Spread over an area of 1,568.7 km2, Bangkok - the capital of Thailand is a bustling metropolis with a population of about 8 million people, accounting for nearly 1/5 of the country's population. From a small town in the Ayutthaya kingdom, Bangkok has undergone a spectacular development journey, rising to become a bustling commercial center.
The economic boom from the 1960s to the 1980s helped turn Bangkok into the economic, cultural and educational heart of Thailand. At the same time, Bangkok is also a favorite destination for many tourists around the world, including Vietnam.
Best Time to Visit Bangkok
Thailand is at its best during the cool, dry season from November to February , ideal for outdoor activities and island exploration. On the contrary, April to June or September to October is the low season for tourism in Bangkok. The simple reason is that this is the time when the weather can be hot and rainy.
November to April is the busiest time in Thailand. During this time , the weather in Thailand is quite pleasant, suitable for tourism and exploration activities.
How to get to Bangkok
You have many airline options to fly from Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, ... to the capital Bangkok. Among them, 2 airlines Vietnam Airline, VietJet, ... have many flights to take passengers to Bangkok. The flights only take about 2 hours, not too long to take you to the beautiful country of Thailand.
Round-trip tickets to Bangkok from Vietnam usually cost around 2 million VND . However, if you can find a ticket when the airline has a promotion, you can own a pair of round-trip tickets for only 1.4 to 1.8 million VND. HoaBinh Tourist would like to share a secret: you should book tickets 3-4 months in advance and avoid the peak summer travel months to get the best price.
Means of transportation in Bangkok
When traveling to Bangkok, Thailand, visitors have many options for transportation. Depending on your personal needs, you can choose the type of transportation that best suits your budget and optimizes your travel time. Below are some popular means of transportation that many visitors use when coming to the capital of Thailand:
- Bangkok Skytrain (BTS): A convenient means of public transportation in Bangkok, operating from 6am to 10pm daily, with a frequency of 3-6 minutes/trip. Ticket prices range from 15 to 40 baht/trip . BTS has 2 main lines: Silom line (dark green) connecting Silom with Sukhumvit and Sukhumvit line (green) traveling along Sukhumvit road.
- Bangkok Underground (MRT): This is a subway system that operates from 6am to 10pm daily, with a frequency of 7-10 minutes/trip. Ticket prices range from 15 to 40 baht depending on the distance traveled. MRT connects many famous tourist destinations such as Hua Lamphong, Sam Yan, Silom, Lumpini, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Lat Phrao, Ratchadapisek, Sukhumvit, Rama 9, Thailand Cultural, Huay Kwang, Kamphaengphet, Bang Sue, Chatuchak.
- Tuk Tuk: This is a typical means of transport in Thailand, operating from 6am to 11pm. The fare ranges from 10 to 20 baht , depending on the distance. Each vehicle can carry from 2 to 5 people, however, this type of transport is not suitable for long distances. Visitors should ask for the price before getting on the vehicle and avoid going during rush hour (7am-9am and 4pm-7pm) due to traffic jams.
- Renting a motorbike or car: This is a suitable choice for tourists who want to be proactive in exploring Thailand. Rental prices range from 200 baht/day for motorbikes and 500 baht/day for cars , depending on the type of vehicle and rental location. However, renting a car requires you to have a driver's license and understand Thai traffic laws, especially driving on the left side of the road and wearing a helmet when riding a motorbike.
- Taxi: Taxis in Bangkok operate 24/7, the fare is 5 baht/km . You can catch a taxi anywhere, so it is very convenient for tourists. Just like in Vietnam, most taxi companies in Bangkok, Thailand have meters that display the number of kilometers, so you should ask the driver to turn on the meter when driving to avoid being "ripped off" by the price.
- Bus: Buses in Bangkok operate from 5am to 11pm, with some late night buses running from 11pm to 5am. Ticket prices range from 7 to 22 baht depending on the distance. You can choose red buses (spacious, with night routes), green buses (cheap, no air conditioning), white, blue, cream buses (spacious, airy, air-conditioned, more expensive).
Where to go and what to do when traveling to Bangkok, Thailand?
Bangkok is a promising destination for anyone who has the opportunity to come here to travel and explore the landscape. This article would like to introduce some famous places that you should not miss when coming to the capital of Thailand.
Famous temples in Bangkok
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
Built in the 18th century and undergoing many renovations, Wat Arun is not only an important religious center for the people of Bangkok but also a testament to Thailand's unique history and architecture.
