Bangkok Ultimate Travel Guide for First-Timers

Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is a bustling city known for its temples, street food, markets, huge shopping malls, and great nightlife.

In this Ultimate Guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to plan your first time in Bangkok, from the essential aspects like how to get around and a sample itinerary, to what to eat, popular day trips, and where to go next from Bangkok. As always, we’ll also provide practical tips, and our honest opinions about the places we visited.

People say that you either love or hate Bangkok. In my case, I have to admit, it was not love at first sight. Fortunately, during our 2-month Southeast Asia trip, we gave Bangkok a second chance, and that time, I simply fell in love with the city!

Recommended reading: One-Month Thailand Itinerary

First Time in Southeast Asia? Read our ultimate guide to prepare a trip to Southeast Asia with essential and useful tips: How to Plan a Trip to Southeast Asia: Ultimate Guide with 21 Essential Tips.

What is Included in this Guide?

Throughout this guide, we’ll cover the following topics. You can use the links below to quickly navigate to the sections that interest you the most.

How Many Days Should You Spend in Bangkok?

Bangkok is a big city, and how long you stay depends on how you like to travel. If you’re just passing through to go to the beaches, two or three days should be enough.

But if you’re traveling around Southeast Asia and have more time, allocating four to five days would allow you to check off the main items on your bucket list.

We spent a total of five days in Bangkok but only had four days to explore. We mainly stayed at the hotel on the first day to recover from the long journey and get used to the new time zone.

How to Get to Bangkok?

Bangkok is served by two main airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang International Airport (DMK).

The Suvarnabhumi Airport is the primary international airport serving the city. You’ll most likely arrive at the Suvarnabhumi Airport, which is a major international hub.

Besides domestic flights, Don Mueang also handles international flights, so it might also be an option when searching for flights to Bangkok.

Going to Bangkok from Europe

If you’re traveling from Europe, several companies can take you to Bangkok directly or with just one layover. We chose Etihad Airways for our journey, which included a layover in Abu Dhabi, and the entire process went smoothly. Notably, it also offered the most economical fare with the shortest layover.

Here’s a compiled list of airlines that operate flights from Europe to Thailand with either just one layover or direct routes: Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France, KLM, Turkish Airlines, Emirates Airlines, Etihad Airways, Singapore Airlines, Swiss International Airlines, Qatar Airways, Finnair, Austrian Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines, and Thai Airways. While there may be more options, these are among the most well-known.

Tip: I like to use Skyscanner, Google Flights, or Kiwi.com to hunt for affordable flights. However, keep in mind that these platforms might not display all airlines. Checking the websites of specific airlines directly can sometimes be a better way to ensure you don’t miss out on any options.

How to Get to Bangkok from the Airport?

There are several ways to get to downtown Bangkok from the airport. Either the BKK or DMK airports.

From Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)

From the Suvarnabhumi International Airport, the easiest way is to use the Airport Rail Link. When you exit the airport, follow the signs for the train station. Once there, buy a ticket to Makkasan. From there connect to the BTS Skytrain or MRT Subway to your desired destination. This was the option that we used. If you’re feeling a bit lost, don’t worry, the staff is always willing to help.

Alternatively, you can also get a taxi or ask for a Grab if you’re carrying a lot of luggage. For a more comfortable and convenient journey, you can book your airport pick-up transfer in advance and your driver will be waiting for you when you arrive.

From Don Mueang International Airport (DMK)

From Don Mueang International Airport, you can either ask for a taxi/Grab or use the shuttle buses. Simply follow the signs to the shuttle bus once you get to the arrivals hall.

There is a bus stop with a shuttle bus to the BKK airport and four routes to take you to the city center with several stops along the way. We used the shuttle bus to Lumphini Park on our second time in Bangkok and it worked as expected.

• A1 Bus – to BTS Mo Chit
• A2 Bus – to Victory Monument
• A3 Bus – to Lumphini Park
• A4 Bus – to Khao San Road

Where to Stay in Bangkok?

Bangkok is a huge city. Don’t underestimate the time it will take you to get from one place to another. So, choosing a great location to stay is an important factor. I always like to stay close to public transportation, either a subway, skytrain, or bus station.

