General Information
Bangkok (Thai: Krung Thep Maha Nakhon) is the capital of Thailand and the gateway to Southeast Asia. It's located in the center of the country, 30 kilometers from the Gulf of Thailand coast (Bangkok on the map). It's a huge modern megacity, one of the largest and fastest-growing in Asia. Its population is over 9 million people.
Bangkok holds the world record for the longest name. In full, Krung Thep is written like this:
- Thai: กรุงเทพมหานคร อมรรัตนโกสินทร์ มหินทรายุธยามหาดิลก ภพนพรัตน์ ราชธานีบุรีรมย์ อุดมราชนิเวศน์ มหาสถาน อมรพิมาน อวตารสถิต สักกะทัตติยะ วิษณุกรรมประสิทธิ์
- Pronounced: Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit
- Meaning: city of angels, great city, city of eternal treasure, impregnable city of the god Indra, magnificent capital of the world, endowed with nine precious gems, happy city, full of abundance, a grandiose Royal Palace resembling a divine abode where a reincarnated god reigns, a city given by Indra and built by Vishvakarman.
Before becoming the capital, Bangkok was a small village and fishing port. In 1767, after the old capital Ayutthaya was captured by the Burmese, the center of government of the kingdom was moved to Thonburi (now one of Bangkok's districts on the western side of the Chao Phraya River). But in 1782 King Rama I moved the capital to the eastern bank, to the Rattanakosin peninsula (now the city's historic district, where the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, the tourist Khao San area, and other main Bangkok attractions are located).
Why Go to Bangkok and What Kind of Holiday It Offers
Bangkok is rarely visited by tourists as a standalone holiday destination. Usually it's simply included in the itinerary at the beginning or end of a trip, since it's home to Thailand's main air gates – two international airports, Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang. It's through these airports that most long-haul scheduled flights arrive, including from Russia and other former Soviet countries. It's especially good to spend a few days in Bangkok at the end of your trip, to see the attractions, go shopping, and then head home with suitcases full of purchases.
Overall, Bangkok is a very comfortable and interesting place for a tourist stay: the tourist infrastructure here is excellently developed, and there's a huge number of attractions and entertainment. You can easily find hotels of all categories, travel agencies, tours. There are several tourist districts, the most popular being Khao San Road. But it's not the only place where tourist infrastructure is concentrated. There are also the Pratunam, Siam, Sukhumvit and Silom districts. All these districts have their own tourist streets or infrastructure hubs, but each district has its own specifics and atmosphere.
For a quick introduction to Bangkok's main tourist spots, two full days are usually enough. But if you want to see other attractions, go shopping, have fun and feel the capital's atmosphere, you can easily set aside a week for Bangkok, and you won't get bored here in that time.
Beach Holidays in Bangkok and Where to Go to the Sea
Of course, you won't find any beach holiday in Bangkok, except maybe by the rooftop pool at your hotel. But if you really want to, you can go from the city to one of the nearest beach resorts for a day or a few days:
If you need an island holiday, you can head to the nearest Koh Larn island. This island near Pattaya offers excellent conditions for a beach holiday and a real island atmosphere, though you'll have to pay almost twice as much as in Pattaya for it.
Infrastructure in Bangkok
As we already mentioned, tourist infrastructure in the capital is excellently developed, the main thing is to choose the right place to stay. It's best to stay in hotels in one of the city's tourist districts/streets, where there's the appropriate atmosphere of an eternal holiday, lots of tourists, restaurants and cafes, massage parlors, entertainment. The most popular district is Khao San Road, but there are also Pratunam, Siam, Sukhumvit, Silom, Chinatown and others. Each district has its own specifics:
- Khao San Road – the district with the cheapest hotels and bubbling tourist life, travel agencies
- Pratunam – the ideal place for budget shopping and a convenient district for transit
- Siam – the most modern shopping malls are here
- Sukhumvit – the most modern district, where there's absolutely everything
- Silom – the center of nightlife
- Chinatown – a colorful place with Chinese cuisine and atmosphere
You can search for and book hotels in Bangkok on these most popular hotel search engines worldwide:
- 🛌 Search hotels in Bangkok on Trip.com (👍 work with MIR cards)
- 🛌 Hotels in Bangkok on Yandex.travel
- 🛌 Search hotels on Ostrovok.ru
Where to Exchange Currency in Bangkok
In Bangkok you can exchange almost any currency at the best rate in the country, they even exchange rubles for baht. The best rate can be found at the Superrich chain of exchangers, but if you need to exchange a not very large amount, for example 50 or 100 dollars, then in almost any district of the city you can find a bank or exchange office with a good rate.
