Bangkok. If you’ve ever heard anyone talk about it, they either love it, or they hate it. It’s big, it’s loud, it’s crazy. If this is your first time, go with an open mind. Because if you dig deep, it’s beautiful, wonderful and can be quite magical. This capital city has so much to offer, whether you’re a temple freak like us, looking for some shopping, great eats, or just to explore the city.
We only had a few days to explore the ‘Venice of the East’. From your first time here, you’ll quickly see how it’s like its Italian counterpart. We still managed to pack in some great sights.
If you really want to see all the musts, we would suggest staying in Bangkok for a good 4-5 days but get ready to go, go, go. If you’re flying from overseas, one of those days will be used to get over your jetlag, anyway!
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Table of Contents
Getting around Bangkok
Bangkok is a pretty big city, but it has a well-run public transport system. Your options are endless, so be ready to ride the subway, the sky train, taxis, and tuk-tuks. If you love boats as we do, you won’t be disappointed either. See, we told you it’s like Venice!
When to visit Bangkok for the first time
There are three major seasons to keep in mind when visiting Bangkok. As always, they highly depend on the weather and the major holidays.
From November through March, you have the high season. Although Bangkok is busy and hot year-round, there are a few differences when it comes to weather and crowds. Late fall and winter bring somewhat cooler and drier weather… though it’s still pretty hot. During this time, crowds flock to the capital city, especially around Christmas and New Year’s, making getting around and exploring harder. With the crowds, you can expect prices to spike and accommodations to fill up quickly. If you’re coming here at this time, be sure to book your rooms ahead of time.
Things calm down a little between April and June, then during September and October. This is Bangkok’s shoulder season. At this point, the crowds die down a little but the weather from April through June is the hottest. Accommodations with A/C become a must!
September and October are slightly cooler, but wetter. Expect smaller crowds, and cheaper prices when it comes to room rates and airfare. But they still won’t be as low as the low season!
Monsoon season is the low season in Bangkok and Thailand. It’s basically from July to August. Expect frequent but usually short showers of intense rain. If you don’t mind the rain (which rarely takes up the whole day), it’s the perfect time to visit. You can get the best deals on hotels and excursion trips. And luckily, in a city like Bangkok, there’s a ton of things to do indoors when it rains.
Must see temples in Bangkok
Did we mention we’re temple freaks, yet!? If you’re like us, then Bangkok will not disappoint! Our first time there, we were left in awe! If there are over 30,000 temples in Thailand, so you can only imagine how many of them are in the capital. Even if some may be small and tucked away in alleys or so, there are plenty of big ones that will surely impress anyone. Here are the most impressive ones we found. And make sure you check out our full article about the best temples in Bangkok.
First-time visitor pro tip: To avoid the large tour groups, visit the temples either at the opening, or close to closing time. We preferred the latter as the light is better for photography, it’s a “little cooler”. And you can catch a pretty wicked sunset.
Wat Arun
Also known as the Temple of the Dawn, Wat Arun was a very impressive sight to be seen. It’s unlike so many of the temples that we’ve experienced in Asia. It stands out thanks to its many white Buddha carvings, exquisitely painted in beautiful pastels. It has the iconic stupa, pyramidal shape that we have come to see everywhere in Northern Thailand.
As you’re coming up the Chao Phraya river, Wat Arun will catch your eye from miles away. We really loved this place, it has a certain je ne sais quoi about it!
First-time visitor pro tip: If you head there near dusk, you’ll be able to catch a great sunset right behind it. Also, be sure to check the different parts of the temple, not just the main stupa.
Opening hours: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Ticket prices: 100 Baht (roughly $3USD)
Getting here: The best and easiest way to get to Wat Arun is to grab one of the water taxis going down the Chao Phraya river. The boat stops at the pier directly in front of the temple.
The Grand Palace
Bangkok’s must-see attraction, whether it’s your first time here or not, is the Grand Palace. We spoke to a man who has been to Bangkok over 20 times, and he still says this is his favorite sight of all!
The Grand Palace was built in the 18th century, and for 150 years, it was the home of the King of Thailand. Today, it’s the spiritual heart of Bangkok.
