What to see in Bangkok: 18 best sights and things to do

Bangkok is an extraordinary city, where culture and frenetic life coexist, amidst sky bars, oriental temples and Thai massage centres.
It is a glittering metropolis of extraordinary complexity and a thousand contradictions, and it is precisely these peculiarities that make it so attractive and fascinating.
To enjoy the Thai capital at its best, here is a guide on what to see in Bangkok, with the best attractions and things to do!

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1 - Royal Palace / Wat Phra Kaew

Built in 1782, the year Bangkok officially became the country's capital after the fall of the kingdom of Ayutthaya and Thonburi, it lies on the banks of the Chao Phraya river and is surrounded by a 1.9 km long wall.
The complex is huge: it comprises more than 100 buildings including palaces and pavilions. The rulers of Thailand once lived here for many years. Today, the king only comes here for certain official ceremonies.

Thehighlight of the complex is the Wat Phra Kaew chapel, which houses a striking and highly venerated emerald Buddha statue. It is a particularly impressive place, both for its religious importance and for its particular architecture: many golden pagodas with orange roofs and statues covered in shimmering multi-coloured glass that stand out in lush gardens surrounding the entire area.

Appropriate clothing and... patience: access to the temple is barefoot only, and to visit the entire area you need to be decently dressed, i.e. long trousers, shoulders covered and no cleavage. Inside, you will have to be patient because there are several queues to access the various buildings, so allow at least one morning to visit the entire complex. The recommended option is the guided tour of the Royal Palace, which can also be combined with the temples of Wat Pho and Wat Arun.

Practical info: directions, times and prices

• How to get there: on Na Phra Lan Rd, Phra Nakhon, in the Old Town. Nearby are the National Museum (750 m, 9 min) and Wat Pho (1 km, 12 min). It can be reached by taxi in 6 minutes, taking Ratchadamnoen Klang Road - Get directions

• Hours: daily 8:30 am - 3:30 pm

• Ticket price: 500.00 bath (€13.60)

2 - Wat Arun

Nestled on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, you'll find this very special and highly distinguishable temple also known as the'Temple of Dawn' thanks to the play of light that is created at that time of day. Curiously shaped like a rocket, its name comes from the Indian deity of the dawn, Aruna.

The centrepiece of Wat Arun is its þrahng, its 82-metre-high Khmer-style tower completely covered with small porcelain floral motifs. Climbing to the top is rather tiring because the steps are high and narrow. One can help oneself with ropes descending from the top.

Many prefer to visit it on a long tail boat excursion but it is also possible to get there by the 3B river ferry.

Sunset visit: It is believed that those who perform acts of merit at this temple and pay homage to the main Buddha statue will have a life as glorious and splendid as the spring sun. It is also wonderful to discover at night, when it is fully illuminated, with an evening tour that includes tuk tuk transfers and a boat ride on the Chao Phraya River.

Practical info: directions, times and prices

• Getting there: Exactly opposite Wat Pho, but on the other side of the river. It can be reached by river, either via the cross river ferry to Bangkok Yai or in about 5 minutes by taxi - Get directions

• Hours: daily 8:30am-5:30pm

• Ticket price: 100.00 bath (€2.70)

3 - Wat Pho - Temple of the Reclining Buddha

Of all the temples in Bangkok, this is probably the one most worth a visit. Not only because it is the largest and oldest temple in the city, but also, and above all, because of the presence of the extraordinary Lying Buddha, a good 46 metres long (by 15 metres high) and with the soles of his feet entirely covered in mother-of-pearl, where 108 Buddhist scenes are depicted. The Buddha is depicted during the passage to Nirvana, or his death.

The gardens around the sacred area are also noteworthy. Statues, plants, centuries-old trees and the important Bodhi tree (the ancient sacred fig tree) whose roots derive from the tree in which Buddha sat while awaiting enlightenment.

The place is also important because it is here that the country's first public school is located.

