best places to visit bangkok 2022

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Home » Southeast Asia » Thailand » Bangkok

21 BEST Places to Visit in Bangkok (2024)

Bangkok is a lively city that is sure to appeal to your senses and stir your soul. You’ll find historical sites next to vibrant nightlife areas, bustling markets near modern shopping malls, and street food vendors close to world-class restaurants. Bangkok, with all its top places, is definitely a city that will enthral, entice, and excite.

Bangkok is a large and sprawling city. Deciding where to visit can be tough, particularly if your time in the Thai capital is limited.

There’s no need to stress though; our expert team of travel writers have compiled this  fantastic list of the best places to visit in Bangkok  so that you don’t miss any of the city’s top spots.

With something to appeal to all tastes and budgets, some of these best places to visit in Bangkok are sure to amaze you! From the magnificent Royal Palace to Chatuchak Market, Wat Arun or a boat down the Chao Phraya River, there’s heaps of amazing tourist attractions to explore.

NEED A PLACE QUICK? Here’s the Best Neighbourhood in Bangkok:

These are the best places to visit in bangkok, faq on the best places to visit in bangkok.

Not satisfied? Then check out our neighbourhood breakdown of Bangkok and find the right place to stay for your trip!

Sukhumvit is a centrally located neighbourhood with easy access to other districts throughout Bangkok. Ideal for first-time visitors, this neighbourhood boasts a number of historic and cultural attractions as well as great bars, restaurants and shopping.

• Take a stroll through Benjakitti Park, a calm oasis at the centre of Bangkok.
• Visit the intricate and incredible Wat Pasee temple.
• Experience the lively and colourful Thai markets that can be found along Sukhumvit Road.

There are so many things to do in Bangkok you’d be forgiven for feeling a bit overwhelmed when it comes to planning your trip. But that’s where we come in, we’ve done the leg work for you so all you need to do is give this list a read and get planning your Bangkok itinerary ! There’s good reason Bangkok is the starting point for most people backpacking in Thailand , it’s a buzzing metropolis with some stunning architecture, amazing food and mesmerising culture. It’s a fantastic introduction to Thailand!

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#1 – The Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha

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• Official home of the Thai monarch (King Rama X)
• The Grand Palace is a historical and cultural site
• Beautiful architecture built by King Rama I
• The Grand Palace is home to Thailand’s most sacred temple

Why it’s awesome: The Grand Palace is definitely a top place to visit in Bangkok. Built-in the 1780s by King Rama I, it has long been the official home of the Thai monarch. Made up of a number of halls, buildings, and pavilions, the complex has beautiful courtyards, gardens, and lawns too. The revered Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) is also within the extensive grounds. It’s one of the top tourist attractions in the city for a reason.

You’ll notice that there are many different styles, largely thanks to the various monarchs that made their marks on the Grand Palace over the years. It’s still a working palace and, while several parts of the site are closed to the public, visitors can admire many of the glorious buildings, absorb a strong sense of history and culture, and get a feeling of how Thai royalty lives.

What to do there: Marvel at the majesty of the Grand Palace complex, many fine architectural details and the playful sunlight that shimmers through the roof. Large mythical giants, known as yants, guard gateways and the mythical bird-like garudas perch on many ledges. Admire the various statues throughout the well-tended grounds, the smaller but fascinating details, and take many awesome pictures .

You’ll notice that there are Buddha statues in all postures—find out which Buddha correlates to your day of birth and make merit. Watch as Buddhists give offerings and pray and see the small but impressive Emerald Buddha statue. Actually made from jade, the green statue is Thailand’s most sacred Buddha statue.

Be sure to dress conservatively when planning to visit the Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha—the dress code is very strict and you’ll be refused admission if you’re dressed inappropriately. Make sure that your legs are covered to at least the knees (men should wear long trousers) and your arms to at least the elbows. Closed shoes are also a must when you visit the Grand Palace.

Insider Tip: Come early as it gets busy and queues can be long as the day goes on

#2 – Chatuchak Weekend Market – A great place in Bangkok if you love to shop!

• Biggest market in Thailand and the world’s biggest outdoor weekend market
• Great chance to practice haggling skills
• Chatuchak Market has a huge array of goods
• Great variety of street food stalls

Why it’s awesome: One of the biggest markets in the world (and therefore one of the coolest places to visit in Bangkok), the Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok (also known as JJ Market) has around 15,000 stalls spread between almost 30 sections. Huge, but fairly easy to navigate, there are sections dedicated to art and crafts, clothes and accessories, ceramics, plants and gardening, books, antiques and World War II memorabilia, home décor, and more. It’s often said that if you can’t find what you’re looking for at Chatuchak Market then it’s not worth having!

Around 200,000 people visit the enormous market every weekend making it one of the most popular places in Bangkok. Open since the early 1940s, the market has grown into the mammoth that it is today, with places to rest, eat, and drink if you need to take a break from all the retail therapy.

What to do there: Wear comfortable shoes and shop, shop, and shop! Whether you’re looking for exquisite Thai silks, cheap t-shirts, handmade soaps, typical souvenirs, carved wood, amulets and religious memorabilia, kitchenware, or something else, you’re sure to find it at Chatuchak Market.

Although prices are generally reasonable, the weekend market is the perfect place in Bangkok to improve your haggling skills for even greater pocket-friendly prices. Sample an array of street food and chill in a bar with a cool beer or fresh fruit juice. Don’t miss seeing the clock tower, built-in 2007 to commemorate the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 60 th birthday.

#3 – Wat Pho – One of the most religious places to see in Bangkok

• Wat Pho is the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.
• See one of Thailand’s biggest reclining Buddha statues.
• One of Bangkok’s oldest temples dating to the King Rama I era.
• Wat Pho is a first-class royal temple.

Why it’s awesome: Wat Pho, commonly referred to as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is among the six most revered temples in all of Thailand. Famous for its stretching 46-metre-long (151-feet-long) lying Buddha statue, the temple also boasts the biggest collection of Buddha statues in the country. Many of the statues were brought here from the ancient capital of Ayutthaya when the city fell to the Burmese, and there are also statues from the former capital of Sukhothai and other places around Thailand. Wat Pho is one of the oldest temples in Bangkok, older in fact than the capital and a major tourist attraction you just can’t miss.

The original temple is thought to date back to the late 1600s or early 1700s, although the temple underwent large renovations and restorations in the 1780s. There’s a Thai medicine school within the grounds and the temple is where traditional Thai massage originated. It’s the perfect place to experience Thai culture.

What to do there: Walk around the complex’s outer walls and see the large statues of giants that keep watch over the site. Brought to Thailand from China, some of the interesting statues have European features. Khmer-style statues stand at the pagodas at the corners of each courtyard; their job is to guard north, south, east, and west. You’ll see chedis and pagodas in all shapes, sizes, and colours; there are four large chedis plus almost 100 smaller chedis.

Marvel at the huge golden reclining Buddha statue inside Wat Pho. Enjoy a Thai massage in one of the pavilions or, if you have longer in the capital, you could also consider enrolling in a course to learn the ancient massage technique yourself in the very place where it was born.

#4 – Wat Arun – One of Bangkok’s coolest historical places!

• Colourful Buddhist temple with links to Hindu cosmology
• Wat Arun has an air of peaceful spirituality
• Lovely river views
• Wat Arun has a long and fascinating history

Why it’s awesome: Wat Arun (also sometimes known as Wat Chaeng) is a stunning temple on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River and a great place to visit in Bangkok for history fans. Nicknamed the Temple of the Dawn, Wat Arun is rather unique in its designs and not like other temples around the Thai capital. A temple has stood at the same site since the Ayutthaya period – which is a pretty long time!

The main prang of Wat Arun is in a Khmer style and bedecked with broken pieces of porcelain and shells for a whimsical and colourful appearance. Statues of animals and Chinese figures stand around the base. Chinese-style pavilions sit next to the river and there’s a large Buddha statue within the giant-guarded Ordination Hall.

What to do there: Admire the glorious temple from across the Chao Phraya River before taking the ferry to get up close. Climb up the central prang (built by King Rama II), admiring the views as you pass up the three symbolic levels. Feel small as you stand in front of the fearsome statues at the entrance to the Ordination Hall and see the main Buddha housed from within. Relax in one of the salas (pavilions) and soak up the river views. Try and visit Wat Arun at night time too when it is illuminated against the inky sky, the reflections shimmering on the water in a beautifully captivating way.

Why not book an Airbnb in the area and make the banks of the Chao Phraya River your base for a while?

Insider Tip: Come back at sunset and watch from across the river as the sky lights up behind the temple

#5 – Wat Yannawa – Quite the quirky place in Bangkok!

• Interesting temple designed like a boat
• Chinese heritage
• Off the beaten track
• Quiet and peaceful

Why it’s awesome: Wat Yannawa is an ancient temple that can trace its roots back to the Ayutthaya period and before the founding of Bangkok as the Thai capital. Located close to the Chao Phraya River, the temple was built on the orders of King Rama III. It was designed to resemble a traditional Chinese junk (sailing vessel), helping to preserve maritime heritage.

This “temple” is definitely not what you’d expect, so it’s a really interesting place in Bangkok. There are several other impressive buildings throughout the complex, including an ancient wooden structure and an air-conditioned room with a dazzling array of Buddha images and other religious ornaments and memorabilia.

What to do there: Pass through the large entrance gate and stroll along the wide pavement up to the boat-shaped structure. Buy a floral offering before stooping to pass through the low passageways and climb the steps inside the boat to reach the upper small shrine. Light incense and pay your respects at the shrine and make merit by placing flowers in the Buddha footprint.

Insider Tip: You can get here easily by taking a ferry down the Chao Phraya River and getting off the boat right outside the temple.

#6 – Lumpini Park – One of the most beautiful outdoor places in Bangkok

• Popular place for leisure, sports, and relaxation
• Great for families
• See large monitor lizards
• Enjoy nature in the heart of the city

Why it’s awesome: Lumpini Park covers 142 acres (57.6 hectares) and it’s located in the city centre close to several BTS and MRT stations. Statues stand proudly outside the smoke-free park and inside you’ll find walking trails, pavilions, and artificial lakes. The park was established in the 1920s on ground that was once royal property. Named after the birthplace of the Lord Buddha, the large green park has various activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. Concerts are sometimes hosted here and you’ll find all amenities (including bathrooms and street food stalls) for a comfortable visit.

