Bangkok is one of the biggest hubs in Asia and probably THE biggest in South East Asia. If you're flying from Europe, chances are you will at least have a layover here so why not stay a few days and explore the city a bit?
Basic facts
Bangkok is the biggest city and also the capital of Thailand. More than 10% of the countries population live here and a lot of expats of course. It might not be as beautiful as Krabi or Phuket but the city is vibrant and everybody will find something they like about Bangkok: From the almost mandatory day trip to Ayutthaya (a temple town I'm sure you have seen), to the biggest Chinatown in the world (apart from China itself of course) or one of the more than 400 temples in the city.
How to get to/ from the airport
First part and it's already tricky because Bangkok actually has two airports and both are internationally used.
If you arrive/ fly from BKK aka Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi, the airport is east of the city. You can easily grab the City link train which runs every few minutes starting from 5.30am each morning. The ticket prices will depend on your final stop but if this is the last out of 8 stops (called Phaya Thai), it will be 45 Bhat (= 1,20€) one-way and take between 35-45min depending on what time of the day you use it.
Bare in mind that cash is king in Bangkok and it's easiest to pay with the local currency at the vending machines or counter when you get there but you would be able to use credit cards by the counter as well.
While still not exactly in the city center, you will be able to get the metro or switch to buses from there or alternatively (and that's what we did when we got there), you can order a Grab taxi from there and get to your accommodation. It only takes about 15 more minutes to get closer to the city center by taxi but it would be another 45 minutes to an hour by public transport. Given the relatively cheap fares (the 15min ride cost me about 6€), this was worst shortening the transit after a long flight.
If you arrive at the former main airport Bangkok-Don Mueang, you can catch a bus to get to the city center or go with a taxi as well. Buses are massively impacted by traffic jams - always have enough time at hand to get to the airport before your flight.
What to See in Bangkok
As I mentioned before, Bangkok is home to over 400 temples (basically every time you see the word "Wat" it's a temple)- you can usually find one within a few minutes walking distance anywhere in the city. The important ones are:
- Wat Arun - The most famous and definitely a beautiful temple! It's on the other site of the river but you can easily take a ferry (5 Bhat one-way = 13 cents) over. The entrance fee is 300 Baht (= 8€; as most temples) but there is so much there to see! Make sure to stick around for the evening time and watch it get lit up once the sun goes down. If you happen to be in Bangkok during their light festival (Vijit Chao Phraya), you will even be able to see a drone show there twice a day. Check out their website for up-to-date information (and be aware the information is not as straight forward as you might hope). Also one more thing that MASSIVELY ANNOYED me: You can rent a traditional costume to get pictures taken there which A LOT of people did while I was there. I don't get the appeal and of course they block the best views especially when there are photographers on EVERY corner. Do what you like but I hated that you always needed to make sure you're not in their pictures (as advised by them) and couldn't walk through certain paths.
- Wat Pho - beautiful sight! You'll find a laying Buddha statue which is definitely hard to take a picture of but honestly I think the surrounding is way more impressive and I don't understand why tourists don't bother to see the rest of the site! It costs 300 Baht (8€) to get in but you can easily spent an hour or more in there
- Wat Trai Mit Witthayaram Worawihan - A sitting Buddha - Be advised that at the moment aka November 2025 they are renovating and you won't be able to see more than the exhibition. We were outside but since the exhibition is not worth the entrance fee of 300 Baht (8€) alone, we didn't go in
- Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen - The "Big Buddha" is a bit further out but the area is fairly big and another temple (Wat Khun Chan) is right next to it as well. It's
definitely hard taking a good picture from right there but if you cross
the river, you get to see the statue in all its glory and it only takes
about 10 minutes. If you plan to see this statue, take the time and see
it from afar as well. You don't have to pay an entrance fee here
- Wat Intharawihan - The "Standing Buddha" is another area where you don't have to pay an entry fee and they have a beautiful park area around the statue
Be aware that for most of them you have to pay an entrance fee (in cash!) and wear appropriate clothes (incl. shoulders & knees covered) otherwise they will not let you in.
