Bangkok Travel Guide: Temples, Food and Transport
How to spend three days in Bangkok without hating it — where to stay, which temples matter, how to use the BTS and boats, and where to eat for under 100 baht.
In this guide
- Getting to Bangkok & Away
- Getting Around Bangkok: Your Transportation Guide
- Where to Stay in Bangkok (For Every Budget)
- The Perfect 5-Day Bangkok Itinerary
- Top 15 Cultural Highlights & Historical Landmarks
- A Food Lover's Guide to Bangkok
- Bangkok Budget Breakdown (Per Person, Per Day)
- Essential Tips for a Smooth Trip (Including Scams to Avoid)
- Conclusion
- Where to Base Yourself
- The Temples That Are Worth It
- Getting Around
- Eating in Bangkok
- Day Trips
- Costs and Practicalities
This guide is part of our Thailand Travel Guide — start there for the overview, itineraries and costs.
Greetings, fellow travelers! If you're ready for an unforgettable journey filled with ancient temples, tantalizing flavors, and the vibrant, chaotic energy of a city that never sleeps, then pack your bags. We're about to dive headfirst into the sprawling metropolis of Bangkok.
This is not just another travel guide. This is your comprehensive blueprint to conquering Bangkok, from every soi (alley) to every street food cart, to ensure you have the adventure of a lifetime.
Getting to Bangkok & Away
Getting to Bangkok is a breeze. The city is one of Southeast Asia's biggest travel hubs, served by two major airports.
- Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK): This is the main international gateway. From here, the fastest way into the city is the Airport Rail Link (ARL). It costs between 15-45 THB (~$0.40 - $1.20 USD) and takes about 30 minutes to reach Phaya Thai station.
- Don Mueang Airport (DMK): This airport primarily serves budget airlines. From DMK, you can take a taxi (around 300-400 THB / ~$8-11 USD) or a shuttle bus to the nearest BTS/MRT station.
Getting Around Bangkok: Your Transportation Guide
| Transport | Average Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| BTS Skytrain | 16-60 THB (~$0.45-$1.60) | Beating traffic, major shopping areas |
| MRT (Subway) | 16-42 THB (~$0.45-$1.15) | Connecting to areas not on the BTS |
| Tuk-Tuk | 100-250 THB (~$2.75-$7) | Short distances, the experience |
| Grab (Rideshare) | 80-300 THB (~$2.20-$8) | Convenience, avoiding haggling |
| Motorbike Taxi | 30-100 THB (~$0.80-$2.75) | Weaving through traffic for short hops |
| Chao Phraya Express Boat | 15-32 THB (~$0.40-$0.90) | Visiting riverside temples |
Pro Tip: For tuk-tuks, always agree on the price before you get in. They are notorious for overcharging tourists.
Where to Stay in Bangkok (For Every Budget)
| Budget | Hotel Recommendation | Price (per night) | Why We Love It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget ($) | Here Hostel | $15-25 USD | Incredibly social, clean, and has a fun slide into the lobby. Perfect for backpackers. |
| Mid-Range ($$) | Hotel Muse Bangkok | $80-120 USD | Stunning rooftop bar, gorgeous boutique design, and a great location near Chit Lom BTS. |
| Luxury ($$$) | The Peninsula Bangkok | $300+ USD | Unparalleled riverside luxury, incredible service, and a stunning three-tiered pool. |
The Perfect 5-Day Bangkok Itinerary
Day 1: Temples & River Life
- Morning: Visit the Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew (Entrance: 500 THB). Go early to avoid crowds.
- Afternoon: Explore Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) (Entrance: 300 THB).
- Evening: Take a sunset ferry across to Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) (Entrance: 200 THB), then have dinner at a riverside restaurant.
Day 2: Markets & Shopping
- Morning: Brave the crowds at Chatuchak Weekend Market (if it's a weekend).
- Afternoon: Escape the heat in the mega-malls of Siam (Siam Paragon, CentralWorld).
- Evening: Explore the vibrant night market at Jodd Fairs.
Day 3: History & Culture
- Morning: Visit the Jim Thompson House (Entrance: 200 THB).
- Afternoon: Explore the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC).
- Evening: Watch a traditional Muay Thai fight at Rajadamnern Stadium.
Day 4: Day Trip to Ayutthaya
Take an early train from Hua Lamphong station to the ancient capital of Ayutthaya. Rent a bicycle or hire a tuk-tuk to explore the temple ruins for the day.
Day 5: Food & Relaxation
- Morning: Take a Thai cooking class.
- Afternoon: Get a traditional Thai massage at a reputable spa.
- Evening: Enjoy sunset drinks at a rooftop bar like Sky Bar or Mahanakhon SkyWalk.
Top 14 Cultural Highlights & Historical Landmarks
- The Grand Palace: The city's most famous landmark. (Fee: 500 THB)
- Wat Pho: Home of the giant Reclining Buddha. (Fee: 300 THB)
- Wat Arun: The stunning Temple of Dawn. (Fee: 200 THB)
- Jim Thompson House: A beautiful museum of traditional Thai architecture.
- Chatuchak Weekend Market: One of the world's largest outdoor markets.
- Damnoen Saduak Floating Market: A classic (though touristy) experience.
- Wat Saket (The Golden Mount): Offers panoramic city views. (Fee: 100 THB)
- Chinatown (Yaowarat): A vibrant hub of food and culture.
- Lumpini Park: A green oasis in the heart of the city.
