Bangkok

Bangkok's golden river

The capital is loud, hot, beautiful, and impossible to see in a single trip. The Grand Palace and Wat Pho are the headline sights; Wat Arun across the Chao Phraya is best viewed from the river at sunset. Chatuchak Weekend Market is the largest in Asia and a full-day commitment. The river ferries are the most efficient way to move between the old city and the modern centre, and a long-tail boat tour into the Thonburi canals shows the older, water-borne city most visitors miss. Eat boat noodles at least once, and an entire dinner at a street stall at least twice.

Getting around: above the traffic, the BTS Skytrain and MRT metro get you across the modern city in minutes. Our interactive Bangkok transit map animates every line at once — press play and tap any station to see its interchanges and what’s nearby.

Visual Guides

Travel infographic guide poster: Overnight Getaways in Bangkok
Overnight Getaways — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Nightlife and Live Music in Bangkok
Nightlife and Live Music — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Rivers and Waterways in Bangkok
Rivers and Waterways — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Cooking Classes and Food Tours in Bangkok
Cooking Classes and Food Tours — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Literature and Storytelling Heritage in Bangkok
Literature and Storytelling Heritage — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Riverside District in Bangkok
Riverside District — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Seasonal Highlights in Bangkok
Seasonal Highlights — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: History Timeline in Bangkok
History Timeline — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Best Food Markets in Bangkok
Best Food Markets — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Top Museums in Bangkok
Top Museums — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Spa and Massage Traditions in Bangkok
Spa and Massage Traditions — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Modern Architectural Marvels in Bangkok
Modern Architectural Marvels — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Craft Beer and Local Breweries in Bangkok
Craft Beer and Local Breweries — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Royal Dynasties and Rulers in Bangkok
Royal Dynasties and Rulers — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Tea Houses and Traditional Drinks in Bangkok
Tea Houses and Traditional Drinks — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Unmissable Experiences in Bangkok
Unmissable Experiences — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Staying Safe in Bangkok
Staying Safe — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Waterfalls in Bangkok
Waterfalls — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Must Try Local Dishes in Bangkok
Must Try Local Dishes — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: River Cruises and Boat Trips in Bangkok
River Cruises and Boat Trips — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Grand Bridges and Gateways in Bangkok
Grand Bridges and Gateways — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Vegetarian and Vegan Eats in Bangkok
Vegetarian and Vegan Eats — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Ancient Ruins in Bangkok
Ancient Ruins — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Public Transit Decoded in Bangkok
Public Transit Decoded — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Handicrafts and Artisan Workshops in Bangkok
Handicrafts and Artisan Workshops — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Rooftop Bars and Skyline Views in Bangkok
Rooftop Bars and Skyline Views — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Souvenirs and What to Buy in Bangkok
Souvenirs and What to Buy — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Skyline and Famous Towers in Bangkok
Skyline and Famous Towers — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Walking Tours in Bangkok
Walking Tours — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Best Markets and Bazaars in Bangkok
Best Markets and Bazaars — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Street Art and Murals in Bangkok
Street Art and Murals — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Getting around Transport Guide in Bangkok
Getting around Transport Guide — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: UNESCO World Heritage in Bangkok
UNESCO World Heritage — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Art Galleries and Creative Spaces in Bangkok
Art Galleries and Creative Spaces — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Old Quarter in Bangkok
Old Quarter — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Floating and Specialty Markets in Bangkok
Floating and Specialty Markets — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Antiques and Flea Markets in Bangkok
Antiques and Flea Markets — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Weekend in Bangkok
Weekend — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Sunrise and Sunset Spots in Bangkok
Sunrise and Sunset Spots — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Iconic Landmarks in Bangkok
Iconic Landmarks — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Beaches in Bangkok
Beaches — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: ICONSIAM Megamall in Bangkok
ICONSIAM Megamall — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Siam Paragon & Siam Square in Bangkok
Siam Paragon & Siam Square — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: CentralWorld & Ratchaprasong in Bangkok
CentralWorld & Ratchaprasong — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: The EM District Malls in Bangkok
The EM District Malls — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: MBK & Terminal 21 in Bangkok
MBK & Terminal 21 — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok
Chatuchak Weekend Market — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: The Grand Palace in Bangkok
The Grand Palace — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Mahanakhon SkyWalk in Bangkok
Mahanakhon SkyWalk — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Chao Phraya River Cruises in Bangkok
Chao Phraya River Cruises — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Asiatique The Riverfront in Bangkok
Asiatique The Riverfront — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Benjakitti Forest Park in Bangkok
Benjakitti Forest Park — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Muay Thai Stadium Nights in Bangkok
Muay Thai Stadium Nights — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Jodd Fairs Night Market in Bangkok
Jodd Fairs Night Market — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Khao San Road in Bangkok
Khao San Road — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Rooftop Sky Bars in Bangkok
Rooftop Sky Bars — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Live Music & Jazz Bars in Bangkok
Live Music & Jazz Bars — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Safari World & SEA LIFE in Bangkok
Safari World & SEA LIFE — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Floating Markets around Bangkok
Floating Markets — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Jim Thompson House in Bangkok
Jim Thompson House — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Ancient City (Muang Boran) near Bangkok
Ancient City (Muang Boran) — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Botanical Gardens in Bangkok
Botanical Gardens — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Archaeological Treasures in Bangkok
Archaeological Treasures — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Countryside and Villages in Bangkok
