What to see in Bangkok?

Bangkok is a wonderful place to start your acquaintance with the Asian world. Everything here is unusual – from architecture with huge dragons to dishes with spices and unfamiliar ingredients. We tell you what to see in Bangkok and how not to get lost in all this Asian diversity.

How to get there

Easy. Direct flights fly from Moscow to Bangkok. The flight is not the easiest – more than nine hours. So stock up on TV shows, books, and music, they will come in handy. Or you can do like a super cool traveler and take a ticket with a stopover or a long layover in another country. This way you can see two places for the price of one, save money, and get a break from a long flight.

By the way, the entry rules for Thailand are quite easy.

There are two airports in the capital of Thailand: Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang. From the first, you can get to the city by Airport Rail Link. The fare will cost 40 baht. From the second, buses run – the fare is 50 baht (1 Thai baht = 3 rubles).

Where to stay

Bangkok is very diverse – it does not have a single center. Therefore, it is better to choose your accommodation location wisely so that attractions are within walking distance. Here are cool areas with all amenities for tourists:

• Sukhumvit;
• Silom and Sathorn;
• Siam;
• Khao San Road;
• Suvarnabhumi;
• Pratunam;
• Chatuchak;
• Chinatown;
• Khlong Toei.
• Khlong Toei

And here are verified hotels with excellent reviews:

• Column Bangkok Hotel, Khlong Toei district;
• Jasmine Grande Residence, Khlong Toei district;
• Hope Land Hotel, Sukhumvit district;
• Anajak Bangkok, Pratunam district;
• Movenpick Residences Ekkamai Bangkok, Khlong Toei district.

Transport

Bangkok is one of the largest cities in Asia and the world. Its size, as well as the tangled network of roads, alleys, and streets, make getting around extremely difficult. Especially if you decide to travel independently without verified routes. We have compiled convenient ways for you to get from point A to point B.

Bus

The most popular and overloaded transport in Bangkok. About 13,000 buses operate throughout the city – it's very easy to get confused with them. It's difficult to figure out all the transport routes, so just use a navigator. But, of course, if you want to live hardcore – 7-Eleven stores sell bus maps in English.

Buses operate from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Of course, there are night buses, but they are few. All buses are divided into several types according to their prices and comfort. Here is a list:

• red with a white stripe and white (without air conditioning) – 8 baht;
• blue (with air conditioning) – from 12 to 20 baht;
• night – 9.5 baht;
• express buses (cream and red) – 10 baht;
• blue and white (with air conditioning) – from 13 to 25 baht;
• Euro buses (yellow and orange) – from 13 to 25 baht.

Please note that buses do not stop at every stop, so let the driver know in advance: if you are at a stop, wave your hand, and if you are on the bus, approach and say: “Stop.”

Also, note that Bangkok is almost always paralyzed by traffic jams, so buses move very slowly. Keep in mind that you won't get to your destination quickly on them.

Taxi

Taxis in Bangkok are great. If you see a “Taxi-Meter” sign on a car, that's it. Usually, all cars are painted in bright colors: red-blue and yellow-green, so finding them is not a problem.

All taxis operate on a meter. Make sure the driver turns it on immediately after you get in. The display will show the price for the first two kilometers – 35 baht, and then 5 baht will be added for each subsequent kilometer.

If you want to reach your destination faster, you will have to pay an additional 40–60 baht for driving on the highway.

Tuk-tuk

A very common Asian mode of transport. Essentially, it's a motorcycle with a special sidecar. Tuk-tuks usually carry up to three passengers.

Tuk-tuks have many advantages: for example, mobility – this transport can navigate narrow streets where a bus or taxi cannot go. It's also easy to catch one: you can simply get into the carriage right away and pay the driver upon exit.

The main disadvantage of tuk-tuks is the price and its unpredictability. There is no regulation for this transport, so the driver can charge you as much as they want. It is very important to agree on the price in advance so that you are not presented with a huge bill after the ride.

Skytrain Elevated Metro

The fastest ground transport in the city, the Skytrain elevated metro network, runs throughout Bangkok. It operates from 6:30 AM to 12:00 AM, with trains running every 3–6 minutes.

Inside, everything is great: there are air conditioners and comfortable seats. Each train can accommodate about 1,000 people.

Underground Metro

Bangkok has a convenient underground metro where you can ride with ease and escape the heat. The fare is low – from 16 to 44 baht. The price depends on the number of stations you have traveled.

River Transport

Finally, we saved the best for last – river taxis. This is an elegant way to avoid traffic jams and quickly reach your destination. It's also a great option to explore hidden corners of the city that cannot be reached by bus, taxi, or tuk-tuk. On average, a boat ride costs from 10 to 20 baht.

