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At Least 6 Reasons To Visit Bangkok in 2024

Bangkok, the vibrant capital city of Thailand, is a mesmerizing destination that seamlessly blends ancient traditions with modernity. Offering a unique combination of bustling markets, ornate temples, delectable street food, and a thriving nightlife scene, this cosmopolitan metropolis has something to captivate every traveller. Whether you are an adventure-seeker, history enthusiast, or simply in search of an unforgettable cultural experience, Bangkok promises to exceed all expectations. Delve into our reasons to visit Bangkok and why this destination should be on everyone’s bucket list.

There are at least 6 reasons to visit Bangkok City, it is not only the food, and the people, but the temples, canals,  architecture and shopping, and the buzz of an incredibly busy and frenetic city. Have you visited?

Bangkok is a great city for a stopover en route to Europe.  We have visited so many times we have lost count.

We have given you some options for a 12-hour stopover in Bangkok plus further options on what to do if you have more time in Bangkok and especially more time in Thailand for your next holiday. There are some excellent day trips from Bangkok if you can plan to visit the capital for at least 4 days.

Are you looking to travel more in Thailand? There are so many Thailand Islands to visit you will need to allow a couple of weeks to enjoy all they have to offer.

We visit Bangkok regularly and stay in different hotels each time. There are so many hotel options in Bangkok.  Some of the best family hotels in Bangkok are so affordable for families that what you save on accommodation can be put toward some great family experiences.

We regularly update our article on where we stay in Bangkok and what we do each time we visit, so bookmark our article and return on a regular basis for our updates.

Whether you are a backpacker, flashpacker or like to travel in style Bangkok has so much to offer the visitor.

Top travel tip:

Scams are a fact of life when you travel these days, it happens everywhere, but if you are a first-timer to Bangkok it is better to be forewarned before you travel.

We also cover some of your frequently asked questions on safety, drinking water and transport options. Do you need any more reasons to visit Bangkok?

 

One of the questions we are asked regularly is ‘is it safe in Thailand for tourists‘?  Since 2013 we have spent over 8 months travelling in and around Thailand and we find it a destination that is safe for all ages.  As in any country, you just have to exercise caution and be sensible where you go especially late at night.  Scams do occur, especially around the Grand Palace.

You may enjoy reading: Things To Do in Chiang Mai

Another question we are asked is ‘can you drink the water in Thailand‘ – always drink bottled water.  What about ice in your drinks? We have had no issue with ice in our drinks, we understand that ice is made from purified water.

E-Sim Card For Thailand

  • Stay connected on your travels to Thailand
  • Choose the data plan and validity option that suits you
  • Activate your eSIM with an easy-to-use QR code
  • Purchase or top up your eSIM anywhere and anytime
  • Enjoy a high-speed zero-waste service as you travel

Would you like to take a Cooking Class in Bangkok?

Traditional Thai Cooking Class with Market or Herb Garden Tour

Silom Thai Cooking School is where Thai cooking and culture come together. The sounds, sights, smells and tastes found in the typical Thai market are emblematic of everyday life in Thailand and shape the contours of Thai cuisine.

To fully understand and appreciate Thai cuisine, Silom Thai Cooking School takes you on a guided market tour for you to observe how Thai people handle and buy various raw ingredients before preparing them in the kitchen. You will then be brought back to the school to practice traditional Thai cooking methods in a hands-on cooking class.

For the afternoon and evening sessions, you will join our Thai cooking class and tour of our Herb mini-garden—home to a variety of unique potted herbs used to create the distinctive taste of Thai cuisine.

Book your Thai Cooking Class here

 

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure for more information. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases (if applicable).

Do You Need A Visa For Thailand Click Here:

Time in Thailand

Thailand: GMT + 7

Transport Around Thailand

For transport details in and around Bangkok and Thailand, we use 12goAsia.

Powered by 12Go Asia system

Bangkok: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus with 24, 48 or 72-Hour Validity

One of the top things to do in Thailand is arriving in Bangkok, settling into your hotel, and then sightseeing Bangkok on the Hop on Hop off bus. It will help you in planning your visit and the places that you want to visit.  When we use the Hop on Hop off buses around the world we first do the complete journey taking notes of where we would like to visit and then start the journey again.

