Bangkok is chaotic, affordable, and endlessly interesting — this guide covers how to navigate the city efficiently and eat extremely well on a modest budget.
Best Time to Visit
November–February is the coolest, driest, and most popular time to visit. March–May is very hot; June–October is the rainy season with short, heavy downpours.
Where to Stay
Sukhumvit is convenient for the BTS Skytrain and nightlife. Old City (Rattanakosin) puts you near the major temples but is further from the modern transit lines.
Getting Around
The BTS Skytrain and MRT subway avoid Bangkok’s notorious traffic for cross-city trips. Use the Grab app for taxis, and insist on the meter for street taxis.
Top Things to Do
- Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (dress modestly)
- Wat Arun at sunset, viewed from across the river
- A longtail boat ride through the Thonburi canals (khlongs)
- Chatuchak Weekend Market for shopping and street food
- Wat Pho to see the Reclining Buddha
Where to Eat & Drink
- Street food stalls for pad thai, mango sticky rice, and satay
- A proper Thai curry at a local restaurant, not a tourist menu
- Khao San Road for a lively, budget-friendly night out
- A rooftop bar for skyline views (dress code applies)
Budget Tips
- Street food is both the cheapest and often the best food in the city
- The BTS/MRT is far cheaper and faster than taxis during rush hour
- Temple dress code violations can mean paying for a rental cover-up
Sample 3-Day Itinerary
- Day 1: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun sunset
- Day 2: Chatuchak Market, Sukhumvit, rooftop bar
- Day 3: Khlong canal boat tour, Chinatown street food crawl
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