• Destinations

Free tours in Bangkok

  • Tours in Bangkok

Morning Walking Tour to Old Town Bangkok Provided by Thailand My Home

Bangkok - The most visited city in the world

Does the name ‘Krung Thep Maha Nakhon’ ring a bell? What about ‘Bangkok’? Although the city’s Thai name is not common knowledge, everybody knows about Bangkok and that’s not a coincidence: The capital of Thailand was named the most visited city in the world in MasterCards’s Global Destination Cities Index and was also named World’s Best City for 4 consecutive years according to the results of a survey made by Travel + Leisure magazine.

Bangkok’s various attractions, famous nightlife, shopping and food culture, fascinating religious and historical places appeal to millions of Thai and foreign tourists. The city is also a great destination for backpackers: Khao San Road has long been famous as the favourite haven of budget travellers as its cheap accomodation, shops and bars attract the visitors.

Most visited sights in Bangkok include the Grand Palace (Phra Borom Maha Ratcha Wang) and the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall located within the Dusit Palace, temples such as the Marcle Temple (Wat Benchamabophit), the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaeo/Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram), Thailand’s most sacred Buddhist temple. Travellers adore the boat trips on the Chao Phraya and Thonburi’s canals where they can admire the beauty of the traditional Thai architecture, and the Giant Swing (Sao Chingcha) along with the Erawan Shrine are also among the main tourist attractions.

Discover Bangkok with our free and budget tours on Freetour.com!

trusted

  • Join Freetour
  • Provider Sign In
  • Affiliate Program
  • Security & Privacy
  • Terms & Legal
  • Cookie policy
  • Freetour Awards
  • Ratings & Reviews powered by

bangkok free tour guide

Want to share your culture with travelers from all the world?

Free walking tour near bangkok, others cities to visit after bangkok, find other guruwalks in bangkok, where are you traveling to.

Sign up on TourScanner

Don't know where to start, best places to visit in bangkok, tours and things to do in bangkok, best day trips from bangkok.

Free Walking Sightseeing Tours in Bangkok, Thailand

Guided free walking tours.

Book free guided walking tours in Bangkok.

Guided Sightseeing Tours

Book guided sightseeing tours and activities in Bangkok.

Explore Bangkok in Thailand with one of our free walking tours . Click on a marker on the map to get started and view details about the tour. Below is an overview of the sightseeing tours. A total of 19 tours are available in Bangkok, Thailand.

GuruWalk: Bangkok Bike Tours - Backstreets and hidden gems

Bangkok Bike Tours - Backstreets and hidden gems

GuruWalk: Talad Noi / Street art

Talad Noi / Street art

GuruWalk: Downtown-taxi boat-Golden Mount

Downtown-taxi boat-Golden Mount

GuruWalk: Urban park walk

Urban park walk

GuruWalk: Morning walk in the old district of the capital city

Morning walk in the old district of the capital city

Freetour: Morning Walking Tour to Old Town Bangkok

Morning Walking Tour to Old Town Bangkok

Freetour: Food Hunting from the Train Station to Chinatown

Food Hunting from the Train Station to Chinatown

Self-guided Tour #1

  • Wat Bowon Niwet Ratchaworawihan
  • Soi Rambuttri
  • Khaosan Road
  • Memorial of Expeditionary Force
  • Bangkok National Museum
  • Wat Chana Songkhram Ratchaworamahawihan
  • Chakrapong Mosque
  • Phra Sumen Fort
  • Santichaiprakan Park
  • Wat Sam Phraya Worawihan
  • Bank of Thailand Museum
  • Wat Intharawihan
  • Devavesm Palace ​
  • Thewet Palace
  • Wat Kharuehabodi

Self-guided Tour #2

  • Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchaworamahawihan
  • Ton son Mosque
  • Bang Luang Mosque
  • Wat Kanlayanamit Woramahawihan
  • Santa Cruz Church
  • Wat Prayurawongsawat
  • Wat Ratchaburana Ratchaworawihan
  • Museum of Siam

Self-guided Tour #3

  • Wat Yan Nawa
  • Ban U Mosque
  • Assumption Cathedral
  • Old Customs House
  • ตรอกกัปตันบุช
  • Bangkokian Museum

Self-guided Tour #4

  • Chatuchak Market
  • Children's Discovery Museum
  • Queen Sirikit Park
  • Chatuchak Park
  • Wachirabenchathat Park

Self-guided Tour #5

  • Wat Pathum Khongkha Ratchaworawihan
  • Samphanthawong Museum
  • Yaowarat Road
  • Leng Buai Ia Shrine
  • Wat Khanika Phon
  • Wat Mangkon Kamalawat
  • Wat Kan Matuyaram
  • Wat Chakkrawat Rachawat Woramahawihan
  • Wat Bophit Phimuk Worawihan
  • Gurdwara Siri Guru Singh Sabha
  • Wat Anongkharam Worawihan
  • Wat Phitchaya Yatikaram Worawihan

Self-guided Tour #6

  • The Queen's Gallery
  • King Prajadhipok Museum
  • Wat Saket Ratchaworamahawihan
  • Wat Thep Thidaram Worawihan
  • ลานพลับพลามหาเจษฎาบดินทร์
  • Democracy Monument
  • Wat Mahannapharam Worawihan
  • Sanam Luang
  • Wat Maha That Yuwarat Rangsarit Ratchaworamahawihan

Self-guided Tour #7

  • Wat Sitaram
  • Wat Suthat Thep Wararam Ratchaworamahawihan
  • Chalerm Krung Royal Theatre
  • Saranrom Park
  • Royal Cemetery at Wat Ratchabophit
  • Wat Ratchapradit Sathit Maha Simaram Ratchaworawihan
  • Temple of the Emerald Buddha
  • Thotsakhirithon
  • Wat Benchamabophit Dusit Wanaram Ratchaworawihan

Self-guided Tour #8

  • Siam Commercial Bank
  • Holy Rosary Church
  • Sri Mahamariamman Temple
  • Wat Hua Lamphong
  • Museum of Imaging Technology
  • Museum of Natural History
  • Snake Farm of Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute

Self-guided Tour #9

Self-guided tour #10.

  • Jim Thompson House
  • Wat Borom Niwat Ratchaworawihan
  • Wat Thep Sirinthrawat Ratchaworawihan
  • Giant Swing
  • Golden Mount

Self-guided Tour #11

  • Wat Sutthi Wararam
  • Sathorn Unique Tower
  • บ้านอับดุลราฮิม
  • Lumphini Park

Self-guided Tour #12

Why Visit Sights? Self-guided sightseeing tours are a free and safe alternative to bus tours. You can explore Bangkok at your own pace, any time! Do something good for your health by walking.

Essential Free Tour Bangkok Banner

Essential Free Tour Bangkok

  • Discover Wat Pho , the oldest Buddhist Temple in Bangkok, home to the Reclining Buddha.
  • Learn about Buddhist spirituality and the role of the Thai royal family talking with a local guide.
  • Take a walk down the bustling backpacker’s haven, Khao San Road .

bangkok free tour guide

See All Tours in Bangkok

Bangkok Skyline

Free Tours in Your Language

Free Tour - Free Tour Bangkok › Essential Free Tour Bangkok

Be Original Tours

Free Walking Tour Bangkok – Your Ultimate Guide to Exploring the City

  • 2024-03-07 2024-03-07

When visiting Bangkok, one of the best ways to experience the city is through a free walking tour. Not only do these tours provide an opportunity to explore the city’s rich history and culture, but they also give you a chance to familiarize yourself with the layout of the city and uncover hidden gems that might otherwise go unnoticed. In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about taking a free walking tour in Bangkok.

What is a Free Walking Tour?

A free walking tour is a guided tour of a city or specific neighborhood that allows you to explore the area on foot while learning about its history, culture, and landmarks. These tours are usually led by knowledgeable and passionate local guides who are eager to share their insights and recommendations. The best part? The tours are completely free of charge! However, it is customary to tip the guides at the end if you enjoyed the experience and found it valuable.

Why Should You Take a Free Walking Tour in Bangkok?

1. Discover Bangkok’s Hidden Gems: Bangkok is a city of contrasts, and there’s much more to it than just the popular tourist attractions. A free walking tour will take you off the beaten path, allowing you to discover hidden gems and lesser-known spots that you might have otherwise missed.

2. Learn from Local Experts: The local guides who lead the free walking tours are knowledgeable and passionate about Bangkok. They will provide you with fascinating insights into the city’s history, culture, and traditions, making your experience much more enriching.

3. Get Oriented in the City: Bangkok can be overwhelming for first-time visitors with its bustling streets and maze-like alleys. Joining a free walking tour will help you navigate the city and familiarize yourself with its layout, making it easier for you to explore on your own later.

4. Meet Fellow Travelers: Free walking tours are a great way to meet fellow travelers from around the world. You can connect with like-minded individuals, share travel stories, and even make new friends.

How to Find a Free Walking Tour in Bangkok?

There are several ways to find and join a free walking tour in Bangkok:

  • Online: Many tour companies and organizations offer free walking tours in Bangkok. A quick search on the internet will provide you with a list of options. Look for tours that have good reviews and positive feedback from previous participants.
  • Hostels and Guesthouses: Check with the front desk of your hostel or guesthouse as they often have information about free walking tours available in the city. They may even be able to recommend a reputable tour operator.
  • Word of Mouth: Talk to fellow travelers or locals and ask for recommendations. Personal recommendations can often lead to the best and most authentic experiences.

Tips for a Great Free Walking Tour Experience in Bangkok

1. Dress Comfortably: Bangkok’s climate is hot and humid, so wear breathable clothes and comfortable shoes. Don’t forget to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.

2. Stay Hydrated: Carry a water bottle with you to stay hydrated throughout the tour. Bangkok’s tropical weather can be unforgiving, and it’s important to drink plenty of water.

3. Be Respectful: Remember that you are a guest in someone else’s city. Be respectful to the local culture, customs, and traditions. Follow any instructions given by the tour guide and refrain from touching or leaning on any religious or sacred objects.

4. Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask questions and engage with your tour guide. They are there to provide you with valuable information and insights, so make the most of their expertise.

5. Enjoy the Experience: Free walking tours are meant to be fun and informative. Relax, enjoy the sights, take photos, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Bangkok.

In Conclusion

Joining a free walking tour in Bangkok is an excellent way to explore the city, learn about its history, and discover hidden gems. Whether you’re a solo traveler or in a group, these tours provide a unique and immersive experience that will enhance your time in Bangkok. Remember to do your research, find a reputable tour, and tip your guide if you found the tour valuable. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the streets of Bangkok!

Table of Contents

Related Posts

bangkok free tour guide

Duna Corso Budapest Sightseeing Boat: Explore the Beauty of Budapest from the Water

Budapest, the breathtaking capital of Hungary, is famous for its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture. One of the

bangkok free tour guide

How Long Does it Take to Reach Sachsenhausen from Berlin?

If you are planning a trip to Berlin, Germany, you might be interested in exploring the nearby historical site of

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Check out our other cities

Berlin tours.

  • Original Berlin Tours
  • Berlin Pub Crawl
  • Pub Crawl Berlin
  • Free Berlin Tours
  • More Berlin Tours
  • Cold War Tour Berlin
  • World War Tour Berlin
  • Sachsenhausen Tour

Barcelona Tours

  • Free Barcelona Tours
  • Barcelona Pub Crawl
  • Pub Crawl Barcelona

Budapest Tours

  • Free Budapest Tours
  • Budapest Bar Crawl
  • Pub Crawl Budapest

Madrid Tours

  • Madrid Pub Crawl
  • Pub Crawl Madrid
  • Nice Pub Crawl
  • Nice Bar Crawl
  • Pub Crawl Nice

Amsterdam Tours

  • Amsterdam Pub Crawl
  • Bar Crawl Amsterdam

Paris Tours

  • Pub Crawl Paris

Dublin Tours

  • Pub Crawl Dublin

Warsaw Tours

  • Pub Crawl Warsaw

Stockholm Tours

  • Pub Crawl Stockholm

Other Links

  • Original Pub Crawls
  • Be Original Tours
  • Original Free Tours
  • E-Ticket Trail

23 free things to do in Bangkok to get more bang for your baht

Dec 9, 2023 • 14 min read

bangkok free tour guide

Bangkok is an endlessly fascinating city and there's an amazing amount to see for free © trumzz / Getty Images

As one of the world's favorite budget travel playgrounds, Bangkok has freebies galore. From golden temples, captivating monasteries and vast open-air markets to meditation sessions and people-watching on the most famous backpacker strip in the world, the Thai capital can keep you entertained for weeks, even on the tightest of budgets.

Some of the most famous sights have entry fees, including the legendary Wat Pho and the Grand Palace , but there are countless other religious and historic sites that you can visit for free. With excellent public transport, even getting around won't eat up too many baht – exploring the Chao Phraya River on the public Chao Phraya Express Boat is one of the most pocket-friendly city tours on the planet. Then there's the street food, which will have you eating like a king or queen whatever your budget. Whether you're here for the culture, the architecture or the big-city vibe, here are the best free things to do in the city. 

1. Learn some local history at the Bangkokian Museum

Comprising three early-20th-century wooden bungalows, the charming Bangkokian Museum showcases an often-overlooked period of Bangkok's history. Free to visit, the main residential building was constructed in 1937 for the Surawadee family, and its interiors are filled with beautiful wooden furniture, porcelain, and other remnants of pre- and post-war family life.

An adjacent two-story shophouse contains themed displays of similar items. The third building, to the rear, was built in 1929 as a British doctor's clinic. A visit takes the form of an informal guided tour in halting English, and photography is encouraged.

A restaurant stall at Chatuchak Weekend Market

2. Get souvenir-hunting at Chatuchak Weekend Market

One of the largest markets in the world, Chatuchak is a simply unforgettable Bangkok experience, even if you don’t plan on buying anything. It's free to visit, and there are more than 15,000 stalls to explore, divided into 27 covered sections spanning everything from antiques and souvenirs to used vintage trainers, miniature food offerings for spirit houses and live frogs.

Planning tip: The full market operates from 9am to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday. Arrive by 10am to beat the crowds and the heat.

3. Marvel at the nostalgia of Papaya

Technically, many of the objects in this celebrated four-story antique store are for sale, but prices for the owner's collection of 19th- and 20th-century artifacts are so astronomically high that the collection never seems to deplete. Instead, many see Papaya as a museum of recent nostalgia, and it's a great place to browse without any pressure to buy.

Every inch of this warehouse-size exhibition space is stuffed with art deco furniture, 1960s beer signage, superhero statues, Piaggio scooters, typewriters, movie projectors, love seats, TV sets, VHS players, wall clocks, storefront mannequins, lampshades – the list goes on and on.

Planning tip: If you're visiting Papaya, it's worth swinging by nearby Wat Lat Phao on the Lat Phao canal, with its eclectic collection of standing and seated Buddhas.

Wat Saket, the Golden Mount, shines brightly at dusk above the cityscape of Bangkok, which is drenched in a peach and orange sunset

4. Take in the views from Golden Mount

There are plenty of temples you can visit for free in Bangkok, but the Ayutthaya-era Golden Mount is one of the finest, not least for its stunning views over the surrounding streets. Its glimmering golden chedi (stupa) can be seen shimmering high above old Bangkok and the surrounding canals. The hilltop temple shares a compound with Wat Saket ; it's free to visit the monastery, but there's a modest 50B fee to go to the summit.

5. Be mystified by the displays at the Amulet Market

You'll even find fascinating free sights amidst the royal monuments on Ko Ratanakosin island. Close to the river near Wat Pho, the Amulet Market is a bustling hub for the sale of small but highly prized Buddhist talismans and votive objects. Potential buyers (many already sporting chains bedecked with amulets) can be seen bargaining and flipping through magazines dedicated to these objects of devotion, some of which command astronomical prices.

It's a great place to just wander and watch as collectors peer through magnifying glasses at the tiny amulets, seeking hidden meaning and, if they’re lucky, hidden value. The easiest entry point to the market is marked "Trok Maha That."

Planning tip: If you feel like buying an amulet, less valuable talismans can be picked up for as little as 10B and mounted into metal and plastic amulet cases for not much more.

6. Experience sensory overload at Patpong Red Light District

The seedy reputation of the Patpong Red Light District may put off some travelers, but this notorious strip of go-go bars and "exotic" shows is as much a part of Bangkok life as the city's gleaming temples. A visit will reveal much about Thailand's complicated attitudes to intimacy and sexuality, but it's certainly not for everyone.

Though much toned down from its sin city heyday during the Vietnam War, Patpong is still a place of blazing neon, pumping music and scantily-dressed women – its night market even sells erotic toys – but it's now an established stop on the tourist circuit. There's even a museum of Patpong history .

Planning tip: It’s free to wander about the two main strips, but the best time to visit is 5pm when the evening market opens.

A female worker in a blue apron at work amongst the brightly-coloured flowers of the Pak Khlong Flower Market

7. Be immersed in beauty at Pak Khlong Flower Market

As part of a drive to clean up the city in 2016, Bangkok's famous street-side flower market – Pak Khlong Talat – was moved indoors, but it's still a delightfully fragrant place to visit. Within the giant warehouse that houses the resettled stalls, you'll find piles of delicate orchids, garlands of jasmine flowers, rows of roses and stacks of button carnations.

Planning tip: The best time to come to Pak Khlong Talat is late at night when fresh blossoms arrive from upcountry for sale the following day.

8. Sniff out the fakes at the Museum of Counterfeit Goods

Fakes are so prominent in Bangkok that there’s even a free museum dedicated to them, displaying a mind-boggling array of counterfeit merchandise collected over the years by law firm Tilleke and Gibbins . An in-house lawyer from the company's intellectual property department provides a complimentary tour.

Planning tip: The public can visit on Mondays at 2pm and Thursdays at 10am, but you need to email or call to make an appointment at least 24 hours before your visit.

Food, singlets and drinks are being sold at the Khao San Road night market with tourists and locals mingling in amongst the stalls.

9. Enjoy the tourism of Khao San Road

From the seedy backpacker ghetto of the 1980s to the atmospheric flashpacker hub of modern times, Khao San Road – technically, Thanon Khao San , from the Thai term kâw sǎhn , meaning "uncooked rice" – has undergone a considerable image makeover over the years. The sleazy, bedbug-infested dives conjured up by Alex Garland in The Beach have been replaced by boutique hotels and hip hangouts, and the downmarket TV bars playing pirated movies have been transformed into sleek designer bars. But still, its legend lives on.

Lined with market stalls and food carts, this pedestrianized thoroughfare remains a lively backpackers’ hub – its energy radiating out along nearby side streets where excellent sleeping, eating and drinking options abound. But the long-simmering debate surrounding its merits continues. Is it too touristy to stay on Khao San Road? Is it "real travel"? Is it really Thailand at all? Our advice is just go. It’s free, it oozes atmosphere, and it poses its own riddle: if a traveler goes to Bangkok but doesn’t visit Khao San Road, did they really visit Bangkok?

Planning tip: Bring an appetite to Khao San Road! Inexpensive street food options abound – as the sun starts to set, carts touting satay skewers, pad thai noodles and popiah (deep-fried spring rolls) spill out onto Thanon Khao San and the surrounding streets. 

A couple sit next to one another on a bench which overlooks the lake at Lumpini Park in Bangkok, Thailand.

10. Unwind in Lumphini Park

Bangkok isn't known for its calm, green spaces, but Lumphini Park is a breath of fresh air. This sprawling city park is a chlorophyll-infused antidote to Bangkok's traffic fumes-filled streets and sun-blocking skyscrapers. With manicured lawns, thickets of trees, winding walkways and swan-shaped pedalos for hire on its glassy lake, this free-to-visit park is a great spot to pause and recharge. Many locals start their mornings here at first light with a little tai chi.

Planning tip: Combine a visit to Lumphini Park with a wander around nearby Benjakiti Park , once part of the monarchy-owned Tobacco Monopoly. Today, this former industrial zone has wetland boardwalks, woodland zones, and cycle paths with bikes for rent.

11. Pay respect at the King Prajadhipok Museum

This free museum assembles old photos and memorabilia to illustrate the dramatic life of Rama VII (King Prajadhipok), Thailand's last absolute monarch. It occupies a grand neocolonial-style building that was constructed on the orders of Rama V for his favorite firm of Bond Street merchants – the only foreign-owned business allowed on the royal road linking Bangkok’s two palace districts.

Prajadhipok did not expect to become king, but once on the throne, he showed considerable diplomacy in dealing with what was, in effect, a revolution fomented by a new intellectual class of Thais. The first floor deals with the life of Queen Rambhai Barni, while the upper two floors cover the king’s own life. A coup, carried out while the king and queen were playing golf, ended Thailand’s absolute monarchy in 1932.

Art, bags, candles and other artistic gifts are on sale at Warehouse 30 in Bangkok

12. Soak up the creative energy of the Creative District

The Bang Rak district has become a magnet for creative types in recent years. For a taste of the Thai art scene, check out Warehouse 30 , a collection of shops, workspaces and cafes offering regular lectures and exhibitions in a refurbished World War II-era building. After you’ve browsed the work of local designers, go and see the mural by street artist Vhils – a collection of faces and eyes carved into the concrete wall outside the Portuguese Embassy.

13. Experience some nature in Wachirabenchathat Park

For a dose of nature in Bangkok, head to Wachirabenchathat Park, which encompasses three of the city’s best parks in one. Known locally as Suan Rot Fai (Railway Park) because the State Railway of Thailand once had a golf course here, it’s now a collection of calm green spaces with neatly trimmed gardens, running tracks, lakes and plenty of trees. Come after a trip to Chatuchak Weekend Market to revive yourself after a day’s hard haggling.

14. Be fascinated by the Bangkok Doll Factory & Museum

This workshop was founded by Thai doll enthusiast Khunying Tongkorn Chandavimol in 1956 after she completed a doll-making course in Japan. Her dolls draw on Thai mythology and various historical periods, and the collection includes some 400 dolls from around the world, plus important pieces from her own workshop, where you can watch the figures being crafted by hand for free.

Planning tip: The museum is tricky to find; take a taxi from BTS Phaya Thai and get the driver to call the museum for directions.

The restored golden statue of Lord Brahma (Phra Phrom) after the craftsmen from the Thai Fine Arts Department repaired the Erawan Shrine following a bombing.

15. Make a pilgrimage to Erawan Shrine 

The striking Erawan Shrine was built in 1956 as a last-ditch effort to end a string of unfortunate events that occurred during the construction of the since-demolished Erawan Hotel. It's consecrated to honor the Hindu god Brahma, creator of the universe, and serves a similar function to the spirit houses seen outside most Thai houses in propitiating divine presences. A bomb exploded near the shrine in August 2015, killing 20 and slightly damaging the shrine, but it was quickly repaired and reopened days later.

The story of its construction is fascinating. After incidents ranging from injuries to construction workers to the sinking of a ship carrying marble for the hotel, a Brahman priest was consulted. Since the hotel was to be named after the elephant escort of Indra in Hindu mythology, the priest determined that Erawan required a passenger and suggested it be Lord Brahma. A statue was built, and, lo and behold, the misfortunes miraculously ended. The hotel was demolished in 1987, but the shrine remains – it's free to visit and an important place of pilgrimage for Thais.

16. Try something new at Khlong Toey

Make an early morning trip to the city’s largest wet market to discover where most street vendors and restaurateurs source their richly varied ingredients. Ironically named Khlong Toey after the fragrant pandan leaf, the air here is usually thick with the smell of freshly gutted fish or the pungent odor of durian. The sights are better than the smells, so get here early and bring a camera. By 10am, most vendors have already packed up and left.

