Bangkok, explained
Bangkok is Thailand's capital: royal temples along the Chao Phraya River, some of the world's best street food, and the hub for day trips to Ayutthaya and the floating markets.
- November to February (cooler and drier)
- Suvarnabhumi (BKK) for most international flights; Don Mueang (DMK) for many budget airlines
- 3–4 days, plus day trips
- BTS Skytrain, MRT subway, river boats and ride-hailing apps
The historic core — the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho and, across the river, Wat Arun — sits on the riverbank in the old Rattanakosin district. Modern Bangkok spreads east along Sukhumvit and Silom, linked by the Skytrain.
Bangkok also works as a base: the old capital of Ayutthaya, the Damnoen Saduak floating market and the Maeklong railway market are all day trips.
Best time to visit Bangkok
Cool season
The most comfortable months for walking the temples, and the busiest.
Hot season
Very hot, with April the peak. Songkran, the Thai New Year water festival, takes over the city in mid-April.
Rainy season
Afternoon downpours are common but usually pass within an hour or two. The city stays very visitable, and hotels are cheaper.
Getting to Bangkok
- Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) handles most international flights. The Airport Rail Link runs into the city; by road, allow 45 minutes to well over an hour depending on traffic.
- Don Mueang Airport (DMK), north of the centre, is used by many low-cost airlines for regional and domestic flights.
- Check which airport your flight uses — transferring between the two takes an hour or more by road.
Private transfers in Bangkok start from ฿704 — compare 249 options.
Getting around Bangkok
- The BTS Skytrain and MRT subway are the fastest way to cross the city and avoid traffic.
- Chao Phraya Express boats run along the river and stop near the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun.
- Taxis should run on the meter; ride-hailing apps such as Grab give a fixed price upfront.
The best areas to stay in Bangkok
- Rattanakosin (Old City)
- Home to the Grand Palace and the great temples. Best for sightseeing; quieter in the evening.
- Riverside
- Hotels along the Chao Phraya, with boat access to the old city and river views.
- Sukhumvit
- The long east-west artery on the Skytrain line: hotels at every price, restaurants and nightlife.
- Silom & Sathorn
- The business district, close to Lumphini Park and good for both transport and food.
- Siam
- The shopping centre of the city, with the major malls on the Skytrain.
How many days in Bangkok?
Three to four days covers the temples, a river trip, Chinatown and the markets. Add a day for each excursion — Ayutthaya, the floating markets or Kanchanaburi.
Experiences worth booking in Bangkok
All 470 in Bangkok →
Hanuman Cinema (Day)
Hanuman Cinema (Night)
Muang Boran with Erawan Museum (Ancient City) - Entry Ticket
Luxury Apsara Dinner Cruise by Banyan Tree - 5 Course Thai Set Dinner
Midnight Food Tour by Tuk Tuk – Private Basis
Meet & Greet Service – Bangkok Airport Arrival
Damnoen Floating Market + Train Market with Boat - SIC Basis
Foot Massage - 30 Minutes
Bangkok travel tips
- The Grand Palace and major temples enforce a dress code: shoulders and knees covered, no see-through clothing.
- Ignore anyone outside a temple who says it is closed today and offers a tuk-tuk tour instead — it is a long-running scam.
- Speak respectfully about the Thai royal family; criticism is a criminal offence in Thailand.
- Bangkok traffic is unpredictable. Leave generous time for airport runs.
Bangkok travel questions
How many days do you need in Bangkok?
Three to four days is enough for the main temples, a river trip, Chinatown and a market or two. Add a day for each day trip, such as Ayutthaya or the floating markets.
What should I wear to the Grand Palace?
Cover your shoulders and knees: long trousers or a long skirt, and a top with sleeves. Clothing that is too revealing will be refused at the entrance.
Which Bangkok airport is closer to the city?
Don Mueang (DMK) is closer to the old city in distance, but Suvarnabhumi (BKK) has the Airport Rail Link. In practice, journey time depends far more on traffic than on which airport you use.
How much is a private transfer in Bangkok?
Private transfers in Bangkok start from THB 704 on Explera Discover, including the payment processing fee. 249 vehicle and route options are available.
What can I book in Bangkok?
Explera Discover lists 221 experiences and 249 private transfers in Bangkok, each confirmed by Explera DMC's local team.
Book Bangkok with a local team behind you
Prices include the payment fee. Every booking is confirmed by our local team.