What to do there: Follow the walking trails around the park and look out for gigantic monitor lizards swimming through the lakes, skulking across the grass, and lazing in the tree branches. Birds twitter in the trees too, and the park is home to some 30 types of birds. You can rent a boat for a scenic ride on the water, admiring the reflections cast on the surface by the nearby skyscrapers.

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#7 – Wat Saket – A great place to see in Bangkok if you love architecture

• Hill-top temple
• Great city views
• Annual procession by candlelight
• The Golden Mount is beautifully illuminated at night

Why it’s awesome: Wat Sakat, also known as the Golden Mount, is one of Bangkok’s many beautiful temples. Sitting on an artificial hill, it is located at the highest ground point in Bangkok. The temple dates back to the Ayutthaya era and it contains a sacred Buddhist relic brought to Thailand from Sri Lanka. The present temple building was built from marble in the 20 th century. Each November the temple is the scene of a spectacular candlelit procession where devotees wind their way up the hill with their candles twinkling in the darkness.

What to do there: Admire the golden chedi from the base of the small hill before following the shaded pathway up to the top. There are many interesting statues alongside the path, with trees and plants adding to the attractiveness. As you’re near the top you’ll come to a wall of bells—ring these bells for good luck.

You can climb even higher for more terrific vistas and see various statues and murals. When you descend the mountain pay a visit to the ancient cemetery at the bottom, the final resting place for many victims of the plague.

#8 – Erawan Museum – An awesome place in Bangkok for half a day!

• Striking architecture;
• Beautiful grounds;
• Huge art collection;
• Thought-provoking place.

Why it’s awesome: The Erawan Museum, located in nearby Samut Prakan, is one of Thailand’s masterpieces by Mr Lek Viriyaphant. Built to be visually appealing, showcase art, and encourage people to question spirituality and their beliefs of the world and creation, it is definitely one of Bangkok’s most whimsical and amazing attractions. The centrepiece is a circular pink three-storey building that is topped with a huge three-headed elephant. Based on Hindu ideas of cosmology, the three levels represent the underworld, earth, and heaven.

What to do there: Feast your eyes on the fascinating building with its three-headed bronze elephant and stand at the base of the wooden staircase, admiring the encrusted stucco balustrade. Wander around the ground level where you’ll find carved wooden pillars that depict various scenes from several major world religions. The overall level of craftsmanship is incredible.

Climb the steps, and be blown away by the huge colourful skylight. Peek out of a small window for views across the site and continue skywards to reach the level that represents heaven. You can also see a large Buddha footprint and a grand historic wooden chair. In the lower level, there are many more statues and art pieces, along with diverse collections of rocks from around the nation.

#9 – Sky Bar @ Lebua – Great place in Bangkok for couples!

• One of the highest rooftop bars across the world
• Sophisticated and elegant vibe
• Fabulous views across Bangkok
• Delicious signature drinks and cocktails

Why it’s awesome: The Sky Bar at Lebua is one of the world’s highest sky bars. Swanky, stylish, and sophisticated, it’s an ideal place for lovers to enjoy a romantic night out. The views take in many of Bangkok’s highlights, with the Chao Phraya River snaking in the distance. Soft music fills the air, and there’s often a live pianist. There are indoor and outdoor seating areas and you can enjoy a wide assortment of drinks with imported items on the menu. The famous bar appeared in the popular movie Hangover II.

What to do there: Dress up glamorous (there’s a strict dress code) and ride the elevators up to the 64 th floor for a romantic drink with awesome vistas. Try the signature Hangovertini, a cocktail inspired by the famous film. Alternatively, you’ll also find a range of global beers and wines and other popular cocktails on the exclusive menu. Try and time your visit just before dusk—that way you can admire the daytime views of Bangkok and watch as the sun sets over the Thai capital and then enjoy views of the city in the dark.

#10 – Bangkok National Museum – A fascinating educational place in Bangkok

• One of the biggest museums in Southeast Asia
• Home to a large collection of art and artefacts
• Great place to learn more about Thai history
• Connection to Thai royalty

Why it’s awesome: Housed in an old Royal Palace, Bangkok National Museum is one of the most stunning places in Thailand . There are three main buildings: Buddhaisawan Chapel, The Red House, and Siwamokhaphiman Hall. Home to the biggest collection of Thai art and historical objects in all of Thailand, the museum also contains striking art from other places around Southeast Asia. Displays are well ordered and there are good explanations and descriptions in English. One of the biggest museums in the region, it dates back to the 1870s having been established by King Rama V to display gifts and memorabilia from his late father.

What to do there: Plan to spend a few hours discovering the various displays across the museum’s three main areas. Learn more about Thailand’s past in Siwamokhaphiman Hall, with items that go from the Sukhothai era right up to the Rattanakosin period, and see beautiful murals and a large Buddha statue in Buddhaisawan Chapel. Visit the chariot hall to see carriages that used to be used in royal ceremonies, see masks used in traditional Thai puppetry, admire ornate ceramics, view old clothes, and more.

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#11 – Khao San Road – A must visit place in Bangkok on the weekend!

• Bangkok’s famous backpacker area
• A major place for nightlife
• Affordable prices
• Large selection of bars, eateries, and cheap accommodations

Why it’s awesome: Khao San Road is the city’s most famous nightlife area and definitely one of the liveliest places in Bangkok. Located fairly close to the city’s historical heart, it’s a preferred area in Bangkok for budget backpackers, since there are also many must-see places nearby. In addition to that, there are plentiful restaurants that serve traditional Thai dishes and international favourites, an assortment of bars and clubs, as well as budget accommodations. I recommend Here Hostel , which is a 10-minute walk from the Khao San Road madness.

The street is pretty lively by day, but it really comes into its own come nighttime when music blares from the bars, people drink and dance in the streets, street performers try to get tips from the crowds, and vendors try to tempt people with street eats and cheap drinks.

What to do there: Although busy on all nights of the week, Khao San Road is especially lively at the weekends, with tourists, ex-pats, and locals coming together for nights of fun and revelry. Stroll along the street and browse the souvenirs and clothes, perhaps sipping on a cool beer or famous whisky bucket as you decide where to go first. Hop between the different bars, each with its own vibe; whether you want to chill or go wild, Khao San Road has a bar for all tastes and it’s a pretty safe area to go for a night out. Listen to live music and dance the night away in one of the clubs. The atmosphere is laid back and there’s no need to dress up fancy—unless you want to!

#12 – Wat Puet Udom – One of the most incredible free places in Bangkok

• Fascinating insights into Thai Buddhist beliefs
• Hell temple
• No admission charge
• Off-the-beaten-track attraction

Why it’s awesome: Wat Puet Udom can be found in Pathom Thani, just a short way from central Bangkok. The temple offers something a bit different to the norm and is sure to be different to other temples that you’ve seen around the Thai capital. The grounds are filled with large and colourful statues, but the real highlight is exploring the section dedicated to Buddhist hell. Learn about Thai beliefs connected to the underworld, and see what people will believe the punishments in the afterlife for various earthly transgressions. Descriptions are provided in English for the avoidance of any doubt! Animatronic displays add to the eerie feeling and it’s definitely one of the most unusual places to visit around Bangkok. Plus, as an added bonus, it’s completely free!

What to do there: It’s an amazing place in Bangkok that simply needs to be explored. See the large glittery temple building at the heart of the temple complex and stroll through the grounds to see large and unusual statues. There’s a guardian of the underworld riding on the back of a gigantic rooster, human forms with animal heads, mermaids and other mythical creatures, and even a large plane. Buy a bag of food to feed the fish in the river to gain merit and admire the river views.

#13 – Siam Niramit – One of the best places to visit in Bangkok at night

• Large and colourful cultural show
• Opportunities to learn more about rural Thai life and regional traditions
• Delicious cuisine
• Fantastic place to spend a fun evening

Why it’s awesome: Siam Niramit in Bangkok is one of the biggest stage productions in the world. The enlightening and captivating show features stunning sets and beautiful costumes and takes people on an exciting journey through Thai history, culture, and traditions. The show also highlights different parts of the country, providing insights into Thailand’s different regions. There are three acts: Journey Back into History, Journey Beyond Imagination, and Journey Through Joyous Festivals. Special effects, lighting, and music create an electric atmosphere. There’s plenty to enjoy before the show too, with a mini Thai village, places to eat and shop, small performances, and other varied attractions.

What to do there: Book the package that includes dinner and arrive early (and hungry!) to enjoy a tasty Thai feast. Walk around the miniature Thai village, complete with wooden buildings on stilts, to see a variety of crafts, lifestyles, and costumes. Actors and actresses bring the scenes to life and demonstrate different skills of old. Feed the elephants, take a boat ride, watch as traditional snacks are prepared, listen to musicians, and watch dance shows.

#14 – Thonburi Canals – A nice quiet place in Bangkok

• Take a relaxing boat ride along the floating markets
• See a different side of this hectic city
• Experience Thai life of old
• Get up close to everyday Thai culture at the floating markets

Why it’s awesome: Once upon a time, Bangkok was crisscrossed by canals and waterways, essential for trade and transportation. Over time, many canals were filled in and more roads were built. The Khlongs (canals) of Thonburi, however, still offer a pleasant glimpse into the old Bangkok. Peaceful waterways run through the area, lined with homes, temples, and gardens. The Bangkok floating markets still operate on certain days of the week too, and vendors seek to sell their wares by boat at all times, paddling from house to house with an assortment of goods. Life is quiet around the Thonburi canals and it offers a completely different perspective of the otherwise bustling city – definitely one of the more interesting places in Bangkok.

What to do there: Several operators run boat trips around Thonburi’s canals, though you can also charter your own long-tail boat for a more intimate and personalised exploration of the floating markets. Sit back and relax as you soak up the waterside scenes; drift past local homes, see the small rowing boats that people use to get around, and wave to excitable children on the water’s edge. The Royal Barge Museum, another cool place in Bangkok, is well worth a quick stop, filled with impressive vessels, and you can watch a traditional puppet show at the Artist’s House.

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#15 – Chinatown – A perfect place in Bangkok if you are on a budget!

