First time in Bangkok? How to spend one week here

When I think of Thailand as a holiday destination, I normally imagine beautiful beaches, sunshine and relaxation. That was my experience of Phuket and Phi Phi Islands many years ago, but this time I had one week in Bangkok, to see whether it was somewhere I’d enjoy visiting.

It wasn’t actually a carefully planned Bangkok trip either. I was looking for somewhere to stop on the way home from Europe to recover from jet lag before returning home to Melbourne. Bangkok seemed like a practical choice and turned out to be a very good one. 

What I didn’t expect was to enjoy the city quite as much as I did.  Bangkok is vibrant, chaotic and full of contrasts, with an incredible mix of culture, food, nightlife, shopping, temples and neighbourhoods with ways to slow down when you need a break from it all. By the end of the week, I’d gone from using Bangkok as a tactical stopover to thinking about when I could come back.

I spent the whole week in Bangkok. I didn’t head off to the islands, tempting though that was. Instead, I decided to stay put, explore the city properly and see whether Bangkok could hold my attention for seven days. It turned out there was more than enough to keep me busy, and plenty I didn’t get to. 

You can read more about my jet lag experiment in Bangkok here. 

This guide is for first-time visitors planning a trip to Bangkok. I’ll cover where to stay, how to get around, where to eat, and everything practical you need to know. I’ve also put together a separate guide covering what to see and do when you’re there. Use it to work out what interests you, how much you want to pack into each day and where you might prefer to slow down. 

Best time of year to visit Bangkok

Bangkok is notoriously hot and humid, so the cooler and generally drier months of November to February are the most comfortable time to visit. They’re also peak travel months, so expect crowds and higher prices. 

The monsoon season runs roughly from May to October. Rain can be heavy, but it often arrives in short, intense bursts rather than raining continuously all day. That said, there’s no guarantee as weather is unpredictable. 

I visited in July and was pretty lucky with the weather. Apart from one night when a monsoonal downpour arrived just as I got into the taxi heading back to the hotel, the remainder of the week was relatively dry, with very little rain. 

How to get to Bangkok and get around the city

Getting to Bangkok

If you’re arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport, getting into Bangkok is fairly straightforward. 

Taxi: There’s an official public taxi rank on Level 1 where you take a ticket and are assigned a driver. I used a taxi and was told I had to pay cash though this can vary.  One thing worth knowing if you’re travelling with large suitcases is that the boot (trunk) is surprisingly small.

Airport Rail Link: The Airport Rail Link is another easy option and is likely to be faster if traffic is heavy. It takes around 30 minutes to reach Phaya Thai, where you can connect with Bangkok’s BTS Skytrain network. It’s also considerably cheaper than taking a taxi.

There is also Don Mueang Airport which handles many domestic and short haul international destinations, particularly with budget airlines. 

Getting around Bangkok

The traffic here is no joke. The roads can be incredibly busy, and even crossing the street can take longer than you’d expect. You’ll often find pedestrian bridges and elevated walkways that help you cross busy roads while also providing some protection from the heat and rain. 

For longer journeys, Bangkok’s BTS Skytrain and MRT are generally the easiest way to avoid the traffic. Taxis and Grab are useful when public transport doesn’t take you where you need to go, while tuk-tuks are more of an experience than my first choice for getting around.

You can also travel by water. Bangkok’s river boats and canal boats can be a great way to reach certain parts of the city while avoiding the traffic altogether.

Where to stay in Bangkok

I chose to stay in Pratunam at The Berkeley Hotel Pratunam. The location was convenient, particularly if shopping is on your agenda.  There was a 7-Eleven and a small shopping centre next door, tuk tuks outside the hotel, and both the MRT and Central World Shopping Centre were around a 10 minute walk away. 

The hotel itself was very large and very busy. Whilst it’s generally well reviewed by many guests, it wasn’t the best choice for me and I think it’s probably better suited to families. Breakfast was chaotic, although there was a good range of options, and while the pool area was nice, it was often too crowded to properly enjoy. Service was also fairly average. One big bonus was that they got me into a room at 10am, despite the official check-in time being 3pm, which after a long journey made a huge difference. Overall, Pratunam was a convenient base, but The Berkeley isn’t somewhere I’d personally choose to stay again. 

