Essential Bangkok – Your Complete Travel Guide
Essential Bangkok is a practical, independent guide to visiting Bangkok – covering where to stay, how to get around, food, drink, and what to see and do.
Bangkok is exciting and endlessly rewarding, but it’s not always easy to navigate. Our guides focus on the essentials that matter most, helping you plan your trip clearly and explore the city with confidence.
Start Here: Plan Your Trip to Bangkok
A smooth trip starts with good information. Before you arrive, it helps to understand how Bangkok works – from airport arrivals and visas to money, weather and local customs.
Our planning guides cover everything you need to get started, including how to arrive smoothly, what to expect at immigration, the best time of year to visit based on weather and festivals, and practical advice on money exchange, SIM cards and connectivity.
Where to Stay in Bangkok
Bangkok is a city of neighbourhoods, each with its own personality. Choosing the right area can make a huge difference to how you experience the city.
Our area guides break down the pros and cons of each neighbourhood, helping you find the best base for your trip.
Some visitors prefer the convenience and nightlife of Sukhumvit, while others enjoy the shopping and central transport links around Siam. Silom blends business, street food and nightlife, while the Riverside offers scenic luxury along the Chao Phraya River. Chinatown is intense, energetic and food-obsessed, and Khao San Road remains a hub for backpackers and budget travellers.
Things to Do in Bangkok
Bangkok rewards curiosity. From historic landmarks to late-night bars, there’s no shortage of things to see, eat and experience.
Explore the city’s highlights through our curated guides:
- Top Attractions – temples, palaces, museums and cultural landmarks
- Food – street food, local restaurants, food tours and cooking classes
- Bars & Nightlife – rooftop bars, speakeasies, neighbourhood pubs and hidden gems
- Entertainment – live music, jazz bars, Muay Thai, shows and cinemas
- Shopping – malls, markets, night markets and independent stores
Whether you’re sightseeing by day or exploring after dark, these guides help you make the most of your time in the city.
Getting Around Bangkok
Bangkok is big, but getting around is easier than it looks once you understand your options. The BTS Skytrain and MRT subway are fast, air-conditioned and reliable, while taxis and Grab are convenient for door-to-door travel. River boats on the Chao Phraya can be a scenic and surprisingly efficient way to move around, and tuk-tuks offer a short-distance experience you’ll only find in Thailand.
We explain when to use each option, how much it costs, and what visitors should know before hopping on board.
Practical Essentials for Visitors
Small details can make a big difference when travelling. Our practical guides focus on the things visitors actually need to know once they’re on the ground.
Learn where to get the best exchange rates, how to buy a local SIM or eSIM, which emergency numbers to keep handy, and what to expect in terms of etiquette and everyday behaviour. We also cover common scams to avoid and tips for staying safe while enjoying the city.
Day Trips & Nearby Escapes
One of Bangkok’s biggest strengths is its location. Ancient capitals, floating markets and beach escapes are all within easy reach.
Popular day trips include Ayutthaya, with its UNESCO-listed temple ruins, and nearby floating markets such as Damnoen Saduak and Amphawa. If you’re looking to escape the city for a night or two, destinations like Pattaya, Hua Hin and Koh Samet make easy overnight or weekend trips from Bangkok.
Health & Wellness in Bangkok
Bangkok is also a global hub for healthcare, wellness and fitness, known for high standards, modern facilities and affordable pricing. Many visitors come specifically for medical and dental treatment, while others take advantage of the city’s excellent spas, wellness retreats and training camps.
Whether you’re considering a dental appointment, a spa day, or a Muay Thai training experience, Bangkok offers world-class options that fit easily alongside your travel plans.
Latest Updates & Seasonal Guides
Bangkok changes quickly. New venues open, neighbourhoods evolve and seasonal events shape the city’s rhythm throughout the year.
Our latest updates highlight timely guides, seasonal tips and noteworthy changes — from major festivals like Songkran to newly opened rooftop bars and markets.
→ Latest Bangkok Updates – about to publish: stay tuned!
Plan Your Bangkok Adventure
Bangkok is big, busy and endlessly fascinating – but with the right guide, it’s easy to explore. Essential Bangkok is built to help visitors plan confidently, travel smarter and experience the city beyond the obvious.