Bangkok

Golden temples, street food, river life.

Thailand · Asia ·

30.3M international visitors (2025) · world's most visited city

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Bangkok is a sensory rush of temples, markets and some of the world's best street food.

Top attractions in Bangkok

Grand Palace and Wat PhoThe Reclining Buddha is next door.
Wat ArunCross the river by boat; stunning at sunset.
Chao Phraya ferryThe cheapest river tour in town.
Chinatown foodYaowarat Road comes alive after dark.
Chatuchak MarketHuge weekend market with everything.
Rooftop barsSkyline views from Silom and Sukhumvit.

Where to stay

Riverside for sights; Sukhumvit for food and nightlife.

LuxuryMandarin Oriental BangkokRiverside

Mid-rangeKimpton Maa-Lai BangkokLangsuan, near Lumpini Park

ValueLub d Bangkok SiamSiam

Get hotel rates for Bangkok

Getting there and around

From the airport. Suvarnabhumi (BKK): Airport Rail Link to the city in about 30 min. Don Mueang (DMK) for many budget airlines.

In the city. BTS Skytrain and MRT avoid traffic; river ferries and tuk-tuks for short hops. Use ride-hailing apps for fair fares.

Train and bus tips

BTS Skytrain and MRT beat the traffic; tap a contactless card on many lines.
Chao Phraya Express boats for riverside sights.
Trains and buses to Ayutthaya about 1–2 hours.
Overnight trains or short flights to Chiang Mai.

Events, nightlife and sports

April 13–15Songkran water festivalThai New Year with citywide water fights.

November (full moon)Loy KrathongCandlelit floats released on the river.

January/FebruaryChinese New Year in YaowaratChinatown's biggest celebration.

Late September–OctoberVegetarian FestivalFood stalls with yellow flags in Chinatown.

Nightlife and parties. Rooftop bars in Silom and Sukhumvit, clubs in Thonglor and RCA, backpacker scene on Khao San Road.

Sports. Muay Thai at Rajadamnern and Lumpinee stadiums; Thai League football, Bangkok Marathon (November).

Dates change every year; check official sites before booking. The concierge can get tickets.

What to eat

Pad thaiTom yum goongMango sticky riceBoat noodlesStreet-side grilled pork (moo ping)

Local tours in R Travel

Our picks for Bangkok, plus more options once you search.

Coming soonGrand Palace and templesHalf day

Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun by longtail boat.

Emerald Buddha
Reclining Buddha
River crossing

Coming soonChinatown street-food night3 hours

Ten tastings along Yaowarat Road with a local guide.

Michelin-listed stalls
Tuk-tuk ride
Dessert stop

Coming soonAyutthaya ancient capitalFull day

UNESCO temple ruins, return by river cruise.

Wat Mahathat Buddha head
Bang Pa-In palace
Lunch cruise

Book a tour in Bangkok

Practical info

When to go

November–February, the cool dry season.

Money

Thai baht (THB)

Language

Thai

Visa (US passport holders)

No visa needed for short visits. Visa-exempt stays were cut from 60 to 30 days as of September 15, 2026.

R Travel tip

Cover shoulders and knees at temples.

Entry rules shown are for US passport holders and change often — always confirm with the destination's embassy or your airline before booking. Other nationalities should check separately.

Good to know

Cover shoulders and knees at temples.
Never speak disrespectfully about the royal family.
Bargain at markets, not in malls.

Opening hours, prices, event dates and entry rules change. Check official sites before you go. Written by the R Travel team.