The temple's name translates to Temple of Dawn, which also partly explains the best time of day to admire this monument. Wat Arun is most beautiful when the sunlight is gentle, creating a shimmering scene. Early in the morning (6am-8am), the dawn sunlight shines on the towers, bringing a radiant beauty. Sunset is also the ideal time to admire Wat Arun, when the golden sunlight dyes the temple a magical color.
When coming to Bangkok, tourists should visit this famous temple once to have a complete experience of Buddhist culture in the land of Golden Temples.
Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (official name: Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram), is one of the most important Buddhist architectural works in Thailand. Located in the historical center of Bangkok, within the grounds of the Royal Palace, the temple houses the Phra Kaew Morakot (Emerald Buddha) – a revered symbol of Buddha, meticulously carved from precious jade.
Wat Pho
Wat Pho, also known as Wat Phra Chetuphon, is considered a must-see destination for first-time visitors to Bangkok. The highlight here is the giant reclining Buddha statue, 15 meters high, 46 meters long, and covered in splendid gold.
Wat Pho is also an ideal place to experience traditional Thai massage. It is considered the leading massage school in Thailand. Since December 2012, the entrance fee is 100 Baht, open from 8am to 5pm . Visitors should note the opening hours to arrange their itinerary most appropriately.
Loha Prasat Temple
Loha Prasat has a unique design with a concentric rotating metal roof around a tallest spire, bringing a "wow" beauty to visitors when visiting this place for the first time.
The temple is also considered a unique feature, a highlight, completely different from the traditional architecture of temples in Bangkok. This is also an attraction for tourists to Loha Prasat, giving visitors a multifaceted view of rich Thai culture.
Wat Saket
Sitting majestically on a man-made hill, Wat Saket is one of Bangkok’s most famous temples, attracting tourists and Buddhists alike. Every year, the temple holds a dazzling festival during Loy Krathong (October) with its golden stupa decorated with a giant red cloth.
The candle procession to the top of the tower marks the beginning of a week of vibrant festivities that no tourist visiting Bangkok should miss.
Wat Suthat
Wat Suthat is considered one of the oldest and most majestic temples in Bangkok. It attracts visitors every year because of its small temple with a wide roof, magnificent wall paintings and delicately carved wooden doors.
Located in the Old City area, Wat Suthat is an ideal stopover for visitors to explore other famous landmarks such as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Grand Palace and Wat Pho.
Wat Traimit
Located in the heart of Bangkok, Wat Traimit, also known as the Golden Buddha Temple, attracts tourists with its unique beauty and giant solid gold Buddha statue.
The Buddha statue here is built with a height of 3 meters, weighs 5.5 tons, shining brightly in the sunlight. It is also a symbol of prosperity, purity and power in the minds of the Thai people.
Every day, visitors from all over flock to Wat Traimit to admire this masterpiece of art and spirituality. To fully enjoy the tour, visitors should visit early in the morning, when there are not many people, convenient for exploring the temple, taking souvenir photos and shopping for unique souvenirs.
Wat Yannawa
When visiting Bangkok to explore the Land of Golden Temples, tourists cannot miss the opportunity to visit Wat Yannawa, a unique temple shaped like a boat.
Nestled in the heart of the city, Wat Yannawa has a long history, built during the reign of King Rama III. From afar, the temple resembles a giant boat with curved roofs, decorated with intricate gilded motifs, shining brightly in the sunlight.
This is a spiritual and cultural destination in Bangkok, Thailand that tourists should definitely visit once.
Famous places with rich cultural identity in Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand is famous for its many culturally rich architectures. If you have the chance, try the following destinations:
Royal Palace of Thailand
The Bangkok Royal Palace is considered a magnificent architectural masterpiece in the land of the Golden Temple. This is a famous place imbued with Bangkok culture that tourists cannot miss on their journey to explore the capital of Thailand.
The Thai Royal Palace is a harmonious combination of Chinese, French, Italian and ancient Thai architectural styles, creating a unique and magnificent architectural complex.
The Royal Palace is also the venue for important ceremonies and events of the Thai Royal Family, contributing to embellishing the unique traditional culture of the Land of Golden Temples.
Ayutthaya ancient capital
The ancient capital of Ayutthaya is an ideal destination for those who want to learn about the glorious history of the Golden Temple country. Although it was destroyed by the Burmese army in the past, the remaining ruins at the ancient capital of Ayutthaya are still enough for visitors to imagine the glorious and magnificent capital that once existed here.
