in Bangkok
Bangkok is best known for its colorful life, floating markets, vibrant nightlife, and some of the most world-renowned shrines and Buddhist temples on earth. Thailand’s capital is filled with glaze and glitz. While traveling the busiest areas in the city, you may want to escape from the chaos and find a place where you can get relaxation and calmness. Bangkok has many exotic places to travel to. There are many adventurous hiking trails where tourists can unwind.
- Khao yai national park
- Nam Pha Pa Yai
- Lumphini park trail
- Wat Phai Lom
- Khao Sam Lan national park
- Kaeng Krachan national park
- Krok E-Dok waterfall trail
Bangkok is a city of significant festivals that you will love to attend
Bangkok is such a place that never fails to stun its millions of travelers who come from all around the world with the most delightful festivals. These colorful festivals amaze them by providing impressions into the culture and tradition of the city. Have a glimpse of some of the most prominent festivals in Bangkok.
- The Water feast (Songkran)
- When – April in every year
- Chinese New Year
- When – 25th January
- Mid-Autumn festival
- When – 13th September
- The King’s Birthday
- When – 28th July
- The lantern festival (Yi cheng)
- When – 1st November
- The candle festival
- When – 15th July
- The festival of light (Loy Krathong)
- When – 1st November
- The Nine Emperor Gods Festival
- When – October
Some Basic Thai phrases you need to know for getting around Bangkok
- Hi – Sawadee ka
- Thanks – Khop Khun
- Excuse me – Khrup
- Yes – Chai(khrup/ka)
- No – Mai (khrup/ka)
- How much? – Nee tao rai
- I don’t speak Thai – Chan poot tai mai bpen)
- Very delicious – Aroi Mak Mak
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