Bangkok travel guide

Bangkok is one of the most affordable and lively cities in Southeast Asia: golden temples, street food on every corner and chaotic traffic that's part of its identity. It's often the ideal starting point for exploring the rest of Thailand.

Best time to visit

November-February is the coolest, driest period; March-May is very hot, while June-October brings the rainy season with intense but short downpours.

What to see and do

Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew — the city's most important monumental complex.
Wat Arun and Wat Pho — the temples of the Reclining Buddha and the riverside pagoda.
Floating markets — a classic excursion just outside the city.
Street food in Chinatown and Sukhumvit — among the most famous street cuisines in the world.
Chao Phraya river — the river running through the city, navigable by local boats.

Indicative budget

Budget roughly €30-50 per day per person for food, accommodation and local transport, flights excluded — among the most affordable destinations on this list.

Figures are purely indicative and do not represent real or guaranteed prices.

Getting around

The Skytrain (BTS) and metro (MRT) are the fastest way to avoid Bangkok's often heavy traffic; metered taxis are cheap but subject to jams, while boats on the Chao Phraya river are a scenic alternative for reaching the temples along the riverbank.

Where to stay

Sukhumvit is the most convenient area for first-time visitors: well served by the Skytrain, with hotels at every price point; Silom is the financial district, with good connections and nightlife; the area around Khao San Road, near the historic temples, is the classic pick for budget travellers.