Bangkok city guide: Where to stay, eat, drink and shop in Thailand’s flavour-packed gateway
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The modern metropolis stands tall as a cultural capital of the world, with cutting-edge food, glamorous sky bars and suitcase-filling shopping to match, says Lucie Grace. Bangkok’s vastness and undeniable humidity can overwhelm the unsuspecting visitor, so take your time when exploring and allow it the opportunity to unravel for you. Four days are better than just the one jet-lagged mooch.
![[The Grand Royal Palace complex in Bangkok has been the official resdience of the Kings of Siam (and later Thailand) since 1782]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/03/14/newFile-3.jpg)
With an estimated population of over 11 million, Bangkok – or Krung Thep Maha Nakhon as it’s officially known to Thais – has grown from a bustling, multicultural trading port to a heavy hitter on the world’s cultural landscape. It’s now as famed for its food, traffic and nightlife as its temples and history, with an art scene to watch.
![[The Jim Thompson House Museum is packed full of antique and artwork from ancient Siam]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/03/14/newFile-4.jpg)
There’s no denying that this city divides opinion. People tend to either love its buzz and stay for years, or hate the frenetic pace and leave as soon as possible, but make up your own mind in its broad parks and slender alleys in between stopping at the sights. Unlike most huge cities, the Thai capital is a friendly, safe place with a pleasantly low crime rate, where you can unwind and enjoy your arrival in ‘The Land of Smiles’.
![[Yaowarat Road has some of the best street food in the city]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/03/14/newFile-6.jpg)
Thailand is very serious about its monarchy and there’s nowhere to get a better sense of this than Bangkok – or, more specifically, its Grand Royal Palace complex. Established in 1782, when the capital of then-Siam was relocated to the area, the ornate structures include the royal quarters (which are only viewable from the outside but are nonetheless very impressive) and a stunning wat (temple) that was built to accommodate the infamous and slightly mysterious Jade Buddha, a totem that’s the real star here. There’s also a swish textiles museum that displays Queen Sirikit’s wardrobe and an epic antique batik collection amassed by King Rama V. You can whizz round in a couple of hours, but a half day is more leisurely.
![[Chatuchak Market is home to over 5,000 stalls of various merchandise]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/03/14/newFile-10.jpg)