There are several main areas where tourists usually like to stay:

• Sukhumvit: diverse nightlife, shopping, and dining options, conveniently linked by the Skytrain (BTS). The accommodations here are a bit more expensive compared with other areas, but usually the hotels will have good views over the city. Here are some hotel suggestions:
  • YOLO Bangkok Boutique Hotel (Budget): a clean, beautifully decorated, and cozy budget hotel in a quiet area of Bangkok. No pool.
  • SKYVIEW Hotel Bangkok – Sukhumvit (Mid-range): modern mid-range hotel with a rooftop infinity pool and great city views, just steps from the BTS and shopping malls.
  • Hotel Amber Sukhumvit 85 (Mid-range): good-value hotel with a small rooftop pool, spacious rooms, and easy access to the BTS.
  • Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit (Luxury): a 5-star hotel with a large tropical outdoor pool, direct BTS access, and excellent restaurants and service.

• Silom: this was the area where we stayed at. This is centrally located and close to public transportation. There are plenty of choices for accommodation ranging from upscale to budget-friendly. Hotel suggestions:
  • AT EASE saladaeng by AETAS (budget): quiet spot with spacious rooms, small gym, and an outdoor pool just a short walk from BTS/MRT
  • SO/ Bangkok (mid-range/luxury): beautiful and sleek 5-star hotel with modern rooms, rooftop bars, and a big outdoor pool—great for skyline views near Lumpini Park

AT EASE saladaeng by AETAS
(click here to check prices)

SO/ Bangkok
(click here to check prices)

• Khaosan Road: also known as the Backpacker’s Street, it’s known for its crazy nightlife, affordable hostels, and close proximity to cultural attractions. It is not connected with the skytrain or subway. Hotel suggestions:
  • Bangkok Saran Poshtel (budget): Modern and peaceful stay near Khao San with cozy rooms and a friendly vibe-
  • 4 Monkeys Hotel (budget/mid-range): stylish and affordable hotel just a short walk from Khao San Road—clean rooms, good location, and nice design
  • Buddy Lodge, Khaosan Road (mid-range): right on Khao San Road with a rooftop pool and gym—perfect for travelers who want to be in the center of the action
  • Chillax Heritage Hotel Khaosan (mid-range): spacious rooms with spa baths and a rooftop pool—a comfortable, quiet escape just a few steps from Khaosan road.

• Pratunam: this is a shopping paradise, it offers budget-friendly stays and seamless access to markets, malls, and public transport.

• Riverside: with picturesque views along the Chao Phraya River, this area boasts luxury hotels, cultural sites, and convenient boat transport connections.
  • Riva Arun Bangkok (mid-range/luxury): charming riverside hotel with stunning views of Wat Arun, stylish rooms, and easy access to river transport
  • Sala Rattanakosin Bangkok (mid-range/luxury): boutique hotel with modern rooms and a rooftop bar with great views of the river and Wat Arun.
  • Ibis Bangkok Riverside (mid-range): affordable and clean hotel by the river with a nice pool
  • Bangkok Bed and Bike (budget): simple hostel near the river with private rooms and dorms, great for budget travelers.

Sala Rattanakosin Bangkok
(click here to check prices)

Riva Arun Bangkok
(click here to check prices)

• Chinatown: a lively neighborhood with bustling markets and street food, Chinatown provides a cultural immersion and easy access to public transportation. There are many options of affordable places. Some hotel suggestions:
  • LOBSUEK Hostel (budget): clean and stylish hostel in Chinatown with dorms and private rooms—great value for budget travelers.
  • Oldthaiheng Hotel (budget/mid-range): affordable hotel with family rooms—spacious and well-located near Chinatown’s main street.
  • W22 by Burasari (budget): trendy budget hotel with rooftop space and modern rooms—close to Chinatown’s main area and close to public transport.
  • Lub d Bangkok Chinatown (budget): lively hostel with dorms and private rooms, plus café and working desks.
  • Shanghai Mansion Bangkok (budget/mid-range): charming boutique hotel in a restored Chinese mansion full of character.

