For me, Bangkok conjures up images of incredible street food, blistering heat, wonderfully friendly people and an exciting and vibrant night scene. Our first visit during the rainy season didn’t disappoint! 

Note: This is one of my longer posts. So check the table of content if you are looking for anything specific, but of course I’d love for you to read it all.

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Best Time to Visit: November to February, during the cool and dry season when temperatures are milder and rainfall is minimal.

Best Transportation Options:

BTS Skytrain and MRT Subway: A really affordable way to travel. Single tickets start at ฿16 (€0.42, £0.36, $0.44). Download the map here.
Tuk-tuks (super fun but haggle on price before getting in!)
Taxis and Grab – Great value and really convenient. We used them almost everyday. The ride-sharing app is almost identical to Uber. Download the app here.
Chao Phraya River Ferries (review and prices below)
Public Buses. Cheap and regular, but not all are air conditioned.

Ronaldo holding a texi banner issued by the taxi company. We booked prior to arrival and found this to be a stress free way to get from the crazy busy airport to our hotel

Thailand is a cash economy. It is the preferred method of payment. Although hotels and large stores accept cards, we recommend having enough cash on you to cover food and drink expenses. Street food vendors seldom accept cards. 

The official stance on entering Thailand is that tourists must have at least 20,000 Thai Baht (approximately £455, $555, €500) in cash when passing through immigration. We didn’t have this on us and were not asked anything about cash at immigration, nor did we witness anyone else being asked, but I wouldn’t dare say this isn’t enforced. I’m sure there are random spot checks. Do let us know in the comments if you have been subjected to one! We were travelling on Irish and Italian passports. For us, it was a simple case of face scan, fingerprints, passport stamped—have a nice trip! 

Thai banknotes come in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 500 or 1000 Bhat. Each denomination features an image of the King. For this reason it is important to respect the note and aviod crumpling it. This is frowned apon. 

We took out cash at one of the many ATM terminals at the airport. There is a standard fee of 220 Baht for non-Thai customers. Just make sure you use one of the well known Thai bank cash points such as Bangkok Bank or Kasikornbank, which only charge the withdrawal fee. Your home bank may charge an additional fee, so check this before departing. To ensure we didn’t have any extra fees, and received a great exchange rate, we used the WISE international debit card throughout our trip—highly recommended.

There’s no shortage of hotels, hostels and AirBnBs in Bangkok. Many people have a night or two in one place, and then book as they go. The city is well known for its backpacker and nomadic lifestyle, and with many hostels starting at ฿150 (€3.95, £3.41, $4.11),  it’s no wonder Bangkok is a budget travellers dream destination. We chose a more comfortable stay for our trip, as well as checking out a space pod!

Ronaldo and I had seen a few vlogs on this place prior to arriving so we thought it was definitely worth checking out. Now, I love Science and all things space (astrophysics was my favourite module at university), so the thought of sleeping in a space pod was heaven to me. Ronaldo, not so keen! But I convinced him.

The hostel has a large work area just past reception, great for remote working. It also has a small Cafè for coffee and snacks. Pods are single or double sized and each comes with its own locker to store your bags. They aren’t huge (ours was a double Pod locker) but enough for our 2 back packs. The Pod was clean, and fun. The space pod controls allow you to modify lighting, air con and the tv. There are USB ports and plug sockets so no problem charging devices. If you’re up for it, the hostel has a selection of space themed costumes -so dress up and get those Insta shots!

This place is perfect for solo travellers, digital nomads,  couples, or friends seeking a memorable stay. The average price is around 1,000 Thai Baht per night, so it’s an affordable option that adds a unique twist to your travel experience. We highly recommend it. 

Getting there: Located in the Silom district.  BTS Skytrain: head to Chong Nonsi station, from which the hostel is a short walk away.

 Check Prices and Book

Bangkok’s August’s heat was more intense than we anticipated. It averaged about 25°C but it was the humidity that got me, and the heat is something you shouldn’t ignore. On a few occasions I found myself overheating and feeling quite panicky. So my advice is to go out prepared. The hot season will have temperatures hitting 40oc so it is easy to get caught out. 

