Bangkok, a city that pulsates with life, color, and an intoxicating array of aromas, stands as a premier destination for travelers worldwide, especially those who journey with their palates leading the way. For the culinary curious and gastronomic adventurers, Bangkok is not just a stop on the map; it’s a sprawling feast for the senses.
Wandering through its vibrant streets, you’re instantly enveloped by the promise of delicious discoveries. From the tangy zest of green papaya salad to the rich, comforting warmth of coconut milk curry, and the smoky allure of street-side grills, Bangkok is a city where every corner offers a new taste sensation.
This Bangkok travel guide is crafted with you, the food-loving explorer, in mind. Beyond the must-see landmarks, we’ll delve into the heart of Bangkok’s culinary scene, ensuring you not only visit the best places but also savor the true flavors of this incredible city. Get ready to uncover the best Bangkok Travel Places, where food and culture intertwine to create an unforgettable experience.
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Bangkok travel guide blog
Welcome to Bangkok: Your Personal Guide
Before we immerse ourselves in the best Bangkok travel places, allow me to introduce myself. I’m Mark Wiens, a passionate traveler with a deep-seated love for food. Bangkok has been my cherished home since 2009, a city that continually captivates me with its culinary dynamism and cultural richness. While my travels extend to numerous corners of the globe, Bangkok always calls me back, a testament to its enduring charm and, of course, the unparalleled Thai cuisine. My wife is Thai, further deepening my connection to this amazing city.
Mark Wiens Bangkok
I vividly recall my first encounter with Bangkok. The humid air, thick with the scents of sizzling chilies, garlic, and basil, was an awakening. It sparked an immediate fascination with Thai food and culture that has only intensified over time. Bangkok is more than just a place to live; it’s a constant source of inspiration and culinary excitement.
To learn more about my journey and the resources I use for this blog, you can read my story here and explore my essential blogging tools.
Now, let’s embark on your Bangkok adventure!
Bangkok Airport
Navigating Your Arrival and Departure from Bangkok
For most international visitors, your exploration of Bangkok travel places will begin and end at one of its airports. Bangkok is served by two main airports, so it’s crucial to know your arrival and departure points to ensure smooth transitions. I’ve learned this the hard way myself!
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
Suvarnabhumi Airport, the larger of the two, is the primary international gateway and hub for major airlines. Located in the southeastern part of the city, it’s well-connected to central Bangkok.
Getting to Central Bangkok from Suvarnabhumi Airport:
- Airport Rail Link: Follow signs within the airport to the Airport Rail Link. This efficient train service connects to the MRT Metro at Makasan Station and the BTS Skytrain at Phaya Thai Station, providing easy access to key areas like Siam, Silom, Sathon, and Sukhumvit. The journey costs 45 THB and operates from 6:00 AM to midnight daily.
- Taxi: Taxis are readily available on the first floor, exits #4 and #7. Obtain a ticket and proceed to your assigned taxi. A trip to central Bangkok should cost approximately 300-400 THB, plus a 50 THB airport surcharge and any tollway fees.
Don Mueang International Airport (DMK)
Don Mueang International Airport, Bangkok’s re-opened former international airport, now primarily serves budget airlines like Air Asia and Tiger Air, focusing on regional flights within Southeast Asia and Asia. It’s located in northern Bangkok.
Getting to Central Bangkok from Don Mueang Airport:
- Taxi: The most direct route to central Bangkok is by taxi. Find the official taxi stand on the ground floor (expect queues). A ride to the city center will range from 200-350 THB, plus a 50 THB airport surcharge and tollway fees. Alternatively, for a more budget-friendly option, take a taxi to Mo Chit BTS Skytrain or Chatuchak Park MRT Metro (around 100 THB) and continue by public train.
- Bus: The A1 bus runs from the airport to Mo Chit BTS Skytrain station, connecting you to the BTS network for destinations like Siam, Silom, Sathon, and Sukhumvit. Buses depart from the ground floor and cost 35 THB per person.
Thai Tourist Visas
Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Many countries benefit from visa exemptions for short tourist stays, typically 15 or 30 days upon arrival. This is usually free; you just need to complete an arrival card (distributed on your flight) and pass through immigration.
Always verify the specific visa regulations for your country before traveling.
