Thailand's buzzing capital where gilded temples, river life, giant markets and some of the best street food in Asia sit side by side.
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Every traveller is different. Browse by style, then let the planner mix them into a day-by-day plan.
The famous must-sees
The dazzling royal complex that houses the Emerald Buddha.
culture · about 3 hrs · best in the morningThe porcelain-studded Temple of Dawn glows beautifully across the river as the sun goes down.
spiritual · about 1.5 hrs · best in the eveningA giant gold reclining Buddha and the birthplace of Thai massage.
spiritual · about 1.5 hrs · best in the morningLit-up temples and skyscrapers glide past over a buffet dinner.
scenic · about 2 hrs · best in the eveningThousands of stalls selling clothes, plants, art and snacks on weekends.
shopping · about 3 hrs · best in the morningA boat-filled market best seen early as a half-day trip.
culture · about 5 hrs · best in the morningA teak house of Thai art, set in a jungle garden and telling the story of the silk trader.
culture · about 1.5 hrs · best in the afternoonNight stalls with seafood, dim sum and mango sticky rice.
food · about 3 hrs · best in the eveningQuieter, still easy to reach
Cycle shady paths through a mangrove-and-palm island just across the river from the city.
nature · about 4 hrs · best in the morningQuiet canal lanes with small galleries and puppet shows.
culture · about 2 hrs · best in the afternoonRuined temples and headless Buddhas of the old Thai capital, an easy train ride away.
culture · about 8 hrs · best in the morningTai chi groups, monitor lizards and joggers around a lake in the middle of the city.
nature · about 1.5 hrs · best in the morningVintage goods, retro bars and snacks, open only in the evenings.
shopping · about 3 hrs · best in the eveningFood, markets, crafts and people
One of the best fresh markets in the world, with tropical fruit and ready-to-eat treats.
food · about 2 hrs · best in the morningShop for ingredients and cook pad thai, curry and dessert with a local chef.
food · about 4 hrs · best in the morningJoin a beginner session at a neighbourhood gym and see how local fighters train.
adventure · about 2 hrs · best in the morningBangkok's busiest wet market, loud and colourful, where many city chefs shop.
food · about 2 hrs · best in the morningGlide past stilt houses, small temples and fruit gardens in the old canals.
scenic · about 2 hrs · best in the afternoonSpots most visitors miss
A rare metal temple with 37 spires, tucked in the old city and seldom crowded.
culture · about 1 hr · best in the afternoonLocals jog and feed pigeons beside a colonial fort on the river.
scenic · about 1 hr · best in the eveningA family-run house where you can watch traditional Thai puppetry and take a tour of the workshop.
culture · about 1.5 hrs · best in the afternoonA small neighbourhood food market beside the old Thonburi railway line, with local snacks and few tourists.
food · about 1.5 hrs · best in the morningA shimmering glass-and-gold pagoda shrine with an emerald ceiling, away from the main tourist trail.
spiritual · about 1.5 hrs · best in the morningEntry fees and times are approximate, per adult, and change often — we confirm everything before you book. Last reviewed November 2026.
Street-stall classics that cost little and taste best at busy corners.
Sweet coconut sticky rice with ripe mango, a seasonal favourite.
Strong, sweet orange tea with milk, served over ice.
Bright handwoven silk from mills and shops in the old city.
Ceramics, handmade soaps and clothes at weekend market prices.
Traditional stretching massage at Wat Pho or neighbourhood shops.
A noisy, short ride through the city lights.
From the stalls locals queue at to the tables critics travel for — chosen for flavour, character and a warm welcome.
Try Fresh fruit and sugarcane juice (veg), grilled corn (veg), roasted chestnuts (veg)
Walk the whole strip once before buying — the best stalls have locals queuing.
THB 60–120 (~INR 160–310)Map
Try Kuay jab (peppery rolled-noodle soup), seafood stalls
Non-veg heavy; vegetarians can skip to the dessert stops.
THB 80–200 (~INR 210–520)Map
Try Jay stir-fried noodles and mock-meat rice (veg/vegan, no garlic or onion)
Jay food is strictly plant-based and avoids garlic/onion — the closest thing to Jain-friendly in Thailand.
THB 50–100 (~INR 130–260)Map
Try Bua loi (rice-flour dumplings in ginger or coconut syrup) (veg), black-sesame dumplings (veg)
Ginger soup versions are dairy-free; coconut versions are rich.
THB 40–80 (~INR 100–210)Map
Try Charcoal-toasted buns with pandan or milk custard (veg, contains egg/dairy)
Expect a queue at the popular bun stall — it moves quickly.
THB 30–60 (~INR 80–160)Map
Trail stops, hours and prices are approximate and stalls move — check locally. Pronunciations are simplified guides. Last reviewed 9 November 2026.
Street food, markets and humble legends
A legendary one-woman wok operation in ski goggles, famous for luxurious seafood street dishes cooked over charcoal. Expect long waits and street-food surroundings at fine-dining prices.
Order Crab omelette, drunken noodles (pad kee mao) with seafood
A homely, much-loved shophouse kitchen serving classic central Thai dishes at fair prices.
Order Yellow curry with prawns, crab omelette, stir-fried morning glory
An evening Chinatown stall turning out crisp fried dough sticks with sweet dips - a fun, vegetarian-friendly street snack.
Order Patongko (fried dough) with pandan custard dip
A decades-old pad thai institution near the Golden Mount; queues move quickly.
Order Pad thai wrapped in egg, fresh orange juice
Acclaimed cafés and celebrated mid-range tables
A bright, fully plant-based restaurant that is an easy, reliable stop for vegetarian and Jain-leaning clients (check onion/garlic).
Order Broccoli quinoa burger, green smoothies, vegan Thai dishes
A playful, colourful mash-up of Indian and Mexican flavours - familiar spices with a twist, popular with Indian diners.
Order Chef's tasting menu
Award-winning tables, tasting menus and grand hotel dining
Thailand's benchmark for Southern Thai cooking, built on rare regional produce and slow traditional techniques. Book weeks ahead.
Order Seasonal Southern Thai tasting menu
Chef Gaggan Anand's theatrical, rule-breaking take on Indian flavours - part dinner, part show. Indian clients usually love it.
Order The full tasting menu (counter seating)
Modern Indian cooking that grows much of its own produce on site; a strong pick for Indian clients wanting something refined but familiar.
Order Neo-Indian tasting menu
An intimate dining room with temple views from chef Ton's team, serving family-inspired Thai recipes in elegant form.
Order Thai heritage tasting menu
Restaurants change hours, menus and prices often; awards are as published at the time of checking. Approximate — verify before you go. Last reviewed 9 November 2026. All our food picks
Bangkok, Chiang Mai and across Thailand, Thailand · 13–15 April (fixed every year)
Thailand's new year is celebrated with huge, good-natured water fights, temple visits and sand pagodas. Streets turn into playgrounds, and the heat makes everyone glad of the soaking.
Tip: Use a waterproof phone pouch and avoid carrying passports on the street.
Bangkok riversides and Chiang Mai, Thailand · About 14 November 2027 (lunar calendar — confirm closer to the time)
Thais float small decorated baskets onto rivers to say thank-you to the water spirits, while in Chiang Mai thousands of lanterns rise into the night sky.
Tip: Bring a krathong from a market vendor and avoid one with foam; book Chiang Mai early.
Local tip: Cover shoulders and knees for temples, and use the BTS/MRT trains to avoid traffic.
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