BangkokTravel Guide

If you want your Bangkok vacation to be packed with activities, you should stay at Sukhumvit. During the day, indulge your inner shopaholic by visiting nearby shopping centres, such as Terminal 21. As night falls, spend time drinking and socialising at Soi Cowboy. It's also easy to get to other Bangkok attractions from Sukhumvit by using the BTS Skytrain.

Considered the centre of Bangkok's business district, Silom has plenty of luxury hotels on offer. You can do some gentle exercises at Lumphini Park before embarking on a day of exploring. Enjoy the various museums and antique stores nearby. If you want to see a more vivid side of Bangkok, head to the red light district of Patpong.

If you're looking to immerse yourself in Thailand's rich history and culture, there's no better place to stay than the Old City centre. You'll see landmarks such as the Grand Palace, the Museum of Siam, and Wat Pho. You'll also be close to the bustle of Khao San Road, a great place to meet other travellers and swap stories.

With a good mix of budget-friendly and boutique hotels, accommodation in Chinatown is worth consideration. Staying here will inevitably lead you to some interesting local places and experiences. Visit the market lanes and good eateries around the district, as well as the world's largest statue of Buddha, made entirely from solid gold, at Wat Traimit.

Stay in one of Siam Square's hotels if shopping is the main aim of your vacation in Bangkok. Shopping centres and designer boutiques will be nearby, but you're also close to the Jim Thompson House, Erawan Shrine, and Bangkok Art and Culture Centre for when you desire a culture fix.

Can't sleep? Whether it's jetlag or the excitement of being away, there are many places in Prantunam that are open 24 hours. For instance, most people shop at the Prantunam Market from 11am to 8pm, but you'll see a different side if you drop by at night. There's also a shrine you can visit if you want extra luck in your love life.

Feel like you've escaped Bangkok's frenetic pace by staying at a Riverside hotel. This area is home to hotels with large swimming pools, expansive grounds, and excellent service. You'll also be treated to views of Wat Arun, Wat Pho, and the Grand Palace. If you wish to venture into the city, just hop on the BTS Skytrain and you'll be there in no time.

Famously described as ‘the centre of the backpacking universe', expect a frenzy of activity when visiting Khao San Road. Although popular with a young tourist crowd, the 1km stretch of shops and bars also attracts a lot of locals and is a popular meeting place. Close to other Bangkok landmarks, this is a great sightseeing springboard when walking around the city.

Located on the western bank of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun is a beautiful Bangkok landmark. Watch the sun set over the stone temple and you'll see it lit up gold by the setting sun. Named after a Hindu god who is the embodiment of the rays of the rising sun, Wat Arun means the ‘Temple of the Dawn'.

Inside Wat Pho, you'll find intricate engravings and beautiful figures, including the famed Reclining Buddha. Apart from the large golden statue, many visitors also flock to Wat Pho because it's the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. Experience this invigorating massage for yourself while visiting the temple grounds. If you have time, you can even learn a few techniques for yourself.

Outside, the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall is an impressive neo-Renaissance white marble edifice. Step inside and you'll discover paintings depicting the history of the current royal dynasty and gold ceremonial items. There are also exhibits and masterpieces from Thailand's national artists. As the Throne Hall is part of the Royal Family's property, conservative clothing is recommended.

If you want to learn more about the people living in the north of Thailand without leaving the capital, visit the Ban Kamthieng and Siam Society. Originally located in Chiang Mai, the museum was moved to Bangkok and contains items inhabitants would use every day when living in a wooden house. It's also the base for the Siam Society, a group that promotes knowledge of Thailand and its surrounds.

Don't be fooled by the old-fashioned Western-style building. The Museum of Siam tries to answer the question, ‘What does being Thai mean?' Modern, interactive installations — like pretending to be a TV reporter or a diner regular — will help get you thinking about this question as you discover the evolution of the Thai people and their culture.