The first public university: besides being one of the most important temples, it is also Thailand's first public university dedicated to traditional medicine. Since 1782 it has been home to the world's leading Thai massage school, which trains the best therapists. At the Massage Pavilion you can get a traditional Thai massage and also participate in short workshops or courses to learn the basic techniques (all info on the official website).
Here too, to avoid the queues and visit the complex, we recommend the combined guided tour option with the Royal Palace and Wat Arun.

Practical info: directions, times and prices

• Getting there: Just 500 metres from the Royal Palace, it's an easy walk to Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang - get directions

• Hours: daily 8:30am-6:30pm

• Ticket price: 200.00 bath (€5.50)

4 - Khao San Road

Bangkok'snightlife mecca is bustling Khao San Road, ideal for street food enthusiasts amidst thousands of brightly lit signs and strong smells. Hundreds of stalls offer a plethora of particularly cheap Thai food specialities, but there are also dozens of restaurants and clubs offering live music.

This area is home to the cheapest accommodation in the city and is an ideal destination for backpackers; on the other hand, it was here that the first backpackers arrived in the 1980s. Since 2000, after its appearance in the film The Be ach, Khao San has experienced unstoppable tourist growth. If you decide to find accommodation in this area, know that you will spend little but sleep badly (the chaos is non-stop)!

At 1.5 km from the Royal Palace, it can be reached quickly by taxi (4 min) or by bus 47 from Ratcha Woradit Pier to the Kong Salak stop - get directions.

Get ready for the street food challenge: we are in the realm of street food, along the street you will find various food stalls. Here, the more daring will even have the chance to try grasshoppers or tarantulas! Others can try the best pad thai in Bangkok at Tom Yum Kung!

5 - Wat Benchamabophit

Known as the Marble Temple and depicted on the 5 baht coin, this temple has great religious importance. The inner prayer hall is built with Carrara marble imported from Italy. Thanks to the white marble and its many architectural facets, it is a sight to behold, especially when hit by the sun's rays. Inside is the bronze statue of Buddha wrapped in a bright blue background. A canal separates the temple from the monks' quarters.

Combined visit: visit early in the morning to see the many people bringing offerings to the monks. Because of its importance, we recommend visiting it on a guided tour, which already includes admission, to be combined with the other temples of Wat Pho and Wat Traimit.

Practical info: directions, times and prices

• Getting there: The temple is located at the intersection of Thanon Rama V and Thanon Si Ayutthaya. From the Royal Palace take bus 503 and get off at King Chulalongkorn Statue (18 min) - Get directions

• Hours: daily 8am-6pm

• Ticket price: 20.00 bath (€0.55)

6 - Wat Saket

Reaching this temple is certainly no walk in the park - you'll have to climb more than 300 steps to reach the top of Golden Mount - but it's well worth it. From the temple you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the whole of Bangkok and to make it even more magical is the sound of the sacred bells and the crowds of monks and faithful praying.

Every year, during Loy Krathong in early November, Wat Saket hosts a huge festival that lasts for a whole week. The celebrations begin with a long candlelight procession. Once the devotional rites are over, the big fair begins with colourful lanterns, colourful flags, stalls and various entertainment activities throughout the area.

Lucky rituals: ringing the bells or banging the gong is said to bring good luck. Here you will have the opportunity to try it out. It is also possible to visit the interior of the temple, which is divided into several rooms, each with representations of Buddha and prayer places popular with the faithful. This temple is also illustrated on the 2 Thai baht coin!

Practical info: directions, times and prices

• How to get there: 1 km from the Royal Palace, it can be reached quickly by taxi (4 min) or by bus 47 from Ratcha Woradit Pier to the Opposite Thai Airways Building stop - Get directions

• Hours: daily 8am-5pm

• Ticket price: 20.00 bath (€0.55)

7 - Wat Traimit

Small temple particularly known for housing the largest solid gold statue in the world. Standing 3 metres tall and weighing over 5 tonnes, the statue represents the Buddha receiving enlightenment and is among the most revered in the country. According to legend, the statue dates back to the Ayutthaya period and was brought to Bangkok following the Burmese invasion.