You can even safely exchange money at Suvarnabhumi Airport on arrival, there's also an excellent rate on the lowest floor next to the ARL airport rail link station. Look for a row of exchangers there, including one of the Superrich offices, as well as Happy Rich, Kasikorn and others. Just don't exchange at the exchangers in the arrivals area, the rate there is much worse. More details how and where to exchange currency in Bangkok.
Shopping in Bangkok
Bangkok is one of the best shopping cities in the world: from cheap T-shirts for 60 baht at Pratunam Market to luxury boutiques at Siam Paragon. If you're planning to stock up, save the capital for the end of your trip – otherwise you won't be able to carry everything you buy with you across Thailand. Below are the key districts, markets and malls with 2026 prices and money-saving tips.
For a shopping trip, it's best to pick the right district to stay in right away. Pratunam is the kingdom of street markets and wholesale trade with the lowest prices, but it's cramped and stuffy. Siam is huge air-conditioned malls with global brand boutiques and the R-Walk promenade. Sukhumvit has large malls Terminal 21, Emporium and EmQuartier, and is well connected to the center by the BTS line. The ideal plan: stay in Pratunam or Siam, explore the budget markets in the morning and afternoon, and the air-conditioned malls in the evening. And from Pratunam it's very convenient to get to Suvarnabhumi Airport on the airport rail link (Ratchaprarop station).
Without markets it's impossible to truly experience shopping in Bangkok. Pratunam Market is a street wholesale market next to the Baiyoke Sky tower, where trousers cost 139 baht (4.12 USD), socks 5 pairs – 100 baht, a backpack – 350 baht. Haggling usually makes no sense – prices are low right away. Chatuchak Market is the largest market in Southeast Asia, operating at full strength on weekends (Sat–Sun 9:00 AM–6:00 PM). Here you must haggle: a souvenir tuk-tuk can be bought for 190 baht (5.64 USD) without haggling, while in Pratunam the same one wouldn't go for less than 300 baht. Sampeng Market in Chinatown is a narrow street with goods from China, prices sometimes lower than at Pratunam, but during the day it's a real crush. Patpong Night Market runs from 7:00 PM to midnight in the Silom district, and the Amulet Market next to Wat Mahathat temple is for those looking for unusual souvenirs.
There are dozens of shopping malls in Bangkok. Indra Square in Pratunam – rock-bottom prices and active haggling. Platinum Fashion Mall – more than 2500 clothing shops. Big C Supercenter Ratchadamri – the best place to stock up on groceries and souvenirs before leaving. CentralWorld Plaza – one of the largest malls in Southeast Asia. Siam Paragon – luxury and an aquarium. Terminal 21 – designed like an airport with country-themed floors. MBK Center – electronics and accessories. ICONSIAM – the most luxurious mall on the riverbank. Most are open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
| Item | Pratunam (market) | Chatuchak (market) | Central World / Mall |
|---|---|---|---|
| T-shirt (cotton) | 60–100 baht | 40–60 baht | from 300 baht |
| Chiffon blouse | 70–100 baht | 100–150 baht | from 500 baht |
| Jeans/tapered pants | 139 baht | 150–200 baht | from 600 baht |
| Shorts | 90–100 baht | 80–120 baht | from 400 baht |
| Travel backpack | 350 baht | 300–400 baht | from 800 baht |
| Souvenir tuk-tuk | 300 baht (with haggling) | 190 baht (no haggling) | from 500 baht |
Prices in Bangkok are relative: you need to haggle everywhere, but even with haggling in one place the price can be higher than somewhere else without haggling. Worth mentioning separately are malls aimed at tourists, for example Zen in Central World Plaza: a toy car at Big C – 290 baht (8.6 USD), exactly the same at Zen – 1300 baht (38.56 USD).
