Bangkok Travel Guide

1. Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha Temple): Bangkok’s most iconic complex, once the royal palace of Siam. The golden stupas and mosaic-adorned pillars showcase Thai architectural brilliance, with the revered Emerald Buddha, carved from a single jade block, enshrined in Wat Phra Kaew. Long pants or skirts are required to show respect.

2. Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn): A majestic riverside temple along the Chao Phraya River, its 82-meter central tower is adorned with Chinese porcelain fragments that gleam in the sunlight. The best time for photography is at sunset, accessible by ferry from the opposite bank, with the tower’s summit offering panoramic views of Bangkok and the winding river.

3. Khao San Road: A backpacker’s paradise, this vibrant night market street transforms from a quiet café hub by day to an open-air bar and street food market at night. Stalls offer Thai fried rice noodles, mango sticky rice, and more, alongside affordable massage parlors and creative shops.

4. Chatuchak Weekend Market: The world’s largest weekend market, with over 15,000 stalls selling everything from antique furniture and handicrafts to pet supplies. Prices are budget-friendly, but bold bargaining is key. Visit early Saturday morning to avoid the heat, with a nearby botanical garden for a break.

5. Maeklong Railway Market: A unique spectacle where trains pass through a bustling market eight times daily, with vendors swiftly retracting stalls. This “train-through-market” has become a viral check-in spot. Fresh fruits and seafood are affordable, and it pairs well with a day trip to Amphawa Floating Market.

6. Erawan Shrine (Four-Faced Buddha): Bangkok’s most revered Hindu shrine, located at a central intersection. Devotees offer flowers, incense, and wooden elephants, with traditional dance performances most vibrant in the evening.

7. Asiatique The Riverfront: A trendy night market transformed from old warehouses, blending shopping, dining, and entertainment. Its iconic Ferris wheel offers stunning Chao Phraya River views, and high-quality Muay Thai performances are a highlight. Visit in the evening via free shuttle boat to enjoy the riverside breeze.

8. Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market: A local market just an hour from downtown, preserving traditional Thai floating market charm. Longtail boats serve steaming boat noodles and coconut ice cream, while shore stalls offer grilled seafood and handmade desserts. Weekends are liveliest in the morning.

9. Bangkok Art and Culture Centre: A platform for contemporary Thai art, this free-admission nine-story building houses galleries, design shops, and cafés. Regular avant-garde exhibitions and small rooftop concerts are highlights, conveniently located near the Siam shopping district for a post-shopping visit.

10. King Power Mahanakhon (Pixel Building): Bangkok’s tallest observation landmark, this 77-story glass-curtain skyscraper features a pixelated design. The 360-degree rooftop observatory and transparent glass floor are thrilling, with stunning city skyline views at sunset. The building houses Michelin-starred restaurants for reservable dinners.

1. Pad Thai (Thai Fried Rice Noodles): Bangkok’s most iconic street food, featuring wide, flat rice noodles stir-fried with eggs, tofu, and shrimp, drizzled with fish sauce and tamarind paste, and garnished with crushed peanuts and lime for a tangy kick.（Recommend：“Thip Samai” or “Pad Thai Fai Ta Lu” on Khao San Road）

2. Mango Sticky Rice : A classic Thai dessert, combining sweet mango with coconut milk-steamed sticky rice, sprinkled with crunchy mung bean. Sweet but not cloying, it’s a must-try.（Recommend：Mae Varee Fruit Shop or various night market stalls）

3. Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup): A tangy and spicy shrimp soup made with lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves, enriched with straw mushrooms and fresh shrimp, offering a layered, flavorful broth. （Recommend：Blue Elephant Restaurant or Jeh O Chula）

4. Som Tam (Green Papaya Salad): Freshly pounded green papaya strips mixed with chili, tomatoes, and peanuts, delivering a sweet, sour, spicy, and crunchy balance. Optional addition of pickled crab enhances the flavor.（Recommend：Som Tam Nua or roadside stalls）

5. Thai Iced Tea : A vibrant orange tea blended with condensed milk and ice, boasting a rich tea aroma with caramel notes, a must-have refreshing drink. （Recommend：Chatramue hand-brewed tea or night market carts）

6. Boat Noodles : Small bowls of rich, flavorful noodle soup, with options for pork blood or beef broth, paired with meatballs and crispy pork rinds.（Recommended: “Rua Thong Noodle” at Victory Monument）

7. Grilled Pork Neck: Charcoal-grilled pork neck, crispy outside and tender inside, served with a tangy-spicy dipping sauce, a staple at Thai barbecue joints. （Recommend：Best Beef or Jeh O Chula）

