Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok, the vibrant capital of Thailand, is renowned for its cultural heritage, modern skyline, and lively nightlife. Below is a list of must-visit tourist attractions in Bangkok, with information on how to get there, entrance fees, opening hours, highlights, transportation, local food, and top nightlife spots.

 

Top Tourist Attractions in Bangkok

1. The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)

  • Highlights: Bangkok’s most famous landmark, housing the revered Emerald Buddha.
  • Entrance Fee: 500 THB.
  • Opening Hours: Daily from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
  • How to Get There: Take the BTS to Saphan Taksin station, then a Chao Phraya Express boat to Tha Chang Pier.
  • Special Notes: Strict dress code (no shorts, sleeveless tops, or sandals).

2. Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)

  • Highlights: Home to the massive 46-meter-long Reclining Buddha and the birthplace of Thai massage.
  • Entrance Fee: 200 THB.
  • Opening Hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM.
  • How to Get There: Near the Grand Palace, accessible from Tha Tien Pier (Chao Phraya Express Boat).

3. Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

  • Highlights: Famous for its tall spire (prang) along the Chao Phraya River.
  • Entrance Fee: 100 THB.
  • Opening Hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
  • How to Get There: Take the ferry from Tha Tien Pier to cross the river.

4. Jim Thompson House

  • Highlights: A museum showcasing traditional Thai architecture and silk.
  • Entrance Fee: 200 THB.
  • Opening Hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
  • How to Get There: BTS to National Stadium station.

5. Chatuchak Weekend Market

  • Highlights: One of the world’s largest markets with over 15,000 stalls.
  • Entrance Fee: Free to enter.
  • Opening Hours: Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
  • How to Get There: BTS to Mo Chit station or MRT to Chatuchak Park.

6. Siam Paragon

  • Highlights: High-end shopping mall with luxury brands and Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World.
  • Entrance Fee: Free to enter (Sea Life entry starts at 990 THB).
  • Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
  • How to Get There: BTS to Siam station.

7. MBK Center

  • Highlights: Affordable shopping with electronics, fashion, and souvenirs.
  • Entrance Fee: Free to enter.
  • Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
  • How to Get There: BTS to National Stadium station.

8. Chao Phraya River Cruise

  • Highlights: Scenic river cruise offering views of Bangkok’s famous temples and palaces.
  • Entrance Fee: Around 1,500-2,500 THB for dinner cruises.
  • How to Get There: Cruises typically depart from River City Bangkok, accessible from Saphan Taksin station.

9. Wat Saket (The Golden Mount)

  • Highlights: Panoramic views of Bangkok from a man-made hill.
  • Entrance Fee: 50 THB.
  • Opening Hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
  • How to Get There: Taxi or tuk-tuk from Rattanakosin Island or Khaosan Road.

10. Lumpini Park

  • Highlights: Bangkok’s largest park, ideal for relaxing, jogging, and paddle boating.
  • Entrance Fee: Free.
  • Opening Hours: Daily from 4:30 AM to 9:00 PM.
  • How to Get There: MRT to Silom or Lumpini station.

11. Dusit Palace Park

  • Highlights: Home to the Vimanmek Mansion and Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall.
  • Entrance Fee: 150 THB.
  • Opening Hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
  • How to Get There: Taxi from Ratchathewi or BTS to Phaya Thai station.

12. Siam Discovery

  • Highlights: A modern mall focused on experiential shopping with brands and lifestyle shops.
  • Entrance Fee: Free.
  • Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
  • How to Get There: BTS to Siam station.

13. Terminal 21

  • Highlights: Shopping mall with each floor designed after a different city (e.g., Tokyo, Paris, London).
  • Entrance Fee: Free.
  • Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
  • How to Get There: BTS to Asok station or MRT to Sukhumvit station.

14. Khao San Road

  • Highlights: Famous backpacker street known for its vibrant nightlife and street food.
  • Entrance Fee: Free to visit.
  • How to Get There: Taxi or tuk-tuk from central Bangkok.

15. Erawan Shrine

  • Highlights: Popular shrine dedicated to Brahma, known for traditional dance performances.
  • Entrance Fee: Free to enter.
  • Opening Hours: Open 24 hours.
  • How to Get There: BTS to Chit Lom station.

16. Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC)

  • Highlights: Contemporary art exhibits by local and international artists.
  • Entrance Fee: Free.
  • Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
  • How to Get There: BTS to National Stadium station.

