The best things to do in Bangkok with useful tips
Bangkok is the charming, vibrant, but for some, overwhelming capital of Thailand. Bangkok is the city where most travellers begin their journey through Thailand or Asia. With all the things to do in Bangkok, you can easily spend three days exploring the city.
Many associate Bangkok with a love-hate relationship: on the one hand, the city is noisy, stuffy and smelly. However, the chaos and hustle and bustle is fascinating. Especially for shopping, Bangkok's markets offer everything your heart desires.
This travel guide shows you the best corners and sights in Bangkok, so that you will love this city through and through!
Things to do in Bangkok
How to spend the first few days in Bangkok is described differently in every travel guide. In this article, we will explore the less frequented and lesser known corners of this city.
HOTEL WANTED
To find a good hotel, we recommend the platform Booking.com. We always book our accommodation on this platform or directly with American Express, as we get additional discounts with the American Express Platinum credit card (see details here, only worthwhile for frequent travellers).
1. explore Bangkok by bike
One of the best things to do in Bangkok is to explore the city by bike. Take a 5-hour bike ride and explore the small side streets, outskirts, markets, Chinatown, temples and canals.
Don't worry, you won't be permanently on your bike, halfway through you'll take your bike for a boat ride through Bangkok's famous canals and then enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.
2. explore the canals by longtail boat
The "Venice of the East" is a vast network of canals. Along these rivers, many Thai people in Bangkok live in their wooden houses. The canals connected Bangkok with the whole city.
The Thonburi district is super picturesque, less touristy and highly recommended to take a longtail boat tour through the canals in Bangkok.
3. visit the night markets
Night markets are a real way to get an authentic taste of Thai culture. And the best part? You can still find bargains and support local businesses at the same time! But beware: there are 40 night markets in Bangkok alone.
Bangkok is famous for its food markets, souvenir markets and floating markets. They are all quite touristy and sell the same items.
A night market in Bangkok is not like the ones you might already know: Rot Fai Market, better known as The Train Market. It is an open-air market with more than 2000 stalls, a trendy and inspiring market in Thailand. The best thing is, you'll still be one of the few tourists despite its increasing popularity. The locals love hanging out here.
Also visit Chatuchak Weekend Market (largest weekend market, Saturday-Sunday) or The One Ratchada (Train Night Market Ratchada).
Tip: Bargaining is common in Thailand. Aim to pay 40% of the original quoted price.
The One Ratchada Train Market
I can remember my first trip to Bangkok. Everything was new and when we visited the night market I was in paradise. Not only are there lots of clothes to buy, but also many food stalls with traditional Thai food, which is really delicious.
Caution: Since it's mainly locals who eat here, you should be careful when ordering spicy food. There is no "tourist" spiciness here, but real Thai spiciness.
If you don't feel like shopping anymore, you can have a drink or two in one of the many bars. The bars are housed in old containers. The whole thing is a little Bangkok hipster place where the nightlife pulsates.
Foreign smells, traditional delicacies in cookshops that look uninviting and extremely unhealthy by European standards await you here. Take a bite and dare! Let yourself be carried away by the warm atmosphere.
Chatuchack Weekendmarket (JJ Market)
If it's your first time in Bangkok or even Thailand, you might get a real "culture shock" at the market. Countless colourful stalls as far as the eye can see. While nothing surprises you in western metropolises, you feel really foreign for the first time in your life in the midst of cooking spoons, puppies, comic shirts and plastic flowers. That's exactly what's so fascinating about travelling!
At over 15,000 stalls, you can find everything your heart desires. Although the stalls all seem to follow a system, I haven't really figured it out yet, but it's also much nicer to just let yourself be driven by the masses and discover the market on your own. The market is less crowded than the famous Khao San Road Night Market and offers a more authentic impression of Bangkok.
Be sure to try the many food options at Chatuchack Weekend Market.
An insider tip: Many people don't know that there is also the Chatuchak Friday Nightmarket. The night market is open every Friday and surprisingly, the prices are often cheaper than at the well-known Chatuchack Weekend Market on Saturday and Sunday.
Products on offer include clothing, vintage fashion, shoes, handbags and accessories.
Friday Nightmarket opens at 10pm and some stalls don't close until 3am.
Getting there:
Take the BTS skytrain to Mochit Station.
Chatuckak Weekend Market - Bangkok's best and most famous market. 
