Bangkok has a reputation for being crowded, dirty, hot and gridlocked — and it is! Nor is the Thai capital a traditional tourist town with abundant sights. But don’t be tempted to skip the city as you head off to Thailand’s beaches and resorts. Get to know Bangkok by exploring its waterways, markets, temples, and bars, and it just might become one of your favorite cities. Here’s our five-minute travel guide to Bangkok’s attractions, hotels, and restaurants.

Five Things to Do In Bangkok

1. Cruise the river. Bangkok was once known as “the Venice of the East” because it had more canals than roads.¹ The city’s waterways and the Chao Phraya river remain important arteries, and seeing Bangkok by boat is a memorable experience. For a splurge, book a gourmet dinner cruise; for a cheap thrill, take the water taxi for around 20 baht (less than $1), suggests travel blogger Nomadic Matt.²

2. Learn to cook Thai food. If your mouth waters just thinking about creamy panang curry or fragrant tom yum soup, taking a cooking class should top your list of things to do in Bangkok. Several culinary schools offer classes for tourists, such as Chef Leez and Blue Elephant.

3. Peruse the markets. Bangkok has an amazing array of markets: flower markets, farmers’ markets, even a floating market. The biggest is the weekend Chatuchak Market, which includes a section dedicated to local artisans and painters. At the Klongsan Plaza Market, you’ll find few tourists and cheap prices.³

4. Admire the temples. Thailand is a Buddhist nation, and Bangkok’s temples are renowned for their delicate spires and embellished surfaces. The most famous are Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which is on the grounds of the Grand Palace, and Wat Pho, home to an enormous, gilded reclining Buddha.

5. Sample the Bangkok nightlife. While the city’s known for its seedy reputation, don’t let it deter you from enjoying the nightlife. For elegance, try Maggie Choo’s, a cocktail bar with a 1930s vibe and nightly live shows; or experience vertigo at the Sky Bar, one of the highest rooftop bars in the world.

Four of the Best Hotels in Bangkok

There are so many great hotels in Bangkok, it’s hard to know where to begin. The Plaza Athénée Bangkok is one luxury standout. Built on the former site of the palace of Thai Princess Valaya Alongkorn, the Plaza Athénée boasts a lush rooftop garden with a pool and elegant rooms. Another five-star option is the riverside Mandarin Oriental, known for its storied history and legendary service.

Boutique hotels in Bangkok abound, most costing under $100 per night. Try Tenface Bangkok, with spacious suites and a contemporary aesthetic that’s inspired by Thai traditions. Hua Chang Heritage House has a tree-shaded pool, friendly staff and a perfect location near several attractions.

Three of the Best Restaurants in Bangkok

You could happily dine for days in Bangkok without ever setting foot inside a restaurant. The city’s best known for its street food — boat noodle soup, fried fish cakes, crispy crepes, steamed dumplings…⁴

However, there are some indoor establishments that are well worth visiting. Chote Chitr, in the Prang Phuthorn district, is a classic. “Run by the same family for three generations, it’s known for the classic mee krob (sweet and sour crispy rice vermicelli) served with chicken and shrimp,” Eater says.⁵ The Supanniga Eating Room highlights dishes from Thailand’s eastern coast and northeastern provinces, like soup made from bitter melons stuffed with seasoned ground pork and wok-fried fresh Thai mackerels.

One of the best restaurants in Bangkok, and even in the world, is Gaggan, where chef Gaggan Anand creates modernist Indian dishes. Make your reservation now, as Anand has announced he’ll close the restaurant by 2020 to open a new place in Japan.⁶

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