Located along the Chao Phraya River in central Thailand, Bangkok is a vibrant capital city with magnificent temples, palaces adorned with golden accents, and a thriving hawker food scene, from peanut-topped pad thai to crab-based creations. There are multiple neighborhoods to explore in Thailand’s cultural and political hub — such as the bustling Chinatown, lined with brightly colored signage, signature street food booths, and outdoor shopping stalls. Along the city’s many canals you’ll find Bangkok’s famous floating markets selling staples like fresh seafood, local produce, and sweets.

Rattanakosin Island in the core of the city is home to the National Theatre, the Grand Palace with its towering golden spires, and the National Museum, where you can see traditional clothing, wood carvings, and musical instruments alongside a collection of fine art. As nighttime rolls around, Bangkok’s nocturnal scene is as varied as the city itself with clubs, karaoke bars, rooftop lounges, and live performances occurring nightly in Sukhumvit.

Bangkok’s tropical monsoon climate means generally warm temperatures and heavy seasonal rainfall. Monsoon season lasts from May to September, so you can count on big downpours during those months, making it a quieter time to visit. Late fall through early spring is considered the best time to enjoy Bangkok condo rentals, as the temperatures are still warm, but precipitation and humidity are at their lowest. This is also when many events and festivals occur in the city. The Golden Mount Temple Fair in November involves performances, live music, games, and rides. The Chinese New Year, which occurs in January or February, is one of the biggest celebrations in Bangkok, with a fireworks display, dragon parades, and acrobatic dances, among other performances.

Bangkok National Museum

Bangkok National Museum has one of the largest collections of Thai artifacts and art in the country. The museum consists of several buildings and a variety of displays, including statues, precious stones, ancient textiles, weapons, and gilded carriages once belonging to the royal family. Throughout the museum, there are displays and exhibits in English, as well as guided tours given in English on varying days each week.

The Grand Palace

In the heart of Bangkok, the 18th-century Grand Palace is a magnificent blend of Thai and European architecture. Here you’ll find several vibrantly colored and intricately detailed buildings surrounded by manicured gardens and courtyards. The palace grounds are also home to the Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which houses the 15th-century green sculpture. The Grand Palace is considered one of Thailand’s most famous and sacred spots, so if you plan to enter, be aware of the dress code.

Bangkok’s Chinatown

As one of the largest of its kind in the world, Bangkok’s Chinatown is packed with mouthwatering dining experiences, from soothing ginger tea to flame-cooked shrimp. Temples and statues line the narrow lanes and the scent of street foods fill the air. Wat Mangkon Kamalawat is a Chinese Buddhist temple that dates from the 1870s. and is surrounded by ornate shrines and dumplings given as offerings.