Bangkok, Thailand travel guide

Temples, street food, rooftop bars and island gateways. What it costs, when to go, where to stay and what to book.

Best time to visit

November to February — cooler and drier. March-May is hot; June-October is rainy season with lower prices.

Where to stay

Sukhumvit for transport and nightlife; Riverside for temples and views; Khao San area for backpacker budgets.

Top tours & bookings

Grand Palace & temple tour

Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho and Wat Arun with a guide, plus a canal ride.

Book a temple tour

Floating market & railway market day trip

Damnoen Saduak floating market and the Maeklong train market — a classic Bangkok day out.

Book the day trip

Bangkok hotels — compare prices

Thailand offers outstanding value, from $25 guesthouses to luxury riverside hotels.

Check hotel prices

Typical costs

ItemTypical cost
Flights (return, regional)$180-$350
Hotel, mid-range, per night$35-$70
Food, per day$15-$30
Tours & activities, per day$20-$45

Planning a full trip? Add your own numbers in our Trip Budget Calculator.

Frequently asked questions

How many days are enough for Bangkok?

3 to 4 days for the main sights, plus day trips. Many travellers add 3-4 days in Phuket, Krabi or Pattaya.

Is Bangkok cheap?

Yes — street food meals cost a few dollars and mid-range hotels are among the best value in Asia.

How do I get around Bangkok?

Use the BTS Skytrain and MRT metro to beat traffic, Grab for short hops, and river boats for the old town.

Prices are typical ranges checked when this guide was written and change by season and availability. Always check the live price before booking. Some links on this page are affiliate links.