The Ultimate Backpacker's Travel Guide to Bangkok, Thailand
The Ultimate Backpacker's Travel Guide to Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok. The legendary gateway to Southeast Asia. A city where golden temples glisten alongside neon-lit rooftop bars, where street food vendors serve some of the world's best meals for less than $2, and where the chaos of tuk-tuks and markets somehow creates the most intoxicating energy you'll ever experience.
For many backpackers, Bangkok is the first stop on their Southeast Asian adventure—and for good reason. It's affordable, accessible, packed with incredible experiences, and serves as a perfect launching point to explore the rest of Thailand and beyond. Whether you're here for the ornate temples, the legendary street food, the electric nightlife, or simply to soak in the organized chaos, Bangkok delivers.
Having passed through Bangkok countless times over the years, I can confidently say this city never gets old. There's always a new neighborhood to explore, a hidden temple to discover, or a street food stall that serves the best pad thai you've ever tasted. Here's everything you need to know before visiting Bangkok.
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Table of Contents
- How To Get To Bangkok
- Where To Stay: Best Hostels in Bangkok
- How To Get Around in Bangkok
- The Best Things To Do in Bangkok
- Street Food Guide
- Nightlife in Bangkok
- Day Trips from Bangkok
- Essential Tips for Bangkok
How To Get To Bangkok
Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is one of Southeast Asia's major aviation hubs, making it incredibly easy to reach from virtually anywhere in the world. You'll find direct flights from most major cities, and it's often cheaper to fly into Bangkok than many other regional capitals.
If you're already in Southeast Asia, you have even more options. Budget airlines like AirAsia, Nok Air, and Thai Lion Air offer dirt-cheap flights to Bangkok from neighboring countries. Overland travel is also possible via bus or train from Cambodia, Laos, and Malaysia—though flights are often so affordable that the time saved makes flying worth it.
Upon arrival at Suvarnabhumi, skip the expensive airport taxis and take the Airport Rail Link (around 45 baht) to the city center. It's fast, air-conditioned, and drops you at Phaya Thai or Makkasan stations where you can connect to the BTS Skytrain. If you arrive late at night when the train isn't running, use the Grab app to book a metered taxi—just make sure the driver uses the meter!
Before you leave home, make sure you have travel insurance sorted. The streets of Bangkok are hectic, and scooter accidents are unfortunately common. I recommend having coverage from day one.
Where To Stay in Bangkok: Best Neighborhoods and Hostels
Choosing where to stay in Bangkok can make or break your experience. The city is massive, and getting stuck in the wrong neighborhood means wasting hours in traffic. Here's the breakdown of the best areas for backpackers:
Khao San Road
The legendary backpacker street. If you want to be in the thick of it all, staying on or near Khao San Road puts you among fellow travelers, cheap street food, bucket drinks, and endless energy. It's touristy as hell, but that's part of the charm. The area is walkable to major temples like Wat Pho and the Grand Palace.
Best Hostels:
- NapPark Hostel @ Khao San - Modern, clean, and social with a great rooftop bar
- Lub d Bangkok Khaosan - Stylish design hostel with excellent common areas
- The Yard Hostel - Industrial-chic hostel with a fantastic pool
Sukhumvit
If you want to be in a more modern, upscale part of Bangkok with excellent nightlife, Sukhumvit is your spot. It's well-connected by the BTS Skytrain, has incredible restaurants, and offers a more polished Bangkok experience. The nightlife here ranges from rooftop bars to underground clubs.
Best Hostels:
- Lub d Bangkok Siam - Another winner from the Lub d chain
- Box Poshtel - Sleek capsule-style accommodation
- Bed Station Hostel - Great value with modern facilities
Riverside & Old Town
For a more authentic, less touristy experience, consider staying in the Riverside or Old Town areas (Rattanakosin). You'll be closer to temples, traditional markets, and the Chao Phraya River. It's quieter than Khao San but still conveniently located.
