After a day or two in the city, most travelers are amazed that Bangkok, an exhilarating city of teeming millions, of gigantic golden temples and exuberant markets, still remains standing at sunset. Armadas of BMWs and Mercedes meet at intersections famous for infuriating traffic as legions of people battle for territory on the city sidewalks and spill out of every bus. Bangkok wasn’t fashioned by city planners; it was hewn from unsuspecting rice paddies by the double-edged sword of Thailand’s growing economy. In most ways it is a consummately modern city: 7-Elevens are found on every corner, and modern medicine, education, and technology are givens. But the ancient monasteries and ramshackle food stalls of Bangkok, as well as the omnipresent sex trade, are reminders that this can still be a traditional and poverty-stricken city.
Bangkok is the tourism hub of Southeast Asia, and the vast majority of tourists to the region pass through here, many several times, though some purists claim that visitors to Thailand should spend as little time here as possible. It’s true that the traffic, noise, pollution, and crowds make the city unbearable for some. But this urban center of over 10 million people is the center of Thailand’s government and economy, and boasts cultural, religious, and historical sights, the revered royal family, mind-boggling shopping markets and malls, an incredibly diverse nightlife, and one-of-a-kind restaurants and entertainment.
All of this gives Bangkok a rare combination of history buffs drooling over the National Museum’s treasures, while only steps away, on frenzied, narcotic Khaosan Rd., travel-weary backpackers arrive at their modern mecca. It is a city of constant surprises—no two people know the same Bangkok.
All international flights in and out of Bangkok go through Suvarnabhumi International Airport (☎ 02 132 1888). Due to ongoing construction, a few direct domestic flights are still being channeled through ...more
Beyond backpacker-jammed Khaosan Road lies a bastion of unclaimed sights and experiences. The north-south Chao Phraya River is a worthy landmark and starting point. To the river’s east lies Banglamphu ...more
Trying to maneuver through Bangkok traffic is enough to drive anyone crazy. The Skytrain and subway have helped to decrease traffic, but getting from north to south is still frustrating. Taking canal ...more
Tourist Offices: TAT, 4 Ratchadamnoen Nok Rd. (☎ 02 283 1555; www.tourismthailand.org). Ratchadamnoen Nok is the broad boulevard that begins at the 8-way intersection east of the Democracy Monument ...more
Accommodations in Bangkok are as varied as the backpackers, businessmen, laborers, and laundrywomen walking its streets. Abodes range from dirt-cheap flophouses to five-star hotels, with everything in ...more
Thai cuisine is world-renowned, but no one is more obsessed with or proud of it than the Thais themselves. Food is an integral part of Bangkok culture and plays a central role in nearly every social ...more
With its many points of interest, Ko Rattanakosin takes at least an entire day to explore fully. Although very touristed, Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace are still two of the grandest sights in Bangkok ...more
Dedicated in 1965, the National Theater, on Na Phra That Rd., past the National Museum, holds drama and dance shows. The program changes monthly but usually includes at least one lakhon dance-drama performance ...more
It doesn’t take long to realize that Thais are obsessed with shopping malls. At the heart of this obsession is the area around the Siam Skytrain stop, where four gargantuan shopping centers compete ...more
Talat (street markets) all over the city are sources for knock-off designer watches, clothing (from Ralph Lauren to “Ralph Levis”), and pirated CDs. Chatuchak Market. Referred to by locals as ...more
Bangkok’s entertainment and nightlife need little introduction. The city’s reputation as the epicenter of Southeast Asia’s internationalism is rooted in its effortless mix of traditional ...more
Daytrips from Bangkok Travel agencies offer a slew of daytrips to attractions outside Bangkok, but these are some sights can be seen more independently, and at a better price. Nonthaburi Take ...more
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