This will save you TIME and MONEY in BANGKOK (Map Explainer)

Summary

This video offers an insightful guide to Bangkok, detailing the city's vast size and essential travel tips. It covers how to get around, highlighting transportation options such as the airport Rail Link, MRT, sky trains, and riverboats. The video also explores key districts, famous landmarks, top food spots, and nightlife areas, providing recommendations for accommodation and a 3-day itinerary. Additionally, it offers advice on avoiding tourist traps and emphasizes the beauty and diversity of Bangkok's culture, making it an invaluable resource for first-time visitors.

Takeaways

• 🌆 Bangkok is a massive city, covering 65.7 square miles, larger than many other major cities like Los Angeles, Madrid, and Delhi.
• 🏨 Many tourists are surprised by the lack of a beach in Bangkok and the time it takes to check into centrally located hotels.
• 🛬 International flights now arrive at a new satellite terminal, with a quick electronic train to the main terminal, followed by a shorter immigration wait time if you use a special service.
• 🚉 The best way to travel from the airport to the city is by the Airport Rail Link, which is affordable and efficient compared to taxis.
• ⛴️ Bangkok has an extensive public transport network, including the Chao Phraya River boats, canal ferries, the MRT (subway), BTS (Skytrain), and bus routes, all of which offer affordable and scenic options for getting around.
• 🏙️ Bangkok is divided into 50 districts, with 11 key areas for tourists, such as the Old Town (Phra Nakhon), Chinatown, and Sukhumvit, each offering different experiences and attractions.
• 🍲 The city offers incredible street food, with must-try spots in areas like Chinatown, Talad Noi, and Sukhumvit for diverse dining experiences.
• 🎉 Bangkok's nightlife is vibrant, with popular party spots in Khao San Road, Sukhumvit, RCA, and red-light districts like Patpong and Nana Plaza.
• 💡 Bangkok has accommodations for every budget, from charming Old Town guesthouses to luxury hotels near Sukhumvit, with suggestions for travelers based on proximity to tourist attractions and transport options.
• 🗺️ A recommended itinerary for a 3-day trip includes key sights like the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun, with detailed transport routes and time-efficient suggestions for sightseeing.

Q & A

What makes Bangkok a massive city compared to other world capitals?

Bangkok covers an area of 65.7 square miles, making it much larger than cities like Los Angeles, Madrid, Rome, Vienna, Berlin, and even Delhi. Its size surprises many tourists who are unaware of how vast it is.

What are some common misconceptions that tourists have when visiting Bangkok for the first time?

Many tourists are surprised that Bangkok doesn’t have a beach and are often taken aback by the long travel times within the city. Additionally, they struggle with choosing accommodations, thinking 3 days might be enough to see everything, and figuring out how to get around.

What is the recommended way to travel from Bangkok’s airport to the city center?

Instead of taking a taxi, it’s recommended to use the Airport Rail Link. This train costs only 35 baht (€1) and takes you to the city center in about half an hour.

What are some of the main public transport options in Bangkok?

Bangkok offers various transport options including the Chao Phraya River Express boats, Saen Saep Canal ferries, the MRT subway (with four lines currently operational), the Skytrain (BTS), buses, tuk-tuks, and motorbike taxis.

Which mode of transport is considered the fastest but also the most dangerous in Bangkok?

Motorbike taxis are considered the fastest way to get around Bangkok, but they are also the most dangerous due to the lack of helmets for passengers.

Which areas of Bangkok are most popular for tourists and what key attractions can be found there?

Most tourists visit the 17 districts out of the city's 50, with key areas including the Old Town (Phra Nakhon) where the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and the Democracy Monument are located, Chinatown for street food and photo opportunities, and Sathorn for nightlife and rooftop bars.

What are the best transport options to reach Bangkok’s major historical and sightseeing areas?

To reach key historical areas like Phra Nakhon and Rattanakosin, tourists can use the MRT Subway, Riverboat, or Canal Ferry for convenient access.

What districts in Bangkok are recommended for food lovers and street photographers?

