Things to Know Before Visiting Bangkok 🇹🇭
If chaos had a capital city, it’d be Bangkok. Imagine tuk-tuks weaving through traffic like Formula 1 cars, sizzling woks on every corner, and the sweet smell of mango sticky rice luring you in just as someone tries to sell you a tailor-made suit. It’s sweaty, sensory overload — and absolutely brilliant.
Where Is It?
Bangkok, the bustling capital of Thailand, sits in Southeast Asia, right in the heart of the region’s travel circuit. It’s a cultural, culinary, and logistical hub that links travellers to the islands, northern mountains, and everywhere in between. With a population in the realm of 11 million (upwards of 17 million if you count the larger metro area), it’s the kind of place where ancient temples stand beside glittering malls, and monks stroll past hip bars.
How to Get There & Get Around
Bangkok has two main airports: Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang International Airport (DMK). Both are well-connected internationally, and if you’re hopping from within Southeast Asia, low-cost carriers make it extremely easy and cost-permitting. We flew directly from Perth to Kuala Lumpur, a super easy 2-hour journey.
From either airport, the train network — convenient and easy to navigate — will get you to where you need to go. Just buy tokens at the station, and you’re on your way. Once you arrive in the city bounds, you'll have plenty of transport options to move around:
🚅 The skytrain (BTS) and underground (MRT) — air conditioned, clean, cheap, and faster than any taxi.
🚕 Grab (Southeast Asia’s Uber) is a convenient option offering both cars and scooter options. Costs vary depending on time and traffic but are, in our experience, always very affordable.
🚤 River boats — local and fun, but a little harder to get your head around navigating.
🚌 Buses are cheaper, but unless you enjoy usually hot, loud and chaotic situations, probably skip those.
🛺 Tuk-Tuks — local drivers are positioned throughout the city and it makes for a fun way to explore. Top tip: haggle well and don't forget to agree on the price beforehand.
Seasons & Best Time to Go
We visited in February, and it was hot — we’re talking mid-30-degree days with a side of humidity you could cut with a spoon. But it’s still one of the better months for sightseeing before the heavy rains kick in.
Cool Season (Nov–Feb): sunny, and relatively dry. The best time for most travellers (and your sweat glands).
Hot Season (Mar–Jun): intense heat but fewer crowds — ideal for hotel bargains.
Rainy Season (Jul–Oct): expect daily downpours, but everything’s lush, and prices drop.
☀️ Best for weather: November to February.
💸 Best for budget: June to October.
How Long to Stay
We stayed for four weeks — long enough to see both the polished and the gritty sides of Bangkok. But, 3–5 days is ideal. It’s enough time to explore major temples, cruise the Chao Phraya River, meander through night markets, sample food until you burst, and even sneak in a rooftop cocktail or park stroll without feeling rushed.
If you’ve got more time, Bangkok pairs perfectly with Chiang Mai to the north or the Thai islands to the south.
Best Area to Stay
Bangkok caters to every traveller but a huge city, and where you stay changes everything. Here are a few options:
Sukhumvit: modern, lively, filled with rooftop bars, restaurants, and shopping malls.
Khao San Road: backpacker central — cheap eats, loud nights, and endless people-watching.
Old Town (Rattanakosin): near temples like Wat Pho and the Grand Palace — quieter and cultural.
Silom: great for couples or business travellers.
We based ourselves in Ratchathewi (near the Siam area) because we stayed for a month and wanted to avoid as much of the tourist rush as humanly possible. For first-timers, we'd recommend Sukhumvit, as it's conveniently close to ample shopping, and dining options.
What to Do
Every neighbourhood has a personality. From the historic grandeur of Rattanakosin and the shimmering Grand Palace, to the artsy vibes of Ari and Thonglor, Bangkok is endlessly surprising. Even wandering aimlessly is an adventure — one street might be lined with golden temples, the next with neon-lit night markets. Here are some highlights:
Wat Pho: the famous reclining Buddha — go early before the crowds.
Wat Arun: position yourself across the river and arrive just before sunset to get an amazing view of the sun setting behind the temple and the lights lighting up in the darkness.
Chatuchak Weekend Market: 15,000+ stalls to explore. When you get hungry position yourself on one of the communal tables in the food hall area, and dig into some delicious Thai food.
Lumpini Park: escape the traffic and enjoy tree-lined paths, lakes, and locals on their daily runs. If you're a fitness enthusiast, this is the perfect place to get a lap in.
Yaowarat (Chinatown): neon lights, street food chaos, and endless photo ops. Top tip: go in the evening and you'll get a true taste of Bangkok chaos.
Useful Tips
💬 Three words to learn: Khob khun ka/krap = thank you || Sawasdee ka/krap = hello || Aroi mak! = delicious
💳 Money: Bangkok is card-friendly, but cash is still king (Thai Baht) — you'll need it when the wafts of a street vendor cross your nostrils.
📱 eSIM: Airalo offers great eSIM plans, perfect to limit outrageous roaming charges.
💡 Bonus tip: Grab rides are quick and cheap for short hops, but traffic can be an Olympic event during peak hours.
Our Real Costs
($AUD based on two people over 4 weeks — 2025)
✈️ Getting there: $343 (one-way from Penang)
🏠 Accommodation: $94 per night (luxury Airbnb with gym and pool)
🍜 Food: $25 per day
🚇 Transport: $4 per day
🎟️ Activities: $210 total (we got to experience a Muay Thai event — recommended!)
📱 Data: $6 total (eSIM)
Our Thoughts
Bangkok isn’t a city — it’s an experience. It’s loud, sweaty, and at times overwhelming, but once you embrace the madness, you’ll find it’s pure magic. We loved wandering the backstreets, trying random street food that would never pass a health inspection at home, and watching the city glow from rooftop bars.
Would we go back? YES! YES! YES! Though next time, we might pack more T-shirts and stronger deodorant.