Bangkok, the vibrant capital city of Thailand, is a mesmerizing destination that seamlessly blends ancient traditions with modernity. Offering a unique combination of bustling markets, ornate temples, delectable street food, and a thriving nightlife scene, this cosmopolitan metropolis has something to captivate every traveller. Whether you are an adventure-seeker, history enthusiast, or simply in search of an unforgettable cultural experience, Bangkok promises to exceed all expectations. Delve into our reasons to visit Bangkok and why this destination should be on everyone’s bucket list.
There are at least 6 reasons to visit Bangkok City, it is not only the food, and the people, but the temples, canals, architecture and shopping, and the buzz of an incredibly busy and frenetic city. Have you visited?
Bangkok is a great city for a stopover en route to Europe. We have visited so many times we have lost count.
We have given you some options for a 12-hour stopover in Bangkok plus further options on what to do if you have more time in Bangkok and especially more time in Thailand for your next holiday. There are some excellent day trips from Bangkok if you can plan to visit the capital for at least 4 days.
Are you looking to travel more in Thailand? There are so many Thailand Islands to visit you will need to allow a couple of weeks to enjoy all they have to offer.
We visit Bangkok regularly and stay in different hotels each time. There are so many hotel options in Bangkok. Some of the best family hotels in Bangkok are so affordable for families that what you save on accommodation can be put toward some great family experiences.
We regularly update our article on where we stay in Bangkok and what we do each time we visit, so bookmark our article and return on a regular basis for our updates.
Whether you are a backpacker, flashpacker or like to travel in style Bangkok has so much to offer the visitor.
Top travel tip:
Scams are a fact of life when you travel these days, it happens everywhere, but if you are a first-timer to Bangkok it is better to be forewarned before you travel.
We also cover some of your frequently asked questions on safety, drinking water and transport options. Do you need any more reasons to visit Bangkok?
One of the questions we are asked regularly is ‘is it safe in Thailand for tourists‘? Since 2013 we have spent over 8 months travelling in and around Thailand and we find it a destination that is safe for all ages. As in any country, you just have to exercise caution and be sensible where you go especially late at night. Scams do occur, especially around the Grand Palace.
You may enjoy reading: Things To Do in Chiang Mai
Another question we are asked is ‘can you drink the water in Thailand‘ – always drink bottled water. What about ice in your drinks? We have had no issue with ice in our drinks, we understand that ice is made from purified water.
E-Sim Card For Thailand
- Stay connected on your travels to Thailand
- Choose the data plan and validity option that suits you
- Activate your eSIM with an easy-to-use QR code
- Purchase or top up your eSIM anywhere and anytime
- Enjoy a high-speed zero-waste service as you travel
Would you like to take a Cooking Class in Bangkok?
Traditional Thai Cooking Class with Market or Herb Garden Tour
Silom Thai Cooking School is where Thai cooking and culture come together. The sounds, sights, smells and tastes found in the typical Thai market are emblematic of everyday life in Thailand and shape the contours of Thai cuisine.
To fully understand and appreciate Thai cuisine, Silom Thai Cooking School takes you on a guided market tour for you to observe how Thai people handle and buy various raw ingredients before preparing them in the kitchen. You will then be brought back to the school to practice traditional Thai cooking methods in a hands-on cooking class.
For the afternoon and evening sessions, you will join our Thai cooking class and tour of our Herb mini-garden—home to a variety of unique potted herbs used to create the distinctive taste of Thai cuisine.
Book your Thai Cooking Class here
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Do You Need A Visa For Thailand Click Here:
Time in Thailand
Thailand: GMT + 7
Transport Around Thailand
For transport details in and around Bangkok and Thailand, we use 12goAsia.
Bangkok: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus with 24, 48 or 72-Hour Validity
One of the top things to do in Thailand is arriving in Bangkok, settling into your hotel, and then sightseeing Bangkok on the Hop on Hop off bus. It will help you in planning your visit and the places that you want to visit. When we use the Hop on Hop off buses around the world we first do the complete journey taking notes of where we would like to visit and then start the journey again.
- Experience the freedom of crafting your own itinerary with an unlimited hop-on hop-off bus pass
- Hop aboard at any of the 16 stops to see Bangkok’s popular markets and temples
- Select from bus passes valid for 24, 48 or 72 hours
- Get unobstructed views of the city from open-air seats or shelter inside if you prefer
- Benefit from a GPS audio guide offered in 7 languages with free earphones
Where is Thailand
Thailand is located in Asia and has borders with the countries of Myanmar, Malaysia, Cambodia and Laos. It is the 51st largest nation in the world.
The official language is Thai and the local currency is Thai Baht.
Map of Thailand in South East Asia
Where is Bangkok
Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand and it is located in the Chao Phraya River delta in the central plains of the country.
Bangkok is a great stopover at any time especially when you travel from Australia to Europe.
