Revved up at all hours, Bangkok remains one of the most intense places on Earth

There are cities and then there is Bangkok.

Temples like Wat Pho are thronged with devotees all day. Street food sizzles all evening.

The heat never stops. And the nightlife—from sleazy Patpong to ritzy rooftop bars—is second to none. But the pleasures don’t end there.

Night markets, mega malls, and the massive Chatuchak Weekend Market all make Bangkok a shoppers’ (and souvenir-hunter’s) dream.

You’ll need to prepare yourself—Bangkok is intense. But for travellers craving local secrets and 24/7 energy, there’s nowhere in the world quite like it.

What is the best way to get there?

Flying: Bangkok is served by two airports, the Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Muang Airport (DMK). The latter is a hub for low-cost carriers including Air Asia and Nok Air and mainly offers domestic and regional flights.

Do I need a visa?

Thailand has many bilateral agreements in place with other nations that allow visa-free travel. To see if your country is on that list please check here.

If your country is not listed, you will need to apply for a visa at your nearest Thai embassy. You can check here for more information on types of visas.

When is the best time to visit?

November through January: Bangkok is hot and steamy no matter what time of year you visit, however, the very best time to visit is late November to mid-January. Known as the “cool season,” the temperatures sit around 90 Fahrenheit (36 Celsius).