Bangkok’s Bus Stations
For onward travel within Thailand, Bangkok has several bus stations serving different regions:
- Mo Chit Station (Northern Bus Terminal): For destinations north of Bangkok, such as Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, and Udon Thani.
- Sai Dai Mai Station (Southern Bus Terminal): Serves southern Thailand, including Phuket, Krabi, and Surat Thani.
- Ekkamai Bus Station (Eastern Bus Terminal): For shorter trips to eastern coastal areas like Pattaya, Rayong, and Trat.
- Victory Monument (Van Terminal): Minivans offer quick transport to nearby destinations. Be aware that van travel can sometimes be fast-paced.
Where to stay in Bangkok
Choosing the Right Place to Stay to Explore Bangkok Travel Places
Bangkok offers a vast range of accommodation options, which can be overwhelming. To help you decide where to base your exploration of Bangkok travel places, here are some of the best areas, each with its unique appeal and proximity to key attractions.
1. Khao San Road / Banglamphu: The legendary backpacker hub, also Bangkok’s historical heart. Close to major attractions like the Grand Palace, it offers budget hostels, historic guesthouses, and affordable hotels. Ideal for travelers interested in cultural sites and budget-friendly stays.
2. Chao Phraya Riverside / Bangrak: Scenic riverside area with excellent transport links, blending luxury hotels with mid-range options. Perfect for families due to convenient transportation and a mix of attractions and dining. Enjoy boat trips to various Bangkok travel places.
3. Silom / Sathon: Bangkok’s modern business and financial districts, offering excellent food and transport. A great base for those who appreciate modern amenities and easy access to the city’s highlights. Close to vibrant nightlife and shopping.
4. Siam / Pratunam: The epicenter of Bangkok’s shopping scene, from upscale malls to bustling street markets. Stay here if shopping is a priority, and you’ll be in the heart of retail action, near many Bangkok travel places of interest.
5. Sukhumvit: A major thoroughfare with a mix of expat life, international businesses, and local Thai culture. Offers a wide range of hotels, restaurants, and entertainment. Well-connected by BTS Skytrain, making it easy to reach various Bangkok travel places.
Personal Recommendation: For visitors wanting to immerse themselves in culture and cuisine, I recommend the Banglamphu area. Its historical significance, proximity to major attractions, and vibrant street food scene make it an ideal base for discovering Bangkok travel places.
*Disclosure: Hotel links are affiliate links. Booking through them supports this blog at no extra cost to you. Thank you!
Essential Gear for Exploring Bangkok
Having the right gear enhances your exploration of Bangkok travel places. Here are some of my travel essentials (Amazon affiliate links):
For a comprehensive list, see my travel packing list and camera gear page.
Bangkok travel food guide
Bangkok: A Culinary Paradise of Street Food & Restaurants
Bangkok is globally renowned as a street food mecca. Everywhere you turn, delicious aromas and enticing food stalls beckon. Beyond street food, Bangkok’s restaurant scene is equally impressive, ranging from casual eateries to high-end dining, featuring both exquisite Thai cuisine and diverse international flavors. You can easily transition from a flavorful street-side lunch to a sophisticated international dinner.
This guide focuses particularly on Thai food, categorizing the main dining experiences in Bangkok and recommending some of my favorite spots to enjoy them.
Thai street food is a must-experience aspect of Bangkok travel places.
The Irresistible Allure of Thai Street Food
Thai street food is a cornerstone of the Bangkok experience. Available around the clock, it ranges from quick snacks to full meals enjoyed right on the bustling streets. Noodle soups, stir-fries, curries, grilled meats, and vibrant salads are just a glimpse of what awaits. Exploring street food is essential when discovering Bangkok travel places.
Top Bangkok Street Food Areas:
- Wang Lang Market: Across the Chao Phraya River from the Grand Palace, Wang Lang Market is a food lover’s paradise. Its bustling lanes are filled with an astounding variety of Thai street food, from snacks to complete meals, particularly vibrant during the day.
- Chinatown (Yaowarat): Bangkok’s Chinatown is a sensory overload in the best way. This chaotic yet captivating area offers endless culinary adventures. Street food stalls come alive in the evening and night, complementing daytime markets and food vendors.
