According to forum posts, several users recommend checking out local travel agencies or hotel tour desks in Bangkok for guided tours. Shared tours from local agencies are highlighted as cost-effective, with pickups from hotels, and these typically accommodate groups of 8 to 10 people in a van. For a more personalized experience, travelers have called out private tours with companies like Wandee Tours, which can be customized to include specific attractions such as the railway market and nearby places of interest.

Some travelers said that online platforms like Withlocals and Toursbylocals offer a variety of local guides that specialize in private tours around Bangkok. These platforms allow for direct interaction with local guides, which can provide a more authentic and tailored touring experience.

For many users, specific attractions like the Grand Palace, floating markets, and the Jim Thompson House are must-sees. Exploring these sites through guided tours can enhance the experience by providing historical insights and logistical ease. Additionally, a dinner cruise on the river or a khlong (canal) tour was also suggested to enjoy Bangkok's scenic waterways.

According to forum posts, popular kid-friendly destinations in Bangkok include Safari World, Dream World, Sea Life Bangkok, and Fantasia Lagoon Water Park. Travelers have called out Safari World and Dream World as places that could take a whole day each to explore due to their size and variety of attractions.

For outdoor activities, some users suggested visiting Lumpini Park. However, be mindful of the local wildlife such as water monitors, which although generally harmless, might be intimidating for small children.

Other recommended activities include visiting educational and interactive spots such as the Funarium, Imaginia Playland, and various puppet shows like those at Baan Silapin - Artists House, which are both entertaining and culturally enriching for children.

For moving around Bangkok with children, some forum participants suggested using services like Grab for convenience, especially when traveling as a family group, to ensure comfort and ease of travel between various attractions.

Some travelers recommended buying tickets for the Grand Palace in advance through its official website to avoid long lines, particularly during high tourist season. This allows visitors to select specific entry times, making the visit more convenient.

According to forum posts, it's best to visit the Grand Palace early in the morning around 8:30 AM to avoid large crowds and the midday heat. This strategy also allows time for visiting nearby attractions such as Wat Pho and Wat Arun later in the day.

Travelers have called out that hiring a guide at the Grand Palace is not necessary. Many preferred to explore on their own using maps provided at the ticket booth or audio guides available for rent, allowing for a more flexible and personal experience.

Visitors should be cautious of common scams around the Grand Palace area, such as being falsely informed that the Palace is closed for a holiday and being redirected to other locations for shopping.

According to forum posts, Bangkok offers an extensive city rail service including the BTS Skytrain and MRT Subway, which are connected by links from the Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link. This network allows easy access around the city and to key locations like hotels and tourist sites.

Travelers have noted the availability of bus services for local and intercity travel. For example, the A1 and A2 bus routes provide connections from DMK airport to central Bangkok, costing around 30 THB. Additionally, buses from Ekamai bus station to Laem Chabang are mentioned, though specific details like timings and prices were not provided.

Users have recommended using rideshare apps such as Grab (formerly Uber's Southeast Asia operations) and Bolt for convenient travel within the city. These platforms are noted for being user-friendly and provide an alternative to traditional taxis, which sometimes may not use the meter honestly.

Other transportation options highlighted include river taxis for scenic routes along Bangkok's waterways and tuk-tuks for short, local trips. These options provide a more cultural experience of traveling in Bangkok.

According to forum posts, the Centrepoint Silom is highly recommended for its prime riverside location, offering proximity to the BTS line and Sathorn Pier. Users have praised its central location amidst foodie hotspots and its accessibility to cultural-historical attractions.

Travelers have called out the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit for its direct access to the Asok BTS station and Sukhumvit MRT station, making it ideal for easy transportation. The hotel is noted for its beautiful outdoor areas and is positioned well for shopping and dining experiences.

Some travelers said the Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok is a great choice for families looking for luxury accommodations with excellent service. It has been suggested for its family-friendly atmosphere and proximity to major shopping areas.

For those interested in hotels with executive club rooms, the Okura Prestige has been mentioned for its high-quality service and amenities, although it's noted for being a high-rise which might not suit everyone.

According to forum posts, popular areas for nightlife in Bangkok include RCA (Royal City Avenue), which is a favorite for its club scene. The Nana - Asoke area is also highly recommended for its vibrant bar and club scene, with easy city rail access. Additionally, the area between Nana and Asok on lower Sukhumvit offers a plethora of bars, restaurants, and nightlife outlets.

Some travelers mentioned specific clubs like Route66, Onyx, and Venti, although they noted entry challenges for certain nationalities. For a non-seedy option, areas around Soi Sukhumvit 49-51-55 are suggested for sophisticated bars and clubs. For those interested in music, venues like Adhere to the 13th and Saxophone Pub are praised for blues music, while jazz enthusiasts might enjoy the Bamboo Bar at the Mandarin Oriental.

Travelers have called out that exploring on foot and asking locals for recommendations upon arrival can lead to discovering great nightlife spots. Websites and travel forums are also useful for up-to-date information on the best venues and any potential entry restrictions.

According to forum posts, all passengers transiting through Suvarnabhumi Airport must undergo security checks. Some travelers have noted that although the security lines for transiting passengers can appear long in some online videos, the actual wait time typically isn’t excessive.

Travelers have called out that a transit time of about 2 hours and 10 minutes is generally sufficient to catch connecting flights, even if the initial flight arrives slightly behind schedule. However, there is no separate security line for business class passengers in the transit area.

For many users, if the connection time is tight, airport officials or airline staff often assist by expediting transit procedures. In some cases, passengers with business class tickets or tight connections might be met directly at the air bridge and guided through transit processes.

Some travelers said that when connecting from international to domestic flights, the same terminal is used, and it is important to have the correct visa status. Travelers recommend arranging a visa before travel to ensure smooth passage through immigration and customs, especially during busy periods.

According to forum posts, travelers prefer to use Thai baht for all transactions in Bangkok. It is advisable to exchange foreign currency into baht upon arrival for convenience, as local vendors primarily accept this.

Some travelers have noted that major hotels, restaurants, and malls accept credit cards. However, for street food vendors, local markets, and some smaller eateries, cash in Thai baht is essential.

Several users mentioned that withdrawing cash from ATMs is a common practice, although it is subject to a surcharge. Travelers suggested exchanging money at reputable currency exchange outlets in the city, where rates are usually better than at the airport or hotels.

Regarding tipping, it is not mandatory in Bangkok, but small gratuities for good service are appreciated. Typical tips might be around 50-100 baht for guides or for exceptional service in restaurants or hotels.