Pro Tip: Wherever you stay, make sure it's near a BTS or MRT station. Bangkok's traffic is no joke, and public transport will save you hours.
How To Get Around Bangkok: Navigating the City
Bangkok's public transport is actually pretty good once you figure it out. Here's your guide:
BTS Skytrain & MRT Subway
The most efficient way to get around. The BTS (elevated train) and MRT (subway) are air-conditioned, reliable, and affordable. A Rabbit Card (rechargeable card for BTS) or MRT stored value card makes life easier. Trains run from about 6am to midnight.
Taxis & Grab
Taxis are cheap if you can get the driver to use the meter (always insist on this). However, the Grab app is more reliable and often cheaper. During rush hour (roughly 7-9am and 5-8pm), expect traffic to be absolutely brutal.
Tuk-Tuks
The iconic three-wheeled vehicles. They're fun for short rides and photo ops, but negotiate the price before getting in. Tuk-tuks are almost always more expensive than metered taxis and aren't really practical for getting around efficiently.
Boats & River Taxis
The Chao Phraya Express Boat is a fantastic way to travel along the river and reach major attractions like Wat Arun, Asiatique, and Chinatown. It's cheap (around 15-40 baht), scenic, and bypasses traffic entirely. The orange flag boats run all day and are tourist-friendly.
Motorbike Taxis
For the brave. Motorbike taxi drivers wear orange vests and can weave through traffic like nobody's business. Great for short distances when you're in a hurry. Hold on tight!
Pro Tip: Download the Grab app before you arrive. It's Southeast Asia's answer to Uber and works for both cars and motorbikes.
The Best Things To Do in Bangkok
Bangkok is packed with incredible experiences. Here are the absolute must-dos:
Explore the Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew
You simply cannot visit Bangkok without seeing the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha). This sprawling complex of ornate buildings and temples is absolutely stunning. The intricate details, gold-adorned structures, and the revered Emerald Buddha make this Bangkok's most important landmark.
Tips:
- Arrive early (8am opening) to beat the crowds and heat
- Dress modestly: covered shoulders and knees required
- Entrance fee is 500 baht
- Ignore scammers outside claiming the palace is closed
Visit Wat Pho & Wat Arun
Just a short walk from the Grand Palace, Wat Pho houses the massive Reclining Buddha—a 46-meter-long golden statue that's absolutely jaw-dropping. The temple complex is also the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
Cross the river by boat to reach Wat Arun, the stunning Temple of Dawn. Climb the steep central prang for amazing views of the river and city. The temple is especially beautiful at sunset when it's illuminated.
Get Lost in Chatuchak Weekend Market
If you're in Bangkok on a weekend, Chatuchak Market is an absolute must. This massive market has over 15,000 stalls selling everything imaginable—vintage clothes, handicrafts, antiques, plants, pets, street food, and more. It's overwhelming in the best way possible. Bring cash, wear comfortable shoes, and don't forget to haggle.
Wander Through Chinatown (Yaowarat)
Bangkok's Chinatown is sensory overload in the best way. The neon-lit Yaowarat Road comes alive at night with endless food stalls, gold shops, and bustling energy. This is one of the best places in Bangkok for street food. Come hungry and ready to eat everything.
Must-try: T&K Seafood, Nai Mong Hoi Thod for oyster omelets, and Jek Pui curry over rice.
Take a Canal Tour
Escape the city's madness for a few hours with a longtail boat tour through Bangkok's canals (khlongs). You'll see traditional stilt houses, local life, and hidden temples. The Artist's House (Baan Silapin) is a beautiful traditional Thai house accessible by canal.
Experience a Rooftop Bar
Bangkok's rooftop bar scene is legendary. While some are pricey, the experience of sipping a cocktail while overlooking the glittering skyline is worth splurging once.
