Plan Your Trip to Bangkok: Tips, Costs & Best Places to Stay
Introduction
Getting started is easy when you have the right information at hand. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, planning your trip to Bangkok can make all the difference between a smooth arrival and a confusing first day.
This guide covers everything you need to know before you go — from visa rules and airport transfers to costs, apps, weather, and where to stay. You’ll also find suggested itineraries and nearby places worth adding to your travel plans.
1. Best Time of Year to Visit Bangkok
Bangkok is a year-round destination, but the experience varies with the seasons.
- Cool Season (November–February):
The most pleasant weather — warm days, lower humidity, and ideal for sightseeing. Peak tourist season, so hotels are pricier and attractions busier. - Hot Season (March–May):
Temperatures can hit 38°C (100°F). If you don’t mind the heat, you’ll find great hotel deals. Air conditioning is everywhere. - Rainy Season (June–October):
Expect daily showers, often short and refreshing. Fewer tourists and lush scenery make it a good time for budget travelers.
Tip: Plan indoor activities like malls or temples during afternoon storms.
Festival Highlights:
- Songkran (April 13–15) – Thai New Year, a nationwide water festival.
- Loy Krathong (November) – Magical lanterns and floating offerings.
- Chinese New Year (January/February) – Best celebrated in Chinatown.
2. Entry Requirements, Visas & the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)
Visa Options
Most visitors can enter Thailand visa-free for stays up to 30 days (45 for some nationalities). Check your passport country’s eligibility before travel.
- Visa-Free Entry: 30 days (extendable once for another 30 days).
- Tourist Visa (Single Entry): 60 days, available at Thai embassies.
- Visa on Arrival: For eligible countries, up to 15 days.
Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC)
Introduced in 2024, the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) replaces the old paper TM6 form. It streamlines immigration and is now mandatory for all arrivals (by air, land, or sea).
How it works:
- Complete the form online before your trip at https://www.thaidac.go.th.
- You’ll receive a QR code to show at immigration.
- The process also helps verify your stay details for entry.
Tip: Save your TDAC QR code offline or print it — Wi-Fi at immigration can be spotty.
Also check out our guide on How to Get From Bangkok Airport to the City.
3. Money, Budget & Typical Costs
Bangkok offers great value for money, but costs vary by lifestyle.
| Item | Budget (THB) | Mid-Range (THB) | Luxury (THB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Street Food Meal | 50–100 | — | — |
| Restaurant Meal | — | 250–600 | 1,000+ |
| Hotel (per night) | 600–1,200 | 1,500–3,000 | 5,000+ |
| Local Transport (BTS/MRT) | 20–60 | — | — |
| Taxi/Grab | 100–400 | — | — |
Money Tips:
- ATMs charge about 220 THB per withdrawal. Bring a fee-free card if possible.
- Currency exchange booths in malls or near BTS stations often offer better rates than airports.
- Credit cards are accepted in hotels and large restaurants, but cash is still king for street food and markets.
4. Useful Apps & Local Tools
These apps make getting around and saving money much easier:
- Grab: The go-to ride-hailing app (cars, bikes, and food delivery).
- Bolt: Sometimes cheaper than Grab, especially for short rides.
- BTS Skytrain / MRT Apps: Show routes and fares for public transport.
- Google Maps / LINE MAN / Foodpanda: Reliable for food delivery and directions.
- Klook & KKday: Offer discounted tickets for attractions, airport transfers, and SIM cards.
- XE Currency / Wise: For currency conversion and managing payments.
5. What to Pack
Essentials to Bring:
- Lightweight clothing, breathable fabrics, and sandals or walking shoes.
- Power adapter (Type A, B, or C plugs; 220V).
- Sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and reusable water bottle.
- Modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered) for temple visits.
