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Wat Arun on the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok, lit up at dusk

No. 20 Top 100 City Destinations 2025

Bangkok

Thailand

Glittering temples, river life, street food and huge markets in Thailand's capital.

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Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Bangkok is No. 20 in Euromonitor International's Top 100 City Destinations Index 2025. Thailand's capital since 1782 lies on the Chao Phraya River. Thais call it Krung Thep, the start of a very long ceremonial name.

The historic Rattanakosin area holds the Grand Palace and some of the country's most important temples, while modern districts are full of malls, rooftop bars and markets. Bangkok's street food is among the best in the world.

Gilded spires and roofs of the Grand Palace, Bangkok
Gilded spires and roofs of the Grand Palace, Bangkok. Photo: Basile Morin, CC BY-SA 4.0, source

Best time to go

November to February is the coolest and driest time and the most popular. March to May is very hot.

The rainy season runs roughly from June to October, with heavy afternoon downpours, but fewer visitors and lower prices.

Top sights

  • 1

    Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew

    The former royal palace complex houses the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. A strict dress code applies: cover shoulders and legs.

  • 2

    Wat Pho

    Home of the 46-metre Reclining Buddha and a famous school of traditional Thai massage.

  • 3

    Wat Arun

    The Temple of Dawn, decorated with porcelain mosaics, stands on the west bank of the river. It is beautiful at sunset from across the water.

  • 4

    Chao Phraya River

    The Chao Phraya Express boats and river ferries are a cheap and scenic way to reach the riverside sights.

  • 5

    Chatuchak Weekend Market

    One of the world's largest markets, with thousands of stalls selling everything from clothes and crafts to plants and food.

  • 6

    Chinatown (Yaowarat)

    Busy by day, Yaowarat Road comes alive at night with street-food stalls.

  • 7

    Jim Thompson House

    A group of traditional teak houses filled with Asian art, built by the American silk merchant Jim Thompson.

Getting there

Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), about 30 km east of the centre, is linked to the city by the Airport Rail Link to Phaya Thai. Don Mueang Airport (DMK), used by many budget airlines, is on the SRT Red Line.

Getting around

The BTS Skytrain and MRT underground avoid the city's heavy traffic. River boats serve the old town.

Insist that taxis use the meter, or book a car with a ride-hailing app such as Grab.

Practical tips

Currency
Thai baht (THB). Cards are accepted in hotels, malls and larger restaurants; carry cash for markets, street food and small shops.
Language
Thai. English is common in hotels and tourist areas.
Temples
Dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered, remove your shoes before entering temple buildings, and never point your feet at a Buddha image.
Safety
Bangkok is generally safe. Beware of common scams, such as strangers saying a sight is closed and offering a tour instead. Tourist Police: 1155.
Visa & entry
Citizens of 60 countries and territories, including the US, the UK, Canada, Australia and most EU countries, can visit Thailand visa-free for tourism for up to 30 days (the earlier 60-day exemption ended on 15 September 2026). All foreign visitors must complete the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online at tdac.immigration.go.th within 72 hours before arrival.
Power
220 V, 50 Hz; plug types A, B, C, F and O.

Official information: Amazing Thailand (Tourism Authority of Thailand). Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.

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