The golden statue of the Buddha is located on the fourth floor of the temple and was discovered sixty years ago under a layer of stucco or plaster, probably made to hide it from possible raids in the past during one of the attempted sieges of the city.

Combined visit: again, we recommend including the visit in the combined guided tour that includes a guide and entrance to the temples of Wat Pho and Wat Benchamabophit.

Practical info: directions, times and prices

• Getting there: Very close to Hua Lamphong train station, the best way to get there is to take the metro directly to this station. Once there, proceed 5 min walk along Thanon Mitthaphap Thai-China road - Get directions

• Hours: daily 9am-5pm

• Ticket price: 20.00 bath (€0.55)

8 - Chinatown

Photos from Ninara. Very characteristic, Chinatown is one of Bangkok's most chaotic neighbourhoods, a dense network of alleys branching off like a labyrinth, overflowing with shops, shops, stalls where you can find just about anything.
If you are visiting Bangkok for the first time or if you don't speak English very well, we recommend a guided tour of Chinatown, for an initial approach and... not to get lost!

The main street is Sampaeng Lane, partially covered and entirely pedestrianised, while the side streets are divided by category of products for sale: gold, spices, textiles and knick-knacks. The area is a riot of lucky charms, indecipherable spices, street food and restaurants serving shark fins and swallow's nests! A frenetic bustle of people, hand-drawn carts, a slice of life that seems to belong to another era. A truly fascinating area for a fun and eventful evening!

Located Yaowarat Road, Samphanthawong, the district is 2.5 km from the Royal Palace. It can be reached in about 30 minutes by taxi or by taking Metro 25 from Mrt Sam Yod, Sin Dam Rong to Kwong Siew Hospital, Chalerm Buri - Get directions.

Bargain for gold: although the streets are paved, the shops are very quaint, the ones that are most popular being traditional pharmacies and goldsmiths. Gold here is sold by weight and is 24 carat pure!

9 - Jim Thompson's House

The home of American architect and entrepreneur Jim Thompson, a well-known American silk entrepreneur, lover of art and beautiful things, who decided to build a house mixing Western style and architectural details in pure Thai mood. Today, Jim Thompson's huge Thai complex has become a house-museum in the charming Pathumwan district, an oasis of peace where time seems to stand still.

Surrounded by Bangkok's characteristic khlongs, the canals, it is a complex of six beautiful teak buildings, assembled using traditional techniques without the use of chiedi. Inside, one can admire characteristic Asian relics, a fine collection of antique furniture, sculptures, porcelain and oriental ceramics; outside, a lush garden and beautiful lotus flowers.

Apart from its architectural value, Jim Thompson's house-museum is also known for the mystery surrounding the entrepreneur's death. In 1967, when Thompson was at the height of his success, he mysteriously disappeared during a hike in the Malaysian jungle. Despite the deployment of over 400 men in the search operation, the body was never found.

Practical information: directions, times and prices

• Getting there: The house is located at Rama Road, Khwaeng Wang Mai, Khet Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 1033. From Chinatown the taxi takes about 4 minutes, otherwise, from Hua Lamphong Station, take the bus (34 or 29) and get off at Bus Stop BTS Ratchathewi - Get directions

• Hours: daily 9am-6pm

• Ticket price: 150.00 bath (€4.00)

10 - Rooftop Bars

A popular trend in Bangkok is to spend an evening sipping cocktails at Rooftop Bars, bars located on the top floors of skyscrapers. The tallest in Bangkok is the Baiyoke tower with a revolving terrace on the 84th floor that provides a magnificent panoramic view of the city. We recommend buying tickets in advance as the place is very touristy.

It's not the only one, however; there are dozens of them all over Bangkok, such as The Roof, which offers a wonderful view of Wat Arun, or the Sirocco Restaurant & Sky Bar, where a scene from 'The Hangover 2' was filmed.

Dress code and... watch out for the prices: whichever place you choose, cocktail prices are quite expensive (around €25.00-30.00) and a rather strict dress code is required. Admission is limited, so we recommend booking online (including return transport).

