The Bangkok Travel Guide helps you make the most of your three days in the city. It features a well-thought-out travel itinerary and a detailed budget for the trip.
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Introduction
Bangkok, Thailand was my very first overseas destination, following years of traveling across the Philippines. The Thai capital is among the most visited cities in the world because of its dynamic atmosphere and rich culture.
Bangkok’s incredible Buddhist temples are in Rattanokasin and Thonburi, where I arrived to an enormous crowd. Millions of tourist are drawn to these magnificent temples, serving a testament to the wealth of history and culture of the Thai people.
After several hours of temple-hopping, a visit to Bangkok would not be complete without tasting the cuisine of this Asian culinary hotspot. The city has a huge variety of mouthwatering dishes from different restaurants and street vendors.
Bangkok is a shopping haven as well, with night markets, malls, and floating markets all offering fantastic deals. The well-liked Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is an outdoor market that offers a distinctive shopping experience, located miles away from Bangkok.
Beyond its magnificent temples, mouthwatering cuisine, and countless markets, Bangkok has a lot more to offer. Adoring to Thai people who consistently sport their brightest smiles is one thing, though.
Bangkok Travel Guide Contents
- Quick Fact About Bangkok
- Visa in Thailand
- Standard Time in Bangkok
- Climate in Bangkok
- Best Time to Visit Bangkok
- Language in Bangkok
- Currency in Bangkok
- Modes of Payment in Bangkok
- Ways of Getting to Bangkok
- Getting Around Bangkok
- Areas to Stay in Bangkok
- Internet in Bangkok
- Power Adaptors in Bangkok
- Bangkok Travel Guide Itinerary
- Budget for Bangkok Trip
- Bangkok Guidebook Resources
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During the 19th century, Bangkok has named the Venice of the East. The Thai capital has over a thousand canals, which served as its primary transportation channel.
Visa in Thailand
Holders of foreign passports intending to visit Thailand should contact the Embassy of Thailand as to entry requirements. Otherwise, consult iVisa.com, a reputable and trusted visa service provider.
Philippine passport holders traveling for tourism in Thailand are visa-exempt for a maximum of 30 days. In the event of a visit extension, you are required to apply for a visa.
However, travelers must undergo stringent immigration procedures before departure. Read ‘How to Avoid Getting Offloaded at Philippine Immigration?’
Standard Time in Bangkok
The Coordinated Universal Time, or UTC, in Bangkok is +07:00.
Thus, Bangkok is three hours ahead of Dubai, five hours ahead of Paris, and six hours ahead of London. Moreover, Bangkok is eleven hours ahead of New York. Conversely, Bangkok is an hour behind Manila and four hours behind Sydney.
Climate in Bangkok
Bangkok has a tropical climate, and the weather is relatively hot and humid throughout the year. The city has three distinct seasons; the cold season, the hot season, and the rainy season.
Best Time to Visit Bangkok
Bangkok is a year-round destination that offers countless sights and activities, regardless of the weather conditions.
November to February
The best time to visit Bangkok is November to December – the coldest month. Its pleasant weather is more suited for outdoor activities. However, there are downsides to these months. Visitors may expect a large crowd and a spike in hotel room rates during this period.
March to June
The hottest month in Bangkok is from March to June. Visitors may likely experience intense humidity and a sweltering temperature. In this situation, be ready to get wet as the annual Songkran Festival happens on the 13th – 15th of April.
July to October
Travelers visiting Bangkok may expect overcast skies, light rains, and cloudbursts from July to October. Contrary to Bangkok’s peak season, tours and hotel room rates go down during the city’s wettest period. Indoor shopping can be an alternative for all-day persistent rainfalls.
Bangkok Travel Guide Fact: According to the World Meteorological Organization, Bangkok is the hottest city in the world based on the yearly average temperature.
Language in Bangkok
Thai is the official and widely spoken language in Bangkok, Thailand. It’s a good rule of thumb to end a phrase by adding khrap if you’re a man and ka if you’re a woman.