A dancer carries a dragon head on the crowded main street in Bangkok Chinatown on the first day of the Lunar New Year

17. Get lost in Bangkok's Chinatown

Thick with the scent of traditional herbal medicines, Bangkok's Chinatown offers a sensory experience that you won’t find anywhere else in the city. The narrow market alleys off Yaowarat Road are crammed with bird's-nest soup restaurants, dangling lanterns, gaudy gold and jade shops, and flashing neon signs in Chinese characters. It is Bangkok’s most hectic neighborhood, where half the fun is in getting completely lost.

Planning tip: Come in the afternoon, and you can stay on to graze at the fantastic street food stalls on and around Thanon Yaowarat. Things get going from around 6pm, but the food markets (and many Chinatown restaurants) close on Mondays. 

18. Watch artisans at work at Ban Baat

The residents of Ban Baat inhabit the last of the villages established by Rama I (r 1782–1809) to produce bàht , the distinctive bowls used by monks to receive their morning donations of alms. To find the main alleyway that marks the center of the village, head to Thanon Bamrung Meuang, turn down Soi Ban Bat, then take the first right.

Tourists – not temples – are among the main customers these days, and a purchase is usually rewarded with a bàht -making demonstration where eight separate pieces of steel, said to represent Buddhism’s eightfold path, are hammered together to create a single bowl. Expect to pay around 300B for a small bowl – or watch artisans making bowls for others for free.

Exterior detail of Sri Mariamman Temple in Silom Road, Bangkok

19. Discover Thailand's varied cultures at Sri Mariamman Temple

While Bangkok is primarily Buddhist, the city also has a sizeable population of Hindus, most originally from South India. With its looming, deity-covered gopuram (gateway tower), the arrestingly flamboyant Sri Mariamman temple is a wild collision of colors, shapes and religious imagery, and it’s free to visit, though leaving a donation is appropriate. Created in the 1860s by Tamil immigrants, its statues are a full-color guide to many of the most important Hindu deities.

Planning tip: While visiting the Sri Mariamman temple, it's worth pausing to enjoy some of the excellent South Indian vegetarian food in the area. The popular, canteen-style Saravana Bhavan is a great place to start.

20. Catch a puppet show at the Artist's House

Sort of a gallery , kind of a coffee shop, something of a cultural center… it's tough to categorize this old wooden house on Khlong Bang Luang in Thonburi. There's food available on weekends, as well as a free traditional Thai puppet show scheduled for 2pm, but the best reason to come is simply to soak up the old-world, canal-side vibe. It’s most easily accessible via Soi 3, Thanon Charansanitwong; cross the canal at the bridge by the 7-Eleven, turn left, and the Artist's House is about 100m down.

21. Find Bangkok's cutting edge at Gallery VER

This vast experimental art space has hosted a variety of work by both established and emerging local artists, often with a subversive leaning. In 2017, the gallery was raided by the Thai military, and five pieces deemed “threatening to the peace and security of the nation” were removed, only reinforcing the gallery's reputation as a hub for innovative art. An art-themed cafe on the premises often hosts talks and workshops.

22. Take time out at the Center Meditation Wat Mahadhat

Located inside Wat Mahathat, near the Chao Phraya River on Ko Ratanakosin, this small meditation center  offers free daily meditation classes. Taught by English-speaking teachers, classes last between two and three hours. Longer periods of study, which include accommodation and food, can be arranged, but students are expected to follow a strict regimen of conduct. 

23. Entertain the kids at the Children's Discovery Museum

Learning is disguised as fun at this free museum where interactive exhibits cover everything from construction to culture. Most children are drawn to the Dino Detective Zone, where kids can dig in the sand to find and reassemble dinosaur bones. It's a fun, free detour in a city that isn't always well set up for families.

Planning tip: Bring sunscreen, a towel, and a swimming costume for the kids; the museum has an outdoor play area and water park where you can cool off after the trip across town.

This article was first published August 2019 and updated December 2023

Explore related stories

Trip through Bangkok canals down the Chao Phraya river on longtail boat

Sustainable Travel

Apr 18, 2024 • 12 min read

Think the tiger of Thailand’s biggest city can only be tamed by taxi? Mere mortal, here’s how to get around Bangkok.

Male backpacker standing in front of a temple on Yaowarat road (Chinatown) in Bangkok.

Apr 8, 2024 • 6 min read

1290933961

Jan 5, 2024 • 20 min read

bangkok free tour guide

Jan 3, 2024 • 5 min read

bangkok free tour guide

Jan 2, 2024 • 11 min read

Couple with backpack hiking in rainforest

Dec 27, 2023 • 7 min read

bangkok free tour guide

Dec 21, 2023 • 9 min read

bangkok free tour guide

Dec 21, 2023 • 6 min read

A woman cycling through the ruins of Ayuthaya

Dec 5, 2023 • 8 min read

bangkok free tour guide

Nov 27, 2023 • 7 min read

BigBoyTravel.com

Bangkok  >  Old Town Bangkok Free Walking Tour

Top 10 Bangkok Tips  |  Suggested Itineraries For Bangkok

  • Old Town Walk
  • Chinatown Walk
  • Chinese New Year In Bangkok
  • Helpful Visitor Tips
  • Suggested Itineraries For Bangkok

Bangkok Old Town Walking Tour

Old Town Bangkok Walking Tour:

Location : Old Town Bangkok ( Rattanakosin ) Cost : Free, Self-Guided ( Optional Fees Listed Below ) Start :  N8 Ferry Stop ( Tha Tien ) Stop :  Arun Residence Restaurant Walking Distance :  2.5 Miles for the full loop   ( +2 Miles By Boat ) Time Required :  2 Hours of Walking ( 7+ Hours with all stops ).  For a condensed shorter version considered skipping stops 6-13. Planning Your Time :  Make sure to do Wat Arun and the Royal Palace early to avoid huge crowds and long lines.  Cutting out the Long Tail Boat Ride and Royal Barge Museum will save you about an hour but the ride is enjoyable and a good break from walking.  If you get a late start do Wat Arun, then Wat Pho, followed by the Grand Palace. Getting Around :   Chao Phraya River Ferry Boat Routes Map Fun Scale :  10 out of 10

Historical Overview of Old Town:

Before Bangkok was established, the Choa Praya River once had a drastic horseshoe bend that curved to the West around some olive groves.  The area inside the horse was settled by Khmer as his residence and later by the Thais in the 1500s who named their small village Olive Town ( Bang Makok ).  The River was eventually straightened to its current path by a canal allowing boats to travel to the Siamese capital of Ayutthaya 50 miles to the North more easily.  Olive Town ( Bang Makok ) only slowly grew as did the community of working-class Chinese immigrants on the Eastside of the River.

When the capital of Ayutthaya fell to the Burmese in 1767, General Taskin was inspired by Wat Arun to move the capital to Olive Town ( Bang Makok ).  The General had just become King, called his new capital Thornburi, and built his new capital right next to Wat Arun.  The General’s reign only lasted 15 years as the Chakri dynasty took over in 1782 under King Rama I.

One of King Rama’s 1st moves was to move the capital across the Choa Praya River to the East and build a huge Grand Palace complex modeled after the ancient capital of Ayutthaya. As he started his new capital called Rattanakosin, Rama had to convince the Chinese settlers in the area to move a couple miles South to the current Chinatown.  Everything went pretty smoothly and it laid the groundwork for what became the city of Bangkok ( or Island City ).  To this day, the Chakris are still the Royal Family figureheads although there is now an elected President actually running the country.

*From the Tha Tien ferry station, take the river crosser to the… 1.  Temple of the Dawn  ( Wat Arun ):  While no one quite knows how old Wat Arun is, there has been a Khmer-style ( Prang ) Hindu Temple at this site since long before the area was first  settled by the Siamese ( Thai )  in the 1500s.  At that time the Chao Phraya River, which was later straightened in the 1600s, did a huge horseshoe bend around both the Temple and a series of large olive fields.  Because of the olive fields ( Makok in Thai ), the village was named  Bang Makok, and the temple was referred to as  Wat Makok .  The village remained small as Siam’s capital city, and population center, was 50 miles to the North in Ayutthaya, but King Narai ( 1656-88 ) did let the French build a fort near the Temple which many say made him appear too foreign-friendly.  As King Narai lay on his deathbed in 1688, a 40,000-person revolt toppled the French fort saving Siam from becoming a colony and preserving Siamese Empire. \ Almost 100 years later the Siamese capital city of Ayutthaya fell to Burmese forces in 1767 and was largely left in ruins.   General Taksin  led the Siamese forces to kick the Burmese out and quickly became the new King after his victory.  It is said that during the war General Taksin saw Wat Makok in the morning light and was deeply inspired by it.  This memory moved King Taksin to relocate the capital of Siam from Ayutthaya to Bang Makok and renamed the new capital  Thornburi .  The temple was renamed Wat Arun after the  Hindu god of the Dawn,  and King Taksin built his new Royal Palace ( Derm Palace ) next to it, where the Royal Thai Naval Academy sits today.  King Taksin revered the Hindu temple so much that he kept the famed Emerald Buddha Statue  here from 1778 until his death 4 years later.

With Taksin’s death, the Chakri Dynasty took over the throne under King Rama I ( 1782-1809 ).   The new king, once again moved the capital, this time just across the river to Rattanakosin.  King Rama I transferred the Emerald Buddha Statue to his new Grand Palace, and largely ignored Wat Arun while his new capital was being built.  Luckily his successors, King Rama II ( 1809–1824 ) and King Rama III ( 1824–1851 ), decided to do  extensive restorations and upgrades to Wat Arun after years of neglect.  During this time the main Prang tower was further built up, capped by a seven-pronged Trident of Shiva, decorated with colorful Chinese porcelain pieces, and supported by rows of detailed statues.  During the process, the main tower, which is meant to represent the legendary  Mount Meru , grew to a height of 262 feet.  In ancient Hindu mythology, Mount Meru was the center of the Universe and was said to be 672,000 miles high.  While the main tower is extremely impressive, we also like the four smaller towers on the corners dedicated to the Phra Phai,  Hindu God of Wind , as protection for the Temple.

You could spend hours examining the amazing statues that circle almost every inch of Wat Arun’s facade and ground.  As you enter the temple complex you’re greeted by  two huge demon statues ( yaksha ) from the Hindu story of Ramayana guarding the ordination hall.  The white guardian is Sahassateja, the green one is Tasakanth, and both guard against evil spirits.  As you approach the base of the 234-foot-tall Wat Arun, make sure to check out the sculptures of animals and Chinese soldiers which are not just guarding, but also supporting the first couple levels of the tower.  As you climb up the very steep steps toward the top of the tower, you’ll come very close to four statues of the Hindu god Indra riding on her elephant Erawan.  The views from the top are very rewarding.  The best views of the Temple itself come from the river at dawn as the porcelain shines in the sun or from dusk on as a combo of a sunset backdrop and accent lighting make Wat Arun look amazing.

Visiting Hours:  Daily 7:30am-5:30pm.   Cost:  50Baht.   River Crossing Ferry:  Ferries leave from Tha Tien every 10-15 minutes from 6am-10pm and cost only 3 Baht.  Temple Website:  ( HERE ).

*After crossing back over the river avoid the temptation to visit Wat Pho and follow the Grand Palace wall along the… 2. Street Side Amulet Market:  While the official amulet market sits a little further North, and later on the tour, this streetside market gives you a little taste of what is to come.  The amulets being sold are mainly meant either for a wide range of good luck or to ward of evil depending on what one you buy.  Really you don’t have much of a choice but to walk by the street vendors as the only entrance to the Grand Palace is all the way on the North side of the Palace wall so why not check it out?  If anyone around the market or side wall of the Grand Palace tries to offer you a tour or says the Grand Palace is closed for a special occasion ignore them, they are scammers.  The Grand Palace is open pretty much 365 days a year every year.

*Finally getting to the Northside of the Palace wall you are ready to enter the grounds of the… 3a.  The Grand Palace Complex :  When King Rama I took the throne in 1782 as the first member of the Chakri Dynasty, he quickly moved the Siamese capital across the Chao Phraya River.  After abandoning King Taskin’s Derm Palace in Thornburi ( West of the River ), Rama I started to build his massive Grand Palace in Rattanakosin ( East of the River ).  In an effort to bring good luck to Siam, the new Royal complex was laid out exactly like the ancient Northern capital of Ayutthaya had once been.  The area where King Rama I wanted to build his new complex had already been occupied by Chinese settlers for hundreds of years, but he got them to move a couple of miles South forming today’s Chinatown.  The 2,351,000-square-foot Grand Palace has stood the test of time, largely in part to it serving as a city within a city.   King Rama’s new mini-city contained its own Royal guards, temples, food, and even a national mint for making money.  Over the generations, each new Chakri King built their own Throne Hall and the complex continued to grow with more impressive buildings.  In 1925, King Rama VII decided to turn the family palace in Dusit Park into the new main Royal residence, and ever since Kings have only occasionally stayed in the Grand Palace.  Palace Website:  ( HERE ).

3b.  Visiting The Grand Palace :  Enter the Grand Palace at the large gate on the North side of the complex and work through the courtyard to the ticket booth.  After buying your ticket, the best plan is to 1st visit Wat Phra Kaew ( listed below ) and then continue to the center of the Grand Palace.  Many of the Grand Palace’s buildings are closed to the public, but even just walking around the outside of the impressive Throne Halls is really fun.  Our favorite set of buildings is the Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat group which was completed in 1882.  This series of 9 buildings holds a Royal Weapons Museum  and the coolest of the Throne Halls.  The main building of this set is a great blend of Thai and European architecture plus some of the  coolest trees on the planet.  The trees are manicured in a way that the branches form dense round balls of greenery which are very Doctor Seuss-like.  Also, make sure to stop by the Royal Guard standing motionlessly on watch by the front steps.

Scam Alert: If someone tells you that the Grand Palace is closed for the day don’t believe them.  Go to the main entrance and look for yourself, it is extremely rare for the complex to be closed for a special royal ceremony.  Often the scammers will tell you it’s closed for so many hours and try to take you to other “temples” in the meantime which usually ends up in you being taken to a gold or gem shop they get a commission at.  Dress Code: No shorts or tank tops, must have legs and shoulders covered no matter how hot it is as it is an active temple.  You can rent Thai pajama pants and cover-up shirts very cheaply near the gate if needed.  There is an official clothes rental place just inside the Palace, but the locals near the main gate will save you a wait in line although it might be $1-2 more.  Visiting Hours:  Daily 8:30am-4:30pm, last tickets sold at 3:30pm.   Ticket Cost: 400 Baht which also includes a joint entrance to Wat Phra Kaew Temple plus a visit to Bangkok’s Dusit Palace within 7 days.  Once inside you’ll head right to the ticket counter to buy your pass.  There is no shade in line and the wait can be really long if you don’t show up earlier in the day.   Palace Website:  ( HERE ).

4a. Wat Phra Kaew Temple:  The  biggest highlight  of the Grand Palace complex is by far a stop at the large temple called Wat Phra Kaew.  As you enter the main gate is on the Temple’s Southwest corner, notice the dark stone  hermit statue in front of you. This statue is the Patron of Medicine and many locals with sick relatives make offerings here for good health.  Join the locals by making an offering of incense and by touching a dampened Lotus flower to the top of your head for good luck.  Make sure to also look for the Temple’s  Elephant Statues as it is good luck to circle around one 3 times and then rub its head.

After gaining your good luck, it’s time to investigate the 3 huge towers making up what is called the  Upper Terrace  area.  As you approach from left to right, the jewel of the Upper Terrace is the Sri Lankan-style  Golden Chedi  called Phra Sri Rattana.  It is hard to not be constantly drawn to the Chedi as you walk around the Temple grounds.  The tower isn’t just beautiful, but also important as it is said to contain a piece of Buddha’s breastbone and his ashes.  Make sure the take in the model of Cambodia’s  Angkor Wat  complex as you round past the Golden Chedi.  It might seem like an odd place for a model of a foreign temple, but serves as a reminder of the Empire’s power from when they controlled neighboring lands.  In the middle of the Upper Terrace is a big green library called the  Phra Mondop .  The library has mother-of-pearl doors, statues of Chakri kings, plus snakes guardians ( nagas ) with both human and dragon heads.  The last tower on the Upper Terrace is the orange and green  Royal Pantheon which is only open to the public one day in October each year to celebrate the forming of the Chakri dynasty.  Near the Pantheon are a couple of small golden pyramids circled by  brightly colored guardians .  These playful pyramids are one of our favorite places for photos in Bangkok.

On the far North side of the Temple past the Upper Terrace are another collection of 3 buildings making up the  Upper Terrace .  From left to right are the Auxiliary Library ( Ho Phra Monthien Tham ), Wihan Yot, and the Royal Mausoleum ( Ho Phra Nak ).  Enjoy the ornate roofs of these buildings before moving toward the Temple’s outer wall.  The best-hidden feature of Wat Phra Kaew is the 178 mural panels lining the inside of the wall enclosing the temple.  These panels wrap clockwise starting at the North gate and around depicting the complete story of the Ramakien .  Notice the colorful demons fighting in the battle scenes, these are the same protective figures portrayed in the giant demon statues around this and many of the other temples around Bangkok.

4b. Emerald Buddha Statue:  The most famous building at Wat Phra Kaew sits right behind the hermit statue and houses the historic  Emerald Buddha Statue .  This jade statue was said to have been  carved in India in 43BC before being hidden in a Sri Lankan cave for protection 500 years later.  The beautiful statue bounced around for the next 1000 years before being moved to Chiang Mai’s mighty Great Stupa in 1468.  This lasted until 1552 when the Emerald Buddha was moved to Laos to avoid Burmese invasions that ended up overtaking the city 4 years later.  It stayed in Laos until being re-captured by the Thais and brought to Bangkok in 1784.  The 2 foot-tall dark green statue of Buddha is actually made out of solid jade and not an emerald at all.

The statue’s Emerald Buddha figure wears  seasonal costumes , which are changed three times a year to correspond with Summer ( crown and jewelry ), Winter ( golden shawl ), and Rainy Months ( gilt robe and headdress ).  This clothing change ceremony is done by the King of Thailand who is the only one allowed to get all the way up to the statue.  Covering the interiors walls of the building are murals depicting the life of the Buddha, his steps to enlightenment, and the Buddhist cosmology of the Worlds of Desire, Being, and Illusion; they start on the left with the birth of Buddha in Nepal.  Photos are not allowed inside, but you can get photos with a zoom lens near the entrance.  The  golden doors and guardians  around the building are also well worth your time before moving on.

5. Chao Phraya River Long Tail Boat Ride: You haven’t really arrived in Bangkok until you get out onto the Chao Phraya River on a Long Tail Boat ride.  The Chao Phraya cuts through almost the full North-South length of Thailand and, in a city of canals, has always served as Bangkok’s true highway.  The Chao Phraya River may be dirty, congested, and noisy, but it is the best way to experience Bangkok.  Most of the major piers have a few passenger ferry route options, but we suggest getting on the water by hiring a traditional Long Tail Boat.  These long, low-profile boats ( called Ruea Hang Yao in Thai ) are able to carry a ton of people or goods at high speeds even in swallow water.  A modern adaption on almost all the Long Tails has been to use a full-on car or truck motor instead of a standard boat motor.   The long tail boats even use the motor drive shafts as long rudders to give the drivers 180 degrees of steering capability which is really helpful on the crowded river.   It’s a bit crazy to see the driver standing so close to the powerful motors’ blazing fast and exposed fan blades, but it adds to the adventure.

After negotiating your private rental, which is explained below, you’re off the cruise the River in upwards of 35mph.  There will be splashes here and there from the waves so to stay the driest sit toward the front of the boat or hold up the plastic protector on the side.  If you are wondering why most of the boats are wrapped in colorful ribbons and decorated with fresh flowers it is not just for looks, but for good luck and safe travels.

Hiring a Long Tail Boat: Typically you pay a flat fee to go from point to point while sharing the boat with other people, but to really explore you want to negotiate a private rental.  If you know where you want to go, especially on a map, it will help a ton with negotiating.  The N9 Ferry Stop ( Tha Chang ) is going to be the easiest place to snag a Long Tail, but you may be able to also get one from the N8 Ferry Stop ( Tha Tien ) or Maharaj Pier with some luck.   Cost: A good deal is going to cost between 400-550Baht an hour and you will typically pay at the end of the trip.

6. Thonburi Canals:  With a ton of canals shooting off the Chao Phraya River the ones on the Thonburi side are really where you want to go to get a glimpse into Bangkok’s yesteryears.  Even just a short ride down the main Thonburi Canal, you will feel the urban jungle of the Bangkok fade behind you as you troll between the compact riverside houses.  Most of the houses are very working class and without land, so be prepared to see children on the porches and parents doing laundry in the river.  Many tourists who travel the canals end up being invited to meet local canal dwellers and are offered to buy goods from them.  A lot of the goods are junk, but there is something romantic about buying hand-made crafts from locals, even if they are a little junky.  We find the Thonburi Canals to be a great experience, especially with a camera, and it shouldn’t be missed unless you are on a tight schedule.  Sometimes the most amazing part about the ride through the canals if getting off of your feet for a little while after a lot of walking.

Bangkok Walking Tour Map Old Town, Thonburi Canals Tour

Taling Chan Floating Market:  If your driver suggested going out to the floating market first know that it is a full 3 miles from the Choa Phraya River.  If you don’t have a full day available to travel to the more popular Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, then checking out Taling Chan Market here may be worth it.  It is open on the weekends from 8am-5pm.

7. Royal Barges Museum:  One of the more unique attractions in Old Town Bangkok is the Royal Barges Museum where you can see the gilded longtail boats of Thailand’s former Kings.  The coolest one is the fancy  Golden Swan ( Suphannahongse ) , which was built by Rama IV in 1911.  Surprisingly the 150-foot-long boat is carved from a single piece of teakwood!  Almost all of the barges have large colorful Garuda figures protecting their every side and they are quite stunning.  Outside of the obvious ornate details, we also love how the barges’ defensive cannons are blended right into the Garudas figures like a piece of fine artwork.  The museum isn’t a must see if you are tight on time, but it is cool and free of the hoards of shoulder to shoulder tourists you get elsewhere in Old Town Bangkok.   Hours:  Daily 9am-5pm.   Getting Here:  A good driver will be able to drop you off up close but many are not able to so it will be a short winding walk from the pier which is marked by signs.

Bangkok Walking Tour Map Old Town, Royal Barges Museum

8. Maharaj Amulet Market:  The market area near the Maha Rat Pier holds the largest amulet market in Bangkok every Sunday, but has street-side stands 7 days a week. Expect to see hoards of superstitious locals inspecting the amulets closely to determine which ones to buy either for good luck or to ward off evil.  Some of the people are pretty hard-core and even use magnifying glasses.  We really like exploring the covered market area between Maha Rat and the River as it is fairly free of tourists.

9. Temple of the Great Relic ( Wat Mahathat ):  There has been a temple here since before Bangkok was even a city, but it was in 1851 when one of their monks Prince Mongkut Chakri, became King Rama IV that the temple became famous.  King Mongkut had been on a27-year pilgrimage before inheriting the Siamese crown, which gave him a lot of exposure to outside cultures.  During his reign this exposure carried over and he welcomed Western visitors and mixed in parts of their cultures.  If this sounds familiar it is because King Mongkut is the one portrayed in the famous play and  the movie The King and I .  The temple itself has since grown into one of the top ten universities for Monks in all of Thailand and also serves as the Center for Vipassana Meditation.  There isn’t much to see here as a tourist but it has an interesting history.   Hours:  Daily 9am-5pm.   Cost:  20Baht.   Meditation Classes:  Daily at 7am, 1pm, and 6pm in section 5 located near the Monks’ quarters.

Bangkok Walking Tour Map Old Town, City Pillar Shrine Lak Muang

10. Sanam Luang:  Sanam Luang is a wide open,  oval shaped grassy field  that has been used for royal ceremonies since King Rama I moved the capital to this side of the river in 1782.  While not used very often for Royal functions, Rama I felt it was an important part of the Royal complex so it could be laid out exactly like the ancient Northern capital of Ayutthaya had been.  Most of the ceremonies over the centuries have been for cremations for Royal family members, but on most days it is just home to a ton of pigeons.