Heat Management Tips in Bangkok:

• Stay hydrated; always carry a large bottle of water. Luckily, there are 7-Eleven’s all over Bangkok and they provide much needed air conditioning and plenty of drinks and snacks. They were a welcome relief for me on quite a few occasions. Ronaldo, being Brazilian, seemed to acclimate a lot quicker than me, but he still struggled at times.
• Wear light, breathable clothing. Thai’s love their fashion. Nonetheless, you’ll find many locals and tourists wearing traditionally patterned shirts and long pants. These are available throughout the city (especially around the temples) and they are ultra comfortable. 
• Use a portable fan – sold extensively in Bangkok and used by locals and tourists alike. A great cooling option.

Take breaks in air-conditioned spaces – those 7-Eleven’s I mentioned often have seating areas for a bit of respite.

Nearest Skytrain: Take the BTS Skytrain to Saphan Taksin Station. From there, you can hop on a free shuttle boat to ICONSIAM, which runs regularly along the Chao Phraya River, providing a scenic route to the mall.

ICONSIAM is one of Bangkok’s most impressive shopping malls perched along the Chao Phraya River. The mall houses an array of high-end international brands alongside local Thai designers. The food courts have all the biggest names and many local restaurants.  During our visit there was a famous pop group filming a cosmetics commercial. We had no idea who they were (but I say famous because of the large crowds gathering). I didn’t get the best pictures because of the hustle and bustle around the area, but here it is. Maybe you know. Let us know in the comments.

One of the highlights of our visit was exploring the indoor  market on the ground floor, known as SookSiam. This area beautifully replicates a traditional Thai market, complete with boats and wooden stalls. The market offers just about every dish you can think of, and many you probably wouldn’t imagine – grilled crocodile was a new one for us. ICONSIAM shopping mall is a highly recommended visit. 

Check out the Hop on Hop off bus tour covering all the city’s main attractions.

Entry Fees:

• 200 THB (approximately €5.26, £4.55, $6 USD)

Getting there: located near the Grand Palace, easily accessible by riverboat or taxi. If you’re using public transport, take the BTS Skytrain to Saphan Taksin Station, then transfer to a riverboat heading to Tha Tien Pier. From there, it’s just a short walk to the temple.

Opening times: Daily from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM

Temple Tickets: There are many great package options  for Bangkoks temples. Have a look here.

Dress Code at the Temples:

•  It is important to be respectful and wear clothing that covers the shoulders and knees. If you forget, like many do (including us) there are plenty of street vendors selling traditional shirts and pants. You will notice many wearing these items throughout the day, whether at a temple or not! 

The iconic temple of Wat Pho is a highly recommended visit. While the Grand Palace just around the corner is a sight to behold,  it was Wat Pho that truly captivated Ronaldo and I. It is most famous for the colossal 46-metre-long Reclining Buddha. The Buddha’s feet alone are 5 metres long and are inlaid with mother-of-pearl illustrations.The temple complex is one of Bangkok’s oldest, dating back to the 16th century during the Ayutthaya period. 

We entered at about 10am in the morning. The heat was already intense and the crowds quickly increased, so our advice is to get there early. 

Historical Tidbit: Wat Pho is considered the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. The temple houses a renowned massage school where techniques have been passed down through generations. Ancient massage inscriptions and diagrams can be found engraved on stone plaques within the temple grounds, marking it as Thailand’s first public university.

As well as the Buhda, be sure to check out the lesser-known corners of the temple. There is a maze of courtyards to explore away from the crowded Buhda. It’s a photographer’s heaven.

Tips for Visitors:

• Heat – Wear a hat, carry water, sunscreen and a portable fan. It gets very hot and sweaty, especially inside the Temples.
• Timing: Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid peak crowds and the midday heat.
• Photography: While photos are allowed, be respectful of worshippers and avoid using flash inside the temples.

