Bangkok walking tour & city guide
Golden temples, river life and legendary street food.
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Bangkok is a city of contrasts, where gilded temples and floating markets coexist with glittering malls and rooftop bars. Its full ceremonial name is one of the longest place names in the world, but Thais simply call it Krung Thep, the City of Angels.
Temples and the river
The Grand Palace, the former royal residence, is a dazzling complex of golden spires and mosaics that also holds the revered Emerald Buddha in Wat Phra Kaew. Next door, Wat Pho houses a 46-meter reclining Buddha and is considered the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
Across the Chao Phraya River stands Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, decorated with colorful porcelain and especially beautiful at sunset. The Chao Phraya Express Boat is a cheap and scenic way to travel between riverside sights.
Markets and street food
Bangkok's street food is world-famous. Yaowarat Road, the heart of Chinatown, turns into a glowing food street every evening, with stalls selling seafood, noodles and mango sticky rice under neon signs. Chatuchak Weekend Market, with thousands of stalls, is one of the largest markets in the world.
Night markets such as Jodd Fairs combine food, shopping and live music. For a different view of the city, rooftop bars on the upper floors of hotels offer spectacular skyline panoramas.
Tips for visiting
Use the BTS Skytrain and MRT metro to avoid traffic jams. Dress modestly with covered shoulders and knees for temples. The cool season from November to February is the most comfortable; April is the hottest month and home to the Songkran water festival.
Top sights in Bangkok
- 1
Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
Royal palace complex and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
- 2
Wat Pho
Home of the giant reclining Buddha.
- 3
Wat Arun
The riverside Temple of Dawn.
- 4
Chatuchak Weekend Market
A vast market of thousands of stalls.
- 5
Yaowarat (Chinatown)
Bangkok's street food capital after dark.
- 6
Jim Thompson House
A museum of traditional Thai houses and silk.
Food markets & where to eat in Bangkok
Yaowarat Road
Chinatown's famous evening street food strip.
Old Town street food
Street food around the Democracy Monument and the old city.
Or Tor Kor Market
A clean, upscale fresh market with excellent prepared food.
Banglamphu
Food stalls and noodle shops near Khao San Road.
Jodd Fairs night market
A lively night market of food stalls and bars.
Food to try in Bangkok
Pad thai
Stir-fried rice noodles with tamarind, peanuts and lime.
Tom yum goong
A hot and sour shrimp soup.
Mango sticky rice
Sweet mango with coconut sticky rice.
Som tam
A spicy green papaya salad.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Bangkok
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in BangkokCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Bangkok.
- eSIM for ThailandStay online from the moment you land.
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