Where to buy what: electronics – MBK Center and Fortune Town; brand-name clothing – Siam Paragon, CentralWorld, Siam Center; budget clothing – Platinum Fashion Mall and Pratunam market; souvenirs – Chatuchak, Sampeng and the Amulet Market; fruits and groceries – Big C and Lotus's (at Mahanak and Khlong Toei markets mango from 15 baht/kg); cosmetics – Big-C, Boots, Watsons; sports and travel – Decathlon. When buying expensive items don't forget about the VAT refund – the minimum purchase amount is 2000 baht per receipt.
Read the detailed guide to all markets, malls and shopping districts with current 2026 prices in our full article: Shopping in Bangkok – complete guide to malls and markets.
Where to Find Travel Agencies and Tourist Services in Bangkok
The best place for this is the Khao San Road area. This is the tourist heart of Bangkok, where you'll find everything from motorbike rentals to ready-made transfers to anywhere in Thailand. We always recommend Khao San Road as the ideal place to start your journey through Thailand (you can rest after the flight, acclimatize, get to know the city's attractions and leave for anywhere in the country). And it's convenient to finish your trip in the Pratunam area, from where you can easily get to the airport on the airport rail link.
In other districts you can also find travel agencies, but it's harder.
Food in Bangkok: What and Where to Eat, Prices
Many who are used to prices in Phuket or Pattaya notice: eating in Bangkok is more expensive, the capital is the capital. But you won't go hungry here – there are plenty of budget options if you know where to look.
- Street food (rice with chicken, pad thai, skewers, fruit): from 50 baht (1.48 USD) per portion
- Lunch at a cafe for locals (soup, rice with meat, drink): 100–150 baht (2.97–4.45 USD)
- Dinner at a tourist cafe or restaurant (with a drink): 200–300 baht (5.93–8.9 USD)
- Food courts in shopping malls (diverse choice of dishes): 80–120 baht (2.37–3.56 USD) per plate
- Mid-range restaurant (set menu, alcohol): from 400 baht (11.87 USD) per person
- Average daily food budget (breakfast + lunch + dinner): 350–700 baht (10.38–20.77 USD) – depends on appetite and choice of establishments
The cheapest option is supermarkets Big C, Lotus's, Tops. In the ready-meal sections you take rice with meat, grilled chicken, salad or soup – 50–100 baht (1.48–2.97 USD), and heat it up in the microwave right in the store. Even easier – 7-Eleven and FamilyMart: sandwiches, rice balls, spaghetti, cup soups, ready containers (from 30 baht / 0.89 USD) – all of this is available around the clock in every district.
International chains (KFC, Burger King, McDonald's) are in almost every mall, but local chain cafes are often more interesting. For example, in the Pratunam area we constantly have lunch at Pratunam Chicken Rice – they have excellent chicken rice in a signature sauce. There are dozens of such places in the city, everyone will find something of their own.
Where to Find the Main Gastronomic Experiences
In the center there are dozens of legendary places. Worth highlighting separately is Chinatown (Yaowarat Street): after sunset a hundred stalls and tents unfold there, many with Michelin marks. Come hungry and without a map – navigate by smells and queues.
If you want to understand Thai cuisine more deeply, check out our detailed guide to Thai dishes and prices.
And here are specific spots worth visiting:
- Jay Fai – a street eatery at the Prasuman intersection with a Michelin star. Crab omelette and crab fried rice – a queue from the morning, but very expensive, from 1000 baht. Nearest MRT station – Sam Yot.
- Thip Samai – the oldest place with pad thai in an egg wrap. Phra Nakhon district, near the Golden Mount Temple. Open from evening until midnight.
- Nai Ek Roll Noodle – "guay jab" soup with rice noodles in a spicy broth. On the main street of Chinatown, open until late at night.
- Jeh O Chula – the famous tom yum with noodles (Tom Yum Mama), Michelin-recognized. Banthat Thong area, 10 minutes from BTS National Stadium. To get in, use the QueQ app to book 2–3 hours ahead.
