Bangkok to be world's most visited city in 2024
With 32,4 million international travelers, Bangkok tops the world’s tourist destinations. Thanks to its welcoming policies, affordable living standards and world-famous cuisine, the city continues to grow in appeal. By 2024, Bangkok will surpass giants such as Istanbul and London, cementing its position as a leading center for culture, hospitality and unique experiences.
Bangkok, but different: away from the tourist hotspots
Want to experience the real Thai culture? Leave the tourist attractions behind and dive into the authentic neighborhoods of Bangkok. Here you can taste daily life, meet locals and discover traditions that give the city its unique character. A journey through these neighborhoods brings you closer to the heart of Thailand.
Temple complex Wat Arun, Bangkok
The Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, is a real eye-catcher in Bangkok. The 82 meter high 'prang' ensures that you cannot miss this special temple on the Chao Phraya River.
Above Eleven Rooftop Bar in Bangkok: quality at a lonely height!
Above Eleven is one of the most popular rooftop bars in Bangkok, offering breathtaking views of the city skyline from the 33rd and 34th floors of the Fraser Suites building. It has a unique design concept, inspired by New York's Central Park; it's a mix of urban jungle-like greenery and stylish modern decor.
24 hours in Bangkok (video)
I have often referred to KLM's beautiful travel blog, where all kinds of fun stories appear that have to do with KLM and travel. Thailand is also regularly discussed, because it is an important destination for KLM. This time it is a story by Diederik Swart, a former KLM flight attendant, who describes how you can still get a nice impression of the Thai capital from a short stay in Bangkok.
'The bill in the dark'
In the scorching heat of Bangkok, Huub enters a shadowy bar, looking for adventure. What starts as an innocent evening ends in a cat-and-mouse game with threatening figures and an inexplicable bill. With only his wits and bravado, he tries to escape the shadows of The Last Smile.
New experiences in old Bangkok
Exploring the maze of alleys in Saphan Han and neighboring neighborhoods is a fun and special experience. There are countless hidden gems, including centuries-old houses with beautiful decorative details. The area described from Wang Burapha, Saphan Han and Sampheng to Phahurat, Saphan Phut, Pak Klong Talat and Ban Mo is only about 1,2 km². Yet you will find plenty of fascinating sights here.
'The Street of Promises'
Three friends enter the bustling city of Bangkok for the first time, a city that draws them into a world of neon lights, seductive women and unlimited possibilities. As they lose themselves in the night, they discover that Bangkok takes more than it gives, and are faced with choices that will change their friendship and their sense of self forever.
Wat Phra Kaew: The Temple of the Emerald Buddha
Wat Phra Kaew or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in the royal palace is for many the main attraction of Bangkok. Just a little too busy and chaotic for my taste. Being overwhelmed by fanatically photographing and elbow-butting hordes of Chinese has never been my idea of an ideal day out, but it is indeed a must see.
'The perfume of red roses'
In the neon-lit chaos of Bangkok, Nandar walks every night with her baby and a bunch of roses. She hopes for pity, for a few coins, but above all for a way out. Amidst the tourists and their careless looks, she searches for something that can give her hope, while the city slowly swallows her up. A raw and compelling story about survival.
Pak Khlong, Bangkok's flower and vegetable market
If you sometimes think you know a lot about Bangkok, you will often be very disappointed. Earlier I read a story about Pak Khlong Talat, the flower and fruit market of Bangkok.
The government is launching an ambitious program to tackle air pollution caused by harmful PM2.5 particles. Sophisticated rainmaking techniques and close cooperation between ministries are being used to improve air quality. The aim is to create healthier living conditions in hard-hit areas such as Bangkok, while ensuring air traffic safety. The program promises to be an important step towards a more sustainable future.
Nightlife in Bangkok (video)
Nightlife in Thailand is famous and notorious. Anyone who has traveled around the globe can confirm that almost nowhere in the world can you go out as extensively as in Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket. Of course a large part of the entertainment industry revolves around sex, yet there is also plenty to do for tourists who do not come for that. The many bars with live music, excellent restaurants, discotheques, beach parties and shopping centers are good examples of this.
'The Lost Street'
In the shadow of neon lights and rats, Vinai and Boonmee struggle with the harsh reality of the slums. Between raw humor and bitter truths, a question arises: what remains of dignity when survival is the only game? A story about dreams that die, choices that cost your soul and a final step towards self-respect.
The Ling Buai Ia Shrine in Bangkok
Thailand has numerous Chinese temples; big or small, tasteful or kitschy, everyone can find one to their liking. The Taoist Leng Buai Ia Shrine at Thanon Charoen Krung, is believed to be the oldest surviving Chinese temple in Bangkok and in the country.
Thai Street Food in Bangkok (video)
Those of us who love tasty and exotic food can enjoy themselves in Thailand. You should not only experience Thailand, but also taste it. You can do that on every street corner in Bangkok or in the other major cities.
Siriraj Medical Museum in Bangkok (video)
A museum boring? Well definitely not this. So if you have had enough of all the temples, shopping malls, restaurants and other entertainment venues in Bangkok, try a visit to Siriraj Medical Museum. Only for people with a strong stomach.
You must see the Loha Prasat in the Wat Ratchanadda in Bangkok!
Those staying in Bangkok will probably visit Wat Phra Keaw, Wat Arun or Wat Pho, yet a temple that should definitely be on your list is Wat Ratchanadda with the impressive Loha Prasat, a tower of 26 meters high, consisting of 37 metal points, representing the 37 virtues of enlightenment.
Talat Noi, the hidden gem of Bangkok
Discover Talat Noi, a vibrant neighborhood full of historical charm and cultural richness in the heart of Bangkok. This community welcomes visitors with its unique combination of traditional workshops, culinary delights, and notable historical sites such as the So Heng Tai Mansion. Meet the people who keep Talat Noi's cultural heritage alive and discover the uniqueness of this fascinating neighborhood for yourself.
Vijit Chao Phraya 2024: A dazzling spectacle to light up Bangkok's iconic riverfront
From 16 November to 15 December 2024, Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River will transform into a breathtaking spectacle of light and culture every evening. Enjoy free laser shows, fireworks and traditional performances at iconic locations along the river as part of a celebration of Thailand’s rich heritage and winter festivals.
Agenda: Loy Krathong Festival in Bangkok from November 13-15, 2024
From November 13 to 15, 2024, the Loy Krathong festival will take place at the PRD headquarters in Bangkok. Visitors can enjoy traditional festivities, music, mood lighting, and over 200 stalls selling local produce. The event emphasizes environmental awareness, and participants are encouraged to use sustainable materials for their krathong, the floating basket that is the centerpiece of the celebration.
Thailand has launched an ambitious plan to position Suvarnabhumi Airport among the world’s top 20 airports within five years. Innovations such as biometric technology, additional terminals and sustainability targets are set to improve capacity and passenger experience, further cementing Thailand as an aviation hub.