Bangkok Travel Guide

Sprawled along the banks of the murky Chao Phraya River, the dirty, hectic, polluted capital of Thailand, also known as the ‘Big Mango’, is both a wonder and a disgrace. The glint of golden Buddhist temples is absorbed at night by the neon glow of entertainment districts and mega-shopping centers. Bangkok offers so many alien sights, smells and sounds that some tourists simply never return home.

Most of the negative rumors about Bangkok are true. Yet underneath the filth and confusion lies an amazingly tolerant, exotic and beautiful city with so much to discover it could take dozens of return trips. The downside is this vast city has a pathetic public transport system, so getting around is a nightmare. Exhaust-spewing tuk-tuks may seem quaint at first, but you’ll soon be opting for the air-conditioned metered taxis.

Younger travelers head straight to Khao San road, one of the world’s great backpacker hangouts. More well-heeled visitors can hit the endless strip of Sukhummvit road for lodging, shopping and entertainment. The red lights are still on in Bangkok, and visitors can head to Patpong for the quintessential seedy experience. Fortunately, most of the historic sites, grand temples and royal palaces are concentrated in the old part of town around Wat Po and the Royal Palace. Start your explorations here, as many attractions can be accessed on foot.

Bangkok Attractions

Khao San road: this small but densely packed backpacker street is a beehive of travelers, vendors, hustlers and cheap lodgings.

Patpong: Bangkok’s legendary male-centered nightlife can still be found among the sea of neon and darkened bars in this red light neighborhood.

The Grand Palace: built by King Rama I, this sublime royal complex has so many stunning buildings and artifacts your head will spin. Get here early to avoid the crowds.

The National Museum: Thailand’s main repository of sacred art, cultural artifacts and archaeology is one of the highlights of the city, and should not be missed.

Wat Arun: take a boat across the river from Wat Po to explore one of Bangkok’s most important and scenic Buddhist temples.

Wat Phra Kaew: arguably the most revered temple in Thailand, and home of the priceless Emerald Buddha, its walls are covered in some of the finest Buddhist artwork and detail in the world.

Wat Po: a massive golden reclining Buddha is just one of the highlights waiting to be discovered at this Buddhist temple, which is virtually a city.