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Why Visit Bangkok
Bangkok is a city of contrasts where golden temples sit beside modern skyscrapers, and Michelin-starred street food costs less than a coffee in London. Thailand's capital is chaotic, vibrant, and endlessly fascinating.
Best Time to Visit
- Cool season (November–February): Best time. 25–32°C with low humidity.
- Hot season (March–May): Extreme heat up to 40°C. Songkran water festival in April.
- Rainy season (June–October): Heavy but short downpours. Lower prices and fewer tourists.
Tip
Songkran (13–15 April) turns the entire city into a massive water fight. Protect your phone with a waterproof case and join the fun.
Top Attractions
Must-Visit Temples
- Wat Phra Kaew & Grand Palace: Home to the Emerald Buddha. Entry 500 THB (£11). Dress modestly — long trousers and covered shoulders required.
- Wat Pho: The 46-metre Reclining Buddha. Entry 200 THB (£4.35). Also home to Thailand's best traditional massage school.
- Wat Arun: Temple of Dawn on the Chao Phraya river. Entry 100 THB (£2.20). Best photographed from across the river at sunset.
Markets
- Chatuchak Weekend Market: One of the world's largest markets with 15,000+ stalls. Open Saturday and Sunday.
- Khao San Road: The backpacker epicentre. Street food, bars and market stalls.
- Rot Fai Market: Night market with vintage goods, street food and live music.
Getting Around
- BTS Skytrain: Elevated train covering main areas. 16–62 THB (£0.35–£1.35) per journey.
- MRT: Underground metro. Similar pricing to BTS.
- Chao Phraya boats: River boats from 15–30 THB (£0.35–£0.65). The orange line is most useful for tourists.
- Grab: Southeast Asia's Uber. Fixed prices, no haggling.
- Tuk-tuks: Always negotiate price before getting in. Short trips should be 100–150 THB (£2.20–£3.30).
From Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) to city centre:
- Airport Rail Link: 45 THB (£1), 30 minutes to Phaya Thai
- Taxi: 300–400 THB (£6.50–£8.70) by meter + 50 THB airport surcharge + tolls
Warning
Never accept a tuk-tuk driver's offer for a "free city tour." They'll take you to gem shops and suit tailors where they earn commissions. This is Bangkok's most common scam.
Street Food
Bangkok was named the world's best city for street food by CNN:
- Pad Thai: The national dish. 40–80 THB (£0.90–£1.75) from street stalls. Thipsamai is legendary.
- Som Tam: Spicy green papaya salad. 40–60 THB (£0.90–£1.30).
- Mango Sticky Rice: Glutinous rice with mango and coconut cream. 60–100 THB (£1.30–£2.20).
- Tom Yum Kung: Spicy prawn soup. 80–150 THB at street stalls.
- Jay Fai: The world's only Michelin-starred street food. Crab omelette for 1,000 THB (£22). Expect a 2–3 hour queue.
Info
Food courts in shopping malls (MBK, Terminal 21, Siam Paragon) offer dishes from 50 THB (£1.10) with air conditioning — perfect for escaping the heat.
Hotels in Bangkok
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Practical Tips
- Visa: UK citizens get visa-free entry for up to 30 days (extendable by 30 days for 1,900 THB at immigration).
- Currency: Thai Baht (THB). £1 ≈ 46 THB. Change money at SuperRich for the best rates.
- Temple dress code: Long trousers and covered shoulders mandatory. Some temples lend clothing.
- Haggling: Expected at markets. Start at 50–60% of the asking price.
- Health: Always drink bottled water. Ice in restaurants is safe (it's industrial).
- Tipping: Not expected but appreciated. Round up in restaurants or leave 20–50 THB.