• Ratchada: emerging as an entertainment hub, Ratchada blends nightlife and shopping, connected by the MRT subway system, making it a trendy choice for visitors.

• Siam: a bustling shopping and entertainment hub, Siam offers a central location with proximity to major malls like MBK and Siam Paragon. Hotel suggestions:
  • Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel (luxury): elegant hotel with lush gardens, a large outdoor pool, spa, and easy access to Siam shopping.
  • Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square (mid-range): nice hotel with rooftop pool and direct walk to malls and BTS.
  • Bed One Block Hostel (budget): small and affordable budget hostel, near Siam.

How to Get Around Bangkok?

Bangkok is a big city and is served by great transportation options. I always use Google Maps to check how to go from one place to another and check the best routes. During our time in Bangkok, we ended up using almost all transportation options.

Bus

Getting around by bus is the most economical and convenient option because there are bus stops almost everywhere.

You can purchase the ticket inside the bus. Once onboard, find a seat and a ticket seller will approach you. Tell him where you want to go and pay for your ticket. Unlike in other countries, you don’t buy the ticket directly from the bus driver.

The only drawback of using the bus is that occasionally you might experience traffic delays, especially during rush hours.

BTS Skytrain

The BTS Skytrain is an elevated train system covering most of the city. Tickets can be purchased directly at the station from automatic machines or ticket counters, with the price depending on the number of stops.

The tickets are like small plastic coins. Pass the ticket at the gates to enter, and make sure to keep it with you until you reach your final destination. You’ll need it to exit at your desired station.

MRT Subway

This is Bangkok’s metro system. It’s a great option to get around. You can buy the tickets directly at the station on automatic machines or ticket counters. The BTS and MRT are connected but use separate ticketing systems

Grab/Taxi

Grab/Taxi: There are plenty of taxis serving Bangkok. When using a taxi, make sure the driver is using the meter or agrees on a price before starting the ride. If you prefer not to negotiate, you can use Grab, which is an app similar to Uber.

Tuk-Tuk

Tuk-tuk is another popular option for getting around the city, especially among tourists. We didn’t try a tuk-tuk in Bangkok, so I can’t formulate an opinion about it. However, I’ve heard that people are often scammed when using tuk-tuks. I’m not sure if it’s true or not. Always ensure that you agree on the price beforehand.

Best Time to go to Bangkok

We went to Bangkok in October and it was really hot with high humidity, which made sightseeing somewhat uncomfortable, and we quickly felt exhausted. If you have the flexibility to choose, the November to February timeframe is the best option for a more comfortable experience.

Nonetheless, Bangkok is generally a year-round destination with temperatures consistently above 25ºC. The city experiences two distinct seasons: the cool and dry season (from November to February) and the rainy season (from June to October). The best weather conditions are found from November to February when temperatures are moderate, and skies are mostly clear.

How to Get Internet in Thailand?

You can get a SIM/eSIM card at the airport. There is no shortage of stalls selling SIM and eSIM cards at the arrivals hall. I also heard that you can get cheaper options at 7-eleven and similar stores.

eSIM Card for Multiple Countries

If you’re traveling to multiple countries on your trip, Holafly and Maya offer great regional packages This is very convenient because we were visiting multiple countries in two months and we didn’t need to bother buying a card on each country.

Tripiwi

This was probably a bit more expensive than buying physical SIM cards in each country, but the convenience of not having to worry about searching for Internet every time we moved countries is worth it.

We bought the card before going to Thailand, and we activated it when we arrived in Bangkok. It worked seamlessly in Thailand and all the other countries we went to.

eSIM Card for Individual Countries

If you’re just going to Thailand, or just an individual country, the Airalo app usually offers better options. We also used Airalo in Thailand and it worked just fine. We have already used Airalo in other countries as well without any issues.

If you use my referral code on Airalo, you’ll get a 3$ credit. Use the referral code below on your first purchase:

SARA0837

What to do in Bangkok – Bucket List

There are endless things to do in Bangkok. You could spend a year there and still have new things to do. However, there are a few things that every first-timer should include in their bucket list.