Practical info: directions, times and prices

• Getting there: For the Sky Bar, from Jim Thompson's house, take the Silom Line from the National Stadium BTS Station, Surasak stop. Walk 9 minutes towards 1055 State Tower, Silom Road, Bang Rak: you will find Lebua Sirocco there.

• Hours: 9am-01pm

• Ticket price: free entry, bar service charge

11 - Bangkok Art & Culture Centre (BACC)

Source: wikimedia commons. Art, music, theatre, design, cinema and cultural events of all kinds take place inside the museum while also providing space for cafés, bookshops and design shops.
A nine-storey museum designed to showcase the artistic heart of Bangkok and able to please everyone.

Visit the museum at the weekend: on weekends, a wonderful art market is set up in front of the building, where you can find many objects to buy and take home as souvenirs.

Practical information: directions, opening hours and prices

• Directions: The museum is served directly by the Sky Train and is located directly opposite the MBK shopping centre - Get directions

• Hours: 10am-9pm. Closed Mondays

• Ticket price: Free

12 - Siam Square

Photo by Allie Caulfield. The most cosmopolitan and commercial soul of Bangkok. Big screens, shopping malls and high-rise buildings characterise the area of the city that is full of traffic and social life, where young, sophisticated fashion is all the rage, unfortunately not always affordable.

Siam Square, the heart of the country's economy, is not only a tourist destination but also a point of reference and entertainment for locals.
Its huge shopping malls are the perfect place for shopping and relaxation with shops of major international labels and attractions of all kinds such as theaquarium and Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum.

On the upper floors of the Malls are food courts where you can sample traditional Thai dishes.

Book in advance: of all the attractions in the complex, the aquarium is the most visited. for this reason, we recommend buying your entrance ticket online to avoid queues at the ticket office. The same applies to Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum(online ticket here).

Practical info: directions, times and prices

• Getting there: served by both skytrain lines, Silom and Sukhumvit, it can therefore be easily reached from all districts of Bangkok. Alternatively, if you are staying in the downtown area, public boat service on the Saen Saep canal. From the Royal Palace bus (line 47) and get off at Opposite Mbk Center - Get directions

• Hours: square always accessible / Siam Ocean World daily 10am-7pm / Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum daily 10am-7pm

• Ticket price: square free / Siam Ocean World from 1,200.00 bath (€33.00), see official website / Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum from 550.00 bath (€15.25), see official website

13 - Lumphini Park

Bangkok's great green lung, a destination for locals and tourists alike, an oasis of relaxation for walking, jogging or simply enjoying its enchanting scenery. It is located in the heart of the city and covers an area of 58 hectares.
Originally, the park was an open space owned by King Rama VI; in 1925, it was donated to the nation to become the city's first public park. At the southwest entrance to the park is a statue of the king in his memory.

Initially, the area was used to host the Siamrath Phiphithapan Trade Fair, a market aimed at promoting Thai products: the park was set to become an exhibition centre for Thai handicrafts and flowers. Despite the intentions for this use, the park has over the years become one of the most popular places for Bangkok residents. It is named after the Buddha's birthplace in Nepal.

The park is located at Khwaeng Lumphini, Khet Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon. From Chinatown, the taxi takes about 7 minutes, otherwise, take the blue metro from Hua Lamphong station and get off at Lumphini (7 min) - Get directions.

Boating on swan-shaped pedal boats: make like Thai couples and rent small (very kitschy) swan-shaped pedal boats. From January to April, a stage is erected in the middle of the park where the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra or other musical groups perform a free concert every Sunday.

14 - King Power MahaNakhon SkyWalk

If you want to admire Bangkok from above, we recommend a trip to the MahaNakhon SkyWalk, a huge mirror skyscraper comprising no less than 78 floors with hotel rooms, shops and a viewing platform: this is the highest observatory in Thailand, at 314 m high!

