Looking to travel to Bangkok, Thailand? Local travel and food writers Sam and Pete from Travelling King share food trends, cultural insights, and must-have experiences in this fascinating city.

1. For a memorable Bangkok experience, head to Chinatown and Silom Road for traditional Thai street food (yum!).

Also, take a dinner river cruise on a small boat. Banyan Tree offers a beautiful rice barge-turned-restaurant. It’s a bit pricey, but the food and service are excellent—far better than the crowded party boats.

Don’t miss a ride on the Skytrain. It may not be exciting for those used to great public transport, but coming from Australia, we found it super fun!

2. To experience local culture in Bangkok, don’t skip the street food! Also explore the Royal Grounds and city temples—just be sure to dress appropriately (no short skirts or tank tops).

Hop on a small boat and explore the canals off the Chao Phraya River. Visit the floating markets and local markets—the sights, sounds, and smells offer a sensory adventure.

3. For traditional Thai cuisine, you can’t go wrong with Pad Thai. It’s a classic dish served with noodles, tofu (or chicken or beef), bean sprouts, onion, and crushed peanuts.

If you like spicy food, try Thai Green Curry. It has a kick, but you can ask for “not spicy” (“mai phet”) or “a little spicy” (“phet nit nawy”).

4. Typical Thai cuisine balances strong and subtle flavors with bright colors. I didn’t notice much variation between Bangkok, Koh Samui, and Phuket.

Western food is available throughout Thailand for those who want a break from Thai dishes—or can’t handle them for every meal.

5. For a hands-on culinary experience, take a cooking class! It’s a great way to learn how Thai food is traditionally prepared and meant to taste.

Lonely Planet recommends several classes, and Baipai Thai Cooking School gets rave reviews.

Some locals even welcome visitors into their homes for meals. The best way to connect? Befriend street vendors or market sellers.

6. To better assimilate into Thai culture, be mindful of local etiquette. Never insult the King—doing so can land you in serious trouble.

When eating, take your time and only dish up what you’ll finish. Don’t leave chopsticks in your bowl—it symbolizes death and is considered bad luck.

7. For authentic accommodations, consider staying at a local B&B. Bangkok has plenty that offer a true Thai experience.

8. For drinks with a view, you’re in luck—Bangkok is known for its rooftop bars. My favorite is Vertigo at Banyan Tree, which offers stunning city views.

You can also check out Sirocco and Sky Bar, both with panoramic views of the Chao Phraya River.

I recently updated our Bangkok food and drink guide if you’re looking for more recommendations.

9. For a day or weekend trip from Bangkok, visit the Ayutthaya Kingdom, known as “The Ancient Capital of Bangkok.”

This area is full of ancient and modern temples, some destroyed by Burmese invaders. A guide is highly recommended to help you understand the history. Learn more here.

10. For those concerned about responsible tourism, avoid tourist traps like the Tiger Temple. We visited and later regretted it due to ethical concerns. We do not support animal cruelty.

Also, be sure to bargain when shopping. It’s a cultural norm in Thailand and helps avoid inflating prices.

About the Experts

Hi, we’re Sam & Pete from TravellingKing.com. Our luxury travel blog focuses on affordable luxury travel and fun attractions around the world.

Our mission is to promote the joy of luxury travel through firsthand experiences and in-depth guides. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Note: The responses above were provided by Samantha Duffield.