• Visit the Grand Palace;
• Temple hopping;
• Go to a floating market;
• Day trip to the railway market;
• Explore Ayutthaya on a day trip;
• Go shopping in the fake market in the MBK Center;
• Try Thai food and desserts;
• Go to a rooftop bar;
• See monitor lizards at Lumphini Park.

How to Spend 4 Days in Bangkok? Our Itinerary

During our four-day stay in Bangkok, we managed to explore numerous attractions, making the most of our time in this bustling city. Nevertheless, there were a lot of places we wanted to visit but simply lacked the time or energy to do so.

Our itinerary might not seem too packed, and you might think about adding more places to see in one day. But, Bangkok is huge, and it takes a while to get from one place to another, especially if you use public transportation.

Public transportation is efficient and fast, but the time it takes to walk to the stations, navigate to the platforms, and then walk to your desired destination, will take more time than you’ll anticipate. Plus, if the weather is hot and humid, it can wear you out pretty fast.

Day 0 – Adjust to the New Timezone

If you’re arriving from a distant location, keep in mind that you’ll probably spend your first day recovering and adjusting to the new timezone.

On the first day, I had high expectations. We had plans to visit temples, try street food, and more. However, the 16-hour journey left us utterly exhausted, added by the fact that I hadn’t slept for the previous 36 hours. I was so tired that we ended up spending the entire day at the hotel recovering and adapting to the new timezone.

Day 1 – Temple Hopping and Iconsiam

For first-time visitors to Bangkok, a must-do is spending at least one day temple hopping. There is no shortage of temples to see in Bangkok, we included some of the most famous ones in our itinerary.

When visiting sacred sites, make sure you dress modestly, which means long loose clothes covering the knees and shoulders.

Day 1 in Bangkok: Visited Places and Activities

• The Golden Mount Temple (Wat Saket)
• Wat Pho – The Reclining Buddha
• Sunset Overlooking Wat Arun
• Indoor Street Food Market at IconSiam

The Golden Mount Temple (Wat Saket)

The Golden Mount Temple (also called Wat Saket), was our first experience in a Buddhist temple. This temple sits at the top of a hill and you need to climb some steps to get there. At the top, there’s a big golden pagoda and you can enjoy panoramic views all over the city. The entrance to the temple is free, but you need to pay to climb to the top.

At the time of our visit, climbing to the top was 100 baht per person.

Wat Pho – The Reclining Buddha

Wat Pho is another popular temple in Bangkok famous for its huge reclining Buddha. This Buddha figure is 46 meters long and covered in gold leaf.

This is a big temple complex, with beautiful architecture and details. Wat Pho is also the temple with the highest number of Buddha figures. The entrance fee was 200 baht per person.

Watch the Sunset Overlooking Wat Arun

Once in Wat Pho, you’re close to the opposite margin of the Wat Arun temple. Seeing the sunset over Wat Arun is something very popular. Search on Google Maps for “Wat Pho Pier” and watch the sunset from there, or if you want a little more comfort, go to a restaurant or bar and enjoy the views.

Wat Arun means the Temple of Dawn, but it’s actually a beautiful place to watch the sunset as you see the temple lighting up.

Indoor Street Food Market at Iconsiam

After watching the sunset at Wat Arun, we caught the ferry (Chao Phraya Express Boat) to ICONSIAM. This is a huge luxury shopping. But, what stands out is its indoor street food market.

On the ground floor, you’ll find SookSiam which is a hub of food from all 77 provinces across Thailand. You’ll even find a cute and small floating market. All of this is inside a beautiful shopping mall with the comfort of air conditioning. How cool is that?

Alternatively, if you like fancy dining, you’ll also find plenty of options. You can watch our short video about Iconsiam below.

Day 2 in Bangkok – Temple Hopping

During our second day in Bangkok, we visited the Grand Palace and Wat Arun, two of the most popular temples. They are relatively close to each other, so it’s handy to visit both on the same day. At night, party at Khaosan Road, go to a rooftop bar, or indulge in street food markets in Chinatown.