Throughout Bangkok you'll see gigantic painted gold statues of Buddha. The difference with the Buddha housed in Wat Traimit is that it's made of solid gold. Nearly 5m tall, it weighs more than five tons and is the largest Buddha effigy in the world. Find out how it was discovered and moved to its current home at the Phra Buddha Maha Suwanna Patimakorn Exhibition, located within the wat (temple).

One of the most beautiful places in Bangkok, the Grand Palace was the home of the Royal Family. Arrive early to soak up all the beautiful architecture, mosaics, and furnishings. Inside the complex you'll also find Wat Phra Kaew, the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand. It houses the Emerald Buddha, which was carved from a single jade block.

The floating markets are one of the must-see Bangkok tourist attractions. Sellers ply their wares of fresh produce and handmade souvenirs while riding slim boats. Many markets have tours where you can hop on a motorised boat and be whisked around the floating stalls. Take the time to enjoy the local food specialties, such as grilled meats and noodle soups, which are cooked right in front of you.

Jim Thompson was an American entrepreneur who revitalised the Thai silk industry. After leading a colourful life, he mysteriously disappeared in 1967. One of the legacies he left behind was his home, comprising of six traditional Thai teak structures, which were brought to this Bangkok location from all around the country. Visiting the Jim Thompson House allows you to learn more about the ‘Legendary American of Thailand'.

Translated, Suan Pakkad Palace means ‘cabbage patch', but don't let the amusing name fool you. The museum was previously home to members of the Royal Family. It's made up of several traditional Thai houses, containing items from the royal collection of Hindu and Buddhist art. After you're done exploring the interior, have a refreshing walk around the gardens.

Bangkokian, or the Bangkok Folk Museum, represents what life was like for people before World War II. The group of three buildings includes a family home that was completed in 1937, a boarding house built by the family to help make ends meet, and a surgery that was owned by a British doctor.

The Bangkok National Museum started out as antiquities passed down by King Rama IV to his son. The collection has since expanded and represents Thailand's history dating back to the Neolithic period. It's also the largest national museum in Southeast Asia. For more insight, join one of the guided tours run by English-speaking museum volunteers.

Bangkok's street food is as colourful and varied as the city itself. If you want something cheap, filling and tasty, slurp some boat noodles. Vendors can be found in the alley near Victory Monument. Feeling brave? You'll find freshly deep-fried insects at Klong Toey market. Meanwhile, if you want something more refreshing while searching for shopping bargains, sip some Thai iced tea at the Rod Fai Night Market.

Take advantage of Bangkok's famed bars and nightlife. For a show provided by nature, watch the sun set and the landmarks light up while you enjoy a delicious dinner on a river cruise. Once night has fallen, head to a rooftop bar and sip cocktails while the lights illuminate the city. Alternatively, drink local beers and spend time people-watching in the famous red light districts of Patpong and Soi Cowboy.

Spend an evening in luxury by eating at one of the fine-dining restaurants at the Silom, Sukhumvit, Sathorn, and Riverside districts. For delicious fare that doesn't blow the budget, go to Chinatown or Old City. Don't forget to eat at Thip Samai Pad Thai to taste what many consider the best Pad Thai in Bangkok.

If you're looking for a shopping centre with a bit of history, look no further than Old Siam Plaza. It's located on Rattanakosin Island, the same district as the Grand Palace. Old Siam is known as a destination for Thai silk and quality clothing. You can also pick up great Thai snacks (such as sweet rice cakes), which will help keep your shopping energy levels up.

Not sure what to buy in Bangkok? How about makeup accessories, fancy costumes, and handmade clothing? You can find all these and more at Pratunam Market, a 24-hour wholesale shopping mecca. Visit between 11am and 8pm, when most of the retail stores are open. Prices here are low, so make sure you have plenty of small bills on hand.

While it may have a fancy name and posh exteriors, Platinum Mall has items at low prices. You can find affordably priced menswear, womenswear, and accessories. Most of the shops only accept cash and many offer discounts if you purchase three or more products at once. If you find yourself with a lot of new purchases, simply buy a new bag to put them in.