Nearest Train: Silom MRT Station or Sala Daeng BTS Station

We loved this place. It’s like an oasis in the middle of chaos! With its long paths, lakes, and wide-open lawns, it’s the perfect place to escape the bustle. It won’t be long before you spot some water lizards – quite large reptiles. They don’t bother people if left alone, and there are plenty of signs throughout the park warning you to stay away!. Ronaldo and I (and a few other tourists) got to watch some kind of strange mating ritual between two of these beasts on the river’s edge! Certainly something to remember. Go visit!

Entry Fee: 400 THB (approximately €10.53, £9.09, $11 USD)

Getting there: Bearing Station (BTS Skytrain Sukhumvit Line), followed by a short taxi ride, or 10 minutes walk –  but watch out for the uneven road surfaces and extreme heat if you decide to walk. It is not the most accessible walkway!

Opening times: Daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Book Entrance tickets

The Erawan Museum is renowned for its towering three-headed elephant statue. Standing 29 metres tall, the colossal bronze elephant atop the museum is a striking sight, symbolising the Airavata, a sacred creature in Hindu mythology. 

The museum is divided into three levels, each representing different parts of the universe in accordance with Thai cosmology. The top level, or Heaven, houses a peaceful sanctuary with relics of the Buddha –  photos are strictly controlled in this part.

TOP Tip – Don’t forget to visit the sub-temple. As you come back out of the main building to collect your shoes, look back at the temple – you will see a small doorway under the main stairs that leads to an underground labyrinth. It’s air conditioned, so a great reprieve from the heat. 

Entry: Free
Open: Every Saturday and Sunday, between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM
Nearest BTS: Mo Chit Station (BTS Sukhumvit Line)

Chatuchak Weekend Market, one of the largest markets in the world, is a must-visit. Spanning over 35 acres, it boasts more than 15,000 stalls offering everything from trendy clothing and handcrafted accessories to home décor and unique souvenirs. 

The market is a paradise for bargain hunters, with clothing priced as low as 100 THB. After shopping, indulge in street food such as mango sticky rice, grilled seafood, and coconut ice cream – and fresh coconut water prepared by very entertaining and over eager vendors. Navigating the market can be overwhelming, so it’s best to arrive early to beat the heat and crowds. Grab a market map at the entrance, wear comfortable shoes, and stay hydrated, oh and bring cash!

There are some fantasitc Night market tour packages to check out.

• Getting there: The easiest way to get there is by taxi or tuk-tuk. Alternatively, you can take the BTS Skytrain to National Stadium Station and then a short taxi or tuk-tuk ride from there. It’s also accessible by boat via the Chao Phraya River, getting off at Phra Arthit Pier and walking for about 10 minutes.

Great Bangkok by Night offers 

What can we say… this is probably the most famous street in Bangkok!. Khao San Road is the epicentre of Bangkok’s nightlife, and a backpacker’s heaven. It’s full of bars, clubs, street food vendors and hostels. Expect to be approached on numerous occasions by eager vendors offering discounts and trying to lure you into their businesses. It’s a crazy place and as night descends it gets mega crowded. Just watch your belongings at all times. 

Local beers are good value in most pubs. Chang and Leo will cost you about 100 Baht a pint. But expect to pay more in the clubs. Guinness and international brands cost substantially more (up to 300 Baht a pint!) You’ll find music and venues for all tastes – look out for the dancing ladyboy’s strutting their stuff on table tops and chairs. Khao San Road is great fun and a must visit!

One of the most enchanting ways to see Bangkok is from the water. We went along the Chao Phraya River, from Sathorn Pier to Phra Arthit (for a visit to the Golden Mount). I planned to take a commuter river boat, used by locals. But clearly we stood out a mile as lost tourists, so were quickly approached by a tour operator and sold a tourist boat, then herded into the orange tourist pen. It was still a very affordable, comfortable trip and we recommend it. But I thought I’d list all options so you can make an informed decision. I update prices regularly.

Riverboat Options:

1. Chao Phraya Express Boat
• Price:15-30 THB (approximately €0.39 – €0.79, £0.34 – £0.68, $0.50 – $1 USD) per trip
• Experience: A cost-effective way to travel like a local and see major sites along the river.
2. Tourist Boat
• Price: 180 THB (approximately €4.74, £4.09, $5 USD) for an all-day pass.
• Experience: Less crowded with informative commentary—great for first-time visitors, just a bit more expensive.
3. Longtail Boats
• Price:500-1,500 THB (approximately €13.16 – €39.47, £11.36 – £34.09, $15 – $45 USD) per hour.

