Most people find planning a trip to Bangkok confusing. There are so many strange foreign words to learn and contradictory advice. Sound familiar? If you’re a first-time visitor or just someone curious about Thailand’s enigmatic capital, we are here to help.
What to do in Bangkok
Bangkok is a city that is alive for 24 hours a day. You can see well-dressed groups eating early morning noodles after the nightclubs close their doors, while market traders are just setting up for the day and orange-robed monks make their daily alms rounds. From Thailand’s most revered temples and shrines to fantastic shopping and party hot spots, Bangkok is what you want it to be. Take some time to indulge every face of Bangkok to try and make sense of this gnarly yet charming city.
Where to go at night in Bangkok
Nightlife is one of Bangkok's specialities and the city really comes alive after dark. The options span a wide range of tastes, styles and budgets. Dance parties, rooftop bars, chilled-out lounges with live music, cultural shows, street shopping and an electrifying gay scene all sum up the gist of what’s available. Explore Bangkok by night and get a taste of what it’s all about.
Where to go shopping in Bangkok
Shopping in Bangkok is an experience everyone should try. The sheer variety of shopping options is enough to make your head spin. The city is rightfully famed for its collection of markets, but there’s a growing number of air-conditioned megamalls and ancient retail enclaves, so whatever you’re looking for you have a good chance of finding it in Bangkok.
Hop on the BTS Skytrain to Siam for the city’s best collection of shopping malls or find antiques and handicrafts shops in Bangkok Old Town. For great bargains, try Chinatown, around Sampeng Lane, as well as Pahurat Textile Market. Pratunam Market is also great for ready-to-wear clothing.
What to eat in Bangkok
Thai food is bold and flavoursome, but the best restaurants and food stalls also understand the importance of balance and subtly. From the first-timers favourite of pad Thai to more complex flavours of curries and salads found in Bangkok, we encourage everyone to trust your eyes and nose and jump into Thai cuisine whenever the opportunity presents itself. Savour seafood at a local restaurant perched over the river, enjoy exquisite food from a swish hotel restaurant overlooking the city, or grab a quick snack in a shopping mall food court.
