THE ULTIMATE BANGKOK GUIDE 2019

March 30, 2019 By Richard

by Mia N. February 17, 2019

Discover Thailand with Thailand Discovery

Bangkok Guide. Thailand Tourist Places

The Ultimate Bangkok Guide For First-Time Travelers In 2019

All you need to know for your first time traveling to the Golden Kingdom!

BANGKOK GUIDE QUICK NAVIGATION

1. Bangkok

Region: central Thailand (captial).
Population: 8 million.
Time Zone: UTC+7.
Climate: tropical.
Seasons: hot, rainy, and cool.
Extension trip recommedation: Pattaya and Huahin are perfect for visiting with Bangkok.

2. Bangkok Guide Best time to visit Bangkok

The weather in Bangkok is divided into three main seasons: hot, rainy and cool season, however, the seasons’ barriers are not very clear.
It’s possible for you to travel to Bangkok at any time of the year, but remember to consider the features of the seasons you want to visit. The hot season is more suitable for solo travelers who have good physical health and who prefer indoor activities. The rainy season is for people who love a quieter Bangkok, with plenty of Buddhism festivities. And for family holidays or those who love being outdoors most of the time, the cool season is perfect.

Learn more about the characteristics and featured festivities of each season to plan a perfect time for your Bangkok trip.

3. Get to the center of Bangkok from airports

The distance between Bangkok and Bangkok from Don Muang is 24km and this number is 32km from Suvarnabhumi airport. There are a lot of available transportations that bring you to the city of Bangkok including bus, taxi, MRT, BTS, and Airport Rail Link.

Taxi in Bangkok virtually work 24 hours a day but you should only get on a taxi with meter on. The best way is to line up to be assigned to a taxi at the airport.
Train: there are a great number of trains operating from 3:14 am to 10:15 pm almost every day. If you’d like to enjoy the nature outside, going by train is a great choice.
Bus in Bangkok operates from 5:00 am and the fare is pretty cheap.
BTS (Skytrain) is the most common, quick and convenient transportation in Bangkok, fare is at least from 30 bath.
Airport Rail Link: The first departure starts at 6:00 am and the last one starts at midnight, there is a train in every 15 mins.

For more information on routes and price of each mean of transport, refer to our article: How to get to Bangkok city from Don Muang and Suvarnabhumi airports.

4. Bangkok Guide. Where to stay in Bangkok

Most common areas for tourists coming to Thailand are Silom, Siam, Sukhumvit, Chinatown, Khaosan, riverside…

Silom: one of the city’s most important financial districts as there are many banks, financial institutions, and office buildings. As the night arrives, Silom takes off its suit and transforms into a bustling shopping center and lively playground.
Sukhumvit: the longest road in Thailand, which is 18 km long. We hardly can find a traditional tourists attraction here, but Sukhumvit is rich in eating, shopping, and nightlife => where to stay in Sukhumvit.
Siam area: known as one of the most modern and lively areas in Bangkok and the best area to stay in Bangkok for shopping, you will feel as if you’ve arrived at the true paradise of shopping => where to stay in Siam.
Chinatown: this area is famous for various kinds of food, especially Chinese food or Asian food, there are so many markets, street-side restaurants, and Chinese temples.
Old City or Khaosan: the heart of the most magnificent and honorable historical attractions in Bangkok such as The Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, and Wat Pho. This area expresses the Thai lifestyle, Thai soul and more traditional things of the locals.

Check out for the pros and cons of each area to find out which area suits you best.
Here are some cool hotels in the the center of Bangkok in case you want something new.

5. Bangkok Guide. Attractions

#1: Temples

Wat Benchamabophit
Wat Phra Kaew
Wat Arun

There are about 400 magnificent religious temples in Bangkok and it would be a regret if you visit the capital of Thailand without visiting some of them. Below is our list of top 7 temples that you shouldn’t miss:

Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of Emerald Buddha)
Wat Arun
Wat Pho (the Temple of Reclining Buddha)
Wat Traimit (Temple of Golden Buddha)
Wat Saket (Temple of the Golden Mount)
Wat Benchamabophit (The Marble Temple in Bangkok)
Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit

Find out what is interesting about these temples and the typical dress code when you visit them.

