The Bangkok travel guide, written by people who actually live here

Bangkok rewards people who know where to look, and punishes people who don’t. This is the guide we wished existed when we first moved here: no recycled listicles, no attractions nobody local actually visits, just the hotels, restaurants, bars, and hidden corners that people who live in this city, across Sukhumvit, Chinatown, Thonglor, and the riverside, actually recommend to friends visiting for the first time.

15+ years living in Bangkok · 140+ local guides published · Written by expats and locals

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Things to Do
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Food & Cafés
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Nightlife
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Hotels
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Wellness
Featured
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Tours & Day Trips
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Shopping
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Itineraries
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Neighborhoods
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Travel Tips

Bangkok Buzz: What’s New

New restaurant openings, pop-ups, and local news that doesn’t make it into most travel guides, because most travel guides update once a year. This one updates constantly.

See what’s new in Bangkok →

Wellness & Longevity in Bangkok

Bangkok’s medical tourism scene isn’t just dental crowns and cosmetic packages anymore. IV therapy, NAD+ protocols, and physician-led longevity clinics have turned parts of Ekkamai and Thonglor into a real wellness district, and we’ve tested the ones worth your time.

See all Wellness guides →
Tim Kroeger, Founder Of Bangkok Insiders

Who’s Behind Bangkok Insiders

Bangkok Insiders is founded by Tim Kroeger, who has spent most of the last 15 years based in Bangkok. It’s not a one-person operation: guides are written and updated by a small group of locals and expats who actually live here, not visitors passing through for a week. That’s the whole point of this site, real experience over recycled listicles.

15+ years in Bangkok 140+ guides published Written by locals & expats

Best Things to Do in Bangkok

From sacred temples and floating markets to rooftop bars and secret alleyways — Bangkok is a city that rewards the curious.

Here are our hand-picked highlights and must-do experiences you won’t want to miss.

Explore All Things to Do

Bangkok Itineraries: Plan Your Trip

Not sure how to fit Bangkok into 2 days or 2 weeks? These itineraries are built around real travel patterns, not a checklist of temples, so you actually see the city instead of the inside of a taxi.

Browse Bangkok itineraries →

Bangkok Hotels

With over 8,000 places to stay, choosing the right hotel in Bangkok can feel overwhelming. We make it easy.

From budget-friendly hostels on Khaosan Road to five-star riverside luxury — our curated picks cover every style and budget.

Find Your Perfect Hotel
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Bangkok Nightlife

Bangkok truly comes alive after dark. Whether you’re into rooftop cocktails, underground clubs, or buzzing night markets — this city never disappoints.

Check out our curated picks for the best bars, clubs, and after-dark hotspots across the city.

Explore Bangkok Nightlife

Bangkok Tours & Day Trips

Want to go beyond the tourist trail? Our recommended tours take you deep into Bangkok’s culture, canals, and surrounding countryside.

Explore the city by longtail boat, tuk-tuk, or bike — or escape for the day to ancient Ayutthaya and the famous floating markets.

Browse All Tours

Bangkok Shopping

Bangkok is a shopper’s paradise — open practically around the clock. Fair warning: leave room in your suitcase.

From glittering mega-malls like ICONSIAM and EmSphere to chaotic street markets brimming with bargains, we’ve got it all covered.

Whether you’re hunting for designer fashion, handmade souvenirs, or the latest electronics — our guides point you to the best spots.

Explore Bangkok Shopping

Bangkok Food & Cafés

Bangkok is one of the world’s greatest food cities — and that’s not an exaggeration.

From sizzling street food stalls and hidden-gem cafés to award-winning restaurants, the flavours here are absolutely unforgettable.

Join us as we eat our way through the city’s best pad thai, mango sticky rice, boat noodles, and so much more.

Explore Bangkok Food

Bangkok Tips & Travel Info

First time in Bangkok? We’ve got everything you need — from navigating the BTS and MRT to dodging common scams, finding the best Thai massages, and picking the perfect time to visit.

Our practical tips will help you hit the ground running, avoid rookie mistakes, and make the most of every moment in this incredible city.

Read Bangkok Tips

Bangkok Travel FAQs

How many days do you need in Bangkok?

Three to four days is the sweet spot for a first visit, enough time for the Grand Palace and riverside temples, a market or two, and at least one proper night out, without feeling rushed. If you’re combining Bangkok with beach time or a trip north, two full days covers the essentials.

Is Bangkok safe for tourists?

Yes, Bangkok is generally very safe, including for solo travelers and families. Petty scams around a few tourist landmarks are the main thing to watch for, not violent crime.

What’s the best time of year to visit Bangkok?

November through February is coolest and driest, the closest thing Bangkok has to peak comfort. March through May is hot season and genuinely brutal by midday. June through October is the rainy season, mostly short, heavy afternoon downpours rather than washed-out days.

What neighborhood should I stay in Bangkok?

Sukhumvit is the easiest first-timer base, close to the BTS, restaurants, and nightlife. Riverside suits resort-style hotels and Old Town sightseeing on foot. Thonglor and Ekkamai suit longer stays and a more local, cafe-and-wellness pace.

Is Bangkok expensive to visit?

Bangkok flexes to almost any budget. Street food meals run 40 to 100 baht, a BTS ride is under 60 baht, and a comfortable 3-star hotel room is often under 2,000 baht a night, while five-star riverside stays and fine dining sit at fully international prices.

Is Bangkok a good destination for wellness or medical tourism?

Increasingly, yes. Beyond the well-known dental and cosmetic packages, Bangkok now has physician-led IV therapy, NAD+, and longevity clinics concentrated around Ekkamai and Thonglor.

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