- Wattana Panich – beef noodles with a 40-year-old broth, one of the best in the city. Ekkamai area, near BTS Ekkamai.
- Lim Lao Ngow – another Michelin restaurant in Chinatown, fish ball soups. Open from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM.
- Potong – fine dining in a historic building on Yaowarat, Michelin star. Book in advance.
Love views? Bangkok has dozens of rooftop bars and restaurants. Here are tried and tested ones in the center:
- Ojo Bangkok – the highest restaurant in Thailand, 76th floor of Mahanakhon. Mexican cuisine, 360° view. BTS Chong Nonsi.
- Sirocco – the iconic bar on the 63rd floor of lebua at State Tower. Golden dome, river view, remember it from "The Hangover Part II." BTS Saphan Taksin.
- Vertigo & Moon Bar – open terrace on the 61st floor of Banyan Tree. Wind, no glass, 360°. MRT Lumphini.
- Red Sky Bar – 55th–56th floor of Centara Grand at CentralWorld. Red arch, view of the center. BTS Chidlom or Siam.
- Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar – three levels on the 45th–49th floors of Marriott Sukhumvit Soi 57. Live music, cocktails. BTS Thong Lo.
- Above Eleven – 33rd–34th floor of Fraser Suites on Sukhumvit Soi 11. Loft style, Nikkei cuisine (Peruvian-Japanese). BTS Nana.
- Yao Rooftop Bar – 32nd floor of Marriott The Surawongse, Chinese-style interior, view of Mahanakhon. BTS Chong Nonsi.
Night Markets: Where to Find the Street Food Atmosphere After Sunset
Bangkok doesn't have one central night market – they're scattered across districts. But if you want garlands, grills and stalls, here are options you can actually reach from the center:
- Jodd Fairs Ratchada – the most popular right now, open daily from 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM. Exit 4 MRT Thailand Cultural Centre, 3 minutes on foot. "Tom leng sap" soup (pork ribs in spicy broth), grilled seafood, fried chicken, desserts. Prices from 50 baht.
- Train Night Market Srinakarin – the largest, open Thu–Sun from 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM. Behind Seacon Square (Srinakarin Soi 51) – 30–40 minutes from the center by taxi or Grab. A vintage zone with retro cars and a huge food zone with seafood, meat, sweets.
- Banthat Thong Road Night Market – a night food street in the Chula area, popular with locals and students. Not one market but a continuous line of stalls and cafes along the road. BTS National Stadium. A great option – right in the center.
- SW1 Market – a new market in the center, on Sukhumvit Soi 12 (Asok). Daily from 4:00 PM to midnight (until 1:00 AM on weekends). Prices 30–150 baht for most dishes. BTS Asok or MRT Sukhumvit.
Alcohol in Bangkok: Beer, Cocktails and Night Districts
Alcohol is sold everywhere: in cafes, restaurants, food courts and even at street stalls. Local beer – Chang, Singha, Leo. A large bottle (0.5–0.63 L) in ordinary cafes – from 100 baht (2.97 USD), in places for locals – from 80 baht (2.37 USD). In tourist areas and on rooftops – 120–180 baht (3.56–5.34 USD), in clubs and go-go bars – up to 200–250 baht (5.93–7.42 USD).
Cocktails (gin and tonic, whiskey-cola) – from 180 baht (5.34 USD), in expensive places and on skyscrapers – 220–700 baht (6.53–20.77 USD). Spirits are more expensive than beer. Many bars have happy hour – discounts up to 50% at certain hours.
The three main nightlife districts:
- Patpong – the oldest red-light district in Silom, near BTS Sala Daeng and MRT Si Lom. Two parallel streets (Soi 1 and Soi 2) with a dozen go-go bars surrounded by a market. Entry to bars is free, beer – 140–200 baht (4.15–5.93 USD), "lady drink" – 150–200 baht (4.45–5.93 USD). Many bars with "ping-pong" shows, but be careful: they often charge for entry (from 500 baht) and there are scams.
