Exploring Bangkok Like a Local: 16 Must-Do Activities

16 Best Things to Do in Bangkok

1. Admire the Beauty of the Grand Palace

You can't make a list of the best things to do in Bangkok without mentioning the crown jewel of the city, the Grand Palace, home to some of the most stunning Thai architecture in the country and a great spot to start your journey in Bangkok.

The Grand Palace is a complex of beautiful buildings and has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam since the 80s. The palace consists of stunning pagodas and architecture, all covered in either gold or extremely intricate sculptures and patterns that will make your jaw drop.

The Grand Palace has a very strict dress code, and you won't be allowed to enter without having your shoulders and legs covered. So, no tank top and shorts for you here. Be sure to dress properly if you plan to visit the Grand Palace.

They used to let you rent long pants, but not anymore. So, if you don't have any, you will be forced to buy one from the shops across the street. However, they aren't expensive, and it should cost you around 150 THB for one of those elephant pants.

Once inside, you will enter the Grand Palace courtyard, and you will be surrounded by massive golden pagodas and ordination halls. These structures are covered in stunning and intricately designed Thai traditional patterns and carvings. It is quite a sight to behold.

There are two sections in the Grand Palace: the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, where you can walk around and go inside all the beautiful temples there, and the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall, a stunning piece of architecture that blends the European colonial architectural style with the Thais perfectly.

For the second section of the Grand Palace, you won't be able to enter, but you can still appreciate its beauty from the outside. The structure is built with a colonial architectural style from the base up, whereas the roofs are of Thai architectural style, which is a sight you don't see every day.

The Grand Palace's admission fee is 500 THB, and the opening hours are between 8:30 AM and 3:30 PM every day. Do not listen to tuk-tuk drivers who claim that the Palace is closed. The place is never closed, even on public holidays, unless it's during a renovation.

For more day trips you can make from Bangkok, check out:9 Best Day Trips To Make From Bangkok

Where to Stay in Bangkok?

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Siri Heritage Bangkok Hotel

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Sala Rattanakosin Bangkok

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Looking for the best places to stay in Bangkok outside of the Old City? Check out:7 Best Areas to Stay in Bangkok

2. Be Amazed at Wat Pho's Reclining Buddha ❤️ Must Visit

Wat Pho is another great temple you should visit in Bangkok. It is right next to the Grand Palace, and you will be able to see one of the largest reclining Buddha statues in the country here.

Wat Pho is a little less busy than the Grand Palace and offers you a closer look at the stunning Thai architecture within the temple courtyard. From the giant Reclining Buddha image to lines and lines of Buddha statues, there is no shortage of great photo ops here at Wat Pho.

Not to mention, Wat Pho is the place where you will find these stunningly detailed and colorful pagodas. Many travelers from all over the world come to Bangkok just to take photos of these magnificent structures.

Wat Pho courtyard is rather large, and you will have to spend at least 30 minutes to see all that the temple has to offer. In my opinion, I prefer Wat Pho over the Grand Palace.

Wat Pho has a cheaper admission fee, it has no shortage of stunning architecture for photos, and it is way less crowded than the Grand Palace, allowing me to enjoy the beauty of the temples a little bit more.

Wat Pho's opening hours are from 8 AM to 6:30 PM, and the entrance fee for foreigners is 200 THB. I prefer this temple more than the Grand Palace because it is way less crowded, and you can actually sit and enjoy the place at your own leisure.

Looking for the best temples to visit in Thailand? Check out:10 BEST Temples to Visit in Bangkok

3. Learn the History of Thailand at Bangkok National Museum 🏛️ Best Museum

Thailand is rich in history that not many people know about. From the popular ancient cities of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya to the lesser-known kingdoms of Lamphun and Lopburi, there is a ton of history to be learned here for those who are interested.

And there is no better way to learn about these cities and the rich history of ancient Siam than at the Bangkok National Museum. The National Museum consists of several exhibitions that highlight each prominent period of Thailand.

Within Bangkok National Museum, you will find a huge collection of curious artifacts and Buddhist arts dating back to the founding years of Siam from the Dvaravati, Srivijaya, Sukhothai, and Ayutthaya periods. Not only from Siam, but the artifacts and Buddhist art displayed here also come from all over Asia, from the Indian Gandhara to the Indonesian Java.

There are 3 permanent exhibitions spread across over 15 exhibition halls, so you will need at least an hour or 2 to walk through them all. They are all interesting, in my opinion, and should give you loads of fascinating facts and stories of how we came to be.

