Here’s how experts recommend exploring Thailand’s capital.

Andre Malerba/Travel + Leisure

I have a love-hate relationship withBangkok.

Its also what attracts upward of 20 million annual tourists, many of whom are repeat visitors.

People outside a temple

Exterior of Emerald Buddha Temple.Credit:Andre Malerba/Travel + Leisure

Indeed, this is not a one-and-done destination.

Even its residents discover new things every day.

I also picked the brain of Audley TravelsJack Tydeman, aTravel + LeisureA-List advisor specializing in Southeast Asia.

Walkway through a park

The Skywalk in Benjakitti Park.Lauren DeCicca/Travel + Leisure

Hes been to Bangkok so many times, he may as well be paying rent there, too.

(Number 21 is to get on your hotels Wi-Fi and book a return trip.)

Top 3 Can’t Miss

Stroll along the skywalk in Benjakitti Park.

Two women working at a flower stand

Night flower market in Bangkok.Lauren DeCicca/Travel + Leisure

Lauren DeCicca/Travel + Leisure

Bangkoks first public parkLumpiniis its most popular.

But Campbells go-to green space in the city is 102-acre Benjakitti Park.

Its less crowded and offers more shade than Lumpini, she says.

Aerial view of a rooftop bar on a skyscraper

A rooftop bar in downtown Bangkok.Andre Malerba/Travel + Leisure

Shop for flowers at Pak Khlong Talat.

Regardless of its roots, visiting Pak Khlong Talat is a Bangkok must.

In fact, Campbell says her week isnt complete without picking up some beautiful Thai orchids or roses.

Man pouring milk in iced coffee

Pouring a Thai Coffee.evrim ertik/Getty Images

She usually pays about $3 for a dozen.

Enjoy the rooftop bars.

According to theMichelin Guide, No city on the planet does rooftop bars like Bangkok.

Exterior of house with several plants

Exterior of Jim Thompson House.Andre Malerba/Travel + Leisure

Plus, theres no better way to see the sunset.

Just keep in mind youll pay a premium for your drinks since they come with a view.

Try Thai coffee.

A foot massage

A traditional Thai foot massage.Lauren DeCicca/Travel + Leisure

evrim ertik/Getty Images

Many travelers, like me, cant get enough of Thailands fresh smoothies.

However, most locals start their day with Thai coffee.

In terms of flavor, count on notes of cardamom.

Wat Arun and cruise ship in sunset time, Bangkok, Thailand

Wat Arun lit up at twilight.Pakin Songmor/Getty Images

Visit the Jim Thompson House Museum.

The late James H.W.

Thompson earned the nickname Thai Silk King for putting this luxurious, handwoven fabricsourced from silkwormson the global map.

A couple walking through a market in Bangkok

People walking through Chatuchak Market.Lauren DeCicca/Travel + Leisure

If time allows, Campbell recommends popping into theJim Thompson Art Centernext door.

Its exhibitions rotate and highlight a variety of media.

Treat yourself to a foot massage.

Several plate being sold on the streets of Bangkok

Street food in Bangkok.Andre Malerba/Travel + Leisure

The first time I visited Bangkok, I logged 26,000 steps in one day.

Fortunately, its practically impossible to walk a block without seeing a place that offers foot massages.

Even better, they only cost around $9 per hour.

A cyclist on an empty street in Bangkok

A cyclist in Bangkok.Andre Malerba/Travel + Leisure

Plus, unlike regular foot massages, these incorporate a lot of stretching and reflexology.

Its relaxing and promotes circulation, which is great after a long-haul flight.

See the “Temple of Dawn” at sunset.

A commuter train runs through Maeklong Railway Market in Samut Songkhram Province, Thailand, Jan. 5, 2022. In Maeklong Railway Market, built along a railway track, a compromise is reached between vendors and passing commuter trains. When the rail track is clear, stall owners can set up stalls at will. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the market had attracted many tourists. Nowadays, due to the decrease of passengers, the number of trains that shuttle here every day has been reduced from eight to two.

People shopping at Maeklong Railway Market.Wang Teng/Xinhua via Getty Images

Most people climb the steep steps if theyre open to reach the top.

Wander down a side alley at Chatuchak Weekend Market.

Chatuchak Weekend Market attracts up to 200,000 people every weekend, and for good reason.

A boat going down canals in Bangkok

A longtail boat navegating the klongs of Bangkok.Andre Malerba/Travel + Leisure

With 15,000 stalls, it truly has something for everyone.

Bangkok is synonymous with street food.

Bike around Bang Krachao, Bangkoks Green Lung.

Two people exploring ruins

Ruins of Ayutthaya, Thailand.Lauren DeCicca/Travel + Leisure

But in the past, it was home to Mon refugees from Myanmar.

At about 6.2 square miles, Bang Krachao is too big to explore on foot.

Instead, rent a scooter or book a guided bike tour.

Interior of temple

Emerald Buddha statue in Bangkok.Andre Malerba/Travel + Leisure

Get epic pics at Maeklong Railway Market.

Why would a market be built on top of railroad tracks?

But the market is real, and its not as risky as I imagined.

Large buddha inside temple

Reclining Buddha statue in Bangkok.Monica Farber/Travel + Leisure

If you want to witness the action, time your visit with a trains arrival or departure.

Board a longtail boat and cruise the canals.

There was a time when Bangkok was marketed as the Venice of the East.

Plates of Thai desserts prepared in a cooking class

Finished dishes on display in a Thai cooking class.iStockphoto/Getty Images

Despite being designed for trade, the khlongs are primarily used for the modern tourism industry.

Travel back in time in Ayutthaya.

Ayutthaya is Thailands answer to Machu Picchu.

Floating market sellers in Thailand.

Bangkok’s floating market.paul cowell photography/Getty Images

Today, its mostly ruins; the 714 acres were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.

Marvel at the Emerald Buddha.

In Buddhism, few statues are as sacred as the Emerald Buddha.

A large crowd with water guns

A large crowd at the Songkran Festival in Bangkok.Lauren DeCicca/Travel + Leisure

Despite its name, its actually made of jasper.

Youll find it at Bangkoks Grand Palacea destination in itselfbut it was originally discovered inChiang Rai in northern Thailand.

Hes the only person allowed to touch the sacred statue; you cant even take photos of it.

Stores inside a large shopping mall

Interior of Siam Paragon in Bangkok.Andre Malerba/Travel + Leisure

Buy good luck at the Reclining Buddha.

Otherwise, you trigger the risk of encountering large crowds and unpleasant temperatures.

Take a cooking class.

Khao San road crowded with tourists at night, Bangkok, Thailand

Busy night on Khao San Road.Alexander Spatari/Getty Images

iStockphoto/Getty Images

Cooking classes are going on at all times across Bangkokmorning, noon, and night.

Then, its time to whip up curry paste alongside other amateur chefs.

Book a cooking class on the first day of your trip if you want to meet new friends.

Shop for souvenirs at a floating market.

A closer and less crowded alternative isAmphawa Floating Market, which feels more authentic.

Your guide will also likely know which boats have the best products and prices.

Celebrate a festival.

I attempt to visit Thailand between October and April whenmy favorite festivals take place.

In February, Chinatowns streets are blocked off for huge parades of dancing dragons to celebrate Chinese New Year.

Billed as the worlds largest water fight, the Songkran festival in April celebrates the Thai new year.

Savor the air conditioning at Siam Paragon.

Embrace your inner backpacker on Khao San Road.

Here, youll find no shortage of fellow travelers to party with at packed bars offering nightly entertainment.

Even if youre an introvert like me, youll have a ridiculously fun time.

That said, you may pay for it the next day.