Countryside and Villages — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: After Dark Entertainment Districts in Bangkok
After Dark Entertainment Districts — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Traditional Performing Arts in Bangkok
Traditional Performing Arts — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Best Time to Visit in Bangkok
Best Time to Visit — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Coffee and Cafe Culture in Bangkok
Coffee and Cafe Culture — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Free Things to Do in Bangkok
Free Things to Do — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Historic Forts and City Walls in Bangkok
Historic Forts and City Walls — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Colonial Era Heritage in Bangkok
Colonial Era Heritage — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: First Timer Guide in Bangkok
First Timer Guide — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Historic Towns in Bangkok
Historic Towns — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Budget in Bangkok
Budget — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Shopping Districts in Bangkok
Shopping Districts — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Packing and Seasons Guide in Bangkok
Packing and Seasons Guide — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Monuments and Memorials in Bangkok
Monuments and Memorials — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Travel Etiquette and Customs in Bangkok
Travel Etiquette and Customs — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Suburban Escapes in Bangkok
Suburban Escapes — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Photography Hotspots in Bangkok
Photography Hotspots — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Trendy and Hipster Areas in Bangkok
Trendy and Hipster Areas — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Islands Within Reach in Bangkok
Islands Within Reach — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Romantic Things to Do in Bangkok
Romantic Things to Do — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Wildlife and Nature Reserves in Bangkok
Wildlife and Nature Reserves — read the guide & watch videos.
Infographic guide poster to adventure and outdoor activities around Bangkok — a kayaking, hiking and climbing scene, a map of top spots with travel times, planning steps, best-season timing, and cost and difficulty tables
Adventure & Outdoor Activities Around Bangkok — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Music and Dance Traditions in Bangkok
Music and Dance Traditions — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Digital Nomads in Bangkok
Digital Nomads — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Night Food Scene in Bangkok
Night Food Scene — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Cycling Routes in Bangkok
Cycling Routes — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Parks and Green Spaces in Bangkok
Parks and Green Spaces — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Perfect 3 Day Itinerary in Bangkok
Perfect 3 Day Itinerary — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Scenic Train and Tram Rides in Bangkok
Scenic Train and Tram Rides — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: War and Resistance History in Bangkok
War and Resistance History — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Sweets and Desserts in Bangkok
Sweets and Desserts — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Night Markets in Bangkok
Night Markets — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Festival Calendar in Bangkok
Festival Calendar — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Civic Landmarks and Clock Towers in Bangkok
Civic Landmarks and Clock Towers — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Family Friendly Attractions in Bangkok
Family Friendly Attractions — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Where to Stay in Bangkok
Where to Stay — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Mosques and Islamic Heritage in Bangkok
Mosques and Islamic Heritage — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Hot Springs and Bathing in Bangkok
Hot Springs and Bathing — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Street Food Guide in Bangkok
Street Food Guide — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Regional Specialties in Bangkok
Regional Specialties — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Festivals and Celebrations in Bangkok
Festivals and Celebrations — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Palaces and Royal Architecture in Bangkok
Palaces and Royal Architecture — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Chinatown in Bangkok
Chinatown — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Neighborhoods of Decoded in Bangkok
Neighborhoods of Decoded — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Lakes and Reservoirs in Bangkok
Lakes and Reservoirs — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Downtown Core in Bangkok
Downtown Core — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Best Day Trips in Bangkok
Best Day Trips — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: New Year Traditions in Bangkok
New Year Traditions — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Fine Dining in Bangkok
Fine Dining — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Mountains and Viewpoints in Bangkok
Mountains and Viewpoints — read the guide & watch videos.
Travel infographic guide poster: Hidden Gems and Local Secrets in Bangkok
Hidden Gems and Local Secrets — read the guide & watch videos.
Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew at golden hour with ornate gilded spires and emerald glass mosaic chedis catching warm afternoon light, traditional Thai roof finials silhouetted against soft cumulus clouds
Grand Palace at golden hour.
Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, at dusk with the towering Khmer-style prang covered in colorful porcelain and seashell mosaic illuminated above the Chao Phraya River under a deep purple twilight sky, long-tail boat passing in the foreground
Wat Arun at twilight.
Slender wooden long-tail boat with a roaring outboard engine cutting across the Chao Phraya River at sunset, distant temple spires and the modern Bangkok skyline silhouetted against a fiery orange sky
Long-tail boat at sunset.
Yaowarat Chinatown at night, narrow street choked with food carts and red-and-gold Chinese signage glowing in neon, dense crowd weaving between tuk-tuks and steam rising from woks
Yaowarat at night.
Khao San Road at night, a packed backpacker street lined with pad thai carts, bars, and tattoo parlors, neon signs reflecting on wet pavement after a tropical rain
Khao San Road after rain.
Chatuchak Weekend Market with narrow covered alleys overflowing with textiles, antiques, and street food, hot midday light slipping through tarpaulin roofs as locals and tourists shop shoulder to shoulder
Chatuchak Weekend Market.
Jim Thompson House garden, a traditional teakwood Thai house surrounded by lush tropical foliage and a quiet klong canal, soft afternoon light filtering through banana leaves
Jim Thompson House garden.
Wat Saket Golden Mount at blue hour, the gleaming gold chedi atop the artificial hill ringed by prayer bells, illuminated city skyline below under a deep cobalt sky
Wat Saket Golden Mount at blue hour.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in Ratchaburi, wooden sampans laden with mangoes, dragon fruit, and steaming coconut soup, vendors in straw hats trading on a narrow canal in warm morning light, a popular day trip from Bangkok
Damnoen Saduak floating market — a day trip from Bangkok.

Where to stay: The most luxurious hotels in Bangkok →

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