Bangkok
Thailand's capital — a high-energy metropolis where glittering temples meet skyscrapers, street-food stalls and river boats. Wat Arun and Wat Pho line the Chao Phraya, and the city comes alive at night with rooftop bars and markets.
Travel videos from Bangkok
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Bangkok in 4K Ultra HD by drone
▶ Exploropia
The hidden beauty of Bangkok (cinematic)
▶ Dimi Miles
Cinematic Bangkok — streets
▶ illkoncept
Bangkok In Motion — cinematic film
▶ AGW MEDIA
Bangkok — travel cinematic
▶ Josh Kohler
Bangkok — cinematic vlog
▶ Lino Thaesler
Top spots
1Wat Arun
A porcelain-encrusted spire on the river's west bank — stunning at sunset and when lit up at night.
2Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew
The royal palace and the Emerald Buddha temple — Bangkok's must-see, with a strict dress code.
3Wat Pho
Home of the 46m Reclining Buddha and the spiritual home of traditional Thai massage.
4Wat Saket (Golden Mount)
A golden chedi atop a hill; climb the steps for a panorama over the old city.
5
Chatuchak Weekend Market
A vast weekend market of 10,000+ stalls — crafts, vintage, street food and everything in between.
- 6
Chao Phraya River
The city's artery — hop the express boats between temples, or take a dinner cruise at night.
7Sukhumvit
Modern Bangkok's spine of hotels, malls and nightlife, strung along the BTS Skytrain.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
About Bangkok
- 🌤️ Best season
- The cool, dry season (Nov–Feb) is most comfortable. Mar–May is very hot; Jun–Oct is the rainy season with short downpours.
- ✈️ Getting there
- ~6.5h direct from Tokyo to Suvarnabhumi (BKK); reach the city by Airport Rail Link or taxi.
- 🚇 Getting around
- The BTS Skytrain and MRT subway are fast and easy; add Chao Phraya river boats and the Grab app. Traffic is heavy — favour the trains.
- 🕒 Time & currency
- Indochina Time (UTC+7). Currency: Thai baht (THB).
- 🗣️ Language
- Thai is the official language; English is common at sights and BTS stations.
Tips & hidden gems
💡 Temple dress code
Cover shoulders and knees at the Grand Palace and major temples — tank tops, shorts and sandals may be refused. Carry a light layer.
💡 Respect the monarchy
The monarchy is deeply respected and insulting it is a criminal offence. Be quiet and respectful at temples and ceremonies.
💡 Watch for common scams
Beware strangers saying a temple is 'closed today', and cheap tuk-tuk rides that detour to gem or tailor shops. Check at official desks.
💡 Street food & night markets
Pad thai, krapow and mango sticky rice are street-stall staples. At night, graze through Yaowarat (Chinatown) or head to a rooftop bar.
💡 Hidden gems off the trail
The Ratchada train night market, cycling on the green 'lung' of Bang Krachao, and the weekend Amphawa floating market show a different side of Bangkok.
Suggested routes
Temples & old town — half day
~4 hrs / walking + river ferry
River & night views — half day
~4 hrs / boat + walking
- 1Chao Phraya express boat
- 2Wat Arun at sunset
- 3Asiatique or a night market
- 4Rooftop bar
Markets & modern Bangkok — full day
~1 day / by BTS & MRT
- 1Chatuchak Market (weekend)
- 2Views from Wat Saket
- 3Shopping in Sukhumvit
- 4Late eats in Yaowarat (Chinatown)
Live highlights
Plan your trip to Bangkok
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