HistoryGrand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
Glittering royal buildings and the Emerald Buddha.
Cheap flights to Bangkok
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Bangkok at a glance
- Country
- Thailand
- Airports
- Suvarnabhumi (BKK)
- Search code
BKK- Money
- Thai baht (THB)
Discover Bangkok
Golden temples, floating markets, rooftop bars and street food that never stops. Bangkok is chaotic, friendly and full of flavor.
What it's called
- กรุงเทพฯ (Krung Thep)"City of Angels", the start of a ceremonial name with more than 160 letters
- Bangkokfrom an old village name, Bang Makok
- Venice of the Eastfor its canals
Things to do in Bangkok
History
CultureWat Pho
A 46-meter reclining Buddha, and the birthplace of Thai massage.
LandmarkWat Arun
The Temple of Dawn, best seen at sunset from across the river.
ShoppingChatuchak Weekend Market
More than 15,000 stalls selling almost everything.
Day tripFloating market
Damnoen Saduak, where vendors sell from boats.
FoodChinatown at night
Yaowarat Road's food stalls and neon signs.
About Thailand
Known as the 'Land of Smiles', Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country never colonized by a European power. It mixes golden temples, jungle-covered mountains in the north and hundreds of tropical islands in the south.
- CapitalBangkok
- MoneyThai baht (THB)
- LanguageThai; English in tourist areas
Economy
Thailand builds cars and electronics and is a major exporter of rice and the world's top producer of natural rubber. Tens of millions of visitors a year make tourism a pillar of the economy.
Culture
Mostly Buddhist, with deep respect for the monarchy and for elders. People greet with a 'wai', palms together. Join Songkran, the water-splashing New Year in April, or Loy Krathong, when candles float down rivers. Muay Thai and Thai massage come from here.
Places to visit
- Chiang Maitemples, night markets and elephant sanctuaries
- Phuket and Krabilimestone cliffs and beaches
- Koh Samui and Koh Phi Phiclassic island life
- Ayutthayaruins of the old royal capital
- Khao Sokrainforest and a jungle lake
Why Thailand is worth it for you
- Great valueHotels, massages and meals cost a fraction of Western prices.
- World-famous street foodPad thai, curries and mango sticky rice at every market.
- Easy for first-timersWell-traveled routes and cheap domestic flights.
- Island hoppingFerries connect dozens of tropical islands.
Travel more of Thailand
Places worth adding to your trip, from Bangkok or on another visit.
CultureChiang Mai
Mountain temples, night markets and ethical elephant sanctuaries.
BeachPhuket
Thailand's biggest island, full of beaches.
BeachKrabi and Phi Phi
Limestone cliffs and turquoise bays.
HistoryAyutthaya
Ruins of the old royal capital, about an hour from Bangkok.
CultureChiang Rai
The White Temple and the Golden Triangle.
Eat like a local
- Pad thaiStir-fried rice noodles with tamarind.
- Tom yumHot and sour shrimp soup.
- Mango sticky riceSweet coconut rice with ripe mango.
The story of Bangkok
King Rama I made Bangkok the capital of Siam in 1782, building the Grand Palace on the river. Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country never colonized by a European power.
Thailand through history
- 1238
The Sukhothai kingdom is founded.
- 1351
Ayutthaya becomes the capital of a powerful kingdom.
- 1782
Bangkok becomes the capital.
- 1932
Siam becomes a constitutional monarchy.
- 1939
Siam is renamed Thailand.
Good to know
- Best time to go
- November to February is the cool, dry season.
- Getting around
- The BTS Skytrain and MRT beat the traffic; river boats are cheap and scenic.
- Language
- Thai; English in tourist areas
Ready to see Bangkok for yourself?
Find flights to BangkokPopular routes
Flights to Bangkok
Tips for flying to Bangkok
- Don Mueang (DMK), Bangkok's second airport, is busy with low-cost airlines.
- No fixed dates? Leave them blank: the search opens with your route filled in so you can compare nearby days.
- Compare the total price with bags. Some of the lowest fares leave out checked luggage or seat selection.
- You book with the airline or travel agency directly, so check their name and change rules before you pay.
When you land in Bangkok
Places to stay, things to do and getting around, from trusted travel brands.
Questions about Bangkok
Which airports serve Bangkok?
Suvarnabhumi (BKK). Search code: BKK.
What currency is used in Bangkok?
Thai baht (THB).
How do I find cheap flights to Bangkok?
Enter where you're flying from in the search above. JetSetCheap compares fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies, then you book directly with the seller.