Bangkok Walking Tour Map Old Town, Temple of the Reclining Buddha Wat Pho

11. City Pillar Shrine ( Lak Muang ):  With how superstitious the Thai people are, every Thai city has a City Pillar meant to bring good luck.  Bangkok’s pillar was placed in the ground by King Rama I at 6:45am on Sunday April 21s,t 1782 marking the start of the Chakri Dynasty and official founding of the City.  While some cities like Chiang Rai have their City Pillars outside, Bangkok has been surrounded by a shrine since shortly after it was put up. Over time these shrines have grown more grand and in the 1850s Rama IV even added a second pillar for double the luck.  During the Rattanakosin celebration for the cities 200th anniversary in 1982 the shrine around the pillar was rebuilt with the tall Prang-shaped white tower you see today.  After checking out the City Pillar stop by the nearby yellow Ministry of Defense with  rows of cannons  meant to show off Thailand’s might.  At one point all of the cannons pointed toward the Grand Palace, but luckily they have tastefully aimed them elsewhere.  The building is not open to the public, but you are free to roam among the cannons which serve as a mini-museum.   City Pillar Visiting Hours:  Daily 7am-5pm.   Cost:  Free.

Bangkok Walking Tour Map Old Town, Reclining Buddha Feet Symbols Wat Pho

*Right next to the Ministry of Defense is the often overlooked grounds of… 12. Saranrom Palace:  This beautiful salmon colored Palace was finished in 1866 and to us looks more Spanish than Thai.  The Palace and its park were built as a Royal Palace for King Rama IV who died before it was finished so the next King, Rama V, gave it to his own sons.  One of his sons ascended to become King Rama VI and turned the Palace into the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1926 after he moved out.  As you head South you’ll run into the Sararom Royal Park which was built by Rama IV, but was turned into an exotic zoo by King Rama V.  It remained a zoo until Dusit Zoo opened and the animals were moved, but it still has some of its original flair including a beautiful red fountain.

Bangkok Walking Tour Map Old Town, Monks At Wat Pho

13. Wat Ratchapradit:  If you feel like exploring off the beaten path a block,  Wat Ratchapradit  sits just to the East of Saranrom Palace near the river and has a couple of interesting pagodas. The footbridge that goes over the Royal Canal ( Lawd ) was built by one of King Rama V’s wives. Since she was born in the year of the Pig it became known as Pig’s Bridge and now holds the popular golden pig statue.

14.  Temple of the Reclining Buddha  ( Wat Pho ):  In 1788 Rama I completed the Wat Pho ( officially called Wat Phra Chetuplon ) over a former temple which dated back to the 1500s.  His inspiration came from gathering fragments of Buddha statues in the former capital of Ayutthaya, some of which were incorporated into his new temple complex.  The centerpiece of King Rama’s temple was an oversized seated Buddha statue, called  Phra Buddha Theva Patimakorn , which can still be seen elevated on a 20-foot-tall platform inside the large central Bot.  In total there are over 1000 Buddha statues in the vast Wat Pho complex, but the main draw by far is the gigantic  Reclining Buddha .

Bangkok Walking Tour Map Old Town, Wat Pho Coin Bowl Offering

Sitting inside that Temple’s Phra Virhara building, the  150-foot-long, 19-foot-tall  golden Reclining Buddha was built in 1832 by King Rama III.  The statue depicts Buddha laying on his side, not sleeping, but at the moment where he gained enlightenment.  This pose is fitting as right next to the building is a large  Bodhi Tree  said to have grown from a cut off a piece of the original tree in India which Buddha meditated under.  The huge gold plated statue has Mother of Pearl covering his large eyes and the souls of his feet.  The pearl on his feet helps to show 108 Thai and Indian scenes ( called Lakshanas ) representing the  108 auspicious characters of Buddha .  The number 108 is carried on throughout the building including the 108 bronze bowls where visitors drop coins in for good luck.  You can buy a sack of coins inside and its said leaving one in each bowl will bring good fortune.  Before leaving the Phra Virhara building, make to take in the murals covering the walls which show scenes from the life of Buddha.

Bangkok Walking Tour Map Old Town, Phra Buddha Theva Patimakorn Wat Pho

After checking out the historic Bodhi Tree and  Crocodile Pond  near the Reclining Buddha, head right for the Temple’s  4 tall Chedi towers .  The 3 Chedis in a row hold ashes from generations of the Chakri Royal Family and the 4th one not in the row is called the Phra Si Sanphet Chedi which holds a sacred Buddha statue.  Only the Royal Family is allowed inside the Chedis, but you can still admire the towers’ beautiful and details porcelain exteriors.  You are bound to see various statues of bearded  Chinese Ballast , or stone giants, by most of the Temples gates.  These guardians represent various segments of Chinese society, but 4 of the sets actually depict  Farangs .  Farang is the Thai word for Caucasian foreigners and the statues have big noses, European Clothes, and top hats.  The character is out of respect of Marco Polo who was the first to introduce the European lifestyle to the Chinese.

Bangkok Walking Tour Map Old Town, Medicine Pavilion Massage Wat Pho

Wat Pho is said to be the  birthplace of Thai massage  and it is home to a massage school with eager students ready to work your muscles.  Beware ahead of time that if you order the traditional Thai massage it deals with a lot of stretching so it’ll be a lot rougher than ordering the standard massage.  As part of the Institute of Massage visitors can also join in to learn the art of massage in 10-15 day classes.  Elements of the roots of massage can be seen all over the Temple.  The  Medicine Pavilion  near the 4 Chedis is the best example as it is filled with 60 stone plaques from the 1700s.  The plaques are diagrams details Thai Massage therapeutic points and energy pathways, with 30 focused on the front of the body and 30 on the back.  The most playful showing of massage is called  Hermit Hill  where small statues of naked images doing yoga poses and massage dot a series of grassy mounds.

Visiting Hours:  Daily 8am-6pm.   Admission Cost:  100 Baht.   Massage Cost:  Thai or Foot Massage for 30 minutes is 260 Baht; 1 hour for 420 Baht.    Dress Code:  While is isn’t enforced as strictly as the Grand Palace they technically don’t allow shorts or tank tops.  Should have legs and shoulders covered.   Temple Website:  ( HERE ).

Bangkok Walking Tour Map Old Town, Wat Arun Residence Restaurant

Other Sights Near Old Town Bangkok:

16.  Bangkok National Museum :  Housed in the Front Palace ( Wang ) which was the home of the King Rama II.   Hours:  Wednesday-SunDay 9am-4pm.   Cost:  Baht.   Museum Website:  ( HERE ).

17. National Theatre:  Traditional Dance Shows

18. Khao San Road:  night life street/market from the Beach ( shamrock, brick bar, Gazebo Khao San top bar in world ), pop up bars like the Volkswagen camper on Rambuttri, restaurants ( bombay blues, Madame Musur )

19. Wat Rakhang:  Temple of Bells, decently large sitting Buddha statue

20. Chinatown Walking Tour:  info on the way

21. Mid Town Walking Tour:  info on the way

22. Dusit Walking Tour:  info on the way

23.  Taling Chan Floating Market:  Open Weekends 8am-5pm

Patravadi Theatre:

Bangkok Forensic Museum

Featured Article

Article Link: how to dress for Oktoberfest in Munich Germany

Sign Up For Our Newsletter For Free Travel Tips

Email Address *

Disclaimer: Information on this page and in our walking tours were deemed accurate when published, however, details such as opening hours, rates, transportation, visa requirements, and safety can change without notice. Please check with any destinations directly before traveling.

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Bangkok Travel Guide

Last Updated: March 1, 2024

Skyline of Bangkok, Thailand at night, with low buildings in the foreground, a temple complex in the center, and modern skyscrapers in the background

Bangkok is famous for its chaotic streets, cheap and delicious street food, wild nightlife, and never-ending traffic. But it’s also a city that most travelers either love or hate.

Personally, I hated it when I first arrived. But, when I got to know it more, I changed my mind. Then, when I moved to Bangkok in 2006, I fell madly in love with it.

Most travelers just pass through here when they backpack or travel around Thailand. But there’s a lot to see and do in Bangkok. It’s worth a few days at the least. Because when you look beyond the chaos and peel back Bangkok’s layers, the city comes alive with endless things to do, see, explore, eat, and drink. It’s a city that opens itself up to those who are willing to get past all the temples and backpacker bars.

You just need to know where to look.

This Bangkok travel guide shows you there’s more to Thailand’s “City of Angels” than you think, with tips on how to plan, save money, and make the most of your visit to this hectic and vibrant capital!

Table of Contents

  • Things to See and Do
  • Typical Costs
  • Suggested Budget
  • Money-Saving Tips
  • Where to Stay
  • How to Get Around
  • How to Stay Safe
  • Best Places to Book Your Trip
  • Related Blogs on Bangkok

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Bangkok

Gilded buildings in the temple complex of Wat Arun, surrounded by manicured topiary, in Bangkok, Thailand

1. Visit the Grand Palace and Wat Pho

The palace was built over the course of three years at the end of the 18th century by King Rama I and is the official residence of the current monarch (although he doesn’t live there anymore; it is just used for official ceremonies). Hidden behind high concrete walls, you’ll see tons of wats (temples), chedis (mound-like structures containing Buddhist relics), carvings, statues, and the famous 15th century Emerald Buddha. This statue has his robes rotated three times a year by none other than Thailand’s king himself. Nearby you’ll find Wat Po to have a larger-than-life golden reclining Buddha statue, and busy massage school. Even if you’re only in Bangkok for a day, you should make it a point to visit the glittering Grand Palace! Try to get one of the free tours as there is minimal signage. It costs 500 THB to enter the Grand Palace and 200 THB to enter Wat Pho.

2. Tour the Chatuchak Weekend Market

Bangkok’s weekend market, the largest such market in the world, is an ideal place to buy anything and everything. It has over 15,000 stalls, making it the best place to get gifts, find knockoffs, barter, and eat some good food. You can find everything here and there’s some really good eats here. Definitely wander around even if you don’t plan on buying anything. It’s open on Saturday and Sunday, 9am-6pm.

3. Explore Lumpini Park

Outdoor enthusiasts will find it hard to tear themselves away from Bangkok’s Lumpini Park. Jogging paths, bicycle paths, picnic areas, chess tables, Tai Chi classes, fitness equipment, and rowboats for rent on the lakes offer plenty to do. The tall trees and quiet setting offer a nice reprieve from busy Bangkok. It’s one of the few green spaces in the city.

4. See Jim Thompson’s House

Jim Thompson was a former American spy and silk merchant in Thailand during the 1950s and 1960s. He built his traditional Thai home in Bangkok and decorated it with gorgeous teak wood furniture and a surrounding garden. He vanished mysteriously in 1967 while in Malaysia, and his house is now a monument to traditional Thai architecture and includes a fabulous guided tour about Jim Thompson and traditional Thai lifestyle. A visit here is one of my favorite things to do in the city. And proceeds are used to help underprivileged kids! The entrance fee is 200 THB and it’s open daily from 10am-6pm.

5. Take in the view from Wat Arun

This is a gorgeous Buddhist temple on the edge of the Chao Phraya River opposite the Grand Palace. It has one main spire and four small ones and is so iconic you’ll find it on Thai money. From the top of the main spire you get sweeping views of the city, making for extraordinary photographs during sunrise and sunset (though, at the time of publication construction was going on). The intricate tiled facade reflects the light beautifully during sunrise and sunset. The stairs are steep, so be careful climbing. Admission is 100 THB.

Other Things to See and Do in Bangkok

1. visit the damnoen saduak floating market.

This floating market is just outside of Bangkok. While it exists mostly for the benefit of tourists, I still like visiting. The tours that come here are about half a day and leave early in the morning. It’s not a great place to shop, but the area is good for photography and eating. Open 7am-3pm daily.

2. Temple hop

Bangkok is full of history, temples, and Thai ruins. There are around ten main temples in the city, all with different architectural structures and layouts. You can easily hire someone to take you to all of them in one day, as it only takes a few hours to see them all. If you don’t have that much time, aside from the Grand Palace and Wat Po, make sure you check out Wat Arun, The Temple of the Dawn. Just be sure to dress appropriately, keeping your legs and shoulders covered, as these are functioning temples.

3. Shop ’til you drop

Bangkok has tons of shopping centers (they’re super popular here and sell everything). Make sure you check out Siam Paragon (for designer clothes), Terminal 21 (to see the stunning internationally themed decor), Platinum (for cheap, trendy clothes), Pantip (for cheap electronics), and MBK (for cheap knockoffs).

4. Hang out on Khao San Road

Khao San Road is the infamous backpacker/tourist street in Bangkok. All travel roads lead in and out of here. However, it is more than just a transit hub for travelers, offering a fun nightlife, delicious food, plenty of shopping stalls, tons of people watching, and bustling activity day and night. Post-COVID, it’s become less of a backpacker street and more of a hub for local Thais. It’s still a party though. For something quiter, check out Soi Rambuttri, which is right next door. That street has more chill bars and quieter music.

5. Visit the Temple of the Golden Mount

Only a short distance from Khao San Road, The Temple of the Golden Mount (Wat Saket) features an enormous chedi , a mound-like structure containing Buddhist relics. This is one of my favorite temples in the city because of its beautiful golden temple, stunning setting, and wonderful views of the city from the top. At the base of the mountain is an overgrown cemetery for 18th-century plague victims. Entry to the temple itself is free but it costs 50 THB to go to the chedi .

6. Day trip to Ayutthaya

Close to Bangkok is the old capital of the Kingdom of Siam. This historic city, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to the summer palace and tons of breathtaking and unique temples. Since it is so close to Bangkok, it’s a very popular day-trip destination for tours. Lots of companies offer trips but it’s so easy to get to that I would simply go on your own by train. Train tickets cost 90-130 THB round-trip, with the journey taking 1.5 hours each way. You can visit on a day trip with Get Your Guide for just 900 THB.

7. Enjoy Bangkok’s famous nightlife scene

You’ll never have a problem finding good bars and clubs to go to in Bangkok. Khao San Road and Silom are two of the most popular nightlife spots in the city while Soi Nana (in Chinatown) is famous for it’s cocktail bars and quirky art vibe. Thong Lo is full of bars and clubs frequented by local Thais. Some of my favorite bars are Brick Bar, Whisgars, Teens of Thailand, Cheap Charlies, Craft, and J.Boroski.

8. Eat in Chinatown

First, wander among the lilies, birds of paradise, and orchids at Pak Klong Talad, the flower market at the north end of Chinatown. From there, grab a bite to eat at one of the many food stalls. You can eat your weight in street food here and still not break the bank. It’s one of the best and cheapest places to eat in the city!

9. Watch a puppet show

A huge part of traditional Thai culture revolves around puppetry. Two types are common – Nang (shadow puppets) and Hun (marionettes). If you’re lucky, you can see a show at an outdoor festival. Otherwise, head to the Joe Louis Traditional Thai Puppet Theatre, founded in 1985 by Sakorn Yang-keawsot (whose English name was Joe Louis), where tickets cost around 700 THB for a performance.

10. Spend a hip night out in Thong Lo

The city’s top-end dining and nightlife lies in this trendy neighborhood, including many Western jazz bars and beer gardens. It’s very popular with Bangkok’s young middle and upper classes. The neighborhood is very walkable and a great place for a fashionable night out. Popular spots include Beer Belly, a craft beer bar with beer pong and a 2-for-1 happy hour from 5-8 pm; and Rabbit Hole, a swanky bar with creative cocktails.

11. Boat down the Bangkok canals

Known as the “Venice of the East,” Bangkok used to be full of waterways and canals. While not as many of those exist anymore, you can still see many of the old bridges and stilt houses, and colorful flower gardens crowding the waterways. You can cruise along the Chao Phraya River to see what remains. Thai Canal Tours offers various group and private canal tours, starting at 2,200 THB a full-day tour, including lunch.

12. Wander the Rot Fai Night Market

Rot Fai Market (or Train Market) is an authentic open-air bazaar selling an array of vintage collectibles and memorabilia, from antique furniture to hippy fashion and Mao kitsch. The Train Night Market is absolutely one of the coolest markets in Bangkok. It’s open at night Thursday through Sunday.

13. See a Muay Thai fight

If you want to see a Muay Thai fight in the city, Lumpinee Stadium is the place to go. While Lumpinee has been hosting Muay Thai fights since the 1950s, the new stadium (which opened in 2014) is huge and can hold up to 15,000 spectators. Fight nights are Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday at 6pm and tickets start at 1,600 THB (buy them online directly from the stadium website for the best price).

14. See Wat Suthat & the Giant Swing

Famous for the Giant Swing that meets you at the entrance of the temple, Wat Suthat is one of Bangkok’s most memorable tourist sites. The Giant Swing was first constructed in 1784 but was replaced in 2005 with an entirely golden teak one (the temple was added in 1807). Aside from the swing, the temple features a magnificent traditional roof, ancient murals, and hand-carved teak door panels. The huge complex includes multiple large temples on the property as well as smaller statues and courtyards. Entrance is 20 THB and it’s open daily from 9am-6pm.

15. Tour the Bangkok Butterfly Garden & Insectarium

This small garden is located around the corner from the Chatuchak Weekend Market. There are over 500 butterflies flying around this domed enclosure, which also features a wide range of flowers, ferns, and even some waterfalls. Entry is free and it’s open Tuesday-Sunday. The butterfly garden is located next to three sprawling parks to continue your day in nature: Queen Sirikit Gardens, Rod Fai Park, and Chatuchak Park. It’s the perfect area to relax and take a stroll.

16. Visit the Bangkokian Museum

This folk museum depicts middle-class life in Bangkok during the 1950s with a collection of three wooden houses filled with family items from that period (the building is from that era as well). It’s small, so you don’t need a lot of time. It’s also free and includes a guided tour.

17. Peruse the National Gallery

This portrait museum has some amazing portraits of the royal family as well as paintings done by the late king, who was an artist and musician in his spare time. It’s located in the former Royal Mint building, they have excellent interim contemporary art exhibits from local artists on the ground floor. Admission is 200 THB.

18. Take a food tour

  For more information on other cities and islands in Thailand, check out the guides below:

  • Chiang Mai Travel Guide
  • Ko Chang Travel Guide
  • Ko Lipe Travel Guide
  • Ko Pha Ngan Travel Guide
  • Koh Phi Phi Travel Guide
  • Phuket Travel Guide

Bangkok Travel Costs

Busy street in Bangkok, Thailand filled with people and rickshaws

Hostel prices – Dorm rooms with 6-8 beds start around 170-220 THB per night on Khao San Road, where accommodation is cheapest. A bed in a 4-6-bed dorm in more upscale hostels (with air conditioning) costs around 300-500 THB.

Private rooms are popular and vary in price, but generally cost around 700-900 THB. Although there’s a growing hostel scene downtown, I find the rooms expensive – especially when you can get cheaper accommodation and meet more travelers on Khao San Road.

Free Wi-Fi is standard, as are free linens and air conditioning, though free breakfast is not. Most hostels in Bangkok often have a range of additional fun amenities, such as swimming pools, outdoor terraces, and free bikes rentals. Most also have a bar or café on-site as well but shared kitchen facilities are not common.

Note that many hostels only accept cash.

Budget hotel prices – Private rooms in small guesthouses or hotels (especially those in the backpacker area of Khao San Road) start at 600 THB for a double room with a private bathroom. If you want something cheaper, you can find single rooms in other areas from 220 THB (fan, shared bathroom), and double rooms from 320 THB (fan, shared bathroom).

If you want a decent hotel room, however, expect to pay at least 1000 THB for a double with a private bathroom.

Quality varies greatly so be sure to look at the reviews online. Most hotels offer free Wi-Fi and air-conditioning and many offer free breakfast as well.

As for Airbnb, you can find full apartments for rent averaging around 850-1,200 THB while private rooms start around 480 THB per night.

Average cost of food – Thai cuisine uses many ingredients to create layers of flavor. Typical spices and herbs include garlic, basil, galangal, cilantro, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, chilies, and fish sauce. Thailand’s neighboring countries all influence the country’s flavorful cuisine which is aromatic and spicy with a variety of curries, salads, soups, and stir-fries that differ based on region.

Rice and noodles are central to Thai food, while the most popular meats are pork, chicken, fish, and seafood. Popular dishes include tom yum goong (hot and sour soup with shrimp), massaman curry, som tam (spicy papaya salad), kao phad (fried rice), khao man gai (rice with boiled chicken), and satay (grilled meat on skewers, served with a peanut dipping sauce).

In Bangkok, you can eat from the street vendors for between 40-70 THB per meal, purchase a bag of freshly cut fruit or Thai iced tea for 20 THB, or get a grilled chicken, rice, and som tam meal for 150 THB. For the best pad thai in the city, go-to Pad Thai Thip Samai, where you can get a very filling dish for 75 THB.

Seafood, even from street vendors, is more expensive. Expect to pay 200-400 THB for a seafood dish. Sit down Thai restaurants begin at 65 THB per meal.

Western food begins at around 150 THB and increases from there. A pizza is 250 THB, a pasta dish is 320-400 THB, and a burger is around 250-300 THB. If you’re eating downtown, expect a Western breakfast or lunch to cost between 200-350 THB. A Western fast food combo meal (think McDonald’s) costs around 300 THB.

Many of the malls have huge (and popular) food courts where you can get a filling meal for around 60-100 THB. Like the rest of Thailand, if you eat at the street markets like the locals, you’ll be hard-pressed to break the bank.

When it comes to drinking, going to bars can become pricey. The cheapest beers cost about 70 THB each, a glass of wine costs 180 THB, and cocktails cost around 400 THB. You can save money by buying beers from 7-Eleven.

For non-alcoholic drinks, a latte is around 65 THB and soda is around 25 THB.

If you’re looking for places to eat, some places I like are Yasothon Duck Larb, T & K Seafood, Shoshana, Bella Napoli, Isao, 55 Pochana, and Kuang Seafood.

A week’s worth of groceries, including the basic staples like rice, veggies, and some meat costs around 700 THB but given how cheap the street food is in Bangkok, I wouldn’t recommend doing heavy grocery shopping because it will cost you more than just eating out.

Backpacking Bangkok Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget in Bangkok, expect to spend about 950 THB per day. This covers a lower-end hostel dorm, eating street food for all your meals, drinking beers from 7-Eleven, a few temple visits, and using public transportation to get around. If you want to have more fun, stay downtown, and maybe some nicer meals or a massage or two, budget around 1,275 THB per day.

On a mid-range budget, expect to spend about 1,925 THB a day. This budget covers a private room in a two-star hotel/guesthouse, eating at more local sit-down restaurants and enjoying a few more drinks, splurging on a few taxis, and visiting more attractions in the city. On this amount per day, you aren’t going to live the high life, but you won’t want for anything either.

A “luxury” budget of 3,850 THB per day or more covers a comfortable room with air-conditioning, any meals you want, more drinking, as many activities and tours you want, and everything in between. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in THB.