Bangkok National Museum's opening hours are between 9 AM and 4 PM every day except Monday and Tuesday. The admission fee for the national museum is 200 THB for foreigners, 30 THB for Thais, and free for children and monks.

4. Climb Up Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

Across the Chao Phraya River, you will find Wat Arun or the Temple of Dawn, an old temple that is home to the stunning white pagoda, which is featured prominently on the 10 Thai baht coin.

Wat Arun is probably one of the most recognized landmarks in Bangkok due to its stunning location right on the riverside of the Chao Phraya. It serves as a great point of interest for travelers to watch the sunset at one of the many riverside restaurants nearby.

The temple is located right opposite Wat Pho, across the Chao Phraya River, and you can get there by getting on the river-crossing ferry, which will take you across for only around 4 THB.

Once you are at Wat Arun, you can climb up the newly renovated pagoda to the upper section and watch the beautiful sunset over the city of Bangkok and the Chao Phraya River from the top.

If you are looking for a riverside restaurant to enjoy the view of Wat Arun at sunset instead of climbing it, I recommend you check out The Deck, located right across the river from Wat Arun. They offer an unobstructed view of Wat Arun and the river. Although the food is expensive, we are paying for the exclusive view of the temple during the golden hours, which I think is well worth the price.

Wat Arun is open from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM every day, and the admission fee is 100 THB for foreigners, but free for Thais.

5. Visit Wat Ratchabophit

Another beautiful, albeit a little smaller, temple you should visit when you are in the Old City of Bangkok is Wat Ratchabophit. Not many know about this temple, but Wat Ratchabophit is home to some of the most stunning architectural designs, and best of all, it is free to enter.

Wat Ratchabophit was built in the 19th Century with a mixture of Thai and Western architectural styles. The exterior is clearly Thai, but once you get inside, you will notice the interior design and decor reminiscent of those found in chapels and churches in Europe, which is quite unique.

Another unique thing about Wat Ratchabophit is its layout. With the 43-meter-high pagoda at the center, the ordination halls of the temple are joined by a circular courtyard, all covered in highly detailed Thai patterns.

Since the halls are built in a circular layout, you can walk around them both inside and outside of the courtyard and admire the beauty of Wat Ratchabophit from every angle. As it is a small temple, it should take you around 30 minutes to visit.

Wat Ratchabophit's opening hours are from 9 AM to 5 PM every day, with absolutely no admission fee!

6. Walk Around Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple)

Located by the Dusit Palace, outside of the Old City area, you will find another stunning temple called Wat Benchamabophit, which is one of the few temples that was built entirely out of marble. It is also the temple that is featured on the 5 Thai Baht coin.

Wat Benchamabophit is built from Carrara marble imported from Italy at the end of the 19th century. The architectural style found here is a great example of Bangkok's own ornate style of high gables and multi-tiered roof design, supported by stunning columns of marble pillars.

Even the temple courtyard is built from marble. Inside, you will find a copy of the original Phra Buddha Chinnarat Buddha Image, one of the most important Buddha images in Thailand that dates back to Sukhothai. The real Buddha image is currently in Phitsanulok.

Wat Benchamabophit's opening hours are between 8:30 AM and 5:30 PM, and the admission fee is 50 THB for foreigners and free for Thais.

Looking for a complete travel guide to Phitsanulok?8 Best Things to Do in Phitsanulok

7. Watch the Sunset at the Golden Mountain (Wat Saket)

One of the highest points in the Old City area of Bangkok is at Wat Saket, or as it is known, the Golden Mountain. It is one of the best sunset spots in the area as it offers a stunning 360° panoramic view over the city.

Wat Saket itself was built in the 18th Century during the Ayutthaya era around the ground level of the modern-day Golden Mountain, and it was not until the mid 19th Century that the 80m-high hill was artificially constructed to support the golden pagoda atop. Hence, the name "the Golden Mountain."

At the foot of the Golden Mountain, you will have to climb up the 318-step stairway that goes around the hill and up to the top of the temple, where you will find a large golden pagoda at the top and a platform surrounding it.

The climb is rather easy with only 318 very small steps, and it should take you less than 5 minutes to reach the top. Once you are there, you will be able to see Wat Arun, the Grand Palace, the Rama 8 bridge, and all the skyscrapers in Bangkok's city center. It is a great spot to witness the contrast between the old and new parts of the city.

