Bangkok Tips

City of the Devas, great city, residence of the sacred jewel of Indra, impregnable city of the god, great capital of the world, adorned with nine precious gems, rich in magnificent royal palaces that resemble the celestial home of the reincarnated god, city gifted by Indra and built by Vishnukarma...

...this is the name of Thailand's capital, Bangkok, when translated into English. The long name, which resembles a poem, is not only the longest name of any capital worldwide, but it also reveals quite a bit about Thailand's vibrant metropolis that straddles tradition and modernity.

Movies like The Beach, James Bond, or The Hangover shape our image of this vast city. Tuk-tuks, street vendors, elephants, and gold - all of this and much more comes to mind when we think of Bangkok. To learn what really lies behind all of this, read our Bangkok tips.

General Information

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand.

With approximately 8.2 million residents, Bangkok is the largest city in the country.

Bangkok has an international airport, Suvarnabhumi Airport, and Don Mueang Airport, which is used for domestic flights.

Public transportation is very well developed and highly modern. The city features a skytrain (BTS) and a metro network (MRT) that reaches almost all major attractions in Bangkok. The Suvarnabhumi Airport can also be reached by a rail link, the Bangkok Airport Link (SARL), with tickets costing approximately €1.20 for the ride from the airport to the city.

Travel Guru Tip: Always keep enough change for the ticket machines, so you can avoid long lines during peak times. If you want to save some money, take the metro. It is one of the cheapest means of transportation in the city, alongside buses and boats.

English Language in Bangkok

Even though Bangkok is a modern and cosmopolitan city, you may encounter some Thais who do not speak good or any English at all. But do not worry: Thais are very polite and helpful people, and with gestures and a few Thai phrases, you will always reach your destination. However, you should avoid large emotional outbursts (both positive and negative) and arguments in Thailand. Thais usually find them quite embarrassing. A polite smile always helps in case of doubt!

Getting Around in Bangkok

A tuk-tuk ride through Bangkok is definitely an experience you should have, but make sure to agree on the fare with your driver before getting in, and feel free to negotiate. With the official taxis in the city, you should not negotiate, as drivers are legally required to turn on the taximeter, which ensures you won't be overcharged. If a driver offers to turn off the taximeter, you should find another driver instead.

Crossing the Streets: You will quickly notice that Bangkok is not exactly pedestrian-friendly. After a few days, you will slowly figure out the seemingly chaotic traffic and know when you can cross at a crosswalk and when you should wait. You should only cross streets at designated crossings, as fines of over €100 are imposed for so-called 'jaywalking'!

Currency in Bangkok

Payments in Bangkok, as in the rest of Thailand, are made with Thai Baht. Approximately 40 Baht currently equals one Euro. You will find that you can live quite cheaply in Bangkok. Of course, it always depends on what you value during your vacation. If you want to dine in one of Bangkok's trendy restaurants, you will quickly spend ten times what you would pay for a dish at a street food market.

Street Food

Speaking of street food: Be a bit bolder and eat at one of the many local markets. Here you can find deliciously prepared typical Thai dishes at a low price. You don't have to worry about hygiene, as this is greatly prioritized even on the streets. It's best to look around a bit beforehand, see where the locals eat, and then decide what and where you want to eat. At smaller stalls, there is often only one dish available. The larger ones usually have photos of their dishes, which you can simply point to when ordering. The dish will be freshly prepared right before your eyes. Make sure to say 'Mai Pet' if you don't want to be overwhelmed by Thai spiciness. It means 'less spicy.'

Bangkok is a large city, considered one of Thailand's top attractions, and it surely has something to offer for everyone. Whether you want to explore the culture, learn about Thailand's culinary side, or shop until you drop. We have gathered the best and most popular attractions for you and have presented many worthwhile places on our map. If you want to learn more, feel free to check out our article on the most beautiful attractions in Bangkok.

One of the absolute must-see sights in Bangkok is the old Grand Palace, where you can admire the great palace of the king as well as Wat Phra Kaeo. The opulent temple houses Thailand's national treasure, the Emerald Buddha. No matter where you go or look in this area - you will be left in awe, and your photo gallery will likely be full of pictures from the Grand Palace after your visit.