- Silom Soi 20: Discover a vibrant central Thai morning market at Silom Soi 20. It offers fresh produce and ready-to-eat dishes. Personal favorites include the Thai chicken biryani and the black sticky rice with custard.
My Favorite Street Food Stalls: (Check my blog for detailed recommendations).
For more dining options, explore my comprehensive list of best restaurants in Bangkok.
Local Thai Shophouse Restaurants
For authentic Thai flavors that often surpass even street food, venture into local shophouse restaurants. These establishments frequently evolve from successful street food stalls, offering a more permanent and often enhanced dining experience. Shophouse restaurants are where many masterful Thai and Thai-Chinese chefs showcase their culinary skills, providing some of the best food experiences among Bangkok travel places.
Recommended Local Thai Restaurants: (Further recommendations available on my blog).
Fine Thai Dining Experiences
Bangkok’s fine dining scene includes high-end Thai restaurants, but discernment is key. While some may dilute authentic flavors for a more “refined” palate, a growing number excel at presenting exceptional Thai cuisine. These establishments use premium ingredients and innovative techniques while staying true to the core, robust flavors of Thailand. For a luxurious culinary exploration of Bangkok travel places, these are worth seeking out.
Note: For an in-depth guide to Thai cuisine, my Eating Thai Food Guide is an invaluable resource, covering dining etiquette, ordering tips, and more.
Sample some of the best Thai dishes when you explore Bangkok travel places.
10 Must-Try Thai Dishes in Bangkok
- Tom Yum Goong (ต้มยำกุ้ง): The quintessential Thai hot and sour shrimp soup, a must-try. My love for it even inspired a t-shirt! Key ingredients include lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, chilies, and shrimp.
- Pla Pao (ปลาเผา): Salt-crusted grilled fish, stuffed with lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves, served with a spicy chili-garlic sauce.
- Som Tam (ส้มตำ): Green papaya salad, a staple of Isaan cuisine, with numerous regional variations.
- Pad Ka Prao (ผัดกะเพรา): A hugely popular street food dish: meat stir-fried with holy basil, garlic, and chilies.
- Kuay Teow Reua (ก๋วยเตี๋ยวเรือ): “Boat noodles,” a rich pork-based soup noodle dish, a Bangkok favorite.
- Kuay Teow Neau (ก๋วยเตี๋ยวเนื้อ): Beef noodle soup, often featuring tender braised beef and rice noodles.
- Boo Pad Pongari (ปูผัดผงกะหรี่): Crab in yellow curry, thickened with egg. Can also be made with squid or chicken.
- Goong Pad Sataw (กุ้งผัดสะตอ): Stir-fried stink beans with shrimp and chili paste – a personal favorite.
- Hor Mok (ห่อหมก): Steamed fish curry custard, wonderfully flavorful when well-prepared.
- Nam Prik Kapi (น้ำพริกกะปิ): Shrimp paste chili dip, eaten with vegetables and rice, common in Bangkok markets.
This list is just a starting point. Bangkok’s culinary landscape is vast and varied. Be adventurous and try anything that looks tempting!
Kuay teow gai – Thai chicken noodles, a delicious and readily available dish in Bangkok travel places.
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Must-See Bangkok Travel Places Beyond Food
While food might be your primary focus, Bangkok offers a wealth of cultural and historical attractions to explore between meals. The beauty of Bangkok travel places is that delicious food is never far away, no matter where you are.
Here are some top attractions to consider:
- Golden Mount (Wat Saket): (Open 9 AM – 5 PM daily, 20 THB entrance). Climb this temple built on a man-made hill for panoramic city views. Also visit the nearby Loha Prasat Temple.
- Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew: (Open 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM daily, 500 THB entrance). Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks, a must-see at least once. Be prepared for crowds. Don’t miss nearby Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha).
- Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall and Vimanmek Mansion: (Free entry with Grand Palace ticket). Located in Dusit, these impressive museums are worth visiting.
- Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn): (Open 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM daily, 50 THB entrance). Located across the river from the Grand Palace, known for its stunning stupa which you can climb for views.
- Chinatown (Yaowarat): Explore this bustling, energetic center of commerce and culture, with markets and incredible Thai-Chinese food.
- Bangkok Shopping: From luxury malls (Siam Paragon, MBK, Central World) to markets (Pratunam, Chatuchak Weekend Market), Bangkok is a shopper’s paradise.