- Mahanakhon SkyWalk: Thailand's highest observation deck. (Fee: ~880 THB)
- Khao San Road: The world-famous backpacker hub.
- Asiatique The Riverfront: A modern night market with a Ferris wheel.
- Erawan Shrine: A famous Hindu shrine in the middle of a busy intersection.
- Bangkok National Museum: For a deep dive into Thai history.
A Food Lover's Guide to Bangkok
- Must-Try Street Food: Pad Thai, Som Tum (Papaya Salad), Moo Ping (Grilled Pork Skewers), Mango Sticky Rice.
- Best Street Food Area: Yaowarat (Chinatown) at night is a must-visit for foodies.
- Michelin-Starred Street Food: Jay Fai is the Bangkok street-food vendor famously awarded a Michelin star, known for her crab omelette. Be prepared to queue for hours!
Bangkok Budget Breakdown (Per Person, Per Day)
| Category | Budget Backpacker | Mid-Range Traveler | Luxury Traveler |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $15-25 USD | $60-120 USD | $250+ USD |
| Food & Drink | $15-20 USD | $40-60 USD | $100+ USD |
| Activities | $10-15 USD | $30-50 USD | $100+ USD |
| Transport | $3-5 USD | $10-15 USD | $30+ USD |
| Total Daily Estimate | $43-65 USD | $140-245 USD | $480+ USD |
Essential Tips for a Smooth Trip (Including Scams to Avoid)
- Dress Code for Temples: Always cover your shoulders and knees. Carry a sarong or scarf with you.
- SIM Cards: Pick up a tourist SIM card at the airport (AIS or True, which merged with DTAC) for easy data access.
- Scams to Avoid: Be wary of the infamous "Grand Palace is closed" scam, where tuk-tuk drivers will try to take you to gem shops instead. The palace is almost never closed during opening hours.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water. The heat and humidity are intense.
Conclusion
Bangkok is a city of beautiful chaos, a sensory delight that will mesmerize even the most seasoned travelers. Its captivating blend of ancient culture, delectable cuisine, and vibrant energy make it an unmissable destination. So, pack your sense of wanderlust, put on your most comfortable walking shoes, and get ready to immerse yourself in the remarkable tapestry that is Bangkok.
Where to Base Yourself
Bangkok punishes a bad choice of neighbourhood, because crossing the city in traffic can take an hour. Pick one near a BTS Skytrain or MRT station and your trip gets dramatically easier.
- Sukhumvit (Asok, Phrom Phong, Thong Lo): best transport, best modern restaurants, most hotels. Where I stay if I want an easy trip.
- Silom and Sathorn: business district by day, Patpong and rooftop bars by night, and walking distance to the river at Saphan Taksin.
- Riverside (Charoen Krung): the atmospheric choice. Boat access to the old city, the best hotels, the worst traffic.
- Old City (Rattanakosin, Banglamphu): walk to the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. No BTS, so you'll rely on boats and taxis.
- Ari: quiet, local, excellent coffee, one stop from Chatuchak. My pick for a second visit.
The Temples That Are Worth It
Do the big three in one morning, in this order, then stop. The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (500 THB, opens 8:30am, strict dress code) first, before the heat and the tour buses. Wat Pho (300 THB) next, ten minutes' walk south, for the 46-metre reclining Buddha and a proper Thai massage at the school inside. Then the cross-river ferry (5 THB) to Wat Arun (200 THB), best in the late afternoon when the porcelain catches the light. Ignore anyone outside the Grand Palace who tells you it's closed for a ceremony — it isn't, and the tuk-tuk "tour" that follows ends at a gem shop.
Getting Around
The BTS Skytrain and MRT are air-conditioned, cheap (16-60 THB) and run 6am to midnight. Get a Rabbit Card for the BTS. The Chao Phraya Express Boat orange flag line is 16 THB from Saphan Taksin all the way to the old city and is the fastest way north when the roads are gridlocked. Taxis are metered and cheap — insist on "meter, please" and walk away if they refuse. Ride-hailing apps (Grab, Bolt) remove the argument entirely. Tuk-tuks are for the experience, not for value.
Eating in Bangkok
Bangkok is a street-food city first. Yaowarat (Chinatown) after 7pm for grilled seafood, oyster omelettes and mango sticky rice. Or Tor Kor market for the best produce and a cheap, clean food court. Wang Lang market near Siriraj hospital for what Bangkok office workers actually eat at lunch. Try boat noodles at Victory Monument (small bowls, 20 THB each, order five), khao man gai from any stall with a queue, and pad kra pao with a fried egg — the true national dish.
Day Trips
- Ayutthaya: 80 minutes by train from Hua Lamphong for 20-70 THB. Ruined temples, hire a bike at the station.
- Amphawa floating market: weekends only, far better than Damnoen Saduak. Stay for the evening firefly boats.
- Maeklong railway market: the market that folds up eight times a day as a train passes through it.
- Ancient City (Muang Boran): a 200-acre park of Thailand's monuments at scale. Almost empty on weekdays.
Costs and Practicalities
Budget 1,200 THB a day for hostels and street food, 3,000 THB for a good four-star and a mix of restaurants, 8,000 THB+ for a riverside five-star. A BTS trip is 16-60 THB, a metered taxi across town 120-200 THB, a rooftop cocktail 400-600 THB. The airport rail link from Suvarnabhumi is 45 THB to Phaya Thai and takes 26 minutes — a taxi in peak traffic can take 90.