Locally called Krung Thep, which literally means The City of Angel, Bangkok hosts millions of travelers every year with a load of options to stay and things to do. One can decide to go super extravagant or extra light with their budget in this wonderful city as one pleases. We know Bangkok is famous for so many things, but much of it doesn't quite represent what locals feel about their own city. A lot of local neighbourhoods and corners are often overlooked or are too hard for visitors to go to on their own. We believe these places are worth a visit with a little bit of help from the locals. : )
For list of attractions in Bangkok and the story behind each one, check out our guide.
Rated by CNN as the best city in the world for street food, Bangkok hosts an astonishing scene for street food experiences. Thai street foods are influenced by many roots including Chinese, Malay and European. Hygiene can be a concern for many travelers, so be wise choosing where to eat. Also be cautious and avoid getting trapped in the over-priced, unauthentic and touristy spots. It's best to follow the lead by observing where locals queue up.
Bangkok houses thousands of renowned temples, all with their own uniqueness. These temples reflect the values Thailand holds, deeply rooted in Thai culture. Regardless of your beliefs, visiting temples is one of the best ways to understand Thainess. Some of the most frequently visited are Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Arun and Wat Pho. However, there are hundreds of others for you to explore.
Rivers and canals used to be the highways of the past. Cities were connected via river and boats were the main mode of transportation. Markets were not an exception, vendors sold products on the boats too. Nowadays, you can visit floating markets still to experience a glimpse of the past and you can still find some of the most fascinating local food offering there!
Famous Floating Markets : Lat Mayom Floating Market (Only Weekend), Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Local Floating Markets : Wat Takian Floating Market (Only Weekend), Kwan Riam Floating Market, Bang Nam Phueng Floating Market (Only Weekend), Lamphaya Floating Market
We can say that Bangkok is restless. At night time, you will always find something to do, to see, and even to eat. Entertainment, music and food are in Thai genes. Some of the notable pubs & clubs are in Khao San Road, Thonglor, and RCA. For food, people love to go to Chinatown and Rod Fai Market. Although the Red Light District often makes international headlines, other parts of the city might be more tempting if you seek an authentic experience at night.
Bangkok can offer a wide range of shopping experiences from wholesale to luxury. Chatuchak Market is most renowned for being a place where you can find everything you can possibly imagine. Phahurat and Sampeng are best for wholesale, Pratunam is for clothes & accessories. Siam Paragon, Central World, Emquartier are for lifestyle and luxury. Or visit Gaysorn Village for extravaganza. Ready to shop til you drop?
Thai culture is a mixture of humility, liveliness and relaxation. Grab the opportunity to attend workshops and cultural shows in Sampran Riverside, or Agro tour in Mahasawat Canal, or simply follow a local friend to their house to see a relaxed lifestyle by the river. To understand more of Thailand is to understand how Thais live.
Bangkok residents regularly have to face traffic and stress in this chaotic city. On weekends or public holidays, they love to travel outside of Bangkok to just enjoy nature or breathe in some fresh air with their family and loved ones. Towns surrounding Bangkok can offer a more authentic, country, genuine Thai lifestyle. Visitors will have the opportunity to see more traditional careers like rice farmer, fisherman, salt-farmer, potter, and more.
Cities nearby : Ayutthaya, Samut Prakan, Ratchaburi, Samut Songkhram, Samut Sakorn, Kanchanaburi, Saraburi, Rayong