A bustling vibrant city where the traffic is a nightmare, the heat intense, the noise deafening, but you can experience amazing temples, boat rides on the river, great food, and friendly people and it is unique like no other place on earth. These are the reasons why we love Bangkok. But what if you only have a short stopover, what could you do and see in 12 hours.
Our Many Reasons To Visit Bangkok
Our recommendations on things to do in Bangkok
1. Chao Phraya River Cruise
An evening cruise down the Chao Phraya River is one of the highlights of visiting Bangkok.
Book your river cruise here
We stayed at the Arize Hotel close to Phrom Phong BTS station. You can ride the BTS to Saphan Taksin (Central Pier) changing at Siam. The BTS is a great way to travel around Bangkok, fast clean and efficient.
The Arize Hotel is located at 8/8 Sukhumvit 26 Road in Khlong Toei. Since 2013 we have stayed there over 6 times and now classify it is as our home away from home. The swimming pool is a welcome relief after a day of sightseeing and there are some great local restaurants close by. The Arize Hotel is more like a boutique hotel. It has good wifi!
You can check availability here
2. The Grand Palace (one of our favourite reasons to visit Bangkok, this is a must-do)
At Central Pier, a few minutes walk from Saphan Taksin BTS, you can travel via longtail boat for THB100 to the Grand Palace or THB25 by local ferry. The longtail boat will drop you at Tha Tien and then you walk about 15 minutes to the Grand Palace or you can get the local ferry and it drops you at Tha Chang which is located on the river by the Grand Palace.
The Grand Palace is #16 of the world’s most visited sites. Bangkok is famous for the Grand Palace. The Palace was built in 1782 and was the home of the King, the Royal Court and the administrative seat of government for 150 years. The complex houses the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, where it is believed that the small Buddha image is over 2,000 years old. Photos are not allowed inside the Temple. It is an awe-inspiring place well worth the visit.
A favourite tour is Flexi Walking Tour visiting the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun with a local guide for between 2 – 4 hours.
Pre-book your Flexi Grand Palace Walking Tour here
Opening Hours: 0830 to 1530
Location: Na Phra Lan Road, Old City (Rattanakosin)
Entrance Fee: THB500 per person (USD$16.00)
NB. There is a strict dress code, no shorts or sleeveless t-shirts. Complimentary trousers and tops are available, but there is a deposit of THB400 per item.
Travel Scam: On arrival at the pier you will be greeted by locals who will advise that the Grand Palace is closed for the day or part of that day. They will offer you a local Tuk Tuk tour, ‘very cheap’ to see another Temple whilst you wait for the Palace to open. If you fall for this scam, you will see another temple but also a jewellery store, tailors etc with hard-sell salesmen who try their hardest and all their best tricks to help you part with your money.
3. Visit Jim Thompson House & Museum
Jim Thompson was an American Architect who volunteered for the US Army and was sent to Asia. He fell in love with Bangkok and in particular the long-neglected cottage industry of the weaving of silk. On his property in Bangkok, he combined six traditional teak buildings some dating back 2 centuries and came from as far away as the old capital of Ayutthaya.
He opened his house to the public and the proceeds were donated to Thai charities.
On March 26 1967 Jim Thompson disappeared whilst on a visit to the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia. There are many theories on how and why he disappeared but his body has never been found.
His silk empire continues to this day and his exquisite silk products can be found all over the world.
You can now book a tour of Jim Thompsons House.
- Get to know the man behind the Thai silk industry
- Breath in the history whilst walking around his traditional Thai house
- Admire the pieces of art and antiques he collected
- Explore the beautiful garden, a sanctuary of peace in the middle of Bangkok
- Relax with return hotel transfers included
4. Take a Tour to the Damnoen Saduk Floating Market and Maeklong Railway Market
Read our review here of how to visit the Damnoen Saduk Floating Market and Maeklong Railway Market on a day tour.
- Experience the quieter way of life in Thailand away from the big cities
- Arrive at the famous Damnoen Saduak floating market by paddleboat
- Discover the vibrant atmosphere of the iconic Maeklong Railway Market
- Buy and try authentic pad thai, rice noodle soup, or mango sticky rice
- Enjoy lots of free time exploring both markets at your own pace
5. Eat local food
Finish your day off with a local meal at our favourite restaurant.
At the start of Sukhumvit 37 Alley, you will find our favourite local Thai restaurant. Very reasonably priced Thai food and beer. The name is “Very Cheap Thai Food“ and it is a popular local restaurant for Thais, expats and travellers.
You can enjoy a local dish of Pad Thai for THB60 (USD$ 2.00) and a large bottle of Singha Beer for THB110 (USD$ 3.60).
If you love Thai cuisine we would recommend trying these 9 most popular Bangkok cuisines on your next visit.