Chinatown (Yaowarat Road) and Talat Noi are highly recommended for food lovers and photographers, with endless street food options and vibrant market scenes.

What are some of the best districts in Bangkok for nightlife and entertainment?

The Sukhumvit and Silom areas are famous for their nightlife, with Sukhumvit Road hosting spots like Soi Cowboy and Nana Plaza, while Silom offers the vibrant Patpong district.

Which transportation methods should tourists avoid during rush hour in Bangkok?

Tourists should avoid taking tuk-tuks and taxis during rush hour as they often end up stuck in traffic jams. The MRT and BTS Skytrain are great options but can be very crowded during peak hours.

Outlines

00:00

🌆 Exploring Bangkok: Size, Surprises, and Getting Around

Bangkok is a massive city, larger than many major capitals like Los Angeles and Madrid, and often surprises tourists with its lack of beaches and sprawling layout. Many travelers face three common questions: where to stay, how long to spend, and how to navigate. This video addresses these puzzles, starting with advice on traveling from the airport using the Airport Rail Link, a cheap and efficient option. It also covers various transportation methods in Bangkok, including boats, buses, MRT subway, and BTS Skytrains, helping visitors explore the city’s highlights.

05:01

🚦 Transportation Ranking: What's Best and What to Avoid in Bangkok

Bangkok's transportation options vary, with some offering scenic and affordable rides like riverboats, while others, like tuktuks and taxis, can lead to traffic jams and high prices. The best options are the motorbike taxis, which are fast but also the most dangerous due to the lack of helmets. Other public transport options like MRT and BTS are efficient but get crowded during rush hours. This section concludes with a ranking of the most suitable and least recommended transport types for tourists.

10:04

🏛️ Bangkok's Districts and Attractions: What to See and Where to Go

Bangkok has 50 districts, but tourists usually visit only 11 key ones. The most important, Phra Nakhon, is home to iconic sites like the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Khao San Road. Other districts offer a mix of temples, markets, and cultural experiences, such as Chinatown with its vibrant street food scene, and Dusit with its royal temples. The guide explains how to access these areas using various transportation modes like riverboats, canals, and MRT, helping tourists navigate the city’s rich historical and cultural landmarks.

15:06

🛏️ Best Hotels and Day-to-Day Itinerary in Bangkok

For those looking for affordable accommodations, this section provides a list of budget-friendly hotels with pools, such as the V de Pranakorn, located between Old Town and Chinatown. It also offers a detailed 3-day itinerary that includes key sights such as temples, markets, and scenic spots like Loha Prasat and the Royal Barges Museum. The itinerary is designed to maximize sightseeing efficiency, suggesting morning visits to markets and temples and evening trips to rooftop bars, markets, or entertainment districts.

Keywords

💡Bangkok

Bangkok is the capital and largest city of Thailand, known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant street life, and large metropolitan area. In the video, Bangkok is portrayed as a 'juggernaut' that covers a vast area of 65.7 square miles and offers numerous attractions, but also presents challenges for tourists, such as its complex transportation system and lack of beaches.

💡Public Transport

Public transport in Bangkok includes a wide array of options like boats, trains, buses, and motorbike taxis. The video explains that tourists have multiple ways to navigate the city, including the MRT subway, BTS Skytrain, riverboats, and canal ferries. The public transportation system is key to navigating the city's large area efficiently, but certain options, like tuk-tuks and taxis, are discouraged due to traffic and pricing issues.

💡Chao Phraya River

The Chao Phraya River is a major waterway in Bangkok that offers a scenic and affordable mode of transportation. The video highlights the importance of the river, which has more than 30 piers where passengers can board Express boat lines. The riverboat trips are a recommended way to view the city and are described as a beautiful experience for tourists.

💡MRT (Subway)

The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is Bangkok’s underground subway system, with several lines connecting different parts of the city. The video emphasizes the MRT’s role in helping tourists reach various districts and landmarks. It's noted that the system is expanding with new lines set to open by 2025, making travel within Bangkok even more accessible.