- Soi Cowboy – a bright street with ~30 go-go bars, in the Asok area, near MRT Sukhumvit and BTS Asoke. Opens from 7:00 PM. Fewer tourists here, atmosphere is more "raw." Beer – 160–200 baht (4.75–5.93 USD), lady drink – 200–260 baht (5.93–7.71 USD).
- Nana Plaza – the most famous go-go bar complex, on Sukhumvit Soi 4, 3 minutes from BTS Nana. A U-shaped three-story building with dozens of bars. On the ground floor in the courtyard – open beer bars with the lowest prices: beer from 100 baht (2.97 USD), cocktails from 180 baht (5.34 USD). In go-go bars on the upper floors – beer 180–250 baht (5.34–7.42 USD), lady drink – 200–300 baht (5.93–8.9 USD). Entry is free, bar fine (buyout) – 700–1000 baht (20.77–29.66 USD) and up.
Most street spots and budget restaurants only accept cash. When planning your route, keep in mind that many of them operate exclusively in the evening – this is especially true of Chinatown, where culinary life begins after 6:00 PM. It's better to come to rooftop bars 30–45 minutes before sunset (in Bangkok this is roughly 6:00–6:30 PM all year round) – that way you'll catch both the golden hour and the gradual lighting of the city. The dress code in such places is smart casual; in shorts and flip-flops you may not be allowed in.
Safety in Bangkok
Bangkok is a safe city. Serious crimes against tourists are rare here. The main threat is not violence, but scammers hunting for your wallet, and road traffic. A few simple rules will help you avoid almost all troubles.
- Tuk-tuks and "the Grand Palace is closed." At the entrance to the Grand Palace or Wat Pho, a person in decent clothes approaches you and says the palace is closed for a ceremony. Right away a tuk-tuk appears with a "free" tour for 10–40 baht. The finale is a jewelry store where they try to sell glass for 20,000–100,000 baht. The scam works in English, Chinese and Russian. What to do: Ignore the offers and go to the palace entrance.
- Taxis without a meter. Official taxis – pink, yellow-green and blue – are required to turn on the meter: 35 baht flag fall plus mileage, a trip around the center – 60–150 baht. If the driver says the "meter is broken" and asks for 300–500 baht – it's a scam. Since 2026, QR codes are stuck in cars to verify the driver. What to do: ask "Meter, please?", if refused – get out. More reliable to call via the Grab or Bolt apps.
- Bill at a bar on Patpong. You're lured into a second-floor bar with a "free show." Half an hour later they bring a bill for 5,000–30,000 baht: "show fee" (payment for watching) 2,000 baht per person, "seat" 1,000 baht, drinks at 500–1,000 baht. The scheme also works at Nana Plaza and Soi Cowboy. What to do: don't go up to bars on a street invitation. If you've fallen for it – call the tourist police 1155 right from the bar. Often one call is enough to reduce the bill several times over.
- Pickpockets and bag snatching. They work in crowded places: Pratunam market, Siam malls, near BTS Asok, Nana, Sukhumvit stations. A separate danger is motorcyclists who snatch a phone or bag on the move. There's also the "found wallet" setup: one distracts, another robs. What to do: keep your bag in front of you, don't take out your phone unnecessarily near the road, wear your backpack on both shoulders.
- Roads. Pedestrian crossings are often ignored, and turning left on red for cars is the norm (Thailand drives on the left, and such a turn is allowed). Motorbike taxis are a fast but risky mode of transport. On holidays (e.g., Songkran) the number of accidents rises sharply. What to do: cross only at zebra crossings, and even better via elevated walkways.
- Water. You can't drink tap water – even for brushing your teeth it's better to use bottled. The reason is old pipes and tanks in buildings. There are filtered water machines everywhere in the city: a liter for 1 baht. Bottled in stores – 10–20 baht for 1.5 L. Ice in cafes is safe: it's made from purified water.
- Drugs. Class A drugs – heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, methamphetamine – carry the death penalty. In 2026 the Supreme Court upheld death sentences in a drug case. Even possession without intent to sell can get you 10 years. Don't agree to any offers.
- Drunken conflicts and drink-spiking. After midnight in tourist areas you can run into drunk locals or tourists ready for a fight. A separate danger is drink-spiking in bars. What to do: don't leave your drink unattended, don't get into arguments, move to a crowded place – a shopping mall, a BTS station, where there's security.