Khao San Road – Western District
Khao San Road is known as the “Western Quarter” of Bangkok. This place attracts a large number of international tourists because of its many entertainment activities combined with street food. Khao San Road gives visitors a clear feeling of the unique blend of Western culture and Thai characteristics.
China Town
Located in the heart of Bangkok, there is a neighborhood built and maintained with Chinese culture, called China Town. When traveling to Bangkok, you should not miss this unique place to increase the interesting experiences of your trip.
China Town is a miniature world with ancient temple architecture, shops selling all kinds of specialties, and bustling streets, all creating a vivid picture of the life of the Chinese community in Bangkok.
Visit famous markets
Thailand is always famous for its cheap and diverse shopping. Therefore, the markets here are also considered as tourist destinations for tourists.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
When coming to Bangkok, Thailand, tourists should definitely visit the famous markets here to clearly feel the lifestyle, culture and enjoy street food. Among them, Chatuchak market, Bangkok's giant shopping paradise - attracts shopping enthusiasts with a variety of products.
Besides shopping, don’t miss the attractive food court at Chatuchak Market. Unique and delicious street food such as coconut sticky rice ice cream, fried rice cakes, grilled skewers… are also attractions for tourists coming here.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is located 100km from Bangkok, is the oldest floating market in Thailand, famous for its intricate canal system. This is a shopping paradise with a variety of goods, from snacks, seasonal fruits to handicrafts, with reasonable prices.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is also a culinary paradise with Thai specialties such as Pad Thai, Som Tam, grilled chicken, mango ice cream... Visitors will experience shopping and enjoy unique cuisine right on the bustling boats moving back and forth.
Amphawa Floating Market
Amphawa Floating Market, located southwest of Bangkok, is the second largest floating market in Thailand, famous for its unique way of buying and selling: vendors row boats on the river to sell goods, and customers can wave their hands or use a pole to receive the goods.
Amphawa Floating Market opens 3 days a week (from 12pm to 8pm), attracting tourists with its abundance of goods, from clothes, accessories, souvenirs to fresh seafood processed into attractive dishes such as fried crab, grilled shrimp, spicy and sour squid...
Enjoy unique cuisine in Bangkok
Traveling is a great opportunity to explore local culture and the quickest way to do that is to experience the cuisine. Thai cuisine, with its characteristic sour and spicy taste, will bring you interesting experiences similar to Vietnamese cuisine. Here are some delicious dishes you should try when visiting the Land of Golden Pagodas:
Pad Thai
As a culinary icon of Thailand, Pad Thai is a must-try dish when traveling to Bangkok. This delicious stir-fried noodle dish perfectly combines fresh shrimp or chicken with spicy chili, the sweet taste of palm sugar and tamarind, the mild sourness of lime juice, the fragrant and fatty egg and the crunchy roasted peanuts. Pad Thai is a delicate blend of sweet, sour and spicy flavors, creating an unforgettable culinary experience.
Spicy Shrimp Soup (Tom Yum)
Ranked in the top 20 must-try dishes in Bangkok, Tom Yum is a symbol of Thai cuisine, conquering diners with its rich, spicy and sour taste. The fragrant aroma of lemongrass, lime leaves, and ginger blends with the sweetness of shrimp, creating a unique symphony of flavors that is hard to resist.
Thai Papaya Salad (Som Tam)
Som Tam – Thailand’s famous papaya salad, is a fascinating symphony of flavors. Guests will enjoy the delicate combination of crunchy papaya, cool green cucumber, sweet carrots, spicy chili, rich black beans, fragrant coriander, fragrant shallots, rich dried shrimp and crispy roasted peanuts.
Som Tam brings a wonderful taste experience with a harmonious combination of sour, spicy, sweet, salty, making it hard to resist. This dish is often enjoyed with white rice or toasted bread, creating a nutritious and flavorful meal.
Boat Noodles (Guaytiao Rua)
When planning to explore Bangkok’s cuisine, you should definitely try Guay Tiew Ruea – the famous Thai boat noodles. Although it is no longer enjoyed on boats like it used to be, the unique flavor of Guay Tiew Ruea still attracts diners at riverside kiosks.
Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niew Mamuang)
Known as a famous Thai street food and dessert, when exploring Bangkok cuisine you must try mango sticky rice at least once.
The dish is the perfect combination of the sweetness of ripe mango and fragrant sticky rice, creating an irresistible flavor.
To enhance the flavor of the dish, mango sticky rice is often served with crispy roasted peanuts, fragrant chestnuts, refreshing lotus seeds and rich coconut milk.