Bangkok is a beast. It’s chaotic, ugly, beautiful, stylish, grungy, all rolled into one. From world-class malls and the latest gadgets to sleazy bars and ‘massage parlours’, it’s important to know how to navigate Bangkok if you want to have a stress-free trip. Here are my top tips for Bangkok that will make your visit smooth and enjoyable. 

1. Where to stay 

Location, location, location. If you’re going for work, find out where your company’s or your client’s offices are. Make sure you stay within 1-3 km radius. Traffic in Bangkok is absolutely horrific and a 4km stretch can easily take you 30-45 minutes by car. You don’t want to spend half your time on the road!

I personally love Grand Hyatt Erawan for its exceptional location next to the Erawan Shrine. Plenty of malls within walking distance, delicious food nearby, a great club lounge and Platinum Mall a short walk away – it’s perfect for me. If your budget doesn’t allow for Grand Hyatt, Renaissance by Marriott Bonvoy is just around the corner too and more affordable. I stayed at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park on my last trip and though the hotel is huge and located next to a delightful food court, the lanes leading up to it are seedy and not where I’d like to walk alone at night. 

2. Food in Bangkok 

Bangkok has slowly made a place for itself on Asia’s culinary map and is currently the reigning queen in the region. There are plenty of Michelin starred or 50 Best restaurants in town such as Gaggan, Suhring, Le Du, Sorn, etc. However, like fine dining anywhere in the world, a lot of them are all about superior techniques or the ‘experience’ rather than flavours that blow your mind. 

Bangkok is a haven for good food. And you don’t have to go far looking for it. Surprisingly, some of the best food I’ve had in Bangkok has been in food courts. From soft shell crab yellow curry to som tam or tom kha gai, the nearest mall’s food court has it all, served in a hygienic fashion. 

If you’re looking for something fancier, I loved the food at Gaa, more than the food at Gaggan, though Garima is his prodigy. The Issaya Siamese Club in a colonial house is pretty as a picture, though the food didn’t blow me away. Jhol was a nice experience for coastal Indian food, while the portions at Suhring are made for Lilliputian people, not normal humans. The Tom Kha at Sri Trat was delicious, and I’ve heard great things about Le Du too.   

3. Where to shop in Bangkok

Talking about fashion, my favourite thing to do in Bangkok is to shop. This is quite surprising in itself as I’m not a shopper. In fact, I quite detest shopping. But Bangkok’s high-street shopping is my weakness. Skip the luxury malls which sell the same brands you get everywhere in the world and head to Platinum or Terminal 21 to pick up the latest in apparel, accessories, and more. 

My daughter went absolutely crazy when I took her shopping at Platinum on our last trip. From crop tops to Crocs shoe charms, her haul was impressive! Platinum is massive, but air-conditioned, so make sure you spend atleast 2-3 hours there. Walk through all the aisles on levels 1, 2, 3 and 4, and you’re sure to come back with bulging bags. 

4. Transport tips for Bangkok

Though the MRT runs through most parts of Bangkok, it isn’t the easiest to navigate as you need different passes for different lines. I prefer cab hailing services, which are easily available here. Grab has never failed me in Bangkok, though you should expect a wait time of at least 7-10 minutes for your car to arrive. 

Tuk tuks are super fun, though not so comfortable. Take a ride in one for the experience of it. 

Airport pickups, though manageable by Grab, can be pre-arranged for greater convenience. I have started booking airport transfers via Klook in recent months and it is a game changer. Priced competitively, it ensures that a car is waiting for you with a placard when you land at the airport.    

5. Offbeat things to do in Bangkok

Though food, shopping and work are usually on my agenda when I visit Bangkok, it does have a plethora of options for other things to do. On my last trip, I did a cycling tour in the countryside. A ferry ride across the river lies an island that is known as the ‘lungs of Bangkok’. Here, you can rent bicycles and explore the countryside lanes minus the chaos of downtown. Do make sure you put lots of bug spray and wear covering clothes as my daughter came back with 47 mosquito bites! 

Another fun thing to do in Bangkok is to visit the floating market. Many tours are available where they take you on boats for you to enjoy the cacophony of a market on the water. It will take up atleast half a day of your time though. There are also numerous temples to explore if you’re looking for a bout of sightseeing. Or a dinner cruise on the river. 

6. Safety tips for Bangkok

I’ve never been worried about being robbed in Bangkok, like I would be in Europe. But, crime exists here and it is good to be cautious and smart. Do not wander alone at night, especially in dark lanes or seedy streets. Child trafficking is a real problem too. Stay in well-known hotels, always be aware of your surroundings and trust no one.  

7. Local sensitivities

I’ve always found that learning a few words in the local language goes a long way in making the locals ease up around you. Hello in Thai is ‘Sawadee kha’ and thank you is ‘Khapun kha’, always said with a smile. 

When visiting a temple, make sure you’re dressed respectfully. For regular wear, you’ll need breathable cotton clothes, as Bangkok does get hot and humid. 

I hope these tips help you navigate your way around Bangkok on your next trip to Thailand. It truly is a phenomenal city once you get to know it.