4. eat like the locals: street food and cookshops
If you love authentic Thai food, don't be afraid to feast at the many street stalls and food stalls! The sure sign that it tastes good here is simple: look out for long queues or lots of Thais sitting on plastic chairs around the cookshop - chances are good that the freshest and most popular dishes are there.
Bangkok is known for its delicious street food. Popular dishes include Pad Thai (fried rice noodles), Tom Yum Goong (spicy prawn soup) and Kanom Jeen Namya (rice noodles in a thick fish curry).
Delicious curries, pad thais, spicy papaya salad, chicken cashew and so much more choice. Prepare yourself for a fantastic culinary experience.
Meal prices change rapidly depending on the popularity of the area. Plan to pay between 40 and 120 THB (2 euros) for a meal and 250 THB for a whole grilled fish.
Tip: Cookshop opposite the Adelphi Suites Hotel.
A real treat is the cookshop opposite the Adelphi Suites Hotel and a clinic near the BTS NANA station. Here, in the backyard, hotel staff from the surrounding hotels eat delicious Thai curries and soups. And for Bangkok prices: For 1 to 2 euros, you're sure to eat your fill and be happy here!
5 Treat yourself to a smoothie!
Everywhere in Thailand, fresh smoothies and fruit juices are a big deal. They are delicious, come in all sorts of fruit flavours and are totally affordable. Every market offers fresh fruit smoothies. Watch out though: most stalls add sugar water to make them taste even better. Healthy tip: order "no sugar".
6. the temples of Bangkok
The usual activities in Bangkok are to visit the Grand Palace, the floating market and the Chatuchak market. These are great, but we focus on avoiding mass tourism and experiencing the city in its beauty (except Wat Pho, you should definitely visit that):
1. Wat Pho
Wat Pho is one of the oldest temples in Bangkok and houses the 46-metre reclining Buddha. Very impressive, touristy, but a must for your first visit to Bangkok. If you visit early (around 8am), it is relaxed to stroll through the complex. There is a fee of 100 THB (3 euros) to enter Wat Pho.
With over 1,000 statues, Wat Pho is one of the largest temple complexes in Thailand! Take your time to explore the grounds and look at the fine details on the statues.
2 Wat Benchamabophit
Rise early for an enchanting sunrise at Wat Benchamabophit. Italian marble gives the temple a unique look and is our favourite temple in Bangkok. It's just outside of Bangkok's old town, and since it's not very well known (yet), it's likely you'll be one of the few tourists there.
The temple opens at 6 am, entrance for a donation of 50 THB (1,5 Euro). After 8.30am, the first small groups of tourists arrive. Before that you are so alone.
Note: "Wat" means temple in the Thai language.
Wat Benchamabophit in Bangkok
3 Wat Arun
Standing at over 75 metres tall, Wat Arun is easy to spot from across the river. One of the most impressive temples in Bangkok, it opened at the end of 2017 after a year-long renovation. Climbing to the top gives you a great panoramic view of the river and the city.
Take the ferry (cost 4 THB) from the ferry terminal to the other side of the river. It's only a 3-minute walk to the entrance (50 THB).
Good to know: In all temples it is compulsory to cover the shoulders and knees.
Wat Arun in Bangkok at dusk
Insider tip off the beaten track: Wat Mangkon Kamalawat
Wat Mangkon Kamalawat is an impressive Buddhist temple in Chinatown. It is less visited than other famous temples in the city.
Important note: Wat Mangkon Kamalawat is an important site for the Chinese community in Bangkok, so again, please make sure you are dressed appropriately and enter the temple with respect.
Wat Mangkon Kamalawat in Chinatown in Bangkok
7. take a tuk-tuk around the city
Another thing you should do in Bangkok is to experience at least one ride on a tuk tuk. These speedy drivers will get you from A to B in minutes, even in the worst traffic, by zigzagging through the traffic.
Caution: With each visit to Bangkok, the tuk tuk drivers have become bolder and sometimes charge far too much. Bargaining is the order of the day. Tuk-tuk drivers are stubborn when it comes to negotiating. If you can't agree on a reasonable price, turn your back on him and take a taxi or UBER instead.
Take a tuk-tuk from Wat Benchamabophit to the ferry dock at Wat Arun. The morning ride takes about 20 minutes and the price should be between 100 and 200 THB. Arrange a price in advance!
