Full Guide to Bangkok! All You Need to Know
- ig: HuzelsB
- Aug 16
- 7 min read
Updated: Sep 10
Best time to go
Cooler & driest (best overall): Nov–Feb. Blue-sky days, easier temple days, busiest crowds & higher prices. (Highlights Travel, Weather Spark)
Hot season: Mar–May. Brutal mid-day heat—plan indoors 12–3 pm.
Rainy/green season: Jun–Oct. Showers (often short, late-afternoon), lower hotel prices; still very doable with a rain jacket.
Where to stay
note: please please, book your hotels/hostels near train station.
Pre-trip checklist (KUL → BKK)
Documents & entry
Passport: Valid ≥6 months from entry, ≥1 blank page.
Visa: Malaysians get visa-free entry for trips <60 days (tourism). (Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia)
New arrival requirement: Complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) within 3 days before arrival (replaces TM6). Official site: tdac.immigration.go.th. No fee. (Thailand Digital Arrival Card, Thai Embassy New York, Condé Nast Traveler)
Yellow fever: Only required if you’re arriving from/transiting high-risk countries >12 h. (Not needed from Malaysia.) (CDC Travel Health)
Money & connectivity
Cash: ATMs are everywhere (200–250 THB machine fee common), Highly recommend to use Wise or BigPay card.
SIM/eSIM: Tourist plans are cheap, dtac/True unlimited 5G 8-day ≈ 449 THB; 15-day ≈ 699 THB. You can buy at airport counters or install an eSIM beforehand. I recommend to get eSIM buy through Klook.
Grab works well but Bolt a cheaper fares.
Apps to install
Grab, Bolt, LINE MAN (food), BTS SkyTrain app, BEM MRT app (fares/route). Fares for BTS/MRT are typically ~15–62 THB per ride depending on distance/line.
Temple etiquette
Shoulders & knees covered (carry a light scarf/sarong). Slip-on shoes help.
Power
Thailand uses Type A/B/C (most sockets are Type C two-pin); 230V. Universal adapter recommended.
Travel insurance
Always worth it (medical + trip interruption).
What to wear
Daytime: Breathable tees/linen, light bottoms/shorts, comfy sneakers or sandals.
Temples/Palace: Long pants or midi skirt, covered shoulders.
Rain plan (Jun–Oct): Compact umbrella or light rain jacket.
Evenings: Light layers (malls are chilly with AC).
Landing in Bangkok: what to do (step-by-step)
Suvarnabhumi (BKK)
Immigration → have TDAC QR ready on phone. (Thai Embassy New York)
SIM: Pick a tourist SIM/eSIM counter in the arrivals hall. Or activate on you phone if you bought eSIM through Klook
To the city
Airport Rail Link (ARL) to Phaya Thai (connects BTS): 45 THB, ~30 min, 06:00–24:00. Station is Basement (B1/B2). (bangkokairportonline.com, ANA)
Public Taxi: Go to Level 1, Gates 4–7; metered fare + 50 THB airport surcharge + tolls. Queue ticket system. (Suvarnabhumi Airport) This option is bit expensive. Better to use Bolt much cheaper options and usually have discounts for first user
Don Mueang (DMK)
A1/A2 airport buses to Mo Chit (BTS/MRT): 30–50 THB; buy on board (now supports card). (THAIest)
Taxis and Grab/Bolt available at arrivals.
Cost snapshot (1 pax, 7 days)
Assumption: 1 MYR ≈ 8.5 THB (100 THB ≈ RM11.75).
5 FAQs (the ones people actually ask)
Do I need to fill anything before I fly?Yes—TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) within 3 days before arrival. Keep the QR handy. (Thailand Digital Arrival Card, Thai Embassy New York)
Is the Airport Rail Link easy with luggage?Yes. Lifts/escalators, fastest to the city for 45 THB to Phaya Thai (BTS). (bangkokairportonline.com)
What’s a realistic daily budget?RM200–350/day (frugal to comfy) excluding hotel. Add hotel based on the table above.
Temple dress code, how strict?Grand Palace is strict. Cover shoulders & knees or you’ll have to rent/buy clothing on site.
MRT/BTS, do I need cards? Single-journey tokens work fine, a Rabbit card (BTS) or MRT card saves queue time if you ride a lot. Typical fares ~17–45 THB per ride (line-dependent; BTS can run higher).
5 Huge mistakes in Bangkok to avoid
Starting the Grand Palace after 10:30 AM. You’ll roast + crowd-surf. Go 8:30–9:00 AM, then Wat Pho/Arun, lunch, cool-off in ICONSIAM after.
Trusting every “helpful” tuk-tuk around the Palace. “Temple closed, I’ll take you to a gem shop” = classic scam. Stick to Grab or Bolt, or walk.
Underestimating transit time between river sights and Sukhumvit in rush hour. Cross-city drives at 5–7 PM can double, use ferry + BTS/MRT combos.
Ignoring dress code on your one Palace day. You’ll lose an hour sorting pants/scarves. Pack a lightweight cover piece in your daypack.
Not checking line connections. Bangkok has ARL + BTS + MRT + Yellow/Pink + buses/boats. A 20-min ride can become 60-min if you pick the wrong interchange. Use the official MRT/BTS apps to route.
Please take note that: Chatuchak Market operates differently on various days of the week. On Wednesday and Thursday (7 AM to 6 PM), only the plant section is open, making it quieter and less crowded. This is a good time for those interested in plants or seeking a peaceful visit. On Friday (6 PM to 12 AM), the market focuses on wholesale, offering great deals for bulk buyers. However, for the full Chatuchak Market experience, the weekend (Saturday and Sunday, 9 AM to 6 PM) is ideal, as the entire market with over 15,000 stalls is open, attracting approximately 200,000 visitors. Despite the crowd, the weekend offers the most variety and vibrant atmosphere.
I also HIGHLY RECOMMEND renting a bike or buggy car to explore Ancient Cities Museum. They're huge, if you want to walk to explore the whole ancient cities you may basically get stroke or in a short word, you can die. Renting one lets you see more comfortably and saves time and energy.
If you have a free whole day, consider a day trip to Ayutthaya, just 1.5 hours from Bangkok by train, to explore more historical sites.
For muslims, dont worry about finding Halal foods, in Bangkok there are alot of Halal restaurants, even in every 7-Eleven there are alot of Halal ready to eat meals.
7-day Complete Bangkok itinerary
Day 1: Arrival (August 11, Sunday)
Day 2: Cultural Exploration (August 12, Monday)
Day 3: Safari day (August 13, Tuesday)
Day 4: (August 14, Wednesday)
Day 5: Cultural Exploration (August 15, Thursday)
Day 6: Shopping (August 16, Friday)
Day 7: Weekend market and departure (August 17, Saturday)
*Estimated total cost for transportation (Grab/Bolt/MRT/BTS): 5,400THB / RM680 (5 pax)
OPTIONAL AYUTTHAYA DAY TRIP (1.5 HOURS FROM BANGKOK BY TRAIN):
Comments