Part of our Thailand guide.
Places and guides from our Bangkok coverage, gathered into one page.
Related travel guides: How To Go From Bangkok To Ayutthaya.
How Long Should A Layover Be To Retrieve Luggage In Bangkok
A layover of at least four to five hours is needed to retrieve checked luggage and recheck it for a connecting flight at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. This allows time for baggage claim, clearing customs, and returning to the departures level. For travelers with a shorter window, carry-on luggage only is recommended. If you want to explore the city, a layover of six hours or more gives you roughly two to three hours outside the airport after accounting for immigration and transit to central Bangkok. For specific ideas on what to do with limited time, see our guide on things to do with a long layover in Bangkok.
8 Temples In Bangkok You Won't Believe Exist
Bangkok is home to more than 400 temples, and eight of them stand out for their unusual architecture, history, or location. Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, rises 70 meters above the Chao Phraya River and is covered in colorful porcelain. Wat Pho houses the 46-meter-long reclining Buddha and is the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. Wat Phra Kaew, inside the Grand Palace, contains the Emerald Buddha carved from a single block of jade. Wat Saket, the Golden Mount, offers 360-degree views from its 80-meter-high chedi. Wat Traimit holds the world’s largest solid gold Buddha statue, weighing 5.5 tons. Wat Ratchanatdaram features the Loha Prasat, a multi-tiered metal castle. Wat Benchamabophit, the Marble Temple, is built from Italian Carrara marble. Wat Mangkon Kamalawat is the largest Chinese Buddhist temple in Bangkok. These eight temples are among the most remarkable in the city, but there are also hidden temples in Bangkok that see fewer crowds and offer a quieter experience.
Amazing Things to Do in Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok offers distinct experiences by day and by night. Day tours typically include temple visits, palace tours, and market shopping. Nightlife options range from rooftop bars to night markets and live music venues. A classic day itinerary starts at the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, followed by a short ferry ride across the river to Wat Arun. Afternoon visits to Wat Pho and a walk through the nearby Pak Khlong Talat flower market round out the daylight hours. Evening activities include dinner at a riverside restaurant, a ride on the Chao Phraya River taxi, and a visit to Khao San Road or a rooftop bar. For those looking to extend their trip, there are many things to do in Pattaya, Thailand, just a two-hour drive from Bangkok.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market In Bangkok - All you need to know
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is the most famous floating market in Thailand, located about 100 kilometers southwest of Bangkok. Boats packed with fruits, vegetables, and souvenirs crowd the narrow canals from early morning until around noon. The market operates daily from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with the busiest hours between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM. Visitors typically hire a paddle boat or a motorized long-tail boat for a 30- to 60-minute tour through the canals. Prices for boat rides range from 150 to 300 baht per person, depending on the type of boat and the route. Other floating markets near Bangkok include Taling Chan and Khlong Lat Mayom, both of which are closer to the city and less crowded. Damnoen Saduak is best visited as a half-day trip from Bangkok, with most tours departing around 6:00 AM and returning by early afternoon.
All About The 5 Best Bars In Bangkok
Bangkok’s bar scene ranges from sky-high rooftop lounges to intimate speakeasies. Vertigo and Moon Bar, on the 61st floor of the Banyan Tree Hotel, offers a 360-degree view of the city skyline and serves cocktails and international cuisine. Tichuca Rooftop Bar at the Tints of Blue Hotel features a glowing tree sculpture and a lively atmosphere. The Bamboo Bar at the Mandarin Oriental is a classic jazz bar with a dark wood interior and live music nightly. Rabbit Hole, a speakeasy in Thonglor, has an unmarked entrance and a rotating cocktail menu. Teens of Thailand, in the historic Bang Rak district, specializes in gin-based cocktails and is housed in a shophouse from the 1950s. These five bars represent the range of options available.
Explore Abandoned Airplanes In Bangkok
Several abandoned aircraft sit in fields and vacant lots around Bangkok, most notably a Boeing 747 at a former construction site in the Bang Kapi district. The plane, stripped of its interior and engines, has become a popular spot for urban explorers and photographers. Access is not officially permitted, and visitors enter at their own risk. Another site, a collection of old planes near the old Don Mueang Airport, includes a decommissioned Soviet-era Tupolev Tu-134. These locations are not maintained and can be hazardous. The abandoned airplanes offer a glimpse into aviation history and are best visited with a local guide who knows the current access conditions.
15 Best Things To Do In Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok’s top attractions include the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Wat Phra Kaew, the Chatuchak Weekend Market, Khao San Road, the Chao Phraya River cruise, Jim Thompson House, the Bangkok National Museum, the Giant Swing, the Golden Mount, the Erawan Shrine, the Asiatique night market, the Skywalk at King Power Mahanakhon, and the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre. This list covers cultural sites, shopping, dining, and entertainment. For a deeper dive into local experiences, consider exploring hidden gems in Thailand beyond the capital, such as the ancient city of Ayutthaya or the floating pagodas at Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat.
One Night In Bangkok - Halloween + Jet Lag
Halloween in Bangkok is celebrated with costume parties at bars and clubs in areas like Khao San Road, Thonglor, and Silom. Major venues host themed events on the weekend closest to October 31. Jet lag from long-haul flights can affect your energy levels, so it helps to arrive a day early and adjust to the time zone before the festivities. Bangkok is seven hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+7). Staying hydrated and getting sunlight during the day can help reset your internal clock.
Midnight In Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok after midnight is active in certain districts. Khao San Road remains crowded with backpackers and street vendors. Sukhumvit Road, especially around Soi 11 and Soi Cowboy, has nightclubs and beer bars that stay open until 2:00 AM or later. The Patpong night market in Silom operates until midnight, selling clothing, electronics, and souvenirs. The city’s street food scene also continues late, with stalls along Charoen Krung Road and near the Saphan Taksin BTS station serving pad thai, satay, and grilled seafood. The Chao Phraya River is quieter at night, but the last public ferries run until about 11:00 PM.
How Much Will It Cost On A 2-Day Trip To Bangkok
A two-day trip to Bangkok for a budget traveler costs approximately 2,000 to 3,000 baht per day, covering dormitory accommodation, street food meals, local transport, and entry fees to major temples. A mid-range traveler spending 4,000 to 6,000 baht per day can stay in a three-star hotel, eat at casual restaurants, take taxis or the BTS Skytrain, and visit paid attractions like the Grand Palace (500 baht entry) or Jim Thompson House (200 baht). A luxury traveler may spend 10,000 baht or more per day on a five-star hotel, fine dining, private tours, and spa treatments. These figures are based on prices from 2023 and may vary. For a two-day trip, a sample budget breakdown includes accommodation (500–3,000 baht per night), food (200–1,500 baht per day), transport (100–500 baht per day), and attractions (200–1,000 baht total).