Bangkok Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Bangkok can be a cheap city if you avoid splashing out on fancy food, cocktails, and big name hotels. Sticking to Thai places and cheap accommodation, you’ll be hard-pressed to spend a lot of money. Nevertheless, here are some ways to save money in Bangkok:

  • Eat from the street stalls – Food from street vendors in Bangkok is some of the best Thai food I have ever had. The locals eat here; you should eat here too. Not only is it the best food around, it’s also the cheapest!
  • Make sure your taxi turns on the meter – All taxis are required to use a meter when they have passengers. However, most want to charge a higher flat rate instead of using the meter — especially if there’s traffic. If this happens, just walk away and see if a different taxi will turn on their meter for you.
  • Negotiate with tuk-tuk drivers – Unlike taxis, the tuk-tuk drivers do not have meters, so be sure to set the fixed price before you take off. They are very friendly, but if you act like a naive tourist, you will get taken advantage of!
  • Use public transportation – Locals use the extensive bus and BTS systems to get wherever they need to go in Bangkok. To save money, do the same. A 20-minute taxi ride might cost you 120 THB, while the same ride in a bus might only cost 10 THB.
  • Take the boats – There’s a limited canal system in Bangkok that can get you around parts of the city quicker (especially from Khao San Road to Siam Square) and cheaper than taxis or the SkyTrain. Prices are between 5-15 THB depending on the distance.
  • Stay with a local – Couchsurfing connects you with locals who can give you not only a free place to stay but can share their insider tips and advice too. It’s the best way to save money on accommodation while connecting with locals.
  • Take a free walking tour – Free walking tours help you get oriented within a city while picking up some interesting facts and history in the process. To see all the highlights and connect with a local guide, check out Bangkok Walking Tours or Free Bangkok Walks. Just remember to tip your guide at the end!
  • Bargain hard – When shopping at the markets, use your negotiation skills. The rule of thumb is the more you buy, the cheaper the prices will be. So shop in packs for the best deals.
  • Save money on rideshares – Grab is Asia’s answer to Uber, which is no longer available in Thailand. It works the same way: you hire a local to take you somewhere via the Grab app, and you can pay via the app or in cash. It’s often more affordable than a regular taxi and you don’t have to worry about getting scammed.
  • Use a water bottle with a purifier – It isn’t safe to drink the tap water in Bangkok, and although buying bottled water is cheap, it does add up. Instead, pick up a LifeStraw , which has built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe (it’s good for the environment too!)

Where to Stay in Bangkok

Bangkok has tons of cheap, fun, and social hostels as well as good budget hotels. Here are some of my favorite places to stay:

  • Mad Monkey Hostel
  • @Hua Lamphong Hostel
  • Lub d Bangkok Siam
  • D&D Inn
  • Bangkok Tree House

How to Get Around Bangkok

A large, long golden barge with many dragon heads sits on a bright flower bed in front of the Royal Barge Museum in Bangkok, Thailand

Public transportation – Bangkok’s public buses are the cheapest way to get around the city. They’re run by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority, whose website has detailed information on various routes. Air-conditioned buses typically start at 10-18 THB and go up based on distance. A weekly pass costs 255 THB.

Fares for ordinary buses (with fans) start at 7-8 THB and also go up based on distance. A weekly pass for these types of buses costs 120 THB.

Commonly known as the BTS or the Skytrain, this is an elevated transit system with fares costing 16-52 THB per trip or 140 THB for a one-day pass. If you plan to be in Bangkok for a while, look at buying the Rabbit Card, which costs 200 THB, including 100 THB in pre-loaded fares. You can get a day pass for 140 THB which covers the entire BTS system that includes smart buses and express ferries. A 15-trip pass is 450 THB.

The Chao Phraya Express Boat Company is the main ferry service along the Chao Phraya River. The central pier is located at BTS Saphan Taksin, and fares are 13-32 THB. There is also a special tourist boat that runs between Phra Athit and Sathorn every 30 minutes between the hours of 9:30am and 6pm.

Canal boats are especially useful for getting to and from Siam Square and the surrounding area during rush hour. This is one of the best and cheapest ways to get from Khao San Road to downtown Bangkok. It only takes 15 minutes and prices in general start from 10 THB.

The Metropolitan Rapid Transit (or MRT) is the city’s underground train system. It connects most of downtown with some of the suburbs. It uses tokens instead of tickets, but metro cards are available for frequent travelers. Fares cost 15-40 THB per trip, depending on your destination.

Taxi – Taxis are my favorite way to get around the city, as they’re clean, comfortable, and there’s no need to haggle over the price. However, only get in a cab that uses the meter. The rate for the first kilometer is 35 THB, with an additional baht for every 50 meters after that; a 5 kilometers (3 miles) journey runs about 60 THB.

Motorcycle taxis are another popular way to get around the city, usually costing between 20-100 THB per trip. You tell your driver where you want to go, negotiate a price (haggle hard!), strap on the helmet, and speed off into traffic. They’re the quickest (but the scariest way) to get across Bangkok.

Tuk-Tuk – Tuk-tuks are noisy, polluting, and uncomfortable. They require hard bargaining skills and are only worth taking once for the experience. I sometimes like them for short distances but generally prefer a cab to a tuk-tuk. Fares vary greatly based on your haggling skills but expect to be first quoted around 100 THB.

Ridesharing – Grab is Asia’s answer to Uber. It works the same way: you hire a driver to take you somewhere via the Grab app, and you can pay via the app or in cash. It’s often more affordable than a regular taxi.

When to Go to Bangkok

November to the end of February is the best time to visit Bangkok if you want pleasant weather. Bangkok is “coolest” during this time but still averages a hot daily high around 29°C (85°F). This is also the driest time of year. However, because this coincides with Christmas and New Year, expect big crowds and inflated prices.

The shoulder season (April to June) is the hottest time of year to visit Bangkok, with temperatures soaring as high as 40°C (100°F). If you have to come during this time, try to make it for the Thai New Year (Songkran) in April. Songkran is the largest water festival in the world, and you’re guaranteed to have a blast.

Avoid July to October if you can. This is monsoon season and rains can be heavy and unpredictable. I’m not saying it’s going to rain 24/7, but it rains more often and more heavily than other times of the year. Prices are usually cheaper during this time though.

How to Stay Safe in Bangkok

Bangkok is a safe place to backpack and travel, even for solo travelers and even solo female travelers. That being said, it’s also an incredibly chaotic and busy city. Petty theft (including bag snatching) is the most common type of crime you’ll face in Bangkok. Always keep your valuable secure and out of reach — especially in crowded tourist areas and when on public transportation.

Solo female travelers should feel safe exploring the city, though the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

Some people will try to rip you off, including taxi drivers who refuse to turn on their meters. If the driver won’t turn on their meter, just get out and find one who will.

If you’re worried about scams, read this post on common travel scams to avoid so you can stay vigilant.

Some areas of Bangkok are all about partying, and the biggest incidents happen when people are drunk and stupid. Avoid illegal substances at all costs as Thailand is very, very strict on drugs and they don’t cut foreigners a break. Expect huge fines and jail time if you get caught.

When you go out drinking, only bring the money you need for the night. Leave your wallet at home.

If you experience an emergency, dial 191 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID, and forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are just in case.

For more in-depth coverage of how to stay safe in Bangkok, this post answers some frequently asked questions and concerns.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Bangkok Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

  • Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
  • Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
  • Agoda – Other than Hostelworld, Agoda is the best hotel accommodation site for Asia.
  • Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
  • Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
  • SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
  • LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
  • Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.

Get the In-Depth Budget Guide to Thailand!

Get the In-Depth Budget Guide to Thailand!

My detailed 350+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guidebooks and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel around Thailand. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Bangkok Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Thailand travel and continue planning your trip:

The 8 Best Hostels in Chiang Mai

The 8 Best Hostels in Chiang Mai

The 7 Best Hotels in Bangkok

The 7 Best Hotels in Bangkok

The 22 Best Things to Do in Bangkok

The 22 Best Things to Do in Bangkok

The Ultimate Guide to Teaching English in Thailand

The Ultimate Guide to Teaching English in Thailand

Is Bangkok Safe to Visit?

Is Bangkok Safe to Visit?

The Complete Guide to Diving in Koh Tao

The Complete Guide to Diving in Koh Tao

Get my best stuff sent straight to you, pin it on pinterest.

  • Where To Stay
  • Transportation
  • Booking Resources
  • Related Blogs

2024 BANGKOK TRAVEL GUIDE with Sample Itinerary & Budget

2024 BANGKOK TRAVEL GUIDE with Sample Itinerary & Budget

By continuing to read this article, you agree to double check with the authorities or other concerned entities for the latest updates.

If backpacking were a college degree, Bangkok would have to be the 101 course.

Not only is Bangkok the the most visited city in the world, it also considered the global epicenter of backpacking culture. The famed Banana Pancake Trail, perhaps Asia’s most used travel route, often starts and ends in the Thai capital. No shock there, given that it sits at the heart of mainland Southeast Asia, boasts affordable prices, serves delicious local cuisine, and is home to some of the most hospitable people you’ll ever meet. Best of all, even during the pandemic, it remains tourist-friendly.

We have just arrived from our ninth — yes, 9th — Bangkok visit, and in this article, we’ll share with you all the tips and latest updates we’ve collected.

ESSENTIAL BANGKOK LINKS

Before we dive into the details, here’s a list of links to some of our recommended hotels, tours, attractions, and other must-haves, for easy reference in the future.

Top Bangkok Hotels Find Deals on Agoda! Top Day Tours on Klook Ayutthaya Day Tour Floating Market & Railway Market Tour Pattaya Day Tour Transportation Passes BTS Rabbit Card BTS One-Day Pass Internet Connection Data SIM Card Pocket Wifi

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

UNDERSTANDING BANGKOK

Bangkok is the capital and the commercial, economic, and political center of Thailand. The name Bangkok is an exonym, something that foreigners use. Thais call it Krung Thep (meaning City of Angels), short for its official name Krung Thep Maha Nakhon , which is also a shortened version of its full, ceremonial name: Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit.

At first glance, Bangkok appears as your typical highly-urbanized metropolis, but a closer look reveals it remains very much in touch with its past. The city’s roots as the capital can be traced back to 1782, when King Rama I, after the fall of Ayutthaya in 1767, ordered the people to move south and establish a new center at a more militarily strategic location along the Chao Phraya River. Many of Bangkok’s most visited attractions today were built under King Rama I, including the Grand Palace complex and the other temples that will be discussed in the guide.

Bangkok on a Budget

Here are a few more facts you need to know:

  • Language : Thai. For newly exposed non-native speakers, it can be quite intimidating, especially its lengthy words. It’s also a tonal language, i.e. the meaning changes with the tone. But many road and establishment signs are also written in Latin alphabet. English isn’t normally spoken. You’ll encounter taxi drivers and vendors who cannot speak English. But most younger locals can. And what the Thais lack in English fluency, they make up for with their friendly attitude toward tourists.
  • Timezone: UTC+07:00 (ICT – Indochina Time), year round. No daylight saving time observed. Same time zone as Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. Thailand, in general, is one hour behind the Philippines, Singapore and Malaysia.
  • Currency : Thai Baht (THB, ฿). TTHB100 is roughly USD 2.89, EUR 2.72, SGD 3.9, PHP 161 (as of December 2022).
  • Modes of payment : Cash. Although some restaurants and hotels accept credit cards, smaller establishments prefer cash.
  • Religion: Buddhism is the predominant religion, practiced by almost 93% of the population. Most others identify with Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Confucianism.

WHERE TO STAY IN BANGKOK

Best area to stay.

Bangkok is a vast city, and many of the key attractions are spread apart. Thankfully, there are also plenty of neighborhoods that are ideal places to stay. What’s best depends on why you’re in Bangkok in the first place.

Bangkok Best Area to Stay

  • If you’re on a budget , SIAM and SILOM have a good selection of hostels and budget hotels, especially the areas around BTS National Stadium Station or MRT Ratchathewi in Siam and BTS Sala Daeng and MRT Si Lom in Silom. From any of these, most of the attractions easily accessible, ensuring savings on transportation. Cheap food spots are also scattered around these districts.
  • If you’re backpacking or after Bangkok’s wild nightlife, the KHAO SAN area should be your top choice. Khao San Road is loud, but it is where backpackers from around the world congregate. The area also harbors countless hostels and other lodging options for budget travelers. It’s also easily accessible from the Grand Palace and the city’s popular temples.
  • If you’re here to shop ’til you drop , the PRATUNAM and SIAM areas are ideal because of the many bargain centers and shopping malls around.
  • If you wish to experience modern Bangkok, the SUKHUMVIT area has a lot of dining, shopping, and clubbing options, including many of its famed rooftop bars. It’s also where most expats are based, creating a more cosmopolitan vibe.
  • If you’re a foodie , SILOM and CHINATOWN are home to some of the best but affordable food spots in the city. Silom is the business district with the Lumphini Park, Bangkok’s largest green space, at its center, ensuring a balance between quiet and chaos. The BANGLAMPHU area (near the Democracy Monument and Khao San Road) also has a great selection of Michelin-listed pocket-friendly restaurants.

All these areas are conveniently located because there are BTS/MRT stations nearby. Well, almost. The only exception is KHAO SAN / BANGLAMPHU, which is a 30-minute walk away from the nearest BTS Station (Sam Yot) . But Khao San is close to a pier, where you can board a boat to get to key attractions along Chao Phraya River. Other than that, tuktuk and taxi are the main transportation options to and from Khao San. That said, I can still recommend staying there, especially if you wish to have a taste of Bangkok’s backpacking culture.

If you prefer to stay somewhere easily accessible, the SILOM and SIAM areas are my top recommendations. Both have a number of BTS/MRT stations and offer a little bit of every thing that the other districts have to offer — good food, shopping, and nightlife.

Top Budget Hotels & Hostels in Bangkok

Here are some of the top-reviewed hostels and budget hotels on Agoda that won’t break the bank:

Daraya Hostel

  • Tamni , near Hua Lamphong Station & Chinatown. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
  • Daraya Hostel , Siam. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
  • Siam Eco Hostel , Siam. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
  • Kinnon Deluxe Hostel , Silom. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
  • HOSTEL URBY , Chinatown. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
  • Baan Kun Mhor Hostel , Chatuchak. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
  • LOBSUEK Hostel หลบศึก โฮสเทล, Khao San Area. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
  • VIX Bangkok @ Victory Monument. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
  • Lub d Bangkok Siam Hostel , Siam. Check Rates & Availability! ✅

Top Mid-Range/Upscale Hotels in Bangkok

If you have a bigger budget, here are the top properties on Agoda:

ASAI Bangkok Chinatown

  • Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok, Siam/Silom. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
  • Carlton Hotel Bangkok , Sukhumvit. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
  • Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Bangkok , Sukhumvit. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
  • Old Capital Bike Inn , Khao San area. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
  • Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
  • ASAI Bangkok Chinatown . Check Rates & Availability! ✅
  • Ago Hotel Chinatown. Check Rates & Availability! ✅

Search for more Bangkok Hotels

How to get to bangkok.

Bangkok is one of the busiest and most connected cities in the world. If you’re living in a major city, chances are, there’s a direct flight from where you are to Bangkok.

Suvarnabhumi Airport Bangkok

The city is served by two airports:

  • Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) , the newer and bigger airport, serving most airlines, except a few low-cost carriers. It’s situated east of the city proper, roughly 1 hour away.
  • Don Mueang Airport (DMK) , serving mostly AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, and TigerAir Taiwan. It lies north of the city center, 45 minutes to 1 hour away, depending on traffic conditions.

Manila to Bangkok

If you’re flying from Manila, it’s easy to find direct, non-stop flights to Bangkok as multiple airlines operate this route. As of this writing, here are your options:

TO SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT (BKK)

  • Philippine Airlines
  • Cebu Pacific Air
  • Thai Airways

TO DON MUEANG AIRPORT (DMK)

  • Philippines AirAsia

Travel time: 3.5 to 4 hours.

For our most recent visit, we flew with Philippine Airlines for many reasons:

  • 30 kg check-in baggage allowance. Most other airlines only provide 20kg. Although we had been to Bangkok many times before, this would be the first time we intended to go shopping here. Bangkok is a retail paradise, so bargain hunters can easily have a field day at any of their shopping centers. It turned out to be a great decision because we really did use almost the entire 30 kg.
  • FREE rebooking. There were a lot of uncertainties about this recent trip. When we booked our tickets, we still weren’t decided yet on how long we wanted to stay in Thailand. It was a multi-city trip and we weren’t sure if we also wanted to visit Chiang Mai and Koh Samui. We wanted more flexibility, just in case. As of this writing, PAL doesn’t charge additional rebooking fees if the new flight is within 60 days after the original flight. (But double check first because airline policies change often these days.) Fare difference still needs to be settled, though.

To compare ticket prices, you may search Skyscanner!

HOW TO GET TO DOWNTOWN BANGKOK

Just in case you missed it, Bangkok has two airports: Don Mueang Airport (DMK) , located 25 km north of the city center, and the new Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) , 30 km west of the city center.

We’ll be creating a more detailed guide about this. But here’s a condensed rundown of the ways to get to downtown Bangkok from either airport.

Suvarnabhumi Airport to Bangkok City Center

The AIRPORT RAIL LINK is the fastest way to get to the city proper because you’ll be dodging Bangkok’s infamous traffic jams. You can find the station at the basement of the airport’s passenger terminal. There’s a train every 15 minutes from 6am to 12 midnight (every 10 minutes within the peak hours).

It’s connected to the city’s BTS Skytrain at two stations: Makkasan (฿35) and Phayathai (฿45), the last station. Travel time: around 25 minutes.

Depending on where your hotel is located, you can switch lines.

  • To SUKHUMVIT or SILOM Area: You can connect at either Makkasan or Phayathai Station. Find out the station closest to your hotel and transfer to either the MRT Blue Line at Makkasan Station (then to Petchaburi Station) or to BTS Sukhumvit Line (Light Green Line) at Phayatai Station.
  • To SIAM Area: Alight at Phayathai Station and transfer to BTS Sukhumvit Line (Light Green Line). Catch a train bound for Kheha. Get off at Siam Station (or whatever station is closest to your final destination).
  • To VICTORY MONUMENT Area: Connect at Phayathai Station and transfer to BTS Sukhumvit Line (Light Green Line). Catch a train bound for Kho Khot. Alight at Victory Monument Station.
  • To KHAO SAN Area: Alight at Makkasan Station, transfer to MRT Blue Line at Petchaburi Station, and get off at Sam Yot Station. From here, take a cab, tuktuk or Grab to Khao San.

By Taxi or Grab

Suvarnabhumi Airport Taxi Bangkok

If you’re a group or if you have heavy luggage in tow, consider taking a cab or book a Grab car straight from the airport (especially if you’ll be staying Khao San area). If you opt for a taxi, always insist on using the meter.

Travel time: 45 minutes to 1 hour

TAXI RATES: Fare: around ฿400 Airport surcharge: ฿50 Highway toll fees: ฿75

GRAB RATES: ฿530 and ฿600, inclusive of toll fee or highway fee. This is based on the experience of our team.

Don Mueang Airport to Bangkok City Center

According to reports, the Don Mueang Airport was finally connected to Bangkok’s train network in August 2022. I say “according to reports” because we haven’t tried this ourselves yet.

From the airport, you can walk to the Don Mueang Station, along the SRT Dark Red Line . Board the train bound for Bang Sue and alight there, at the last stop. Transfer to the MRT Blue Line.

  • To SILOM Area: Most stations in Silom are along the Blue Line, so just get off at the station closest to your hotel.
  • To SIAM Area: Alight at Chatuchak Park Station and transfer to BTS Sukhumvit Line (Light Green Line) at Mochit Station. Catch a train bound for Kheha. Get off at Siam Station (or whatever station is closest to your final destination).
  • To VICTORY MONUMENT Area: Connect at Phayathai Station and transfer to BTS Sukhumvit Line (Light Green Line). Catch a train bound for Kheha. Alight at Victory Monument Station.
  • To SUKHUMVIT Area: The Sukhumvit area has a lot of stations that are either along the MRT Blue Line or the BTS Sukhumvit Line (Light Green Line). If the closest station to your hotel is along the Blue Line, it’s going to be easy because you’re already on the same line. If your hotel is closer to a Light Green line, alight at Chatuchak Park and transfer at Mochit Station. Then, board a train bound for Kheha.
  • To KHAO SAN Area: Alight at Sam Yot Station (along the same Blue Line) and take a cab, tuktuk or Grab to Khao San.

If, for whatever reason, you do not like taking the train straight from Don Mueang Airport, you can also take the bus and the switch to BTS/MRT. And follow the steps above.

There are direct buses from Don Mueang Airport to select destinations around Bangkok.

  • To MOCHIT BUS TERMINAL: Bus A1
  • To BTS MO CHIT STATION: Bus A1
  • To VICTORY MONUMENT: Bus A2
  • To BTS RATCHADAMRI STATION: Bus A3
  • To LUMPHINI PARK: Bus A3
  • To KHAO SAN ROAD: Bus A4

Fare: ฿30-50 , depending on route

To see the complete list of stops, visit this page .

If you want a more straightforward journey, consider taking a cab or book a Grab car straight from the airport (especially if you’ll be staying Khao San area).

Travel time: 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic Fare: around ฿540 (including ฿50 airport surcharge)

If you opt for a taxi, always insist on using the meter.

POCKET WIFI AND DATA SIM CARD IN BANGKOK

Thailand Data SIM Card

Data Sim Card

This is the cheapest and most convenient option. Klook has two main options: TrueMove and dTac. Both offer:

  • 15GB data for up to 16 days
  • Internet connection anywhere in Thailand
  • Inclusive of FREE call credits
  • Pickup at Suvarnabhumi Airport or Don Muang Airport

✅ RESERVE TRUEMOVE DATA SIM HERE!

✅ RESERVE DTAC DATA SIM HERE!

Pocket Wifi

If your phone is locked to your home network or you have more devices to connect, you can rent a pocket wifi. You’ll find many wifi rental booths around Bangkok, but if you want to stay connected from the get-go, you can reserve one in advance via Klook and just pick it up at the airport, either at Don Muang Airport or Suvarnabhumi Airport.

If you’re coming from Manila, you can also get one at NAIA Terminal 3. Either way, they can accommodate up to five devices at one.

✅ RESERVE POCKET WIFI – BANGKOK PICKUP!

✅ RESERVE POCKET WIFI – NAIA PICKUP!

HOW TO GET AROUND BANGKOK

Pratunam Bangkok

The Thais have their own address system and first timers in Bangkok can be easily disoriented. Wikitravel explains it really well: “Large roads such as Silom or Sukhumvit are thanon while the side streets branching off from them are called soi. Sois are numbered, with even numbers on one side and odd numbers on the other side. Thus, an address like 25 Sukhumvit Soi 3 means house number 25 on the 3rd soi of Sukhumvit Road.”

Although it is not as sweat-free as in Hong Kong or Singapore, commuting in Bangkok is quite easy. Vehicular traffic can get crazy during rush hour though. But if you’re used to the giant parking lot that runs across Manila called EDSA, you’ll be fine in Bangkok (or any other Southeast Asian city for that matter).

Getting around via public transportation means using one or more of these four modes:

Chao Phraya River Ferry Service

  • Train (BTS Skytrain/MRT) . Bangkok’s train system is fast and reliable, and will take you to many attractions throughout the city. I always find myself taking the train most of the time because many attractions are located close to a station. Also, it allows me to bypass traffic jams especially during rush hours. Although connected at a few stations, the BTS and the MRT are completely separate systems, run by different managements and use different tickets. The fares for both are similar, ranging from 16 to 52 baht. Most stations have a counter than can break your large bills and a ticket machine that accepts bills. For a more convenient journey on BTS, use a Rabbit Card (stored-value ticket) or a One-Day Pass (unlimited rides for 1 day).
  • Boat . The two boat services operating in Bangkok are the Chao Phraya Express Boat, which plies up and down the Chao Phraya River and is popular among tourists for it stops at many of the city’s most popular landmarks; and the Saen Saep Express Boat, used mostly by locals who commute to work. The Chao Phraya boat is the best option for you if you intend to visit the Grand Palace complex (at Tha Chang) and Wat Pho (at Tha Tien), and Khao San Road (at Phra Athit) within one day! Both the Chao Phraya TOURIST BOAT and the cheaper ORANGE-FLAG BOAT will make a stop at these key tourist attractions. Fare: tourist boat, ฿50 single ride or ฿180 for day pass; orange-flag boat, ฿15 flat rate.
  • Taxi/Grab . If my destination is too far from a train or boat station, I would just hail a cab. A ride costs more than in Manila but nowhere near the rates in Hong Kong or Singapore. The flagdown is 35 baht and the average ride within the city is probably around 100. You might encounter cab drivers who take advantage of tourists by not using the meter and then overcharging. If the driver refuses to use the meter, just get off the vehicle. Know that all cabs in Bangkok must use the meter. Many of these drivers wait for tourist passengers at the popular attractions like temples and Khao San Road.
  • Tuktuk. I didn’t even bother. They are very expensive, even more expensive than cabs, and many (not all, but it’s hard to know) are involved in scams. If you really want to try for the heck of it, just agree on the price first.