Other areas to consider

Sukhumvit is worth considering if easy access to the BTS and MRT is a priority. It’s a large area with plenty of restaurants, shopping and nightlife, and gives you lots of options for getting around.

Riverside is a good option if you’d prefer a quieter, more scenic setting along the Chao Phraya River. It’s particularly appealing if you like the idea of returning to your hotel somewhere that feels removed from the intensity of the city.

Silom/Sathorn offer another central option, with good transport connections and a somewhat calmer feel than Pratunam. This could be a good compromise if you want convenience without staying right in one of Bangkok’s busiest shopping areas.

What to see and do in Bangkok

Bangkok has more sights and experiences than you could realistically fit into a single week, unless you were cramming them into your days. From the Grand Palace and all the amazing temples, to river cruises, buzzing neighbourhoods like Talat Noi and everything in between. I’ve covered all of this in detail in a separate guide – worth reading alongside this one once you’ve got the practical side sorted. 

Where to eat in Bangkok

I am obsessed with coconut, so it was only natural that I drank fresh coconuts pretty much every day. Thai food is also one of my favourite cuisines, and while we have fantastic Thai food options back home, there’s something special about eating it in Thailand.

I found some great local spots around the hotel and had plenty of good meals without needing to seek out the most famous restaurants. I generally avoided street food, but if that’s your thing, you’ll be spoiled for choice.

Some of my favourite Thai foods were Pad Thai, Green Curry, Mango Sticky Rice and Chicken Satay, although there were plenty of other dishes I could happily have eaten my way through. I also came across plenty of opportunities to buy fresh fruit, coconut and other snacks as I explored the city.

Here’s a few places worth mentioning:

Local restaurants

• Krua Aroi was a recommendation from the hotel and turned out to be a great little local find. It’s a small restaurant tucked into an alleyway behind Big C Supercenter, with really good food.
• Tum Pak Pert was another local spot near the hotel that I enjoyed.
• Hong Sieng Kong was another place I visited and is worth considering if you’re exploring the Talat Noi area.
• Ban Khun Mae, at MBK Centre, is another option if you’re looking for good Thai food while you’re shopping.
• Wanjai Cafe House for one of Bangkok’s essential sweet treats, mango sticky rice.

Food markets and malls

Wat Pho Pier has a great food-stall market. I ate here after arriving by boat before heading into Wat Pho, which made it a particularly convenient stop.

ICONSIAM deserves a special mention. The restaurants and SookSiam, the indoor floating-market-style food area on the ground floor, were amazing. I couldn’t believe how much food there was or how beautifully it was presented, all inside a shopping centre.

I only dropped in briefly for dinner and tried a few things, including fresh fruit and dumplings, and was surprised by how reasonably priced it was. Come hungry. I also picked up some dried mango here to take home as gifts.

CentralWorld has an enormous range of food options, from cafés and restaurants to international chains. It is home to Bangkok’s Cheesecake Factory flagship and an impressive Starbucks Reserve, alongside plenty of other places to eat and drink.

Coffee and everything else

Bangkok’s coffee scene is also excellent. You’ll find good cafés throughout the city, including plenty inside the shopping centres.

And don’t feel like every meal needs to be an authentic Thai experience. Bangkok has restaurants serving food from all over Asia and beyond. I had Japanese food during my stay, and when you’re tired and need something familiar, McDonald’s is always fine too.

FAQs

How many days do you need in Bangkok?
Three to four days is enough to see many of Bangkok’s main sights, but you could easily spend a week here if you prefer to take your time. I spent a full week in Bangkok and still didn’t see everything.

Is Bangkok safe for solo travellers?
Bangkok is a popular choice for solo travellers and is generally considered a safe destination for those travelling alone. As with any big city, keep your wits about you and take care with your belongings.

How hot is Bangkok and how do you cope with the heat?
Bangkok is hot and humid for much of the year. Don’t underestimate the heat. Build some downtime into your day and make use of the city’s air-conditioned shopping centres.

What should you wear when visiting Bangkok’s temples?
Dress codes are enforced at many of Bangkok’s major temples. As a general rule, shoulders and knees should be covered, so it’s worth carrying something lightweight that you can throw over your shoulders or legs when needed.

Do you need cash in Bangkok?
Yes, at least some. Cards are widely accepted in hotels, malls and larger restaurants, but markets, smaller vendors, tuk-tuks and some taxis will expect cash.