💡Skytrain (BTS)

The Skytrain, or BTS, is a high-speed rail system in Bangkok that travels on elevated tracks. It’s one of the main methods of transport mentioned in the video for tourists to get around the city. The Skytrain has multiple lines, such as the Sukhumvit line, and connects major areas, although it can get very crowded during peak hours.

💡Districts

Bangkok is divided into 50 districts, but only 11 are highlighted as important for tourists in the video. These districts include areas like Phra Nakhon, which houses historical landmarks, and Sukhumvit, known for nightlife. The video breaks down the advantages and disadvantages of each district in terms of tourist attractions, accommodation, and transportation.

💡Tourist Attractions

Tourist attractions in Bangkok range from temples and palaces to markets and modern skyscrapers. The video highlights key landmarks like the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun. It also suggests must-see cultural spots such as the Chatuchak Weekend Market and Chinatown, illustrating the city’s blend of historical and contemporary sites.

💡Accommodation

Accommodation in Bangkok varies widely depending on the area and budget. The video provides tips for finding centrally located hotels that suit different traveler needs, from budget-friendly spots with pools to luxury hotels near major attractions. For instance, areas like Sukhumvit are recommended for nightlife, while Phra Nakhon is better for first-time visitors.

💡Food and Street Markets

Bangkok is renowned for its street food and markets. The video suggests popular food spots, such as seafood restaurants by the river and noodle soup stalls in various districts. Chinatown, in particular, is highlighted as a foodie's paradise with an array of street food options, while other areas offer local delicacies like grilled pork and beef.

💡Nightlife

Bangkok's nightlife is diverse, ranging from rooftop bars to bustling street parties. The video describes areas like Khao San Road, a hotspot for backpackers, and Sukhumvit, which offers clubs and adult entertainment. For a more local experience, RCA (Royal City Avenue) is mentioned as the place where Thai locals party, showing the different flavors of Bangkok’s vibrant nightlife.

Highlights

Bangkok is larger than many global cities like Los Angeles, Madrid, Berlin, and Mexico City, covering 65.7 square miles.

Despite its popularity, many tourists are surprised that Bangkok does not have a beach and navigating the city can be a challenge.

The airport Rail Link offers a very affordable option to reach the city center, costing only 35 Baht (~1 Euro).

Bangkok has an extensive public transport system, including a riverboat service with over 30 piers and multiple canal ferry routes.

The city’s MRT subway has four operational lines, with two more planned to open in 2025 and 2027.

The BTS Skytrain operates above ground on three lines, providing an excellent view of the city while avoiding ground traffic.

Bangkok's extensive bus network includes 103 routes, with 12 running 24 hours a day, offering a very cheap transportation option.

Motorbike taxis are considered the fastest but also the most dangerous form of transportation in Bangkok.

Bangkok has 50 districts, but most visitors only interact with 17, and only 11 of those are essential for tourism.

The most important tourist sites are in the Phra Nakhon district, including the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and the Democracy Monument.

Chinatown is a must-visit area for street food lovers, offering some of the best local culinary experiences.

The Chatuchak district houses the world’s largest weekend market, offering a unique shopping experience.

Sukhumvit Road in the Khlong Toei and Watthana districts is home to both adult entertainment areas and two beautiful parks.

The seafood restaurant 'Krua Apsorn' near the Phra Athit Pier is one of the best places to dine in Bangkok with a river view.

Bangkok’s nightlife is vibrant, with popular areas like Khao San Road for backpackers and Sukhumvit Soi 11 for rooftop bars and clubs.