The Golden Temple's opening hours are from 7 AM to 7 PM every day, and you do not have to pay to enter the temple. However, a donation is greatly appreciated. I highly recommend visiting the temple during the golden hours and timing it so that you can reach the top in time for the sunset.

8. Watch the Lights at Loha Prasat (Metal Castle)

Another lesser-known temple that is located not too far from the Golden Temple is Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan, home to Loha Prasat, or the Metal Castle, one of the most unique structures in Bangkok's Old City.

Loha Prasat is a stunning structure made out of metal, consisting of 37 black spires symbolizing the 37 virtues of enlightenment. It stands on a 3-level platform with 24 spires on the first level, 12 spires on the second level, and 1 large spire at the center that reaches a height of around 36 meters.

The structure is so unique that the moment you are up at the top of Golden Mountain, you will notice it right away, especially after sunset when they start turning on the lights on top of all 37 spires, illuminating the surrounding area.

I highly recommend that you drop by Loha Prasat right after you watch the sunset at the top of Golden Mountain and get some photos of the illuminated Loha Prasat as the sky turns purple. I was there during that time, and it was quite a sight to behold.

You will also be able to see the illuminated Golden Mountain from Loha Prasat temple grounds, which is another good spot if you wish to take a photo of Wat Saket and the golden pagoda at the top of the Golden Mountain.

Loha Prasat's opening hours are from 8:30 AM to 6 PM, and you do not have to pay to enter Loha Prasat.

9. Have Lunch at Phra Atthit Road

If you are looking for a place to eat lunch within the Old City area of Bangkok, you can't go wrong with the Phra Atthit Road, a strip of road located not too far from Bangkok National Museum where you will find a ton of delicious local restaurants all lined up on one street for you to explore.

I highly recommend you drop by Karim Roti Mataba and try their delicious Beef Pa Naeng stew with yellow rice and their mataba, which is what they are known for. You will also find plenty of other local restaurants along Phra Atthit Road, so be sure to keep an eye out when you are here.

10. Devour Your Way Through Bangkok's Chinatown 🥘 Best Place to Eat

For dinner, you can never go wrong with Yaowarat or Bangkok's Chinatown, a foodie haven of Bangkok. Every evening, all sorts of street food stalls and carts will flock to the roadside of Yaowarat Road and start selling street food and snacks for you to indulge yourself in.

From the affordable seafood dishes served at one of the 2 red/green apron roadside restaurants to a Chinese-style meal and snacks, there is no shortage of delicious food here.

Yaowarat Street Food Market's opening hours are between 6 PM and 10 PM, and the food can cost as low as 35 THB or as high as 200 THB, or even more, per dish. Basically, Yaowarat has all kinds of food for everyone.

11. Check Out Khaosan Road But Don't Stay Too Long

Khaosan Road, the trashy backpacker strip full of parties, bars, and all kinds of weird characters, is still as trashy as it used to be and looks like it will remain so for many years to come.

Although, Khaosan Road is not a place I would hang out at that often as a local, it is still a good place for you to drop by and see just how out-of-this-world the place is. And if you are looking for a place to go out at night with fellow backpackers, this is still the best place to be.

Plus, you will also find plenty of cheap street food stalls right by the next street where the locals usually hang out. So, even if you do not enjoy the trashy nightlife of Khaosan Road, you can at least enjoy the delicious street food there.

12. Drink Your Night Away at Bangkok's Rooftop Bars

I very much prefer to have a drink at the rooftop bars in Bangkok, where I will be able to hang out with friends while enjoying the stunning skyline of Bangkok at night, rather than being at Khaosan Road. The place I often frequent is Red Sky, a rooftop bar located right at the city center.

Set on the 56th floor, the view of Red Sky at night is exceptional. Since Red Sky is a pretty fancy place, the price of the food is rather expensive, and there is a dress code (no flip-flops) you have to follow. But once you see the view, you will know why it is worth it.

There are also plenty of rooftop bars across Bangkok that you can choose from, such as Nest in Sukhumvit or Wanderlust in Thonglor, so be sure to look around and check them out.

13. Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen 💎 Hidden Gem

One of my favorite temples in Bangkok is Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen, home to one of the largest Buddha images in Bangkok that you can see, glistening in the sun from miles away.

It is a popular place to visit among Buddhist pilgrims, as well as photographers, as you can get some really incredible photos of the colossal Buddha image set against the modern cityscape of Bangkok.

If you are a photographer and are looking for a nice lookout point, I highly recommend you check out the view from this morning market. You can park your car at Wat Intharam nearby and walk towards the water through the morning market.