But that's not all: while admiring the city from above, daredevils can also walk on a glass platform, one of the world's largest glass observation decks! A unique experience that will allow you to literally have the city at your feet, but not recommended for those suffering from vertigo!

Buy the discountedticket: to secure your entry and to save money, we recommend you buy the discounted ticket for the SkyWalk.

Practical information: directions, times and prices

• Getting there: at 114 Naradhiwat Rajanagarindra Rd, Silom, Bang Rak, in the modern part of Bangkok. Silom MRT Station, Sala Daeng Metro. Walking distance to Lumphini Park (1.4 km) - Get directions

• Hours: daily 10:00-00:00

• Ticket price: full price from 530.00 bath (€14.40), concessions from 250.00 bath (€6.80)

15 - Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Pure folklore about 100 km from the centre. A visit to this place is one of the best-selling and most popular excursions. In fact, the Damnoen Saduak floating market has become a must for every self-respecting tourist.

The market is set up on stalls aboard longtail boats. A truly unique experience to be photographed, but also to be experienced while bargaining! A true journey through time.

Take a guided tour from Bangkok: being far from the centre, the best option is to join a guided tour from Bangkok, including transport. Here, in addition to watching the haggling, you can also experience the thrill of navigating the Damnoen Sadauk canal by hiring a boat (haggle over the price before getting on the boat!). If you have enough time, you can combine a visit to the market with a tour to the wonderful Rose Garden or the grand chedi of Nakhon Pathom.

Practical info: directions, times and prices

• How to get there: daily, every 40 minutes, the bus from downtown Bangkok to Damnoen Saduak departs - get directions

• Hours: open daily, best time is early morning, between 7am and 10am

• Ticket price: free

16 - Maeklong Market

And after the floating market, we recommend another market not to be missed: Maeklong Market, 65 km from Bangkok, which has become famous for being crossed by train tracks that are still in operation! Until recently, little was known about these trains, their routes, their timetables almost impossible to find. Over the past few years, routes are being mapped out, but they still remain shrouded in mystery!

It is still an incredible experience, however, to be experienced with care! You can stroll through the market, where you will find all kinds of products for sale, from street food to local handicrafts. And the moment the train passes over the tracks everything stops, the merchants pull in their wares and all the tourists and people in the market make room for the train to pass.

Plan your visit from Bangkok: given the proximity to the floating market, the best option is to take a tour from Bangkok to Damnoen Saduak and Maeklong Markets in one day. This way, you will not have to worry about transport, which may cause some delays to your schedule.

Practical info: directions, times and prices

• Getting there: 65 km from Bangkok. Reachable by train from Hualamphong and Bangkok Noi Stations in Bangkok to Maeklong or byorganised excursion - Get directions

• Hours: daily 6:30am-5:30pm, closing times slightly variable

• Ticket price: free

17 - Siam Park City

Photo by Apichyy min. Siam Park City, also known as Siam Amazing Park, is a huge amusement park with rides, artificial beaches and big slides, ideal for a day of total family fun! Founded not so long ago, in 1980, it is now the oldest amusement and water park complex in the whole of South East Asia!

The park is really extensive and, to enjoy it at its best, you need to stay a whole day. It is divided into five areas, the Water Park, the X-Zone, the Family World, the Fantasy World and the Small World. It also has more than 30 attractions, with rides for all ages, even toddlers.

Plan your day with a transfer from Bangkok: getting to the park by public transport and carrying your spare parts, swimwear and everything you need can be inconvenient. We therefore recommend opting for the all-inclusive package with entrance, buffet lunch and transfer option, which is ideal especially if you are travelling as a family.

Practical info: directions, times and prices

• How to get there: at 203 Suan Siam Rd, Khan Na Yao, outside central Bangkok. Accessible from Bangkok by bus 519, 36ก, 60, 71, 73ก, 178, 115, 26 and 501 or by private transfer - Get directions

• Hours: daily 10am-6pm. However, please check the times on the official website first

• Ticket price: Day Pass Ticket full price 900.00 bath (€24.50), concessions 750.00 bath (€20.40)

18 - Ayutthaya

It's not in Bangkok, but we can't not mention it. At the top of the most classic and most interesting excursions from Bangkok is the one to Ayutthaya, theancient capital of the kingdom of Siam and now a UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site. It is a vast site to explore on foot or even by bicycle (rental for a day 50.00 bath/€1.35).