THINGS TO DO IN & AROUND BANGKOK

Before we enumerate the many attractions waiting for you in Bangkok, allow us to introduce KLOOK PASS BANGKOK & PATTAYA . This ticket will give you up to 45% discount. The pass is valid for 30 days upon confirmation.

How it works is simple. With this pass, you’ll have access to a number of attractions. You get to choose how many and what these attractions will be. The first step is to choose how many attractions you want your pass to cover and purchase the pass. Once paid, you can go to the BOOKING section or your app or account, and redeem it. Say, if you purchase a 3-attraction pass, you can book up to 3 attractions from the list. Some attractions might also require you to reserve afterwards.

Here are the attractions in Bangkok and Phuket that you may choose from:

Mahanakhon Skywalk

Siam amazing park.

  • Safari World
  • SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World
  • Madame Tussauds Bangkok
  • Pororo Aquapark
  • Sanctuary of Truth
  • Dream World
  • Frost Magical Ice of Siam
  • Underwater World
  • Ancient City Museum
  • Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
  • Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha
  • Wat Pho & Wat Arun Walking Tour
  • One More Thai Massage
  • Chao Phara Princess Dinner Cruise
  • Alcazar Cabaret Show
  • Tiffany’s Show
  • Bangkok Hop on Hop Off Bus

✅ CHECK RATES & GET PASS HERE!

How much you save depends on what you book. Regardless of the attractions you use it on, the price of the pass remains the same. So what we recommend is to use this pass on pricey attractions.

Here are examples on how you could save using this pass:

Klook Pass Bangkok Price Comparison

Grand Palace and Temples Tour

Bangkok Temples

If you’re fit and you enjoy walking, you’ll be glad to know that many of the city’s key attractions are located within walking distance of each other. For example, Bangkok’s most popular temples and shrines, Chinatown, and even Siriraj Forensic Museum are easily accessible from the Chao Phraya River and can be easily visited in one day.

How to get there : If you’re from Silom, Siam or Sukhumvit areas, take the train to Saphan Taksin Station. Take Exit 2, and walk to the boat terminal. Buy a ticket and board a boat to either Tha Thien or Tha Chang. Boat fare is ฿50 if you board the tourist boat or ฿15 if orange-flag boat.

Here are the usual stops:

  • Grand Palace. A complex of structures, pavilions, and courtyards including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The entrance fee also includes admission to “Khon: Thai Classical Masked Dance”. Boat stop: Tha Chang Pier (No. 9). Opening hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Ticket counters close at 3:30 PM). Entrance fee: ฿500.
  • Wat Arun. Probably the most recognizable landmark in Bangkok with a 70m tall spire (called prang). Boat stop: Tha Thien pier (N8) and then cross the river on a smaller boat. Opening hours: 8:00 AM-6:00 PM Entrance fee: ฿100, inclusive of bottled water.
  • Wat Pho. Famed for the enormous reclining Buddha that it houses. Boat stop: Tha Thien pier (N8) and then walk up the perpendicular road to Wat Pho. Opening hours: 8:00 AM-6:30 PM Entrance fee: ฿200, inclusive of bottled water.

Dress Code : The rule is to have your shoulders, knees, and heels covered. The following are not allowed:

  • Shorts, short skirts, mini-skirts, tight fitting trousers
  • Torn trousers/pants
  • Sando, vests, sleeveless shirts
  • See-through shirts

The management used to rent out pants to inadequately dressed tourists, but perhaps because of the pandemic, they only sell those now for ฿200 apiece.

Although it’s completely possible to pull this off DIY-style, it’s still much more recommended to join a guided tour so you have better appreciation of each site. These are historic and cultural landmarks that hold so much significance for the Thai people. You can book a guided tour on Klook, which includes all entrance fees, boat transfer fee, insurance, and the service of an English-speaking guide.

✅ CHECK ITINERARY & BOOK HERE!

Floating Markets & Railway Market

Klook Markets Tour

Aside from its ornate spires and temples, Bangkok is also best known for its floating markets. But the truth is, these boat-navigated markets are actually located outside the capital. Two of the most accessible are:

  • Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in Ratchaburi Province
  • Amphawa Floating Market in Samut Songkhram

A visit entails boarding a small boat as you negotiate the market canals. Plenty of souvenir and food options around!

Another market that has been attracting throngs of tourists is the Marklong Railway Market. Yes, railway, because it’s set up along the train tracks. And when a train chugs along, watch and be amazed by how the vendors make way for it. You can also spend an hour chilling at a railway cafe.

Klook has tours that combine Maeklong Railway Market with either Damnoen or Amphawa Market — your choice. There are several departure times available so choose the most convenient for you.

✅ CHECK RATES & OPTIONS HERE!

At 314 meters tall, King Power Mahanakhon is one of Thailand’s tallest buildings, housing a hotel, residential units and tourist attractions. From the outside, it looks like a pixelated skyscraper, a design that easily captivates. Inside, a multimedia elevator will take you to the highest outdoor observation deck in the country, allowing a magnificent view of Bangkok and surrounding areas.

Mahanakhon Glass Walk

But most visitors are here for the Skywalk. Atop the building is an area with a glass floor that you may walk on, creating a nerve-wracking but pretty mind-blowing experience.

You need to wear the shoe covers provided onsite before you’re allowed to step on it. And mobile phones (and other loose items) are NOT allowed within the glass tray area. This means that you won’t be able to take a selfie while on the glass. If you’re after photos, best to visit with someone else. Or if you’re traveling alone, make friends with other solo visitors and just take photos of each other.

Location: 114 1 Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Road, Bang Rak, Bangkok Nearest Station: Chong Nonsi BTS Station Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Mahanakhon SkyWalk); Entrance Fee: Mahanakhon SkyWalk (Indoor & Rooftop) – Adult, ฿836; Child (3-15 y/o), ฿250; Senior (Above 60 y/o), ฿250.

Only a limited number of tickets are sold per day, so it’s best to book in advance. You can reserve online via Klook! You can also check out other Mahanakhon experience package options and choose the one that suits your preference.

✅ RESERVE A TICKET HERE!

Bangkok Nightlife

Bangkok Nightlife Khao San Road

No Bangkok trip is complete without getting a taste of its (in)famous nightlife. We already mentioned Khao San Road , the backpacker mecca. It is crowded, loud, and wild. Thunderous music from nightclubs and the delicious smell of street food fill the air, while tourists fill every vacant seat, table and corner.

Aside from Khao San, Bangkok has several other nightlife districts! Most clubs and bars are safe, but as in any other major city, not all. Scams targeting tourists do exist at some establishments. You’ve probably heard about tourists entering a bar and then not being allowed to leave without paying a hefty price for a ridiculously overpriced drink.

If you want to try Bangkok nightlife and make sure you’re in good hands, you may join a guided tour. Klook has two main options: a bar hopping tour , more like a pub crawl, and a Hangover tour , where you get to visit the bars featured in The Hangover 2 movie (including a ping pong show)!

✅ JOIN HANGOVER TOUR HERE!

✅ BOOK BAR HOPPING TOUR HERE!

Dream World Bangkok

Bangkok has its fair share of theme parks, too! And on top of that list is Dream World , a 25-hectare adventure park featuring over 40 rides, shows, and other attractions, spread around four key zones!

Some of the most popular rides are the cable car, Sky Coaster (rollercoaster), Tornado, Vikings (pendulum ride), and Grand Canyon (water rapids)!

Dream World Bangkok

ENTRANCE FEE

  • Dream World Visa (26 rides with unlimited time per ride EXCEPT Alien, Bump Car, and Haunted House, which can be enjoyed once only): ฿600
  • Dream World Super Visa (includes all the rides for unlimited time): ฿1,000
  • Children below 90cm : FREE
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Saturday – Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. The schedule might change, so it’s best to check updated opening hours before going. Location: 62 Moo 1, Rangsit-Ongkharak Road (Km.7), Thanyaburi, Pathum Thani How to Get to Dream World: From Victory Monument BTS Station, take Bus No. 523 or 538 to Dream World.

Dream World is very popular even among locals, so you might want to book your ticket in advance to skip the line. You may also add transfers.

✅ GET SKIP-THE-LINE TICKETS HERE!

The Siam Amazing Park is the largest theme park in Thailand and is home to the largest wave pool in the world (according to the Guinness World Records). You can also enjoy exhilarating rides including Southeast Asia’s first suspended looping coaster with five inversions and the 7-story water slides.

Siam Amazing Park

Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. The schedule might change, so it’s best to check updated opening hours before going. Entrance Fee: Adult, ฿1000; Child, ฿850; Children below 101cm, FREE. Location: 203 Suan Sayam Road, Khan Na Yao, Bangkok How to Get There: From Victory Monument BTS Station, head towards Ko Din Daeng Bus Stop via the circular skywalk, then take Bus No. 168 or 36ก to Siam Amazing Park.

Visitors must purchase their tickets at least one day in advance. You can book online via Klook! You can also choose the package — combine your ticket with an international lunch buffet or combine it with both lunch and shared transfer.

✅ GET DISCOUNTED TICKET HERE!

Ayutthaya Day Tour

Ayutthaya

Founded in the 1350s, Ayutthaya was Siam’s old capital before it was destroyed by the Burmese. Today, however, parts of its glorious past still shine through, especially at the Ayutthaya Historical Park, where four major temples stand up to this day: Wat Mahathat, Wat Phra Ram, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, and Wat Ratchaburana – the Royal Palace and Wiharn Phra Mongkol Bophit. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.

Lying about 80 km from Bangkok, it is easily accessible and can be visited on a day trip. You can do this independently by taking public transportation and then hiring a tuktuk to tour you around. (We’ll write a separate post about it.) But if you need a guide and you want someone else to take care of everything for you, you can book with Klook.

✅ SEE OPTIONS & RESERVE HERE!

Pattaya Day Tour

Pattaya is another popular day trip destination from Bangkok, thanks mainly to its proximity, just around 150 km and roughly 2.5 hours away. The closest major beach destination to the capital, it is best known for water sports, island tours, and beach activities. But it also harbors some cultural structures like Wat Phra Yai Temple and the Sanctuary of Truth.

Pattaya Koh Larn Thailand

Jump-Off Point: Bangkok Eastern Bus Terminal/Ekkamai Bus Terminal or Mo Chit Bus Terminal (Bus); Hua Lamphong Railway Station (Train) How to Get to Pattaya: By bus, go to Bangkok Eastern Bus Terminal, then take the bus bound for Pattaya. The travel time is about two and a half hours. The one-way fare is ฿130-200 per person. By train, go to Hua Lamphong Station and get on a train to Pattaya. The travel time is 2-3 hours, depending on the type of train. The fare is ฿30-฿300, depending on the ticket class. The train for Pattaya normally leaves early in the morning — around 6:00 AM.

If you want a convenient roundtrip transfer between Bangkok and Pattaya, you can just join a guided tour. Klook offers Pattaya Beach and Koh Larn Coral Island Full Day Tour from Bangkok. This covers roundtrip transfers, an English-speaking guide, a Sanctuary of Truth ticket, insurance, and bottled water.

✅ CHECK RATES OR RESERVE HERE!

Muay Thai Match

If you’ve ever wanted to witness a live muay thai match, there’s no better place to make that happen than Bangkok! The two common venues are:

Muay Thai Match

  • Lumpinee Boxing Stadium 6 Ramintra Road, Anusawaree, Bangkok
  • Rajadamnern Thai Boxing Stadium 1 Ratcha Damnoen Nok Road, Bangkok

You can secure your slot in advance and get discounted ticket by booking online through Klook!

✅ GET LUMPINI STADIUM MATCH TICKET HERE!

✅ GET RAJADAMNERN STADIUM MATCH TICKET HERE!

Other Attractions:

Bangkok Chinatown

  • Siriraj Medical Museum . Not for the faint of heart! Also known as the Museum of Death, it houses a huge collection of artifacts gathered in the 120 years of the Siriraj Hospital’s service as a pioneer in the medical field in the country. These pieces are divided into seven smaller museums dedicated to parasitology, anatomy, and forensic science among others. It’s a must-visit for dark tourism enthusiasts and those who simply wish to learn more about these fields. How to get there : Board the SkyTrain to S6 Saphan Taksin Station, take Exit 2, and hop onto a Chao Phraya Express Boat to Siriraj Pier N10 or Tha Rot Fai Pier, both on the west side of the river. Walk a couple of blocks into the hospital complex. Follow the signs to Adulyadej Vikrom Building. The museum is on the second floor. More info : Siriraj Museum
  • iconSIAM . Opened in 2018, this massive shopping mall is one of the largest in Asia. It is bursting with retail shops including luxury labels and budget-friendlier options, and the first Takashiyama Department Store in the country. But it’s best known for its indoor floating market, mimicking those in nearby provinces and showcasing local products and cuisine. Nearest Station: Charoennakorn Station (Sky Train Gold Line via Krung Thon Buri BTS Station) or Saphan Taksin BTS Station (then ferry from Sathorn Pier to IconSIAM) Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
  • Bangkok Chinatown . Popular for its shops, especially near Charoenkrung Road. But there are also temples around the district. To be honest, it’s not as grand or as visually arresting as Chinatowns in other countries, unless you visit during the Chinese New Year, when the district really comes to life. How to get there: Take the Skytrain to S6 Saphan Taksin Station (BTS Silom Line), take Exit 2, and walk to the boat terminal. Buy a ticket and board a Chao Phraya Express Boat. Alight at the Ratchawong Pier (N5) and make your way on foot from Ratchawong Road to Sampeng Lane and Yaowarat Road.

WHERE TO SHOP IN BANGKOK

Here are some of the best areas to satiate your inner shopaholic! We’ll be creating a separate, more detailed article about these spots in another post.

Platinum Mall Bangkok

  • Pratunam . Bangkok’s most popular shopping district. Between its busy alleys are even busier blocks filled with indoor and outdoor stalls selling mostly apparel and accessories. Smack at the heart of the area stand two massive malls — Platinum Shopping Mall and the Paladium World Shopping — both filled to the brim with bargain finds. Most of these specialize in wholesale, they also sell in retail quantities. How to get here : Take the MRT to Ratchaprarop Station and walk south from there. It should take around 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can also take the BTS Skytrain System and get off at Chit Lom Station.
  • Chatuchak Weekend Market . If your visit in Bangkok falls on a weekend, squeeze this into your itinerary. This retail paradise is a labyrinth made of shops, once popular only to wholesale traders but eventually became a favorite attraction among tourists. Here you’ll find almost anything you can think of: from souvenirs to flowers to clothes to furniture to street food! Prioritize this over Pratunam. We found that most of the items in Pratunam are also sold here at a cheaper price. (That said, I think Pratunam has a much more diverse selection when it comes to apparel.) Nearest BTS Station: Mo Chit Station, take exit 1.
  • Siam Square . Made more popular to foreigners as the shooting location for the hit movie The Love of Siam, Siam Square does not disguise itself with pretenses of being culturally significant. It is a shopping and entertainment district. Yet, if you think about it, it somehow represents a generation — a younger, more industrialized, more fashionable Bangkok. Catering mostly to college students and young adults, Siam Square comprises several blocks harboring a wide array of stores — over a hundred of ’em — apparel stalls, boutiques, bookshops, record stores, restaurants, cafes, even cinemas. How to get here : Take the BTS Skytrain System and get off at Siam Station.
  • Ratchada (Train Night Market) . The colorful rows of tent stalls of Ratchada (New Rot Fai Market) will absolutely fill your stomachs with its wide selection of affordable Thai cuisine and international dishes— snacks, street food, sweets, exotic delicacies, and milk teas! The market also offers affordable clothing, accessories, shoes, and many more! Nearest Train Station: Bangkok MRT Thailand Cultural Centre Station. Take Exit 3, then walk towards Esplanade Mall. Ratchada is located just beside the mall. ⛔️ Opening Hours: As of this writing, Ratchada Night Market remains temporarily CLOSED!

WHERE TO EAT IN BANGKOK

We’ll be creating a more detailed version of this article soon. But in the meantime, here’s a quick rundown of our favorite places to eat in Bangkok.

Bangkok Restaurants

  • Thipsamai , where we had the best pad thai of our lives. It’s said to be the first store to serve the now ubiquitous noodle dish. It uses thinner rice noodles coated in shrimp oil. Michelin bib gourmand awardee Address: 313 315 Maha Chai Rd, Samran Rat, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand Bestsellers: Pad Thai, ฿105; Pad Thai with prawns: ฿150 Open: 10AM – 12MN for takeaway only; 5PM – 12MN, dine in & takeout
  • Jeh O Chula (Jay Oh) , for the best affordable tom yum noodle soup! It’s crazy popular that queuing can take up to 2 hours, unless you arrive early. We arrived past 4pm, just in time for the opening. But barely 5 minutes after we arrived, the line grew quickly. If you could, reserve a table via Klook. Those who book with Klook have a separate line, which is much shorter. Reserve here! ✅ Michelin bib gourmand awardee Address: 113 ซอย จรัสเมือง Rong Muang, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand Bestsellers: Tom yum mama (spicy tom yum noodle soup), plain ฿150, with meatballs, squid, shrimps and crispy pork belly, ฿300; salmon salad, ฿300. Open: Daily 4:30PM-12MN
  • Polo Fried Chicken , another Michelin-recognized establishment just across Lumphini Park in Silom area. It started out as a humble street stall but grew to become a proper eatery serving only a few Thai favorites. Address: 137/1-3,9 10 Sanam Khli Alley, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand Bestsellers: Fried chicken half, ฿130; som tam (papaya salad) with salted egg and dried shrimp, ฿80; pork larb/laap (spicy sour minced meat salad), ฿80. Operating Hours: Daily 7am-8:30pm
  • Moo Yang Mae Sumontha , a hidden stall inside Chatuchak Market serving moo yang (grilled pork). But its version is roasted honey glazed, which is incredibly tender, succulent, and properly cooked. Address: 587 โครงการ 22 ซอย 4 /2ตลาดนัด จตุจักร 10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Chatuchak, Bangkok Bestseller: Roasted honey glazed pork, ฿60 per 100g. Open: Weekends 8AM-6PM
  • Kuang Heng Chicken Rice , established 1932. If you get hungry while shopping around Pratunam, this is the place to refill that empty tummy! It’s located just next to Platinum Mall and across the street from Palladium. Address: 930 Phetchaburi Rd, Makkasan, Phaya Thai, Bangkok 10400, Thailand Bestsellers: Hainanese chicken and deep-fried chicken, ฿50 (single); chicken/pork satay, ฿80 per 10 sticks. Open: Daily 7am-10pm
  • Jay Fai , with one Michelin star and featured on the Netflix series Street Food . It’s so incredibly popular that we still haven’t been able to try it. It doesn’t accept reservations beforehand, so you need to show up and fall in line early to be considered for the waitlist. We attempted three times but the waitlist was always full by the time we arrived. Nevertheless, I’m adding it to this list so you could try it for yourself. Address: 327 Maha Chai Rd, Samran Rat, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand Bestsellers: Hainanese chicken and deep-fried chicken, ฿50 (single); chicken/pork satay, ฿80 per 10 sticks. Open: Wednesday-Saturday, 9am-9pm Closed: Sunday-Tuesday

USUAL PRICES IN BANGKOK

Below is the list of the prices of common items that you will need for a comfortable budget stay in Bangkok! Bear in mind that the figures are in Thai Baht.

FAST FOOD & CONVENIENCE STORE

  • Bottled water (500ml): ฿6-12
  • Bottle of softdrink (550ml): ฿20
  • 7-Eleven rice meal: ฿40-55
  • Big Mac (McDonald’s): ฿128

STREET FOOD

  • Grilled meat: ฿10-30 per stick
  • Pad thai: ฿50-60
  • Noodle soup: ฿50-70
  • Rice meals: ฿50-100

ENTRANCE FEES

  • Grand Palace: ฿500
  • Wat Pho: ฿200
  • Wat Arun: ฿100
  • Siriraj Medical Museum: ฿200
  • Mahanakhon Skywalk: ฿836
  • Dream World Bangkok: ฿575
  • Siam Amazing Park: ฿650

TRANSPORTATION

  • BTS/MRT fare: ฿16-52
  • Taxi flagdown rate: ฿35
  • Grabcar within the city: ฿100-280, depending on distance/traffic conditions

TOURS (with Transfers)

  • Maeklong Railway Market + Damnoen/Amphawa Floating Market: ฿1356
  • Ayutthaya: ฿1690
  • Pattaya + Koh Larn: ฿2239

SAMPLE BANGKOK ITINERARY

Here’s a sample itinerary that you may use. We stayed much longer, but if you have only an extended weekend to spend in Bangkok, here’s something to consider.

Note that this itinerary assumes that you’re a party of 2 , splitting some of the costs, and that you’re staying at a hotel in Siam, close to BTS National Stadium Station. Feel free to adjust here and there to match your hotel location, flight schedule, and your travel preferences.

DAY 1: MAHANAKHON SKYWALK & JEH-O-CHULA 01:00 PM – Arrival in Bangkok – Pickup Data SIM Card & Rabbit Card 02:30 PM – Train to Phaya Thai Station ฿45 – Transfer to BTS to Siam, ฿25 03:00 PM – Walk to your hotel, check in, freshen up 04:00 PM – Train to BTS Chong Nonsi Station, ฿28 04:15 PM – Mahanakhon Skywalk, ฿836, Book here! – Chill and wait until sunset 07:00 PM – Train to BTS National Stadium, ฿28 07:15 PM – Walk to Jeh-O Chula 07:30 PM – Eat tom yum set at Jeh-O Chula, ฿350/pax, Reserve here! ! 09:00 PM – Walk or train to Siam, ฿22 09:30 PM – Back to hotel, lights out

DAY 2: DIY TEMPLES TOUR & KHAO SAN ROAD 07:00am – Wake up call 08:00am – Train to BTS Saphan Taksin Station, ฿37 08:30am – Walk to Sathorn Pier 08:45am – Board orange-flag boat, ฿15 09:15am – Get off at N9 Tha Chang Pier 09:30am – Grand Palace Complex, ฿500 10:00am – FREE Tour at Temple of Emerald Buddha 11:00am – Lunch, ฿100 12:00pm – FREE shuttle to Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre 01:00pm – Khon Performance (included in Palace ticket) 01:45pm – Walk to Wat Pho 02:00pm – Wat Pho, ฿200 03:30pm – Boat to the other side of the river, ฿5 03:45pm – Explore Wat Arun, ฿100 05:00pm – Boat to the other side (Tha Thien*), ฿5 05:15pm – Boat to N13 Phra Arthit, ฿15 05:40pm – Walk to Khao San Road 06:00pm – Dinner & drinks at Khao San, ฿400 09:00pm – Taxi/grab to Silom, ฿100/pax *Note: Tha Thien/Tha Tian Pier is temporarily closed for renovation, as of Dec 2022. For now, you may walk all the way back to Tha Chang and catch the boat to Phra Arthit Pier.

bangkok free tour guide

Day 4: SHOPPING, DEPARTURE A: If this falls on a weekend 08:00am – Wake up call, check out, leave bags 08:40am – BTS to Chatuchak Park Station, ฿42 09:00am – Shop at Chatuchak Market 11:00am – Lunch at Moo Yang Mae Sumontha, ฿120 11:30am – Continue shopping 02:00 PM – BTS back to hotel, ฿42 02:20pm – Back to hotel, pick up bags 02:50pm – BTS to Phaya Thai Station ฿25 – Transfer to ARL to Suvarnabhumi Airport, ฿45 03:30 PM – Flight check in 06:45 PM – Flight out B: If this falls on a weekday 08:00am – Wake up call, check out, leave bags 08:40am – BTS+ARL to Ratchaprapop Station 09:00am – Platinum + Palladium Malls 11:30 AM – Lunch at Kuang Heng Chicken Rice, ฿120 12:30pm – Continue shopping in Pratunam 02:00 PM – ARL+BTS back to hotel 02:20pm – Back to hotel, pick up bags 02:50pm – BTS to Phaya Thai Station ฿25 – Transfer to ARL to Suvarnabhumi Airport, ฿45 03:30 PM – Flight check in 06:45 PM – Flight out

If you follow this Bangkok itinerary, prepare to shell out ฿5000 (USD 144, EUR 136, SGD 195, PHP 7950) , excluding airfare and hotel but including a bit of allowance for wiggle room and to make up for any possible price adjustments and incidental expenses.

