Bangkok is huge and vibrant, with golden temples next to skyscrapers. The essentials are near the river, on Rattanakosin Island.
What to see in Bangkok
The great temples sit together on the Chao Phraya; the markets are spread around the city.
The Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha
The former residence of the kings of Siam and the Wat Phra Kaew temple, home to the Emerald Buddha, the country’s most revered image.
Clothing must cover shoulders and knees; go at opening time to avoid the heat and crowds.
Wat Pho and Wat Arun
Wat Pho, next to the palace, holds a 150-foot reclining Buddha covered in gold leaf and is the birthplace of Thai massage. Across the river, Wat Arun’s porcelain tower glows at sunset.
The Chao Phraya River
Express boats and ferries cross the city along the river, the fastest way between the temples and Chinatown.
Chinatown (Yaowarat)
At night Yaowarat Road fills with street-food stalls: seafood, noodles, sweets and fruit.
The markets
The Chatuchak weekend market, with thousands of stalls; outside the city, the Damnoen Saduak floating market and the Maeklong railway market.
A day trip to Ayutthaya
An hour and a half north, the ruins of the kingdom’s former capital, with the famous Buddha head in the roots of a tree at Wat Mahathat.
Bangkok in 3 days
It is close to the first days of our Thailand for Everyone tour.
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Day 1
The great temples
The Grand Palace, Wat Pho and, at sunset, Wat Arun from across the river.
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Day 2
Markets
The floating market and the Maeklong railway market in the morning; Chatuchak if it is a weekend; dinner in Chinatown.
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Day 3
Ayutthaya
A trip to the former capital and back for the city view from a rooftop.
Best time to visit Bangkok
From November to February the weather is drier and cooler.
- Jan Ideal
- Feb Ideal
- Mar Very hot
- Apr Very hot
- May Rainy
- Jun Rainy
- Jul Rainy
- Aug Rainy
- Sep Rainy
- Oct Good
- Nov Ideal
- Dec Peak
March, April and May are the hottest months, above 95 °F. From June to October it rains almost daily, usually in afternoon showers that pass quickly.
Where to stay in Bangkok
Choose between being near the temples or near the Skytrain (BTS) and metro lines.
- Riverside (Chao Phraya)
- Large riverside hotels, with boats to the temples and sunset views.
- Sukhumvit
- Well connected by BTS, with malls, restaurants and nightlife.
- Silom and Sathorn
- The business district, with rooftop bars and Lumphini Park.
- Banglamphu
- Near the Grand Palace and Khao San, with lower prices.
Tips for visiting Bangkok
Bangkok is safe for travelers; the most common issues are small tourist scams.
- If someone says the palace is closed and offers a tuk-tuk elsewhere, say no: it is the city’s best-known scam.
- Use metered taxis or apps such as Grab; with tuk-tuks, agree on the price first.
- Dress respectfully at temples: shoulders and knees covered, shoes off.
- Water and sunscreen: heat and humidity are intense most of the year.
Entry requirements for Bangkok
Thailand’s entry requirements apply to Bangkok.
US citizens do not need a visa for stays of up to 30 days; for Mexican passports, we confirm the current requirement when you book. Everyone must complete the free TDAC within 72 hours before arrival.
See the full entry requirements in the Thailand guide
Official sources: TDAC digital arrival card (Thai Immigration) · Thailand e-Visa · U.S. State Department travel advisories
Our tours with Bangkok
All our Thailand tours start in Bangkok, with Spanish-speaking guides. Prices per person in a double room, without international flights.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Bangkok?
Three days: one for the great temples, one for the markets and a third for Ayutthaya.
Where should you stay in Bangkok?
By the river to be near the temples, or in Sukhumvit to get around by BTS and enjoy restaurants and shopping.
What can you see in Bangkok in one day?
The Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha, Wat Pho, the ferry to Wat Arun at sunset and dinner in Chinatown.
When is the best time to go to Bangkok?
November to February, when it is less hot and barely rains.
