Golden temples, markets & nightlife
Bangkok
กรุงเทพฯ · Temples, tuk-tuks & street food
Thailand's steamy, chaotic and utterly addictive capital. Glittering temples and the royal Grand Palace sit beside canal markets, rooftop bars and some of the best street food on the planet — Bangkok overwhelms in the best way.
Top sightsSights
Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew
The dazzling former royal residence and Thailand’s holiest temple, home to the Emerald Buddha.
Wat Arun
The porcelain-studded "Temple of Dawn" rising over the Chao Phraya River.
Chatuchak Market
A sprawling weekend market of 15,000 stalls — everything under the sun.
Wat Pho
Home to the giant reclining Buddha and the birthplace of Thai massage.
Chao Phraya river boats
Ride the express boats and longtails past temples and riverside life.
What to eatFood
Pad Thai
The iconic stir-fried noodles with shrimp, egg, tamarind and peanuts.
Tom yum goong
A fiery, fragrant hot-and-sour shrimp soup.
Mango sticky rice
Sweet coconut sticky rice with ripe mango — the beloved dessert.
Good to know
- Beat traffic with the BTS Skytrain, MRT metro and river express boats.
- Dress modestly for temples — cover shoulders and knees.
- The cool season (November–February) is the most comfortable time to visit.
Getting there
Two airports — Suvarnabhumi (BKK) for most international flights and Don Mueang (DMK) for budget carriers; a rail and bus hub for all of Thailand.
Next city
Chiang Mai