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Thailand
Bangkok Travel Guide
Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, combines gilded temples and royal palaces on the Chao Phraya River with a modern skyline of malls, rooftop bars and elevated railways. The historic Rattanakosin island holds the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and, across the river, Wat Arun.
- Best time: November to February
- Airport: BKK / DMK
- Thai baht
Overview
About Bangkok
Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, combines gilded temples and royal palaces on the Chao Phraya River with a modern skyline of malls, rooftop bars and elevated railways. The historic Rattanakosin island holds the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and, across the river, Wat Arun.
Most visitors base themselves along the river, in Siam and Sukhumvit on the BTS Skytrain, or in Silom for nightlife and business. The city is famous for street food, from Yaowarat in Chinatown to night markets, and is the usual gateway to Thailand’s beaches and the north.
- Best time to visit
- November to February
- Currency
- Thai baht (THB)
- Time zone
- Indochina Time (UTC+7), no daylight saving
- Language
- Thai is the official language; English is common in hotels and tourist areas
Hotels in Bangkok
Where to stay in Bangkok
Each area links to places to stay on our Bangkok hotels page.
- RiversideHotels along the Chao Phraya, close to the Grand Palace, Wat Arun and ICONSIAM. Many run free shuttle boats to Saphan Taksin BTS station.
- Siam & SukhumvitThe shopping heart of the city around Siam Paragon and a long corridor of hotels, restaurants and bars on Sukhumvit Road, all on the BTS.
- Silom & SathornThe business district beside Lumphini Park, with rooftop bars, night markets and both BTS and MRT stations.
- Old Town & Khao SanGuesthouses and boutique hotels near Khao San Road, within walking distance of the Grand Palace and Rattanakosin temples.
Getting there
Flights to Bangkok
Suvarnabhumi (BKK) handles most international flights and is linked to the city by the Airport Rail Link. Don Mueang (DMK), north of the centre, is used mainly by low-cost airlines.
- BKK
- Suvarnabhumi Airport
- DMK
- Don Mueang International Airport
Things to do
Things to do in Bangkok
Popular tours and tickets from our activity partner.
Popular attractions
- Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew
- Wat Pho
- Wat Arun
- Chatuchak Weekend Market
- Yaowarat (Chinatown)
- Jim Thompson House
- Floating markets day trips
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When to go
Best time to visit Bangkok
November to February is the coolest and driest period and the peak season. March to May is very hot, and the rainy season from June to October brings heavy afternoon downpours, with September and October usually the wettest months.
Transport
Getting around Bangkok
The BTS Skytrain and MRT metro cover the centre, and the Airport Rail Link connects Suvarnabhumi with Phaya Thai. Chao Phraya Express boats serve the riverside temples; taxis, tuk-tuks and ride-hailing cover the rest.
Travel tips
Bangkok travel tips
- Riverside hotels often run free shuttle boats to Saphan Taksin BTS and ICONSIAM — a quick way to avoid road traffic.
- Dress modestly for the Grand Palace and temples: shoulders and knees must be covered.
- Use the Chao Phraya Express boats (orange flag) to hop between the riverside temples cheaply.
- Chatuchak Weekend Market opens only on Saturdays and Sundays; go early before the heat builds.
Bangkok essentials
Bangkok travel FAQs
What is the best area to stay in Bangkok?
Sukhumvit and Siam for shopping, food and the BTS; the riverside for temples and views; Silom for nightlife; and Khao San for budget stays near the Old Town.
What is the best time to visit Bangkok?
November to February, when it is cooler and drier. March to May is very hot, and June to October is the rainy season.
How do I get from Suvarnabhumi Airport to central Bangkok?
The Airport Rail Link runs to Phaya Thai, connecting with the BTS, in about 30 minutes. Taxis from the official rank take 30 to 60 minutes depending on traffic.
Plan your trip
Plan your Bangkok trip
- Hotels in BangkokExplore hotels in Riverside and Siam & Sukhumvit and more.
- Things to do in BangkokExplore Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho and other experiences.
- Thailand travel guideThailand travel guide: Bangkok’s temples and street food, Phuket’s beaches and island trips, the best season to visit and where to stay.
Nearby and related destinations
- Phuket, ThailandPhuket travel guide: Patong, Kata and Kamala beaches, Phuket Old Town, island boat trips to Phi Phi and Phang Nga Bay, when to go and where to stay.
- Singapore, SingaporeSingapore travel guide: Marina Bay, Gardens by the Bay, Sentosa, hawker food, the MRT from Changi, when to visit and the best areas to stay.
- Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaKuala Lumpur travel guide: the Petronas Twin Towers, Bukit Bintang, Batu Caves, KLIA transfers, the best time to visit and where to stay.
Facts last reviewed 27 September 2026. Hotel, flight and activity availability is provided live by our booking partners, and bookings are completed with them.