• Authentic Chinese fare
• Interesting architecture
• Cultural experiences
• One of the world’s biggest Chinatowns

Why it’s awesome: Established in the 1780s, Bangkok’s Chinatown is one of the biggest Chinatowns across the globe. Once a major trading area, Chinatown is now a thriving hub of Chinese culture and traditions. A great place in Bangkok for foodies! There are many restaurants and stalls selling a huge selection of authentic Chinese dishes. There’s plenty of cool architecture too, including old movie theatres, temples, and a ceremonial archway. Shophouses line the streets and the pavements are crowded with pedestrians and stalls. The vibe is energetic and you’ll find shops selling everything from affordable electronics and cheap clothing to traditional Chinese herbal remedies and gold. It’s a fantastic area to explore on foot, and many of the sights are free!

What to do there: Walk along the busy Yaowarat Road, immersing yourself in the hustle and bustle. You’ll likely be tempted by all the food offerings; come in the evening for a huge array of mouth-watering treats! Visit Wat Traimit, home to the biggest solid gold Buddha statue in the world, take pictures of the colourful and ornate Chinatown Gate, and hunt for bargains along the narrow Sampeng Lanes and its overflowing market stalls.

Don’t miss visiting Wat Mangkon Kamalawat, Bangkok’s most important Chinese temple. It has elements from Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian practices and you’ll see people lighting incense, making merit, and praying to various deities. Watch a traditional dance show at the historic Sala Chalermkrung theatre and unwind in the pleasant fountain-filled and leafy Romaneenart Park.

If budget travel is your game, some of Bangkok’s best hostels are calling your name! Check them out and find one that suits you best!

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#16 – Patpong – A wild place to see in Bangkok!

• Bangkok’s original red light district
• Large market
• Busy nightlife area
• Adult entertainment

Why it’s awesome: It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but Patpong is one of the best places to experience Bangkok’s famous adult side. One of the city’s major red-light districts, it is also a fun place for a night out. The bars welcome groups of friends and couples and, while it’s certainly there if you’re seeking it, there’s no need to feel obliged to indulge in any of the adult-centred fun that Patpong is known for. There’s a large night market too, which helps to draw tourists from all walks of life to the area.

What to do there: Peruse the large selection of goods at Patpong Night Market, where you’ll find everything from novelty gadgets and slogan t-shirts to crafts from the hill tribes of Northern Thailand and typical souvenirs. Be sure to haggle if you want to buy anything, as prices are often over-inflated. Experience Bangkok’s adult-focused night scene in one of the beer bars or go-go bars, and watch as people shimmy against poles and perform erotic dances on the stages. Be cautious of scams, however, and always check prices beforehand.

#17 – Jim Thompson House Museum – One of the most underrated places to see in Bangkok

• Peaceful museum
• Former home of the Thai Silk King
• Traditional architecture
• Learn about the Thai silk industry

Why it’s awesome: Jim Thompson House Museum is the former home of the mystery-surrounded silk magnate often referred to as the Thai Silk King. American-born Jim Thompson helped to revolutionise the Thai silk industry, bringing the gorgeous silk products to the world while providing much-needed work for rural Thai families. The house was built in the 1950s in a traditional Thai style using old teak buildings from various parts of the country. The old wooden buildings were reassembled and repurposed in their present Bangkok site. Surrounded by lush garden and alongside a canal, the charming buildings contain Thompson’s extensive art collection and Buddhist statues.

What to do there: Step into a green oasis in the heart of Bangkok, feeling as though you’ve been transported to a small jungle far from the city crowds. Wander through the verdant gardens and enjoy the calm and tranquil atmosphere. Watch as people demonstrate traditional silk weaving techniques and learn more about the silk production process, and see people performing graceful Thai dancing. View the large collection of art and religious memorabilia, with items from all across Thailand and the wider Southeast Asian region.

#18 – Giant Swing – One of the more unique places to visit in Bangkok!

• Once used in ancient ceremonies
• Unusual attraction
• Free to see
• Gorgeous quiet temple

Why it’s awesome: The Giant Swing is a towering red frame in front of the sparkling Wat Suthat and one of the lesser-visited places in Bangkok. The swing was once used in ancient Brahmin religious ceremonies and there are old pictures showing the swing in action. Built-in the 1780s, the swing was moved to its current location in 1920. It was used for religious rituals until the 1930s. Made from teak wood, the frame stands at more than 30 metres (98 feet) high. Wat Suthat is an impressive temple, though it sees fewer visitors than Bangkok’s major temples so still retains a peaceful and spiritual air. It has beautiful wooden carvings, striking murals, and large Buddha statues.

What to do there: Gaze up at the Giant Swing and let your imagination take you back to the times when it played a vital role in religious ceremonies. See black and white photographs showing the swing in use. Explore the handsome Wat Suthat, which is among Bangkok’s oldest temples, and admire the glorious murals that show scenes from the Ramakien. See the large golden seated Buddha statue in the main hall and more than 150 statues of the Lord Buddha around the walls of the cloister. Absorb the spiritual feeling and sit for a while in quiet contemplation.

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#19 – Koh Kret – One of the nicer places in Bangkok to sightsee!

• Scenic river island
• Home to a Mon ethnic community
• Known for pottery making
• Historic attractions and markets

Why it’s awesome: Koh Kret is a small river island, created in the early 1720s when a canal was constructed and cut off the land completely. Historically home to people from the Mon ethnic group, the island is famous for its long pottery heritage. There are active pottery-making workshops on the island still, complete with large kilns and showrooms where you can buy the delicate pieces. The island has a rustic vibe and offers a glimpse into a way of life that is hard to find elsewhere in the hectic city. There are museums and temples to explore too, and you’ll find peaceful places to eat alongside the river.

What to do there: Catch a boat to Koh Kret island and explore by foot or rented bicycle. Follow the circular track around the island, pausing to visit several places of interest along the route. See stunning ceramics in the Kwan Aman Pottery Museum and watch all stages of the pottery-making process in one of the small workshops around the island. Purchase locally made terracotta items in the market or at one of the many shops. The market also sells a selection of trinkets, handicrafts, and souvenirs, and you’ll find several snacks and food products here that can be difficult to source elsewhere.

#20 – Condom Museum – One of Bangkok’s most unique attractions

• Quirky museum
• Aims to raise awareness of sexual health
• Educational experience

Why it’s awesome: Open since 2010, the Condom Museum is one of the more unusual attractions and definitely a unique place to visit in Bangkok. Located in Nonthaburi, the museum seeks to shed light on sexual health matters, encourage condom use, and promote safe sex. The museum is free to visit. The museum contains a fascinating collection of condoms from all over the world, with those that have been made in recent times and those that seem archaic compared to today’s products. There are also informative displays related to the history, manufacture, and marketing of condoms. Fun fact: did you know that Thailand is one of the world’s biggest makers of condoms?!

What to do there: Step into the world of sexual health and see a mind-blowing assortment of condoms in various colours and sizes. Learn more about the condom and why its use is important for good sexual health. Posters adorn the walls and displays also include other sex-related items, such as lubricant and penis pumps. You’re sure to be amazed in the testing room, where people demonstrate just how tough condoms actually are!

#21 – Queen Sirikit Park – A beautiful and scenic place to visit in Bangkok

• Large green park with diverse plants and flowers
• Offers respite from the city’s hustle and bustle
• Home to pools, fountains, and other water features
• Royal connections

Why it’s awesome: Sitting on a former golf course, Queen Sirikit Park opened in 1992 and was named to celebrate Queen Sirikit’s 60 th birthday. The beautiful botanical garden boasts several hundred species of plants and flowers, with an abundance of water plants in the ponds. Waterlilies, lotuses, hibiscus, palms, roses, bamboo, and banana trees are just a few plants within the park, and the rich variety helps to attract many birds, butterflies, and insects. A lovely place to enjoy nature, the park has formal gardens, walking trails, fountains, statues, and areas dedicated to leisure pursuits.

What to do there: Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the large Queen Sirikit Park, admiring the various plants and flowers, pausing to appreciate the bright colours and fragrant scents. You can also learn more about Thailand’s native flora and how certain plants are important to the nation. Sit and relax next to the sparkling lotus- and lilly-filled ponds and take kids to the fun and hands-on Children’s Museum. There are plenty of food vendors close to hand if you’re in need of an energy boost.

Get insured for your trip to Bangkok!

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

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Find out what people want to know about the best places to visit in Bangkok

What is Bangkok famous for?

Bangkok is famous for its nightlife, street markets and temples.

What should you not miss in Bangkok?

If you only have a short time in Bangkok, you should make sure to visit Wat Saket which is the most impressive temple in the city.

What is the most interesting place to visit in Bangkok?

The Wat Yannawa is one of the most interesting places to visit in Bangkok, being a temple in the shape of a boat.

What is the best place to visit in Bangkok for couples?

Couples will love the romantic atmosphere at Sky Bar @ Lebua.

Bangkok is an exciting city with something going on at almost all times of the day and night. A top city for foodies, shopaholics, culture seekers, history lovers, urban explorers, and party animals – there’s no shortage of amazing places to visit in Bangkok . Families, friends, couples, and solos will all find more than enough to keep them enthralled in the City of Angels.

Since there is so much to see and explore, make sure you come up with a rough itinerary before you start your travels, so you won’t miss out on anything. Tick off these best places to visit in Bangkok for a diverse, fun-filled, and action-packed stay!

Clair Cathryn

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Interesting list of activities in Bangkok. I especially love the markets in this city.

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The 22 Best Things to Do in Bangkok

Bangkok is one of my favorite cities in the world . It’s a vibrant, chaotic, international, funhouse. A city of 1,550 square kilometers (600 square miles) and with a population of over 10 million, you could spend months here and you’d still only scratch the surface.

I’ve visited the city more times than I can count. I even lived there for a couple of years . I’ve watched the city change and grow in so many ways since I first landed here in 2004. But I never get tired of visiting.

While there are not a lot of traditional touristy things to do in the city (those fill a day or two), there are a lot of food and culture-based activities here that can give you a sense of what life is really like in Bangkok beyond the tourists.

Here are my top 22 things to see and do in Bangkok .

Table of Contents

1. Take a Walking Tour

2. see the grand palace, 3. visit wat pho and wat arun, 4. experience khao san road, 5. explore chinatown, 6. take a river cruise, 7. check out the floating market, 8. visit the museum of siam, 9. visit the bangkok malls, 10. tour more temples, 11. visit jim thompson’s house, 12. shop (and eat) at the chatuchak weekend market, 13. watch a muay thai fight, 14. relax in lumpini park, 15. see the national museum, 16. take a cooking class, 17. hang out at soi nana, 18. enjoy an event at the bangkok art and culture center, 19. wakeboard at lake taco, 20. take a day trip to ayutthaya, 21. see a ladyboy show, 22. take a food tour, where to stay in bangkok, the best things to do in bangkok: faq, get the in-depth budget guide to thailand.

