Bangkok, the capital and largest city of Thailand, is the most chaotic yet most exciting capital city in the world. Countless tuk tuks, street food and about 400 temples.

The hottest capital in the world, with average temperatures reaching 28 degrees celcius, it’s also one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world, with nearly 22 million tourists visiting in 2018 alone.

So how is it going to be? Want to get to know this city better and be one of the tourist in this amazing city? In this post you will learn as many as 12 reasons to visit this incredible city.

Usually tourists have the opportunity to spend only a few days in Bangkok, we decided to move to the Thai capital for as long as a month and try to explore all its nooks.

Little did we knew… this is not possible!

Bangkok has so much to offer that we think we would not have enough life to know it inside out.

It is said that Bangkok is either loved or hated, we belong to the first group and we hope that after this post you will love it too.

#1 Wat Pho Temple

The Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is the most visited temple complex in Bangkok.
The main temple contains a 15-meter-tall and 46-meter-long reclining Buddha, made entirely of brick and plaster, covered with gold plate, and the Buddha’s feet are inlaid with mother-of-pearl, carved, with sacred signs. This statue makes an amazing impression.

The temple in which the Buddha is housed is beautifully painted, and on one of the main walls there are 108 bowls made of bronze, supposed to represent 108 auspicious qualities of the Buddha. Dropping a coin into each of them results in wealth and good fortune.

In addition, you will see fountains, bonsai trees, as well as numerous smaller Buddha statues. It is said that there are as many as a thousand of them in this complex.

Entrance costs $5.70 (THB 200). You can buy tickets on the spot, and the ticket price also includes a bottle of water, which you can get from a vending machine located in front of the main temple. Just scan the code from the ticket.

#2 Wat Phra Kaew and Kings Palace

Wat Phra Kaew is also known as the temple of the Emerald Buddha. It is the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. It was built in 1782 and is located on the grounds of the Grand Palace. Filled with gold, silver, stones and beautiful paintings of the Buddha’s life, the temple has a huge gold pagoda Phra Si Ratana Chedi in the center.

The whole complex is incredibly well-kept and richly decorated, full of smaller and larger nooks and crannies worth exploring.

In addition to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, noteworthy is the Royal Palace, which, although you can admire only from the outside, is a place that arouses admiration.

The building is the former seat of the King of Thailand. It is incredibly beautiful and richly decorated, and the garden around it invites you to take a short walk. On the right side of the palace stands another beautiful temple, which should not be missed during the tour.

Entry to the king’s palace grounds is quite expensive, as it costs as much as $15 (THB 500), and all visitors, both men and women, must have their knees and shoulders covered. Also not allowed are 3/4 pants and scarves as shoulder coverings. It must be a blouse or t-shirt. In addition to these restrictive dress rules, vlogging is not allowed on the palace grounds.

The list of prohibitions and orders is unfortunately long, but the place is amazing and worth obeying.

#3 Wat Arun Temple

Otherwise known as the Shrine of the Dawn, it is a place that is best visited during sunrise. Against the colorful sky it looks most beautiful then.

Standing on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, the temple is characterized by a 79-meter tower standing in the center, whose shape resembles a corn cob.

The building is lined with pieces of Chinese ceramics, which arrived in Thailand on ships from China. The ceramics, as well as the statues guarding the entrances, were a burden for ships sailing to Thailand.

Entrance to the temple costs $5.70 (THB 200), price is including one bottle of water per ticket. Tickets can be purchased on site.

#4 Wat Samphran

This unique temple is located outside the city of Bangkok, but is worth a trip outside the city boarders.

Wat Samphran is otherwise known as the Pink Temple, or the Dragon Temple. Well, it’s not surprising considering the fact that the temple is both pink and surrounded by a dragon.

It’s certainly a different looking temple than the ones you’ve seen so far. It is unique and beautiful in every way. The pink color of the temple harmonizes beautifully with the green color of the dragon. And the best time to visit this temple is just before sunset, at which time it looks most beautiful.

In front of the temple charming old ladies sell red ribbons, if you buy one you can write your prayer/wish on it and tie it at the feet of the Buddha located at the very top. To get to him, you must enter the dragon’s interior. A tunnel will lead you all the way to the mouth of the dragon, at the top. From where the views are amazing and the light breeze cools you off pleasantly after the climb.