Day 2 in Bangkok: Visited Places

• Grand Palace
• Wat Arun
• Khaosan Road, or Chinatown, or rooftop bar

Grand Palace

The Grand Palace is one of the main attractions in Bangkok. It was built back in 1782 and it served as the residence of Thai Kings for 150 years.

It’s a huge temple complex with a mix of Thai, Western, and Chinese architectural styles. Inside, you’ll find the Wat Phra Kaew temple, home to the famous Emerald Buddha.

The place is quite big and the temple closes in the early afternoon, so visiting in the morning is probably the best time.

In my opinion, this is a must-see despite the relatively high price of 500 baht. By chance, we visited on a public holiday, and the entrance happened to be free on that specific day.

When you visit, remember to cover your knees and shoulders. If you forget to wear modest clothing, don’t worry; there are vendors outside selling elephant pants.

Wat Arun

After visiting the Grande Palace, we caught the ferry (only 5 baht per person) to the other side of the Chao Phraya River to explore Wat Arun. The entrance fee is only 100 baht per person.

Wat Arun is one of the most famous temples in Bangkok, you’ll see it advertised in many tourist agencies to promote Bangkok as a travel destination.

It’s very popular to visit this place in a Thai traditional costume. You’ll find several places renting outfits for both women and men near the temple.

We went to the temple on a public holiday and it was packed. If you want to visit with fewer people, consider going on a “regular” day of the week or early in the morning.

Tip: don’t miss watching the sunset or sunrise on the opposite margin of Wat Arun.

Khaosan Roan

The Khaosan Road is also known as the backpacker’s street and is very popular among tourists, so we went there to check it out. It is filled with restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops.

People usually enjoy the nightlife here, especially at night when you can find parties and cheap drinks. We went in the afternoon, and it was not too busy. Personally, I didn’t find it anything special, but maybe if you like lively parties, it’s worth checking out at night. Otherwise, you can probably skip it.

Go to a Rooftop Bar

If you’re not into the nightlife scene at Khaosan Road, you might consider checking out a rooftop bar for a different experience. One of the well-known ones is the Sky Bar at the Lebua State Tower, made famous by its appearance in the movie “Hangover Part II.” Keep in mind that many rooftop bars are expensive (this one certainly is) and often have dress codes.

A great alternative for budget travelers, recommended by one of our friends, is the Tichuca Rooftop with free entrance and no dress code.

In our case, our hotel in Silom had its own rooftop bar with fantastic city views, so we didn’t feel the need to explore other rooftop bars.

Explore Chinatown

Another option is to explore Chinatown at night. It’s a vibrant bustling district with lots of markets, street food, and narrow streets. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the time to explore Chinatown during our stay in Bangkok. But, make sure you add it to your list if you have the time.

Day 3 – Day Trip to the Railway and Floating Markets and Shopping at the MBK Center

One of the most popular day trips from Bangkok is going to the Maeklong Railway Market and the Damnoen Floating Market. While you can visit these places on your own, the most popular option is going on an organized tour—that’s what we did. This tour took us almost all day, but we still had time to do some shopping at the MBK Center.

Day 3 in Bangkok: Visited Places and Activities

• Maeklong Railway Market
• Damnoen Floating Market
• MBK Center

Maeklong Railway Market and Damnoen Floating Market

The Maeklong Railway market is one of the most famous markets in Thailand because it’s located right on the railway track. When the train comes, vendors move their stuff, and after it passes, the market goes back to normal.

Do you want to see the perspective from inside the train? We caught on video what it looks like.

Related article: Maeklong Railway and Damnoen Floating Markets – What to Expect

Bangkok’s floating markets are also another popular attraction in Thailand. Vendors navigate through canals or waterways and sell their goods directly from the boat. Among them, the Damnoen Floating Market is widely advertised on tours but tends to be crowded and geared towards tourists.

We booked the highest-rated trip using GetYourGuide, but you can also book similar tours from tourism agencies in Bangkok.

We have an article describing what such a tour looks like. Everything is explained in this article: Maeklong Railway and Damnoen Floating Markets – What to Expect.