Here are the essential Thai words and phrases to learn before your trip to Bangkok, Thailand.
- Sawadee – Hello
- Sa bai dee mai? How are you?
- Khop Khun – Thank you
- La gorn – Goodbye
- Yoo tee nai? – Where is..?
- Haawng namyoo tee nai? – Where is the toilet?
- Hai Chah Long – Slow down
- Chai meeta mai? – Do you use a meter?
- Ao annii – I want this one
- Tao rai? – How much?
- Loht not dai mai? – Can I get a discount?
- Paeng mak – Expensive.
Currency in Bangkok
Formerly known as the Thai Tical, Thai baht, abbreviated as THB, is the official currency of Thailand. Here is the exchange rate as of May 31, 2022: THB 1, PHP 1.53, or USD 0.029.
Bangkok Travel Guide Reminder: In Thailand, stepping into the Thai currency is a criminal offense.
Modes of Payment in Bangkok
Cash, foreign-issued, and stored value cards are the accepted modes of payment in Bangkok.
Cash
Commercial facilities in Bangkok accept cash as a payment mode. If you run short of cash, ATMs are widespread in the city.
Debit and Credit Cards
Select hotels, shops, and diners accept cards bearing Visa and Mastercard, while upmarket commercial facilities accept American Express.
Stored-Value Card
The Rabbit Card is another payment mode for transporting as well as retail. This rechargeable smartcard is available at BTS Ticketing Offices, BRT Stations, and selected outlets.
The card is sold at THB 200, PHP 306.54, USD 5.84 with THB 100, PHP 153.27, or USD 2.92 stored value.
Bangkok Travel Guide Tip: Convert your currency to Thai baht in the city center. Money changers in downtown Bangkok offer more competitive rates than in airports.
Instead, convert just enough cash at the destination’s airport to cover the fare to the city center.
Ways of Getting to Bangkok
Located in mainland Southeast Asia, Bangkok is accessible via air and land.
By Air
Several local and international airlines provide flights from Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Suvarnabhumi International Airport and vice versa. The flight duration between Manila and Bangkok is approximately three hours and 15 minutes.
Two airports are in Bangkok; the Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Don Mueang Airport. The former airport serves most international flights while the latter is for local flights.
By Land
Thailand shares a land border with Myanmar to the northwest, Laos to the northeast, Cambodia to the southeast, and Malaysia to the south. Buses, cars, and trains are available for long-haul land travel to Bangkok from neighboring countries.
Getting Around Bangkok
Bangkok is among the world’s most traffic-congested cities based on the TomToms 2020 Traffic Index. Despite the city’s traffic situation, getting around is relatively easy because of the city’s alternative transports.
Train
The Metro Rail Transit is probably the most convenient and fastest way of getting around the city’s popular areas. Bangkok has three rail systems; the Airport Rail Link, the BTS Skytrain, and the Metropolitan Rapid Transit.
Airport Rail Link is a commuter rail connecting Suvarnabhumi International Airport and the city center. The rail transit consists of eight stations and an interchange at Makkasan and Phaya Thai.
Bangkok Airport Rail operates from Monday to Sunday from 5:30 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Fare starts at THB 15, PHP 22.98, or USD 0.44.
BTS Skytrain is an elevated rail transit with two lines; the Sukhumvit Line and the Silom Line. The BTS Skytrain operates from Monday until Sunday from 5:30 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Fare starts at THB 15, PHP 22.98, or USD 0.44.
Metropolitan Rapid Transit is an underground rail transit consisting of two lines; the Chaloem Ratchamongkhon and Chalong Ratchadham. The Bangkok MRT operates from Monday until Sunday from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Fare starts at THB 16, PHP 24.52, or USD 0.47.
Riverboat and Ferry Services
Aside from the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok has over 1,500 canals. Riverboats and ferry services are essential transports that help ease the city’s gridlocked traffic. The Thai capital has two boat systems; Chao Phraya System and Canal Ferry System.