In its heyday, Ayutthaya was one of the most impressive cities in South-East Asia with no fewer than three royal palaces and almost 400 temples. Today, a dozen or so buildings can be visited. Of all of them, the unmissable temples are: the Wat Phra Si Sanphet with its three beautiful stupas in a row (the most iconic image of the archaeological site), Wat Mahathat, where Buddha's head is lodged between the roots of a tree (another symbol of Ayutthaya), the Khmer-style Wat Chaiwattanaram and Wat Phanan Choeng, which houses the 19-metre-high statue of Buddha.
SEE ALSO: What to see in Ayutthaya

Guidedexcursion from Bangkok: in order to avoid language and transport issues, the advice is to rely on aguided excursion from Bangkok that includes a bus trip and return by boat, which is very scenic. If, on the other hand, you have enough time, devote at least two days to Ayutthaya, preferably a weekend. Renting a bike is the best, cheapest and most convenient way to visit the various archaeological sites and temples in and around the area.

Practical info: directions, timetables and prices

• How to get there: by train from Hualamphong train station from Bangkok to Ayutthaya, travel time 2 h 30 min - Get directions

• Hours: daily 8am-6pm or until sunset

• Ticket cost: admission to individual temples between 20.00 bath (€0.55) and 50.00 bath (€1.35), others free admission. Combined ticket 220.00 bath (€6.00)

Other attractions to visit

The most important museums in Bangkok are: the National Museum, on the history and culture of Thailand, this is the largest museum in Southeast Asia (200 bath/€5,50); the Siam Museum, also of historical interest but more suitable for children (300,00 bath/€8,20); the Royal Barges Museum, where you can discover the eight royal barges that the king used when he travelled (100.00 bath/€2.70); theArt in Paradise Museum, an interactive museum with paintings and 3D illusions (440.00 bath/€12.00); and the Doll Museum, a collection of traditional Thai handmade dolls (150.00 bath/€4.10).

In addition to the famous Damnoen Saduak floating market, there are numerous other markets in the city: we recommend visiting the Mae Klong market, one of the largest fish markets in Thailand. The Chatuchak Weekend Market is very folkloric: imagine all the markets in Bangkok merged together, add an artistic touch and you have Chatucha, where you can find Buddha statues, contemporary artwork, second-hand clothes, brass woks and, of course, lots of food specialities. Still on the shopping theme, let yourself be intoxicated by the scent in the Thewet flower market.

For a relaxing break, we recommend Ko Kret, the easiest green oasis to reach from Bangkok: an island formed almost three centuries ago and home to one of the oldest settlements of the Mon ethnic group. The place is known for its pleasant rural atmosphere and characteristic pottery.

For a dynamic evening, however, we suggest a stroll through the Patpong district and its Night Market, which, although touristy and 'red lights', is still fun. Shopaholics will go crazy for the shopping centre in the heart of Bangkok: theMBK developed over 8 floors and with more than 2,000 shops. Not far away is the Erawan Shrine, a small temple dedicated to Brahma built in the 1950s to symbolically protect the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel, then under construction.

The neighbourhood known as Dusit Park is also interesting, full of museums and attractions, such as Vimanmek Palace, the Royal Elephant Museum and the Cloth Museum.

10 things to do in Bangkok

Street food and Thai cooking class

Excursion to the Elephant Sanctuary

Show at Calypso Cabaret

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1. Klong (canal) tour: the klongs are a peculiarity of Bangkok, which is not by chance called the 'Venice of Asia'. The best way is by typical longtail boat. Alternatively, opt for a dinner cruise.

2. Tuk-tuk tour: symbol of the city and most popular means of transport. Impossible not to take a reckless tuk-tuk tour, remember to haggle before boarding. Tours, info and prices here.