If you spend TH฿600 per night per person on accommodations, the same itinerary will cost you TH฿6800 (USD 197, EUR 185, SGD 264, PHP 10,800) , excluding airfare but with some allowance to cover adjustments and incidental expenses.

(If you’re coming from the Philippines, it doesn’t include the PHP1650 travel tax yet.)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BANGKOK

What are the covid-19-related travel requirements in thailand.

The Thai government has lifted COVID-19 restrictions for tourists. Travelers are only required to present the usual border requirements like passport (and visa if applicable). No proof of vaccination required.

But if your next destination is a country that requires an RT-PCR COVID test (like India and China), travel insurance is mandatory . It must cover the full length of intended stay in Thailand + 7 extra days.

* This section is as of January 2023

Is Bangkok safe?

Yes, Bangkok is generally safe and tourist-friendly. Of course, you should still use common sense at all times, and don’t flash your gadgets in the open or leave your valuables unattended.

My only frustration with Bangkok is that it has more than its share of scams targeting tourists, so always be careful.

What are the common Bangkok scams?

Bangkok’s scams are more organized than they appear. One widespread modus operandi involves people loitering by the gate of temples (or other tourist spots) and approaching tourists. I almost fell for this on my first trip. They are very friendly, and they usually introduce themselves as teachers. They claim that the site you’re about to visit is closed because it is a holiday and that they know a more beautiful place that is not on tourist maps. They then hail a random tuktuk (which isn’t random at all for the driver is part of the scam) and tour you around. You will be taken to a jewelry store selling overpriced gems and accessories. The tuktuk may also overcharge you for the ride.

Khao San Road is also rife with scams. You’ll find tourist agents selling all sorts of transportation tickets that turn out to be less than what they promise. For example, you’ll find plenty of “direct buses” to Siem Reap, but most of them are not really direct as they involve switching vehicles at one point during the trip. Worse, some of these buses stop at “travel agencies” that will sell you fake visa.

Patpong is also notorious for scams. You’ll be invited by barkers to a sexy club to see a “pingpong show” or other mind-blowing presentations, to say the least. They’ll say the show is free but you must order a drink. The catch is, the drink is ridiculously overpriced.

As in any other city, be careful and vigilant. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

When is the best time to visit Bangkok?

November to February , when the temperature and precipitation levels are kind and low. But because of the pleasant weather, it is also the peak season. High season begins in November and ends in April, around Songkran Festival (Thai New Year, April 13-15). If you’re visiting within this period, prepare to share the city with millions of other tourists.

Bangkok Rainy Months

Bangkok could’ve been a year-round destination if it weren’t for the bouts of rain and flooding problems, which is why it is best to avoid the wettest months.

Rainy season is from May to October, but the wettest months are September-October. We have tried traveling to Bangkok in January, July, August, September, October, and November, and we can tell you that the precipitation level can definitely affect your overall travel experience. We’ve been stranded in some sites because of torrential rains and flooding and ended up wasting much of our time.

What is tipping policy in Bangkok?

Tipping is NOT mandatory in Bangkok, but it is surely appreciated.

When eating at sit-down restaurants, a tip of 10% of the bill should be fine. You can also just round off your bill. For example, if your bill is ฿135, you can leave ฿150. Same with cabs. If the meter is ฿105, round it off to ฿110 or ฿120. At hotels, you can give ฿20-50 to the porter who carries your luggage to your room, depending on the number of pieces. For a massage, tip ฿50. For full-day tour guides, at least ฿200 is alright.

Where to exchange money in Bangkok?

Bangkok has countless money changers, but most of them have poor rates, especially those at the airport. Trust me. I made that mistake and lost a lot in the conversion. If you really need to do so at the airport, exchange only a little or enough to get you to the city center.

At the city center, find a SuperRich Thailand branch. SuperRich has the best rates, make sure it’s a legit SuperRich branch.

What is the power socket used in Bangkok?

Most common sockets are sort of a combination of Types A and C. They have two holes that can accept both flat and round pins, the shape of two door knobs or rubber stamps facing each other. This type of socket can take plugs that are Types A, C, and F. If your plug has three pins, you will be needing an adaptor.

Bangkok Electric Socket

Do I need a visa to visit Thailand?

Foreigners holding passports issued by the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, United States, United Kingdom, Germany and 40+ other countries can enter Thailand visa-free , provided that they stay shorter than 30 days.

To see the complete list of countries, visit this: List of Visa-Free and Visa-on-Arrival Countries

However, visitors must have the following upon entry:

  • a valid passport (with at least 6 months validity)
  • return or onward ticket
  • at least 10,000 baht per person or 20,000 baht per family or equivalent in other currencies, cash.

It will also help to have a hotel reservation .

Note that if you’re not arriving by air, you’re only allowed to enter Thailand twice per year.

Do I really need 10,000-baht show money at the immigration?

In theory, yes. It is the law. But it’s not implemented all the time. Lately, they have been a bit stricter.

Our team has been in and out of Thailand recently but none of us were asked how much we carry. But it would help to just comply, just in case.

The amount should be 10,000 baht per person or 20,000 baht per family.

It doesn’t need to be in baht. It can be any currency as long as it has the equivalent value.

Updates Log

2024•1•5 – Removed travel insurance for test-requiring next destination as it no longer applies 2022•12•21 – First up

More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Is this post helpful to you?

Tip Us

Related Posts:

  • BANGKOK ON A BUDGET: Travel Guide
  • BANGKOK TRAVEL GUIDE with Budget Itinerary
  • THAILAND TRAVEL GUIDE with Multi-City ITINERARIES: 4, 6, 7, 12 Days
  • For the Love of Siam Square and Platinum Mall in Bangkok
  • Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok
  • BANGKOK TO SIEM REAP by BUS or TRAIN: Crossing the Border
  • CHIANG MAI TRAVEL GUIDE: Budget, Itinerary, Things to Do
  • 10 Best Affordable BANGKOK Restaurants Aside from Jay Fai (Where to Eat Cheap)

Visit Terms page for reminders

  • Recent Posts

Yosh Dimen

  • 2024 Resorts World One HONG KONG CRUISE Guide for First Timers - 13 April 2024
  • FLIGHT RESERVATION for VISA • How to Get Dummy Ticket for Schengen, Canada, China and Other Visa Applications - 22 March 2024
  • 2024 Cebu Pacific Promos & PISO SALE with List of Covered Destinations - 4 March 2024

guest

I stumbled upon your travel blog website and I’m absolutely loving it! Your posts are so informative and inspiring, and they’ve given me some great ideas for my own travels. I especially enjoyed your recent post on Travel blog, and I can’t wait to see where you’ll take us next!

Thanks for sharing your experiences with the world, and keep up the amazing work! I’ll definitely be following along on your adventures.

Ren

Thank you so much for preparing this blog, Yosh!!! I cannot imagine the length of time it took you to lay out this information, so thank you! I appreciate it a lot now that I am in charge of our Thailand itinerary – it’s crazy!

Yosh Dimen

Glad it was helpful. And yes, it takes us days (sometimes, weeks) to produce just one travel guide. But it’s always worth it!

Featured On

https://www.thepoortraveler.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/ft-time.png

We heard you!

Your comment is now queued for moderation! We’ll try to get back to you soonest. While waiting, follow us on these channels.

Subscribe on Youtube! Follow us on Instagram!

We heard you!

  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to secondary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Bangkok Tours

BANGKOK TOURS WITH A PRIVATE TOUR GUIDE

Join us for a great time, great food, and great company.

Best way to enjoy Bangkok!

Free Tour Advice

Bangkok City Tours

Bangkok Highlights city tour by local transport - Private Bangkok tour with English speaking private tour guide

Bangkok Highlights tour by local transport

Bangkok Highlights city tour by minivan - Private Bangkok tour with English speaking private tour guide

Bangkok Highlights tour by minivan

Bangkok Explorer tour by local transport - Private Bangkok tour with English speaking private tour guide

Bangkok Explorer tour

Floating market tours.

Railway market and Floating market tour from Bangkok - Private tour with English speaking guide

Railway market and Floating market tour

Floating market tour from Bangkok - combine with Bangkok city - Private tour with English speaking guide

Floating markets and Bangkok tour

Floating markets, Railway Market, and Tham Khao Bin cave - Private floating market tour from Bangkok with English speaking guide

Markets and Tham Khao Bin cave tour

Day trips from bangkok.

Ayutthaya day trip from Bangkok. Ayutthaya private tour with English speaking guide.

Historical Ayutthaya tour

Private tour to Hellfire Pass and Bridge River Kwai from Bangkok with English speaking guide. Kanchanaburi day trip from Bangkok.

Bridge River Kwai and Hellfire Pass tour

Erawan waterfalls private tour from Bangkok. Erawan waterfalls day trip with English speaking guide.

Erawan Waterfalls tour

Private city tours in Bangkok with the best possible customer service. We love our city and enjoy showing it to you, it is for a good reason that Bangkok is one of the most visited cities in the world.

Escape the hectic of Bangkok and explore the beautiful countryside of central Thailand. Enjoy a nice variety of famous markets, stunning temples and historical sites, relaxing boat tours, and impressive caves.

BKK Tours is awarded with a Certificate of Excellence by TripAdvisor since 2012. Received a Hall of Fame award which recognizes consistent excellent reviews for their private Bangkok tours and day trips.

Tour Advice

We invest time and effort to make our tours run as clockwork, as smooth and professional as possible, committed to organize a great experience for you. We can advice how to optimize your valuable time in Bangkok.

Latest reviews

  • We had an amazing tour with Petch, she was informative and very knowledgeable which made our time with her an absolute pleasure. We were collected from our hotel on time in an air conditioned comfortable mini bus and our driver was excellent, cold water and refreshing cold towels were provided throughout the day. All of the temples we visited were so interesting and Ayutthaya was a wonderful place to visit. The lunch was at an authentic Thai restaurant with plenty of local people enjoying their weekend and the food was delicious. Would fully recommend both BKK Tours and our amazing guide Petch. read more read less Historical Ayutthaya tour Paul a. 29 Mar 2024
  • We have spent two wonderful and exciting days with our tour guide Raht. She took us through historic Ayutthaya and the highlights of Bangkok. Her knowledge about history were impressive, combined with the excellent organisation of the tour. Without her we would not been able to manage all the sights. The lunch places selected were awesome, we loved the food. Thanks for everything!!! read more read less Historical Ayutthaya tour UK 27 Mar 2024
  • We considered various tour options before our trip to Bangkok and honestly felt like we won the lottery in having Air as our guide! It was a long hot day to visit so many city sites but Air kept us going. She's very knowledgeable as a guide and speaks terrific English (our biggest concern in choosing a guide) but what truly makes a guide is their ability to connect with their clients in an engaging way and for this reason, I give her an A+ rating. She is fun & funny and radiates the warmest positive energy. We will always have the best memories of Bangkok thanks to her! read more read less Bangkok Highlights tour by local transport Mary S. 25 Mar 2024
  • This tour is fantastic. We have done it more than once and doing it again this summer. Air is a superb guide with great english skills and knowledge and makes the tour very special with focus on you. read more read less Bangkok Highlights tour by local transport Niels C. 22 Mar 2024

Latest News

bangkok free tour guide

Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew opening days 2024

Calendar and opening times for 2024 at the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha temple) in Bangkok.

Long tailed boat on our private tour in Bangkok

Advantages of a private tour in Bangkok

To truly make the most of your time in Bangkok, it is highly recommended that you consider booking a private tour. From navigating the city easily to experiencing the local culture authentically, a private tour guide can provide valuable insights and advice. Save time, stay safe, and get a personalized experience with a private tour guide in Bangkok.

Amazing day tour of Bangkok

Our 700th review on TripAdvisor: Amazing day tour of Bangkok. We wouldn’t have been able to do half of this without booking with your company. Highly, highly recommended tour!

css.php

bangkok free tour guide

THE GRAND PALACE  &  EMERALD BUDDHA (WAT PHRA KAEW)

Guided tours in english.

GRAND PALACE GUIDES

Within The Grand Palace Bangkok - Emerald Buddha Temple grounds there are guided tours in English.  You may like to check these times and availability  at the ticket office.  

TOP TIP: You can also rent an audio guide  for other languages, 200 Baht.

* Always choose an official  guide within The Grand Palace ground  itself, without exception.

Emerald Buddha

EMERALD BUDDHA

The Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) in the Grand Palace itself is the main attraction. A figurine of the meditating Buddha made from one solid piece of green jade, clothed in gold and diamonds. It is greatly revered from the Royal family to Thai nationals alike, as Thailand’s utmost precious religious icon...

Grand Palace

GRAND PALACE

The Grand Palace   once lived in by Kings is courtyards of countless majestic and all inspiring examples of exquisite Royal architecture through the millennia...

Reclining Buddha

RECLINING BUDDHA

The Reclining Buddha  ( Wat Pho) is located 700 meters south of The Grand Palace. It is a world-renowned 46 meter long gold plated reclining Buddha. Its pose represents  entry into complete spiritual enlightenment ending all worldly reincarnations. Within the surrounding corridor there are 108 bronze bowls representing the 108 auspicious characteristics of The Buddha. It is believed dropping coins into these bowls brings wealth and prosperity...

THE GRAND PALACE & EMERALD BUDDHA (WAT PHRA KAEW)

Prepare Travel Plans

Bangkok Itinerary: The Best 5 Day Trip Guide for Reference

Bangkok Itinerary

This Bangkok itinerary for 5 days is a collection of my favorite spots in Thailand’s capital , designed to give you a memorable trip in the city .

The itinerary I’m going to share with you is very clear and easy to follow. It highlights the best markets and must-see attractions in Bangkok .

Additionally, I’ll recommend the best routes to navigate this vibrant city . Trust me, with this guide, you’ll save time and avoid headaches when planning your journey .

So, are you ready? Let’s dive into my 5-day Bangkok plan to make your trip awesome. 😊

Explore the Best of Bangkok: Your Go-To Itinerary for a Wonderful Trip!

Day 1: grand palace, wat pho, wat arun, asiatique and cruise, day 2: platinum mall, pratunam market, bangkok aquarium, and jeh o chula, day 3: bangkok’s chatuchak, massage, mahanakhon skywalk, and more, day 4: safari world bangkok and chocolate ville, day 5: discover thailand’s top markets and visit the one ratchada, smart ways to save on bangkok attraction tickets, bangkok itinerary 5 days map, where to stay in bangkok, thailand sim card, bangkok transportation guide, related posts.

Day 1 Bangkok Itinerary infographic: visits to Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Asiatique, Wat Arun, and a river cruise

Start day 1 of your Bangkok itinerary by visiting the city’s stunning temples. Continue the excitement with a trip to a well-known open-air mall for a shopping spree.

Finish your day with a scenic river cruise, taking in the beautiful nighttime skyline.

  • 9:00 AM: Grand Palace
  • 11:30 AM: Wat Pho
  • 1:00 PM: Lunch at Baan Tha Tien or Pad Thai Kratong Thong
  • 2:00 PM: Wat Arun
  • 4:00 PM: Asiatique The Riverfront
  • 6:30 PM: Having dinner at Rosewood Restaurant (Option 1)
  • 7:45 PM: Calypso Cabaret Show
  • 7:30 PM: Take the Chao Phraya Princess Cruise for your dinner (Option 2)

1. Grand Palace Bangkok – 2.5 hours (9:00 AM to 11:30 AM)

Bangkok's Grand Palace is depicted with its ornate architecture, golden spires and guardian statues

On the first morning of your itinerary , I’d suggest starting with the Grand Palace Bangkok .

This site was built way back in 1782 and used to be the home of the Thai King . Now, it is considered a major Bangkok tourist destination .

The architectural designs here are totally impressive . In fact, it’s very unique and majestic .

Take a stroll through its beautiful halls and gardens , and be sure to see the Emerald Buddha . As you explore, capture the many photo-worthy spots within the temple complex .

Take Note: To enter the palace, you need to wear a shirt with sleeves and pants that go down to your ankles. If you’re thinking of wearing a dress, just make sure it covers your shoulders and is ankle-length.

Option 1 for Getting to the Grand Palace

2. Wat Pho – 1.5 hours (11:30 AM to 1:00 PM)

Giant golden Reclining Buddha statue at Wat Pho, Bangkok

Next, head over to Wat Pho , a renowned Buddhist temple of Bangkok .

This temple is visited by many travellers every year because of its unique features.

One of the highlights here is the huge reclining Buddha that is 46 metres long. It’s literally a gigantic golden figure , making it the largest Buddha statue in Thailand .

So, if you want to visit the highest grade among all other first-class temples, this should be part of your list.

Route Map to Wat Pho

3. Lunch at Baan Tha Tien or Pad Thai Kratong Thong – 1 hour (1:00 PM to 2:00 PM)

Interior of Baan Tha Tien Cafe in Bangkok, featuring traditional Thai decor and wooden furnishings

After visiting Wat Pho, a tasty lunch is just a short walk away. Both recommended restaurants are just around a 2-minute walk from the temple.

  • Baan Tha Tien : This place offers a true taste of Thai cuisine in a cozy setting. Here, you can savor dishes like Tom Yam Kung and Thai-style fried rice. The prices range between 50 Baht and 120 Baht, making it very affordable.
  • Pad Thai Kratong Thong : This spot is a haven for Thai food lovers. Dive into their signature Pad Thai priced at just 109 Baht. If you’re in the mood for something spicy and flavorful, the Tomyum Soup with Shrimp is a steal at 159 Baht. Also, don’t miss out on their Green Curry Soup with Chicken for 129 Baht.

Trust me, these nearby eateries will not only save you time but also provide a delicious culinary experience.

Route to Baan Tha Tien or Pad Thai Kratong Thong

4. Wat Arun Bangkok – 2 hours (2:00 PM to 4:00 PM)

Architectural of Wat Arun Bangkok, showcasing its intricate carvings, colorful porcelain, and  layered spires

After enjoying your lunch, continue your Bangkok trip by exploring Wat Arun , often known as the “Temple of Dawn”. This is a very beautiful temple situated along the riverside .

There are plenty of gorgeous spots here , including the colourful spires that complement the water scenery . The religious items inside are also very impressive.

And of course, the architectural beauty of the temple is totally unique .

So, take your time and capture many picturesque photos . For sure, you will be in awe of the amazing photo choices.

Route Map to Wat Arun

5. Asiatique The Riverfront – 2.5 hours (4:00 PM to 6:30 PM)

Vibrant evening scene at Asiatique The Riverfront in Bangkok, with bustling shops and a large Ferris wheel

Next on the itinerary is Asiatique Bangkok , a lively night market and entertainment spot by the river.

To be honest, this is one of my favourite night markets to go in Bangkok because of its incredible array of activities.

Start with some shopping; there are hundreds of boutique stalls selling unique items .

Don’t forget to take a ride on the big Ferris wheel – the view from the top is breathtaking , especially at sunset.

Route Map to Asiatique The Riverfront

6. Rosewood Restaurant or Happy Fish ( Dinner Option 1) – 1 hour (6:30 PM to 7:30 PM)

For a delightful dinner in Asiatique , you’ve got two popular choices : Rosewood Restaurant and Happy Fish. Here’s a quick intro to help you decide:

i. Rosewood Restaurant

Delicious grilled chicken dish served at Rosewood Restaurant

Rosewood Restaurant is truly a gem! Nestled in a serene setting with beautiful wooden decor , this spot offers the perfect ambiance for a quiet, romantic dinner .

For a start, their roasted chicken, brimming with traditional Thai flavors, is a must-try . Their steaks won’t disappoint either . Many visitors highly recommend the Grilled Chicken , so it might be worth a taste.

And as the evening deepens with live music , it’s the perfect setting to round off your meal with a cold beer , immersing yourself fully in the relaxed atmosphere.

ii. Happy Fish

Colorful, aquatic-themed Happy Fish Restaurant in Bangkok, serving seafood dishes in a lively atmosphere

For a lively dining experience, head to Happy Fish .

Not only do they serve mouth-watering seafood , but they also have a variety of international dishes , like grilled chicken, pizza, burgers, and spaghetti . With prices ranging from 200 Baht to 500 Baht , it’s affordable too.

Fancy a drink? They have a nice selection of cocktails and beers to complement the live music . The riverside view, combined with the tunes, makes it a memorable spot.

7. Watch the Calypso Cabaret Show – 1 hour (7:45 PM to 8:45 PM)

Dynamic stage scene from Calypso Cabaret Show in Bangkok, showcasing dazzling costumes and vibrant performances

Be sure to catch a live performance of Calypso Cabaret after dinner. It’s a famous ladyboy show with vibrant dances, stunning costumes, and impressive performances .

The combination of glittering costumes, lively music, and talented performers make this a highlight of any Bangkok visit.

The original ticket price for the show is 1200 Baht , but if you purchase online , you can gain a 25% discount ! The show has two time slots: 7:45 PM and 9:30 PM. For updated show times, please check their website.

8. Chao Phraya Princess Cruise (Dinner Option 2) – 2 hours (7:30 PM to 9:30 PM)

Luxurious Chao Phraya Princess Cruise at night, with illuminated Bangkok skyline in the background

Another great dinner option is to hop aboard the Chao Phraya Princess Cruise , which you can easily board at Asiatique Pier .

You can get more information about this trip by checking the cruise menu and prices here .

The cruise itself is such a lovely way to see Bangkok’s scenic night landscape and relish in the cool river breeze .

You are given 2 hours to savour the overloaded buffet of local and international dishes .

While enjoying your food, there’s a live band to serenade you for a night full of entertainment .

Bangkok Day 2 Itinerary visual guide: Shopping malls, market, local eats, wax museum, and aquarium visits

Let’s get ready for day 2 of your exploration in Bangkok . The itinerary for today takes you through Thailand’s vibrant marketplaces, top family destinations, and a feast of local culinary delights.

  • 9:00 AM: Platinum Fashion Mall
  • 11:00 AM: Pratunam Market
  • 1:00 PM: Have lunch at either Pe Aor Tom Yum Kung Noodle or Go-Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice
  • 2:00 PM: SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World
  • 5:00 PM: Madame Tussauds Bangkok
  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy your dinner at Jeh O Chula or the Baiyoke Sky Hotel Buffet

1. Platinum Fashion Mall – 2 hours (9:00 AM to 11:00 AM)

External view of Platinum Fashion Mall

Commence with your morning adventure at Platinum Fashion Mall . Without a doubt, this is a very popular shopping mall in Pratunam , Bangkok.

It’s an indoor mall that has all kinds of fashion items and accessories .

There are over 1000 outlets inside the mall , offering trendy clothing, underwear, and kids’ wear .

You’ll also find different belts, handbags, shoes, wigs, and even cosmetic products . The best part of the mall is that it is air-conditioned.