Transcripts

Bangkok is a juggernaut that is as

beautiful as it is huge speaking of size

Bangkok covers an area of

65.7 square

miles Thailand's capital is not only

much larger than the males lonstein

Andor even Los Angeles Madrid Rome

Vienna Berlin Kiev Delhi and Mexico City

cannot compete with the City of Angels

most tourists are completely unaware of

this fact they have seen the Fantastic

sites in films advertisements and social

media and are then surprised that

Bangkok does not have a beach and how

long it takes to check into the

supposedly centrally located City hotel

and travelers who are thinking about

Bangkok in advance of their trip are

quickly faced with these three big

puzzles in which area should I look for

accommodation are 3 days perhaps not

enough to see everything and how do I

get from A to B these questions are

answered once and for all in this video

first we dive into how to get from the

airport to the city and how best to get

around then we show where the most

important sightseeing spots are where

Bangkok is the most beautiful where the

best food spots are and where the NTI is

the most fun there are also Hotel tips

to be close to the action and at the end

we give you the best travel plan for a

few days in

Bangkok international flights are now

arriving at bangkok's new SAT satellite

terminal from there an electronic

driverless train takes passengers to the

old main terminal then it's not far to

immigration by the way here you can

easily shorten the waiting time from

around 60 to just under 10 minutes link

to the magical service in the video

description then you go to the baggage

carousel or straight out now be careful

don't get into a taxi it's better to

save money and only pay a tenth of the

price how the airport Rail Link starts

on the lowest floor the train ride into

the city only costs 35 b or €1 simply

switch to English at the ticket machine

touch the macaan station on the screen

put the money in and you're done you get

a black Chip that you need when getting

in and out and half an hour later you're

pretty much in the middle of the city

what you need to know about bangkok's

public transport there are countless

ways to get around let's start with the

chiao prior River more than 30 peers

wait for passengers on the banks there

are five Express boat lines to choose

from the trips are dirt cheap and offer

a magnificent view next up is the song

saep Canal berries run from the old town

to the northeast of the city there are

almost 30 stations the trips cost

between 10 and 20 Bart enough of the

water into the

underground the subway in Bangkok is

called MRT and there there are four

lines blue purple yellow pink two more

orange and brown are scheduled to go

into operation in 2025 and

2027 then the number of 107 stations

will increase just like the root length

which will increase from 84 to 140

Mi cost per trip between 17 and 43 Bart

tickets are available at vend machines

and at the counter now it goes 12 m

above the ground at this altitude the

sky trains travel through Bangkok on a 9

M wide Viaduct above the street there

are three lines the light green sukumvit

line the dark green seum line and the

Gold Line the more than 60 stations are

real concrete Giants 150 M long the

distance between two of them is up to

1,000 m

each station has three levels Street

Concourse and platform a one-way trip

costs between 17 and 62 B to complete

bangkok's Metropolitan Rapid Transit

Network here are the missing State Rail

lines the already mentioned airport Rail

Link the dark red tan retire line the

light red naron witty line and the

tracks for longdistance trains but

that's not all there is to bangkok's

traffic there are also 103 bus routes 12

of which run 24 hours a day if you were

to draw all the routes you would have a

new masterpiece by Jackson Pollock the

vehicles pass pretty much every hotel

and attraction and you can also take one

to and from the airport they are very

cheap about half of the red buses are

free the rest cost between 7 and 24 B

daily operating hours 5 a.m. to 11:00

p.m.