Places for leisure and work

Can't leave your work behind even when traveling? No worries, Bangkok has many places where you can happily tackle your tasks. Here are the most popular ones:

• baseCAMP

Address: 1032/1-5 Rama IV Khwaeng Thung Maha Mek, Krungthep Mahanakorn 10120 Krits Building 2nd floor
Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

• Launchpad

Address: 139, Sethiwan Tower 1st, Pan Road, Silom, Bangkok, 10500
Hours: 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM

• The ThirdPlace Club

Address: 137-137/1 Sukhumvit 63 (Thonglor 10) North-Klongton, Wattana, Bangkok
Hours: 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM

• HUBBA

Address: 19 Soi Ekkamai 4, Sukumvit 63 Rd. Prakanong Nua, Wattana Bangkok, Thailand 10110
Hours: 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM

• GLOWFISH

Address: Asoke Towers, Sukhumvit 21 (Soi Asoke), Bangkok
Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM

• The Hive Bangkok

Address: 46/9 Soi Sukhumvit 49, Klong Ton Nua Sub-District, Wattana District, Bangkok
Hours: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Main Attractions

Grand Royal Palace

A huge temple complex and the main attraction of Bangkok. Inside are buildings that boast unusual architecture. Among them is a special one – the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which houses a statue of the deity made of precious green mineral.

It's best to plan your visit to the Grand Palace in the morning – it closes at 3:30 PM. A ticket costs 500 baht and can be purchased in advance on the official website.

Note that there is a dress code at the Grand Palace: you cannot enter with uncovered arms and legs. Enterprising Thais sell cotton trousers and scarves near the temple ticket offices. You can also rent items there.

Wat Pho

The Temple of the Reclining Buddha, located very close to the Grand Palace. Inside is a 46-meter-long Buddha statue. According to legend, Thai massage originated in this very place. By the way, you can try this exotic procedure right on the temple grounds.

A ticket to the temple will cost you about 200 baht. Along with the ticket, you will be given a bottle of water, which will be very useful under the scorching Bangkok sun.

Wat Arun

Be sure to visit the Temple of Dawn – a Buddhist sacred site across the river from the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. Ferries go directly to it. A ferry ticket will cost you approximately 10 baht, and a temple ticket approximately 100 baht.

By the way, this is where you'll get super cool photos: the buildings and statues create a very colorful atmosphere.

Khao San Road

The most famous street in Bangkok, where it's impossible to get bored: there are tons of nightlife venues, street food, inexpensive hotels, and other tourist attractions. And you'll be constantly surprised here, for example, by crocodile meat on a spit or fried cockroaches.

If you want to party, come to Khao San Road around 10 PM.

Baiyoke Sky Skyscraper

The tallest building in Bangkok with a magnificent open observation deck at the top. First, you can visit the buffet restaurant on the highest floor of the skyscraper, and then go up and admire the sunset. Just be careful: some people are breathless from the height.

Chatuchak Market and Park

Here you can experience all the uniqueness of Thailand. The weekend market next to Chatuchak Park is one of the largest in Asia. You can buy absolutely everything here: clothes, food, handicrafts, cosmetics. And don't forget to bargain, they love it here.

Lumpini Park

Here you can relax from the city and catch your breath. Lumpini Park is the largest in Bangkok. It was named after the birthplace of Buddha. Here you can take a boat ride, see sculptures. And if you're tired, there's an option to swim in the park's pool.

Bang Rak District

Dear urbanists, gather 'round! You can endlessly enjoy this district: it has cool hotels, sky bars, restaurants, and boutiques. This area is called the Venice of the East, and essentially it represents the pearl of modern Bangkok. It's perfect if you want to discover the city from a different perspective.

Ancient Siam

A magnificent miniature park where you can see small copies of the most famous Thai buildings. The park is divided into five locations – be sure to visit them all. Here you will feel like a real Gulliver. Don't forget to take cool photos.

Siam Ocean World

The aquarium in Siam Paragon shopping center is one of the largest in Asia. Here you can dive into the magical world of the deep and see rare fish, rays, and starfish. Also, reptiles, birds, penguins, and rodents live here – making it feel like a full-fledged zoo.

Rama IX Park

One of the most beautiful places in Bangkok. This park has an incredible number of picturesque recreational areas. There are catamarans, an artificial lake, gardens, and even an exquisite restaurant. Another good place for a romantic date with your significant other.

National Museum of Bangkok

Bangkok gathers all the coolest things in Asia. Its national museum also boasts one of the richest collections. The main part of the exhibition consists of artifacts and works of art gifted to Rama IV. You can also see musical instruments, clothing, masks, household items, and much more here. By the way, on Wednesdays and Thursdays, free English-language tours are held here, where you will be told all the most interesting facts about the exhibits.

Safari

Here you can see a variety of animals in their natural habitat. For example, giraffes, rhinos, and zebras graze near the water bodies. There are spacious pastures for cattle. There are also predators, which are kept separately. And you can admire all this beauty for a whole day – that's how long it will take to walk around the park.

Chinatown

This interesting district was once considered one of the poorest and dirtiest, but now it has been transformed into a magnificent tourist destination with skyscrapers, luxury restaurants, shops, and cinemas. Indulge yourself in local eateries, try exotic fruits, and buy souvenirs.

Dragon Temple

This. Is. Simply. Wow. This temple will surely take your breath away. The complex is a huge pink tower entwined by an equally huge green dragon. Only ten floors of the building are open to tourists; everything else is for clergy. But this will be enough to touch the beautiful. By the way, there's a legend that if you touch the tip of the dragon's tail, happiness and good luck await you. Go for it!

Bangkok is a wonderful place that you definitely need to visit at least once in your life. But the beauties of Thailand don't end there. If you decide to continue exploring this amazing country – head to Phuket. To make sure you don't get lost, we've written a detailed guide about Phuket attractions.

We wish you a great trip to Bangkok!