Opening hours: 8:30AM – 3:30PM
Ticket prices: 500 baht ($16USD)
Getting here: From Wat Arun, you can jump onto the ferry that crosses the Chao Phraya river. One stop away, this short boat ride will only cost you 9 baht per person.
Wat Pho
Wat Pho boasts the largest reclining Buddha at 46 meters-long and it measures 15 meters in height. That’s quite impressive if you ask us!
At its conception, it was the first center for public education in Thailand. To this day, it is still the home of a school of Thai medicine, as well as a training center for Thai massage. Today, you can still enjoy this ancient practice at a very reasonable price. It’s one of the largest and oldest wats (Thai Buddhist temples) in Bangkok. The perfect place to visit for first-time visitors or seasoned veterans of Bangkok!
Apart from the large reclining Buddha, Wat Pho is also home to over 90 stupas (a mound-like structure that holds relics or remains of Buddhist monks). Wat Pho still serves as a place of meditation. The stupas vary in size and colors, but they’re all magnificent to gaze upon.
Opening hours: 8AM – 5PM
Ticket prices: 100 Baht (roughly $3USD)
Getting here: From the Grand Palace, walking to Wat Pho will take you less than 10 minutes.
Wat Saket
Also known as the Temple of the Golden Mount, this Bangkok landmark is unique in its own way. Located on the top of an 80-meter “mountain”, Wat Saket was once the highest point in all of Bangkok. Today, this golden temple is still a great place to visit to get a 360-degree view of Bangkok. A must for first-time visitors.
On the way to the top, up 300 steps, there are many resting areas that are decorated with a multitude of bells and gongs. We visited Wat Saket during Songkran, many locals were visiting it as a part of the traditional merit making practices that are performed during this holiday.
There’s a little shop in the wat that sells all sorts of refreshments. So, on a hot day, which is often in Bangkok, treat yourself to cold ice cream once you reach the top!
Opening hours:9AM – 7PM
Ticket prices: 50 baht ($1.50USD)
Getting here: From Wat Pho, Wat Saket is a 30-minute walk, if you are up for it. Otherwise, you can jump on bus 2, though somehow, this takes more time than walking. If you don’t mind paying a little more, you could also always jump into a taxi or tuk-tuk.
Getting around on the rivers in Bangkok
As we cruised down the Chao Phraya river, Bangkok’s main naval artery, we thought how it reminded us very much of Venice. Not two minutes later, in a newly developing area on the river, was the bold statement, Bangkok: the Venice of the East!
One thing that we love about many cities (Venice, Bangkok, and Brisbane, to name a few we have recently visited) is when you can get around by ferry. This is certainly the case in Bangkok and it was such a nice surprise.
Although the waterways are quite polluted, they are also the living centers of the city. As we rode down one of the smaller rivers, we could see Thai families sitting on the edge of the river, preparing meals, eating together, or washing their dishes or clothes. These boat rides are a great way to see how everyday life takes place in Bangkok.
For first-time visitors and those who have been to Bangkok more than a few times, taking a ferry around is the best way to see the city, take in the sights, and see how locals live.
From water taxis to longboats, to river cruises, Bangkok has you covered, if sailing down the river is your thing, whether for transportation or for leisure. It is the main mode of transportation for the locals of Bangkok and is quite affordable.
Check out this great reference if you plan on making your way anywhere via the river.
Opening hours:6AM – 7:30PM
Ticket prices: 10-15 baht ($0.50USD)
Bangkok’s markets for first-time visitors
If markets are your thing, then Bangkok is your city. It has so many different markets, that you won’t know what to do with yourself. Our tip is to focus on what you want to see most. Make sure you check out our article on the best markets to visit in Bangkok.
First-time visitor pro tip: Like most anywhere in Thailand, bargain, bargain, bargain! BUT, please be fair!
The first price you are given by any vendor at the market will always be more than what the item is worth. Just be respectful in your negotiations, if someone tries to sell you a watch for $100USD, don’t be insulting and offer him $30… Yes, they’re trying to get as much as they can from tourists, and you can and should try to get a lower price, but they are most likely living a tougher situation than you. So don’t argue over a few dollars, just for the thrill of getting a good deal. Trying to rob them is not the answer. The best bargains leave both parties happy with the price they agreed on.