One of the first things I do when I arrive at a new destination is take a free walking tour. You’ll get to see the main sights, learn a little history, and start to get a sense of the culture. Best of all, you’ll have an expert local guide with you who can help answer any questions you have and give you suggestions and recommendations for the rest of your trip.

Bangkok Walking Tour and Free Bangkok Walks both have a few different tours available every day that provide a solid overview of the city. Just be sure to tip your guide!

If you’d like to cover more ground, a biking tour of Bangkok is also a great option.  

The palace was originally constructed from wood as supplies were short. Eventually, after raiding other sights in the region, they were able to find the building materials they needed. Hidden behind high concrete walls, the palace isn’t one large building but rather a collection of wats (temples), chedis (mound-like structures containing Buddhist relics), carvings, statues, and the famous 15th-century Emerald Buddha.

A guided tour of the palace and Wat Phra Kaew starts at 400 THB and is a great way to learn more about the history of the palace.

Na Phra Lan Road, +66 2 623 5500, royalgrandpalace.th. Open daily 8:30am-3:30pm. Admission is 500 THB. Be sure to wear clothes that cover your legs, shoulders, and stomach. You can rent pants or shirts at the palace if you need them.  

Wat Pho, known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is famous for its massive golden reclining Buddha statue. Built in 1832, the statue is 15 meters (49 feet) tall and 46 meters (150 feet) long. It’s one of the most popular sights in the city.

The temple is the size of a city block and there are tons of reliefs, statues, courtyards, temples, and spires to see. But there is more than just a photo opportunity here. The prestigious Thai Traditional Medical and Massage School is also located on the grounds. When you are done seeing the sights, get in line for a massage (it’s considered the best massage school in the country). Be sure to arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon, otherwise you’ll have to wait at least 45 minutes for your massage.

Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn) is a gorgeous Buddhist temple on the edge of the Chao Phraya River (it’s just opposite the Grand Palace on the other side of the river). From the top of the main spire, you get sweeping views of the city. The intricately tiled facade reflects the light beautifully during sunrise and sunset. It’s my favorite temple in the city.

A joint guided tour of Wat Arun and Wat Pho starts at 400 THB.

Wat Pho: 2 Sanamchai Road, Grand Palace Subdistrict, +66 2 662 3553, watpho.com. Open daily 8am–6:30pm. Admission is 200 THB. Massages cost 300 THB for 30 minutes.

Wat Arun: 158 Wang Doem Road, +66 2 891 218. Open daily from 8am–6pm. Admission is 100 THB. Be sure to dress appropriately for both temples.  

This is one of the biggest Chinatowns in the world. It’s home to delicious restaurants and street food as well as places to shop. But the main draw here is the food; it’s one of the cheapest places to eat in the city and there are tons of vendors selling food you’ve likely never seen anywhere else.

If you’re a fan of seafood, be sure to spend some time wandering the narrow streets and sampling everything. If you’re not sure where to eat, just pick a stall that has lots of locals eating there.

In addition to the food, Pak Klong Talad, the flower market at the north end of Chinatown, is another main attraction here. It’s the biggest flower market in the city, with flowers coming in on boats every morning from all over the country.  

If you don’t want to pay for an (often overpriced) cruise, you can just ride a water taxi up and down the river instead for just a couple of dollars. Start at the central pier, go to the end, and come back. You’ll save money and still get an enjoyable tour of the river as it weaves throughout the city.  

The markets are chaotic and aromatic and can be a sensory overload. Arrive early (especially at Thaling Chan) so you can beat the crowds and tour groups. There’s a lot of cheap food here too so it’s good to come hungry. I always like to wander the market first to see what I want to sample and then go about eating my way around.

For a market a bit further afield, the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market just outside of Bangkok is another popular one to visit. You can take a half-day tour from Bangkok , leaving in the morning and returning in the afternoon.  

Opened in 2007, this museum highlights the origins of Thailand and its culture. Housed in a 19th-century European-style building, the museum is fully interactive. There are galleries, movies, and multimedia displays that cover culture, history, Buddhism, war, and the making of modern Thailand. The museum does an excellent job of keeping things both fun and educational.

4 Maha Rat Rd, +66 2 225 2777. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm. Admission is 100 THB.  

Some of the best malls to visit are Terminal 21 (my favorite mall and the best place to see stunning internationally themed décor), MBK Center (for electronics and knock-offs), Siam Paragon (upscale with designer clothing shops), Pantip Plaza (electronics), and Platinum (cheap, trendy clothes).  

• Wat Saket – Also known as The Temple of the Golden Mount, this is one of my favorites in the city because of its beautiful golden temple and wonderful views from its top. Admission to the temple is free, but it costs 50 THB to enter the chedi.
• Wat Benchamabophit – This temple is pictured on the back of the 5-baht coin and has 53 Buddha images in the courtyard representing different Buddhist mudras (ritual gestures). Admission is 20 THB.
• Wat Ratchanatdaram – Built in the 1840s, this temple is one of the few temples in the entire world with a bronze roof. Admission is free .
• Wat Traimit – Located in Chinatown, this temple is home to a massive solid-gold Buddha statue (it weighs 6 tons!). Admission is 40 THB .
• Wat Mahathat – This royal temple is home to Thailand’s oldest institute for Buddhist monks. It also hosts a weekly amulet market where you can buy amulets to help you with luck, love, money, and more. Admission is 50 THB .

Jim Thompson was an American spy during the Second World War and silk merchant in Thailand during the ’50s and ’60s. He mysteriously vanished in 1967 while in Malaysia’s Cameron Highlands . Some say he was lost or killed while hiking while others say he disappeared himself (he was a spy, after all).

When he returned to private industry after the war, he almost single-handedly revitalized Thailand’s sinking silk industry. While living in Bangkok , he lived in a traditional Thai home. It was decorated with beautiful teak wood and surrounded by a beautiful garden. Today, you can visit the house and learn about his life, the silk industry, and how and why Thais design their homes the way they do.

1 Khwaeng Wang Mai, +66 2 216 7368, jimthompsonhouse.org. Open daily 10am-6pm. Admission is 200 THB.

This massive, sprawling market is the size of a few football fields and is one of the largest open-air markets in the world. There are over 15,000 stalls and booths here and the market sees upwards of 400,000 visitors each weekend.

It’s the best place in the city to buy gifts or souvenirs, find knockoffs, barter, and eat delicious food. There are maps around the market so you can navigate the various sections though it always gets crowded and hectic so come prepared.

Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, +66 2 272 4813. chatuchakmarket.org. Open Saturday and Sunday 9am-6pm.  

Lumpinee Stadium is the best place to watch a fight in Bangkok. While Lumpinee has been hosting Muay Thai fights since the 1950s, the new stadium (which opened in 2014) is huge and can hold up to 15,000 spectators.

Matches typically last around 25 minutes unless there is a knockout and there are usually 7-9 fights per night. There are lots of food hawkers here as well so you can grab a bite while you watch the violent spectacle.

1 Ratchadamnoen Nok Rd, +66 2 281 4205, muaythaistadium.com. Fight nights are Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday at 6pm and tickets start around 1,600 THB (buy them online directly from the stadium website for the best price).  

There’s a lot to do here, and in a city that really, really, really lacks green space, it’s a blessing to have. Grab a book, pack a lunch, and come and lounge in the shade and watch the afternoon go by. It’s a nice change of pace from the hectic flow of the rest of the city (it’s a non-smoking area too).

192 Wireless Rd, +66 2 252 7006. Open daily 4:30am-9pm.  

Established in 1874, this museum focuses on Thai culture, with highlights that include a large collection of musical instruments, recorded music, ornate royal funeral chariots, and impressive wooden carvings. It houses the largest collection of local art and artifacts and has been undergoing renovations over the past few years so it’s slowly becoming more interactive and English-friendly (though some sections still don’t have English signs). Nevertheless, it’s still incredibly interesting to see the artifacts and items in the collection. They offer English tours on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 9:30am.

Na Phra That Alley, +66 2 224 1333, virtualmuseum.finearts.go.th/bangkoknationalmuseums/index.php/th. Open Wednesday-Sunday 9am-4pm. Admission is 200 THB.  

Here are some companies worth checking out to help you get started:

• Silom Thai Cooking School
• May Kaidee’s Cooking School (vegetarian only)
• Baipai Thai Cooking School

There are two areas in Bangkok called Soi Nana. One is a sex tourism hub and not the one you should visit. The Soi Nana I’m referring to is known for its fun, hip nightlife. Located near the train station in Chinatown, this street is filled with bars and cocktail lounges making it a great place to have a few drinks and get a feel for the city’s wild nightlife.

Some of my favorite bars in the area are Pijiu (Chinese beer bar), Teens of Thailand (first gin bar in Thailand), Ba Hao (four-floor Chinese-inspired bar), El Chiringuito (Spanish tapas), 23 Bar & Gallery (bar in an art space).  

If you’re a fan of live music, art, and performance, be sure to visit the city’s Culture Center to see if anything is happening while you’re in town. Opened in 2007, the BACC hosts art, music, theater, film, design, and cultural events in its exhibition and performance spaces. There is also an art library, cafe, gallery, craft shop, and book store here too.

939 Rama I Road, +66 2 214 6630-8, bacc.or.th. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-8pm. Admission is free.  

If you want to get out of the city and have some adventure, head to the eastern outskirts of Bangkok for some wakeboarding (riding on a short board while being pulled along a set route). The lake is just 40 minutes away.

This is a popular thing to do with expats and though I never did it (I’m not much of an adrenaline junkie) my friends always said it was a fun time. It costs around 400-600 THB but comes with everything you need to have fun and stay safe (board, helmet, life jacket).  

In 1991, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a popular day-trip destination from Bangkok as it’s just 90 minutes away. While lots of companies offer tours, I recommend you simply go on your own by train (it’s much cheaper that way). A typical day tour from Bangkok costs about 1,300 THB.  

This glitzy spectacle is Bangkok’s version of Moulin Rouge. It’s a lively cabaret show with show tunes, dancing, K-pop, and elaborate costumes. It’s a glamorous, rambunctious night out that is guaranteed to entertain. Calypso Cabaret, founded in 1988, is the best place to see a show in the city. You can book your tickets online in advance here.

Playhouse Cabaret and Golden Dome Cabaret are two other reputable venues that host fun performances as well.