Chao Phraya Express Boat is perhaps the most popular boat service in Bangkok. The journey starts at Sathorn Central Pier and is accessible via Saphan Taksin BTS Station.
Chao Phraya Express Boat has five service lines, and operating time varies for boat service. The fare starts at THB 9, PHP 13.79, or USD 0.26.
River-Crossing Ferry Service offers transfers to the opposite side of the Chao Phraya River. Fare starts at THB 4, PHP 6.13, or USD 0.12.
Long-Tail Boats are convenient yet pricey water transports, usually docked at Sathorn Central Pier.
River Cruise is for sightseeing tours. Typically starting at dusk, guests can indulge in scenic views along the Chao Phraya while having a perfect dinner time aboard. Price starts at THB 1,500, PHP 2,298.06, or USD 43.79.
Canal Boats run through Bangkok’s major canal thoroughfare. You can hop into the Khlong Saen Saep Express Boat traversing across the Saen Saep Canal.
Saen Saep Express Boat operates daily from 5:30 a.m. through 8:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on weekends. Fare starts at THB 10, PHP 15.32, or USD 0.29.
Public Bus
With over a hundred routes, public buses are cheap and alternative transport to areas where train routes are inexistent. The regular and air-conditioned buses in Bangkok operate 24 hours a day, and the fare starts at THB 8, PHP 12.26, or USD 0.23.
Taxi
Aside from their bi-colors, taxis in Bangkok also have vibrant exteriors such as pink, orange, and red. These transports are available in airports, malls, hotels, and attractions.
The fare starts at THB 35/ PHP 53.62/ USD 1.02 for the first two kilometers. And an extra THB 2, PHP 3.06, or USD 0.058, is charged for every kilometer.
Tuktuk
An iconic urban transport in Bangkok, Tuktuk is a three-wheeled motorized rickshaw serving commuters for short-distance trips. There is no fixed price for the transport service, and the fare relies on the passenger’s haggling skills.
Bangkok Travel Guide Tip: To avoid getting scammed, be cautious with strangers, especially in dealing with tail-boat, taxi, and tuk-tuk drivers. Hence, consider using Bangkok’s mass transit such as trains, ferries, and buses or walking to stone’s throw destinations.
Areas to Stay in Bangkok
Bangkok, along with Hong Kong and Singapore, is among the world’s most visited cities. The city retained its spot for four consecutive years since 2016 and accommodated 22.78 million international overnight visitors in 2018.
The massive number of visiting tourists in the Thai capital reflects the rapidly growing hotel industry in the city. Below are the well-known areas in Bangkok that offer a wide selection of budget-friendly accommodations to top luxury hotels.
Bang Lamphu
Khao San Road and Ram Buttri Road, located in Bang Lamphu, are the backpacking quarters in Bangkok. Bang Lamphu provides inexpensive accommodations, and at night, it turns into hectic streets for shopping, entertainment, and dining.
Top sights north of Bang Lamphu include the Vimanmek Mansion, Dusit Palace, Wat Benchamabophit, Wat Intharawihan, and Wat Bawon Niwet. Also, Bangkok National Museum, Democracy Monument, and Mahakan Fort are sights found near the south of Bang Lamphu.
Additionally, notable attractions nearby include Wat Saket, Wat Suthat, Wat Phra Kaew, Grand Palace, Wat Mahathat, and Wat Pho.
Chinatown
Bangkok Chinatown was once a barren land until the Chinese immigrants established a settlement and became a vibrant commercial area. Today, the Chinatown provides numerous accommodations, Chinese specialty shops, and eateries.
Chinatown is home to Yaowarat Road and the solid gold Buddha, the Wat Traimit.
Pratunam
The bustling neighborhood of Pratunam hosts accommodations of all types. Being home to Thailand’s largest clothing market, countless retail outlets that sell garments and counterfeit goods dominate the area.
This vibrant neighborhood is within walking distance from the Ratchaprarop Station of the Bangkok Airport Rail Link. Pratunam Market is a stone’s throw away from Baiyoke Observation Deck, Suan Pakkad Palace, Trimurti Shrine, and Erawan Shrine.
