Halfway through 2025, online travel agency Agoda picked its top five destinations in Asia. Among those leading the pack was Bangkok, Thailand. 

Around the world, this hustling and bustling city represents cultural clichés, thanks to Hollywood—stream the third season of The White Lotus and 2011's The Hangover (Part 2) to check. However, what cinematographers' cameras don't capture are the real gems of Bangkok life. Experiencing these diamonds in Bangkok's rough gives tourists a more compelling reason to explore the city beyond where the guidebooks lead. 

The simplicity of the traditional Asian way of life is still apparent in many areas of the city: monks quietly walking, kids playing in front of old wooden houses, aunties cooking and running small family businesses from their front stoop, and, always, street cats everywhere. 

Travelers plying the Khao San Road will probably know about these little bits of heaven. This backpacker's hub brims with bohemians who thrive on street food, independent shops, and gregarious bars. 

Away from the crowd, there's also plenty to see, including lesser-known temples, such as Wat Ratchanatdaram, with its spectacular metal temple, and Wat Saket, whose Golden Mount provides panoramic views of the city. The city's art scene, often run by local artists, strikes a chord, too. Curious tourists will discover small galleries quietly tucked inside old warehouses. 

Here are three final tips: The best time to book your trip to Bangkok is between November and February, the cooler months. Find time to paddle through the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Finally, don't fly home without enjoying some pad thai, tom yum goong, and mango sticky rice. 

Book a trip to Bangkok with Agoda at https://www.agoda.com/ or download its mobile app for exclusive deals. 

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