6. Where to Stay in Bangkok
Choosing the right neighborhood can shape your entire trip. Pick based on convenience, atmosphere, and proximity to public transport.
| Area | Vibe / Best For | Nearest Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Sukhumvit | Modern, lively, nightlife | BTS Skytrain |
| Siam / Chidlom | Shopping and central convenience | BTS Skytrain |
| Silom / Sathorn | Riverside, business & nightlife | BTS & MRT |
| Riverside | Scenic, peaceful, luxury | Boat & BTS |
| Old City (Rattanakosin) / Khao San Road area | Historic temples, backpacker energy | Buses & river ferries |
| Ari / Phaya Thai | Local charm, cafés, easy airport link | BTS & Airport Rail Link |
Bangkok Area Highlights
Sukhumvit – Modern, Lively, and Well-Connected
Cosmopolitan, energetic, and full of life — Sukhumvit is the city’s entertainment artery.
Highlights: Rooftop bars, street food, Asok & Thonglor nightlife, and shopping at Terminal 21 & EmQuartier.
Ideal for: First-time visitors and night owls.
Siam / Chidlom – Central and Shopper-Friendly
Bangkok’s retail heart, packed with malls and family-friendly hotels.
Highlights: Siam Paragon, CentralWorld, MBK, and easy Skytrain access.
Ideal for: Shoppers and families.
Silom / Sathorn – Riverside Meets Business
Smart, central, and filled with great rooftop bars and food stalls.
Highlights: Lumphini Park, Patpong Night Market, and Sky Bar at Lebua.
Ideal for: Couples and business travelers.
Riverside – Scenic and Romantic
Elegant hotels and views of the Chao Phraya River.
Highlights: Boat rides to Grand Palace and Wat Arun, dinner cruises.
Ideal for: Honeymooners and luxury stays.
Old City (Rattanakosin), Banglamphu & Khao San Road – Historic & Backpacker Hub
Where old Bangkok meets backpacker chaos.
Highlights: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Khao San Road nightlife, budget eats.
Ideal for: Backpackers, Budget travelers and culture lovers.
Ari / Phaya Thai – Trendy and Relaxed
Stylish, calm, and popular with locals.
Highlights: Cafés, boutique hotels, and direct airport access.
Ideal for: Digital nomads and repeat visitors.
7. Suggested Itineraries
1 Day in Bangkok:
- Morning: Grand Palace & Wat Pho
- Afternoon: Chao Phraya boat ride
- Evening: Dinner at Asiatique or Chinatown
3 Days in Bangkok:
- Day 1: Old City temples & Khao San Road
- Day 2: Shopping in Siam & rooftop bar at night
- Day 3: Floating market or Ayutthaya day trip
5 Days in Bangkok:
- Combine above with local markets, cooking class, or Jim Thompson House.
- Include time for relaxation and things you hadn’t previously thought of.
1 Week Stay:
- Mix cultural sightseeing, day trips, and exploration of diverse districts (Sukhumvit, Silom, Ari).
- Spend one day outside the city — Ayutthaya, Amphawa Floating Market, or even Pattaya for a beach break.
More Places and Things You May Want to Consider
Wat Phra Kaew – also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
Muay Thai Fights (Thai Boxing): held at at Rajadamnern Stadium and Lumpinee Stadium.
Rooftop Bars: Check out Brewski, Octave, Spectrum, Vanilla Sky for starters.
Food Tours: There are multiple well-rated food tours like those by Chili Paste and Bangkok Vanguards.
8. Nearby Destinations
Bangkok is perfectly located for onward travel:
- Ayutthaya: Ancient capital, 1 hour by train or tour.
- Pattaya: Closest beach resort, 2 hours away.
- Hua Hin: Relaxed coastal town, 3 hours south.
- Kanchanaburi: Nature, waterfalls, and the River Kwai.
- Islands and Coastal Towns (via flights):
- Phuket: For beaches and nightlife.
- Koh Samui: For laid-back resorts.
- Krabi: For dramatic scenery and diving.
9. Final Tips
- Bangkok is safe and welcoming, but always use licensed taxis or Grab.
- Dress modestly at temples.
- Always carry small cash for street vendors.
- When booking your accommodation, consider proximity to BTS or MRT – it saves time and money navigating Bangkok’s traffic.
Summary
Planning your Bangkok trip well ensures a smoother arrival, better deals, and a richer experience. Whether you’re coming for food, culture, nightlife, or relaxation, the city has something for everyone — and it all starts with knowing where to go and how to get around.