You should be able to find an opening where you can walk through and find yourself at a balcony area with a view of the river running towards the Buddha image and its pagoda. It took me ages to find this spot, but it was well worth it.

There is also a really nice café you can check out while you are here called Suriya Coffee and they sell local breakfast and Thai iced coffee at a really cheap price. The coffee here is only 20 THB, and you can sit by the river and enjoy the view while you have breakfast.

Once you are done enjoying the view, you can visit the temple itself to see the Buddha image up close and explore the beautiful interior of the white pagoda behind it.

Inside the pagoda, you will find a large museum with tons of religious relics spread out across two floors. On the third floor, you will encounter a stunning pagoda within a pagoda, painted in psychedelic patterns and colors, unlike anything you've seen before. It is definitely worth the climb!

The temple is open from 6 AM to 9 PM every day, and there is no entrance fee. You can take the MRT to Bang Phai Station, then walk or hail a taxi to reach the temple quickly. You can also drive here and park at the temple's dedicated parking lot, which is free for the first hour and costs 20 THB for the next 2 hours.

14. Check Out Chatuchak Weekend Market

If you are in Bangkok during the weekend, you can shop until you drop at Chatuchak Weekend Market, one of the largest flea markets in the city where you will be able to find all sorts of things to buy for cheap.

From rare plants to old books to trendy clothes, you will find almost anything at the Chatuchak Weekend Market, all at very affordable prices. There are also plenty of street food carts here at Chatuchak if you are looking for a nice place to have lunch in the area.

The market is located outside of the Old City Area, and you would need to take the MRT from Sanam Chai Station to Chatuchak Station or Kamphaeng Phet Station. From there, you can walk straight to the market.

Chatuchak Weekend Market's opening hours are between 9 AM and 6 PM on Saturdays and Sundays only, so plan your visit accordingly.

15. Shop Your Way Through Siam Paragon Shopping Center

For a more high-end shopping experience, the Siam Paragon Shopping Center is one of the most prestigious shopping malls in Bangkok. It is located right at the center of the shopping mall cluster in the commercial center of Siam District in Bangkok.

Siam Paragon is located in an area that locals refer to as Siam, a trendy and hip meeting point for young people to spend their weekends and hang out with friends. Here, you will find some very interesting people, unlike elsewhere in Bangkok.

The stores and restaurants here are also some of the most expensive and highest-quality places Bangkok can offer, so if you are looking for high-end products to buy, Siam Paragon and the surrounding area are the places to be. Siam Paragon opens from 10 AM to 10 PM every day.

16. Go Up to the Top of the Iconic King Power Mahanakorn Skyscraper

Last but not least, if you are looking for the best photo spot from a high point in Bangkok, the Skywalk Platform at the top of King Power Mahanakorn Skyscraper is one of the best places to be in Bangkok.

King Power Mahanakorn Skyscraper is a stunning and uniquely designed skyscraper resembling the tower of Janga that dominates most of Bangkok's skyline. If you went up for a sunset at the Golden Mountain, you probably saw this uniquely looking skyscraper all the way from the old city.

And on the 78th floor, you will have access to the skywalk, where you will be able to have a stunning panoramic view of Bangkok's skyline. You can also walk on the dizzyingly transparent glass platform to see just how high a 78-story building really is, right below your feet.

In order to reach the top of the King Power Mahanakorn Skyscraper, you will need to purchase an online ticket, which should cost around 530 THB per person. Additionally, you will receive one complimentary drink at the bar located at the top, and you can spend as much time as you like there.

King Power Mahanakorn Skywalk opens from 10 AM to 11 PM, and you can reserve the Skywalk ticket with the link below.

Book a Mahanakhon SkyWalk Ticket

What To Eat and Drink in Bangkok?

1. Eat Roti at Karim Roti Mataba at Phra Atthit Road

Karim Roti Mataba at Phra Atthit Road is a popular restaurant among the locals. The place is known for its crispy rotis and aromatic beef stews that are to die for. It is a great place to stop for lunch while you are exploring Bangkok's Old City.

I highly recommend you try their delicious Beef Pa Naeng stew with yellow rice and their chicken mataba, which is what they are known for. The restaurant opens from 9 AM to 10 PM, and the price of the food here costs about 50 THB per dish.

2. Try the Michelin Star's Raan Jay Fai Restaurant

If you want to taste the only Michelin Star-rewarded street food restaurant in Bangkok and money is no object, Raan Jay Fai Restaurant is a place you should try once in your lifetime.