  • Experience the freedom of crafting your own itinerary with an unlimited hop-on hop-off bus pass
  • Hop aboard at any of the 16 stops to see Bangkok’s popular markets and temples
  • Select from bus passes valid for 24, 48 or 72 hours
  • Get unobstructed views of the city from open-air seats or shelter inside if you prefer
  • Benefit from a GPS audio guide offered in 7 languages with free earphones

 

Where is Thailand

Thailand is located in Asia and has borders with the countries of Myanmar, Malaysia, Cambodia and Laos. It is the 51st largest nation in the world.

The official language is Thai and the local currency is Thai Baht.

Map of Thailand in South East Asia

Reasons to visit Bangkok

 

Where is Bangkok

Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand and it is located in the Chao Phraya River delta in the central plains of the country.

Bangkok is a great stopover at any time especially when you travel from Australia to Europe.

A bustling vibrant city where the traffic is a nightmare, the heat intense, the noise deafening, but you can experience amazing temples, boat rides on the river, great food, and friendly people and it is unique like no other place on earth.  These are the reasons why we love Bangkok.  But what if you only have a short stopover, what could you do and see in 12 hours.

Our Many Reasons To Visit Bangkok

Our recommendations on things to do in Bangkok

Evening river cruise
Bangkok Evening River Cruise Pixabay image by Charlottees

1.  Chao Phraya River Cruise 

An evening cruise down the Chao Phraya River is one of the highlights of visiting Bangkok.

Book your river cruise here

 

We stayed at the Arize Hotel close to Phrom Phong BTS station. You can ride the BTS to Saphan Taksin (Central Pier) changing at Siam.  The BTS is a great way to travel around Bangkok, fast clean and efficient.

The Arize Hotel is located at 8/8 Sukhumvit 26 Road in Khlong Toei.  Since 2013 we have stayed there over 6 times and now classify it is as our home away from home.  The swimming pool is a welcome relief after a day of sightseeing and there are some great local restaurants close by.  The Arize Hotel is more like a boutique hotel. It has good wifi!

You can check availability here

 

 

Long tail boat
Long tail boat Bangkok Pixabay image by MustangJoe

 

2.  The Grand Palace (one of our favourite reasons to visit Bangkok, this is a must-do)

Grand Palace Bangkok
Grand Palace Bangkok Pixabay image by Predrag Kezic

At Central Pier, a few minutes walk from Saphan Taksin BTS,  you can travel via longtail boat for THB100 to the Grand Palace or THB25 by local ferry. The longtail boat will drop you at Tha Tien and then you walk about 15 minutes to the Grand Palace or you can get the local ferry and it drops you at Tha Chang which is located on the river by the Grand Palace.

The Grand Palace is #16 of the world’s most visited sites.  Bangkok is famous for the Grand Palace.  The Palace was built in 1782 and was the home of the King, the Royal Court and the administrative seat of government for 150 years. The complex houses the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, where it is believed that the small Buddha image is over 2,000 years old. Photos are not allowed inside the Temple. It is an awe-inspiring place well worth the visit.

A favourite tour is  Flexi Walking Tour visiting the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun with a local guide for between 2 – 4 hours.

Pre-book your Flexi Grand Palace Walking Tour here

 

Opening Hours: 0830 to 1530

Location: Na Phra Lan Road, Old City (Rattanakosin)

Entrance Fee: THB500 per person (USD$16.00)

NB. There is a strict dress code, no shorts or sleeveless t-shirts.  Complimentary trousers and tops are available, but there is a deposit of THB400 per item.

Travel Scam: On arrival at the pier you will be greeted by locals who will advise that the Grand Palace is closed for the day or part of that day.  They will offer you a local Tuk Tuk tour, ‘very cheap’ to see another Temple whilst you wait for the Palace to open. If you fall for this scam, you will see another temple but also a jewellery store, tailors etc with hard-sell salesmen who try their hardest and all their best tricks to help you part with your money.