Calypso Ladyboy Show: 2194 Charoenkrung 72-76 Road, Warehouse #3, +66 2 688 1415-7, calypsocabaret.com. Performances are at 7:45pm and 9:30pm and tickets start at 800 THB.  

My favorite food tour company is Bangkok Vanguards . Their tour was put together with the help of my friend Mark Wiens from Migrationology . Mark is the biggest foodie I know and he spent years crafting the perfect Bangkok foodie tour. It doesn’t disappoint!  

Mad Monkey Hostel – A wild backpacker institution near Khao San Road, Mad Monkey Hostel boasts comfy beds, privacy curtains, and your own outlets and lamps. All the rooms have air-conditioning too. If you want to party, stay here!

Lub d Bangkok Siam – This is a popular spot for backpackers looking to stay somewhere other than Khao San Road. The rooms are spacious and have electronic key locks, the staff speaks fluent English, and there are plenty of group activities so it’s easy to meet people.

D&D Inn – D&D Inn is an institution on Khao San Road. It’s perfect for travelers with last-minute travel plans as there are always rooms available and reception is open 24 hours. There’s a bar and a pool on the rooftop that gets packed with travelers. It’s a comfy spot to stay on Khao San Road if you don’t want a hostel.

For a list of my favorite hostels in the city, check out this post .

And if you want to stay in a hotel, this post has all my favorite hotels in the city .  

What is Bangkok best known for? Bangkok is best known for its amazing street food and incredible temples. Don’t miss the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, and be sure to spend some time wandering the popular Chatuchak Weekend Market.

Is Bangkok cheap or expensive? While Bangkok is the most expensive city in Thailand, it’s super cheap compared to prices in Europe or the USA. On a backpacker budget, you should be able to get around for $35 USD per day. That gets you a hostel, street food, and cheap activities like temple visits. If you want to splash out on a more midrange budget, you can double that. Anything more than that and you’ll be living large!

Is the street food in Bangkok safe? Yes! The street food in Bangkok is some of the best in the world and is perfectly safe. Just look for stalls that are busy and have a lot of locals eating there. That will ensure the food hasn’t been sitting out long.

This post has more information on staying safe in Bangkok .

Which month is best to see Bangkok? November to the end of February is the best time to visit Bangkok if you want pleasant weather. Bangkok is “coolest” during this time but still averages a hot daily high around 29°C (85°F). However, because this coincides with Christmas and New Year, expect crowds and inflated prices.

Avoid July to October if you can. This is monsoon season and rains can be heavy and unpredictable. Prices are usually cheaper during this time though.

My detailed 350+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guidebooks and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel around Thailand. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Book Your Trip to Bangkok: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. Here is my complete list of the best hostels in Bangkok!

And, if you’re wondering what part of town to stay in, here’s my neighborhood breakdown of Bangkok !

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Bangkok? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Bangkok for even more planning tips!

Hi, I’m Nomadic Matt, the New York Times best-selling author of How to Travel the World on $50 a Day and Ten Years a Nomad, as well as the founder of this website! And I’m here to help you save money on your next trip.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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19 Best Things to Do in Bangkok

By Diana Hubbell and Katie Lockhart

One of Southeast Asia’s most popular destinations, Bangkok is an ever-changing, always-bustling cosmopolitan capital with much more on offer than incredible street food (although there’s plenty of that). Chaos covered in a hazy combination of charcoal grills, incense, and motorbike exhaust, it’s home to culture and history alongside luxury hotels, Michelin-star restaurants, cozy cocktail bars and a surplus of good times. Overwhelmed? That’s normal. After a day of temple hopping, hit up Chinatown for old-world architecture and some of the city’s best bars. Or go green with a stroll through the city’s coolest parks, followed by a multi-course meal aboard an antique barge or tucked inside a century-old shophouse. Here are our picks for what to do in Bangkok.

Read our complete Bangkok city guide here .

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Jim Thompson House Arrow

The home of American Jim Thompson, who made a fortune in the mid-20th century selling Thai silks, has been transformed into a museum displaying the businessman's collection of antiques, artwork, and religious artifacts. The canal-side property is made up of six traditional teak houses from Ayutthaya, the former capital of Thailand, surrounded by a verdant garden. Known for more than just its art collection, the property was also a legendary spot for high-society parties.

Lumphini Park Arrow

Bangkok is the ultimate concrete jungle, and most of its green spaces have long been gobbled up by developers adding condominium towers to the skyline. But smack dab in the center of the city is leafy Lumphini Park; often called the "Central Park of Bangkok" and named after the Nepali birthplace of Buddha, this an urban respite for many Bangkokians. The geographical heart of the park is an artificial lake where you can rent swan-shaped paddle boats.

The Grand Palace Arrow

The land for the Grand Palace was designated in 1782—the same year the capital of Thailand moved from Ayutthaya to Bangkok—and today it's home to various royal throne and ceremonial halls, as well as the sacred Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Although the Thai royal family moved out by 1925, this sprawling complex remains an important structure for Thais, one that's also a central stop on the well-trodden tourist route.

Chinatown Arrow

Market lanes, glittery gold shops, phenomenal street food, temples with golden Buddhas, Daoist temples clouded with incense smoke, street art, history, and a neighborhood setting that feels untouched by time and modernization: Welcome to Bangkok’s enchanting Chinatown, one of the largest Chinatowns in the world. You don’t need tickets or reservations, just an appetite for Thai-Chinese street food and a penchant for getting a little lost in the name of exploration.

Jessica Chapel

Emily Pennington

Charlie Hobbs

Kaitlin Menza

Wat Pho Arrow

The main draw at Wat Pho is the country’s largest reclining Buddha, a 150-foot long sculpture occupying nearly every inch of the building and leaving guests to observe its gold-plated form from all angles. Beyond the Buddha, an expansive compound has the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand. The complex was Thailand’s first center for public education; people came to study its 1,360 marble inscriptions to learn about medicine, history, and liberal arts.

The Siam Arrow

Compared with many of its rivals, this Bangkok stalwart doesn’t have a location that’s wildly convenient: the postcard sights need a boat transfer, and most top tables are more than a 30-minute taxi ride away. But for me, and the legions of other loyal fans of this monochrome masterpiece by hotel guru Bill Bensley, that’s the point. Pitched up on a lush riverside plot in the hushed Dusit district, The Siam feels like a portal to a bygone Bangkok. Even though it opened a decade ago, it’s easy to imagine it as a plush playground for the city’s erstwhile big guns, the mid-century movers and shakers whose heirlooms—vintage Pan Am posters, tattered travel trunks and chipped ceramics—adorn the marble-floored hallways. I’d be hard-pressed to point friends to a lovelier lunch spot than the hotel’s Thai restaurant, set between the timeworn pillars of three ancient teakwood houses, where butlers in dressy black sarongs deliver the kind of classic Thai hospitality—lilting “sawadee ka” greetings and tables set with fresh orchids—that’s becoming harder to find. None of which is to say that the hotel is stuffy—there’s a tattoo parlor in the spa. An ongoing refurb is keeping suites and private-pooled villas looking fresh. And with the opening of a Jim Thompson homeware boutique in the wooden house the illustrious silk magnate helped procure for its former owners, things have come full circle. The Thai capital’s five-star hotel scene gets plusher every year, but this timeless beauty remains in a league of its own. From $618. —Chris Schalkx

Chatuchak Weekend Market Arrow

Known as JJ Market to most locals (the official name, Chatuchak, is pronounced with a J sound), this is the granddaddy of all markets: With 15,000 stalls, it's among the largest outdoor markets in the world. Everything is buyable, from practical stuff like home décor, art, clothing, accessories, and cooking equipment, to trinkets and oddities like knock-off Nikes and Beats by Dre, iPhone covers, and—yes—even live animals. Despite its sheer size, though, the market is very well organized, with goods arranged by type and a large map posted near the entrance.

Wat Arun Arrow

Of the more than 37,000 temples, or wats , throughout Thailand, Wat Arun is one of the most iconic. The 269-foot tall prahng, a Khmer-style tower, juts out from the banks of the Chao Phraya River, and the temple complex is illuminated in a golden glow at night. This is one of the few temples in Thailand that you can climb; once you've ascended the steep and narrow stairs, you're in for a great view of the river and surrounding temple complex.

Smiling Albino Arrow

The peeps behind Smiling Albino have been at it since 1999, so you can rest assured they know what they’re doing. Their offerings fall in the custom luxury category: private experiences in Bangkok, cultural visits, and trips to nearby villages. They also organize weeklong trekking journeys in northern Thailand, cycling in Nepal, and motorcycling in Vietnam. Each trip is custom-made to your interests: no coaches and explanations shouted through a microphone, but rather personal guides and drivers.

Manohra Dinner River Cruise Arrow

This six-course dinner served aboard an an antique wooden rice barge is an excellent crash course in both Thai food and Bangkok's must-visit destinations along the river. Book it to get your bearings on what you'd like to explore during daylight—while eating fantastic dishes like a gold leaf-topped curry amuse bouche, a dry-ice play on mango sticky rice, and a creamy coconut and turmeric soup with charcoal-cooked chicken. The warm service rivals any fine-dining establishment on land, and the experience is perfect for a relaxed, romantic evening on the water.

Wat Prayoon (Prayurawongsawat Worawihan) Arrow

Sitting on the quieter Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Prayoon is a crowd-free, surprise-filled temple compound with plenty of moments for peaceful solitude. Visitors can spend an afternoon here exploring the towering white chedi —it's rare to find one in Bangkok you can actually enter—or watching the turtles and monitor lizards in the Khao Mo garden. It's an excellent spot for families with young kids and temple-lovers looking for something besides a giant gold Buddha (although it's got one of those too).

Blue Elephant Cooking School Arrow

Bringing home a taste of Thai food is high on the list of most travelers, and in the always-hungry capital, there are lessons for newbies and pros alike. Blue Elephant’s half-day lesson is a good middle ground, where experienced cooks won’t be bored and novices won’t feel lost. At the morning lesson, small groups gather at the elegant colonial-style house before making their way to the multiethnic Bangrak market; the afternoon session, meanwhile, dives right into cooking.