If something happens: if your passport is stolen, go straight to the tourist police – they'll help with a report for the embassy. Carry a copy of your passport separately from the original. Keep money and cards in different places.
Useful contacts: tourist police – 1155 (around the clock, English-speaking operators). Emergency services – 191. Tourism Authority of Thailand – 1672.
When It's Best to Go to Bangkok: Choosing the Tourist Season
The most comfortable time to visit is from November to February. This is the dry and cool season. But don't think that you'll be able to chill during this period – daytime temperatures are still above 30°C and only at night can the temperature drop to 20°C.
March and April are the hot season with an average temperature of 35°C, and sometimes it rises to 40°C. This isn't the best moment to visit Bangkok, and the only way to survive being in Bangkok during this period more or less painlessly is to stay in an air-conditioned hotel room, by the pool, or visit the numerous air-conditioned shopping malls and entertainment venues.
Whatever the weather, to avoid health problems don't forget to drink plenty of fluids, of course, taking the necessary precautions – don't drink tap water.
Seasons in Bangkok by Month, When It's Best to Go
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Legend:
- 🍀 green – ideal (sun, warm sea)
- 🞬 olive – acceptable (short showers possible)
- 🔴 red – not recommended (high risk of rain/typhoons).
Current Weather in Bangkok and Forecast
Time in Bangkok
The time difference in Bangkok and Moscow is +4 hours in winter and summer.
| Москва: +4 | Самара: +3 |
| Казань: +4 | Нижний Новгород: +4 |
| Екатеринбург: +2 | Новосибирск: 0 |
| Иркутск: -1 | Владивосток: -3 |
Transport in Bangkok: The Essentials of Getting Around
Bangkok is a megacity with dense traffic jams, but that's not a problem if you know how to get around. Thailand's capital has an extensive public transport system: skytrain and subway, buses, river boats, taxis and colorful tuk-tuks. Each mode has its pros, cons and price, and a smart combination lets you save time and money. Below are the key parameters of the main ways to get around, current for 2026.
| Transport mode | 💰 Cost | ⏲ Operating hours | 📍 Where it's convenient to get to | ⭐ Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BTS Skytrain (skytrain) | 16–44 baht (0.47–1.31 USD) | 5:15 AM – 12:40 AM | Center, Sukhumvit, Silom, shopping malls | The fastest and most comfortable, but expensive |
| MRT (subway) | 17–44 baht (0.5–1.31 USD) | 6:00 AM – midnight | Railway station, Chatuchak, Chinatown | Connects well with BTS, fewer tourist spots |
| ARL (airport rail link) | 15–45 baht (0.44–1.33 USD) | 5:30 AM – midnight | Suvarnabhumi Airport → center (Phaya Thai, Makkasan) | Fast and cheap from the airport |
| Buses (Regular / AC) | 8–36 baht (0.24–1.07 USD) | 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM (some round-the-clock) | Khao San, Chinatown, remote districts | The cheapest, but hard to figure out, traffic jams possible |
| Taxi (Grab / Bolt) | from 100–300 baht + 35 baht flag fall (2.97 rubles +) | 24/7 | Any point in the city | Comfortable, price depends on traffic jams, toll roads |
| Motorbike taxi (via apps) | from 40–60 baht (1.19–1.78 USD) | 24/7 | Fast trips in traffic jams | Cheap, only for one passenger |
| Tuk-tuk | from 100 baht (2.97 USD), tours from 500 baht/hour | 24/7 | Short trips around tourist spots | Colorful, but overpriced and frequent "scams" |
| Water transport (commuter boats) | 14–33 baht (0.42–0.98 USD) | 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Chao Phraya River, Temple of Dawn, Thonburi | Fast and colorful, several routes |
For planning a route around the city it's convenient to use Google Maps or the ViaBus app – they show options with transfers and transport modes. We also have an interactive Bangkok map with metro lines and attractions that will help you navigate.
