A Guide to Bangkok

For tourists and expats alike, Bangkok can be a daunting city to be in. It is hot, smoggy, and full of traffic. Under its surface, Bangkok is a thriving cosmopolitan city, with award-winning cuisine, and ridiculously fun nightlife. It is easy to experience Bangkok on a budget but there are also options for the more upscale traveler.

Here is a digestible list of the very best Bangkok has to offer.

Transportation

Train links

Source: Bangkok.com by Hotels.com

Everything in Bangkok centers around its transport links. Although the city is home to almost 8 million people it only has four main train lines, which are shown below:

The BTS Skytrain (Sukhumvit line)

This is Bangkok’s most used transport link. It runs along Sukhumvit road, which most locals consider to be the heart of Bangkok.

The BTS Skytrain (Silom line)

This runs through Silom Road, a popular area for restaurants and shopping, then across the Chao Phraya river in to Bangkok Yai, a major residential neighborhood.

The MRT subway

This line runs through the Ratchada and Rama IV areas of Bangkok, where most offices are located. 

The Airport Link

Runs from the city to the main hub airport Suvarnabhumi

Taxis

Source: Travel Happy via Colin Tsoi on Flickr

Taxis in Bangkok are notoriously cheap and the city is full of taxis and TukTuks. Here is the best way to use these services

Bangkok taxis

Colors: Yellow and green, pink, light blue, and white with a red stripe

These taxis can be flagged anywhere in Bangkok. You should also insist on the driver running the meter and it is generally a bad idea to negotiate an off-book price as you will always be paying a higher rate. It is important to note that the taximeters are often tampered with so pay close attention to the meter increments. These should be 3 – 5 THB per KM and 1.5 THB in standing traffic.

Uber

Uber is available in Bangkok and can be a cheaper and safer alternative to the public taxis around the city.

Grabtaxi

This phone app works with the local taxi companies to provide a guaranteed meter run taxi. You pay a small surcharge of around a dollar per ride. A good alternative, as many flagged taxi drivers may not understand you or want to take you to your destination.

TukTuks

These three-wheeled trikes are a fun and fast alternative to taxis but expect to pay at least double the taxi rate. You must negotiate the cost before the journey starts.

Motorbike taxis

Also known as soi taxis, these bikes will give you a ride on the back for about 10 baht per Km. The bikes typically wait at the end of a numbered soi adjacent to the main road at most train stations. Make sure the driver is wearing an orange vest with his ID displayed on his/her back.

Where to stay

Source: Agoda

Grand Centre Point Hotel Terminal 21

Nearby: Asoke BTS station and Sukhumvit MRT station

The average cost per night: 4,500 THB ($130 approx.)

Here you will find a 5-star experience with a minimalist feel and a rooftop infinity pool and spa for wonderful city views. It’s also next to Terminal 21 a great modern and quirky San Francisco themed shopping mall.

Grand Centre Point also owns hotels in the Phloen Chit and Ratchadamri areas. Both are close to the Phloen Chit BTS station.

reviews | check latest prices: Booking.com | Expedia

Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit

Nearby: Asoke BTS station and Sukhumvit MRT station

Average cost per night: 5,300 THB ($155 approx.)

The flagship Sheraton Hotel in Bangkok brings you the same luxuries you’d expect in any western city with a true 5-star hotel rating. The hotel also features a luxurious spa and a beautiful tropical garden.

reviews | check latest prices: Booking.com | Expedia

Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit

Nearby: In between the Nana and Asoke BTS stations

Average cost per night: 6,000 THB ($175 approx.)

Ask any of the locals, “Which is the best hotel in Bangkok?” and be ready to hear them say Sofitel. The hotel has 6 restaurants and one of the best 5–star services the city has to offer. You will also find a wonderful spa here, too.

reviews | check latest prices: Booking.com | Expedia

The Davis

Nearby: BTS PhromPhong

Average cost per night: From 2,100 THB ($60 approx.)

This themed hotel features Asian- and European-designed rooms and is self-proclaimed as Bangkok’s first boutique hotel. The hotel features two swimming pools, a spa, and a champagne bar with prices that start around the $60 mark.

reviews | check latest prices: Booking.com | Expedia

Baan Dinso Guest House

Nearby: Khao San Road. NB This hotel is not close to a train link

Average cost per night: Rooms from 1000 THB ($29 Approx.) & beds from 650 THB ($19 approx)

This historic wooden guesthouse provides guests with an authentic living experience. The guesthouse is close to Khao San Road, Bangkok’s famous backpacker and party district, and is a taxi ride to the nearest train station. Guests have the choice of a dorm bed or a private room.

reviews | check latest prices: Expedia

Things to Do

Day time

Source: Anil BlonWordpress

Bangkok is home to many traditional Buddhist temples. Here is a list of the best temples around:

1. Emerald Buddha Temple – Considered by locals as the Royal Temple. Also next to the Royal Palace.
2. Pho Temple (Wat Pho) – Traditional temple for the teachings of massage.
3. Wat Arun – The most iconic temple in Bangkok. Features on the 10 baht coin.
4. LohaPrasat– Loha translates to “made of metal.” This temple was built for King Rama III.