Best rooftop bars:
- Sky Bar at Lebua - Made famous by "The Hangover Part II"
- Vertigo at Banyan Tree - 61 floors up with incredible 360° views
- Octave Rooftop Bar - Three levels of outdoor terraces
- Cloud 47 - More budget-friendly with great views
Budget Tip: Visit for one drink during happy hour to experience the views without breaking the bank.
Visit Jim Thompson House
This beautiful traditional Thai house belonged to the American businessman who revived Thailand's silk industry. The architecture is stunning, and the collection of Southeast Asian art is impressive. It's a peaceful oasis in the middle of the city and offers great insight into Thai culture and design.
Explore the Street Art Scene
Bangkok has a thriving street art scene. Head to the Charoenkrung neighborhood to see incredible murals and graffiti. The area around Talad Noi is particularly good for urban photography and street art hunting.
Get a Traditional Thai Massage
When in Thailand, getting a traditional Thai massage is essential. For an authentic experience at budget prices, head to Wat Pho's traditional massage school or try Health Land, a reliable chain with branches throughout the city. Expect to pay around 300-500 baht for an hour.
Take a Day Trip to Ayutthaya
The ancient capital of Siam, Ayutthaya is an easy day trip from Bangkok and absolutely worth it. The UNESCO World Heritage site is filled with impressive temple ruins that you can explore by bicycle. The famous Buddha head intertwined in tree roots at Wat Mahathat is here.
Street Food Guide: What & Where to Eat
Bangkok's street food is legendary—some of the best food in the world comes from humble carts and stalls. Here's what you need to try:
Must-Try Dishes
Pad Thai - Thailand's most famous dish. Try it at Thip Samai (Pad Thai Pratu Phi) for the original and best version.
Som Tam (Papaya Salad) - Spicy, sour, and incredibly addictive. Found everywhere.
Khao Soi - Northern Thai curry noodle soup. Try it at Khao Soi Islam in Chinatown.
Moo Ping (Grilled Pork Skewers) - Sweet, sticky, and perfect street snack.
Boat Noodles - Rich, flavorful soup served in small bowls. Visit Victory Monument for the best boat noodle alley.
Mango Sticky Rice - The perfect dessert. Sweet coconut rice with fresh mango.
Tom Yum - Spicy and sour soup that's a Thai staple.
Best Street Food Areas
Yaowarat (Chinatown) - The undisputed street food champion of Bangkok. Come at night when it's fully alive.
Or Tor Kor Market - Often called the best fresh market in Bangkok. Incredible prepared foods and produce.
Talad Rot Fai (Train Night Market) - Vintage market with excellent food section.
Ratchawat Market - Off the beaten path with authentic local eats.
Victory Monument - Famous for boat noodles.
Pro Tips:
- If locals are lining up, it's probably good
- Don't be afraid of basic-looking stalls—they often serve the best food
- Start with mild spice levels and work your way up
- Most dishes cost 40-80 baht ($1-2)
- Bring small bills—vendors often don't have change for large notes
Nightlife in Bangkok: Where To Party
Bangkok's nightlife is world-class, offering everything from sophisticated rooftop lounges to gritty backpacker bars to massive nightclubs. Here's the breakdown:
Khao San Road
The quintessential backpacker party street. Bucket drinks, cheap beers, street performances, and travelers from every corner of the globe. It's chaotic, messy, and incredibly fun. Start at The Brick Bar or Roof Bar for good vibes.
RCA (Royal City Avenue)
Where locals party. This club district is packed with Thai university students and young professionals. Route 66, Onyx, and Slim are the biggest clubs here. Expect electronic music, hip-hop, and insanely crowded dance floors. It's cheaper than Sukhumvit and gives you a more authentic Bangkok nightlife experience.
Sukhumvit
The sophisticated party zone. Sukhumvit offers rooftop bars, speakeasies, international DJ nights, and a mix of upscale clubs. Levels Club is the most famous, playing hip-hop and EDM across multiple floors. Thonglor and Ekkamai are where Bangkok's wealthy party.
