Bangkok Travel Guide
Contents
- Bangkok — The City of Angels
- Bangkok and Its Antipode
- The City
- Top Things to Do in Bangkok
- Do and See
- Dining in Bangkok
- Cafés in Bangkok
- Bars & Nightlife
- Shopping
- Tourist Information
Bangkok — The City of Angels
Bangkok is a vast, energetic metropolis and the cultural, political, and economic heart of Thailand. Known locally as Krung Thep — the “City of Angels” — Bangkok blends ancient spiritual traditions with one of the most dynamic urban environments in Southeast Asia.
Temples, palaces, canals, and markets coexist with elevated rail lines, skyscrapers, and vast shopping districts. The city’s intensity is balanced by moments of calm found in monasteries, riverside neighbourhoods, and public parks.
Bangkok and Its Antipode
Every place on Earth has an antipode — the point directly opposite it on the globe, connected by a straight line passing through the Earth’s core.
Bangkok’s antipode lies in the Pacific Ocean, far from any major landmass. This land-to-ocean antipode reflects Bangkok’s orientation toward waterways, trade routes, and regional movement rather than continental depth.
The contrast between a dense tropical megacity and open ocean on the far side of the planet reinforces Bangkok’s identity as a crossroads city shaped by flow, exchange, and rhythm.
The City
Bangkok encompasses dozens of districts spread across the Chao Phraya River basin. The historic core of Rattanakosin is home to Thailand’s most important temples and royal sites, while modern Bangkok radiates outward through districts such as Siam, Sukhumvit, Silom, and Sathorn.
The city is famous for its street life: food stalls, markets, temples, nightlife, and transport all operate around the clock. Despite its scale, Bangkok remains deeply human, animated by daily rituals, neighbourhood communities, and spiritual practice.
Top Things to Do in Bangkok
The Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew
The ceremonial heart of Thailand and home to the Emerald Buddha, the country’s most revered religious image.
Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)
Famous for its 46-metre-long reclining Buddha and as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
An iconic riverside temple decorated with porcelain mosaics, especially striking at sunset.
Lumphini Park
Bangkok’s central green space offering walking paths, lakes, and a break from the city’s intensity.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
One of the world’s largest markets, with thousands of stalls selling food, clothing, antiques, and crafts.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
A traditional floating market located outside the city, showcasing canal-based commerce.
Bangkok Art & Culture Centre (BACC)
A contemporary arts hub featuring exhibitions, performances, and creative spaces.
Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World
One of Southeast Asia’s largest aquariums, located beneath Siam Paragon.
National Science Museum
An interactive museum focusing on science, environment, and technology.
Do and See
Khaosan Road
A lively district known for budget travel culture, street food, and nightlife.
Sala Chalermkrung Theatre
Home to traditional Khon masked dance performances.
Democracy Monument
A symbolic landmark commemorating Thailand’s political history.
ChangChui Creative Park
A contemporary creative space combining art, food, and experimental design.
Bangkok Cooking Classes
Hands-on classes introducing Thai cuisine through market visits and cooking instruction.
Dining in Bangkok
Bangkok is one of the world’s great food cities. Street food, traditional Thai cuisine, and international dining coexist across neighbourhoods such as Yaowarat (Chinatown), Sukhumvit, Silom, and Siam.
- Eat Me Restaurant
- Suda Restaurant
- Baan Khanitha
- Le Dalat Indochine
- Roti Mataba
- Took Lae Dee
Cafés in Bangkok
- Seven Spoons
- 80/20
- Old Town Cafe Bangkok
- Ceresia Coffee Roasters
- Gallery Drip Coffee
Bars & Nightlife
Bangkok’s nightlife ranges from laid-back bars to world-class rooftop lounges and nightclubs.
- The Bamboo Bar
- Vertigo and Moon Bar
- Sirocco
- Maggie Choo’s
- RCA – Royal City Avenue
- Khaosan Road Area
Shopping
- Chatuchak Weekend Market
- MBK Center
- Siam Paragon
- The Emporium
- Siam Centre & Siam Discovery
- Pantip Plaza
Tourist Information
Bangkok is served by Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Don Mueang International Airport. The city has an extensive public transport network including Skytrain (BTS), MRT subway, buses, taxis, river ferries, and airport rail links.
The best time to visit Bangkok is from November to February, when temperatures are slightly cooler and rainfall is lower.
Electricity in Thailand is 220 volts / 50 Hz using type A, B, and C plugs.
