Hotels in Ratchadaphisek, Bangkok

Bangkok is Thailand’s capital and the pulse of Southeast Asia. Built along the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok used to get around on a network of canals, earning it the nickname “Venice of the East.”

In Bangkok, you’ve got glittering temples like Wat Arun and Wat Pho sitting right next to shiny skyscrapers and giant malls like IconSiam. The streets are buzzing with food carts slinging spicy noodles, and night markets where you can shop for everything from knock-off sneakers to weird snacks you didn’t know you needed.

No matter if you’re slurping on boat noodles, cruising the river, or catching the sunset from a rooftop bar, Bangkok’s got a way of pulling you in. It’s messy, magical, and somehow always makes you want to come back for more.

Getting to Bangkok

So, you’re headed to Bangkok—awesome choice! Getting there is pretty easy since the city’s got two airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK).

Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is the main one, located about 30 kilometers (19 miles) southeast of the city center. It’s where most international flights land. It’s shiny, modern, and well-organized, with loads of shops, cafes, and lounges. If you’re flying in from Europe, North America, or anywhere long-haul, this is probably where you’ll arrive. From the airport, getting into the city is easy:

• Taxis: Expect to pay around 400–500 THB (about $12–15 USD), and they’ll add a small fee for luggage.
• Airport Rail Link: It’s fast, cheap, and connects directly to the BTS Skytrain, which is perfect if you’re traveling light.

If you’re catching a red-eye flight, I suggest staying near Suvarnabhumi Airport for convenience. These hotels offer free shuttle services to and from the airport, making those early mornings or late arrivals much easier.

Click to find more hotels near Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK).

Don Mueang Airport (DMK) is about 20 kilometers (12 miles) north of downtown Bangkok and handles mostly budget airlines like AirAsia and Nok Air. It’s an older airport and it’s great if you’re coming from nearby countries or taking domestic flights.

Getting Around Bangkok

Getting around Bangkok might seem tricky at first, but once you figure out the flow, it’s actually pretty exciting.

• BTS Skytrain & MRT Subway: These are absolute lifesavers. They’re fast, air-conditioned, and easy to use, covering most of the main spots like Sukhumvit, Siam, and Chatuchak Market. Plus, no sitting in traffic! Grab a Rabbit Card to make things even simpler.
• River Ferries: Want a break from the hustle and bustle? The ferries on the Chao Phraya River are a game-changer. They’re cheap, relaxing, and take you to landmarks like the Grand Palace and Wat Arun.
• Tuk-Tuks: You can’t visit Bangkok without hopping into one of these iconic three-wheelers. They’re fun for short trips, but make sure to negotiate the fare before you get in—drivers love a good haggle!
• Taxis & Grab: Taxis are fine, but Bangkok traffic can make even short rides feel endless. Download the Grab app (Thailand’s version of Uber) for convenience and fair pricing—no awkward negotiations required.
• Motorbike Taxis: If you’re in a hurry (or feeling adventurous), motorbike taxis are the way to go. Just hold on tight and make sure they give you a helmet.

Wat Arun

Top Things to Do in Bangkok

Bangkok is chaotic, colorful, and so much fun. This delulu city guarantees you’ll leave with stories to tell!

1. The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew

The Grand Palace is Bangkok’s most famous landmark, and for good reason. This 18th-century royal palace is incredible, with intricate architecture and remarkable courtyards. Inside, you’ll find Wat Phra Kaew, home to the Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most sacred statue.

Pro Tip: Your ticket also gets you into the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles, which is cool (literally—hello, AC!) and worth a quick stop.

The Grand Palace

2. Wat Pho

Just down the road, you’ve got Wat Pho, home to the massive Reclining Buddha that’s 150 feet of pure gold-plated glory. The temple grounds are beautiful, and if you’re up for it, you can grab a massage at the on-site Thai massage. Trust me, it’s worth it.

3. Chinatown

Chinatown is a feast for the senses. No matter if you’re here for the amazing street food, gold shops, or temples, this neighborhood never disappoints. The main drag, Yaowarat Road, comes alive at night with food carts dishing out everything from roast duck to sticky rice with mango.

If you’re visiting during Chinese New Year, expect exciting parades, dragon dances, and even more delicious food. Don’t forget to duck into a side alley—you never know what treasure you’ll find.

Chinatown

4. Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya River

Want to see Bangkok lit up at night? Hop on a dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River. You’ve got options: a classy teakwood boat for a romantic vibe or a lively catamaran with buffet and entertainment. Either way, the breeze and the views of illuminated temples and bridges make it worth your evening.

5. Muay Thai Match

If you’re up for some adrenaline, check out a muay Thai fight. The crowd energy is wild, and the matches are fast-paced and intense. Head to Rajadamnern Stadium for a classic vibe or Lumpinee for something more modern.

Lumpinee Boxing Stadium

Better to Know Before Visiting Bangkok

Before planing the trip to Bangkok, it's good to keep a few things in mind.

Time in Bangkok

Bangkok is in the Indochina Time Zone (ICT), which is UTC+7.

• London (UK): Bangkok is 7 hours ahead.
• New York (NYC): Bangkok is 12 hours ahead. Noon in Bangkok means it’s midnight in New York.
• Singapore (SG): Same time as Bangkok, no difference.
• Sydney (Australia): Bangkok is 4 hours behind. An afternoon in Bangkok is already evening in Australia.

Best Time to Visit Bangkok

The best time to visit Bangkok is from November to February, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable, with temperatures around 25–35°C. This is peak tourist season, so expect crowds, especially in December and January. November is a highlight with the Loi Krathong Festival, a beautiful tradition of floating lanterns on rivers.

From March to June, Bangkok gets hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C. April stands out for the Songkran Festival, a lively Thai New Year celebration with citywide water fights.

The rainy season runs from July to October, with September seeing the heaviest rain and occasional flooding. While it’s less busy and more affordable, it’s not ideal for outdoor activities. By late October, the rain eases, and the weather starts to clear up, making November a perfect time to visit.

What to Eat in Bangkok

Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, is renowned for its vibrant street food scene and diverse culinary offerings. Here are several popular foods that you should try when visiting Bangkok:

• Pad Thai: Perhaps the most famous Thai dish, Pad Thai is a stir-fried noodle dish typically made with rice noodles, eggs, tofu, tamarind pulp, fish sauce, dried shrimp, garlic, red chili pepper, and palm sugar. It's often served with lime wedges and chopped roasted peanuts.
• Tom Yum Goong: This is a hot and sour Thai soup usually cooked with shrimp (goong). The soup is made with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, lime juice, fish sauce, and crushed chili peppers.
• Som Tam: Also known as green papaya salad, Som Tam is a spicy salad made from shredded unripe papaya. It usually includes tomatoes, carrots, peanuts, dried shrimp, runner beans, palm sugar, tamarind pulp, fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, and plenty of chilies.
• Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niew Mamuang): A popular dessert, especially during the mango season. It consists of ripe mangoes served with sweet, sticky rice and topped with coconut milk.

Tom Yum Goong