The first thing that will catch your eye is the golden, towering Phra Sri Chedi. This is a reliquary and is said to contain remains of the Buddha. But the real sanctuary of Thailand can be found in the opulent Wat Phra Kaeo, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. This colorfully decorated temple is the heart of the old Grand Palace and can even be entered by non-Buddhists. Take off your shoes and take a look at the small Buddha statue that is worshipped by Buddhists from all over Thailand.

The 66 cm tall Emerald Buddha sits on an ornate throne and wears a robe that can only be changed by the king himself. The Emerald Buddha is, by the way, the 'sacred jewel of Indra' referred to in Bangkok's full name. Monks and other believers kneel before the altar and pray at the national sanctuary. It goes without saying that you should refrain from taking pictures and speaking loudly in the temple.

With the entrance ticket for the old Grand Palace, you can also visit the Grand Palace, which was the residence of the king until the mid-20th century. Not only is the actual palace in gold and white a sight to behold: The entire palace complex, made up of four buildings, impresses with its monumental architecture and Royal flair. Here you will also find the coronation hall, the Dusit Maha Prasat, and a museum where you'll find several Buddha statues and ancient fragments of the wats, along with historical explanations in English.

Info about the Grand Palace Bangkok:

Entry: 500 Baht (approximately €14) -> Entry is only permitted if you wear appropriate clothing. Arms and legs should be covered; if you arrive in shorts, you will be required to rent appropriate clothing on-site for a deposit of 400 Baht (approximately €10).

Opening hours: daily from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM -> The earlier you come, the smaller the crowds that flock to the palace daily.

Address: Na Phra Lan Road, Phranakorn (Rattanakosin)

Good to know: Brochures that help with navigation and provide useful information are available in English at the entrance and can be taken free of charge.

If you want to see even more temples and Buddha statues, we recommend a visit to Wat Traimit. The Temple of the Golden Buddha is a small sensation, as the Buddha you can see here is made largely of pure gold. This fact was discovered only in 1955 during renovations of the temple. Before that, the statue appeared to be made of plaster; it was only after the plaster chipped off that the real treasure was revealed. If you want to get a little view of your surroundings, you should climb the 318 steps of the Golden Mount Temple. With a donation of approximately €0.70, you can visit Bangkok's oldest Buddhist temple complex and enjoy a small view over the rooftops of the metropolis.

Info about Wat Traimit Temple:

Entry: approximately €2.80 (100 Baht)

Opening hours: daily from 8 AM to 5 PM

Address: Wat Traimitr Witayaram Worawihan, 661 Charoen Krung Rd, Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100, Thailand

A bit of diversity from the cultural part of our city tour can be found on the famous Khaosan Road, known as a meeting point for young backpackers from around the world. The 400-meter-long street is packed with hostels, (Western) restaurants, and nightclubs. Vendors here sell typical souvenirs and clothing, while music spills out of the bars onto the street. Everywhere you look, young people are seated together, drinking a Chang beer and exchanging their travel stories. What may deter some, as it seems very touristy, is for others a real highlight of Bangkok's nightlife. Whether you wish to linger or get away quickly, the Khaosan Road is simply a must for a trip to Bangkok.

The canals that traverse Bangkok are called Khlongs. They are still used today as transportation routes and are something you should not miss when in Bangkok. Whether you embark on the admittedly somewhat dirty canals with the 'water buses' or book a guided tour through the Khlongs: In these canals, you will witness much of real life in Bangkok: small shacks along the shore, playing children, but also debris, while the enormous skyscrapers stand in stark contrast against the sky in the background. Bangkok is truly a city of contrasts. Here, skyscrapers rise, large companies have their branches, but you will also repeatedly encounter normal life in between.

A particularly recommended excursion is to the famous floating markets in Damnoen. If you have more time, you must definitely visit this unusual and bustling market. What you can experience and see there has already been summarized for you in an article about Thailand's floating markets.

