Bangkok, Thailand

Bustling Bangkok may have a reputation for its vibrant nightlife and lively districts which come to life after dark, but the city is also a hub of fascinating heritage and authentic Thai culture, with plenty of incredible sights to discover.

6 hours in… Bangkok

Bangkok is an incredibly exciting and vibrant city, so if your time in the city is limited, it’s a good idea to plan your day beforehand to make sure you get to see whichever attractions and landmarks are most important to you.

Most cruisers who arrive in Bangkok for just one day tend to prioritise seeing the city’s ancient and ornate temples, many of which can be found of the island of Rattanakosin, also known as the Old City. While Bangkok is home to literally hundreds of amazing temples, the big three usually at the top of any sightseer’s list include the Grand Palace, Wat Arun and Wat Pho. These three impressive temples are each colossal in size, particularly the Grand Palace, so make sure you leave enough time to truly appreciate them during a visit. Luckily, there are all located relatively close to each other, so organised travellers with a tight schedule will most likely have time to see all three in just one day.

Wat Arun on the banks of the Chao Phraya river

Been before?

One of the best ways to get around the city is to hire a local tuk tuk. These iconic three-wheeled modes of transport offer the chance to weave through the winding streets of the city, soak up the sights and sounds and experience Bangkok from a unique perspective.

Another fantastic way for bold travellers to see the sights in Bangkok is on a bicycle tour. Bicycle tours of Bangkok are incredible popular, if a little insane and exhilarating. The city is full of narrow alleys and side streets, perfect for navigating on a bicycle, although be sure to watch out for other cyclists and pedestrians to avoid collisions as you explore the city.

The Grand Palace in Bangkok

If you’re looking for a more relaxing way to explore Bangkok, you could even enjoy a canal tour of city. Beginning in the Chao Phraya district and travelling through the backwaters of Thonburi, although sometimes expensive, canal boat tours offer a wonderful and altogether more serene way to see the city.

Can’t keep away?

Bangkok is renowned for the vibrancy of its nightlife, and if you’re staying in the city a little longer and looking for a wild night out, you won’t find anywhere much wilder than Bangkok. Head into the city centre in the evening and you’ll find a wealth of clubs and bars, especially across the district of Silom, which is said to be Bangkok’s party capital.

The bright lights of Bangkok at night

If the party lifestyle isn’t really for you, than there are plenty of other ways to get a taste of local culture in the evening without visiting the many clubs and bars across town. Sampling local cuisine is always a memorable experience and you’ll find an incredible choice of not only Thai food, but dishes from across the globe. Make sure to try delicious street food such as pad thai and satay, two of Thailand’s most popular national dishes.

Don’t even bother!

Despite its often infamous reputation, Bangkok is actually a very safe city, but visitors should always beware of falling for scams designed solely to separate them from their cash. Overcharging is quite common in Bangkok, especially when it comes to tourists. You should also be wary of anyone who approaches you out of the blue, even if they seem friendly, as it’s likely they have an ulterior motive and will attempt get money out of you. Like in any city, as long as you stick to the tour operators and businesses that you know you can trust, you’re sure to have a fantastic time during your stay in Bangkok.