From personal experience: buses are a great way to save money, but before the trip it's better to study the route, since numbers and stops are often duplicated only in Thai. For taxis and motorbike taxis it's more reliable to use apps (Grab, Bolt, Maxim) – the price is fixed before ordering, and you can pay in cash (Russian cards aren't accepted). With tuk-tuks you should be more careful: always agree on the price in advance, otherwise the cost can be two or three times higher than a taxi. Water transport is not only atmospheric but also practical: for example, Golden Mount Line boats for 17 baht connect Pratunam and the historic center at the Golden Mount Temple.
If you plan to rent a motorbike, remember that traffic in Bangkok is intense and dangerous – Thailand is among the leaders in road accidents. Rental prices start from 300 baht per day, but we recommend using public transport or taxis for safety.
More about Bangkok transport in our themed articles:
How to Get to Bangkok
Bangkok is Thailand's main gateway, and it's through its two airports that most tourists and travelers enter the country. Also, theoretically, there's an overland route from Russia to Thailand (by train to Vietnam with a transfer in China, then by bus through Cambodia or Laos), but it's not practical to use it, since it'll cost more than a flight.
As for how to get to or from Bangkok to other popular Thai resorts, the capital and the airports have all possible modes of transport, with which you can easily and inexpensively get to any most remote point of the country and even to neighboring countries. From the two airports you can inexpensively fly to Thai cities and neighboring countries, including budget airlines flying from Don Mueang. By train you can go to the northern provinces (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai); to the south you can get by train all the way to Singapore via Malaysia; railway branches go to the border with Cambodia and Laos. By bus you can get to almost anywhere in the country and even to neighboring countries, and it's the cheapest way to travel. More details about all the ways to get to Bangkok read here.
| ЦЕНА | МАРШРУТ | ПЕРЕСАДКИ |
| Купить от 47636 ₽ | Москва ⇄ Бангкок | 1 |
| Купить от 50770 ₽ | Санкт-Петербург ⇄ Бангкок | 1 |
| Купить от 33089 ₽ | Иркутск ⇄ Бангкок | Прямой |
| Купить от 45291 ₽ | Новосибирск ⇄ Бангкок | 1 |
| Купить от 29429 ₽ | Владивосток ⇄ Бангкок | Прямой |
| Купить от 55863 ₽ | Екатеринбург ⇄ Бангкок | Прямой |
| Купить от 42206 ₽ | Красноярск ⇄ Бангкок | 2 |
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Bangkok Attractions: What to See
Bangkok can overwhelm you from day one: the old city with temples, skyscrapers, markets, observation decks, Chinatown and dozens of places beyond the center.
Most historical and cultural attractions are located on Rattanakosin Island, also called the old city. Out of hundreds of temples, three places stand out for a visit: the Grand Palace, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho), and the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun). These locations are the most important Bangkok attractions, possibly even in the whole country. They're located close to each other and can be visited in one day.
Good to know before your visit:
- 👕 Dress code at temples and the Grand Palace: covered shoulders and knees, otherwise you may not be allowed in. Shorts and tank tops are not an option.
- 👟 Shoes are removed before entering the main temple halls. Comfortable shoes without laces save a lot of time.
- ☀️ Temples and palaces – in the morning, while it's not hot and there are few tourists. Observation decks – in the evening, before sunset (from 6 to 7 PM), to catch both day and night.
- ⚠️ Beware of "well-wishers" near the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. The phrase "the palace is closed today for a holiday, I'll take you somewhere else" is a classic scam. The palace is closed only on official holidays, not when a random passerby says so.
- 💧 Bring water and sun protection: sunscreen, a cap, an umbrella. A day of walking around the city adds up to 10+ kilometers, and the heat feels stronger than it seems.
- 💵 Carry small bills. Some tickets, boats, tuk-tuks and street ticket offices only work with cash and no change.
- 🚫 Photos in temples – with respect: don't photograph monks without permission and don't point your feet toward Buddha statues. In Thailand, feet are the most "unclean" part of the body, and sitting or lying with feet toward Buddha is seen as an insult.
How many days you need and how much money to take. The main Bangkok attractions usually take 2–3 days, and if you add day trips to Muang Boran, Mae Klong or the Dragon Temple, visit other temples and museums, have fun and go shopping – a whole week will fly by. Per day, tickets, transport and food cost roughly 1000–2000 baht per person if you combine temple visits with street food and don't take taxis every time. On days without paid attractions, you can get by on 300–600 baht.
