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Vacation in Bangkok: The Best Deals for Thailand’s Capital
Historical temples, traditional markets next to towering skyscrapers, and a vibrant nightlife? That’s exactly what you’ll find in Thailand’s capital. The Asian metropolis is as contrasting and exciting as few other cities. A vacation in Bangkok should definitely be on your list! And if it gets too noisy, Bangkok is the perfect starting point for a tour of Thailand with its stunning islands.
At first glance, Bangkok can seem overwhelming. Over 15 million people crowd into the densely populated region at the mouth of the Chao Phraya River, where steel-glass skyscrapers rise between multi-lane highways into the blue sky. Only on extended trips to Bangkok does the full charm of this concrete jungle unfold, gradually drawing you in. Embrace it!
The most important information for a vacation in Bangkok:
Bangkok is the capital of the Kingdom of Thailand, known in the local language as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon. It is the political, economic, and cultural heart of the country and has been one of the most visited tourist cities in the world for years.
Getting to Bangkok
From the US, you can fly directly to Bangkok with United, Delta, American Airlines and Thai Airways, among others. If you’d like to explore more Asian cities without booking flights to Bangkok, you can also reach the capital by train, such as the legendary Eastern & Oriental Express from Singapore or the night train from Vientiane. Besides Bangkok flights, other major cities like Saigon can be reached by regular bus service.
International flights arrive at the large Suvarnabhumi Airport, from where you can reach the hotels in Bangkok quickly and cheaply using the Airport Rail Link. The Makkasan station connects to the MRT (subway), while the Phaya Thai station connects to the Skytrain. The older Don Mueang Airport is mainly used by budget airlines like AirAsia and Nok Air. From here, it’s best to take a taxi to your hotel in Bangkok.
Weather in Bangkok
Bangkok is a year-round destination. Even during the rainy season from May to November, you can enjoy a Bangkok vacation without problems. The rainy season doesn’t mean long, dull drizzles like in some other places. Instead, it consists of short, heavy downpours. You can easily wait them out in a museum, café, or shopping mall.
The best time to visit Thailand for the most pleasant weather is undoubtedly during the winter. Between December and February, temperatures are relatively cool and rain is very unlikely. This period also coincides with the widely celebrated Chinese New Year in Bangkok (depending on the full moon, it usually falls between late January and mid-February). Thailand’s own New Year, Songkran, takes place in April. This is a wonderfully quirky celebration where people soak each other with water pistols and water cannons, providing a refreshing break during the hottest time of the year.
How long should you spend on vacation in Bangkok?
Murray Head once sang “One night in Bangkok,” but one night is certainly not enough to do justice to this overwhelming metropolis. For city trips to Bangkok, plan for at least three nights up to a whole week. This will allow plenty of time for excursions in the surrounding areas. Keep in mind that the tropical humidity in Bangkok can be taxing on the body. Don’t schedule too much sightseeing in one day, and set aside a few hours each day to relax by the pool.
Best time to visit Bangkok
Bangkok is always in season. Here’s what you can expect:
Rainy season: May - November (only short downpours)
Best travel time: December - February (25-30°C, very little rain)
Special tip: Chinese New Year (depending on the full moon, late January to mid-February)
Tips for Your Vacation in Bangkok
If it’s your first trip to Bangkok, you’ll likely be overwhelmed at first. It’s loud, crowded, and chaotic. But once you’ve gotten used to the city a bit, you’ll be able to experience and discover many beautiful things. The Grand Palace and Wat Pho, where you can admire the largest reclining Buddha on its journey to Nirvana, are a must-see for every Bangkok tourist.
A highlight and a must for every backpacker is the infamous Khaosan Road, with its countless restaurants and entertainment options. In addition to affordable souvenirs, you’ll find many fashion designers offering their goods in the market halls. You’ll be amazed.
To get an overview of the sprawling metropolis, you can visit the King Power Mahanakhon Skywalk. This impressive building, which opened in late 2018, offers stunning views.
Another highlight is the floating market. For a unique experience, take a river tour. You’ll gain rare insights into the lives of locals and have the chance to buy fresh fruits and vegetables.
Shopping in Bangkok
Whether traditional markets or global designer brands, the capital is a shopping paradise – you should definitely set aside time for a major shopping spree.
Around Siam Square and along Sukhumvit Road, you’ll find massive shopping malls like Siam Paragon, CentralWorld, and MBK. A particularly recommended spot is Terminal 21. Each floor of this mall is designed in the style of a different city, allowing you to “travel” from Paris to Tokyo, Istanbul, London, and San Francisco.
If you prefer traditional markets over globally uniform malls, Bangkok is heaven on earth for shopping. The Chatuchak Weekend Market, with over 8,000 stalls, is the largest market in the world. As the name suggests, it’s only open on weekends. You can reach it via the Chatuchak Park subway station or the Mo Chit Skytrain station. A slightly smaller market is the centrally located Pratunam Market, which is open daily from 10 AM to 9 PM.