17. Vimanmek Mansion

  • Highlights: World’s largest golden teakwood mansion, once a royal residence.
  • Entrance Fee: 100 THB.
  • Opening Hours: Daily from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
  • How to Get There: Taxi from central Bangkok.

18. Asiatique The Riverfront

  • Highlights: Night bazaar and mall by the river, offering shopping, dining, and entertainment.
  • Entrance Fee: Free to enter.
  • Opening Hours: Daily from 4:00 PM to midnight.
  • How to Get There: Free shuttle boat from Saphan Taksin Pier.

19. Museum of Siam

  • Highlights: Interactive museum exploring Thai culture and history.
  • Entrance Fee: 100 THB.
  • Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
  • How to Get There: MRT to Sanam Chai station.

20. Suan Pakkad Palace

  • Highlights: Traditional Thai houses displaying antiques and artifacts.
  • Entrance Fee: 100 THB.
  • Opening Hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
  • How to Get There: BTS to Phaya Thai station.

How to Get Around Bangkok

  1. BTS Skytrain: Best for traveling around major shopping areas and tourist spots.
    • Fares: Start at 16 THB.
  2. MRT Subway: Convenient for reaching areas the BTS doesn’t cover.
    • Fares: Start at 16 THB.
  3. Tuk-tuks: Iconic three-wheeled taxis, best for short rides.
    • Fares: Typically 100-300 THB.
  4. Metered Taxis: Widely available but ensure the driver uses the meter.
    • Fares: Start at 35 THB.
  5. Chao Phraya Express Boats: Scenic transportation along the river.
    • Fares: Start at 15 THB.
  6. Grab: Ride-hailing app similar to Uber.

Popular Local Food to Try in Bangkok

  1. Pad Thai

    • Description: Stir-fried rice noodles with shrimp or chicken, tofu, bean sprouts, peanuts, and lime.
    • Best Place: Thip Samai (near the Grand Palace) is famous for its Pad Thai.

  2. Tom Yum Goong

    • Description: A hot and sour soup featuring shrimp, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chili.
    • Best Place: T&K Seafood in Chinatown offers an authentic version.

  3. Som Tum (Papaya Salad)

    • Description: Spicy salad made from shredded unripe papaya, tomatoes, green beans, and peanuts, dressed with lime and fish sauce.
    • Best Place: Som Tam Nua at Siam Square is highly recommended.

  4. Khao Pad (Fried Rice)

    • Description: Thai-style fried rice, often cooked with shrimp, chicken, or vegetables, and seasoned with soy sauce and lime.
    • Best Place: Local street stalls around Sukhumvit offer delicious variations.

  5. Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niew Mamuang)

    • Description: Sweet sticky rice served with ripe mango and drizzled with coconut milk.
    • Best Place: Mae Varee (near Thonglor BTS station) is famous for this dessert.

  6. Boat Noodles (Kuay Teow Reua)

    • Description: Flavorful noodle soup traditionally served from boats, often made with beef or pork and served with herbs.
    • Best Place: The Victory Monument area has several famous boat noodle shops.

  7. Satay

    • Description: Grilled skewers of marinated meat (often chicken or pork) served with peanut sauce and cucumber salad.
    • Best Place: Street vendors around local markets offer delicious satay.

  8. Larb

    • Description: A spicy meat salad from the northeastern region of Thailand, made with minced meat (beef, chicken, or pork), herbs, and spices.
    • Best Place: Larb Ubon (near Khao San Road) is a local favorite.

  9. Kway Teow (Noodle Soup)

    • Description: A comforting noodle soup made with flat rice noodles, usually served with beef or pork and a savory broth.
    • Best Place: Kuay Teow Reua stalls near the Riverside.

  10. Roti Gluay

    • Description: Thai-style pancake filled with banana and topped with condensed milk.
    • Best Place: Street vendors in Khao San Road serve delicious roti.

  11. Pork Belly Rice (Kao Moo)

    • Description: Stewed pork belly served over rice with pickled vegetables and a boiled egg.
    • Best Place: Pork Belly Rice Stalls around Yaowarat (Chinatown).

  12. Pad Krapow Moo Saap (Basil Pork Stir-Fry)

    • Description: Stir-fried minced pork with Thai basil, chilies, and garlic, usually served with rice and a fried egg.
    • Best Place: Jai Fai (Michelin-starred street food chef) is known for her version.

  13. Khao Soi

    • Description: A Northern Thai curry noodle soup with crispy noodles on top, served with chicken or beef.
    • Best Place: Khao Soi Mae Sai near Chinatown offers a flavorful version.

