5 Tips For Visiting Bangkok
Bangkok really is a city full of energy, character and contrasts.
Bangkok is one of my favourite cities in Southeast Asia.
I've spent a lot of time there over the years, and there's always something new to discover.
But if you're visiting for the first time, a few simple tips can make your trip easier, help you save money and give you a better experience of the city.
Here are five things I'd tell anyone planning their first visit to Bangkok.
1. Always Carry Cash
Although plenty of places in Bangkok accept cards, cash is still essential. Street food stalls, local markets, smaller shops and independent coffee shops often only accept cash, so it's worth keeping some Thai baht handy.
ATM withdrawals can also be expensive, with fees ranging from around 250 to as much as 350 baht per transaction (approximately £5.50–£7.50 / US$7–$10 / €6–€9). The exact amount depends on the ATM and your bank, so check the charges before confirming a withdrawal.
If you need to use an ATM, withdrawing a larger amount at once can help you avoid paying the fee repeatedly. Just keep your money somewhere secure, such as your hotel safe.
Another option is to bring cash from home and exchange it in Thailand. SuperRich is my recommendation for competitive exchange rates, although it's worth comparing rates between branches.
I'd also recommend downloading the Grab app before you arrive. You can link your bank card and pay for rides directly through the app, which is useful if you'd prefer to save your cash for other things.
2. Eat Like a Local
Bangkok is world-famous for its food, and one of my biggest recommendations is to eat where the locals eat.
Some of my favourite meals have come from small restaurants and street food stalls rather than expensive restaurants. Look for places that are busy with local people, and you'll often find authentic Thai food at excellent prices.
I particularly enjoy exploring local neighbourhoods. When I've stayed around Sathorn, I've found plenty of great places to eat nearby. The area around Chulalongkorn University is another excellent option, with lots of restaurants popular with students and generally affordable prices.
Night markets are also worth exploring. Some are geared more towards tourists, while others have a much more local feel. Both can be enjoyable, but I always like finding somewhere busy with Thai customers.
And remember my first tip: carry cash. Most street food stalls and many small local restaurants won't accept cards.
3. Take a Boat Along the Chao Phraya River
One of my favourite ways to experience Bangkok is by travelling along the Chao Phraya River on the local express boats.
When you arrive at the piers, you'll often see ticket booths advertising tourist cruises and private longtail boat trips. These can be enjoyable, but if you want an affordable way to get around and see the city, I'd recommend trying the regular orange-flag express boat.
The fare is around 18 baht (£0.40 / US$0.55 / €0.50), making it a great-value way to travel along the river. The fare is charged per journey, so you can travel a considerable distance without paying for an expensive sightseeing tour.
Along the way, you'll pass some incredible sights, including Wat Arun, ICONSIAM and the areas around the Grand Palace. It's also a great way to avoid Bangkok's road traffic.
I've taken these boats countless times, and I still enjoy the experience. Whether you're travelling somewhere specific or simply want to see more of Bangkok, it's well worth doing.
Click here to read my guide to travelling along the Chao Phraya River.
4. Use the BTS Skytrain and MRT
Bangkok’s traffic can be crazy, particularly during rush hour, so one of my biggest tips is to make the most of the BTS Skytrain and MRT underground. They’re quick, affordable and can save you a lot of time compared with travelling by road.
Using public transport can also help you save money on taxis and avoid the hassle of negotiating fares or potentially being overcharged. For me, it’s one of the easiest ways to get around the city without worrying about traffic.
You can also connect to Bangkok’s public transport network when arriving at either Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang airport, making it easier to get into the city.
The Airport Rail Link from Suvarnabhumi and the SRT Red Line from Don Mueang both connect you to Bangkok’s wider public transport network, making it easy to continue your journey by BTS Skytrain or MRT.
I’d also think carefully about where you stay. Personally, I tend to choose the Sathorn or Silom areas because I like the neighbourhoods and have convenient access to public transport.
When booking your hotel, check its location on Google Maps and see how close it is to the nearest BTS or MRT station. Staying within easy walking distance of a station can make a big difference to your trip, especially if you plan to explore different parts of Bangkok.
5. Walk as Much as You Can
This might sound like an unusual tip for a city that's hot for much of the year, but I'd encourage you to explore Bangkok on foot.
On a recent visit, I was walking as many as 35,000 steps a day, and I loved it. Walking gives you the chance to discover neighbourhoods, stumble across little cafés, find local restaurants and see parts of the city you might otherwise miss.
Of course, the heat can be intense, so take breaks when you need them. I often combine walking with a boat ride, stop at a shopping mall for some air conditioning or find a café where I can sit down and have a drink.
Bangkok also has some fantastic green spaces. Lumpini Park and Benjakitti Forest Park are two of my favourites, and you can walk between them using the elevated Green Mile walkway.
The city also has pedestrian skywalks around areas such as Siam and Sukhumvit, making it easier to get around on foot in some of its busiest districts.
For me, walking is one of the best ways to experience Bangkok. You can take your time, stop whenever something catches your eye and get a much better feel for everyday life in the city.
Final Thoughts
Bangkok can feel overwhelming when you first arrive, but a little planning goes a long way. Carry cash, eat locally, make use of the river and public transport, and don't be afraid to explore on foot.
These are simple things, but they've helped make my own visits more enjoyable over the years.
Have you visited Bangkok before? What's one tip you'd give someone heading there for the first time?
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