Bangkok, the bustling capital of Thailand, is a vibrant city that never sleeps.
It’s a city with a pulse, where temples and markets coexist with modern skyscrapers and luxurious malls.
While it’s possible to explore Bangkok at any time of day, understanding the city’s general operating hours and public holidays can significantly enhance your experience.
This guide provides an overview of the typical opening hours for various establishments and shares essential details about public holidays in Bangkok.
Time Zone: What time is it in Bangkok?
Bangkok is in the Indochina Time Zone (ICT), which means the time zone is UTC+7.
Bangkok is typically 7 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).
The time zone does not observe daylight saving time changes, so the offset remains consistent throughout the year.
Working & Opening Hours
Bangkok is a bustling city with a wide range of businesses and establishments, so opening hours can vary greatly depending on the type of place you’re looking for.
Here are some general guidelines for common types of businesses and attractions in Bangkok:
Shopping Malls
Many shopping malls in Bangkok are open from around 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM or later.
Some may have slightly different hours, so it’s a good idea to check the specific mall’s website for accurate information.
Department stores
Department stores in Bangkok tend to open from around 9-10:00 AM to 9-10:00 PM. ‘
Hours vary slightly between stores, so it’s worth checking their website for exact details.
Street Markets
Street markets like Chatuchak Market and Asiatique The Riverfront typically operate on weekends and some weekdays.
They often open in the morning and close in the evening, around 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
Restaurants and Cafes
Restaurants and cafes in Bangkok often have varying opening hours.
Many local eateries open for breakfast and continue serving meals throughout the day, while international chain restaurants might have more consistent hours.
Lunch is usually served from around 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and dinner from around 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Tourist Attractions
Tourist attractions like temples, palaces, and museums generally open around 8:00 AM or 9:00 AM and close in the late afternoon around 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM.
Nightlife
Bangkok’s nightlife scene is vibrant and diverse.
Bars, clubs, and entertainment venues often get busy after Sunset, around 7:00 PM or later, and can stay open until early morning.
Transportation
Public transportation, such as the BTS Skytrain and MRT subway, usually starts running around 6:00 AM and closes around midnight.
Buses and other forms of transportation might have varying schedules.
| Type of Place | Opening Hours | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|
| Shopping Malls | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM or later | Check specific mall websites for accurate details |
| Department Stores | 9-10:00 AM – 9-10:00 PM | Hours vary; Check individual store websites |
| Street Markets | Morning to Evening: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Operate on weekends and some weekdays |
| Restaurants and Cafes | Varying Hours | Local eateries are open throughout the day |
| Lunch: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM | International chains may have more consistent hours | |
| Dinner: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM | ||
| Tourist Attractions | 8:00 AM or 9:00 AM – Late Afternoon: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Temples, palaces, and museums |
| Nightlife | After Sunset: around 7:00 PM or later | Bars, clubs, and entertainment venues |
| Open until Early Morning | ||
| Transportation | 6:00 AM – Midnight | BTS Skytrain, MRT subway, buses, etc. |
| Varies for Different Modes |
Please note that these are general guidelines, and opening hours can vary from place to place.
It’s always a good idea to check the specific hours of the establishment or attraction you plan to visit before heading out, especially if you have specific plans in mind.
Public Holidays and Festival Dates
Bangkok and Thailand, as a whole, celebrate various public holidays and festivals.
During these holidays, Bangkok might be closed, so plan accordingly.
Here are some of the most significant ones:
New Year’s Day (January 1):
Celebrated in many countries, marking the beginning of the new year.
Songkran Festival (April 9-16):
Also known as the Thai New Year, this is a significant water festival where people participate in water fights and traditional rituals to cleanse and welcome the new year.
Chakri Memorial Day (April 6):
Commemorates the founding of the Chakri Dynasty, the current royal house of Thailand, and honors the contributions of its kings.
Labor Day (May 1):
A day to honor workers and their contributions to society.
Coronation Day (May 4):
Celebrates the coronation of the reigning monarch. It is a public holiday but is not celebrated every year.
Visakha Bucha Day (May/June, date varies):
A Buddhist holiday commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha. It is observed on the full moon of the sixth lunar month.
Asalha Bucha Day (July/August, date varies):
Another important Buddhist holiday that marks the first sermon delivered by Buddha after his enlightenment. It falls on the full moon of the eighth lunar month.
King Bhumibol Memorial Day (October 13):
Commemorates the passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, also known as King Rama IX, who was the longest-reigning monarch of Thailand.
Chulalongkorn Day (October 23):
Honors King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), remembered for his significant reforms and modernization of Thailand.
Loy Krathong (November, date varies):
During the Festival of Lights, people release small decorated floats (krathongs) into rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water to pay respects to the water spirits and make merit.
King’s Birthday (National Day) (December 5):
Celebrates the birthday of the current monarch, King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X). It is also observed as Thailand’s National Day.
Constitution Day (December 10):
Commemorates the adoption of the first permanent constitution of Thailand in 1932.
| Holiday/Festival | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Celebrated in many countries, marking the beginning of the new year. |
| Songkran Festival | April 9-16 | Thai New Year water festival with water fights and traditional rituals to welcome the new year. |
| Chakri Memorial Day | April 6 | Commemorates the founding of the Chakri Dynasty and honors contributions of its kings. |
| Labor Day | May 1 | A day to honor workers and their contributions to society. |
| Coronation Day | May 4 | Celebrates the coronation of the reigning monarch. It’s not celebrated every year. |
| Visakha Bucha Day | May/June | Buddhist holiday commemorating Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death, observed on full moon. |
| Asalha Bucha Day | July/August | Marks Buddha’s first sermon after enlightenment, observed on full moon. |
| King Bhumibol Memorial Day | October 13 | Commemorates King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s passing, Thailand’s longest-reigning monarch. |
| Chulalongkorn Day | October 23 | Honors King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) for his reforms and modernization of Thailand. |
| Loy Krathong | November | Festival of Lights where people release decorated floats into water to pay respects to water spirits. |
| King’s Birthday (National Day) | December 5 | Celebrates the birthday of the current monarch, King Maha Vajiralongkorn. |
| Constitution Day | December 10 | Commemorates the adoption of Thailand’s first permanent constitution in 1932. |
These are some major holidays and festivals celebrated in Bangkok and Thailand.
Remember that festival dates can vary yearly, as many of them are based on lunar calendars.
Additionally, other local and religious festivals might not be listed here. It’s a good idea to check the specific dates and events for the year you plan to visit.
In conclusion
In summary, Bangkok’s vibrant atmosphere is complemented by its versatile opening hours, providing travelers ample opportunities to explore the city at their own pace.
From bustling street markets to serene temples and active nightlife, the city caters to various interests and schedules.
However, it’s essential to keep track of the local time zone, public holidays, and specific opening hours of establishments to make the most of your Bangkok experience.
With thoughtful planning, your trip to Bangkok can be a memorable journey through the heart of Thailand’s culture, history, and modernity.
So don’t forget to double-check the times and dates before you set off – we wish you happy travels!