8. Coconut Ice Cream: Served in a fresh coconut shell, topped with coconut flesh and peanuts, with optional sticky rice or grass jelly add-ons. （Recommend：After You Dessert Cafe）

9. Basil Pork Stir-Fry (Pad Kra Pao): Minced pork stir-fried with basil leaves, chili, and fish sauce, creating a spicy and fragrant dish perfect with rice.（Recommend：Stall next to Watergate Chicken Rice (Hong Da Ge)）

10. Banana Roti : Freshly rolled dough fried to a crisp, wrapped around bananas and condensed milk, with optional chocolate sauce or egg. （Recommended: Night market carts on Khao San Road）

1. Thai Coconut Candy

Bangkok’s classic souvenir, made from fresh coconut milk, offering a soft, chewy texture with a rich, sweet coconut aroma. Individually wrapped for easy sharing in the office.

• Address: “Coconut Land” at Chatuchak Weekend Market

2. Thai Mango Dried Fruit

Made from Thailand’s premium ivory mangoes, with thick, low-fiber flesh, preserving the fruit’s sweet aroma without being cloying. No artificial colors, making it a top choice for natural, healthy snacks.

• Address: Big C supermarket branches

3. Hand-Brewed Thai Tea (Cha Tra Mue)

Thailand’s iconic tea brand, recognizable by its orange-red packaging. The rich tea aroma with a unique fragrance is perfect for making authentic Thai iced tea, including a filter for easy brewing.

• Address: “Cha Tra Mue” counter at Terminal 21

4. Royal Honey

Pure, natural honey certified by the Thai royal family, with a thick, non-cloying sweetness. Small bottles are ideal for spreading on toast or mixing into drinks, both healthy and delicious.

• Address: Royal counter at 7-11 convenience stores

5. Thai Spice Pack

Contains authentic Thai cooking spices like lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves, with a recipe card included. Vacuum-packed to preserve aroma, allowing you to recreate Thai flavors at home.

• Address: Lumpini Park Weekend Market

6. Snake Brand Cooling Powder

A century-old Thai brand, offering a refreshing, cooling sensation perfect for tropical climates. Available in various scents, with classic mint being the most popular, packaged in charming retro glass bottles.

• 地址：Boots pharmacy branches

7. Thai Silk Products

A traditional craft promoted by the Thai royal family, with lightweight, glossy silk scarves and ties. The Jim Thompson brand is the most iconic, with elegant packaging ideal for gifting.

• Address: Jim Thompson Museum Store

8. Thai Inhaler Stick

A must-have for Thais, with one end for inhaling to refresh and the other for applying medicated balm. Available in various scents, with mint being the classic, its compact design is easy to carry.

• Address: Watson’s pharmacy branches

9. Hand-Carved Soap Flowers

A traditional Thai craft, with soaps carved into delicate flower shapes. Usable as decor or soap, the rose design is most popular, and gift box packaging makes it a refined present.

• Address: “Blooming Soap” at Pratunam Market

10. Monthong Durian Chips

Made from freeze-dried Thai Monthong durians, preserving their rich aroma without the strong smell. Vacuum-packed for lasting freshness, a must-buy for durian lovers.

• Address: “Tropicana” counter at Siam Paragon supermarket

Summer (March to May):

Temperatures range from about 28-38°C, with April being the hottest (often exceeding 40°C). The season is dry and scorching (monthly rainfall 50-100mm), with strong UV rays and poorer air quality. The Songkran Festival (April 13-15) features citywide water fights to cool off.

• Suggestions: When visiting attractions like the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, adhere to Thailand’s temple dress code, requiring shoulder- and knee-covering clothing. Use high-SPF sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses, and stay hydrated. Carry a moisturizing spray to relieve skin discomfort.

Rainy Season (June to October):

Temperatures range from about 26-34°C with high humidity (monthly rainfall 200-300mm). Sudden, intense showers often occur in the afternoon, with occasional flooding. September sees the heaviest rainfall, and some streets may accumulate water.

• Suggestions: Carry a foldable umbrella or lightweight raincoat to handle sudden downpours. Opt for quick-dry clothing and non-slip sandals. The rainy season is peak time for tropical fruits, so indulge in seasonal durians, mangosteens, and other specialties.

Cool Season (November to February):

Temperatures range from about 20-32°C, the most comfortable season for travel (nighttime can drop to 18°C). Virtually no rain (monthly rainfall under 30mm), with cool mornings and evenings and fresh air in December and January.

• Suggestions: This is Bangkok’s best travel season, ideal for outdoor activities like visiting Maeklong Railway Market or Amphawa Floating Market. Join the romantic Loy Krathong Festival in November or lively Christmas markets in December.