Bangkok Travel Guide

Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand, and definitely worth a stop to any trip to Thailand.  Despite being a big city, and Thailand's biggest at 11 million inhabitants, Bangkok offers great sights, food, nightlife and atmosphere.  It's a great city to spend time in before, or after you head to other parts of Thailand.

Bangkok is a tropical metropolis, being just 14 degrees north of the Equator.  It is one of the most traveler friendly cities in Asia, making it a good place to start any trip to Thailand or southeast Asia.  Flight to Bangkok are generally amongst the cheapest from hubs in Europe and North America.

Bangkok is also a furious assault on the senses with constant humid heat, pollution, dense traffic, heavy rainfall and the perpetual smiles from the Thai people. 

Despite the sensational news reports and first impressions Bangkok is a safe and enjoyable place to visit, with lots of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

You can find a great cross-section of most of Thailand's greatest offerings: Saffron-robed monks, garish neon signs, graceful Thai architecture, spicy dishes, colourful markets, traffic jams, and the tropical climate come together in a happy coincidence.

Bangkok is one of Asia's most cosmopolitan and fun cities.  It became the Thai capital in 1782, and is a national treasure in Thailand's spiritual, cultural, political, commercial, educational and diplomatic centre. 

Districts of Bangkok

• Sukhumvit - Bangkok's modern commercial centre, with glittering malls, shops and hotels.  The Siam Square Skytrain intersection is the non-official centre of Bangkok.  The long Sukhumvit Road changes into Ploenchit Road and then Rama I Road as it goes west.
• Silom -  Bangkok's financial center by day and main party district by night.  Home to the infamous Patpong quarter.  South of Sukhumvit, based around Silom Road and Sathorn Road.
• Rattanakosin - "Old Bangkok" and home to Bangkok's best-known wats.  In the northern part is the backpacker central of Khao San Road and Banglamphu.  Situated between the river and Sukhumvit.
• Thonburi -  Quiet west bank of the Chao Phraya River.  Lots of small canals and some offbeat attractions.
• Phahonyothin - This area has opened up in recent years due to the new metro line which follows Ratchadaphisek Road.  North of Sukhumvit. 

Around Bangkok are the provinces of Pathum Thani to the north, Nonthaburi to the northwest, Chachoengsao to the east, Samut Sakhon to the southwest and Samut Prakan to the southeast.

Where to stay

Bangkok has many districts in which to stay.  Whether you are a backpacking looking for late nights and adventures, or traveling with your family, Bangkok has somewhere for everyone.  Read the guide to where to stay in Bangkok.

Attractions

Bangkok has some of Thailand's greatest attractions, with something for everyone.  With enough things to do to keep you busy from a few days to even a week.  Read the guide to Bangkok's attractions.

Nightlife

With a healthy turnover of travelers and a keen local fan-base of nightlife, Bangkok offers a great nightlife scene.  From arts, shopping and of course clubbing.  Read the guide to Bangkok nightlife.

Getting to and from Bangkok

Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi international airport is a major international hub, making it easy to find flights from all corners of the world.  Flights to and from Bangkok, both internationally and locally, are amongst the cheapest in Asia.
There are regular trains from Malaysia and Singapore to Bangkok and other stations in Thailand.

Bus networks across Asia are constantly increasing, and today it is possible to travel to and from Bangkok from every major city that surrounds it.

Read the guide to getting to and from Bangkok.

Transport

Bangkok has an excellent transportation system, whether you are arriving by air, getting around the city, or moving onto other parts of Thailand.  There are lots of metered-taxis, a metro system, skytrain and for the wind-in-your-hair there feeling are tuk-tuks.  Read the guide to transportation in Bangkok.

Weather

Being so close to the Equator Bangkok is always warm.  During certain times of year heavy rainfall can be expected.  Read the guide to when to visit Bangkok.