Golden temples by the river, markets that never sleep, river buses and some of the world’s best street food. Bangkok overflows with energy: take it at its pace, early in the morning and late at night.
n 1782, King Rama I moved his capital to Rattanakosin Island, opposite the old capital of Thonburi. The Grand Palace and its surrounding temples mark the city’s birth; for a long time it was crisscrossed by canals, the khlongs.
Bangkok grew at breakneck speed in the 20th century: Sukhumvit’s towers, giant malls and the Skytrain now sit beside floating markets, stilt houses and flower-laden shrines on every corner. Life happens outdoors, around stalls of noodles, satay and mango sticky rice.
Find your bearings
To be walking distance from the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and the river. Historic and quieter at night, except around Khao San Road; little metro access.
For grand hotels on the Chao Phraya, boats and ICONSIAM. Elegant and restful, linked by river shuttles.
For the Skytrain, restaurants, rooftop bars and malls. Practical and lively; some streets (Nana) are more party-oriented.
Silom for Lumphini Park and rooftop bars; Yaowarat, Chinatown, for evening street food. Well served by the MRT.
A first visit
A starting point to adapt to the weather, your energy and opening hours.
At opening time, the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, then the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho. Take the ferry across to Wat Arun. In the evening, street food in Yaowarat.
At weekends, morning at Chatuchak Market; otherwise, the Jim Thompson House. Afternoon in Lumphini Park. At sunset, a rooftop bar in Silom or a boat on the river.