Places to visit in Bangkok (when you have longer than 12 hours)
If you have longer than 12 hours and you are in Bangkok on the weekend why not visit the famous Chatuchak Weekend Market. It is located at 587/10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900. It is open from 6 am to 6 pm and can be reached on the BTS at Mo Chit station.
Take a tour to the market that includes:
- Explore Bangkok’s crazy shopping scene and culture on a half-day market tour
- Ride a long-tail boat to explore the Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market in Bangkok
- Stroll through Chatuchak Weekend Market, one of the largest markets in Thailand
- Make use of a local guide to navigate your way around Chatuchak’s maze of stalls
- Enjoy the intimacy of a private or small group tour with a professional guide
7. Visit Chinatown
Wander through the streets of Chinatown packed with market stalls, gold shops, clothing shops and a variety of food stalls that will whet your appetite. Head down at sunset and soak up the atmosphere of local food frying in the streets that will assault your senses.
Chinatown 4 hour Guided Tour
- Sample the unique Chinese food of the region
- Experience the hustle and bustle of the largest Chinatown in the world
- Explore temples, churches and food stalls galore
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8. Visit Bangkok’s Most Instagrammable Spots and a Half-Day Temple Tour
Pre-book your tour here9. Are you an ice cream lover?
Bangkok is a hot city and one of the best ways to cool down is to enjoy some of the best ice creams in Bangkok.
These are some of our reasons to visit Bangkok, what will be yours?
More Reasons to Visit Bangkok:
Best Places to Visit in Thailand
One of the best places to visit in Thailand and one of our favourite places is Chiang Mai known as the Northern capital of Thailand.
Tripadvisor has nominated the top 10 best places to visit in Thailand:
Where to Stay in Bangkok
Read our latest article on Where To Stay in Bangkok (we have added more properties, bookmark for more updates as we use Bangkok as a hub on the way to Europe).
Here are some of our places to stay in Bangkok ranging from 5 star to 2 star.
For 5-star luxury and one of the best locations in Bangkok, our favourite hotel is the Pullman Bangkok King Power.
Our favourite 4-star hotel that is suitable for families, couples and solo travellers – the Arize Hotel at 8/8 Sukhumvit 26 Road, Khlong Toei is a small boutique hotel, well located near the local BTS and local restaurants. They have a swimming pool, gym and good wifi.
Another 4-star favourite hotel that is suitable for all travellers who wish to stay in the heart of Sukhumvit – The Amora Neoluxe Hotel at Soi Sukhumvit 31, Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110.
For a funky 2-star hostel stay in Bangkok close to Sukhumvit we have stayed at the Sleepbox 22 Sukhumvit. Sleepbox is funky containers created into a hostel in a quiet back street just off Sukhumvit 22. Very clean and comfortable with a basic breakfast included. We find that the WiFi is weak in the hotel especially in the bedrooms and you need to move to the common room on the 2nd floor. Address: 404 Soi Sainamthip 3, Sukhumvit 22, Klongtoey, Khlong Toei, 10110 Bangkok,
For budget accommodation, a bit further away from Sukhumvit is Baan Mek Mok, a basic studio apartment but clean and comfortable. Address: 306 Soi Sukhumvit 64, Bang Chak, Phra Khanong, Bangkok 10260
Read more: Our Review of the Mercure Bangkok Sukhumvit 24 Hotel
Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit Luxury 5-Star Hotel Review
Getting Into Bangkok
Which airport is closest to Bangkok City? Don Mueang is the closest being 23km away. It is the airport for budget carriers.
Suvarnabhumi Airport is 39km away.
For the latest flight deals from all over the world, we use Skyscanner click here for more information.
For Suvarnabhumi Airport Bangkok: SharedTransfers click here.
For a luxury private Suvarnabhumi Airport transfer:
For Don Mueang Airport: Shared Transfers click here
Further Reading:
Heading to Koh Samui next? Consider staying at the Nora Beach Resort & Spa
If you have any questions on our article on reasons why to visit Bangkok or you would like some advice we would love to hear from you. You can reach us via our Facebook page or email us here.
Travel Insurance
The best time to take out travel insurance is when you start to pay for flights, accommodation, cruises or tours. You are covered from that date in case of cancellation due to health reasons. Always read the policy guidelines carefully.
If you need new luggage for your trip to Thailand or the latest guide books or even our new favourite packing item – packing cubes you can check out these products and more at our To Travel Too Shop
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bangkok offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity that is unmatched by any other city in the world. From its stunning temples and vibrant street markets to its bustling nightlife and mouthwatering cuisine, there is something for everyone in this captivating city. Whether you are seeking adventure, relaxation, or simply an opportunity to immerse yourself in a rich and diverse culture, Bangkok will not disappoint. With its warm hospitality, enchanting sights, and endless activities, it’s no wonder why millions of visitors flock to this incredible destination each year. So pack your bags and get ready to experience the magic of Bangkok – a city that truly has it all.