last but not least tukk taxi motorbike

prices are subject to

negotiation to close the traffic chapter

here is a subjective ranking of the

types of transport you should avoid

tuktok and taxis as you automatically

end up in a traffic jam and there is a

great risk that the driver will charge

you too high a price MRT and BTS are

fantastic but very crowded at rush hour

in the morning and evening the ships are

the most beautiful but the number one is

clearly the motorbike taxis always the

fastest and most entertaining option

Unfortunately they are also the most

dangerous There is almost never a helmet

for the passenger chapter 2 where is

what as mentioned Bangkok has 50

districts that rightly sounds like a lot

but most visitors only come into contact

with 17 districts and only 11 of them

are essential let's start with the first

district it is the one with the most

important sites fra nakon here are the

Grand Palace the temple watp the

Democracy Monument the castle-like

temple loha prasat the giant swing the

National Museum and the museum sayam the

flower market The Old City wall two

forts The Amulet Market three large

bridges and the world famous kaan road

you can also take a boat to wat Arun the

Temple of dawn or to the Royal barges

National Museum the best way to reach

this district is via MRT Subway

Riverboat or Canal ferry so just travel

from Pier to peer or take a walk next up

is the neighboring District of Poma

satru fi here you can climb the steps of

the Golden Mountain up to the Temple of

watak cat or watch a fight in rajad

Damar the oldest mu Tha stadium in the

world reachable via Canal

Ferry now we go briefly to the north in

the Royal District of ducit the wat Ben

jamabo feet Temple is a mustsee and

chatuchak district is home to the

world's largest weekend Market the best

way to reach deit is by Riverboat or

Canal Ferry there are two subway

stations at the

market now it's chinatown's turn Street

Food Heaven and endless photo photo

opportunities the heart of it is Yao

warat road with the market alleys and

the Chinatown Gate worth seeeing are the

dragon Temple wat Manon the temple wat

trit the quim Shrine and the soang Thai

Mansion there's also a lot of cool

street art in the tallad noi area you

can visit Chinatown via MRT Subway and

Riverboat let's look at the last two

districts on the river bangre and

sator home to to the red light district

of patpong and mahanon the coolest

skyscraper in Thailand here there is the

ship shaped Temple wat yanawa and the

colorful Shri Maha maraman for Hindus

also the Wata lamong Temple the

Assumption Cathedral the mysterious

ghost Tower and the beautiful sky train

stop chongon SE there are four more sky

Train and three subway stations and

riverboats you can take one to go to Ian

a mega

mall further north lie two more

districts patam Juan and ratchatewi here

are the victory Monument the large boki

Tower the huge lumini Park the old hu

lampong Central Station some luxury

shopping malls the art and culture

center the Jim Thompson House the aroan

shrine and a Red Cross Snake Farm there

are four Subway and eight Sky train

stations in the area last on our list

are the business and party districts of

Kong toy and watana the sukumvit road

runs between them what you can see here

is on the one hand green and on the

other hand not safe for work means two

beautiful Parks called benas Siri and

benjakiti the very rough clong toy

market and lots of adult entertainment

soy cowboy and Nana Plaza stand out here

six Sky Train and three subway stations

the canal in the North the river in the

South so what are the advantages and

disadvantages of each district which

area is best suited for whom we start

again at the river in the west fra nakon

bangkok's Old Town advantages located on

the water historical sites tailored to

the needs of tourists very sunny because

they're a few high-rise buildings cooler

because it is on the river quieter

because there is no sky

train disadvantages a lot of scams a lot

of tourists a lot of Western food night

life only on cow San Road good for first

timers young families couples and

singles who want to mingle with Western

tourists distance from the airport 14

train stations 90 minutes

minimum next to the neighboring

districts on the right Pros incredible

food and photo opportunities in

Chinatown historical sites near Canal

more Transportation

options disadvantages lots of people

especially in Chinatown very few good

hotels good for Foodies and

photographers but it is more of a

destination than a place to live

distance from the airport 13 train

stations 90 minutes

minimum what about PM ju and Bang Rock

advantages very easy to reach many great

hotels rooftop bars sports facilities

plus good food and naughty nightlife

disadvantages a lot of traffic very

hectic very loud good for people who

like good locations Sports and nightlife

rather less for families distance from

the airport 12 train stations 60 Minutes

minimum and now vatana and Kong

toy advantages super accessible closer

to the airport bus terminal for Island