🏆 What to See in Bangkok First: TOP 11
If you're in Bangkok for the first time or only have a couple of days, start with these places. Here are the city's main attractions – this list is enough to build a full itinerary for your first day.
- The Grand Palace – the main residence of Thai kings and the most iconic structure in Bangkok since 1782, open to tourists.
- Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) – one of the oldest and largest temples in Bangkok with the famous 46-meter gilded statue of the Reclining Buddha.
- Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) – the most picturesque temple in Thailand on the opposite bank of the river, especially beautiful in the evening when illuminated.
- Temple of the Golden Buddha (Wat Trai Mit) – an unremarkable temple on the outside in Chinatown, housing the world's largest golden statue of a seated Buddha weighing 5.5 tons.
- Bangkok National Museum – the largest museum in the country with a rich collection on the history and culture of Thailand.
- Jim Thompson House Museum – the old house of an American businessman with a recreated setting, works of art and a beautiful garden.
- King Power Mahana Khon observation deck – the highest observation deck in Thailand at 314 meters with a transparent escalator and balconies with a glass floor.
- Baiyoke Sky 2 Tower observation deck – the legendary observation deck on the 84th floor with a panoramic view of the city and a free drink at the bar.
- Golden Mount Temple, Wat Saket – a Buddhist temple with a gilded pagoda on an artificial hill and an observation deck with a panorama of the old city.
- Wat Suthat and the Giant Swing – one of the oldest temples in Bangkok with the largest sermon hall and the Giant Swing in front of the entrance.
- Khao San Road – Bangkok's main tourist street, calm for strolling during the day, and the epicenter of tourist fun in the evening.
Ready-Made Tours in Bangkok with Reviews
You can explore Bangkok's attractions not only on your own but also with tours. Tours are sold at travel agencies on the street, most of them on the tourist Khao San Road, but more and more agencies are moving online. You can find and book Bangkok tours online with reviews on these sites:
- 📷 Search tours in Bangkok on Sputnik8.com
- 📷 Search tours in Bangkok on Tripster.ru
- 📷 Search tours in Bangkok on Trip.com
- 📷 Search tours in Bangkok on GetYourGuide
Besides the main attractions, in Bangkok it's worth seeing royal palaces and forts, unusual temples (Marble Temple, Crocodile Temple, Boat Temple, David Beckham Temple), dozens of museums – from the National Museum to the Museum of Medicine, as well as Lumpini and Benchakitti parks, Asiatique and Yodpiman waterfronts, Chatuchak market and the snake farm. And if you have a spare day – go on a day trip: the ancient city of Muang Boran, the Mae Klong railway market, Maha Chai village or the Dragon Temple Wat Sam Phran.
Read detailed descriptions of all these places with prices, opening hours, how to get there and photos from personal trips in our full guide: Bangkok attractions – what to see on your own.
Our themed Bangkok roundups:
Useful Tips for Bangkok
- Free maps and brochures. At Bangkok airport at tourist information stands, in hotels, at tourist information centers in the city you can get free paper maps and even whole guide brochures. Besides the fact that they contain a lot of useful information, they also publish quite useful coupons and promo codes for tourist services, visits to restaurants, attractions, etc.
- Currency exchange. One of the best currency exchanges in Bangkok is the Superrich chain of exchangers. You can find these exchange offices and the current rate in them on the official website – superrichthailand.com/.
- Getting around by tuk-tuk. The exotic mode of transport, tuk-tuks in Bangkok, has long been not a cheap local transport, but an expensive means of getting around for tourists. As a rule, a tuk-tuk ride costs several times more than a taxi. Moreover, tuk-tuk drivers are often part of scam networks to deceive tourists.
- Water transport. Most tourists are afraid to deal with Bangkok's water transport. However, sometimes traveling by boat on canals (khlongs) or on the Chao Phraya River is the fastest and cheapest way to get around. Moreover, mastering this mode of transport actually presents no difficulties.





