Bangkok is often the start of a trip around Thailand, and for good reason. You are right in the middle of the buzz: temples, street food, Chinatown at night and rooftop bars with views over the river. We spent three days here, enough for the highlights and for real city life. This is a deeper look at the Bangkok stop of our 3-week Thailand itinerary.

What we did in Bangkok

Running into Kees van der Spek

In Bangkok we ran into Kees van der Spek, known from the Dutch TV show Oplichters in het Buitenland (Scammers Abroad). He was there with his son filming a new episode and gave us a few tips on which scams to avoid in Bangkok.

Cycling through Chinatown and Thonburi

We recommend a bike tour by Co van Kessel, the first bike tours in Bangkok, started by a Dutchman. You ride through the narrow alleys of Chinatown and through Thonburi, the part of the city most visitors never see. The classic 3-hour bike tour has a 4.8 from 1,510 reviews on GetYourGuide. Prefer the evening? Then there is the Bangkok by Night bike tour with a street food meal (4.9 from 75 reviews).

👉 Tours and activities in Bangkok:

Where to stay in Bangkok

Want something special? Choose lebua at State Tower, the hotel from the movie The Hangover. The breakfast buffet is fantastic and from the Sirocco skybar you get a great view over Bangkok at sunset. A cocktail there is expensive, but you are clearly paying for the view.

Looking for something small in the center? Then Nanda Heritage Hotel is our advice: a small pool, Khao San Road within walking distance and plenty of big malls nearby. Ideal for a bit of last-day shopping at BKK Shopping Mall.

Where to eat and drink in Bangkok: Recommendations

Bangkok is a paradise for Thai food, from street stalls to Michelin stars.

• Raan Jay Fai in the old town: street food with a Michelin star, and hard to book.
• Thipsamai for a classic pad thai.
• Yaowarat (Chinatown), where you eat your way from stall to stall in the evening.

👉 Temples and street food in Bangkok:

Cocktail bars and speakeasies

Bangkok is known across Asia as the cocktail city, with many bars on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars list.

• Rabbit Hole in Thonglor, behind an unmarked wooden door.
• Q&A Bar near Asoke, behind a door without a name.
• Opium Bar in Chinatown, above restaurant Potong.
• Lennon’s in the Rosewood Hotel, new in 2026 at number 7 in Asia.

For a livelier night: Bar Us (number 6 in 2026) and Vesper in Silom, a household name for years. Book the popular bars in advance and check opening hours.

From Bangkok to Chiang Mai

We flew with AirAsia, the fastest option. The train or the night bus also work, but we like a bit more luxury. Read all about the next stop in our Chiang Mai guide.

Back in Bangkok at the end of your trip

From Koh Lipe back to Bangkok we went via Hat Yai. Koh Lipe has no airport of its own, so you first take the ferry and the minivan to Hat Yai (3.5 to 4.5 hours) and then fly about 1.5 hours to Bangkok. Boats usually leave before 1 p.m., so your day starts early. Read more in our 3-week itinerary.

Frequently asked questions about Bangkok

How many days do you need in Bangkok?

We spent three days. That is enough for the highlights and for real city life. On a round trip, keep one extra day at the end for your flight home.

Where is the best place to stay in Bangkok?

For something special, choose lebua at State Tower. For something small in the center, Nanda Heritage Hotel is a good choice, close to Khao San Road.

Which scams should you avoid in Bangkok?

Kees van der Spek gave us tips about scams in Bangkok. Read recent experiences from other travelers beforehand and be careful with unexpected offers on the street.