trips two parks two adult entertainment

areas disadvantages a lot of concrete

traffic and noise few sites good for

single men and people who want to travel

around the country from here distance

from the airport eight train stations 50

minutes

minimum the remaining districts are just

Excursion destinations in summary first

timers and families here couples here

Foodies and photographers here single

men and adventurers there chapter 4

where to eat first on the list is the

wonderful seafood restaurant carang near

Tu Pier then the noodle soup at NY soya

beef near pra atit Pier hero mu pla

grilled pork and beef Netflix famous C

San Road and democracy monument around

the corner dining with a view of Waton

Amarosa rro Supa tomaron

hamut pi ttian and rajini next up

Chinatown and the district above start

with the duck and pork professionals

from jib key near the Nang long market

then big sister Jay Hong and her stir

fried chicken noodles must try the

oyster omelette at nyong Hoy Todd and

the sugary Thai desserts at sweet time

legendary TK Seafood with the best view

of the yarat road everything can be

reached by Riverboat Subway or Canal

booat on to the next two districts here

you'll find food Paradise banad thong

officially the coolest Street in

Thailand the most beautiful street food

chef in Asia po Roy lady works in the

area then here is a great food court in

syum soy 10 and a little Seafood gem

called Le the access options are almost

endless and now to the sukum vit area

there's jari Seafood here very close to

Nana Plaza or bangkok's best noodle soup

with pork at rang ruang the wonderful

street food court at soy 38 and the crab

omelet from Nong Rim Kong everything is

easy to

reach Google Maps links to these and

many more restaurants in the video

description when night falls in Bangkok

Madness rains here are the party hotpots

in the old Town Backpackers celebrate

with young Thai people on Cowan Road in

seom Maggie chws is considered number

one in sukum vit soy 11 you can find

rooftop bars and clubs RCA in the

Northwest is the local Entertainment

District with clubs like Onyx Route 66

and space Club the trendy areas of Tong

laor and eami have two of the best

nightlife options Sway and muin nearby

is the visually impressive Sing Sing

theater further south in Kong toy is one

of the most popular clubs with bakara

and don't forget there are also three

adult entertainment areas first patpong

near lumini Park recommendation bada

bing then soy Cowboy near ASO

intersection recommendation crazy house

last but not least nanop Plaza a

multi-story U-shaped complex with

security checkpoints

recommendations spankies and

billboard chapter 6 where to stay as

promised here are five magical budget

hotels with pools first one V de

pranakorn perfectly located in the

middle between Oldtown and Chinatown

close to a subway station canal and

River next bandara Suites at lumpini

Park then at nanana the stylish hotel

Miami between benjak Kitty Park and soy

cowboy Park Plaza near Tong law latit

salil links in the video description

chapter 7 the perfect Bangkok

itinery day one let's say you arrive

late in the afternoon at the Oldtown

hotel that was recommended in the

previous chapter then it's too late for

sightseeing so off to the ship up to TP

seafood at kowang then a Tuk to to pra

atti Pier from there you can enjoy the

rambout walking Street down to C Sun

Road late snack hero mu pla a quick look

at the Democracy Monument then pass

giant swing off to bed day two get up

early quickly go to the flower market

then wat po wat Arun Palace amulet

Market National Museum this can be done

between 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. lunch at

NYS soy beef shipped to the Royal barges

Museum mum and then back to the flower

market off to the hotel pool at 5:00

p.m. go to loha prasat and watet to

watch a sunset then to the MU Thai

stadium before the fight eat grilled

chicken at licked guy young after the

fight go to the Cowan Road or straight

to bed day three Subway to seom walk in

lumini park then Sky Train to Chong Noni

up to the mahanon skyscraper Sky Train

to sap and taxin there to the ship

Temple wat Yano then ferry to the Mega

Mall icon cam in the basement there is a

Street Food Market on the upper floors

there are gastro Terraces with a

breathtaking view of bangcock skyline

fery back to Satan Pier from their boat

to the flower market Hotel pool at 5

p.m. Subway to H lampong station be

there at 6:00 p.m. when the national

Anthem plays and everyone freezes from

there stroll through Chinatown eat at

the restaurant recommendations mentioned

around 9900 p.m. take the subway to

sukumvit take a look at soy Cowboy there

then take the sky train to Nana and have

a blast chapter

8 anyone who has watched the video up to

this point now knows dozens of things

that some people who have been on

holiday in Thailand don't know even

after decades ades but what hasn't been

revealed yet where are the best photo

spots in

Bangkok good news there's a video on

this channel that answers exactly this

question watch it