Apart from temples, Thailand has a lot of Buddha statues. They are connected to their belief in Buddhism and represent inner peace. There are 7 Buddha postures - one for each day of the week and they all have different meaning: Standing with crossed arms (2 versions) or with the right hand raised or with a bowl in the hand, laying on the right side, sitting (meditating or in Lotus position). Each has its own meaning. You can find out more here. Usually the statues are in the temples, but a few are also nearby.
If you want to see one of the biggest if not the biggest Chinatown in the world head there! It's really cool to see, you have tons of food options and you can make a bargain or two with all the stalls on the streets. 
We combined it with a visit to Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen as mentioned above already.
Bare in mind that I was only there for two days and that's by FAR not enough time to see everything! The main other suggestions I researched prior were the Grand Palace (Due to the passing of Queen Sirikit, this site was actually closed closed while we were there), Lumpini Park (especially at night time!), Iconsiam &MBK center if you're into shopping.
You can also book day tours to the floating market which is about 1 hour outside of the city.
Where we stayed
We stayed at the Secret Service in Chatuchak. If you stay there on the weekend, you will see one of the biggest markets in the city too!
Though it's not as common for Thais to walk, the location was perfect to discover Bangkok by foot but also be able to hop on the metro or buses to get around town. Did I like that there was a cannabis shop right on the opposite site of the hotel? Noooope but you didn't hear or smell anything and it was only for a short stay as well. If you want to be mobile and close to the Grand Palace, this is a good choice.
Good to know - facts
- Like with most vendors & food places in Thailand, they will not accept cards - always have enough cash on you! (finding an ATM is super easy though)
- Prices are made up on the spot in most places and as tourists we notoriously pay more - know the conversation to your own currency and don't accept the first offer if it's a bad one
- Thais are not used to walking around everywhere - walking paths are used by street vendors and crossing streets can be dangerous even with traffic lights. Be cautious and aware of your environment
- Do not drink tab water and be careful with the ice cubes. If you have the choice, ask for your drink without it
- Food poisoning is a big issue in Asia due to the lack of hygiene. Always use common sense - if you see a sink or an open kitchen that's a BIG plus but know that Western chains such as KFC, McDonalds etc. also don't have the same standards and they are just as prone as food stalls on the streets. Best practice is always fully cooked meat (preferably served in hot water) and/ or cooked/ fried vegetables
- Don't trust online reviews... Unfortunately it's common you're being pressured into reviewing them well while you're there and you will notice how many places have tons of 5-star ratings on Google
- Thailands sewage system is super weak - toilet paper in public toilets is often rare and shouldn't be flushed. If you want to be on the safe site, take tissues with you
Good (Breakfast) Places
When I travel, I'm usually on the go the whole day and in-between mango smoothies were my go to & 7-11 my snack savior. 
We did however start with good breakfast in nearby cafes (spoiler: It's not your typical Thai breakfast which also meant it was more pricy in comparison but I was willing to pay that to have energy to explore the city).
- Sunny Side Up Cafe Khaosan
- SUM SUM Old Town Cafe
Travel Budget Breakdown
To give you a reference of how much money you'll need, I find it best to show how much I spent. Note that the prices are based on a full trip in Thailand (Half-day in Bangkok which was basically just about getting a dinner after we landed, 5 days in Ao Nang & 2 days in Bangkok before flying back). As we were 2 people, the prices for food & accommodation are split to represent a per-person average.
Entrance fees count towards activities.
We ate at restaurants (and had snacks at 7-11) and stayed at local hotels.
Some expenses e.g. an eSim from Maya Mobile are only shown in the total as they are not part of the individual cost of the places we went to.
Overall my cost was about 31€/ day excluding accommodation & flight (1,155 Bhat) for Bangkok alone.
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