Bangkok Travel Guide Fact: Thailand holds the longest capital city name.
Bangkok or Krung Thep Mahanakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahinthara Ayuthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amon Piman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukam Prasit.
Siam
Known as Bangkok’s shopping center, Siam has the largest cluster of malls in the city. Aside from its massive malls like the MBK Center and CentralWorld, Siam also hosts countless mixed-type accommodations.
Behind the gigantic shopping malls hides sights like Jim Thompson House, Pathum Wanaram, and Bangkok Art Culture Center.
Silom
The area of Silom is Thailand’s business district and is home to corporate offices and expensive hotels. Some attractions in Silom are Lumpini Park and the infamous Patpong.
Internet in Bangkok
Thailand is among Southeast Asia with the fastest broadband and mobile internet. Apart from the hotel’s complimentary Wi-Fi, portable Wi-Fi devices and data sim cards are up for rent in the city.
Connect online anytime and anywhere. With Thailand 4G SIM Card, you can guarantee fast and reliable 4G Data. Grab yours now!
Power Adaptors in Bangkok
Bangkok operates on a 230 V supply voltage with a frequency of 50 Hz and has three types of power adaptors:
- A or has two flat parallel pins
- B or has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin
- C or has two round pins.
Bangkok Travel Guide Itinerary
Day 1 - Rattanakosin and Thonburi
06:15 am – 08:45 am Flight to Bangkok
08:45 am – 10:00 am Arrival at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, clear immigration and customs checkpoint
10:00 am – 10:25 am Head to Pratunam using the BTS Skytrain Rabbit Card
- From Suvarnabhumi International Airport – 2F Arrival Area
- Walk toward the airport’s basement and follow the sign, Train to the City
- Take the Airport Rail Link
- Alight at Ratchaprarop Station
- Walk toward accommodation
10:25 am – 12:00 pm Confirm reservation and check-in at Hotel Ordinary Bangkok and have lunch
Bangkok Travel Guide Tip: Alternatively, stay in a hostel. A hostel is an inexpensive lodging facility that provides basic amenities, such as bunk beds and shared bathrooms. Thus, if you are on a budget, book a hostel in Bangkok.
12:00 pm – 09:00 pm Head toward and explore Rattanakosin and Thonburi
- From accommodation
- Walk toward Pratunam Pier
- Take the Khlong Saen Saep Express Boat
- Alight at Phanfa Leelard Pier
- Walk toward Thai Airways Building
- Take the Bangkok bus – 47 outbound
- Get off at Sanam Luang Supreme Pillar Shrine Bus Stop
- Walk toward Wat Phra Kaew
Bangkok Travel Guide Reminder: It takes about 700 meters to walk from point A to point B.
Wat Phra Kaew
Also called the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Phra Kaew is Thailand’s most revered Buddhist temple. Situated within the vicinity of the Grand Palace, the temple houses the statue of the 66-centimeter-tall meditating Emerald Buddha. The temple also houses a manifold of impressive Thai structures.
Wat Phra Kaew is open from Monday to Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The admission fee for the Grand Palace ticket costs THB 500, PHP 765.81, or 14.59.
Grand Palace
The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings and has served as the official residence of the Thai monarchs since 1782. In 1925, Thai royalties moved to Dusit Palace. Today, the stately home served as a tourist attraction and the venue for the country’s official gatherings.
Grand Palace is open from Monday to Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The admission fee is THB 500, PHP 765.81, or USD 14.59.
Bangkok Travel Guide Reminder: The Buddhist temples are sacred worship places in Bangkok. Hence, visitors must observe proper decorum while inside the temple premises.
Wat Pho
Located south of the Grand Palace, Wat Pho is home to the most massive reclining Buddha in the world. Apart from the 15 meters high and 46 meters statue, it also has a manifold collection of Buddha figures in Thailand.
Wat Pho is open from Monday to Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The admission fee costs THB 100, PHP 153.16, or USD 2.92.
