Best Bangkok Tours & Trips

Best Time to Travel to Bangkok

November to June is the best time to visit Bangkok. November to February marks Bangkok's cool season, with average temperatures ranging from 25–28 °C (77–82 °F). The relatively cooler weather makes it ideal for outdoor sightseeing. However, this period coincides with the peak tourist season, meaning higher flight and accommodation prices, as well as more crowded attractions.

March to June marks Bangkok's hot season, with average temperatures ranging from 29–31 °C (84–88 °F). This period is hot and dry, but with fewer crowds as it falls during the low tourist season.

July through October marks Bangkok's rainy season, with average temperatures of 28–29 °C (82–84 °F). Frequent rainfall with high humidity may impact travel plans.

How Many Days in Bangkok Is Enough?

Generally, 4 to 5 days is recommended to allow sufficient time to visit the main attractions. Exploring neighborhoods like Sukhumvit or Chinatown, and fitting in a popular half-day excursion, such as the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.

If you have 7 days or more, you can start in Bangkok and then head to the northern city of Chiang Mai or the southern islands of Phuket or Krabi.

Getting Around Bangkok

Traffic in Bangkok, especially in the city center, is perpetually congested, so it's recommended that you primarily rely on public transportation.

● BTS Skytrain and MRT Subway: These two public transit systems are clean and fast, unaffected by ground traffic. They cover most commercial and central areas. You can save money by purchasing a day pass or using a stored-value card.

● Taxis and Online Ride-Hailing: Metered taxis are affordable, but be aware that peak-hour traffic may cause significant delays and increase the final fare. We recommend using the ride-hailing app Grab for fixed pricing, which is often more advantageous during rush hour.

● Tuk-Tuks: These motorized rickshaws are a traditional Bangkok Thailand tour experience, best used for short distances or for the novelty factor. Always agree on the fare before starting the ride to avoid disputes.

● River Boats: The Chao Phraya Express Boat is crucial for accessing riverside attractions like the Grand Palace and Wat Arun, and it is an efficient alternative to road traffic, offering a scenic Bangkok boat tour experience.

Must-See Attractions in Bangkok

Bangkok's key sights are often grouped along the Chao Phraya River, making them easy to see in a logical sequence.

The Grand Palace: These are Bangkok's most important landmarks and serve as the official residence of the King of Thailand. Wat Phra Kaew, located within the Grand Palace, features dazzling golden architecture showcasing rich royal history and Thai dynastic art. Admission is 500 baht, and it is open daily from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Please note that there is a strict dress code here; shoulders and knees must not be exposed.

Wat Pho: Home to a massive gilded reclining Buddha statue, the temple also houses a traditional Thai massage school. Admission is approximately 300 baht per person. Opening hours are from 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM.

Wat Arun: Located on the west bank of the river, this temple features towering, colorful spires adorned with porcelain and seashells. Admission is approximately 200 baht per person. Opening hours are generally from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM.

Wat Saket: Located within the Old City, climbing the Golden Mountain offers panoramic city views and is ideal for watching sunsets. Admission is approximately 100 baht per person.

Markets and Street Food: Thailand has a wide variety of delicious street food, especially in Chinatown and the sprawling Chatuchak Weekend Market.

Day Trips from Bangkok

Ayutthaya Historical Park: About an hour's drive from Bangkok, the ruins of the former capital of the Kingdom of Siam are located about 80 kilometers north.

Kanchanaburi: West of Bangkok. This area is known for its wartime history, including the Bridge over the River Kwai and the associated war cemeteries and museums.

Floating and Railway Markets: The combination of the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and the Maeklong Railway Market, where trains pass directly through the market stalls, offers a quintessential Thai experience.

5-Day Bangkok Trip Itinerary

● Day 1: Head to the Grand Palace and spend a few hours exploring and viewing Wat Phra Kaew. Afterward, visit Wat Pho, home to the giant reclining Buddha. Then take a ferry across the Chao Phraya River to enjoy the sunset at Wat Arun.

● Day 2: Visit the Maeklong Railway Market and a Floating Market to experience local Bangkok life. In the afternoon, shop for souvenirs and sample authentic street food at Chatuchak Weekend Market. Enjoy dinner in Chinatown in the evening.

● Day 3: Explore the ancient capital ruins of Ayutthaya or Kanchanaburi, then return to Bangkok. Enjoy a scenic dinner or cocktail cruise along the Chao Phraya River, taking in the illuminated temples.

● Day 4: Explore Bangkok's modern shopping districts, Siam Paragon, CentralWorld, and MBK Center, perfect for shopping and escaping the heat. As night falls, experience a traditional Thai massage to relax your body and mind.

● Day 5: Pick up last-minute souvenirs at a nearby mall or night market, or savor one more delicious Thai meal before heading to the airport.

Typical Cost of a Bangkok Tour

Bangkok tours are relatively affordable, with prices lower than in Western countries.

● For budget travelers, daily expenses can be kept under $50 by focusing on public transportation and street food.

● For mid-range travelers, this may cost $50–150 per day, covering decent accommodations, restaurants, and attraction fees.

● For Package Tours, full-scale Thailand Bangkok travel packages combining Bangkok with other destinations，like Chiang Mai or a beach area over 9 to 12 days usually start from $1,000–$1,500, offering comprehensive logistics, guaranteed group pricing, and reduced planning effort.

Recommended Accommodation Areas in Bangkok

For first-time visitors to Bangkok, we highly recommend staying in the Siam area. This district features several large shopping malls, a wide variety of dining options, and BTS Skytrain stations. Budget travelers will find Khao San Road a great choice. It offers numerous hostels and budget hotels, along with plenty of nightlife spots. The Riverside area is ideal for families or couples, offering beautiful scenery and a relaxed atmosphere.

Must-Try Bangkok Cuisine

● Tom Yum Goong: Thailand's most famous soup, simmered with fresh shrimp, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and chili peppers. Its tangy and spicy flavor pairs perfectly with rice or rice noodles.

● Pad Thai: One of Bangkok's most iconic street foods, featuring stir-fried rice noodles with shrimp, bean sprouts, and egg, topped with crushed peanuts and a squeeze of lime juice.

● Som Tam: A refreshing salad of shredded green papaya dressed with chili, garlic, fish sauce, peanuts, and lime juice.

● Green Curry: A stew made with green chilies, coconut milk, and chicken or beef.

● Mango Sticky Rice: Thailand's quintessential dessert, featuring sweet mango served with coconut milk-infused sticky rice.