What’s the best way to get around Bangkok?
For longer journeys, the BTS Skytrain and MRT are generally the easiest way to avoid traffic. Grab is useful when public transport doesn’t quite get you there, especially at night or in an unfamiliar area. Taxis are fine too, just make sure the meter is running. Tuk-tuks are more of an experience than a genuinely efficient way to get around.

Where should you stay in Bangkok for your first visit?
I stayed in Pratunam, which was convenient but busy. Sukhumvit is worth considering for easy BTS/MRT access and a lively neighbourhood feel, Riverside if you’d prefer something quieter and more scenic, and Silom/Sathorn if you want a calmer, still well-connected central base.

Practical considerations

Water & food safety

I stuck to bottled water during my trip. Ice is generally safe in reputable restaurants and cafés because commercial ice is usually made with filtered water. You’ll often see the distinctive tube-shaped ice with a hole through the middle, but don’t treat the shape alone as a guarantee of safety. I’d be more cautious with ice from questionable sources, particularly crushed ice.

Cash

Cards are widely accepted, particularly in hotels, shopping centres and larger restaurants, but you’ll definitely want some cash for markets, smaller vendors and some taxis or tuk-tuks.

And don’t assume Bangkok is universally cheap. You can travel very affordably here and your money can go a long way, but nicer hotels, restaurants, shopping and experiences can add up quickly.

Visa & arrival

Entry requirements depend on your passport and circumstances, so check the current requirements before you travel.

Foreign travellers are required to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online within the three days before arriving in Thailand. It is free and is not a visa. You’ll need to complete a new TDAC for each entry.

You may also be asked to show proof you can support yourself financially during your stay. Generally, if you have a return ticket and accommodation booked, this isn’t required, but checks are discretionary. This can be in Thai Baht or another major currency, so worth being prepared.

Always check your specific visa requirements and make sure your passport meets the required validity rules before travelling.

Temple etiquette

Dress appropriately when visiting temples. As a general rule, shoulders and knees should be covered, and you’ll need to remove your shoes before entering certain temple buildings.

It’s worth carrying something lightweight that you can throw over your shoulders or legs if needed.

Transport

For convenience, Grab is useful in Bangkok, particularly when you’re unfamiliar with an area or travelling at night because you can see the fare before accepting the ride.

Taxis can also be perfectly practical, but make sure the meter is running where applicable and confirm the fare before setting off. Tuk-tuks can be fun for the experience, but agree on the price before you go.

Electricity

Thailand uses 220V, 50Hz electricity. You’ll encounter several plug types, so a universal travel adaptor is the easiest option if you’re bringing devices from overseas.

Connectivity

I’d recommend getting an eSIM before you leave home so you’re connected as soon as you land. Providers such as Airalo offer Thailand eSIMs that can be purchased in advance.

Mosquitoes

Bring insect repellent, particularly during the wetter months and if you’re spending time around parks, waterways or outdoors in the evening.

Bathrooms

Public bathrooms can vary considerably in quality, so it’s worth carrying tissues and hand sanitiser. Shopping centres, hotels and good restaurants are generally a safer bet when you need a clean, comfortable bathroom – another reason Bangkok’s enormous malls can be surprisingly useful when you’re out exploring.

Air Conditioning

Plan around the heat. Don’t assume you can walk around Bangkok all day just because Google Maps says somewhere is 20 minutes away. Build in air-conditioned breaks, especially in the middle of the day. Bangkok’s malls aren’t just shopping destinations. They’re useful places to cool down, eat, use the bathroom and recharge before heading back outside.

A week in Bangkok is a good idea

Bangkok deserves to be more than a stopover on your way to Thailand’s beaches or somewhere else in Southeast Asia. It’s a destination in its own right.

Spend a week here and you can pack in temples, neighbourhoods, food, shopping and nightlife, or slow the pace down and simply enjoy the city. Yes, it’s chaotic, busy and sometimes overwhelming, but that’s also part of what makes Bangkok so interesting.

I arrived expecting it to be a practical place to recover from jet lag. I left wondering when I could come back. So don’t let Bangkok’s reputation put you off. If you’re planning a trip to Southeast Asia, give the city some time. You might find, like I did, that it deserves more than a quick stopover.

Planning your next trip?
If you’re mapping out your own trip, I’ve created a free 6-question checklist to help you figure out what you actually need from the trip. Get the checklist here.