Bangkok Activities
Illuminated Wat Arun temple reflected in the Chao Phraya River at blue hour.

Thailand · Bangkok, capital on the Chao Phraya River

Bangkok's Royal Palace, Riverside Temples and Street Markets

Bangkok is Thailand's capital, spread along the Chao Phraya River, where colour-flagged express boats still link the piers. Old Bangkok holds the main temples and the former royal palace, while Sukhumvit, Silom and Chinatown each offer a different base. The Airport Rail Link runs from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Phaya Thai, the BTS Skytrain and MRT bypass road traffic, and most long-distance trains leave from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal.

Read the guideBrowse tours & activities
  • Airport Rail Link, Suvarnabhumi to Phaya Thai
  • BTS Skytrain and MRT avoid road traffic
  • Contactless Visa or Mastercard on the MRT
  • Shoulders and knees covered at temples

Why visit Bangkok

  1. Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha

    The former official royal residence shares its grounds with the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, a short walk from Wat Pho.

  2. Temples seen from the river

    Wat Arun is a popular sunset spot viewed from the water; boat trips continue to the ICONSIAM pier and Asiatique The Riverfront.

  3. A 15,000-stall weekend market

    Chatuchak in north Bangkok sells vintage goods, Thai crafts, plants and street food, and is easy to reach by Skytrain or subway.

  4. Chinatown street food

    Yaowarat's night market fills the street with food stalls in one of the city's most independent, budget-friendly districts.

  5. Day trips beyond the city

    The old capital Ayutthaya, plus Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon, Samut Prakan and Chachoengsao, are popular trips out of Bangkok.

Where to stay

Old Bangkok and Khao San Road

Backpackers and sightseeing

Historic Rattanakosin and Banglamphu are touristy but close to the main temples and palace. Khao San Road has hostels, cheap beds and lively nightlife.

Quick pick

Sukhumvit (Asok to Thong Lor)

First-timers

Good transport links, plenty of food and nightlife, and popular with expats. Hotels lean towards the upper end.

Quick pick

Riverside

Couples and families

Hotels along the Chao Phraya, with river boats to the temples and the ICONSIAM and Asiatique piers.

Quick pick

Silom and Sathorn

A local feel

Central and well connected, with a more local feel: neither too touristy nor too quiet.

Quick pick

Siam

Shopping

Bangkok's shopping district, just south of Phaya Thai, where the Airport Rail Link from Suvarnabhumi ends.

Quick pick

Start here

Things to do in Bangkok

When to go

  1. November–February

    Cool season: still warm but drier and better for sightseeing, so it is the busiest period. Loi Krathong and Chinese New Year fall in these months.

  2. March–May

    Hot season and the hottest time of year. Lonely Planet calls it low season with cheaper hotel deals; Songkran, the Thai New Year water festival, falls in April.

  3. June–October

    Rainy season with heavy showers and some flooding, though rain often comes in short bursts followed by sun. The city is greener and quieter.

Weather

Weather in Bangkok

Weather by month →

Bangkok weather by month

Bangkok weather by month
MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSeptOctNovDec
High / Low (°C)
33°
20°
35°
22°
36°
24°
36°
26°
34°
26°
32°
25°
31°
24°
31°
24°
30°
24°
30°
24°
30°
22°
31°
19°
Rain (mm)
16
14
47
75
164
165
169
181
278
203
39
10

Average daily high and low (°C) and monthly rainfall (mm) · Forecast: MET Norway (yr.no) · Climate averages: NASA POWER

Practical tips

  • Tap a contactless Visa or Mastercard at MRT gates, but buy a Rabbit card or single-journey ticket for the BTS Skytrain.
  • Check the flag before boarding a river boat: express lines such as the yellow flag skip many piers and don't stop at Wat Arun.
  • Ignore strangers who say the Grand Palace or Wat Pho is closed and check at the official entrance yourself.
  • Use a ride-hailing app such as Grab, or agree a tuk-tuk fare before you get in and refuse unplanned shop stops.
  • Cover shoulders and knees for temples and the Grand Palace, or you may have to rent or buy cover-ups at the entrance.

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