Route to Platinum Fashion Mall

2. Pratunam Market – 2 hours (11:00 AM to 1:00 PM)

Busy, colorful stalls at Pratunam Market Bangkok, offering a variety of clothes and accessories

No Bangkok itinerary would be complete without going to the Pratunam Market and exploring its vibrant shops.

This busy marketplace is just situated on the opposite side of Platinum Fashion Mall .

Most of the stalls sell fashion stuffs at a wholesale price , ranging between 50 Baht and 400 Baht per piece of cloth . This means the clothes here are really cheap .

So, if you’re in need of new dresses, pants, shoes, and accessories, this is the best place to get your money’s worth .

Route Map to Pratunam Market

3. Lunch at Pe Aor Tom Yum Kung Noodle or Chicken Rice – 1 hour (1:00 PM to 2:00 PM)

After all the shopping, enjoy your lunch at one of the recommended spots below , which are close to Pratunam Market . Both places offer some of the best tastes of Bangkok . Enjoy your meal.

i. Pe Aor Tom Yum Kung Noodle

Delicious bowl of Pe Aor's famous Tom Yum Kung noodle, rich in flavor and topped with fresh shrimp

For just around 100 Baht, you can enjoy a rich and creamy noodle soup made with a fragrant broth, large prawns (Kung), and often served with noodles.

The soup is tangy, spicy, and a tad creamy from coconut milk, making it an unforgettable dish.

Access: Pe Aor Tom Yum Kung Noodle shop is not close to Pratunam Market. You can take a Grab car for about 150 Baht, and it takes 15 minutes to get there.

ii. Go-Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice

If you’re a fan of chicken dishes, you must visit Go-Ang Pratunam . For only 50 Baht per plate, you can savor their famous tender Hainanese chicken paired with fragrant rice.

Route Map to Go Ang Pratunam Chicken Rice Shop

4. SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World – 3 hours (2:00 PM to 5:00 PM)

Underwater scene at SEA LIFE Bangkok with penguins, sharks, and vibrant coral reef fishes

In the afternoon, consider a visit to SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World , the largest aquarium in South East Asia . It’s a spectacular place with over 30,000 marine creatures .

I’ve been there, and it’s a sight to behold. The highlights for me were the sand tiger sharks , giant eagle rays , and the vibrant coral reef fishes .

Plus, you shouldn’t miss the playful penguins and giant spider crabs . I truly love this place for its mesmerizing marine displays.

A little tip: consider booking your aquarium admission tickets online . I found out you can save some money off the original ticket price this way!

Access: If you’re coming from Pe Aor Tom Yum Kung Noodle shop, you may opt for a Grab car to SEA Life Bangkok Ocean World, which costs about 120 Baht and will take roughly 10 minutes.

Route to SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World

5. Madame Tussauds Bangkok – 2 hours (5:00 PM to 7:00 PM)

Wax figures of Captain America, Michael Jackson, and Cristiano Ronaldo at Madame Tussauds Bangkok

Spend your evening at Madame Tussauds Bangkok . This is such a nice spot to run into your favourite stars .

In this museum, you’ll get to meet the wax figures of best-known movie actors such as Jackie Chan , Captain America , Will Smith , and Hugh Jackman .

Musical stars like Michael Jackson , Lady Gaga , and Ariana Grande are also present.

For the sports category, there’s David Beckham , Cristiano Ronaldo , Serena Williams , and more. In addition, there’s a display for the world’s top leaders .

Route Map to Madame Tussauds Bangkok

6. Dinner at Jeh O Chula or Baiyoke Sky Hotel Buffet – 2 hours (7:00 PM to 9:00 PM)

If you’re looking to indulge in a memorable dining experience in Bangkok , you can’t miss out on Dinner at Jeh O Chula or the Baiyoke Sky Hotel Buffet . I’ve had the pleasure of dining at both, and believe me, they’re truly special.

i. Jeh O Chula

Bustling Jeh O Chula restaurant in Bangkok, famous for its large, flavorful bowls of noodle soup

At Jeh O Chula , the star dish is their famous Mama Instant Noodles . It’s called Jeh O’s Famous Mama Tom Yum .

This isn’t just any bowl of noodles. It’s a small pot comes with Mama Noodles mixed with flavorful seafood like prawns and squid, eggs, and juicy pork meatballs .

They even add their signature crispy pork belly, giving it an upscale twist . Though it might sound simple, take my word for it, the dish offers a burst of unexpected flavors .

Just a heads up, the queue at Jeh O Chula can be quite long , sometimes stretching over an hour . If you’d like to skip the wait , I suggest you reserve a seat online.

Access: Jeh O Chula is a bit far from Madame Tussauds Bangkok, so I suggest taking a Grab car to get there. It will cost around 100 Baht and take about 10 minutes.

ii. Baiyoke Sky Hotel Buffet

Panoramic view of Baiyoke Sky Hotel's buffet, offering a vast array of international cuisines

The Baiyoke Sky Hotel Buffet is on the 81st floor . It’s in Thailand’s tallest hotel !

They have lots of food like sushi, grilled meats, seafood, Thai dishes, and desserts . Want to see all the food choices? Simply check the buffet menu here .

And the best part? While eating, you can see the whole city of Bangkok from high up . It’s a beautiful view!

Access: Catch a Grab car from Madame Tussauds Bangkok to Baiyoke Sky Hotel will cost about 100 Baht and is expected to take approximately 10 minutes.

Day 3 Itinerary: Chatuchak Market, Jim Thompson House, Jodd Fairs, Mahanakhon SkyWalk and other places

On day 3 of this Bangkok travel itinerary , start with a visit to Thailand’s largest market for an immersive shopping experience.

Afterwards, explore the art and history at a heritage house. Then enjoy a leisurely massage to relax before continuing your adventure.

  • 9:00 AM: Chatuchak Weekend Market
  • 12:00 PM: Lunch at Chatuchak Market
  • 1:00 PM: Jim Thompson House
  • 3:00 PM: One More Thai Massage
  • 5:00 PM: Mahanakhon SkyWalk
  • 7:00 PM: Jodd Fairs Dan Neramit
  • 9:00 PM: Dinner at Holy Shrimp

1. Chatuchak Weekend Market – 3 hours (9:00 AM to 12:00 PM)

Wide view of the crowded lanes of Chatuchak Market in Bangkok, teeming with various vendors and goods

Have a fun morning visiting Chatuchak Weekend Market Bangkok . As the largest market in the country , you surely will have a lot of shopping options here .

This particular market is known for its trendy clothing at super cheap price .

Most of the items available on display are fashionable tops, comfy shirts, formal wear, and sports attire .

There are also colorful headbands, cute footwear, beautiful bags , and a lot more!

Route to Chatuchak Weekend Market

2. Having Lunch at Chatuchak – 1 hour (12:00 PM to 1:00 PM)

Stalls at Chatuchak Market serving crispy chicken rice and refreshing coconut ice cream

After shopping at Chatuchak Market , you don’t need to venture far for lunch .

The market isn’t only about fashion; it’s also a culinary hotspot with numerous food stalls serving a range of delicious foods, drinks, and desserts .

Don’t miss out on dishes like fried chicken, grilled river shrimp, chicken skewers, and coconut ice cream . Many of these mouthwatering items start at just 20 Baht .

3. Jim Thompson House – 2 hours (1:00 PM to 3:00 PM)

Historic Jim Thompson House in Bangkok, showcasing traditional Thai architecture

The next stop is to visit Jim Thompson House and search around its connecting houses . This traditional museum is known for its ancient and personalized exhibits .

Some of the things featured here are silk scarves, handbags, accessories, and clothing . Each of these comes with unique and beautiful designs that make it very eye-catching .

There’s also a cosy restaurant and gift shop inside the museum.

So, if you want an old-style tourist site in Bangkok with eye-catching display, make sure to pop by the museum.

Route Map to Jim Thompson House

4. One More Thai Massage (Chit Lom) – 2 hours (3:00 PM to 5:00 PM)

Relaxing interior of One More Thai Massage in Bangkok, with a serene and calming atmosphere

For those seeking to unwind and relax in Bangkok , One More Thai Massage is a spot you shouldn’t miss.

Located in the heart of the city, this massage haven offers an authentic Thai massage experience .

When you’re there, I’d recommend trying their traditional Thai massage or perhaps a soothing foot massage .

It’s not just about the massage, though; the ambiance and the skilled therapists make the whole experience truly rejuvenating .

For a detailed look at their packages and treatment options , simply see their prices here .

Route to One More Thai Massage

5. Mahanakhon SkyWalk (Thailand’s Highest Observation Deck) – 2 hours (5:00 PM to 7:00 PM)

Breathtaking evening view from Mahanakhon SkyWalk, overlooking Bangkok's illuminated cityscape

Before the evening kicks in, go to Mahanakhon SkyWalk and catch the sunset . This spot is the best place to see the entire view of Bangkok and its magical cityscape.

The moment you step onto the glass skywalk, you’ll find yourself immersed in a stunning landscape of soaring buildings and lively streets below.

It’s like the whole place is lit up with the warm glow of the sunset . Believe me, you’ll want to take it all in. It’s a view you’ll never forget .

Tip: Be aware that evening lines can be long, so it’s best to book your Mahanakhon SkyWalk tickets online beforehand to save time and ensure your spot.

Route Map to Mahanakhon SkyWalk

6. Jodd Fairs DanNeramit – 2 hours (7:00 PM to 9:00 PM)

Nighttime scene at Jodd Fairs DanNeramit in Bangkok, with crowds of people walking among brightly lit food stalls

If Jodd Fairs DanNeramit isn’t on your itinerary yet, it should be! It’s a special market in Bangkok with a fairytale castle , cool vintage cars , and lots of food stalls .

And if you like taking photos, this market is perfect. There are so many great spots for pictures!

Shopping here is fun too. You can find stylish clothes, cool accessories, old-school items, and gifts to take home.

And if you get hungry, there’s plenty of food . From tasty Thai snacks to Japanese food, BBQ skewers, drinks, and more . Plus, there are nice places to sit and eat .

I recommend trying the spring rolls, pad Thai, chicken skewers, and the sweet mango rice . They’re all delicious.

Route to Jodd Fairs DanNeramit

7. Savor Holy Shrimp – 1 hour (9:00 PM to 10:00 PM)

Seafood dish at Holy Shrimp, including fresh shrimp, crabs, and mussels, served in a flavorful, spicy sauce

For dinner , I’d recommend trying Holy Shrimp at Jodd Fairs DanNeramit.

They serve amazing seafood dishes . You can enjoy tasty shrimps, mussels, and scallops, all cooked just right in a yummy sauce .

The mix of herbs and a splash of lemon make everything taste even better. Don’t forget the sweet corn—it adds a nice touch to the meal.

If Holy Shrimp isn’t to your liking, don’t worry! Jodd Fairs DanNeramit has plenty of other food options to explore .

From crispy fried chicken and cheesy pizza to juicy burgers and spicy tomyum , you won’t have any trouble finding a delicious dinner here . There’s something for everyone’s taste!

Going to Tokyo soon? Consult my Tokyo itinerary for 7 days to assist you in planning your trip.

Day 4 Itinerary: Safari World Bangkok and Chocolate Ville

The next stop on your Bangkok adventure takes you first to a popular zoo, home to a diverse array of animals and marine life.

Following that, you’ll visit a vibrant park offering stunning photo spots and picturesque dining experiences.

  • 9:30 AM: Safari World Bangkok + Lunch
  • 4:30 PM: Chocolate Ville + Dinner

1. Safari World Bangkok – 6 hours (9:30 AM to 3:30 PM)

Exciting scenes at Safari World Bangkok with tiger and lion feedings, playful orangutans, and engaging dolphin shows

Get yourself ready as you visit the Safari World Bangkok in the morning. Home to thousands of different animals , this park is undeniably entertaining.

Here, you will encounter bears, crocodiles, deers, lions, parrots, orangutans, tigers, and many more !

There are also remarkable shows to look forward to such as the tiger and lion feeding shows , dolphin show , orangutan show , and sea lion show .

Giraffe feeding is another captivating activity for all ages.

I highly suggested that you book the zoo tickets online to save around 40% compared to buying the tickets on-site.

Getting There:

Unfortunately, there isn’t a BTS or MRT station near Safari World. The best and easiest way to get there is by taking this shuttle bus from Central World shopping mall. This is how we did it during our visit. However, it’s required to reserve your seat online in advance .

Please be aware that outside food is not permitted at Safari World. However, there’s no need to worry! The park has numerous restaurants offering a variety of dishes, from Thai and Asian cuisines to Western favorites like burgers.

2. Chocolate Ville – 3 hours (4:30 PM to 7:30 PM)

Picturesque view of Chocolate Ville Bangkok, resembling a European village with quaint buildings

Come evening, proceed to the ever-colorful Chocolate Ville Bangkok . This is a beautiful European-themed village that is filled with gorgeous photography spots .

Walk around and you’ll see pretty streets everywhere, perfect for photos . There are fountains , old-style buildings , and even a calm lake .

If you’re visiting Safari World Bangkok and Chocolate Ville in one day , consider booking this shuttle bus . It’s a time-saving choice since neither attraction is train-accessible.

Alternatively, you can take a Grab car from Safari World to Chocolate Ville, which will cost around 160 Baht and take about 30 minutes.

When you’re ready to head back to your hotel, getting a Grab car from Chocolate Ville is also simple.

Romantic riverside dining area at Chocolate Ville, Bangkok, with charming lights and serene water views

You can take your dinner at Chocolate Ville. It offers lots of yummy food choices, from local Thai dishes to tasty Western meals. I believe you’ll enjoy it!

For a scenic dining view, I’d suggest grabbing a seat by the riverside.

Day 5 itinerary: Visit Damnoen Saduak and Maeklong Railway Markets, plus The One Ratchada in Bangkok

Day 5 of the Bangkok itinerary will bring you to the best Thailand floating market and other unique tourist spots .

During our recent trip, we took a bus tour from the city centre of Bangkok to the markets . We chose this method because these places aren’t easily accessible by public transport .

If you want to follow what we did , just book the top-rated bus tour here .

Personally, I was very satisfied with the bus tour service . We had enough time to explore , and the guides offered recommendations on the best local foods to try.

Now, I’d love to share with you the destinations we visited on this day.

  • 11:45 AM: Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
  • 1:50 PM: Maeklong Railway Market
  • 6:00 PM: The One Ratchada + Dinner

1. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market – 1 hours 45 minutes (11:45 AM to 1:30 PM)

Vivid and bustling scene at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market with colorful boats and lively vendors

Commence your morning with a visit to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market , the most famous floating market in Thailand .

This destination is not just a top day trip from Bangkok but also a haven for photography enthusiasts . So, make sure to include this place in your itinerary .

As you wander, hop on a boat ride for an up-close view of the market . You’ll find delicious local snacks being sold by boat vendors – make sure to taste a few!

If you join the tour like we did , the tour guide will arrange a boat ride for you , so there’s no need to worry about it.

Traditional Thai boat noodle soup and sweet mango sticky rice served at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

While exploring the market along the canal , you’ll discover a wide range of delicious foods . Make sure to sample as many dishes and snacks as you can.

For your lunch , you can opt for the boat noodle , which is priced at 60 Baht . Then, pair it with the delicious mango sticky rice at 50 Baht . These two are very popular in the market, so make sure not to miss them.

And, you can try coconut ice cream , which is also a favourite among locals and even tourists . The price for this kind of dessert is normally 40 Baht .

Side note: Some travellers choose to visit Amphawa Floating Market . This market is celebrated for its seafood goodness and relaxing ambiance, but it’s not as renowned as Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.

2. Maeklong Railway Market (Rom Hup Market) – 1.5 hours (1:50 PM to 3:20 PM)

Unique Maeklong Railway Market with vendors and colorful stalls along the train tracks

In the afternoon, make your way to the Maeklong Railway Market and capture the moving train . This is definitely the main reason why travellers want to visit this popular market when they’re in Bangkok.

Aside from that, this place is also a fun spot to buy some dried fruit snacks . Most of these are sold for as low as 50 Baht .

So, if you’re looking for delicious and affordable treats, you can buy them here.

And to energize you, try the fresh coconut in the market , which is also very cheap . It’s only 20 Baht! You really can’t find this kind of price anywhere in Bangkok , so don’t miss them out.

3. The One Ratchada – 3 hours (6:00 PM to 9:00 PM)

Vibrant night scene at The One Ratchada market in Bangkok, bustling with street vendors and visitors

Kick off your evening at The One Ratchada . This cozy market is perfect for both shopping and eating .

If you’re like me and love local markets, this place is a treat. You’ll find stylish clothes and unique souvenirs to take home .

With a vast array of food options , you can easily have your dinner in the market .

Delight in delicious sushi , refreshing smoothies , and fresh coconuts . And for seafood lovers , don’t miss out on the grilled crabs and prawns .

To top off your visit, unwind at one of the laid-back bars with affordable drinks and lively music. Enjoy!

Route Map to The One Ratchada

If you’re planning to see several attractions in Bangkok , you might want to consider getting the Bangkok Multi-Attraction Pass .

For instance, if you’re interested in visiting Safari World, enjoying a river cruise, and seeing the city from the Mahanakhon SkyWalk, buying tickets one by one would cost 3,230 Baht .

But if you get the multi-attraction pass , it’s just 2,400 Baht for all three . That means you save 830 Baht .

If two of you are traveling , you’ll save even more , about 1,660 Baht in total . The pass can get you into as many as 28 attractions . For more info, just hit the link below.

  • Check out Bangkok Multi-Attraction Pass here

Bangkok Map

To help you craft the perfect itinerary for your Bangkok vacation, I’ve created a map that highlights all the best places in the city.

This way, you can see where each attraction is located and easily plan out your route from one must-see to the next.

For the best accommodation , below are my most recommended hotels to stay in Bangkok . These hotels are situated near BTS stations, shopping malls, and eateries .

  • Holiday Inn Bangkok : For those who want to be near Chit Lom and Siam BTS stations, this hotel is a great choice. Not only that but this is also 5 minutes away from the top shopping malls such as Central World and Siam Paragon.
  • Centara Watergate Pavillion Hotel : This hotel is very near to Pratunam Market and Platinum Fashion Mall. Just a 5-minute walk to Siam Paragon Mall and Central World Shopping Complex.
  • ibis Bangkok Siam : This hotel is very close to MBK and Siam Paragon shopping mall. It’s also located next to the National Stadium station. This BTS station allows you to easily ride BTS Skytrain to visit other places in the city.

Thailand SIM Card

Just in case you do not know, it’s quite difficult to get a free Wi-Fi connection in Bangkok. That’s why it’s advisable that you get a Thailand prepaid SIM card ahead of time.

You can book here for the prepaid SIM card before you kick-start your vacation. This is actually what we did during our trip to the city.

Why Use Local Prepaid SIM Card

  • It allows you to navigate around the city via Google Maps easily.
  • It lets you check the precise train route from time to time while travelling.
  • It gives you the chance to use Grab. Having a local SIM card is needed because the driver needs to call you beforehand to confirm the pickup location.

Why Book the SIM Card Online

  • Online reservation offers you up to 50% discount compared to buying it directly at the airport.
  • It’s easy for you to pick up the SIM card at the counter of Suvarnabhumi Airport or Don Muang Airport .

After your Bangkok trip, is Singapore or Penang your next stop? If yes, then better read my suggested 5 days in Singapore itinerary or Penang 3-day itinerary right here!

Bangkok Transportation

1. BTS Skytrain and Metro (MRT)

The best way to get around Bangkok is by taking the BTS Skytrain and Metro (MRT) . This transport option lets you skip the traffic jam and save your travel time .

You can purchase the train ticket from the ticket vending machines located in each station . Hence, you just buy the tickets every time you need to ride a train .

To check the train route, I recommend that you utilize Google Maps. This gives you the shortest route to reach your preferred destination.

Unfortunately, taxi scams in Bangkok are quite common . Some drivers do not use their taxi meter so they charge tourists a higher, fixed price .

Because of this, I encourage you to use Grab for safety purposes . The rates of this transport service are also reasonable, so nothing to worry about.

3. Airport Transfers

My most recommended choice when it comes to travelling from the airport to a hotel is via private airport transfer . It’s because this option offers stress-free transportation .

There’s no need to drag your luggage during train transfers . All you have to do is relax and wait for your destination.

I booked a private airport transfer during our trip , and their service was truly excellent , with a very friendly driver . They can even take you directly to any hotel in Bangkok .

Check out the prices at the below links.

Bangkok is all set for you; just add these ideas to your own itinerary. Have a fantastic time exploring!

Best Things to Do in Bangkok

30 Top Things to Do in Bangkok You’ll Want to Go in 2024

Best Markets in Bangkok

12 Best Bangkok Night and Day Markets to Visit in 2024

Asiatique The Riverfront Bangkok Guide

Asiatique The Riverfront in Bangkok: A Detailed Guide

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Send me an email when the author replied my comment. (Please take note your comment only will show on this blog post after approved by me to prevent spam comments.)

  • Today's deals
  • Search travel guides

English

Bangkok Featured Articles

Bangkok guides.

Exploring Bangkok’s Trendiest Neighborhoods: A Traveler’s Guide

Current language

All languages.

Arabic

city image

Bangkok Private Tours & Local Tour Guides

Discover things to do and plan a trip to bangkok, thailand with a local guide.

View all 12 reviews

Popular Bangkok Tour Guides

Bangkok Tour Guide - Tom J.

Ladies & Gentlemen, Please feel free to call me "Tom". Being a native Bangkokian, I was born, has grown up and worked in longer than 30 years. The capital city of Thailand, Bangkok is mixed together between new and old, modern and traditional. No matter what kind of tourists you are, people watching lovers, history/culture learners, shopping paradise, gourmet tasty foods…, Bangkok is for sure the right spot for you to land and enjoy it, then I’m pleased to show you around and guide through it, sharing its background story not only its well-known attractions but also off the beaten paths and hidden gems. If you need to find something unique, I’m ready in taking you to its suburb and vicinity, for example, Ayutthaya, Samut Prakan and many more. Come with me and let’s marvel at the world famous Thai temples or wander among world heritage sites, breathe the fresh air along the white-sandy beach, view Thai local ways of life or visit charming old china town- or scary museum in the hospital. Whether you’re a solo traveler or in a group and any other criteria possibly have is based on what you informed me. If this is your first visit, Bangkok certainly will log you in with its magic spell and I’ll try every ways possible to let you want to come back, so let me be a part of your great journey in my hometown today. Drop me your words in need and I’ll generate a tailor-made tour according to your own interests and conditions. Thanks a lot and see you soon, Tom, ………………………………………………………………………… Credentials; - Certified and Licensed Tour Guide from The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) : A qualified tour guide, who’s legally able leading tours in Bangkok and all over Thailand since 2013. - Master Degree in Communicative English from the public university in Thailand since 2005.                                                                                                                                  

Bangkok Tour Guide - Worawut K.

We have 12 years of experience in food guiding tour in Bangkok. Our tour only conduct in English and our clients are mainly from English speaking countries. We bring our customers to taste 7 different kind of dishes.                                                                                                                                  

Bangkok Tour Guide - Pattaranin P.

Pattaranin P.

I love to drive because i want to travelling and see what it waitting for me at the destination but i will be cool to have someone share great moment together                                                                                                                                  .

Bangkok Tour Guide - Chob P.

We would like to share our knowledge & experience with visitors and make them feel comfortable with the city. Of course, we love our job!                                                                                                                                  

Bangkok Tour Guide - Nusara R.