Later in the evening, the Rot Fai Night Market is an experience. Here, in addition to the usual souvenirs, you’ll find plenty of vintage items from the 50s to 70s. The floating markets along the river are very touristy but definitely worth a visit, such as Talin Cheng, located just five miles south of the city.
Shopping Tips for the Markets in Bangkok:
Bargaining is a must in the markets. Shopping malls have fixed prices.
Credit cards are often not accepted – make sure to bring enough cash.
The super cheap branded clothing at the markets is usually counterfeit.
The crowds make it easy for pickpockets to operate. Keep an eye on your valuables!
Food & Drink in Bangkok
The street food stalls of Bangkok offer fantastic delights at a low cost. On every corner, you’ll find the deliciousness of famous Thai cuisine – and much more:
Spicy papaya salad from Isaan
Hainanese chicken rice
Grilled Satay skewers
Oyster Omelettes
Freshly made pad Thai
A trip to Thailand is a feast for the senses. Pair your meal with one of the two Thai beers, Chang or Singha. If you’re looking for something finer, Bangkok has restaurants in every price range. For a quick bite in an air-conditioned setting, the food courts of the shopping malls are a great choice.
At least once, treat yourself to an evening cocktail at one of the Sky Bars to enjoy the stunning view of Bangkok by night. Recommendations include the Moon Bar at Banyan Tree Bangkok Hotel and Red Sky at Centara Grand at CentralWorld.
Excursions from Bangkok
Not only is Bangkok itself worth the visit – the surrounding area also offers great opportunities for day trips. A must-see destination is the ancient capital of Ayutthaya, located north of Bangkok. It was destroyed by the Burmese in 1767 and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1991. You can book day trips that include a boat ride along the Chao Phraya River to Ayutthaya, followed by a return bus ride to Bangkok.
Another popular destination is Kanchanaburi, known for the “Bridge on the River Kwai,” made famous by the eponymous war film. Today, a museum stands in remembrance of the construction of the Burma-Thailand Railway, which cost the lives of many prisoners of war during World War II. If you’re drawn to nature, consider visiting the Khao Yai National Park, crisscrossed by numerous hiking trails.
Nightlife in Bangkok
Bangkok’s nightlife is legendary. If you’re keen to experience the buzz of the red-light districts, you’ll find the highest concentration of bars in Soi Cowboy on Sukhumvit Road (next to the Terminal 21 Shopping Mall), Nana Plaza (Soi 4, Sukhumvit Road), and of course, Patpong (Soi 1, between Silom and Surawong Road).
The younger (and forever young) Western party scene gathers in bars along the backpacker haven of Khao San Road or at night on the Chatuchak Market. For exciting and unique bars, we recommend spots like Maggie Choo’s, Havana Social, The Iron Fairies, and The Bar at The House on Sathorn.
Museums in Bangkok
In addition to Jim Thompson’s House, there are several other museums you should not miss during your city trip to Bangkok:
The Bangkok National Museum, which houses magnificent collections of Thai art.
The Museum of Siam, which brings visitors closer to the culture and history of Thailand.
The Bangkok Folk Museum (free entry!), consisting of two old houses with traditional interiors from the late 19th century.
The unique Museum of Counterfeit Goods, which exhibits numerous confiscated fakes commonly found throughout Southeast Asia.
If you have extra time, head out to the open-air Ancient City Museum near Suvarnabhumi Airport, where the old Siam is brought to life in meticulously recreated replicas.
Attractions in Bangkok
The Grand Palace in the heart of the Rattanakosin Old Town consists of numerous magnificent buildings. On the grounds, you’ll find the Wat Phra Kaeo temple, which houses the Emerald Buddha, the most revered sanctuary for Thais.
The Wat Pho temple, located south of the palace, is home to an exquisite reclining Buddha, one of the largest Buddha statues in the world.
Wat Arun, located on the opposite bank of the Chao Phraya River, is the third of the three major temples in Bangkok. From its stupa, you can enjoy a fantastic view over the river, the Grand Palace, and the modern city center.
Jim Thompson House gives you an insight into traditional silk craftsmanship in Bangkok. It belonged to the American businessman Jim Thompson, who mysteriously disappeared in 1967. The house, with its art treasures and antiques, has remained unchanged since then and is now a popular museum. Additionally, around Siam Square and along Sukhumvit Road, you’ll find modern Bangkok, with air-conditioned shopping malls and luxury hotels.
Pirate tip: Surprisingly lesser-known is the Golden Mount Temple (Phu Khao Thong), located about two miles east of the Grand Palace. Serpentine stairs lead up a man-made hill to the temple. Once at the top, you’ll enjoy a stunning view of this amazing vacation destination.
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