 

3.  Visit Jim Thompson House & Museum

Jim Thompson House
Jim Thompson House

Jim Thompson was an American Architect who volunteered for the US Army and was sent to Asia. He fell in love with Bangkok and in particular the long-neglected cottage industry of the weaving of silk. On his property in Bangkok, he combined six traditional teak buildings some dating back 2 centuries and came from as far away as the old capital of Ayutthaya.

He opened his house to the public and the proceeds were donated to Thai charities.

On March 26 1967 Jim Thompson disappeared whilst on a visit to the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia.  There are many theories on how and why he disappeared but his body has never been found.

His silk empire continues to this day and his exquisite silk products can be found all over the world.

You can now book a tour of Jim Thompsons House.

  • Get to know the man behind the Thai silk industry
  • Breath in the history whilst walking around his traditional Thai house
  • Admire the pieces of art and antiques he collected
  • Explore the beautiful garden, a sanctuary of peace in the middle of Bangkok
  • Relax with return hotel transfers included

4.  Take a Tour to the Damnoen Saduk Floating Market and Maeklong Railway Market

Damnoen Saduk Floating Market
Damnoen Saduk Floating Market

Read our review here of how to visit the Damnoen Saduk Floating Market and Maeklong Railway Market on a day tour.

  • Experience the quieter way of life in Thailand away from the big cities
  • Arrive at the famous Damnoen Saduak floating market by paddleboat
  • Discover the vibrant atmosphere of the iconic Maeklong Railway Market
  • Buy and try authentic pad thai, rice noodle soup, or mango sticky rice
  • Enjoy lots of free time exploring both markets at your own pace

 

 

5.  Eat local food

Local food restaurants Bangkok
Our favourite restaurant and our favourite dish _ Pad Thai

Finish your day off with a local meal at our favourite restaurant.

At the start of  Sukhumvit 37 Alley, you will find our favourite local Thai restaurant.  Very reasonably priced Thai food and beer.  The name isVery Cheap Thai Food and it is a popular local restaurant for Thais, expats and travellers.

You can enjoy a local dish of Pad Thai for THB60 (USD$ 2.00) and a large bottle of Singha Beer for THB110  (USD$ 3.60).

If you love Thai cuisine we would recommend trying these 9 most popular Bangkok cuisines on your next visit.

 

Places to visit in Bangkok (when you have longer than 12 hours)

6.  Chatuchak Weekend Market

Fresh fruit stalls
Fresh fruit stalls

If you have longer than 12 hours and you are in Bangkok on the weekend why not visit the famous Chatuchak Weekend Market.  It is located at 587/10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900.  It is open from 6 am to 6 pm and can be reached on the BTS at Mo Chit station.

Take a tour to the market that includes:

  • Explore Bangkok’s crazy shopping scene and culture on a half-day market tour
  • Ride a long-tail boat to explore the Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market in Bangkok
  • Stroll through Chatuchak Weekend Market, one of the largest markets in Thailand
  • Make use of a local guide to navigate your way around Chatuchak’s maze of stalls
  • Enjoy the intimacy of a private or small group tour with a professional guide

7. Visit Chinatown

Wander through the streets of Chinatown packed with market stalls, gold shops, clothing shops and a variety of food stalls that will whet your appetite.  Head down at sunset and soak up the atmosphere of local food frying in the streets that will assault your senses.

Chinatown 4 hour Guided Tour

  • Sample the unique Chinese food of the region
  • Experience the hustle and bustle of the largest Chinatown in the world
  • Explore temples, churches and food stalls galore
  •   

 

8. Visit Bangkok’s Most Instagrammable Spots and a Half-Day Temple Tour

Pre-book your tour here

9. Are you an ice cream lover?

Bangkok is a hot city and one of the best ways to cool down is to enjoy some of the best ice creams in Bangkok.

These are some of our reasons to visit Bangkok, what will be yours?

More Reasons to Visit Bangkok:

 

Best Places to Visit in Thailand

One of the best places to visit in Thailand and one of our favourite places is Chiang Mai known as the Northern capital of Thailand.

Tripadvisor has nominated the top 10 best places to visit in Thailand:

  1.  Phuket
  2. Ko Samui
  3. Bangkok
  4. Chiang Mai
  5. Krabi Town
  6. Pattaya
  7. Khao Lak
  8. Hua Hin
  9. Koh Tao
  10. Ko Lanta

 

Where to Stay in Bangkok

Read our latest article on Where To Stay in Bangkok (we have added more properties, bookmark for more updates as we use Bangkok as a hub on the way to Europe).