Experience: A personalised tour through the klongs (canals) revealing the traditional Thai way of life.

Check out the fantastic river tour options here.

The Asiatique Riverfront is a vibrant night market and entertainment complex. It’s full of bars and restaurants. Just watch the prices as places can be expensive. We were quickly shown a drinks menu on an iPad in one restaurant, with seemingly reasonable prices. But the bill told a different story. So double check the cost if on a budget. Ronaldo and I didn’t ride the giant wheel as we were here for the River Cruise and didn’t have much time. But the Wheel is impressive so check out the cost below.

• Activities:
• Shopping for unique souvenirs and fashion brands. There are many gift shops and premium fashion shops all along the waterfront.
• Dining at riverside restaurants offering Thai and international cuisine.
• Riding the Asiatique Sky Ferris wheel for breathtaking night views.
• Ferris Wheel: 500 THB (approximately €13, £12, $15 USD)

It was Ronaldo’s birthday while we were in Bangkok, so we indulged in the Royal Princess Dinner Cruise—a 2-hour journey up and down the river with a buffet dinner which included chicken, fish and vegetable Thai dishes, and desserts. We paid 1500 Baht each for our trip.  The cruise advertised a welcome beer (served with ice), but actually the drinks were refilled for free throughout the dinner. A live singer kept us entertained, and a free birthday cake was provided. You need to order this when you book.

Overall: A good experience  – particularly popular with young families on our cruise. It seemed a little rushed though, and very busy. The buffet gets crowded, with dishes running out fast so expect to wait for refills. 

Details:

• Departure: 7:30 PM from River City Pier
• Duration: Approximately 2 hours
• Inclusions: Welcome drink, buffet dinner, live music, and traditional Thai dance performances ( although there were no dancers during our cruise)

• Self admission Fee: Free but there are charges for a boat 
• Opening times: Daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Tour package: 1500 Baht per person (which includes the Train Market) Book Here.

 This trip, along with the Train market were highlights of our visit. It was an unforgettable experience for us. But this wasn’t  because of the boat ride itself – in fact the market is crazy busy, with boats bumping into each other as they try to navigate the canal, which I’m sure won’t be to everyone’s taste. No, what made this day so special was the tour we booked and the tour guide himself. 

We booked a complete package (1500 Baht per person) which included a coach trip from Swedels ice cream shop just off Khao San road to the Train market and floating market.  Our tour guide was called “A” or Alan. He was informative and hilarious throughout. He reminded us of Mr Chow from the Hangover movies. I don’t want to sound cliched, which I probably do, but he was hilarious and he played up to the character – but he was geniunly such a charming, caring guy. He gave us comprehensive information throughout the tour, and we couldn’t miss him in the crowded markets, because he was the one with the giant cock on a pole (I mean the bird btw!). 

The floating market itself was great. It was 4-6  to a boat, and there was plenty of opportunity to buy souvenirs, ice creams or beer. But it wasn’t all crowded markets. There was also a period of serenity during which we meandered through a lush tropical forest area that had a wide river so no crashing boats, and a great area for pictures.

Note: You may not get “Mr A”, as your tour guide (let us know in the comments if you do), however, the tour itself is good value regardless. Genuinely, highly recommended by us.

• Self admission Fee: Free 

• Opening times: Daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

• Tour package: 1500 Baht per person (which includes the Floating Market). 

Book the Tour here

As mentioned in our floating market review, this trip was included as part of a package, led by Mr “A”.

I think the pictures say it all.  You will walk along a very crowded market located at either side of train tracks, and at a designated time the market vendors will quickly fold away their stalls, everyone moves to the sides and the train travels through. Before you know it, the market stalls are back and it’s business as usual. Now, although these markets were once very traditional, I will not hold back by saying that it is now a tourist hotspot (or tourist trap as some might say). It is extremely crowded, hot, sweaty and often sticks of fish from the various vendors. But it is great for pictures, and actually enjoyable despite the crowds, heat and smells. 