Popular among foodies from all over the world, Jay Fai and her iconic ski goggles and hot frying wok serve several delicious crab dishes that cost upward of 1,000 THB (33 USD) per dish. Yup, you heard that right, 1,000 THB per dish. One dish like the frying crab omelet costs 1,000 THB here, and that is her cheapest item on the menu!

You can expect to pay around 100 USD for a fulfilling meal that consists of three dishes with rice. I know, it's outrageously expensive, but they serve you high-quality crab meat unlike other places, and for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, it is not so bad. Jay Fai Restaurant open from 10 AM to 10 PM every day. Be there around 4 PM for dinner, and you won't have to queue up for hours.

3. Taste the Delicious Hot Pan Sukiyaki at Jiew Bang Lumpoo Street Food Stall

For a more affordable street food to try in Bangkok, Jiew Bang Lumpoo Street Food Stall, located on Thani Road right next to Khaosan Road, is highly recommended.

The place is popular among Thais, who often avoid eating the overpriced food at Khaosan Road and come here to enjoy the real and affordable street food. They serve delicious hot-pan Sukiyaki dishes, as well as congee and other dishes, for around 50 - 60 THB per dish.

Jiew Bang Lumpoo Street Food Stall opens from 7 PM to 2:30 AM every day except Monday. If you are at Khaosan Road at night and looking for cheap, delicious food to try, this is the place to be.

4. Have A Drink at Red Sky Rooftop Bar

Last but not least, if you are looking for a nice rooftop bar with a stunning view of Bangkok's skyline at night, I highly recommend you to check out Red Sky Bar located on the 58th floor of Centara Grand Hotel right in Siam District, in the city center of Bangkok.

Red Sky Bar will offer you a magnificent 360° panoramic view of the city center of Bangkok with its open-air platform that encircles the top of the skyscraper. There are plenty of seats here, so you do not need to reserve a spot when you visit Red Sky, unlike other rooftop bars.

As mentioned earlier, the price of the food is rather expensive here. So what I often do is go eat somewhere else cheap, and then I visit Red Sky Bar for a drink or two. I enjoy the dreamy cityscape of Bangkok's skyline at night before ending the day in Bangkok.

When to Visit Bangkok?

The best time to visit Bangkok is from November to January, when the weather is cooler and less humid, making it much more enjoyable to explore Bangkok.

That said, Thailand has suffered a lot from air pollution in recent years due to the burning season, and it is extremely prevalent during Thailand's winter period (December - January). So, even though the weather is cooler, your visibility might not be the best. Be sure to buy a face mask if you decide to visit Thailand during this time.

March - April are the hottest and most humid periods of the year, so if you can't handle heat very well, avoid visiting during this time. The air quality may be slightly better during this period, but it's not guaranteed.

All the other months are considered to be a rainy season, which, even though the weather is a little more manageable than the summer months, you will also be seeing a lot more rain that might prevent you from enjoying the outdoors. Air quality during this time should be better due to rain.

As you can see, the best time to visit Thailand used to be during its wintertime, BUT now that the air quality is getting worse and worse, you will have to decide which is more important to you as a traveler: good weather but bad air quality or vice versa.

For more detail on the best time to visit Thailand, check out:The Best Time To Visit Thailand

How to Get to Bangkok?

Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand and one of the largest travel hubs in the region. Since there are a lot of flights going in and out of the city, you should have no trouble finding a flight from your home country to Suvarnabhumi International Airport, the main international airport in Bangkok.

From the US, unfortunately, there are no direct flights to Bangkok, so you will have to rely on transit flights by Emirates, Qatar, or Turkish Airlines from the East Coast or ANA Airlines or Korean Air from the West Coast.

From Europe, you can fly from the most popular European hubs like London, Paris, or Frankfurt via Thai Airways or local carriers such as British Airways, Air France, or Lufthansa to Bangkok. From there, you can fly domestically to Chiang Mai. You can also choose to travel with Etihad, Qatar, or Emirates if you don't mind transiting.

From within Asia, there are several low-cost airlines offering multiple routes from many hub cities like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, and Jakarta to Bangkok. AirAsia is a great option as they have the most connections to Bangkok from around Asia.

To find a cheap flight to Bangkok, I would recommend that you use Skyscanner or Expedia to look for the cheapest route and schedule so you can compare and pick the best one.

How To Get From Bangkok's Airports to your Accommodation?

By Bus: If you are staying near Khaosan Road or the Old Town area, I recommend taking the bus as it goes directly to your location without the need for transit.

