The City of Angels
Bangkok is a city of contradictions — and that's precisely what makes it intoxicating. Ornate temples sit in the shadow of glass towers. Street vendors selling ฿40 pad thai operate steps from Michelin-starred restaurants. Tuk-tuks weave between luxury sedans on roads built over ancient canals.
With over 22 million visitors a year, Bangkok consistently ranks among the world's most visited cities. Yet it manages to keep countless secrets — hidden rooftop bars, quiet canal communities, and temple courtyards that feel untouched by time. This guide helps you find them.
Must-See Highlights
Bangkok's headline attractions are legendary for a reason. Start here, then go deeper.
Market
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Neighborhoods
Bangkok is a city of villages. Each neighborhood has its own rhythm, personality, and reason to visit.
Sukhumvit
สุขุมวิท
Bangkok's international artery — Japanese izakayas, rooftop cocktail bars, upscale malls, and the city's best nightlife stretching from Nana to Ekkamai.
Nightlife
Dining
Shopping
Rattanakosin
รัตนโกสินทร์
The historic heart — home to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun. Walking these streets is walking through the founding story of modern Bangkok.
Temples
History
Culture
Silom & Sathorn
สีลม / สาทร
Bangkok's financial district by day transforms into a vibrant nightlife district after dark. Home to the famous Patpong night market and stunning rooftop bars.
Business
Rooftop Bars
Street Food
Yaowarat
เยาวราช
Bangkok's Chinatown — a sensory overload of gold shops, neon signs, and the city's absolute best street food scene once the sun goes down.
Street Food
Night Market
Culture
What to Eat
Bangkok is one of the greatest food cities on Earth. These are the dishes you absolutely cannot miss.
Pad Thai
ผัดไทย
The iconic stir-fried noodles. Best from a street cart — look for the ones with a queue.
Som Tam
ส้มตำ
Green papaya salad with lime, chili, and fish sauce — the backbone of Thai flavor.
Tom Yum Goong
ต้มยำกุ้ง
Hot and sour shrimp soup — Thailand's most famous dish, and Bangkok does it best.
Where to Stay
Bangkok offers extraordinary value at every price point. Here are our top picks across three tiers.
Luxury
Mandarin Oriental
Riverside · Charoen Krung
Bangkok's most storied hotel, set on the banks of the Chao Phraya since 1876. Impeccable service, legendary afternoon tea, and a spa that's worth the trip alone.
Mid-Range
Riva Surya Bangkok
Riverside · Phra Nakhon
Boutique riverside charm with a rooftop pool overlooking the river. Walkable to the Grand Palace and Khaosan Road — perfect positioning.
Budget
NapPark Hostel
Khaosan · Banglamphu
Award-winning hostel with design-forward pods, a social rooftop, and the kind of atmosphere that turns solo travelers into lifelong friends.
* Hotel links may earn ThaiDestinations a commission at no extra cost to you.