The entrance to the temple is for free, but donations are gladly accepted. Remember that before entering it is necessary to take off your shoes, the tunnel/dragon you go through is on foot and barefoot.

#5 China Town

Every evening in China Town there is an amazing night market. Tourists as well as locals are very eager to visit this place, so much so that sometimes it’s really hard to get through the crowd. And all this is due to the amazing street food that China Town has to offer.

There is something for everyone, from seafood, vegetarian dishes, as well as meat dishes. In addition to the amazing food, China Town is known for its wonderful vibe. It is truly a must do experience, at least once during your visit to Bangkok.

#6 Khaosan Road

Once loved by backpackers from all over the world, Khaosan today is a place frequented by all kinds of tourists. From those looking for delicious and cheap street food, affordable clothes, relaxing massages, as well as authentic souvenirs. There is something for everyone here.

In the evening this street changes beyond recognition. Every bar plays music, often live, and the local Chang beer is poured in streams. The street is teeming with life.

Right next to Khaosan Road is the more elegant Soi Rambuttri street full of beautiful restaurants, several stores with unique clothing, accessories and jewelry. Here you can definitely feel that it was made for tourists.

But even here at its end you’ll find cheap street food, delicious smoothies, and for the more adventurous even alligator meat. Don’t be surprised if every now and then someone wants to sell you a fried scorpion or a spider.

Both streets are worth a visit, at least once. Although there is a high probability that your hotel will be close by and these streets will be some of your most frequented in Bangkok.

#7 MBK Center

Like any major city, Bangkok and its residents also love shopping malls. MBK is one of them. It’s a huge space with two thousand stores, restaurants and exchange bureaus selling probably everything. One floor is devoted entirely to electronics, on another you’ll find an incredible number of clothing stores, and on another floor you’ll find stores with… fake staff. From shoes and handbags to clothes.

If you still have some space in your suitcase, at MBK you are sure to find things that will help you fill it.

For movie lovers, the MBK center offers a cinema that plays major world cinema premieres, in English. If you yearn for the big screen, MBK got you covered.

#8 Siam Paragon

Practically opposite MBK is another shopping center which is its complete opposite. Siam Paragon is one of several shopping malls of the Siam chain. Here you will find original items from designers, as well as several chain stores known all over the world.

The first floor of the building will be loved by every foodie, the offer is so rich that I guarantee no one will leave here hungry. Prices are higher, but a cheesecake with salted caramel from „Home Bake“ is worth any money.

Siam Paragon also has a market full of foreign products, so if you long for the flavors of your home country, we’re sure you’ll find what you’re looking for here and much more. Such as exclusive pears from Japan worth a bagatelle $28 (THB 1’000) for two.

No less at Gourmet Market you will also find cheaper local products.

#9 Dog in Town Cafe

Is there a cuter place then a cafe full of dogs?

Dog in Town is an ideal place for people who love dogs. There are as many as ten of them there, and each of them is named after one of Bangkok’s Sky Train stations. So there is Samrong, Nana, Asok and Bearing. The dogs are incredibly friendly and the staff is really helpful.

You can buy treats on the spot, which the dogs love, and the bulldog will not leave your side since. The dogs are also eager for a cuddle and a walk in the garden in front of the cafe.

Entry costs THB 350, and the price includes one drink. Charges are accepted only with a card. Before entering, you must disinfect your hands and take off your shoes, and put your names on the list of visitors.

Remember that dogs are not a toy and should not be disturbed, and do not disturb them when they sleep.

#10 Lumpini Park

Resembling Central Park in NYC, Lumpini Park is a green oasis in chaotic and noisy Bangkok.

The park is frequented by locals who wish to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a while. Apart from a few tourists you will also meet many Varanas, which are not dangerous, but it is better not to approach them. They usually bask on the shore of the lake, on the trees or swimming in the lake.

In the park there is also a local open space gym, several small statues, small temples, and a race track which becomes more besieged as the sun sets.

Entrance to the park is free, inside there are unfortunately no cafes or places selling drinks, so it’s best to stock up before entering the park.

#11 Soi Cowboy

Enjoying a less than stellar reputation, Soi Cowboy Street is a red-light district that will not be ideal for anyone visiting Bangkok. It’s quite short, lit up with numerous neon signs, and there are plenty of places to party.