If you fly into Suvarnabhumi International Airport, you can take the S1 bus and it will take you to Khaosan Road for 60 THB. Depending on the traffic, the journey should take around 1.5 hours, and the bus runs between 6 AM and 8 PM every 30 minutes.

If you fly into Don Muang International Airport, you can take the A4 bus, which should take you to Khaosan Road for 50 THB. From Don Muang Airport to Khaosan Road, you can expect an hour-long journey ahead of you. The A4 bus runs between 7 AM and 10 PM, with a frequency of every 30 minutes.

By Sky Trains: If you are staying elsewhere in Bangkok, you can take the sky train instead. Just make sure that you know at which sky train station to get off.

If you fly into Suvarnabhumi International Airport, you can take the Airport Rail Link to Phaya Thai Station. From there, you will be able to connect to the main Sukhumvit Line and take the train to the nearest station near your accommodation.

The Airport Link runs every 20 minutes, and the trip from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Phaya Thai will cost you 45 THB and take around one hour. From Phaya Thai, the price varies depending on how far your accommodation is. The sky train price starts at 15 THB. The train operates from 6 AM to 12 AM.

If you fly into Don Muang International Airport, you will first have to take the A1 bus, which will take you to Morchit BTS Station. The A1 bus comes every 5 minutes, and it should cost you 30 THB.

From Morchit BTS Station, you can then take the train to the BTS Station near your accommodation. The sky train price starts at 15 THB and goes up to 70 THB, depending on how far your journey is. The train operates from 6 AM to 12 AM.

By Taxi: Taking a taxi is a comfortable way to reach your accommodation, but it can be pricey due to the additional airport fee of 50 THB. This fee will be added on top of the metered price, so you can expect to pay around 300 THB if you are coming from Suvarnabhumi Airport, or approximately 150+ THB from Don Muang Airport.

One tip for taking taxis in Bangkok: if they don't turn on their meters, get out and get a new one. Do not tolerate this kind of behavior!

How to Get Around Bangkok?

Bangkok is home to over 10 million people, and the city has grown so much that it had to incorporate neighboring provinces into Greater Bangkok. Due to the city's size, there are several ways you can get around Bangkok:

By Walking: Since most of the attractions I listed here are concentrated within the Old City area, you should be able to reach most of them on foot. That said, Bangkok can get blazingly hot, so other modes of transportation might be better for you if you wish to explore Bangkok further.

By Taxi: Taxis are cheap in Bangkok, starting at 35 THB for a quick trip, and they are an affordable way to get around Bangkok as long as they turn on the meter. If they refuse or claim that the taxi meter is broken, get out of the taxi and get another one. There are no shortages of taxis in Bangkok that are willing to take you somewhere without scamming you.

By Grab: Grab is a popular taxi-hailing app here in Thailand. If you do not wish to deal with scammy taxi drivers, you can hail a taxi via the app. The price and distance will be calculated beforehand, so you know how much you are supposed to be paying for the ride, reducing the chance that the taxi drivers will scam you.

By Sky Trains/Metros: Bangkok has 2 train systems: the sky trains (BTS) and the metro system (MRT), which operate independently from one another. This means that you will have to pay for the tickets separately. That said, they are great ways to get around Bangkok without having to deal with the awful traffic or unreliable taxi drivers.

From the Old City Area, you can take the MRT from Sanam Chai Station or Sam Yod Station and get to Asoke Station. From there, you can transit to the sky trains (BTS) and reach places like Siam Paragon, King Power Mahanakorn Skyscraper, Red Sky, etc.

When you arrive at the station, you can either buy it from the ticket office or get changes to be used at the ticket machines nearby. To enter the station platforms, just insert the card in the machine (BTS) or tap the token on the sensor (MRT) and enter. On your way out, insert the card back in the machine (BTS) or drop your token in the machine (MRT) and exit the platform.

The BTS/MRT train tickets start off at around 19 THB and go up to ~60 THB depending on the distance you are traveling. They are one of the main modes of transportation in Bangkok, and I recommend you avoid using them during primetime (8 AM - 9 AM and 5 PM - 8 PM) as they can get extremely crowded.

By Bus: You can also travel by bus if you don't mind waiting around a lot, as the traffic jams are horrible in Bangkok, and the bus may or may not arrive on time. It's cheap, though, with non-fan bus tickets costing only 9 THB for the entire trip. For the air-con buses, the ticket starts at 12 THB and increases according to the distance you want to travel.