  14. Green Curry (Gaeng Keow Wan)

    • Description: A spicy coconut milk-based curry made with green curry paste, vegetables, and your choice of meat.
    • Best Place: Blue Elephant offers a gourmet take on this classic dish.

  15. Thai Iced Tea (Cha Yen)

    • Description: A sweet, creamy drink made from black tea, sugar, and condensed milk, served over ice.
    • Best Place: Almost every café and restaurant serves this refreshing beverage.

Top Nightlife Spots in Bangkok

1. Khao San Road

  • Description: A famous backpacker area known for its bustling bars, street food, and party atmosphere.
  • How to Get There: Take a taxi or tuk-tuk from central Bangkok; it’s also within walking distance from the Rattanakosin Island area.
  • Entrance Fee: Free to enter most bars, but drinks are typically around 100-300 THB.
  • Happy Hour: Many bars offer buy-one-get-one-free deals from 6 PM to 8 PM.

2. Sky Bar at Lebua State Tower

  • Description: One of the highest rooftop bars in the world, offering stunning views of Bangkok.
  • How to Get There: Take the BTS to Saphan Taksin station and then a short walk to the State Tower.
  • Entrance Fee: No entrance fee, but drinks start around 600 THB.
  • Happy Hour: Typically from 5 PM to 7 PM, with special pricing on select cocktails.

3. Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar

  • Description: A trendy rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city, known for its cocktails and ambiance.
  • How to Get There: Take the BTS to Thong Lo station; it’s a short taxi ride from there.
  • Entrance Fee: No cover charge, drinks range from 250-600 THB.
  • Happy Hour: Daily from 5 PM to 7 PM, with discounts on select drinks.

4. Levels Club & Lounge

  • Description: A popular nightclub featuring international DJs and a vibrant dance floor.
  • How to Get There: BTS to Nana station; it’s a short walk from there.
  • Entrance Fee: Typically around 300-500 THB, which usually includes a drink.
  • Happy Hour: From 9 PM to 11 PM, buy-one-get-one-free drinks.

5. Route 66

  • Description: A famous nightclub located on Royal City Avenue (RCA) known for its themed parties and live music.
  • How to Get There: Take a taxi or use the MRT to Phetchaburi station and then a short taxi ride.
  • Entrance Fee: Around 300 THB (including a drink).
  • Happy Hour: 8 PM to 10 PM, with discounts on certain drinks.

6. Sing Sing Theater

  • Description: A stylish nightclub with a unique decor inspired by Asian design, featuring live performances and DJ sets.
  • How to Get There: BTS to Phrom Phong station; a short taxi ride from there.
  • Entrance Fee: Cover charge around 400 THB (includes one drink).
  • Happy Hour: 6 PM to 8 PM with discounts on select cocktails.

7. Insomnia

  • Description: A well-known nightclub with a lively atmosphere and a great mix of music genres.
  • How to Get There: Take the BTS to Nana station; it’s within walking distance.
  • Entrance Fee: Free entry before midnight, 300-500 THB afterward (includes a drink).
  • Happy Hour: Typically runs from 8 PM to 10 PM with discounted drinks.

8. Sukhumvit Soi 11

  • Description: A street lined with bars and clubs, offering a variety of nightlife options.
  • How to Get There: BTS to Nana station; the area is easily walkable.
  • Entrance Fee: Varies by venue; most bars do not charge an entrance fee.
  • Happy Hour: Many bars offer happy hour specials from 5 PM to 8 PM.

9. Asiatique The Riverfront

  • Description: A riverside night market featuring shops, restaurants, and entertainment.
  • How to Get There: Take the BTS to Saphan Taksin station and then a free shuttle boat.
  • Entrance Fee: Free to enter; prices for food and drinks vary.
  • Happy Hour: Many restaurants have happy hour specials from 5 PM to 7 PM.

10. The Iron Fairies

  • Description: A whimsical bar with a magical, fairy-tale-like ambiance, known for its creative cocktails.
  • How to Get There: Take the BTS to Thong Lo station; it’s a short taxi ride from there.
  • Entrance Fee: No cover charge; drinks start around 250 THB.
  • Happy Hour: Daily from 6 PM to 8 PM with discounts on select cocktails.

Bangkok’s food scene is incredibly diverse, with street vendors, markets, and restaurants offering authentic Thai flavors. Be sure to explore different areas and try a variety of dishes to fully experience the culinary delights the city has to offer!