Still wondering what to do in Bangkok? Opodo has the top must-see plans so you won't miss a thing. Find everything you need to know before picking your stay in Bangkok and book your hotel today!
Bangkok, officially known in Thai as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, or 'City of Angels', is a vibrant and bustling capital famous for its spiritual landmarks, incredible street food, and kinetic energy. The city is defined by the Chao Phraya River and a fascinating contrast between ancient culture and modern commercialism.
The must-see sights are the astonishing temple complexes, including the magnificent Grand Palace (home to the Emerald Buddha), the imposing Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), and Wat Pho, which houses the enormous reclining Buddha. You can take a long-tail boat trip along the canals (khlongs), browse the huge Chatuchak Weekend Market, or experience the famous nightlife of Khao San Road. Bangkok is an intoxicating fusion of sights, sounds, and smells that guarantees an unforgettable adventure.
Bangkok is vast, and choosing a hotel with proximity to the BTS Skytrain or MRT Subway system is the single most important decision for efficient travel. Each neighbourhood offers a completely different experience.
The areas along the Sukhumvit Road are extremely popular, offering excellent transport connections (BTS Skytrain), major shopping malls, and a wide array of dining and nightlife options. Districts like Siam and Chit Lom are perfect for those who want to be close to high-end shopping and easy transfers.
For a historic and cultural experience, look for accommodation in the Riverside area, near the Chao Phraya River. Staying here gives you easy access via ferry to the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and the Old City (Rattanakosin), and provides a quieter, more scenic base. Alternatively, the area around Silom is excellent for business travellers and offers fantastic street food and nightlife.
Bangkok is served by Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang International Airport (DMK). BKK is directly connected to the city via the Airport Rail Link, making a transfer to your hotel simple if it's near a station. The city’s efficient public transport network of the BTS Skytrain and MRT Subway is essential for navigating the traffic, making a hotel near one of these stations highly desirable.
Hotel prices in Bangkok are highly seasonal and are at their highest during the cool, dry season from November to February. This is the peak time for Western tourists seeking escape from the winter weather. Prices can also spike around the Thai New Year holiday, Songkran, in mid-April.
The best value is found during the low season, which aligns with the rainy season from June to October. While there may be heavy, short showers, travel is perfectly feasible and hotel prices are significantly reduced. A unique tip for Bangkok is to book a hotel one or two stops away from the most central Siam station. Neighbourhoods slightly further out along the Skytrain line, such as On Nut or Phrom Phong, can offer world-class hotels for a fraction of the price of those in the absolute centre.