By Tuk-Tuk: I would avoid taking a tuk-tuk at all costs in Bangkok. This is where scams often take place, as they do not run on meters like taxis do and oftentimes, they partner with some really shady businesses that offer commissions every time they bring clueless tourists to the stores. Do not support this kind of behavior!

How Many Days To Spend in Bangkok?

You can see most attractions in the old city in one day, but to truly enjoy your time in Bangkok, I recommend spending at least 2 days (3 nights) in the city. Here is a sample itinerary for Bangkok:

Day 1: Explore the Old City Area, visit all the temples, and museums, and eat all the street food at Khaosan Road and Chinatown in the evening before ending your night at a rooftop bar.

Day 2: Shop your way through Chatuchak Market, Siam Paragon; go up King Power Mahanakorn Skyscraper for a stunning sunset, and relax for the rest of the evening.

Have 3 days to spare in Bangkok? Check out:3 Days Itinerary For Bangkok

How Much Money Do I Need For Bangkok?

With the rough itinerary above, we can calculate approximately how much you will be spending in Bangkok for three nights as follows:

Accommodation: For 3 nights, you can expect to pay around 33 USD (1,011.75 THB) for accommodation.

Food: Food costs about 50 THB minimum in Bangkok on average, so you can expect to pay around 300 THB for 2 days' worth of food.

Transportation: For a few trips with taxis and sky/metro trains, you can expect to pay around 200 THB for transportation.

Activities: For the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Bangkok National Museum, and Wat Arun admission fees, you can expect to pay around 1,000 THB for activities in Bangkok. If you wish to go up King Power Mahanakorn Skyscraper, that's another 530 THB, but it's optional.

Total budget for 2 days in Bangkok: 2,511.75 THB (81.92 USD)

Is it Safe in Bangkok?

Although Bangkok is generally safe, and the people are friendly, it is always a good idea to second-guess people who approach you and try to offer you something that is too good to be true because it probably is. That is a sure way to avoid any scam attempts from tuk-tuk/taxi drivers or other scammers that might approach you.

When you get in the taxi, ask the taxi driver to use the meter. If they don't, get out and find another cab. Otherwise, use the taxi-hailing app Grab to get a taxi, and avoid getting scammed by unfavorable taxi drivers.

Scams in Bangkok often involve tuk-tuks, and with so many other ways to get around Bangkok, I would recommend avoiding taking the tuk-tuk altogether if you can. They are not metered, and they often partner with scammy businesses to earn commission.

A common scam in Bangkok is the claim that the Grand Palace is closed, which is often not true. The Grand Palace rarely closes (except during a global pandemic), and if a tuk-tuk tells you that, ignore them.

If they offer a trip around Bangkok for a very cheap price, say 40 THB, don't get on the tuk-tuk and ignore them. I guarantee you, the moment you get on the tuk-tuk, they will take you to some sketchy tailor stores, and they will leave you there while they earn commissions for taking you there.

And as always, please exercise precautions like you would when traveling in any foreign country. Do not leave your belongings unattended and watch out for your belongings at all times.

Which tourist SIM card is best for Thailand?

Update: If your phone supports eSIM, I highly recommend checking out Airalo, a global eSIM marketplace. It allows you to stay connected affordably while traveling in Bangkok, Thailand without having to switch out your physical SIM card.

Gone are the days when you needed to scramble to find a local SIM card at an airport upon arrival. You can purchase an eSIM before your arrival, and you'll be good to go. If your phone doesn't support eSIM, here is how you can get a local SIM card in Bangkok, Thailand:

There are three major carriers in Thailand: AIS, DTAC, and True, all of which offer a pretty similar range of traveler's packages as well as coverage. Personally, I use AIS as I have been with them since my first phone, and they have a lot of Support Centers around Thailand. Their coverage hasn't failed me yet, so if you are looking for a reliable carrier, I can recommend AIS.

There are 3 packages for tourists: 5 GB for 5 days at 160 THB, 15 GB for 8 days at 299 THB, and 30 GB for 15 days. Depending on the length of your trip to Thailand, you can choose one of these 3 packages that best suits your itinerary.

With these three packages, you can top up more in case you need additional data or calls for your trip. More often than not, 5 GB is more than enough for me to travel around Thailand for a month.

For more information about Thailand's local SIM card: Thailand's Prepaid Data SIM Card.