Patpong Night Market
If you’re on the lookout for some souvenirs, clothes, watches, or jewelry, the Patpong market is the place for you. This market has anything you need, shopping wise.
People often associate shopping in Asia with fake Chanel bags and knock-off Rolexes. While you can and will certainly be able to find those here, they do have some rather nice and quality local products as well. As an eco-friendly reminder, please opt to purchase the latter, as it will help support the community more than
Opening hours: 5 pm – 1 am
Bangkok’s floating markets
These markets are so unique to see! But they’re musts while in town, even if they’re far away from the center of Bangkok. None-the-less, here are the go-to floating markets. If it’s your first time in Bangkok, check at least one out!
- Damnoen Saduak Floating Market – Thailand’s best known and most touristy floating market. They mainly sell food and fruits. Just know it’s far (100 km outside Bangkok) and swarming with tourists, so it doesn’t feel “real” anymore. Make sure you get there early to enjoy the experience!
- Amphawa Floating Market – The second most famous market, and another touristic one. This one is slightly closer at 90km out of the city. Cute, fun and lined with little wooden houses, you can find anything from souvenirs to snacks and sweets. Like the last market, make sure you get there early and leave around noon before the other tourists show up.
- Talin Chan Floating Market – At 12km from the city center, this is the most accessible market. It’s much smaller, but still has everything you’re looking for in a floating market. It’s also attached to a local market, so you can keep exploring when you’re done here.
- Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market – Much smaller than the other markets, and mainly for locals, this is as authentic as they get. Although the main market itself is on solid ground, with only a few boats, here’s your chance to sample all kinds of fun sweets and fruits. It’s located just near Taling Chan Floating Market, so you can explore both in the same morning.
- Bang Nam Pheung Floating Market – The smallest of them all (with only a handful of boats), this market is situated near the city, in an area called “The Lung of Bangkok”. Even if it’s close, it’s still a bit of a trek to get to. It’s surrounded by trees and a mangrove which offer you some shade.
For more information on these markets, check out this great guide.
Pak Khlong Talat Flower Market
Ah, the flower market. This is where to go if you are looking for some beautiful flowers or just see hustle and bustle of local Thai businesses. It’s the biggest flower market in Bangkok and the cheapest place to find them. You can get anything you are looking for, from roses and orchids to lilies and classic forget-me-nots, and here you will find the best prices. Walk through this wonderful garden market and take in the smells and the sights, you won’t regret it.
Opening hours: Amazingly, this place is open 24 hours, but the best time to visit is just pre-dawn when the vendors receive their flower deliveries. We won’t hold it against you if you decide to sleep in though, we sure did! We ended up going the day before Songkran, and it was still buzzing, well after 5 pm.
Getting here: The flower market is right near Wat Pho, so if you are not already in the area taking in some epic temples, just jump on the ferry on the Chao Phraya river and get off at the Yodpiman stop.
Where to stay in Bangkok
When it comes to accommodations in Bangkok, there are plenty of offers, from budget-friendly to high-end.
A lovely stay at Cloud on Saladaeng
We’re so happy to stay at Cloud on Saladaeng, especially since we were there for Songkran. Close enough to the action on Silom road and Lumpini Park, but nestled away on a little street, so the party was never a bother – this was the perfect place! The helpful and friendly staff always made sure we knew what was going on, so we didn’t miss a beat.
This beautifully designed hostel opened 3 months before we visited. Inspired by the Chinese family who used to live there, they have kept some of the charms of the old building, like the gate at the entrance and the dragon columns. You can really see the attention to detail that went into the design of this space.
From the communal kitchen where breakfast was served every morning, to the living room where people would play on the game console, to the tables and mats set up in the hallways. Everything to get people socializing with each other.
Ready to host travelers with a range of budgets, they have dorm rooms, private rooms with shared bathrooms and deluxe rooms with an ensuite. The rooms may not be big, but they are perfectly-sized and well-thought out for the number of people they hold.