8 Khao San Road and Soi Rambuttri
Khao San Road was THE legendary backpacker street for many years. A paradise for every price-conscious backpacker. A street with many small bars, food stalls, souvenirs, cheap buckets of alcohol (buckets) and vendors of fried scorpions. Stroll down this street and be amazed at what goes on here. Absolute must-see in Bangkok, even if it's not my favourite place in the city.
Soi Rambuttri is the neighbouring street to Khao San. The street has more food stalls and cosy restaurants.
Tip: On our very first trip (early 20s) we booked a cheap hostel here. If you want to sleep at night, look for accommodation elsewhere.
9. coffee and food
Besides local Thai food, Bangkok offers many western style restaurants. Of course, the prices are higher, but some places are worth a visit.
Patom
In the creative district of Thong Lo, there is a Zen retreat made of wood and glass in the middle of the big city. They sell organic products, cakes and pies, fantastic coffee and want to raise ecological awareness.
(Not Just) Another Cup or Brekkie
For a good western breakfast or lunch, visit either Brekkie Organic Cafe or (Not Just) Another Cup. Two appealing cafes with delicious food and good coffee.
10 Shopping at the malls in Bangkok
Escape the heat of the city and go shopping at some of the super malls in Bangkok. There are at least ten malls, all located next to BTS stations, making it super easy to get there.
Our two favourite malls are Terminal 21 for shopping clothes and CentralWorld, also for clothes and electronics stuff.
Many well-known shops like H&M, Zara, Brandy Melville, creative Japanese and big electronics shops are located here. There is a large cinema and food area on the top floors of the malls.
Shopping in the MBK Centre
What was originally planned as a structured shopping centre now has everything from branded goods to more or less well-made fakes and traditional Thai goods on (over)offer. While there is a huge Footplace on the top floor, traders on the floors below sell electrical goods, clothes and all kinds of useless stuff. You should definitely allow enough time to rummage through the shops and stalls.
Howto get there: The BTS station "National Stadium" has a direct pedestrian crossing to MBK.
Shop until you drop at MBK 
No one can avoid the MBK when visiting Bangkok.
Sunset at a Skybar or Rooftop Bar - Must do in Bangkok!
A great way to end your time in Bangkok is to watch the sunset from a rooftop bar. Enjoy a 360-degree view of the whole city and many floors above the sky. Some of these bars have a dress code, be sure to check this in advance.
Here I have two favourites to introduce you to.
The Rooftop Bar of the Sofitel Hotel (if you like it stylish and luxurious).
The prices are hefty by Thai standards (but absolutely within reason and not comparable to the prices of the Lebua, for example), but the atmosphere is unbeatable. The glass railing offers a clear view of the skyline of the world metropolis. The drinks are accompanied by small snacks that are just as unpretentious as the ambience.
The good thing is that while in other bars you are only allowed in long trousers and closed shoes, the dress code at the Sofitel is not quite so strict. Especially when you're backpacking, you're happy to forgo the fancier clothes, but you still want to go out smartly from time to time.
Men wearing shorts and women wearing flip flops are no problem here, but a certain standard is still required.
Getting there:
BTS skytrain to NANA station, 2 minutes walk to the hotel.
Sofitel
189 Shukumvit Road Soi 13-15
The Sofitel's Rooftop Bar - Stylish & Elegant
Nest Rooftop Lounge in Bangkok (For those who like it cool and authentic).
A few steps away from the street noise of Shukumvit I found this small but nice bar on the 9th floor with a cool "beach-jungle" ambience and was immediately hooked! The view of the starry sky from one of the lounges or couches with a delicious cocktail in your hand is priceless.
Nice service and live music make a relaxing evening at the Nest perfect. No need for long trousers or closed shoes here either. The ambience and prices are more like a starndbar than a rooftop bar.
Getting there:
BTS skytrain to NANA station, then walk one block.
The Nest Rooftop Lounge
LeFenix Hotel
33/33 Soi Shukumvit 11
Beach Jungle at its best
Best bar with a view in Bangkok - Eagle Nest!
The interesting thing about Bangkok is its diversity. The most beautiful places are often found where you don't expect them. That's what happened to me this time near the temple of Wat Poh. In one of the winding backyards, where you wouldn't expect it, the "Eagle Nest" offers a beautiful roof terrace, which is reached via a steep spiral staircase.
On the one hand, with a view of the famous temple with the reclining Buddha and on the other - and this is really a super highlight: with a fantastic view of the Temple of Dawn Wat Arun, directly above the river.
While there are other bars down by the river, I find the Rooftop Bar much better, as you are away from the often smelly and dirty water and have a fantastic all-round view.