Here are some of our places to stay in Bangkok ranging from 5 star to 2 star.

For 5-star luxury and one of the best locations in Bangkok, our favourite hotel is the Pullman Bangkok King Power.

Reasons to visit Bangkok

Our favourite 4-star hotel that is suitable for families, couples and solo travellers – the Arize Hotel at 8/8 Sukhumvit 26 Road, Khlong Toei is a small boutique hotel, well located near the local BTS and local restaurants.  They have a swimming pool, gym and good wifi.

Reasons to visit Bangkok

Another 4-star favourite hotel that is suitable for all travellers who wish to stay in the heart of Sukhumvit – The Amora Neoluxe Hotel at Soi Sukhumvit 31, Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110.

Amora Neoluxe Hotel Bangkok

For a funky 2-star hostel stay in Bangkok close to Sukhumvit we have stayed at the Sleepbox 22 Sukhumvit.  Sleepbox is funky containers created into a hostel in a quiet back street just off Sukhumvit 22.  Very clean and comfortable with a basic breakfast included. We find that the WiFi is weak in the hotel especially in the bedrooms and you need to move to the common room on the 2nd floor. Address: 404 Soi Sainamthip 3, Sukhumvit 22, Klongtoey, Khlong Toei, 10110 Bangkok,

Sleepbox 22 Sukhumvit

For budget accommodation, a bit further away from Sukhumvit is Baan Mek Mok, a basic studio apartment but clean and comfortable. Address: 306 Soi Sukhumvit 64, Bang Chak, Phra Khanong, Bangkok 10260

Read more: Our Review of the Mercure Bangkok Sukhumvit 24 Hotel

Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit Luxury 5-Star Hotel Review

Getting Into Bangkok

Which airport is closest to Bangkok City? Don Mueang is the closest being 23km away.  It is the airport for budget carriers.

Suvarnabhumi Airport is 39km away.

For the latest flight deals from all over the world, we use Skyscanner click here for more information.

For Suvarnabhumi Airport Bangkok: SharedTransfers click here.

For a luxury private Suvarnabhumi Airport transfer:

For Don Mueang Airport: Shared Transfers click here

Vegan/Vegetarian Restaurants in Bangkok
Are you a vegan or vegetarian? We have a great list of the best vegetarian restaurants in Bangkok.

Reasons to visit Bangkok

Reasons to visit Bangkok

Further Reading: 

Heading to Koh Samui next? Consider staying at the Nora Beach Resort & Spa

If you have any questions on our article on reasons why to visit Bangkok or you would like some advice we would love to hear from you. You can reach us via our Facebook page or email us here.

Travel Insurance

The best time to take out travel insurance is when you start to pay for flights, accommodation, cruises or tours.  You are covered from that date in case of cancellation due to health reasons.  Always read the policy guidelines carefully.

 

If you need new luggage for your trip to Thailand or the latest guide books or even our new favourite packing item – packing cubes you can check out these products and more at our To Travel Too Shop

Travel Shop

Conclusion

In conclusion, Bangkok offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity that is unmatched by any other city in the world. From its stunning temples and vibrant street markets to its bustling nightlife and mouthwatering cuisine, there is something for everyone in this captivating city. Whether you are seeking adventure, relaxation, or simply an opportunity to immerse yourself in a rich and diverse culture, Bangkok will not disappoint. With its warm hospitality, enchanting sights, and endless activities, it’s no wonder why millions of visitors flock to this incredible destination each year. So pack your bags and get ready to experience the magic of Bangkok – a city that truly has it all.

Why not take our article with you around Bangkok and visit the sites we have mentioned:

GPS

 

totraveltoo

Thanks for stopping by and welcome to To Travel Too – Australia’s top Baby Boomer lifestyle and travel blog, with an international worldwide audience in mind, run by the married couple, freelance writers and full-time travellers Jane and Duncan Dempster-Smith. Come with us as we explore the world. Our two mantras that we live by are 'chase time not money' and 'age is no barrier when it comes to travel'.

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