If you are in Thailand's capital, you will hardly miss Siam Square. Here you can find everything that a shopping heart and a hungry stomach desire. The Siam Center and the Siam Discovery Center are among the oldest shopping malls in the city, yet they are highly modern. Here you will mainly find luxury brands that are more suited for deeper pockets. However, the great food court of the center is highly recommended. Here, you can choose between dishes from around the world.

Caution: At each restaurant and stall, payment is made not with cash, but with tokens that you must purchase at a separate counter beforehand. This is a common practice in Bangkok, so don't be surprised if the price of a meal is indicated in tokens instead of Baht.

A shopping paradise of superlatives is the Ma Boon Khrong Center, short MBK, located directly across from the Siam Center. This shopping center is probably the largest in Asia and houses over 2000 shops and restaurants. The building is laid out like a bazaar and offers something for every budget. So if you're still looking for a souvenir, you're at the right place. But make sure not to get lost!

If your feet are aching from shopping and your arms are sore from carrying bags, you can take a break in Lumpini Park afterwards. The park is only a few kilometers from Siam Square and offers you a small respite from the hectic hustle of the capital.

Have you ever heard the term 'city within a city'? No? Then you should take a stroll through Chinatown in Bangkok and you'll know exactly what we mean: You will feel as though you have landed in a Chinese metropolis. All around you, Chinese characters glow, jewelry vendors try to lure you into their shops, and the scent of Chinese delicacies wafts around you. Next to a pretty Chinese temple, some older gentlemen sit on stools getting their hair cut in an open-air beauty salon, while all sorts of fake goods are sold at the so-called thieves' market directly across the street. Just remember: You're still in Bangkok!

'One night in Bangkok and the world's your oyster. The bars are temples but their pearls ain't free.' That the song from 1984 still holds relevance today is evident every evening in the numerous bars and night markets of the city. Particularly notorious is Soi Cowboy, a sinful street in the heart of Bangkok. Here, alongside the confirmation of many clichés, such as go-go and ping pong bars (what they are, you should look up if you're interested), you will also find 'regular' bars and pubs. If you prefer something a bit more subdued, you can opt for one of the night markets. Here, the hustle and bustle is just as lively, but the red-light charm will be spared from you.

If you find yourself in a huge water fight during your visit to Bangkok, chances are that the traditional New Year's celebration is taking place. For two days straight, the streets of the city are filled with celebration, dancing, and laughter - all amidst torrents of water. With temperatures around 36 degrees, such cooling can be very pleasant! So grab a few water containers and dive into the fray! Songkran takes place in Bangkok every year from April 13 to 15!

If you are still looking for more ideas for your trip after these Bangkok tips, we now briefly recommend additional places and things you must see and experience in Bangkok:

A few times we have hinted at it already: In Bangkok, good and fresh food can truly be found at nearly every corner. The Thai cuisine combines Indian, European, and Chinese influences, with fresh fish and spices being just as much a part of it as various healthy vegetables. The cuisine is light, healthy, and spicy, so remember the words from the start: 'Mai Pet', which means 'not spicy'. You should definitely try the national dish Phat Thai, which unites sweet, sour, spicy, and salty flavors in a dish of stir-fried noodles, seafood, and crunchy sprouts.

A classic Thai curry is always a good choice, served with coconut milk, rice, potatoes, and fresh vegetables. In Thai cuisine, curries are classified as follows (if your stomach can handle it, you should try them all): the yellow curry, which is the mildest; the red curry, which can bring tears to your eyes; and the green curry, which should be approached with caution, as it is truly very spicy.

If you're unsure about your restaurant choice, food stalls are a good way to orient yourselves. Almost all restaurants provide menus that you can browse through to find the right dish. Once you've found your favorite dish and perfect spice level, make sure to visit one of the city's night markets and dine with the locals!

Bangkok... What a city! This modern Asian metropolis should be at the top of your bucket list. With our Bangkok tips, you now know what you must not miss! And since we know that Thailand is high on your travel list, we have compiled more great Thailand tips for you. After all, Bangkok can easily serve as a springboard to the Thai islands. If you want to inform yourself beforehand about the best travel time for Thailand, you can read about it in our travel calendar.