A Travel Guide to Bangkok, by Locals
Bangkok is one of those cities that rewards you the more you explore it. I’ve been visiting for decades, and I still discover new places every trip. Yes, there are the famous temples and the Grand Palace, but Bangkok goes so much deeper than the tourist checklist. The food alone could keep you busy for weeks.
Street stalls in Chinatown serving dishes that haven’t changed in generations, Michelin-starred restaurants redefining Thai cuisine, and everything in between. Then there are the rooftop bars, and I’ve been to almost all of them. The shopping is endless, from chaotic street markets to malls so big they have their own boat piers. Most travellers pass through Bangkok on their way to the islands, but honestly, this city deserves more than a layover. Give it a few days. You won’t regret it.
What to Do in Bangkok?
Best Things to Do in Bangkok – By Areas
Fun Streets to Explore in Bangkok!
Bangkok’s most interesting streets aren’t always the famous ones. Over the last decade, quieter laneways and forgotten trading districts have transformed into the city’s go-to spots for travellers looking for authentic local food, independent cafés, and genuine Bangkok atmosphere.
Bangkok Temples
The temples in Bangkok are some of the most impressive I’ve seen anywhere in Asia. The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew are the obvious starting point, and they live up to the hype, though expect crowds. Wat Pho, just next door, has the famous Reclining Buddha and is also where traditional Thai massage was formalised, so that you can get a proper massage right there on the temple grounds.
Across the river, Wat Arun looks stunning at any time of day, but especially at sunset when the light hits the spires. Beyond these big three, there are dozens of smaller temples worth visiting if you have the time. Wat Saket has a golden chedi on a hill with panoramic views. Loha Prasat has 37 metal spires and almost no tourists. The temples aren’t just photo stops. They’re still active places of worship, and spending time in them gives you a real sense of how Buddhism shapes daily life in Thailand.
Bangkok Rooftops
I’ve made it my mission to visit every notable rooftop bar in Bangkok, and I’m close to completing the list. The city does rooftops better than almost anywhere else in the world. The views are dramatic, the drinks are creative, and the competition between venues keeps everyone raising their game. Sky Bar at Lebua is the most famous thanks to The Hangover movie, but it’s far from the only option.
Vertigo at Banyan Tree feels like you’re standing on top of the city. Mahanakhon SkyWalk has a glass floor 78 stories up if you want the thrill. Octave spreads across three levels with 360-degree views. And newer spots like Tichuca and Akara Sky Hanuman prove the scene keeps evolving. My advice: go around sunset, dress smart (most places have dress codes), and don’t eat dinner beforehand because many rooftops have excellent restaurants attached.
Shopping in Bangkok
I love shopping, and Bangkok is one of the best cities in the world for it. The range is absurd. You can spend a morning haggling at Chatuchak, one of the largest weekend markets anywhere, then cool off in the afternoon at ICONSIAM, a mall so grand it feels like a destination in itself. Siam Paragon and CentralWorld are right next to each other and could easily fill an entire day.
For something more local, Chinatown’s Sampheng Lane is a chaotic strip of wholesale goods where you never know what you’ll find. Jodd Fairs and the night markets are better for food than shopping, but they’re worth the visit anyway. And if you’re into fashion, Siam Square has independent Thai designers mixed in with international brands. The only problem with shopping in Bangkok is deciding where to start.
Bangkok Shopping Malls
Bangkok Markets
Bangkok Hotels – Where to Stay in Bangkok?
Choosing where to stay in Bangkok makes a real difference to your trip. The city is huge, and traffic can be brutal, so picking the right neighbourhood matters more than finding the cheapest rate. If you want easy access to temples and the old city, stay on the riverside or in Chinatown. For shopping and nightlife, Sukhumvit or Siam are better choices. Silom works well if you’re mixing business with sightseeing.
I always recommend staying near a BTS or MRT station because the Skytrain makes getting around fast and air-conditioned. Bangkok has incredible hotels at every price point, from legendary riverside properties like the Mandarin Oriental to stylish boutique places in Chinatown that cost a fraction of what you’d pay elsewhere. The links below break down the best options by neighbourhood.
Where to Eat in Bangkok
Bangkok might be the best food city in the world. I’m not exaggerating. The range is incredible, from 30-baht noodles at a plastic table on Yaowarat Road to multi-course tasting menus at restaurants with Michelin stars. I’ve eaten hundreds of meals here over the years, and I’m still finding new places. Chinatown is where I go for street food. The vendors there have been perfecting the same dishes for generations.
For something more refined, Langsuan Road has become the city’s trendiest dining strip, packed with Thai and international restaurants. The riverside hotels have excellent restaurants if you want a view with your meal. And the food courts inside the big malls are surprisingly good, a quick and air-conditioned way to try Thai classics without hunting down street stalls. The links below cover my favourite spots, from cheap local meals to the kind of dinner worth planning a trip around.
Bangkok Neighbourhoods
Bangkok is a collection of very different neighbourhoods, and understanding them helps you plan a better trip. Sukhumvit is the expat hub, stretching for kilometres with restaurants, bars, and malls clustered around BTS stations. Siam is pure shopping, with the biggest malls stacked next to each other.
Silom is business by day and nightlife after dark. Chinatown feels like stepping into another era, packed with street food, gold shops, and old trading houses. The Old Town is where you’ll find the Grand Palace and the big temples, plus quieter streets like Phra Athit that are worth exploring on foot. Riverside has the grand hotels and easy boat access to major sights. And Thonburi, across the river, still has canals and floating markets that feel far removed from the modern city. Each area has its own character, and it’s worth spending time in more than one.
Map of Bangkok Neighbourhoods
The long-established BNH Hospital in central Bangkok offers international-standard health check-ups, dental care, orthopaedic surgery, and more — all at rates far below what you’d pay in the West. English-speaking staff, modern facilities, and plenty of hotels nearby make it a convenient option for travellers looking for reliable medical care.
BNH Hospital is a smart way to add value to your trip if you’re planning routine tests or a specific procedure.
👉 Read more about the medical opportunities here
Beyond Bangkok