The cocktail menu is large, and although you pay a bhat or two for the view, it's still very reasonably priced. It's well worth a visit, especially at sunset when the temple is lit up with colourful light displays.
How to get there:
There is no skytrain to this place. However, you can easily get to Wat Poh by taxi boat or a normal taxi.
47-49 Soi Pen Phimarn, Tha Tien
www.salaarun.com
Planning your Bangkok trip
Arriving in Bangkok means the beginning of a holiday for most people. Before heading to one of Thailand's paradise islands, I'm always happy to spend a few days in the metropolis. Walking through the busy streets, eating a curry at cookshops and just enjoying the flair of the city.
How many days to spend in Bangkok?
If you are doing a Thailand tour, 3 to 4 days is enough to see the main sights in Bangkok. However, you can easily spend a week in Bangkok without getting bored. A tip: You will come back to Thailand anyway and can then spend another 2 - 3 days in Bangkok to do even more activities.
How to get there: Book a flight to Bangkok
Many airlines fly directly to Bangkok from Germany. If you want to save money, it is also worth taking an open jaw flight with other good airlines such as Emirates, Etihad, Turkish Airways or others. It is therefore worth comparing prices and booking early.
I always look first at Skyscannerand then later check directly with the airlines on their website to see if the flights aren't cheaper.
The city has two airports. Most flights from Germany land at Suvarnabhumi Airport, but some land at Don Mueang. Both are international airports.
Getting from the airport to the city centre in Bangkok
Suvarnabhumi Airport
Suvarnabhumi Airport is connected by BTS (follow the "Airport Rail Link" signs). The journey to Bangkok City takes only 30 minutes and costs only between 15 - 45 THB (1 USD). Once you get off the BTS, you can order a taxi to take you to your accommodation.
Don Mueang
Don Mueang Airport does not yet have a BTS service. However, there is a train that connects Don Mueang with Hualamphong station that costs no more than 10 THB (€0.30). Trains run every hour to hour and a half between 4am and 11.30am, and then about once an hour from 2pm to 9.30pm.
When you finally arrive, you usually land at Suvarnabhumi Airport. You now have three options to get to the centre:
By taxi
You must make sure you take an official taxi. You can recognise them by the taximeter sign on the roof. You have to join the queue of people waiting for a taxi. A ride to the centre from Suvarnabhumi Airport costs around 400 baht.
Note: At rush hour, taxi drivers will want an extra amount. Work out the fare before you get in. In Bangkok, every driver wants to take the highway. These are toll roads, but you save a lot of time. Taxi drivers will ask you to pay this fee.
The roads in Bangkok are often totally congested - congestion is the order of the day.
By bus
The cheapest but most inconvenient way to get to the centre of Bangkok is by bus. As no scheduled buses stop at the airport anymore, you have to take the free shuttle bus to the bus station first to get to the city centre.
Getting around the city
Anyone who has ever been stuck in Bangkok's heavy traffic knows how little fun it can be to get from A to B in this bustling city. However, since Bangkok has no real centre, it is impossible to experience the city on foot alone.
The best and cheapest ways to get from A to B in Bangkok are by BTS / Metro, motorbike and Grab Taxi (like UBER). Use Google Maps to decide which mode of transport offers the best value for money.
We would tend to avoid taxis and tuk-tuks in the meantime. Unless you're up for some persistent bargaining.
An excellent and super cheap option is the BTS Sky Train. The express train simply cuts through the heavy traffic and stops at all important points in the city (except Wat Pho - as tourists are not really welcome here, the train simply doesn't go there).
Where to stay in Bangkok? My tips for hotels
Since you're bound to be exhausted after the long-haul flight, you won't feel like looking for accommodation spontaneously on the spot. Book a hotel from home, then arriving is more relaxed and you don't have to search for accommodation.
During my Bangkok trips, I stayed in a variety of hotels, from the more luxurious to the cheap "flophouse" near Khao San Road. I would never do the latter again as the noise level is far too loud.
Hotel tips for Bangkok in the centre
Bangkok is full of hotels and guesthouses for every budget. If you're looking for nightlife around Khao San Road, look for one in the Khao San area (not our tip.
Otherwise, it's best to find a hotel or Airbnb in the Sukhumvit area. The BTS is connected throughout the area, making it super easy to get around.
Affordable and modern hotels or hostels with double rooms in excellent locations include the Chao Hostelthe Novotel at Siam Square or the Sribumpen Plus.
