Frequently Asked Questions about traveling to Bangkok

FAQ Bangkok - Questions and Answers

Here, you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions people have when planning a trip to Bangkok. We provide brief responses. To learn more, we invite you to explore all our pages about Bangkok to get comprehensive and detailed information.

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• What are the main tourist attractions in Bangkok?
• How to get around Bangkok (BTS, subway, taxis, tuk-tuks)?
• Where to stay in Bangkok: recommended neighborhoods and hotels?
• When is the best time to visit Bangkok (season, climate)?
• Where to find the best street food in Bangkok?
• What's the budget for Bangkok? What are the average prices for food, transportation, and activities?
• Is Bangkok safe for tourists?

What are the main tourist attractions in Bangkok?

The must-see historical and cultural sites in Bangkok that are a must-see during a first visit to the city are:

• The Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew: Former royal residence and Temple of the Emerald Buddha (practical details on how to get there, notably on the Temple of the Emerald Buddha page).
• Wat Pho: Temple of the Reclining Buddha, famous for its 46-meter-long statue (practical details on how to get there, notably on the Temple of Wat Pho page).
• Wat Arun: Temple of Dawn, located on the other bank of the Chao Phraya River (practical details on how to get there, notably on the Wat Arun Temple page).
• The Khlongs: Bangkok's canals, which have earned it the nickname "Venice of Asia" (practical details on how to take a boat tour on the klongs of Bangkok page).

For a more detailed list of recommended visits in Bangkok, see this page on visits to do in Bangkok

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How to get around Bangkok (BTS, subway, taxis, tuk-tuks)?

How to get around Bangkok (BTS, subway, taxis, tuk-tuks)? Bangkok has a diverse transportation network, ranging from subways to river shuttles, including its famous tuk-tuks and colorful taxis. The most interesting modes of transport for tourists are:

• The MRT: Underground metro that serves the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha).
• The BTS Skytrain: Fast, air-conditioned overhead metro, ideal for avoiding traffic jams.
• Taxis & tuk-tuks: Available everywhere, but beware of scams.
• River shuttles from the Chao Phraya Express: These convenient trains navigate the river that runs through Bangkok.

For a complete guide to Bangkok transportation, including maps, practical information, and connections, visit the page dedicated to transport in Bangkok.

Where to stay in Bangkok: recommended neighborhoods and hotels?

For a first-time tourist in Bangkok, the best areas to stay in a hotel are:

• Chinatown: Chinatown with its large street food area in the evening and the MRT blue line that runs through it (this is the line that connects to Bangkok's main tourist attractions).
• Khao San Road: This area has long been a favorite with backpackers who loved its low prices and lively nightlife. However, avoid choosing a hotel on Khao San Road itself and opt for Soi Rambuttri, for example.
• Sukhumvit: A neighborhood loved for its vibrant (and somewhat shady) nightlife.
• Riverside: A hotel with a view of the Choa Phraya River is always pleasant, but these are often luxury hotels.

When is the best time to visit Bangkok (season, climate)?

The best time to visit Bangkok is from November to February, during the cool and dry season. March to May are very hot, while the monsoon season generally lasts from June to October, peaking between late August and October. However, as it's a city and the capital, Bangkok is a pleasant place to visit year-round. There's always something to do in Bangkok, even when it's raining!

Where to find the best street food in Bangkok?

Street food stalls and restaurants can be found all over the city, especially in the evening. Bangkok's largest street food area is Yaowarat in Chinatown, where every evening is the place to go to enjoy street food.

During the day, there are fewer street food stalls and another great option for enjoying the flavors and low prices of Bangkok's street food are the food centers or food courts in shopping malls. Almost all of them have them! The 4 best food courts in Bangkok are:

• Pier 21: on the penultimate floor of Terminal 21 shopping mall
• Siam Paragon Food Court on the ground floor of the mall (Siam BTS station)
• MBK Center Food Court on the 6th floor (National Stadium BTS)
• SookSiam: ICONSIAM's food court located on the ground floor with its reconstructed floating market area

What's the budget for Bangkok? What are the average prices for food, transportation, and activities?

Here are some price estimates for the main spending items during a stay in Bangkok:

• Street food: 30 to 100 THB per dish
• Restaurant meals: 100 to 300 THB on average (Western cuisine is more expensive)
• Transport: BTS or MRT subway from 17 to 60 THB, river shuttles around 20 THB, taxis from 35 THB and tuk-tuks from 80 to 100 THB
• Temple entrance: 100 to 500 THB depending on the site (for paid temples, which are also the most interesting for tourists, for the others, admission is free).
• Overnight stay at Hotel: From 600 to 2,500 THB for 1- to 3-star establishments (prices vary depending on location and amenities, such as a swimming pool). The best prices for hotel rooms in Thailand are generally found on Agoda.

Is Bangkok safe for tourists?

Aside from a few well-known scams identified around the Grand Palace and Wat Pho involving tuk-tuk drivers (I've posted a warning on the tour information sheets for both monuments), Bangkok is a city where tourists are unlikely to encounter any problems. In fact, it's a very safe city: very few thefts (even if you leave your belongings unattended in a public place for a while, but don't risk it), you can walk the streets in complete safety, and women traveling alone are not in danger and are not bothered in the street.