#2: Tourist places

Icon Siam (a must)
Siam Paragon
Asiatique River Front
Grand Palace
Safari World
Ancient city
MBK
Chatuchak Market
Damnoen Saduak
Central World
Pantip Plaza
Platinum Fashion Mall
….

6. Bangkok Guide. Shopping

#1: Shopping malls & common markets

Bangkok is a real paradise for shopping. Here are our top 11 places to buy things in this city. The first 5 malls are modern and high-quality ones with quite expensive costs. However, if your budget is a bit tight, the latter 6 markets may be better choices for you to have a fulfill shopping experience at reasonable prices.

Central World
Siam Paragon
MBK
Pantip Plaza
Terminal 21 Bangkok
Chatuchak Market
Victory Monument Market
Asiatique
Klongsan Market
Pak Klong Talat Flower Market
Platinum Fashion Mall

See more what these malls and markets offer and tips when visiting them.

#2: Floating markets

Floating market is another unique thing of Thailand, but it’s hard to find one within the city center. However, stepping outside the city, you will be able to enjoy a totally new shopping experience: sitting on a guided boat tour around a beautiful floating market. It’s definitely a peaceful and once-in-a-life-time experience!
Below are some famous floating markets in Bangkok:

Damnoen Saduak
Amphawa
Talin Chan
Khlong Lat Mayom
Bang Nam Pheung
Bang Khu Wiang
Tha Kha

Most of them open only at the weekend and some open on weekdays as well, make sure to read our review on these famous floating markets before jumping to the final decision.

7.Bangkok Guide. Night life

#1: Night markets

Besides shopping in modern shopping centers, you might want to experience a unique specialty of Thailand culture: night markets, whose atmosphere is nothing different from the atmosphere in big festivals with millions of things to buy, plenty of dishes to eat and enjoy live music.
Here are our suggested night bazaars:

Asiatique
Khaosan
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Rod Fai 1
Rod Fai 2
Talad Neon
Patong
Rot Boran
Wang Lang

Each one has its own attactions and focus on selling different things. Check our review on these night markets for more information.

#2: Rooftop bars and restaurants for night view

If you are looking for ways to eleveate your trip with some cool experiences, these selected cool rooftop bars and restaurants are perfect choices. Imagine yourself holding a glass of cocktail or having a delicious meal while admiring the beautiful sunset and Bangkok skyline!

Red Sky Rooftop Bar
Octave Rooftop Lounge and Bar
Moon Bar & Vertigo
Above Eleven
Cloud9 Casual Rooftop Bar
Scarlett Restaurant & Wine Bar
Baiyoke Sky Rooftop Bar

Every place will surely bring you top-notch experiences, ranging from the 360-degree view of Bangkok to the revolving observation deck at the highest building in the city! Read our cool rooftop bars and restaurants in Bangkok to find out more.

8. Bangkok Guide. Eating

I am glad you make it here as this is a very important part: eating, a must when you visit Bangkok ^^ Here are 10 must-try food in Bangkok that your trip would not be completed without:

Mango Sticky Rice
Pad Thai Prawn
Som Tum (Papaya Salad)
Tom Yum Soup
Gaeng Keow Wan Kai (Green Chicken Curry)
Kuay Teow Reua (Boat Noodles)
Satay
Yam Mamuang (Green Mango Salad)
Khao Mok Gai (Thai Chicken Biryani)

Here is why we pick these dishes and where to find them.
Want for more? Check out these food places in Bangkok where you can find plenty of delicious things to enjoy.

In short, you can’t just visit and experience the whole beauty of Bangkok in just several days. However, hope you can choose places that most suits your time and preference in order to enjoy this city at the fullest with this article.

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