The Jam Factory Arrow

Architect Duangrit Bunnag’s fingerprints are all over the revival of Bangkok’s waterfront. Savvy travelers will also notice his handiwork just across the Chao Phraya at Warehouse 30 . Down Charoenkrung Road in the former General Post Office lies the reopened Thailand Creative & Design Center (TCDC), which Bunnag co-founded. The Jam Factory is at the core of his vision to shift the city’s gravitational center back to where it once lay: on the so-called River of Kings. He built this stunning complex anchored around an ancient Bodhi tree to house his firm’s main office, along with a hip restaurant, a gallery, and more.

100 Tonson Foundation Arrow

Over the past decade, Bangkok’s art scene has mushroomed from a few scattered galleries into a vibrant, thriving community. Much of that transformation has to do with Aey Phanachet’s groundbreaking contemporary art space in Ploenchit. In 2020, Tonson Gallery became a non-profit and changed its name to 100 Tonson Foundation.This was the first Thai gallery to participate in Art Basel, the Switzerland art fair, and it’s been a champion of Southeast Asian artists ever since. Despite its high-powered reputation, the gallery is open to casual art-lovers as well as collectors.

Wat Pariwat Arrow

Bangkok’s temples are truly a wonder to behold, but after a few days of battling the crowds, the appeal of gilded Buddha statues may start to wear thin. When you’ve conquered the major attractions, hop in a taxi to this Wat Pariwat, a one-of-a-kind temple down the Chao Phraya River. Sometimes nicknamed the David Beckham Temple for its statue of the famed soccer star below the main altar, Wat Pariwat is both an active place of worship and a hodgepodge of pop culture references.

Nusara Arrow

Follow the outdoor neon sign that says "Only Kids Drink Milk" to this fine-dining speakeasy that ranks 10th on Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list. Head to the back of Mayrai Pad Thai and Wine Bar, go up the spiral stairs and past the open kitchen, and find a small dining area set for 12. One of Bangkok's most exclusive reservations, the restaurant serves a 12-course set menu of Thai chili–laden dishes that are an ode to Chef Ton Tassanakajohn's grandmother, Nusara. Highlights include peanut relish with seasonal vegetables and shrimp paste water perfected over the course of 80 years.

Pak Khlong Talat Arrow

Bangkok’s bustling 24-hour flower market is a feast for the eyes and the nostrils—and one of the best places for jet-lagged travelers awake at odd hours to do some sightseeing. The highlight of the market is visiting the vendors along Chakkaraphet Road and watching locals prepare sacred temple offerings at lightning speed. They’re folding back the delicate petals of lotus blossoms, stringing fragrant jasmine into garlands known as malais, sorting through bags teeming with marigolds, and creating elaborate arrangements for funerals and weddings. Under the market’s tin roof, merchants sell bundles of orchids, button carnations, roses, green bananas still on the stem, towering stacks of prickly pineapples, and pre-made temple offerings. Across Chakkaraphet Road, don’t miss the elaborate ready-made bouquets and stacks of colorful orchids for 20 baht (60 cents) each.

Warehouse 30 Arrow

The creation of Warehouse 30 is the latest creative project in a string of artistic spaces in rehabbed historical buildings along Charenkrung Road. Under the artistic and watchful eye of Duangrit Bunnag, a founder of the Thailand Creative & Design Center (TCDC) and Thailand’s best-known architect, an abandoned block of World War II-era warehouses have become a bastion for local designers and artists. Ever-changing exhibition spaces, independent boutiques, a coffee shop, and more are all part of the new development. And while the shops and the vibe are new, the exposed beams and wood flooring are original.

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Visit Bangkok: Top 30 Things To Do And Must See Attractions

The 30 best things to do in bangkok (all highlights).

You’re planning to visit Bangkok, in Thailand , during your next trip?

Great idea!

In order to help you plan your stay, I have prepared this guide of the 30 best things to do in Bangkok and its surroundings. You will find all must-see attractions in and around the city as well as itineraries to visit Bangkok in 1, 2, 3 days or more!

No matter if you want to discover the Grand Palace , visit the most beautiful temples, go shopping in the modern part of the city or visit one of the famous floating markets , you will for sure find many activities to enjoy during your stay.

And as usual, I will also give you all my best tips and my list of the best places to stay in Bangkok, depending on your budget.

So, What are the best things to do in Bangkok? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

1. The Grand Palace

3. wat arun, 4. chatuchak weekend market, 5. wat saket / the golden mount, 6. khao san road, 7. chinatown, 8. wat traimit / golden buddha, 9. lumphini park, 10. jim thompson’s house, 11. dusit park, 12. doing a river cruise, 13. shopping in bangkok, 14. bangkok’s rooftops, 15. bangkok’s museums, 16. attend a boxing match, 17. enjoy a traditional thai massage, 18. the floating markets near bangkok, 19. ayutthaya, 20. kanchanaburi and the bridge over the river kwai, 21. to 30 – the 10 best things to do in bangkok with family, how many days to visit bangkok, 1 day in bangkok, 2 days in bangkok, 3 days in bangkok, where to stay in bangkok, where to eat in bangkok, where to go in bangkok at night, how to get around bangkok, the most common scams in bangkok, thailand tours, traveling to bangkok: flight prices, tourist map of bangkok, you’re traveling to thailand these articles will help you, visit bangkok: the 30 must-see attractions.

The Grand Palace (or Royal Palace) is the most visited tourist site in Bangkok and one of the must see attractions during a trip to Thailand.

It’s located on the edge of the Chao Phraya river and is surrounded by a 1.9 kilometers long wall.

Built in 1782 , the year when Bangkok officially became the capital of the country after the fall of the Ayutthaya and Thonburi kingdom, the complex includes more than 100 buildings, palaces, and pavilions .

The sovereigns of Thailand lived there for many years in the past, but today the King only goes there for official ceremonies.

During your visit to the Grand Palace in Bangkok , don’t miss the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, a royal chapel. In the chapel, you can admire a jade statue of Buddha found in 1434 in Chiang Rai (in the north of Thailand). This statue is revered by all Thai people.

Another impressive building is Chakri Mahat Prasat palace, built by King Rama V to be his residence.

The palace is open everyday and the entrance fee is 500 bahts (plus 200 bahts for an audio guide).

Your ticket allows you to visit all the buildings (outside + inside) as well as the museums (textile museum and Royal Thai Decorations and Coins museums) . Admission to a Thai dance show at the Royal Theater is also included.

You can find more information at the official website .

When visiting The Grand Palace and temples in general, appropriate dress is required . Legs and shoulders must be covered.

If you’re not dressed properly, you can buy pants or skirts for 100 bahts on the street or rent an outfit at the entrance of these sites. That’s why you see everyone walking around in loose pants decorated with elephants! 😆

Wat Pho , the second main tourist attraction in Bangkok, is located not far from the Grand Palace and is easily accessible on foot.

It’s one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the country. Inside, you can admire the largest reclining Buddha in the city: 45 meters long and 15 meters high! The statue represents Buddha’s death.

During your tour don’t forget to admire the soles of the feet: they are encrusted with pearls and decorated with symbols.

In the temple complex, you can also discover:

• The Buddha Gallery and its 394 golden Buddhas
• The 4 royal Chedis covered in colorful ceramics
• The Phra Ubosoft, where the ashes of King Rama I are guarded by another famous golden Buddha statue.

Entry to Wat Pho costs 200 bahts and the visit takes around an hour and a half.

Any other information needed can be found on the official website.

Wat Arun completes the trio of temples to visit during your stay in Bangkok.

It’s located on the other side of the river from the Grand Palace and Wat Pho . To get there, you’ll have to take a boat shuttle (4 bahts) that drops you off right in front of the entrance.

Wat Arun is especially known for its 82 meters prang (a tower), entirely covered in tiny pieces of colorful porcelain. It’s surrounded by 4 smaller prangs , also encrusted with mosaics.

Recently renovated, the location is really worth the visit. And if you have the chance, come back in the evening to see it illuminated from the other side of the river.

Wat Arun is open everyday and the entrance fee is 50 bahts .

You’ll find almost no signs with information or explanations at these 3 main tourist sites: The Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun.

If you want to learn more about their history, you should really opt for a guided visit of these 3 points of interest in Bangkok. It’s amazing!

You need to book it in advance by clicking here.

If you’re in Bangkok during the weekend, you should really visit Chatuchak Market , the largest market in Thailand (more than 15 000 stands).

It’s so big, they even give you a map when you enter to help you get around.

The market is organized into sections : clothes, shoes, jewelry, souvenirs, and much more! And as you can imagine, there is a also a large part dedicated to food.

If you didn’t know what to do on Sunday in Bangkok , your problem is solved! However I should warn you, you won’t be the only ones to have the same idea, the place is super busy.

And to relax a bit, you should go to the large park located nearby . Lots of Thais go there with their family and friends to picnic by the lakeside .

Chatuchak market is really the city’s most famous market .

But don’t worry, if you’re visiting Bangkok during the week (not on the weekend), you only have to walk down the commercial streets or in the shopping centers to find the various products sold at the market, including the famous “I Love Bangkok” t-shirts and elephant key rings!

And if you continue your trip in Thailand to the north, towards Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai , you will also have the opportunity to discover other markets.

Since the market is a bit far from the city center, the easiest and fastest way to get there is to take the metro and get off at the Chatuchak Park station.

Let’s continue our Bangkok travel guide with the Golden Mount.

Built on the top of a hill, the Golden Mount temple allows you to enjoy a 360 degree view over Bangkok. To get there, you will have to climb a few steps , but really nothing too insurmountable!

Along the path, you will find fountains and statues, as well as several gongs you can ring to attract luck, love, or money (your choice!).

The entrance fee is 50 bahts.

You’re going to Bangkok?

You probably know it: the hardest part of planning your trip is to find an hotel offering a good value for money!

And that’s even worse in big touristic cities like Bangkok 😅.

The closer you get to your travel dates, the harder it will be to get a good deal. Tens of thousands of people will be visiting Bangkok on the same dates as you , so you can be sure that the best deals are booked extremely quickly!

Hopefully, there is a pretty simple solution to this problem: do like me and book your hotel as early as possible!

So, my best advice is to take 5 minutes (now) to have a look at the list of travelers’ favorite hotels in Bangkok.

And if you see a good offer, book it!

Most hotels offer free cancellation, so it’s quick, easy, and you will avoid the the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the current best deals for your hotel in Bangkok, simply click on the green button below 😎:

Once you’ve booked your hotel, it will be time to continue reading this guide and find out more about the best things to do in Bangkok!

I can’t write a guide of Bangkok without talking about Khao San road!