It certainly shows a completely different side of Bangkok, so we recommend you just take a quick walk through this short street.

#12 Night Market Ratchada

Bangkok is known for its numerous markets where you can buy practically everything from food, drinks, to clothes and accessories.
Ratchada seems to be the perfect night market. The food section is located behind the clothing section, giving the impression that everything is perfectly organized.

The stalls are nicely lit, and the products are presented in such a way that you feel like shopping. Although this market is not one of the largest, thanks to this order and tidiness it may become a favorite in all of Bangkok.

#13 Above 11 Sky Bar

Bangkok is famous for its Sky bars, and anyone who has seen Hangover in Bangkok knows what they are talking about. There is a lot to choose from, and the places, in addition to the views, also differ in prices for drinks or beverages.

Sometimes such an experience can cost quite a fortune. So if you don’t want to spend it on drinks, go to Above 11. The place has a beautiful panorama of the city, the staff is incredibly friendly and the drinks affortable.

#14 Ancient City

Located outside the city of Bangkok – Ancient City, is a huge park, with replicas of the most popular landmarks of Thailand.

Interestingly, the park is shaped like Thailand, and the replicas are built exactly in the same places in the park area as they are built in reality on the map of Thailand.

Ancient City of the largest private outdoor museums in the world, it has more than 120 buildings and is located on as much as 360 acres.

Because the park is huge, there are free bicycles available to visitors, and for those who prefer to explore the park more comfortably, there are also golf carts (additional fees apply).

Unfortunately, at the moment many of the buildings in the park are dilapidated, or under renovation, which can be a bit disappointing for visitors.

Entry to the park is not the cheapest as you have to pay as much as $21 (700THB) per person for entrance. And if you want to rent a golf cart, one hour of rental costs $10 (350THB) for a two-person cart, and each next hour $3 (100THB). If you are traveling in more than two people (maximum 4 people per golf cart) the prices increase accordingly.

To get to the park take the BTS Sky Train and go as far as Kheha BTS Station. After leaving the station, board the free shuttle bus provided by the park. Or take the local songthaew, which is fast, cheap ($0.30) and will get you to Ancient City with no problem.

#15 Big Buddha

Located at the outskirts of Bangkok, Big Buddha is one of the tallest statues of Buddha in Thailand. The Buddha statue also known as Phra Buddha Dhammakāya Thepmongkhon, is in cross-legged meditation posture and is as much as 70 meters high and 40 meters wide. It is located right next to Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen, a temple that was built in 1610.

In addition to the temple, nearby there is also an 80-meter high white stupa (built in 2012), which has as many as 5 floors open to visitors. Inside the stupa, there is museum, and an amazing chedi in emerald – green color. The room in which chedi is standing, walls are beautifully painted , and the ceiling is in amazing green color with some nice patterns.

The statue of the Great Buddha can be seen from the train station, because in addition to its size it is all in gold color, which sets it apart from the surrounding buildings.

Both up close and from a distance, the statue is incredibly impressive and although it is not often visited by tourists, it should definitely be on your list of places to visit in Bangkok.

Entrance to the temple and white stupa is for free.

Bangkok has as many as two international airports Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang, depending on where you are traveling from it is certain that you will land at one of them.

Suvarnabuhmi Airport is connected by Airport Rail Link to central Bangkok. The City Line is located on the basement level at the Airport. The price per ticket varies between THB 35 and THB 45 (about $1). And the trip itself is completely safe and pleasant.

Don Mueang Airport is connected to the center by bus line, unfortunately, buses in Bangkok, although incredibly cheap, take a very long time, sometimes three times longer than Google maps suggests. Therefore, unfortunately, it is not the best means of transportation.

It’s definitely faster and more convenient to get from both Suvarnabuhmi and Don Mueang airports to the city center by cab, and in order not to completely break the bank for this trip, use the Bolt or Grab app, which will allow you to get from the airport for a fair price.

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‎Bolt: Fahrten anfordern

Developer: BOLT TECHNOLOGY OU

Price: Free

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Bolt: Fahrten anfordern

Developer: Bolt Technology

Price: Free

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‎Grab: Taxi Ride, Food Delivery

Developer: Grab.com

Price: Free

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Grab - Taxi & Food Delivery

Developer: Grab Holdings

Price: Free

Getting around Bangkok is incredibly easy. You can choose from several options, ranging from the cheapest to the most expensive, but not so expensive that you should rule out using them altogether.