Shopping at the MBK Center

Our tour ended at the MBK Center. Visit the MBK Center was not on our plans, but we were glad we went there. The MBK Center, resembling a large fake market within a shopping mall, offers, not only, but lots of fake branded items at affordable prices. Some imitations are excellent deals, while others may not be worth the cost.

Always negotiate prices, aiming for a reduction of 20 to 40%. Additionally, you might get better discounts when purchasing multiple items. During our visit, we snagged two pairs of sneakers, t-shirts, and a watch, all at very reasonable prices.

In the MBK Center, there’s also a dining area and an entertainment section with games, Karaoke, and claw machines.

Day 4 – Day Trip to Ayutthaya

Going on a day trip to Ayutthaya from Bangkok is a great idea. Ayutthaya was the old capital of Siam that was destroyed by the Burmese some centuries ago. It features some of the most interesting temple complex ruins in Thailand. Some of the temple ruins even resemble Angkor Wat in Cambodia. That’s also where you’ll find the famous Buddha’s head intertwined on the truck of a tree.

If you’re hesitating due to a temple overload in Bangkok, don’t worry. Ayutthaya offers a unique experience with predominantly temple ruins, providing a distinct contrast to the temples found in the bustling streets of Bangkok.

You can easily go to Ayutthaya by train. The journey only takes about one hour and is super affordable. Everything you need to know to visit Ayutthaya is explained in the following article:

• Ayutthaya Travel Guide: Visit on Your Own from Bangkok

We went to Ayutthaya on our own, but if you prefer going on an organized tour, there are plenty of options.

We created a quick video with some footage about Ayutthaya and some more information that you can watch below.

Related article: Everything you need to know to visit Ayutthaya from Bangkok.

What to Eat in Bangkok?

For those new to Thai cuisine, I believe these dishes are the easiest to start with, and they’re must-tries:

• Pad Thai
• Khao Soi
• Pad Kra Pow
• Fried Rice (everyone will like it)
• Papaya Salad (one of my favorites)
• Tom Yum
• Crispy Pork
• Mango Sticky Rice
• Coconut Ice Cream

My Journey with Thai Food

When I first tried Thai food, I’ll be honest, I didn’t like it. It’s so different from what we’re used to in Portugal, where we mainly enjoy a Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil, salt, fish, and bread. The spices in Thai cuisine are so different from our usual flavors, and the food tends to be sweeter with minimal salt, giving our taste buds quite a “shock.”

Nevertheless, as we continued to experience Thai cuisine, we started to like it more and more… and I must admit that I had some of the most delicious meals ever during our time in Thailand. At the end of our journey in Thailand, I was quite sad to say goodbye to Thai food. I miss dishes like Pad Thai, Tom Yum, and the mango sticky rice.

Do you want more Thai dishes? We created a quick video compilation with 12 foods you mus try in Thailand.

Best Places to Eat in Bangkok

Most spots offering Thai food are generally good, but we came across a few places that really stood out from the rest.

Mango Sticky Rice

For mango sticky rice, I loved the Mae Varee Mango Sticky Rice shop. This sells mango sticky rice and other Thai sweets. Everything is freshly made, from the rice to the coconut milk, and they don’t use preservatives. This place is just a take-away place. After getting your mango sticky rice, consider heading to a park or returning to your hotel to savor this delicious dessert.

It took me a long time to try mango sticky rice because I thought I wouldn’t like it, but I enjoyed it so much that I wanted to eat it every day.

Tom Yum

Tom Yum noodles instantly became a top favorite for me. This spicy soup is packed with flavors from ingredients like lemongrass, lime leaves, and chili peppers. It’s usually loaded with tasty seafood like shrimp, fish, lobster, or squid. You can choose what you want to include. You can also ask to have more or less spicy depending on your preferences

We tried Tom Yum at the Pe Aor Tom Yum Kung Noodle. Besides serving a delicious Tom Yum with several options of ingredients and different noodles, it was also incredibly cheap. We went there quite late for lunch, around 3 PM and it was packed.