Notable venues:
- Levels Club - Massive multi-floor club
- Beam - Underground club for serious ravers
- Sing Sing Theater - Themed nights and great DJs
- Sugar Ray - Fun house and hip-hop club
Nana Plaza & Soi Cowboy
Bangkok's notorious red light districts. If this isn't your scene, skip it. If you're curious, it's certainly an experience, though many travelers (understandably) prefer to avoid these areas.
Rooftop Bars & Cocktail Lounges
For a classier evening, Bangkok's rooftop bars and speakeasies are incredible. Tep Bar offers traditional Thai music and craft cocktails in a beautiful wooden house. Bamboo Bar at the Mandarin Oriental is a sophisticated jazz lounge. Maggie Choo's is a quirky underground speakeasy with live music.
Nightlife Tips:
- Clubs close around 2am officially, but after-parties go all night
- Dress codes vary—upscale venues require proper shoes and long pants
- Never accept drinks from strangers
- Keep your valuables secure in crowded areas
- Grab works all night—always have a safe way home
Day Trips from Bangkok
If you have extra time, these day trips are absolutely worth it:
Ayutthaya
The ancient capital, just 90 minutes north. Rent a bicycle and explore temple ruins all day. It's magical and one of Thailand's most important historical sites.
Floating Markets
Damnoen Saduak or Amphawa floating markets offer a glimpse of traditional Thai commerce. Go early to avoid crowds. Amphawa is more authentic and less touristy.
Kanchanaburi
Visit the Bridge on the River Kwai, stunning waterfalls (Erawan is the most famous), and learn about WWII history. Can be done as a day trip but better as an overnight stay.
Ancient City (Muang Boran)
An enormous outdoor museum with replicas of Thailand's most important historical buildings and monuments. Rent a bike and spend the day exploring.
Essential Tips for Bangkok
Money
- ATMs are everywhere but charge around 220 baht per withdrawal
- Bring a card with no foreign transaction fees
- Always have small bills for street food and taxis
- Bargain at markets but not at restaurants or 7-Elevens
Weather
- Hot season: March-May (35-40°C, brutal)
- Rainy season: June-October (hot and humid with afternoon showers)
- Cool season: November-February (25-30°C, the best time to visit)
Safety
- Bangkok is generally very safe for travelers
- Watch out for scams, especially near tourist attractions
- Be careful crossing streets—look both ways constantly
- Protect valuables in crowded areas
What to Pack
- Light, breathable clothing (it's always hot)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Modest clothes for temples (covered shoulders and knees)
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle
- Power adapter (Type A, B, C, and F plugs)
SIM Card & Internet
Get a tourist SIM card at the airport (AIS, DTAC, or TrueMove). They're cheap (around 200-400 baht for a week) and give you unlimited data. Staying connected makes everything easier.
Respect Thai Culture
- Never disrespect the Thai royal family (it's illegal and deeply offensive)
- Remove shoes before entering temples and homes
- Dress modestly at religious sites
- The head is sacred, the feet are dirty—never touch someone's head or point your feet at people or Buddha images
- Learn basic phrases: "Sawasdee krap/ka" (hello), "Khop khun krap/ka" (thank you)
Conclusion
Bangkok is everything you've heard and more. It's chaotic and calm, ancient and modern, sophisticated and gritty, all at the same time. For backpackers, it offers incredible value, endless experiences, and serves as the perfect introduction to Southeast Asia.
Whether you're temple-hopping, eating your weight in street food, dancing until dawn on Khao San Road, or getting lost in the maze of Chatuchak Market, Bangkok delivers experiences you'll never forget. The city might seem overwhelming at first, but embrace the chaos—that's where the magic happens.
So book that flight, pack light, bring an open mind, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. Bangkok is waiting.
Planning your first trip to Bangkok? Check out our Flights or browse our Hotels for more destination inspiration.