Bangkok: Itineraries, Budget & Everything You Need to Know
Bangkok is chaos that makes you fall in love. Thailand's capital overwhelms from minute one: tens of thousands of tuk-tuks, street food on every corner, gilded Buddhist temples between skyscrapers, night markets, and world-class shopping malls — all at once, all Bangkok.
It's one of the world's busiest tourist cities, and for good reason. The gastronomy is among Asia's best, prices are absurdly low by European standards, the shopping is phenomenal, and nightlife doesn't end until morning. At the same time, the city is home to some of the region's greatest Buddhist temples: Wat Pho with its giant reclining Buddha, Wat Arun on the banks of the Chao Phraya, and the Emerald Buddha at the Grand Palace.
Bangkok works equally well as a standalone destination for 4-5 days or as a launchpad for a wider Thailand trip. The islands of Samui and Pangan, Chiang Mai, and Krabi are all a few hours away.
Itineraries for Bangkok
Best time to visit
Best Time to Visit
Thailand is a year-round destination, but seasons matter.
November-February — the ideal window. Cool (25-30°C), no rain, low humidity. This is high season — prices are higher and tourists abundant, but comfort is at its peak. January-February are the best months for the city.
March-April — hot and dry (33-38°C). Bearable in the morning, tough by midday. Mid-April brings Songkran (Thai New Year) — a massive water festival where the city literally drowns in street battles with water guns. Unforgettable, but all prices spike.
May-October — rainy season. Downpours are usually short (1-2 hours), with sunshine the rest of the time. Fewer tourists, lower prices. July-August is the wettest, but Bangkok handles rain better than the islands.
Trip Budget
Bangkok is among the world's most affordable megacities for travelers.
Accommodation (per night): hostel on Khao San Road — $12-25, budget guesthouse — $25-40, 3-star hotel — $40-80, 4-5 star with river views or pool — $105-295.
Food: street food (pad thai, som tam, mango with rice) — $2-4 per dish, lunch at a casual restaurant — $6-10, dinner at a good spot — $18-40 per person. Chang/Singha beer at a bar — $2-4.
Transport: BTS Skytrain and MRT metro — under $2 per ride, canal boats — under $1, tuk-tuk — bargain ($2-7 per ride), Grab (Thai Uber) — $3-8 in town.
Sights: Grand Palace — $15, Wat Pho — $5, most markets free.
Total for 5 days: budget — $295-470 (excluding flights), comfortable — $650-1,050.
Getting There
Bangkok is one of Asia's best-connected hubs, with direct flights from virtually every major city. Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, and numerous low-cost carriers serve the city. Flight times range from 6 hours (regional Asia) to 12-14 hours (Europe, North America).
Bangkok has two main airports. Suvarnabhumi (BKK) is the principal international gateway, 30 km from the center. The Airport Rail Link runs directly to Sukhumvit — about $14, around 30 minutes. Metered taxi — $7-14 plus a $2 expressway toll.
Don Mueang (DMK) is the budget airport (AirAsia, Nok Air). No train link — bus or taxi, $6-12 to the center, 45-90 minutes.
Where to Stay
Sukhumvit — the main tourist and business district. BTS stations everywhere, huge accommodation range from hostels to 5-star, restaurants and bars at every level. Pros: convenience and infrastructure, easy transport. Cons: more expensive than other districts, less Bangkok grit.
Silom / Sathorn — business center with strong transport access. Patpong market nearby, BTS, decent hotel selection. Pros: central location, good restaurants. Cons: nightlife has a particular character.
Rattanakosin / Old Town — historic district with the major temples. Pros: all sights nearby, authentic atmosphere, cheaper. Cons: far from BTS, traffic, less modern infrastructure.
Khao San Road — the backpacker quarter. Pros: cheapest accommodation, party atmosphere, lots of fellow travelers. Cons: loud, chaotic, not for everyone.
Practical Tips
- Grab is your best friend: install the Grab app (Thai Uber) before traveling. It's the most convenient way to get around with fixed prices. Tuk-tuks are charming for photos, but Grab is simpler.
- Respect for the royal family: Thailand has lese-majeste laws. Never speak negatively about the king or royal family — it's a criminal offense with real prison sentences.
- Temple dress code: shoulders and knees covered. At the Grand Palace and Wat Pho this is enforced strictly — you won't be admitted without proper dress. Wraps are sold at the entrance for $3-6.
- Street food: eat where Thais eat — that's the sign of freshness and quality. Avoid places at tourist sites with menus in 10 languages and prices triple the norm.
- Bargain at markets: haggling is appropriate at night markets (Chatuchak, Asiatique). At malls and shops it's not. Start at 50-60% of the quoted price.
- Heat: carry water at all times. The midday sun is aggressive, even in the cool season. Plan active walks for the morning (before 11:00) and after 16:00.
- Money: Bangkok has plenty of ATMs from Kasikorn and Bangkok Bank. ATM fees run around $5-7 per transaction. Exchange counters in malls offer good rates.
Frequently asked questions
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