- From Wat Pho
- Walk toward Tha Thien Pier
- Take the Chao Phraya River – Crossing Ferry
- Alight at Wat Arun Pier
- Walk toward Wat Arun
Wat Arun
Also known as the Temple of the Dawn, the Wat Arun is a temple on the west bank of the Chao Phraya. This stunning Hindu temple consists of five spires covered with colorful porcelain tiles and seashells. The temple’s name originates from the god Aruna – the embodiment of the radiance of the rising sun.
Wat Arun is open from Monday to Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The admission fee costs THB 100, PHP 153.16, or USD 2.92.
- From Wat Arun
- Walk toward Wat Arun Pier
- Take the Chao Phraya River – Crossing Ferry
- Alight at Tha Tien Pier
- Walk toward Tha Tien Market
- Take the Bangkok bus – 47 Inbound
- Get off at Wat Saket Bus Stop
- Walk toward Wat Saket
Wat Saket
The Temple of the Golden Mount, or Wat Saket, is home to the striking artificial hill. Its summit offers unobstructed 360-degree panoramic views of the city, which is best at night. Before reaching the summit, 318 steps await incoming visitors.
Wat Saket is open from Monday to Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The admission fee costs THB 50, PHP 76.53, or USD 1.46.
Boat services are perhaps the most efficient and convenient way to navigate the top tourist attractions in Bangkok. So, reserve your seat for Chao Phraya Hop-On-Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour for a hassle-free city tour.
After a grueling daytime tour, indulge yourself in the delightful Meridian Dinner Cruise with a piece of live music in the background.
A must-eat in Bangkok: Pad Thai is one of the most delicious foods in the world. It consists of stir-fried noodles mixed with eggs, tofu, bean sprouts, shrimps, lime, and peanuts. Pad Thai is available in most eateries in Bangkok.
09:00 pm – 09:30 pm Head to Pratunam
- From Wat Saket
- Walk toward Phanfa Leelard Pier
- Take the Khlong Saen Saep Express Boat
- Alight at Pratunam Pier
- Walk toward accommodation
09:30 pm Prepare and sleep
Day 2 - Ratchaburi Province
Bangkok Travel Guide Tip: Maximize your day exploring the province of Ratchaburi. Reserve a Classic Bangkok Full Day Tour and immerse into a shopping experience in Thailand’s known floating market.
06:00 am – 07:00 am Wake up, Prepare for the tour, and have breakfast
07:00 am – 08:30 am Head to Damnoen Saduak District
- From Pratunam
- Take the private-hire van
- Alight at Damnoen Saduak Boat Pier
08:30 am – 12:00 pm Head toward and explore Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
- From Damnoen Saduak Boat Pier
- Take the long-tail speed boat
- Alight at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Located roughly one hundred kilometers from Bangkok, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is Thailand’s straightest and longest canal. This 32-kilometer-long artificial waterway became a floating market and tourist spot in the 1970s.
The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is open Monday to Sunday from 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
12:00 pm – 01:00 pm Have lunch
01:00 pm – 03:30 pm Explore Damnoen Saduak Chang Puak Camp
- From Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
- Take the private-hire van
- Alight at Chang Puak Camp
Chang Puak Camp Damnoen Saduak
Chang Puak Camp Damnoen Saduak provides activities like animal encounters and meetings with the long-neck tribe, the Karenni.
The camp is open from Monday to Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The admission fee for an elephant bathing is THB 1,000, PHP 1,530.55, or USD 29.16. Meeting with the villagers requires THB 400, PHP 612.22, or USD 11.67 entry fee.
03:30 pm – 05:00 pm Head to Pratunam
- From Chang Puak Camp, Damnoen Saduak
- Take the private-hire van
- Alight at Pratunam
05:00 pm -09:00 pm Explore Pratunam and have dinner
The Baiyoke Tower II is Thailand’s third tallest skyscraper – close to the Pratunam Market. This towering building offers spectacular views of Bangkok on its 78th floor – a perfect spot to eye-catch the city, especially at night. Reserve admission to Baiyoke Sky Hotel Observation Deck with Buffet Dinner.