- Or Tor Kor Market: A premium market near Chatuchak, offering high-quality fruits, vegetables, and an excellent food court, plus durian year-round.
- Khlong Toey Market: (Open 24/7). Bangkok’s largest fresh market, ideal for food lovers and cooks to explore diverse Thai ingredients.
- Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market: (Open weekends and holidays, 9:30 AM – 4 PM). My favorite floating market within Bangkok, offering a relaxed atmosphere, boat tours, and a plethora of delicious food, especially salt-crusted grilled fish.
For an extensive list, my 101 Things To Do In Bangkok eBook offers detailed information and Thai directions.
Bangkok transportation
Getting Around Bangkok: Transportation Tips
Bangkok offers a comprehensive transportation network: taxis, buses, motorbikes, tuk-tuks, boats, and trains (both above and underground). Walking is also feasible in some areas.
For efficient travel, I recommend:
- BTS Skytrain and MRT Metro: Fast, air-conditioned, and cover major areas.
- River Boats and Ferries: Ideal for riverside attractions and a unique perspective of the city.
- Taxis (metered): Ensure the meter is used. Ride-hailing apps are also convenient.
Local buses, tuk-tuks, and motorbikes are alternatives, but the above options are generally more convenient and comfortable for visitors exploring Bangkok travel places.
Lumpini Park, a safe and serene escape within bustling Bangkok.
Safety in Bangkok
Bangkok is generally safe for a city of its size and activity. However, like any major urban center, it’s wise to take precautions.
Safety Tips for Bangkok Travel Places:
- Walking: Be mindful of your belongings, especially phones and bags, in crowded areas.
- Scams: Be wary of unusually cheap offers, especially from tuk-tuk drivers near tourist sites. Research and think before making quick decisions to avoid common scams.
- Nighttime: Exercise extra caution in nightlife areas, especially late at night. Traveling in groups is advisable.
My Bangkok guide eBook includes more detailed safety advice.
Bangkok travel guide food
Bangkok Travel Costs and Budgeting
Bangkok remains a relatively affordable major Asian city, offering good value for accommodation, food, and attractions. While budget travel is possible, luxury options are also readily available.
Sample Bangkok Costs:
Accommodation:
- Hostel: $6 – $15 USD per bed
- Mid-range hotel: $25 – $80 USD per night
- High-end hotel: $80+ USD per night
Transportation:
- Train: 15 – 52 THB per ride
- Taxi: 50 – 200+ THB per ride
- Bus: 8 – 20 THB per ride
Food:
- Street food meal: 30 – 50 THB
- Local restaurant: 100 – 200 THB per person
- Restaurant: 150 – 300 THB per person
- Fine dining: 300 – 1000+ THB per person
- Drinks: 100 – 200 THB
- Coffee: 80 – 150 THB
- Water (large bottle): 14 THB
Daily Budget (Estimate):
- Budget: $20 – $40 USD per day
- Mid-range: $40 – $60 USD per day
- High-end: $60 – $150+ USD per day
These are averages; actual costs depend on your travel style and choices. Regardless of your budget, Bangkok offers excellent value for travelers.
Floating market in Bangkok
Bangkok Travel Videos
Explore Bangkok further with my 2 Weeks in Bangkok series, a 15-day food and travel video guide:
[YouTube Playlist Embed Here]
For more Thai street food and travel videos, visit my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/migrationology
Bangkok travel guide food
Conclusion: Your Unforgettable Bangkok Adventure Awaits
Bangkok is undeniably a top global city for food lovers. This guide, focused on the best Bangkok travel places for culinary enthusiasts, provides essential tips on transportation, accommodation, key attractions, and, most importantly, Thai street food and restaurants.
If your journey to Bangkok is driven by a passion for food, I trust this guide will enhance your experience, helping you maximize your culinary discoveries.
Enjoy Your Time Exploring Bangkok Travel Places!
Thank you for using this Bangkok travel guide. For deeper insights, my Bangkok eBook covers attractions, hotels, safety, and food in detail. For serious Thai food enthusiasts, the Eating Thai Food Guide is a must-have.
Have you explored Bangkok travel places before, or are you planning a visit?
Share your thoughts in the comments below – I’d love to hear from you!