3. Massage: Thailand is renowned for the art of massage. Enjoy a relaxing treatment in one of the many centres you will find in town. The most renowned is the Yunomori Spa. Info and prices here.

4. Muay Thai or Thai Boxing: is a discipline that is part of Thai tradition. Here, and all over Thailand, you can watch a fight or book a lesson with a professional. Info and prices here.

5. Streetfood and Thai cooking class: street-food is the tastiest, most typical and authentic food, and also the cheapest! In Bangkok, the tastiest can be found in Khao San, China Town, Khlong Talaat and Jay Fai. To learn the basics of Thai cooking instead, you can book a class at the Market Experience Cooking School in the Flower Market. Info and prices here.

6. Bangkok by night: enjoy the magic of the city at night and the buzzing nightlife, as well as the markets and evening street food. For a first approach, we recommend doing it with a guide! Info and prices of the Bangkok by night tour here.

7. Excursion to the Elephant Sanctuary: they are one of the symbols of Thailand, so we recommend visiting the breeding and recovery centre in Pattaya with a tour to the elephant sanctuary from Bangkok.

8. Instagrammable places: Bangkok hides one wonder after another, unique spots and, most importantly, perfect for transforming your Instagram! With an Instagram tour outside the tourist areas, you can find all the hidden corners.

9. Show at the Calypso Cabaret: one of the most famous cabarets in Bangkok, which captivates many tourists thanks to the talent of its performers. We recommend buying a ticket for the show with drinks included.

10. Siam Niramit show: flying dancers, elephants, goats, Buddhist and Muslim traditions together. A show based on Thai dances exploring the mystical realm of Himmapan, a forest suspended between heaven and earth. Info and tickets here.

Plan your stay in Bangkok: flights and hotels

The flight to Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi airport) takes between 11 and 15 h, depending on stopovers. There are direct flights from Rome and Milan, but only in a few months of the year (November to January usually), while there is usually a stopover in Frankfurt, Zurich or Doha. In any case, you can hardly find anything for less than €500.00(compare flights).
Thebest time to visit Thailand is between November and March: temperatures are hot but not sultry and rainfall is rare.

As for choosing where to stay, Bangkok is a huge city, it is impossible to reason 'by neighbourhoods'. The best advice is to choose an accommodation near a stop on the Sky Train, the elevated train that is one of the most efficient means of getting around. A lot also depends on what kind of trip you want to have: for a more authentic experience, choose the Old Town, where the main attractions are also located; if you are looking for nightlife and entertainment, then the New Town, where all the skybars and the most modern shopping centres are located. Depending on the type of experience you are looking for, there is accommodation to suit all budgets, from a few euros a day to luxurious resorts(compare the best accommodation on Booking - from €20.00).

Sytrain and metro are the fastest and most convenient ways to get around the city: they offer frequent rides that allow you to reach the major tourist spots quickly and without major problems. For short journeys, we suggest trying the fun experience in a tuk-tuk, a picturesque three-wheeled taxi used throughout South-East Asia. Generally, however, for a first approach we recommend the hop-on hop-off bus, which is useful for familiarising yourself with the city and identifying landmarks.

For nightlife, Bangkok's rooftops are a great choice for a relaxing evening out and enjoying the view; more backpackers ' atmosphere and bars in Khao San Road. You will also find many trendy clubs and bars in the Sukhumvit district.

Travelling with children? There are plenty of possibilities to keep them entertained. You can visit Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World or The Children's Discovery Museum, with plenty of interactive activities. Siam City Park is one of the largest amusement parks in South-East Asia, the Fun-arium is the largest indoor playground in the city, while theAncient City is a park with miniature replicas of Thai monuments and temples.

Finally, if you are travelling low-cost, Bangkok is an absolutely cheap destination! The food is very cheap and delicious, especially if you try the world-famous street food! The attractions are really very cheap despite their great beauty, many are even free, and you can find great luxury accommodation at very competitive prices!