This street is one of the city’s main tourist attractions , along with the Grand Palace or Wat Pho. A few years ago, it was especially a good place for backpackers to find cheap accommodation.

Nowadays, the place is super touristic and Khao San road clearly became one of the most cosmopolitan areas of the city . There, you will find bars and restaurants where everyone goes in the evening to have a drink.

There are still many low-costs hotels in the neighborhood, but it’s not really the quietest place to sleep in Bangkok.

In Bangkok, you should also take a stroll in Chinatown district , one of the main points of interest of the city.

You’ll find yourself transported to China with the noises, smells, and colors. Stroll in the alleys and discover the shopping stalls and street vendors where you can taste Chinese cuisine .

In Talat Mai , the Chinatown market, you can stock up on exotic fruits or, for the bravest among you, some culinary oddities.

In this district, you can also find many gold jewelry boutique.

In my opinion, it’s a lot more authentic than other Chinatowns in cities like Montreal or Singapore .

Take advantage of your stroll in Chinatown to visit the Wat Traimit .

Inside the temple, there is an impressive solid gold 5.5 tons and 3 meters high Buddha.

Originally , the statue was more commonplace, made in golden stucco and housed in another temple in Chinatown. But when the temple had to be destroyed, the monks decided to move the statue to Wat Traimit.

While transporting it, the statue felt down and the stucco cracked, revealing the gold . They realized that the statue was completely made of gold and had been covered in stucco to protect it during the invasion of Thailand by the Burmese.

Since then, Wat Traimit has been an important pilgrimage destination for the Thais and is one of the most important temples of Bangkok .

The entrance ticket for the temple costs 40 bahts.

If you’ve had enough of the crowds and noise of Bangkok, you should head to Lumphini Park .

This huge park is the largest green space in the city. You can stroll along landscaped paths and around the lake. If you have kids, they will for sure enjoy the playgrounds and swan shaped pedal boats!

During your walk in the park, keep your eyes open and you will probably spot a few Malay lizards.

As they look like Komodo dragons, they can be quite impressive at first glance! However they are not reputed to be dangerous (still, they are wild animals with unpredictable reactions). They can be up to 3 meters long.

They are very common in parks, especially near ponds or lakes

The lizards are generally calm and you can take pictures of them. However never try to pet them or to give them food , they have sharp teeth and long claws.

You should always keep in mind that even if they look slow, they are capable of lightning fast acceleration. I saw it myself on an island, when 2 tourists ran out of a forest chased by a big lizard.

It was funny to see, but it also makes you think twice before approaching one!

What’s the best place to visit in Bangkok if you’re an art lover?

Jim Thompson’s House, which belonged to an American businessman and art collector . Based in Bangkok and fascinated by Thai silks , he contributed to make them word famous and used by leading international fashion designers during fashion shows in Milan or London .

Besides the textiles, you can admire numerous works of art during your visit.

The house itself is quite unusual: it was built from several sections of traditional wooden houses brought to Bangkok from Ayutthaya.

Only guided visits are available and admission costs 200 bahts . More information can be found on the official website.

Dusit Park is another place to visit during your stay in Bangkok

There are 2 main buildings of very different styles:

• The Italian Renaissance style Dusit Palace, where you can discover the Throne Room. It’s the place where the famous photos of the royal family you see almost everywhere in Thailand are taken.
• Vimanmek Mansion , the former royal residence. It’s the largest golden teak building in the world.

During my visit, the two buildings were unfortunately closed for renovations (no reopening date was given at the time). But you can still see the exterior of the palace.

Until 2018, the park was also housing Bangkok Zoo , which is now closed. The animals were dispersed to various Thai zoos until the construction of the new zoo is finished.

A river cruise is another great activity to do in Bangkok . It will allow you to discover the temples and monuments from a new angle!

You should do it in the evening, when the buildings are illuminated.

Several companies also offer dinner cruises on the Chao Praya river. You don’t go necessarily for the food buffet, but rather for the ambience and to enjoy the view during the meal.

If you want to go on a dinner cruise, you will need to book one in advance . Simply click on the button below for more info:

And for a more luxurious, less touristy option , I recommend you this dinner cruise on a former rice barge.

You want to take advantage of your time in Bangkok to do a a bit of shopping ?

The best is to head to Siam district , where all the moderns and trendy shopping centers are located.

At the MBK Center , you will find electronics as well as clothes. There is also a bazaar-like section with souvenir stores.

The Siam Paragon , is on the other hand, more chic, with lots of luxury boutiques.

In the area, there is also CentralWorld , one of the largest mall in South Asia.

They are open everyday until late in the evening. They all have a food court, where you can you can find Thai and international dishes.

There’s nothing better than a rooftop on one of the highest buildings in Bangkok to contemplate the city.

Today, the highest skyscraper in Bangkok is Baiyoke tower . The terrace on the 77th floor and a revolving roof deck on the 84th floor allow you to enjoy a panoramic view of the entire city.

If you want to go there, you must buy your tickets in advance, as it’s a very touristy place! The ticket also includes a food buffet . Just click on the button below to book it.

There are other rooftop bars offering beautiful views of the city in Bangkok. However be warned: The prices for cocktails are rather high and the dress code quite strict.

Here’s a selection of Bangkok’s best rooftops

• The Roof, with a splendid view of Wat Arun
• Vertigo Moon Bar , located on the top of the Banyan Tree Hotel
• Sky Bar Lebua , where scenes from the movie “The Hangover” were filmed
• Three Sixty Lounge , at the top of the Hilton Hotel
• Park Society , close to Lumphini Park
• Cloud 47 in the financial district
• Red Sky on the 55th floor of CentralWorld

There are several great museums you should visit in Bangkok:

• The National Museum, about the history and culture of Thailand. It’s the largest museum in southeast Asia!
• Museum of Siam, another history museum. It’s more playful, with videos and games
• Jim Thompson House, which I told you about earlier
• Royal Barges Museum, where you can discover the 8 royal barges the king was using when he traveled.
• Art in Paradise Museum : an interactive museum featuring 3D illusion paintings, where you can take super funny pictures. Really well done! ( click here to book it )
• Bangkok Art and Culture Center, for contemporary art lovers
• The Doll Museum, with a collection of hand-made, traditional Thai dolls.

While you’re in Bangkok, why not attend a Muay Thai boxing match?

Inspired by Thai soldiers combat training, it’s Thailand’s national sport .

More than just a simple fight, Muay Thai is above all an art form. During the warm-up, the fighters practice “the boxing dance” , a sort of simulated combat. Fights are also accompanied by musicians adapting the rhythm to the moves and blows.

Even if you’re not a fan of boxing, attending a match in Bangkok is a must-do , if only for the atmosphere.

The two main Muay Thai stadiums are Lumpinee Stadium and Rajadamnern Stadium.

If you plan to attend a match, you need to buy your tickets in advance by clicking on the button below:

If you have already visited all places in Bangkok and need a moment of relaxation , you should opt for a traditional Thai massage .

You’ll find hundreds of salons throughout the city. Prices start at around 250 bahts for an hour long foot massage and around 500 bahts for a full body massage.

The experience is a bit unusual, you’ll be stretched everywhere, sometimes in quite weird positions! However at the end of the massage, you will feel relaxed, even if a bit sore at first.

In Bangkok, most hotels have spas and also offer this service.

The best things to do around Bangkok

If you’re spending a few days in Bangkok and have already seen the main attractions, you should visit the surroundings. There are several places nearby that can be visited on a day trip.

The floating markets are a classic thing to do on a roadtrip in Thailand . For sure, the markets are very touristy and some were created just for folklore. Nevertheless, they are one of the best things to do in Bangkok’s surroundings.

If you have to only choose one, you should visit Damnoen Saduak floating market , one of the most famous. To go there, the best is to opt for an organized tour departing from Bangkok.

In addition to Damnoen Saduak floating market, the tour I recommend also allows you to visit Mae Klong market, one of the largest fish markets in Thailand. During your trip, you will first take a train from Bangkok, and then a boat to reach the floating market.

To book it, simply click on the button below:

The historic city of Ayutthaya is only 1 hour away by car from Bangkok.

The Ancient capital of the kingdom of Siam, nowadays a UNESCO World Heritage site, features many temples to visit.

If you can only do one day trip from Bangkok , you should really do this one!

Everyday, buses and trains leave for Ayutthaya. And if you don’t want to bother with the organization of the trip, you can book an organized day trip.

The journey starts from Bangkok, by bus. During the day, you’ll visit the main temples of Ayutthaya and then return to Bangkok by boat. You will for sure love the scenery!

If you want more details about the best things to do in Ayutthaya, you should read my article: Visit Ayutthaya: the definitive guide.

Looking for more places to visit around Bangkok? The you should head to Kanchanaburi!

There , you will find the world famous bridge over the river Kwai . Built by thousands of prisoners of war during the Second World War, the bridge is one of the most important historical sites in Thailand.

Besides the bridge, you will also be able to visit several historical museums . A real journey through time!

As for Ayutthaya and the floating markets, excursions to Kanchanaburi are organized from Bangkok. They include transport, a visit to the town, the bridge, the museums, a train ride, and the lunch.

To help you organize your family trip to Bangkok, here is my list of the best things to do with kids:

• A stroll in Lumphini Park, to enjoy some greenery and avoid the crowds
• Visit Bangkok’s aquarium: The Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World. Book your tickets here!
• Discover Madame Tussauds Museum , featuring wax figures of international celebrities. Buy your tickets there!
• Go to Fun-arium , the largest indoor playground in the city
• The Children’s Discovery Museum, with plenty of interactive activities. Free of charge!
• Attend a Thai dance and music show at Siam Niramit. Get your tickets here!
• Ancient City , a park with miniature versions of Thai monuments and temples
• Siam City Park , one of the largest amusement parks of southeast Asia. Tickets are there.
• Kidzania , where kids can try out different professions in realistic settings: a fire station, an operating room…
• Dream World amusement park. Book your tickets here.

As Bangkok is a rather large city, the places to visit aren’t really close to one another. Some parts of the city can easily be visited on foot , but you will for sure have to take a taxi or the metro to cross the city during your stay.

In my opinion, you should spend a minimum of 2 days in Bangkok, to have the time to visit the most important tourist sites as well as a good part of the places I mentioned in this guide.

Of course, you can stay 3 or 4 days in Bangkok and have the time to discover the surroundings!