Note: You may not get “Mr A”, as your tour guide (let us know in the comments if you do), however, the tour itself is good value regardless. Genuinely, highly recommended by us.

Entrance Fee: ฿50 (approximately €1.32, £1.14, $1.37)

Opening Times: Daily from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM

How to Get There:

• By BTS Skytrain: Take the BTS to Ratchathewi Station, then a short taxi or tuk-tuk ride to the temple.
• By Canal Boat: Take the Saen Saeb canal boat to Phan Fa Lilat Pier. From there, it’s just a short walk to the temple.
• By Taxi/Tuk-tuk: You can easily get a taxi or tuk-tuk to the temple from most central locations in Bangkok. The fare will depend on the distance, but expect to pay around ฿50-฿100 for short rides.

TOP TIP: Bring water, a hat, sun cream and a portable fan. You are exposed to the Sun on the ascent and descent, and it gets relentlessly hot!  

 Also called Wat Suket (or Wat Saket Ratchawora Mahawihan in full!) This site is famous for its winding staircase of 344 steps up to the temple. It was renovated by King Rama 1st, in the 18th century, but the site’s origins date back to the Ayutthaya period (between 1350 to 1767). The views at the top are breathtaking and it is worth visiting for the views alone. At the summit, inside the golden chedi, lies a sacred relic of the Buddha, attracting pilgrims who come to pay their respects. Pictures are permitted throughout the temple, but be mindful of those praying, and avoid flash photography.

Modest clothing should be worn – although officials here are not as strict as other temples, with shorts permitted. It is not a requirement to remove shoes either. And you are reminded of this over and over by a recording!

On the ascent, feel free to stop and ring one or two (or all) of the bells that adorn a path midway up. This was something Ronaldo loved doing. Make some noise!

After descending Wat Saket, it is definitely worth making time to visit the cave-museum (aka the Bamiyan museum) where you’ll find a giant Bamiyan Buddha. These huge, rock carved statues were originally carved in the Bamiyan valley in Afghanistan. The one you’ll see in the cave-museum is a replica of such statues. As you acclimatise to this eerily dark cave, you’ll suddenly be greeted by the giant structure and a number of other impressive artefacts. Great picture opportunities await!

Temple Tour packages

Opening Times: 4:00 PM – Midnight, every night

Getting There:

• By MRT: The easiest way to get to Jodd Fairs is by taking the MRT (subway) to Phra Ram 9 Station. Exit at Exit 2, and the market is just a short walk away.

• By Taxi/Tuk-tuk: You can also take a taxi or tuk-tuk from most central areas in Bangkok, which should cost around ฿100-฿200 (€2.63 – €5.26, £2.27 – £4.55, $2.74 – $5.48), depending on your starting point and traffic

Night markets are a thing in Bangkok and you’ll find plenty of them. Think Rot Fai Market (Train Market) Srinakarin, Sukhumvit Soi 38 Night Market, Patpong Night Market. And there’s a good reason why they’re so popular – the food, drink, energy and ambience are mesmerising. 

We visited the famous Jodd Fairs and it didn’t disappoint. It was busy though, so be prepared for crowds. It’s located in the Rama 9 district and has 100’s of stalls selling everything – fashion, souvenirs, and every type of dish. Having said that though, there was a disproportionate amount of sea food vendors, which isn’t really my thing. 

We sampled some chicken and beef skewers, and had a few cans of Leo beer. Then we had to try Durian. This is a native fruit renowned for its stink – I didn’t say ‘smell’ because well, the fruit stinks. There are many comments online about its smell, from rotten sewage and onions to smelly socks. For me, it just smelt like strong cheese, and it kind of had a custardy texture. I quite liked it.  Be warned, this stuff is not allowed in taxis or hotels. In fact hotels threaten big fines if they find it in the room! Anyway, Jodd’ fairs is certainy worth a visit. The night views of the surrounding city skyscrapers are awesome.

We hope this blog has inspired you. Please feel free to leave a comment.