Your Guide to Exploring Bangkok: Discover Highlights That Define the Capital

Bangkok is a city for everyone, but it’s got so much to explore that it’s pretty much impossible to experience everything in one visit. The key is to pick your spots and plan your adventure, and this guide will help you put some order into your itinerary for a truly captivating vacation.

Exploring the Temples

Bangkok is a city of temples, so of course, you should visit at least one or two during your stay at hotels in Ratchada, Bangkok. The Grand Palace and its Temple of the Emerald Buddha are iconic, as is the nearby Wat Pho. Make sure you wear modest clothing and remain respectful throughout your visits.

Shopping In the City

There are two sides to this – the city’s grand malls and its authentic street markets. Make time for both. ICONSIAM, Terminal 21 and SIAM Paragon are where the international brands are, while markets like Chatuchak Weekend Market, Rodd Fairs, the Train Night Market and Asiatique the River Front offer something more authentic.

Culinary Adventures

Enjoying a mix of the city’s restaurants and street food makes for a satisfying culinary experience. Rangoon Tea House in Sukhumvit and the Charmgang Curry Shop offer bespoke dining experiences, as do restaurants at hotels like Avani Ratchada Bangkok Hotel. Meanwhile, the city’s hawker centres deliver quick day-to-day fare at fairly affordable rates.

Neighbourhoods to Visit

Bangkok’s diversity is best explored by visiting a few of its vibrant neighbourhoods. Chinatown is filled with authentic street food stalls, gold shops and shrines; Sukhumvit’s interconnected streets paint a picture of day-to-day authenticity; and Thonglor is perfect for quiet evenings spent in cafes or bars.