We had a private room and it was cozy enough for us with plenty of room for our 2 backpacks and all our gear. And don’t get us started on the bed! After spending countless nights on mattresses as hard as rocks, this bed was literally like sleeping on a cloud!
We loved this hostel so much. More hostels should actually follow some of the basic things Cloud on Saladaeng does to go above and beyond. Little things that add up to make a huge difference. From the free snacks available all the time, along with free drinking water (don’t forget your reusable water bottle) and coffee, the kitchen, and fridge that were open to our use, the showers that were equipped with shampoo and body wash, no detail was left unnoticed. Especially since most of these little things were good for the environment, we were hooked.
We could not recommend Cloud on Saladaeng any more! During Songkran or not, it’s well-situated, cozy, friendly and overall awesome! Like being on cloud 9 for a few days in the hustle and bustle of the Kingdom’s capital.
Where to eat in Bangkok
Breakfast: The Good One hostel. We went to this lovely hostel for breakfast each morning we weren’t at Cloud. And couldn’t have been happier. The coffee was great, the food delicious, and best of all, for budget travelers like us, the price was right.
Lunch: Yai Yaa Kitchen. Our first afternoon in Bangkok was spent walking around and exploring, so once we built up a hunger, we stopped at this cozy little lunch spot on Silom Road. They had plenty of vegetarian options, which is key for us, and again, the prices were very reasonable.
Supper: Taling Pling. We were treated for supper when we visited some friends from Montreal who were just starting their honeymoon. Nothing beats a big potluck style supper, and that’s what we had here. The variety was great. Again, there were quite a few vegetarian options, and everything left our mouths watering. While a tad more on the expensive side, if you’re looking to treat yourself for an evening, Taling Pling won’t disappoint!
Quick eats: Holy Cheese! I mean, holy! When we travel to different countries, we love eating and discovering their local cuisine, but sometimes you miss some good old comfort food from back home. This eatery was just that. Nestled on the 4th floor of a mall near Lumphini park, the decadent use of cheese in the pulled pork sandwich that Derek had, mixed with the cheesy fries that we shared, was just the comfort we were looking for!
Street food/markets: Around any corner, you turn. They’re everywhere, and they’re delicious. We found so many great vegetarian options, like fried tofu, spring rolls and much more.
How to be eco-friendly in Bangkok
As always, we want to be sure everyone travels in the most eco-friendly way possible! That’s why we want to share these few little tips with you to make your stay in Bangkok as eco-friendly and sustainable as possible.
- Bring reusable water bottles and coffee mug: Tap water in Bangkok and Thailand is not safe to drink. So make sure you bring a reusable water bottle that you can fill up (we always have our Lifestraw Go with us!) The Lifestraw helps filter water, making it safe to drink. You should have seen the faces of locals every time we asked them to fill our bottle! They are shocked when we explain how our bottle makes the water safe to drink!
- Eat as local and vegan as you can: This is the easiest way to reduce your environmental footprint. Eat as much local produce and food as possible, and especially, eat all the vegan options you can! It’s a delicious and easy way to reduce your carbon footprint. And don’t worry, there is no shortage of vegan or vegetarian options to eat in Bangkok!
- Bring your own bags and refuse plastic bags: Like most places, they still offer plastic bags in grocery stores, at the local markets, and at various shops. So bring your own bag and do your little step to save our beautiful planet!
- Walk around: We walked all around Bangkok and had a great time getting lost in its streets. It helped that our hotel was so centrally located to so many of the main attractions in Bangkok.
- Use public transportation to get around Bangkok: The subways, water taxis and busses in Bangkok were quite easy to use and they cover such a vast area. It’s very easy and cheap to get around the city using public transportation. So make sure you use as much public transportation as you can!
We had such an amazing time in Bangkok, we hope this guide will help you make the best of your first time here. Let us know in the comments what you’re most excited to do in Bangkok.
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Great stuff guys! Venice of the East… hmmmm. We have been to the real Venice of the East – Udaipur, India!
Thanks! Well we haven’t been to Udaipur and Bangkok had a sign that said Venice of the East, are you saying they are lying? Fake news??