Why not take our article with you around Bangkok and visit the sites we have mentioned:
all places are enjoyable. The Grand place is looking awesome and it have so much beauty. Bangkok is a beautiful place.
Yes…it is a beautiful place.
you recommend very good reason for bangkok. its a beautiful visiting spot. we can get so much fun here and best place for holidays.
All of these reasons are right to explore Bangkok. Because all of these places are the most famous places of this destination. I wish I could explore these places again and again.
They are great places to visit….ones also that we can revisit over and over again. Bangkok is one of our favourites.
Cheers
Jane and Duncan
With so many great activities, it would be a shame to only visit for 12 hours! The gold palace is so impressive. The street food looks delicious, I cannot wait to try some!
Hi Jen
Thanks for your comments.
Cheers Jane and Duncan
12 hours does not seem like enough time to see Bankok. The gold palace and sights along the river would be a good “taste” of the city, if pressed for time. The street food looks delicious and has a reputation for being amazing!
Hi Jen
Thank you for your comments. Bangkok is such a vibrant city, I love to visit whenever I can.
Cheers Jane and Duncan
I could’t agree more. There are so many reasons to actually visit Bangkok. Of course, Thai food is a strong reason, plus the Chao Phraya dinner cruise and visit to the Grand Palace. I can add a few more, such as party mad at Khao San Road, go clubbing at Sukhumvit and Nana, shop till you drop at Chatuchak market and Pratunam market, and the reasons are never-ending!!!
Hi Shreya
Bangkok is such a hive of activity. I cant wait to return in April. Thank you for your comments.
Cheers Jane and Duncan
Loved how you talked about the local experiences and not only the tourist places. It seems everywhere there’s a China town.Royal oak pub looks interesting
Hi Sinjana
Thank you for your comments. I love Bangkok as you can see and will be returning in April for a few days before heading to Chiang Mai. I love exploring the side streets.
Cheers Jane and Duncan
We’ve never been anywhere in Asia, so it’s difficult to decide where to start. Bangkok seems like a great choice, especially since there seem to be quite a few exciting things to do there. I’d love to visit the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and see the small Buddha image. Is it really 2,000 years old? Wow!
Hi Anda
Thanks for your comments. We hope you can visit one day! Just beware of the scams LOL
Cheers Jane and Duncan
I have been to BKK last 2011. It’s one of my favorite Asian destinations since the food is amazing and tasty. I also love their culture. I wish I can go back again soon and eat sticky rice with mango.
Hi Emman
Thanks for your comments. It is such a fun city. We are returning April and I cant wait.
Cheers Jane and Duncan
I have been to Bangkok and I can agree, there’s a lot to do no matter how much time you have.
All the areas are bustling with activities, that there’s never a dull moment at any point of the day.
Hi Arnav
It is such a fun city to visit. Thank you for your comments.
Cheers Jane and Duncan
Bangkok one of my most favourite cities in the world and there are more then enough reasons any person should visit this fascinating city once in their lifetime. The food is one of the main reasons I visit this city and secondly the palaces and the culture. When you have had a long day sightseeing enjoy and sip a beverage on the streets of Bangkok and see the world go by. Thanks for sharing this post.
Hi Amar
Thank you for your comments. I love Thai food so much and it is a highlight when I visit.
Cheers Jane and Duncan
I love taking walking tours in the city and would be looking forward to do one visiting Grand Palace which seems incredible. With so many things to do Bangkok looks like a really cool place.
Hi Anjali
Bangkok is such an amazing and vibrant city and so much fun to visit.
Cheers Jane and Duncan
Bangkok is amazing! I had my first solo trip there and had an amazing time. I could come up with many more reason why to visit but this is is a great start. Thanks for this article, it brought back so many nice memories
Hi Daniel
Thank you for your comments. We love Bangkok will be there in April again.
Cheers Jane and Duncan
Out of all those reasons that inspire you to travel to Bangkok, the most valid is to be the part of the calming silence. The vibes at Bangkok islands are exceptional and, you will get to know this only by experiencing it.
Hi Shraddha
Thanks for your comments. Thailand Islands are known for their beauty, it is a beautiful part of the world.
Cheers Jane and Duncan
Out of each one of those reasons that move you to venture out to Bangkok, the most legitimate is to be the piece of the quieting quietness. The vibes at Bangkok islands are extraordinary and, you will become more acquainted with this just by encountering it.
Hi Katherine
Thanks for your comments on our article on Bangkok. The islands are peaceful and laid back. Two contrasts!
Cheers Jane and Duncan
Hello totraveltoo!!
I really like this lovely and amazing article, It is very convincing and useful for all those who does not like that area of Bangkok. Thanks for sharing this article with all of us.
Thank you
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