Clear your Saturday schedule for a visit to Chatuchak Weekend Market, one of the biggest markets in the world. Throughout its 27 sections you'll find everything from hats to home decor, from pet accessories to paintings. Prices here are already reasonable, but you may be able to use a friendly demeanour and your bargaining skills to get the best deal.

Mahbookkrong (MBK) is a well-known Bangkok shopping centre where you can haggle down the prices. You'll find plenty of electronics and clothes. If shopping for a new outfit, keep a lookout for export shops or ‘oversized' clothes, as most sizes are for the more petite local bodies rather than Western physiques.

If you want the latest in Bangkok fashion in an international setting, definitely check out Terminal 21. There are nine floors in this shopping centre, each styled to look like a different city. You'll be shopping in London one moment, then Tokyo or San Francisco the next. Terminal 21 has both international and local brands, plus an excellent food court at the top level for when you get peckish.

If you need to get to a specific location fast, flag down a taxi. A glowing red sign indicates that it's vacant. Check that the driver is using the meter so you get the correct fare. Alternatively, if it's just a short trip during off-peak hours, try riding a tuk-tuk. Before agreeing to ride, negotiate the price of the trip with the driver first.

If you want to get around Bangkok on your own steam, you can hire a scooter or motorbike. Just be sure that you have your passport, Australian licence and International Driving Permit with you when you go to the rental company. Bring photocopies of these documents to leave with the company. Most rentals have helmets for you to use as well.

Bangkok has plenty of public transportation options, from boats that cross the Chao Phraya River to colour-coded buses that cover the city. Use the BTS Skytrain for a quick but picturesque way to get around Bangkok. One-day or multi-day passes are available, making it even easier to hop on and off the BTS whenever you need.

Walking around in Bangkok can be an interesting way to see the city. Whether it's a leisurely tour around Chinatown, a morning jog at a Lumphini Park or a quick stroll from one shopping centre to another, there are lots of places to walk. Just be sure to carry cold bottled water and an umbrella to protect yourself from the sun and rain.

Created in the 1920s, Lumphini Park is the biggest and most popular park in Bangkok. You can take part in tai chi or aerobics classes with the locals. Alternatively, find a quiet spot all to yourself to enjoy some solitary relaxation. If you want to cool off, sip a Thai iced tea sold by one of the park vendors, or rent a paddleboat for a ride on the artificial lake.

Once used exclusively by the Royal Family and their guests, the Saranrom Royal Garden is now open to the public. It's Bangkok's first botanic garden, offering shady lawns, green ponds, and small gazebos – perfect for relaxing. Saranrom is also home to a strikingly famous monument dedicated to a queen and princess who tragically drowned during a boating accident in 1890.

The Benjakiti Park is a beautiful place to pause and reflect on your Bangkok vacation so far. Enjoy views of the lake, fountains and surrounding flowers. Separate pathways for joggers and cyclists mean you can set your own pace in peace. Alternatively, if you want to join the fun, there are places to rent bikes and paddle boats.

Surrounded by landmarks like the Grand Palace and the National Museum, Sanam Luang is a good place to rest after sightseeing. Its name means ‘royal turf' and many ceremonies involving the Royal Family are held here. Stroll through the oval field, play games, or just sit and enjoy a picnic. In March, colourful kites fill up the sky – this is the main location for traditional Thai kite flying.

Chuvit Garden was created in 2006 by a Thai politician who owns the area. This small plot of land, formerly known as Sukhumvit Square, is only a few blocks away from some of the city's biggest shopping centres. The private garden is only open to the public at specific times, but catch it just right and it's the perfect place to stop for a breather before or after some retail therapy.

Romaneenart Park is just a few minutes' walk from the Giant Swing on one side and Chinatown on another. Make a stop in this park a priority during your time walking around the city. This is the former site for the Bangkok Central Jail and the current home of the Corrections Museum, so there's plenty of history to discover as well as green space.