Khao Soi

Khao Soi is a dish from Northern Thailand, particularly from Chiang Mai. It is a flavorful Thai noodle soup known for its rich coconut curry broth, accompanied by tender meat (chicken, beef, or pork) and topped with crispy fried noodles for added texture.

Related article: Chiang Mai Travel Guide for First-Timers (14 Things to Do)

We tried Khao Soi at the “Khao Soi Lam Duan Fa Ham Chiang Mai – Nang Linchi Branch“, a place recognized by Michelin for several years. It was delicious.

Crispy Pork

Crispy pork became one of my favorite Thai dishes. However, it might not be suitable for everyone since it’s deep-fried, and the oil could be a concern for some people. Additionally, its strong flavor might not appeal to everyone’s taste. The same restaurant where we had Khao Soi also specialized in crispy pork. I can confirm it was delicious. The name of the place is “Khao Soi Lam Duan Fa Ham Chiang Mai – Nang Linchi Branch“.

Popular Day Trips from Bangkok

Bangkok is conveniently located near interesting sites that make for excellent day trips. Here are some of the most popular options:

• Historic City of Ayutthaya – we did this day trip, and we loved it. Everything is explained in this Ayutthaya travel guide.

• Erawan Waterfalls – a visit to the 7-tier waterfalls in the Erawan National Park in Kanchanaburi makes a great day trip in nature—we explain everything in this Kanchanaburi Travel Guide. We spent three days in Kanchanaburi, but if you’re short on time, a day trip like this to Kanchanaburi can be a great option.

• Day trip to the Maeklong Railway Market and Floating Market – you can learn everything you need to know about this day trip in our article: Railway and Floating Markets – What to Expect.

• The Ancient City (Muang Boran) – this is a huge outdoor museum showcasing replicas of Thailand’s most significant historical and cultural landmarks. This is a beautiful place to take great pictures. You can learn everything about how to visit this beautiful place and what to expect with our guide: Ancient City (Muang Boran) Day Trip From Bangkok: Complete Guide.

• Wat Samphran – a beautiful cylindrical pink temple with a dragon surrounding it. It’s quite unique and with great panoramic views.

Where to Go from Bangkok?

From Bangkok, you can virtually go anywhere. But, if you just arrived in Thailand, these are some of the most popular options to continue your journey:

• Chiang Mai (either by train or flight): explore the northern part of Thailand with beautiful mountains and temples. Check our Chiang Mai Travel Guide.
• Kanchanaburi (by train): great little province where the Erawan Nation Park is located, known for its 7-tier waterfalls. Check our Kanchanaburi Guide.
• Phuket (by flight): to start your island-hopping journey.
• Krabi (by flight): another great starting point to explore Thailand’s beautiful islands—check our Krabi Travel Guide.
• Koh Samui (by flight): a great base to start exploring the islands of the gulf.

More Thailand Travel Guides

We hope you’ve found this Ultimate Bangkok Travel guide helpful to plan your time in Thailand. Everything we wrote was based on our own research and personal experiences while in Bangkok.

We have other Thailand travel guides that you may find useful. Take a look at them below:

• Ayutthaya Travel Guide: Visit on Your Own from Bangkok
• Chiang Mai Travel Guide for First-Timers (14 Things To Do)
• How to Spend one Day in Chiang Rai, Thailand: Things to Do and Tips
• Maeklong Railway and Damnoen Floating Markets – What to Expect
• How to Spend Two Days in Kanchanaburi: Itinerary and Tips
• Ao Nang Travel Guide for First Timers (Krabi, Thailand)
• Koh Phi Phi: Things to Do and Tips for First-Timers
• Koh Lanta Travel Guide: 3-Day Itinerary and 10 Best Things to Do
• Koh Lipe: Best Things to Do and Tips for First-Timers
• Two Months Traveling in Southeast Asia: Our Itinerary

Planning a long trip to Thailand? Here’s our detailed one-month itinerary to help you get started:

• One-Month Thailand Itinerary For First Timers

Finally, you can use our links to book your accommodation, and activities and find cheap flights. You won’t pay more for it and you’ll be supporting our work.

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