Well, here is Tour Guide Nusara speaking. I welcome you all to the beautiful land of smiles Thailand. I live in Bangkok and I love to share the Thai culture with the visitors, visiting to Thailand. My hobbies are playing sports (Badminton, Swimming, etc), reading books, and playing with my pet, as I'm a cat lover! I can also cook! I like to cook Thai food such as the Papaya salad!. The strong points that set me apart from others would be that I'm friendly and I'm very flexible! My passion is traveling. so I would love to take everyone to enjoy and see how the beautiful Thailand is! Please, join me!                                                                                                                                  

Bangkok Tour Guide - Chawanwit (kay) K.

Chawanwit (kay) K.

My name is chawanwit or “kay”. i was born, raised, and educated in bangkok, thailand. i’ve been working as a licensed professional tour guide since 1984 and also escorted tours overseas. i worked for chris rowthorn the lonely planet’s author for 8 years. i started my tour company in november 2019, i am running a business base on my entire tourism experience, and knowledge and i do have a small team of professional tour guides incorporated. we know the city of bangkok and nearby attractions like the back of our hand. in addition to knowing the famous places, we know the secret and rarely visited places. most importantly, we know how to get you around bangkok comfortably and efficiently. and we know the best local restaurants where you can enjoy the food that we locals enjoy. so, please contact me and let us help you get the best out of your visit to thailand.                                                                                                                                  , popular bangkok private tours.

Bangkok Full Day Tour of Three Most Magnificent Templescover image

Bangkok Full Day Tour of Three Most Magnificent Temples

If you have been in bangkok but never visited the thai temples before, you should do it to truly understand what the thai way of life is about. with this tour, you will visit three of the most magnificent thai temples, a must-see that travellers should not miss for whatever reasons. are you ready for a tour that you will remember for the rest of your life these marvelous structures will make you life long memorable because wherever one turns you will be amazed how worthwhile it is..

Thailand Tour Guide - Tom J.

Half-day Private Tour in Bangkok Big Buddha Wat Paknam

Wat paknam bhasicharoen big buddha is a must-see tourist attraction located in bangkok, thailand. this majestic buddha statue stands tall at 32 meters high and is made of pure white marble. it is a symbol of peace and harmony and is revered by locals and tourists alike..

Thailand Tour Guide - Worawut K.

2 Days Bangkok and Thonburi Metropolis Tour

This is a perfect introduction tour for travelers to know more about the history of these two capitals than just to photograph the constructions. thonburi is a former capital prior to bangkok and the story began in 1767, her heritage has been well-preserved from the older generations to the present. after the death of the ruler, bangkok then was used as the next capital. today, thonburi and bangkok have merged into a great metropolis that travelers from around the globe wanted to visit..

Thailand Tour Guide - Chawanwit (kay) K.

Bangkok Street Food Private Tour

Our tour guide will take you to sampling 6 different spots of prestigious thai, northern, and southern cuisines that have received high ratings in local food reviews. strolling through local hidden neighborhoods, back alleys, ghetto-friendly communities, and along the illuminated signs on yaowarat’s main street..

A Full Day Trip Bangkok-Pattayacover image

A Full Day Trip Bangkok-Pattaya

Regarding this trip, we are going to explore and enjoy what pattaya has to offer. it is on the east coast of the gulf of thailand and far away from bangkok 160 kms approximately. nowadays, pattaya is very famous all over the world which not only its beauty of natural settings like pattaya beach lies parallel to the city center about 2.7 km long but also the magnificent man-made things, for example, the sanctuary of truth, the tropical nongnuch garden and many more..

Ayutthaya day trip from Bangkok (8 hours)cover image

Ayutthaya day trip from Bangkok (8 hours)

The trail of ayutthaya is the tale of siamese kings from the 14th century, the places will give a contrast that you can feel to the time of the glory of the old capital especially the existence of the stunning temples and palaces awaiting you to experience. the city of ayutthaya was an old capital of thailand from 1350 - 1767, the bang-pa-in summer palace was built as a royal retreat site by king prasart thong of ayutthaya and is rebuilt by the kings of siam of the present dynasty. the historic.

Local Market & Authentic Food Tourcover image

Local Market & Authentic Food Tour

Visiting markets is one of the best ways to find authentic foods on your travel. this is true for bangkok food markets, while you are in thailand's capital, you will find a market for just about everything. in many of those markets, food is a considerable part of the experience, so what are the best food markets in bangkok for local produce and delicious food.

The Ultimate Ancient city of Ayutthaya Day Trip from Bangkokcover image

The Ultimate Ancient city of Ayutthaya Day Trip from Bangkok

Right outside bangkok, there's a cultural gem ready to be discovered. get ready and hit the road with me, your ancient city of ayutthaya day trip awaits on this private ancient city of ayutthaya day trip, forget about those big tour groups and audio guides. with so much to see and learn, it's just you and your local host enjoy the journey where you'll get to know everything about this must-visit attraction that you got an exclusive experience from an authentic perspective. let's go .

Thailand Tour Guide - Nusara R.

New Bangkok Private Tours

A Full Day Tour Bangkok Suburbcover image

A Full Day Tour Bangkok Suburb

Regarding this trip, you all will admire the biggest and tallest stupa of thailand called phrapathom chedi in nakhon pathom province. other than that, the human imagery museum is an attraction very interesting for you to prove that how life like they are. also, at jesada technik museum will let you enjoy a lot of old and classic vehicles and life along the waterways at mahasawas canal which we ride you immerse the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere..

Bangkok Chinatown Half Day Tourcover image

Bangkok Chinatown Half Day Tour

Bangkok's chinatown is one of the most authentic and original spots in bangkok, when i was quite young, yaowarat is one of my favorite areas for strolling. there are a lot of tiny lanes and narrow alleyways which have its own charming for exploration. moreover, yaowarat road at night time, with abundance of tasty food stalls and restaurants opening up and electric neon lights shining the air until the wee hours..

A Personal Shoppercover image

A Personal Shopper

Take you on a shopping spree tailored to your own tastes, assist you find what you want & save your time, negotiate a good price, the best place to buy thai silk, thai arts & crafts, thai hand-made jewelry, international & local designer clothing boutiques , genuine wholesalers and chatuchak weekend market: where to buy a thousand local products.

Thailand Tour Guide - Chob P.

PRIVATE Highlight of Bangkok + Canal + Simple Thai Lunch

Private english-speaking tour guide to visit the best places of bangkok visit the royal grand palace & the royal temple, wat pho (the reclining buddha image), wat arun (the temple of dawn), canal tour, amulet market, and flowers & vegetable market and food tasting as your preference.

Day trip to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market from Bangkokcover image

Day trip to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market from Bangkok

No other country in the world has such a bustling floating market as we do. this tour offered not just this renowned floating market but there would give you close contact sights to enjoy. en route onward to the market, we will be passing salted farms with salted products selling on the side road..

The Most Outstanding Templescover image

The Most Outstanding Temples

The three temples are spectacular and must-see in bangkok. the emerald buddha temple (wat pra kaew) is the center of the thai spiritual, home of the most sacred buddha in thailand. the reclining buddha temple (wat pho), home of the gigantic buddha in the posture of the reclining, huge monuments of the first four kings, and forms of knowledge from the variety of fields engraved on the marble slab. the temple of dawn (wat arun) the "prang" is a magnificent tower built in the shape of angkor style..

6-Hour Floating Market, Railway and Elephant Farmcover image

6-Hour Floating Market, Railway and Elephant Farm

Private excursion near bangkok allowing you to fully experience authentic, nostalgic and culturally of thailand in one day. 1.5 hour drive away from bangkok to visit 2 most renowned traditional markets plus an interesting sightseeing/activities spots in ratchaburi province., popular bangkok private cars.

Bangkok Big Buddha and The Old Communitycover image

Bangkok Big Buddha and The Old Community

Visiting wat paknam bhasicharoen (big buddha)by boat . traveling to attractions that are unique and memorable in the heart of thai people such as a museum(baan kudichin).learning how to cook thai food using fresh and local ingredients. i'm telling this stories about way of life and waiting for you to see with your owns eyes..

Thailand Tour Guide - Pattaranin P.

Bangkok Tour Reviews

Estefania R.

HALF DAY TOUR FROM BANGKOK TO FLOATING MARKET

“ Very nice trip with an amazing guide! ”

Nusara was very nice with us! She was very attentive and was explaining us everything, giving many details about what we were visiting, live style, history... we were very comfortable with her. 100% recomended!

Estefania R.

Thank you so much for your review. I had a really good time with you both. And really hope to see you again with your baby. Have a nice day ever. Miss you. Nusara R.

Alexander D.

“ worst guide ever ”

only a glorified taxi driver. took us to a paddle boat center that charged us $125 for two hours and he would not even get in the boat with us. we later learned the place charged twice the going rate too! no tour guide info hardly at all all day! stay away

DAY TRIP TO AYUTTHAYA FROM BANGKOK

stay away from this guide. he is a glorified taxi driver who does not care about his customers except to make money

Bangkok Private Tour Guide

Bangkok frequently asked questions, should i get a tour guide for bangkok gowithguide find your perfect tour guide at gowithguide. relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip, how many days do you need in bangkok gowithguide find your perfect tour guide at gowithguide. relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip, do you need a tour guide in thailand gowithguide find your perfect tour guide at gowithguide. relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip, which month is the best to visit bangkok gowithguide find your perfect tour guide at gowithguide. relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip, what are the do's and don'ts in bangkok gowithguide find your perfect tour guide at gowithguide. relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip, what are the best places for private tours in bangkok gowithguide find your perfect tour guide at gowithguide. relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip, which places provide the best private tours in bangkok for couples gowithguide find your perfect tour guide at gowithguide. relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip, latest bangkok articles.

5 Day Trips From Bangkok

5 Day Trips From Bangkok

Bangkok, Thailand

The list of things to do in Bangkok is as long as the city's official name, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, which is the longest city name in the world. With ...

Ajitsa A.

Hiring A Guide In Bangkok - Pros & Cons

It's annoying, isn't it the sound of your brain fighting with itself. to hire a tour guide or not that is the question, and you're not sure of the a....

9 Top Things to Do in Bangkok at Night in 2020

9 Top Things to Do in Bangkok at Night in 2020

There are plenty of things to do in bangkok at night so you won’t get bored at all. compared to the daytime scene of exotic temples under the swelte....

7 Unusual Things to Do in Bangkok - Best Tips

7 Unusual Things to Do in Bangkok - Best Tips

Do you love adventure and exploring hidden places if you so, let’s have a trip to hidden spots and do some unusual things in bangkok, thailand. as ..., the best tours and activities.

With a real local of your choice

The option to personalize your tour

Just contact your favorite local

Only private tours!

So no group tours with strangers

bangkok free tour guide

Connect with a Bangkok Local Guide

Read reviews and chat with the best local tour guides in bangkok. get a free itinerary and plan your private tour today..

bangkok free tour guide

Transportation & Transfers

Tour bangkok by car or van, get an airport transfer, or hire a private guide / driver. see reviews and all options..

bangkok free tour guide

Book a customizable Bangkok Private Tour

Browse bangkok tour itineraries by our local professionals and book your favorite bangkok tour., related bangkok tour guide pages.

bangkok free tour guide

Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime Try Prime and start saving today with fast, free delivery

Amazon Prime includes:

Fast, FREE Delivery is available to Prime members. To join, select "Try Amazon Prime and start saving today with Fast, FREE Delivery" below the Add to Cart button.

  • Cardmembers earn 5% Back at Amazon.com with a Prime Credit Card.
  • Unlimited Free Two-Day Delivery
  • Streaming of thousands of movies and TV shows with limited ads on Prime Video.
  • A Kindle book to borrow for free each month - with no due dates
  • Listen to over 2 million songs and hundreds of playlists
  • Unlimited photo storage with anywhere access

Important:  Your credit card will NOT be charged when you start your free trial or if you cancel during the trial period. If you're happy with Amazon Prime, do nothing. At the end of the free trial, your membership will automatically upgrade to a monthly membership.

Buy new: $23.00

Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required .

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Image Unavailable

Bangkok Travel Guide 2024: Your Essential Companion to Embrace the Heartbeat of Thailand's Capital

  • To view this video download Flash Player

bangkok free tour guide

Bangkok Travel Guide 2024: Your Essential Companion to Embrace the Heartbeat of Thailand's Capital Hardcover – Large Print, April 16, 2024

Purchase options and add-ons.

  • Gain insider knowledge and local insights to make the most of your Bangkok adventure.
  • Navigate the city like a pro with detailed maps, transportation tips, and neighborhood guides.
  • Explore Bangkok's vibrant food scene with mouthwatering recommendations and dining suggestions.
  • Discover the rich cultural heritage of Bangkok through visits to iconic landmarks and temples.
  • Plan your trip with ease using practical travel tips, accommodation recommendations, and packing essentials.
  • Print length 178 pages
  • Language English
  • Publication date April 16, 2024
  • Dimensions 6 x 0.59 x 9 inches
  • ISBN-13 979-8323068838
  • See all details

The Amazon Book Review

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0D1XSBMNJ
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published (April 16, 2024)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 178 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8323068838
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 11.5 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.59 x 9 inches

Customer reviews

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

No customer reviews

  • Amazon Newsletter
  • About Amazon
  • Accessibility
  • Sustainability
  • Press Center
  • Investor Relations
  • Amazon Devices
  • Amazon Science
  • Sell on Amazon
  • Sell apps on Amazon
  • Supply to Amazon
  • Protect & Build Your Brand
  • Become an Affiliate
  • Become a Delivery Driver
  • Start a Package Delivery Business
  • Advertise Your Products
  • Self-Publish with Us
  • Become an Amazon Hub Partner
  • › See More Ways to Make Money
  • Amazon Visa
  • Amazon Store Card
  • Amazon Secured Card
  • Amazon Business Card
  • Shop with Points
  • Credit Card Marketplace
  • Reload Your Balance
  • Amazon Currency Converter
  • Your Account
  • Your Orders
  • Shipping Rates & Policies
  • Amazon Prime
  • Returns & Replacements
  • Manage Your Content and Devices
  • Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
  • Conditions of Use
  • Privacy Notice
  • Consumer Health Data Privacy Disclosure
  • Your Ads Privacy Choices

IMAGES

  1. 9 Best Tours in Bangkok

    bangkok free tour guide

  2. Essential Travel Guide to Bangkok, Thailand [2024]

    bangkok free tour guide

  3. Private: The Best of Bangkok Tour

    bangkok free tour guide

  4. What To Do In Bangkok

    bangkok free tour guide

  5. Guide touristique de Bangkok

    bangkok free tour guide

  6. Bangkok Travel Guide for First-Timers

    bangkok free tour guide

VIDEO

  1. Things to do in Bangkok walking tour l solo travel tips video 2023

  2. My Free Tour Guide| France

  3. 【4k 60fps】 HIDDEN place in Patpong Night Market, Bangkok Thailand

  4. Leaving Koh Samui by Ferry 4k🇹🇭

  5. Bangkok Uncovered: Raw & Uncut Walkthrough

  6. Returning to Thailand 20 Years Later

COMMENTS

  1. Free Tours in Bangkok, Thailand

    Go Gold - Bangkok Temple Tour. Provided by Go Bangkok Tours. Rating: 9.5. (Reviews: 235) €38. Gold designates prosperity and has been used for thai pantheons and statues for centuries. Join our 4 hour bicycle journey, and you will experience the opulence and the wealthy culture of the capital of Thailand. Languages.

  2. Free walking tour Bangkok: Free Booking Without Credit Card

    Find the best Free Walking Tours in Bangkok with Local Guides and give what you want at the end of the visit! Ready for fun? 👉 Book online for free! × Home; Login Register Want to become a guide? ... 10 free tours in Bangkok. The best guruwalks in Bangkok (5 / 10) Morning walk in the old district of the capital city 560 ratings. 4.4 ...

  3. Free Walking Tour Bangkok

    And one of the best ways to start off your trip is with Free Walking tours in Bangkok. Take a Free Tour of Old Bangkok to see the main monuments and landmarks of the city and learn about the establishment of the capital in the 18th century with a local guide. In a Market Tour in Bangkok, you will visit some of the best fresh markets in the city ...

  4. The 20 Best Free Walking Tours in Bangkok

    Chinatown free walking tour. Discover the secrets of Bangkok's beloved Chinatown, which is one of the most vibrant and interesting districts of the city. Don't miss any of Chinatown's hidden details with this in-depth walking tour. Itinerary. Meet your guide at the Red Gate, which is the entrance to Chinatown.

  5. Free Walking Sightseeing Tours in Bangkok, Thailand

    Guided Sightseeing Tours. Book guided sightseeing tours and activities in Bangkok. Explore Bangkok in Thailand with one of our free walking tours. Click on a marker on the map to get started and view details about the tour. Below is an overview of the sightseeing tours. A total of 19 tours are available in Bangkok, Thailand.

  6. Essential Free Tour Bangkok

    Essential Free Tour Bangkok. Discover Wat Pho, the oldest Buddhist Temple in Bangkok, home to the Reclining Buddha. Learn about Buddhist spirituality and the role of the Thai royal family talking with a local guide. Take a walk down the bustling backpacker's haven, Khao San Road. From a small 15th-century trading post to a booming modern city ...

  7. Free Walking Tour Bangkok

    1. Discover Bangkok's Hidden Gems: Bangkok is a city of contrasts, and there's much more to it than just the popular tourist attractions. A free walking tour will take you off the beaten path, allowing you to discover hidden gems and lesser-known spots that you might have otherwise missed. 2.

  8. Free things to do in Bangkok

    Whether you're here for the culture, the architecture or the big-city vibe, here are the best free things to do in the city. 1. Learn some local history at the Bangkokian Museum. Comprising three early-20th-century wooden bungalows, the charming Bangkokian Museum showcases an often-overlooked period of Bangkok's history.

  9. Discovering Bangkok's best free attractions

    Address: Yaowarat Rd, Khwaeng Samphanthawong, Khet Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100. Terminal 21. Visit Terminal 21, a themed mall that transfers customers to different nations with each floor, for a unique shopping experience. Without leaving Bangkok, you will travel from Tokyo to San Francisco via Istanbul, London, and Istanbul again. Every ...

  10. Free Bangkok Walking Tour Map

    23. Taling Chan Floating Market: Open Weekends 8am-5pm. Patravadi Theatre: Bangkok Forensic Museum. Bangkok Menu. Our Free Bangkok Walking Tour Map is a do-it-yourself guided walk in Old Town Rattanakosin. This Bangkok Thailand tour is complete with a free printable map for the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Emerald Buddha, and Wat Arun Temples with an ...

  11. Bangkok Travel Guide (Updated 2024)

    Bangkok Travel Costs. Hostel prices - Dorm rooms with 6-8 beds start around 170-220 THB per night on Khao San Road, where accommodation is cheapest. A bed in a 4-6-bed dorm in more upscale hostels (with air conditioning) costs around 300-500 THB.

  12. The BEST Bangkok Tours and Things to Do in 2024

    1. Bangkok: Damnoen Saduak Market and Maeklong Railway Market. Choose from either a shared group or private guided experience to see 2 iconic markets on a day trip from Bangkok. See a market located on the railway tracks, the Maeklong Railway Market, and a market that floats on the canals at the Damnoen Saduak Market.

  13. 2024 BANGKOK TRAVEL GUIDE with Sample Itinerary & Budget

    How to Get to Pattaya: By bus, go to Bangkok Eastern Bus Terminal, then take the bus bound for Pattaya. The travel time is about two and a half hours. The one-way fare is ฿130-200 per person. By train, go to Hua Lamphong Station and get on a train to Pattaya. The travel time is 2-3 hours, depending on the type of train.

  14. Bangkok Tours with Local Private Tour Guides

    Here are some of the top tours in Bangkok, each highly rated with over 50 reviews! 1) Bangkok Private Customized Sightseeing Tour. 2) Alluring Bangkok Custom Made Private Tour. 3) Exploring Bangkok with a Private Local Tour Guide by Public Transport. 4) Discover The Real Bangkok Custom Made With Your Fun Private Guide.

  15. BKK Tours : Bangkok tours

    Best way to enjoy Bangkok! Free Tour Advice. ... Save time, stay safe, and get a personalized experience with a private tour guide in Bangkok. Amazing day tour of Bangkok. Our 700th review on TripAdvisor: Amazing day tour of Bangkok. We wouldn't have been able to do half of this without booking with your company. Highly, highly recommended tour!

  16. The Grand Palace Emerald Buddha Temple

    Within the Grand Palace Bangkok grounds there are guided tours in English Times: 10:00 am, 10:30, 1:30 and 2:00. You can also rent an audio guide for other languages, 200 Baht. You may like to recheck these times as they can often change. Times and service can change without notice. Within the Grand Palace Bangkok grounds there are guided tours ...

  17. Free Discovery of Bangkok With Your Private English-Speaking Guide

    The experience duration for exploring Bangkok with a private English-speaking guide ranges from 4 to 8 hours, offering ample time to learn about the vibrant city. Whether you have a half-day or a full-day to spare, this guided tour ensures that you make the most of your time in Bangkok.

  18. Bangkok Guide Smile by Mandy |‎ Bangkok Tour Guide |‎ Bangkok Private Tours

    Bangkok Guide Smile. Scroll. Hi, I am Mandy 😊. A full-time *Licensed English-speaking tour guide. I founded 'BangkokGuideSmile' in 2013 and I arrange flexible private day tours in Bangkok and surrounding areas. From my experience of over 10 years as a private tour guide, I know each group is different.

  19. Bangkok Itinerary: The Best 5 Day Trip Guide for Reference

    Day 1: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Asiatique and Cruise. Day 2: Platinum Mall, Pratunam Market, Bangkok Aquarium, and Jeh O Chula. Day 3: Bangkok's Chatuchak, Massage, Mahanakhon SkyWalk, and More! Day 4: Safari World Bangkok and Chocolate Ville. Day 5: Discover Thailand's Top Markets and Visit The One Ratchada.

  20. THE 10 BEST Bangkok Private Tours (Updated 2024)

    9. Private Excursion to Floating Market and Ayutthaya World Heritage. 267. Historical Tours. 11-12 hours. Enjoy your private day tour to 2 provinces in the central part of Thailand. Start the tour in Bangkok to visit Maeklong …. Recommended by 99% of travelers. from.

  21. Free Travel Guide for Bangkok, Thailand

    Celebrate Songkran Festival 2024 in Bangkok: A Dynamic Water Fight and Cultural Experience. Dive into the heart of Songkran 2024 in Bangkok. Discover the best places to join the water fights, explore traditional rituals, savor Thai culinary delights, and get practical tips for a memorable Thai New Year. READ MORE.

  22. 34 Private Guides in Bangkok

    Book your own private tour guide in Bangkok. Whatever your passion, there's a private guide who's perfect for you. Our Bangkok tour guides can create a 100% personalized tour to match your wishes. Just get in touch! Withlocals gives you: Verified locals! Choose your favorite. The options to personalize a tour! Just contact your favorite local.

  23. Bangkok Private Tours & Local Tour Guides

    Bangkok. 7 hours. Private English-speaking tour guide to visit the BEST places of Bangkok visit the royal grand palace & the royal temple, wat pho (the reclining Buddha image), wat arun (the temple of dawn), canal tour, amulet market, and flowers & vegetable market and food tasting as your preference. FROM $120 / per person.

  24. Bangkok Travel Guide 2024: Your Essential Companion to Embrace the

    But wait, there's more! Dive deeper into the heart of Bangkok with exclusive access to our curated list of hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path experiences, guaranteed to make your journey truly unforgettable. Say goodbye to travel anxiety and hello to adventure as you embark on the ultimate exploration of Bangkok with "Bangkok Travel Guide 2024"!

  25. Bangkok travel guide 2024-2025

    Read "Bangkok travel guide 2024-2025 Discover the Vibrant Soul of Thailand:Your Ultimate travel companion with insider tips" by Brian H. Alexander available from Rakuten Kobo. Are you ready to embark on a journey of a lifetime through the vibrant streets of bangkok with hidden gems and attractio...