Bangkok is one of my favourite cities ever. The bustling capital is a new experience every time I visit! Be prepared for the kindest people, the tastiest food, and one of the most beautiful cities in South East Asia. I hope you enjoy my guide, and it gives you some ideas of what you want to get up to whilst backpacking Bangkok, Thailand.
How to get to Bangkok?
If you’re flying to Thailand, chances are you will fly into Bangkok. Bangkok is one place that cannot be missed. If you’re short on time, I would spend 1-2 nights there, it’s plenty of time to see some main sights and get a feel for the bustling city.
Another good way to travel to and from Bangkok is the night train, you can read my guide here
Where to stay in Bangkok?
Most backpackers flock to hostels in Bangkok that are close to the famous ‘Khao san road’, it’s full with other travellers, so you can make plenty of friends. The location is amazing and central and the nightlife is buzzing! Ahhhhh what I would do now to be sat in Khao San Road with some street food and a cold Chang. There are plenty of hostels to chose from, and I’ve put together a list of some of my recommendations:
When I would arrive in a country alone, I would make sure I checked into the biggest party hostel for the first couple of nights, so I was guaranteed to meet people! Then you can make amazing friends and travel with them for the rest of the country!
Hostel recommendations in Bangkok
Zee Thai Hostel
Zee Thai Hostel is perfect for budget backpackers, and is very well located, right near Khaosan Road. The rooms are very comfortable and they offer private rooms and dormitories. You can lock your backpacks safely in the big lockers provided, and enjoy Aircon in all the rooms.
Mind day Hostel
Mind day hostel is beautifully decorated in traditional Thai decor. Brilliant for budget backpackers, and they also offer dormitories and private rooms. They have a beautiful rooftop area with plenty of seating, So you can socialise and have an amazing view of Bangkok. Location is great, close to Khaosan road too!
Tales Hostel
Tales hostel is a great hostel for those looking to still enjoy a good night sleep while still being close to Khaosan road. The dormitory are well built and you get your own little built part, so very good for privacy. Budget friendly, and also offer aircon in the rooms.
Here Hostel
Here hostel has been beautifully decorated after a refurbishment and boasts a beautiful garden area and outdoor swimming pool. They have large and comfy dorm beds that offer privacy and security for you belongings!
Mad Monkey Hostel Bangkok
Mad Monkey Bangkok is well equipped for a social environment and definitely known as a party hostel. It has a bar area, swimming pool, lounge areas and a pool table. A great place for meeting people and having a lively stay! The rooms are comfy and modern, and the location is great!
Best things to do in Bangkok
I honestly don’t think it’s possible to get bored in Bangkok! At least, you definitely won’t be stuck for things to do in Bangkok after reading this list! Here are some ideas and suggestions for you, some you will not want to skip.
Sook Siam - Indoor floating market
Bangkok has so many markets, it’s hard to know which one to visit first. A very popular market is Sook Siam, located in the Iconsiam mall in the area of Khlong san. Perfect if you want to escape the heat, or it’s a rainy day in Bangkok. There are so many food stalls too, perfect for trying traditional Thai food
Drinks at Sky Bar Lebua, Bangkok
Enjoy drinks at sunset at one of the world’s most famous sky bars. Sky Bar at Lebua in Bangkok. You will get a 360 view of the stunning city whilst enjoying a beautiful setting and signature cocktails. It does get busy so I would pre book a table or get there early. Be aware though that they have a dress code of smart/casual.
China Town
Visit and have lunch in Chinatown. Located on Yaowarat road, this is Bangkok’s oldest district and bustling with Chinese themed decor and amazing food! Every time I have been to Bangkok I always end up in chinatown for lunch, the food is just unreal.
Night market
Go to a night market. Thailand have the best night markets ever! I’m yet to backpack a country that can out do them. And there is something about going to a market at night that makes it even better. Perhaps all the pretty lights, and the break from the hot sun makes it even better. A popular night market is Chatuchak market. And another amazing night market is Train night market located in Srinakarin. Try and go hungry because you just end up eating everything!
Take a Thai cooking class
An amazing way to experience culture first hand is getting stuck right in and learning to cook traditional meals. I personally think Thailand have one of the best cuisines in the world, I just love the flavours and ingredients they use in their cooking! I highly recommend taking a cooking class, it’s one of the best things I have done
Wat Arun
Visit the buddhist temple of Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn. It sits beautifully along the Chao Phraya river. You will see it lit up gold at night time and visited often by many tourists and locals. Remember to respectfully cover your shoulders and knees whilst visiting temples in Thailand.
Party in Khao San Road
If your looking for a busy and social district for a few drinks and street food, then the famous Khaosan road is the place for you. Where a lot of backpackers choose to stay. Khaosan road is a good and energetic place to hang out with friends and socialise! You will find some good and cheap street food here too! Nothing like a drunken pad Thai to finish the night off with
Ride on a grab scooter
One of my favourite things to do in Bangkok was get the scooter taxis. You could order a scooter taxi on the app ‘grab’ and ride on the back of a scooter as a form of taxi. It’s super cheap and so much fun! Get your headphones on under your helmet and just listen to your favourite music whilst chilling on the back of a scooter taking in all of Bangkok!
Visit the grand palace
A very popular attraction is the grand palace. This used to be the King of Thailand’s home for many, many years. As well as government officials would reside here too. Local Thai people have entry for free, and the ticket cost for foreigners id 500 TBH. You can pre book your tickets online and then collect them whilst you are there.
Get a Thai massage
Believe me when I say, you have not been massaged, until you have been Thai massaged. They are phenomenal, and they can be similar but different with each one you go for. Not to mention the price of them is unreal! Between £5-£10 for one hour! Be sure to leave a tip!
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