Tips: To stay connected with people at home, be sure that you have a VPN, such as ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and you can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

What to Pack for Bangkok?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Bangkok, Thailand:

• Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
• Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
• Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
• Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
• Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
• Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Bangkok, Thailand in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
• Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
• Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
• Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
• Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
• Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
• Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
• Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

Looking for a more comprehensive packing list for Thailand? Check out:What to Pack For Thailand: The Essential Packing List

Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:

Flights: Skyscanner and Expedia are the best places to start looking for cheap flights and great deals from your home country.

Accommodation: Hostelworld, Booking.com, and Agoda.com are the ultimate go-to platforms to search for amazing hostels and hotels at affordable prices.

Travel Insurance: Heymondo covers theft, medical emergencies, cancellations, and more during your travels. Get a 5% discount if you sign up today.

Transportation: 12go is a great place to look for bus and train schedule and buy tickets online in Southeast Asia that would otherwise not have been available in English online.

Car Rental: DiscoverCars.com is a great and reliable platform to find rental cars.

Internet: Airalo is the best way to get a sim card and has reliable internet access for your trip. All you need is an esim compatible smartphone, install it on your phone prior to your trip, and you are all set.

VPN: To stay connected with people at home, I always make sure to have ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and I can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

Day Trips & Tours: Viator, GetYourGuide and TripAdvisor are great platforms to search for trips and tours to join.

Tickets & Deals: Klook is always my go-to website when I want to find cheaper deals for entrance tickets to tourist attractions.

Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.

Further Reading for Thailand

Looking for more information for your trip to Thailand? Here are a collection of articles about Thailand that you might find useful:

• Looking for a complete travel guide to Southeast Asia? You should check out our 3 Months Backpacking Itinerary for Southeast Asia.
• Planning a trip to Thailand? Here are the 11 Best Places to Visit in Thailand.
• Thailand is incredibly rich in history, with ancient cities scattered across its landscapes. If you’re looking to explore some of the country’s most remarkable historical sites, don’t miss this guide: Discover Thailand's Rich History: 12 Best Historical Sites to Visit.
• Looking to go off the beaten path in Thailand? Check out the 10 Best Hidden Gems to Visit in Thailand.
• Visiting a country like Thailand, you are going to need a comprehensive packing list to ensure you bring everything you need for your trip. Check out: What to Pack for Thailand - The Essential Packing List.
• Wondering when the best time to visit Thailand is? Here is a complete guide on picking The Best Time to Visit Thailand.
• Want to spend one month backpacking around Thailand? Check out: One Month Itinerary for Thailand.
• Have 2 weeks in Thailand? Check out this itinerary: 2 Weeks Backpacking Thailand Itinerary.
• Have only 10 days in Thailand? This itinerary might be more suited for you: 10-Day Itinerary for Thailand.
• Thai Street Foods are among the best in the world, and to help guide you through the street food cuisine of Thailand, be sure to check out the 15 Best Street Foods in Thailand to Try.
• Learning a bit of Thai phrases will go a long way for you when you visit Thailand. Here are 15 Thai Phrases You Should Know.
• If you are traveling to Thailand, it is important for you to know what you should and shouldn't do. Here are 10 Tips for Traveling in Thailand.
• Want to spend a day outside Bangkok but not sure where? Here are the 9 Best Day Trips To Make From Bangkok.
• More often than not, your journey in Thailand will begin in Bangkok. Here is a One Day in Bangkok Itinerary.
• Have more than one day in Bangkok? I highly recommend spending at least 3 days in Bangkok. Here is a complete 3 Days Itinerary for Bangkok.
• For more things to do in Bangkok, check out the 15 Best Things to Do in Bangkok According to a Local.
• Wondering which temples are worth visiting in Bangkok? Check out: 10 BEST Temples to Visit in Bangkok.
• There is no need for an introduction to the renowned old capital city of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai. Here are the 20 best things to do in Chiang Mai, according to the locals.
• One of the best road trips you can make in Thailand is traversing the Mae Hong Son Loop. Here's a complete backpacking guide and 10-day itinerary for the Mae Hong Son Loop.
• Want to explore other parts of Thailand? How about exploring Northern Thailand, Central Thailand, or Southern Thailand?
• Wondering where to go after Thailand? How about continuing on to Malaysia, Myanmar, or Indonesia?
• For all articles about Thailand, please visit the Thailand Travel Guide page.
• Looking to travel to Southeast Asia? Check out all my articles about Southeast Asia here: Southeast Asia Travel Guide page.
• You can see all of my Asia-related articles here: Asia Travel Guide page.
• For more of my travel guides like this, please visit my Destinations page.