Wat Pho is the cradle of Thai massage, and a visit to Bangkok would not be complete without experiencing the signature Thai massage.
09:00 pm Sleep
Day 3 - Departure from Bangkok
04:30 am – 06:00 am Wake up, have breakfast and prepare for departure
06:00 am – 06:30 am Head to Suvarnabhumi International Airport
- From accommodation
- Walk toward Ratchaprarop Station
- Take the Airport Rail Link
- Alight at Suvarnabhumi International Airport
06:30 am – 10:10 am Clear the immigration and customs checkpoint, check-in
10:10 am Departure from Bangkok
Budget for Bangkok Trip
In 2018, I spent PHP 9,359.00 for three days and two nights in Bangkok, Thailand. But, costs may still vary depending on your travel lifestyle. For more thrift tips, consider several ways to save money for your next trip.
Below is the Bangkok Travel Guide budget for your reference.
Pre-Departure
- Round trip airfare, Manila to Bangkok, PHP 3,500.00
- 2D2N accommodation PHP 1,864.00/2 pax, PHP 782.00
- Manila travel tax, PHP 1,620.00
- 1-Day Damnoen Saduak Floating Tour with lunch, PHP 1,200.00
1st Day
- Suvarnabhumi International Airport to Ratchaprarop Station via the Bangkok Airport Rail Link, PHP 60.00
- Lunch, PHP 150.00
- Pratunam Pier to Phanfa Leelard Pier via the Khlong Saen Saep Express Boat, PHP 35.00
- Thai Airways Bldg. to SL Pillar Shrine Bus Stop via Bangkok bus, PHP 60.00
- Grand Palace with Wat Phra Kaew entry fee, PHP 760.00
- Wat Pho entry fee, PHP 150.00
- Tha Tien Pier to Wat Arun Pier via River-Crossing Ferry Service, PHP 6.00
- Wat Arun entry fee, PHP 150.00
- Pier of Wat Arun to Tha Tien Pier via River-Crossing Ferry Service, PHP 6.00
- Tha Tien Market to Wat Saket Bus Stop via Bangkok bus, PHP 60.00
- Wat Saket entry fee, PHP 75.00
- Phanfa Leelard Pier to Pratunam Pier via Khlong Saen Saep Express Boat, PHP 35.00
- Dinner, PHP 150.00
2nd Day
- Breakfast, PHP 150.00
- Snacks, PHP 50.00
- Dinner, PHP 150.00
3rd Day
- Breakfast, PHP 150.00
- Ratchaprarop Train Station to Suvarnabhumi International Airport via the Bangkok Airport Rail Link, PHP 60.00
Bangkok Travel Guide Resources
To help you with your travel plans, I’ve gathered a checklist of carefully chosen travel resources. These are the trusted online marketplaces that I highly endorse because of their excellent deals.
Looking for an easy-peasy solution to process your visa application and other travel docs, consult iVisa!
SafetyWing covered you with their travel medical and health insurance solutions while away from home.
The sky is the limit with Skyscanner if you are looking for better and cheaper flight options for your next trip.
Make a reservation to one of the most extensive hotels booking services – Agoda. It offers unmatched hotel deals!
Explore the world with HostelWorld! Book a hostel and share a space with newfound buddies.
Drive your way to undiscovered places! Book a car via Discover Cars and experience hassle-free road trips.
Bangkok Travel Guide Question: It is also known as the Temple of the Dawn?
Please drop your answers or messages in the comment section. Thank you, see you on the road!
About the Author
J. Sac is the author of ‘Bangkok Travel Guide: An Excellent Guide to the World.’ He is also the founder of Traveledictorian – a travel blog that publishes well-thought-out travel content.
His passion for writing, photography, and travel fueled him to explore Asia and the rest of the world. He also plans to undertake humanitarian work in his travels. Read his inspiring story and follow him on social media!
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