Also in a prime location, with great value for money, is the Siam@Siam Hotel. The rooms are spacious and thanks to the direct location at the Siam Center and MBK, you are quickly in the centre. The Skytrain is also only a few metres away. I have even stayed here twice.
For a little more money you can stay at the stylish Radisson Blu Plaza in the centre of Bangkok. It is also in the centre on Sukhumvit Road and only a few minutes' walk from the BTS Skytrain "Asoke" station.
The Radisson Blu in Bangkok has large, bright rooms, a large breakfast buffet and a great pool.
HOTEL WANTED? ????
If you are looking for a good hotel, we recommend the platform booking.com. We always book our accommodation on this platform or directly with American Express, as we get additional discounts with the American Express Platinum credit card (see details here, only worthwhile for frequent travellers).
Exchanging money and credit cards for Thailand travel
I never exchange money in Germany before a trip. This is because I have a free credit card from the Hanseatic Bank, with which I can withdraw cash in local currency free of charge not only in Bangkok, but worldwide. Without having to pay any fees.
This not only saves me a lot of time queuing at exchange offices, but also the fees that are charged.
For more information, see my detailed comparison of the best credit cards for travel.
2023 the best credit cards are GenialCard from the Hanseatic Bankthe VISA Card the DKB Bank (as active customer) and the awa 7 credit card (???? "Green" product of the Hanseatic Bank). With these cards, you can withdraw money free of charge from ATMs and pay locally without paying foreign fees abroad in foreign currencies! With both credit cards you can make contactless payments and use Apple Pay and Google Pay. Here you will find all tips on the best travel credit card 2023 with comparison.
Internet: Buy a SIM card in Bangkok
There are plenty of SIM card shops at the airport. We recommend getting a SIM card at the airport so that you can easily use Grab (app for taxis) and find your way around the city.
You can also buy a SIM card that suits your needs on Amazon before you travel.
The biggest providers are AIS, dtac and True Move and all offer prepaid SIM cards with a 30-day flat rate internet package. This is ideal if you are on holiday in Thailand as a tourist. It's easy, all you have to do is show your passport and pay the agreed amount.
Our current tip is the SIM card from True Move, because as of today (January 2023) AIS does not currently offer a proper data flat rate as a prepaid version. Read all tips for SIM cards in Thailand here.
How much does a stay in Bangkok cost?
Hotel: 30 to 100 euros per night (the sky's the limit, of course)
Airbnb: from 20 euros/night
Guest house: from 15 euros/night
Food and drink: 15 - 50 euros a day (depending on where you eat out)
Transport: 10 euros a day
The best tours for your first visit to Bangkok
Are you visiting Bangkok for the first time and want to get a quick overview of the city's main sites and attractions?
Private city tour - Bangkok in one day
Then I recommend you to take a classic city tour to the most important sights. This way you get to know Bangkok in one day and get a first insight and are not immediately overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle. Your guide will pick you up directly at your hotel and have further valuable tips for the city.
→ You can book this Bangkok city tour directly with Get your Guide.
Bicycle tours through Bangkok
The traffic in Bangkok is very chaotic. But with a bike, you won't be riding on the congested streets. There are even bicycle lanes - would you have thought that? I only took part in the bike tour on my second visit and was very amazed by it.
The Bangkok Colours bike tour takes you through parts of the city you probably wouldn't visit. You not only pass skyscrapers, but also see the city's poor districts. You cross the river by longtail boat. The routes are away from the traffic and lead you through surprising nature. The tour takes about 5 hours.
Recommendation for good Bangkok travel guides with Bangkok tips
There are really many travel guides for Bangkok. But they all contain more or less the same sights and tips.
My favourite and absolute recommendation for Bangkok is therefore the e-book by two absolute insiders when it comes to Bangkok:
Over 140 photos will make you look forward to your holiday in Thailand! The e-book costs only 6.90 € and also offers an unbelievably good price/performance ratio.
555 Tips for Bangkok - (Ebook) | printed book
By far the most comprehensive Bangkok travel guide currently available!
Tip for a Thailand travel guide as pfd
In this e-book about Thailand you will find the most beautiful destinations, route suggestions and tips for planning your Thailand trip from a real Thailand expert.
More information for a trip to Thailand:
An overview of all information about travelling to Thailand
A packing list for Thailand
The best travel guides for Thailand
My tip: The 6 most beautiful beaches in Southeast Asia