Bus

Bus is the cheapest option, but as mentioned above the travel time by this means of transport takes more time than expected, especially during rush hour. Buses are different, sometimes a little newer, and sometimes very old, with fans in the ceiling instead of air conditioning and wooden floors, full of friendly locals who will admire you for using the buses.

You can buy bus tickets as soon as you get on the bus from the people selling them (not from the driver) you just need to say where you want to go. Payment for the ticket is accepted only in cash and preferably in small denominations, as sometimes the fare costs as little as THB 10 (30 cents).

BTS Sky Train

BTS Sky Train is also a fairly cheap means of transportation, with fares ranging from $1-$2. The trains are fast and modern, taking you to the center from the farthest corners of Bangkok.

You can buy tickets with cash at the station. The machines offer a change of language to English and are mega-easy to operate.
However, if you are not sure how to operate it, just approach the ticket counter and purchase your ticket there.

MRT Subway

MRT Subway is a handy way to get around Bangkok, depending on where you start your journey. Prices, like those for the Sky Train, are very reasonable, and again, tickets can be bought at both the subway station machines and the ticket office. Here, instead of a ticket, you get a token.

Taxis

Taxis will get you practically anywhere. It is enough to stand by the street and surely some one will stop. It is important to find out where you want to go before you get in the taxi, and to ask for the Taxi Meter to be turned on. If the driver does not agree to this, wait for another cab. If the cab takes you without the Taxi Meter the price can be horrendously high. Payment of fare only in cash.

If you prefer to know before departure how much a taxi ride will cost, or if you do not have cash, the Bolt or Grab app will once again come to your rescue. However, the fare with this app can sometimes be slightly higher than with Taxi Meter. But these are not big differences.

Tuk Tuk

Tuk Tuk, which is a motorcycle with a trailer in the back, in which passengers sit. Tourists absolutely love Tuk Tuks and every now and then you can spot some passing, laughing tourists in a Tuk Tuk. However, it is the most expensive means of transportation in Bangkok, as the driver does not have a taxi meter and can charge whatever price he likes.

Nevertheless, a Tuk Tuk ride is a must-do during your stay in Bangkok, but remember two important rules. Before starting the trip, tell the driver where you want to go and agree on the price, necessarily haggling. And never (if you don’t have to) take a Tuk Tuk, which is located in front of tourist attractions. Just go a little further away and the price will be much lower.

Use Google Maps to choose the best mean of transport for you.

Most of the sights in Bangkok are relatively centrally located within the MRT Blue Line (Bangkok Metro). Here you will also find the highest density of accommodation.

Because of the central location, of course, the prices are respectively higher. If you don’t mind traveling a little bit with the BTS Sky Train and having cheaper accommodations, you should also consider that in your search.

It’s possible to eat cheaply and well in Bangkok, you’ll find the cheapest food at the streetfood. Here prices for Pad Thai start at THB 40 ($1) for a meal without meat. Restaurants are many times more expensive, but often worth the price.

Favorite Bangkok street food places

• China Town
• Khaosan Road
• Sukumvit 11

Favorite Bangkok restaurants

• Get Fresh | Amazing burritos
• Veganerie Lasalle | Great vegetarian food
• MOS Burger | Good burgers
• Pizza Company | Tasty pizza
• Zanotti | Best pizza in town
• UCC Coffee Roastery | Delicious bowls
• The Corner | Great falafel
• Maderla | Amazing Pad Thai

Food you need to try during your stay in Bangkok

• Pad thai
• Green papaya salad
• Green, yellow and red curry
• Roti
• Mango sticky rice

The best time to visit Bangkok is form November to February. It is a „cool“ season but then the weather is the best. It is right after rainy season, and temperatures are not so crazy hot.

For your Thailand visit you will need a visa on arrival, and it’s free. It allows you to stay in Thailand for up to 30 days. Check the current Thailand visa requirements well in advance.

The prices are per person, except for the accommodation and Taxi, which we rent for 2 people.

Accommodation: $15 – $50 / night

Restaurant: $4 – $10 / meal

Snack: $1 – $4 / meal

Pleasure: $1 – $10 / event

Taxi: $2 – $9 / ride

Transport: $0.75 – $2.15 / ride

Activity: $5 – $13 / event