PhraPradaeng

Across the Chao Phraya River is the ‘green lung’ of Bangkok, PhraPradaeng. Here you will find jungle, wildlife, and plenty of fauna. To experience this area fully, you should arrange one of the many bike tours on offer, or simply rent a bike when you arrive. To get there you should cross the river by boat, or arrange a tour beforehand. ABC Amazing Bicycle Tours is a good place to start.

SoiRambuttri

Close to Khao San road, this is one of Bangkok’s more famous “walking streets,” lined with Banyan trees and market stalls. The street is perhaps most popular with backpackers, but here you will experience the history of Bangkok.

The Khlongsof Thonburi

To the west of Bangkok is the district of Thonburi, or the old town. Here you can experience the many canals or Khlongs by longboat. You will see old stilt shacks, floating markets, and a beautiful scenery untouched by the hustle and bustle of the main city.

Nightlife

Source: Washington’s Top News

The night markets of Bangkok are perhaps the best way to get the most authentic nightlife experience. The best night market options are listed below:

Seacon Square

One of Bangkok’s best weekend train markets. If secondhand vintage is your thing, you can find designer clothing for under $10 apiece or a pair of sneakers for less than $25. You’ll also find plenty of Thai street food and live music bars. Take a taxi to get there.

Srinakarin Train Market

This market isn’t the best for shopping, but it features a whole host of bars. Come here Friday or Saturday night to see how the locals drink it up!

Chatuchak Weekend market

This market runs all weekend and is a haven for vintage and inexpensive clothing. The best time to visit is in the afternoon between 1 PM and 6 PM on Saturday or Sunday. The market also reopens at around 11 PM for wholesale traders.

JJ Green

A favorite hang-out spot for hipsters and young Bangkokians alike, JJ Green is open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night. Here you will find everything from skater, biker, and hipster gear to old American gas station signs.

Chinatown

Source: Plusizekitten

Every tourist should plan to go here at least once. Chinatown is best experienced during night time as many food stalls only open once it’s dark. Here you will find unique Thai-Chinese food, spice markets, and many cheap fabric shops. When you visit you should try the fish maw soup, which is made from fish air bladder.

SoiThonglor – SukhumvitSoi 55

Thonglor is Bangkok’s high society or Hi–so area. Here you will find the elite of Bangkok mixing with wealthy expats. You will also encounter some of the best food and drink available in the city. 

Soul Food Mahanakorn

Owned by a western chef, this restaurant serves traditional Thai dishes prepared with high-quality ingredients. Locals in the area say the chef prepares some of the most delicious Thai food in the city. Try the larb salad with duck. 

theCOMMONS

A food district that features amazing restaurants and lively bars. We recommend getting a taste of the tacos from Barrio Bonito and ordering a craft beer from TBC.

72 Court yard

Across the street from theCOMMONS is a good collection of restaurants. You will find Thai and even Mexican food here. Touché Hombre is recommended for some of the best cocktails in the city.

Ifitis

This bar features a great beer garden with bean bags for sitting and other quirky décor ideas. The food is good, but it is the atmosphere that sets this place off.

Beer gardens and outdoor bars

Source: Independent UK

Bangkok is known for its chilled-out beer gardens. Here you can eat and drink on a weeknight whilst mixing with the locals. These are our recommendations for beer gardens and outdoor bars:

1. W District (PhraKhanong) – Large beer garden popular with expats.
2. Craft(SukhumvitSoi 23 Asoke) – An outdoor bar for craft beers.
3. PizzaMassilia (BTS Sala Daeng) – An outdoor pizza place serving arguably the best pizzas in Bangkok.
4. Coco Walk (BTS Ratchatewi) – Popular with backpackers.
5. Ari Garden (BTS Ari) – A higher-end beer garden. Hops bar is a must-try.

Late night and clubbing

1. Khao San Road– The famous backpacker street. Here you will find cheap beer, insect street food, and hordes of backpackers.
2. RCA and Route 66 – RCA is a long street of classier bars and clubs. This is where local clubbers will go in Bangkok
3. SukhumvitSoi 11 – Another famous road full of bars and clubs. Visit the rooftop bar Above Eleven and the hidden bar Havana Social.

written by Thomas Barker & Cole Baratte from DealsPlus.