Here are my itineraries for 1, 2 or 3 days in Bangkok:

If you have only one day in Bangkok , I recommend the following itinerary:

• Visit the Grand Palace , the must-see site in Bangkok. Get there as early as possible to avoid the crowds. ( Click here to book your guided visit )
• Go to Wat Pho to see the reclining Buddha
• Cross the river to see Wat Arun
• Take the shuttle boat across the river
• Visit the National Museum of Thailand or the Museum of Siam , depending on your interests
• Dinner cruise on the river ( Click here to book it or there for the luxury version ).

If you have 2 days in Bangkok, follow the previous itinerary and then add:

• Climb up to the Golden Mount Temple
• Stroll in Chinatown
• Visit to Wat Traimit
• Walk in Lumphini Park (easily accessible by metro from Wat Traimit)
• Shopping in Siam district: MBK Center or Siam Paragon
• And if you’re not too tired, head to Jim Thompson House (10 minutes on foot from Siam)
• Your choice for the evening: The rooftop terrace of Baiyoke Tower or a Muay Thai boxing match .

if you have 3 days in Bangkok, in addition to the 2 previous days itineraries, you have 3 options:

• You can finish your visit of the city. You can head to Dusit Park or visit some of the museums .
• If your third day falls on a weekend , it’s the perfect occasion to take a stroll in the alleys of Chatuchak Market.
• The third option is to visit the surrounding areas of Bangkok .

Here are the best day trips offered from Bangkok:

• From Bangkok – The Damnoen Saduak floating market : First, take the train to go to Mae Klong market, famous for being held on a railroad. Then, board a boat to reach the floating market and paddle across the klongs, the canals where the shops are located.
• Day trip to Ayutthaya from Bangkok : Head to Thailand’s most famous historic city for a day! Visit the impressive temples, and return to Bangkok by boat on the river.
• A day in Kanchanaburi, to discover the famous bridge over the river Kwai and its history.

As all these excursions are full-day tours, you can easily spend 4 or 5 days in Bangkok!

In Bangkok, there are thousands of accommodations , so it can be a bit complicated to find the perfect hotel for your trip!

As I know the city very well, here’s my selection of the best hotels to stay in Bangkok:

The best hotels near the Grand Palace and Wat Pho:

• D Hostel Bangkok: Youth hostel located near the temples and 5 minutes on foot from Khao San Road. Dormitory beds start at €20. Strong points: The location within walking distance to the temples, the cleanliness, the modern decor. Perfect for small budgets!
• Rambuttri Village Plaza: Located 1.5 kilometer from the Grand Palace and 500 meters from Khao San Road. Bright and pleasant double rooms starting at €30 a night, breakfast included. Strong points: Location, the rooftop swimming pools.
• Baan Wanglang Riverside, Bangkok: A hotel located on the riverbank opposite the Grand Palace, only 5 minutes away by shuttle boat. Spacious double rooms with a river view starting at €50. Strong points: The amazing river view, the rooftop, the proximity to the 3 main temples of Bangkok.
• Siri Heritage Bangkok Hotel: A brand new hotel, 10 minutes on foot from the Grand Palace and 1km from the National Museum. Warm and comfortable rooms with a balcony starting at €70, breakfast included. Strong points: The surroundings, the comfortable beds, the friendly staff, the pool. It’s my favorite for its amazing value for money around the Grand Palace!
• Inn a day: located 600 meters away from the Grand Palace. Rooms with unusual and atypical industrial style decoration starting at €100, breakfast included. Strong points: Amazing view of the river and Wat Arun, excellent breakfast, the design.
• Chakrabongse Villas: On the riverbank, only a 15 minute walk to Wat Pho. Rooms and suites with Oriental yet modern decor start at €170, breakfast included. Strong points: The incomparable view of Wat Arun, the excellent location, the pool. It’s my recommendation for a romantic stay in Bangkok!

The best quiet hotels near the metro (to get around easily)

• Bangkok Patio: Located 10 minutes away on foot from the BTS Skytrain. Super spacious and modern studios and apartments with equipped kitchens and balconies starting at €40 per night. Strong points: The pool, the quiet, the location. It’s my favorite for its excellent value for money! Also perfect for family holidays.
• Noursabah Boutique Bed Bangkok: Situated 500 meters from the BTS and Airport Rail Link (a direct line to the airport). Well decorated rooms with super comfortable bed begin at €50 a night with breakfast included. Strong points: The quiet, the comfort, food is available (noodles, yogurt, cereal), water, fruit juice 24 hours a day, super convenient to go to the airport.
• Anajak Bangkok Hotel: Located 5 minutes from the metro and the Airport Rail Link. Very comfortable and cozy rooms starting at €75 a night with breakfast. Strong points: The calm location, the pool, the style of the rooms. An excellent choice for visiting Bangkok or to easily get to the airport at the end of your trip.
• Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn: Situated just a few steps from the metro. Spacious rooms with large bay windows, staring at €115 including breakfast. Strong points: The great value for money, the infinity pool, the delicious breakfast, the direct access to the metro. It’s my recommendation for a high-end stay in Bangkok.
• Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok: Luxury hotel with direct access to Siam Paragon shopping center and the BTS. Elegant and contemporary rooms starting at €230, breakfast included. Strong points: The large pools and garden, the jacuzzi, the spa, the excellent breakfast. The best hotel in Bangkok for a luxurious stay!

I don’t have any specific restaurant recommendations for Bangkok. That would really depend on where you are staying and where you are when you start to feel hungry!

There are tons of restaurants, markets, and street food vendors everywhere in the city. You’ll be able to eat everything and at any hour of the day .

The food courts located in the shopping centers are also a great option if you prefer to be seated, with air conditioning, or if you want to try out different dishes from around the world.

All the dishes I ate in Thailand were really very good , super well cooked and seasoned. I didn’t knew much about Thai food before going to Thailand, but I have been pleasantly surprised by the quality of the ingredients and dishes (Both from street vendors to more high end restaurants!).

So, simply enjoy the local food and eat what you feel like eating. It’s delicious everywhere and very cheap!

I’ve already talked a bit about this earlier in this guide, the rooftops of Bangkok are an excellent choice to spend a relaxing evening and enjoy the view.

If you want more ambience and backpacker style bars, head to Khao San Road.

Finally, in Sukhumvit district , you’ll find many clubs and trendy bars for every taste.

There are several options to get around Bangkok and go to the various tourist attractions.

• The Sky Train (BTS) , very convenient to avoid all the traffic jams. Unfortunately it does not go to the main temples such as the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. But you can easily travel to Lumphini Park, the Siam district, the financial district, or Chatuchak market for example.
• Public buses: I don’t really recommend them. If you don’t speak Thai, it will be difficult to know if you’re on the right bus and they are crowded.
• Boat shuttles , to cross the river in a few minutes. Very convenient to go to Wat Arun or Wat Pho. There are several boat lines with different stops on the docks of the Chao Praya river.
• The MRT, the underground metro crossing Bangkok from north to south. It’s connected with the BTS and Airport Link.
• Taxis , as long as you’re not stuck in a traffic jam, a taxi ride will not be too expensive (always ask the driver to start the taxi meter and do not accept fixed fares).
• Tuk-Tuks , always negotiate the price before riding, their fares are often higher than a taxi.
• Moto-Taxis , personally I won’t try them in Bangkok, it’s not very safe.
• The airport City Line (Airport Link) links the Suvarnabhumi International Airport with Bangkok. Tickets are 45 bahts! 10 times cheaper than a taxi and you’re guaranteed to have no traffic!

I can’t write a travel guide about Bangkok without talking about scams . They are unfortunately very common! And even if I had been warned, I almost got scammed once too.

Here are some the most frequent scams:

• Scammers claim the place you want to visit is closed and they offer to show you something else. Flee or you will end up at a tailor or jewelry shop, where they will try to force you to buy something.
• They approach you saying it’s “Buddha Day” : A scammer tells you that today the temples are free + the Tuk Tuk fares are cheaper, as Tuk-Tuks don’t pay for gas on that day. You will get in the scammer’s friend tuk-tuk, which will then drive you to a tailor or jewelry shop to force you to buy something. Important: in any case, never enter the shop! The driver will get upset and will end up leaving you there (see my experience below). You will then have to walk or take a taxi.
• A taxi offers you a fixed price and refuses to turn on his meter. Never accept, because it will definitely be more expensive! If he doesn’t want to listen, just take another taxi.
• It’s not a scam, strictly speaking, but as in all cities with lots of tourists, whether Bangkok, Paris, Milan, Rome etc.., pickpockets are everywhere . Pay attention to your belongings. Personally I use this backpack . It opens only from the back and has a double bottom. It’s impossible to steal anything from it!

And yes, I experienced scam number two!

A young Thai man who seemed friendly (the best scammers are always nice!) accosted us at the edge of the Golden Mount, telling us that today was “Buddha Day” and the Tuk-Tuks weren’t paying for gas. It allowed them to organize low cost tours to visit some of the temples in Bangkok.

I thought “why not?” and got on board.

We first visited one temple, but unfortunately the second stop was in front of a tailor shop . I understood right away that the driver brought us there to get a commission, so I refused to enter the shop.

The driver started to get upset and wanted to force me to go inside. I kept refusing and he finally left me there!

Fortunately, I hadn’t paid anything in advance, so I got out of the experience OK and ended up walking to the next temple. Even if I am a frequent travelers and know about scams, it’s easy to get fooled by the apparent kindness of some Thais.

Hopefully, there are plenty of genuinely nice Thai people as well! Just if someone you don’t know approaches you at a tourist location, speaking a relatively good English, there is generally something suspicious going on.

On Voyagetips.com , I give you all my best tips and itineraries to plan your trip to Thailand by yourself. (All my Thailand travel guides are here)

However, if you prefer to book a Thailand tour with a travel agency , I recommend you to check the 10 best Thailand tours by clicking the button below:

Flight prices to Thailand vary widely, so it is a good idea to compare them as soon as possible. To do this, you can use our flight comparator, in partnership with Skyscanner . It’s the best way to pay the best price!

To help you visualize where the best places to visit in Bangkok are located, I have made this tourist map of Bangkok, listing everything I talk about in this guide. You can display the map legend by clicking on the top left button, the one with the little arrow.

And you, what do you plan to visit during your stay in Bangkok?

Thailand travel Guides

• Buy the Lonely Planet Thailand guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
• Buy the DK Eyewitness Thailand guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk

Discover all my articles about Thailand : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Thailand are listed there.

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Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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Home » Travel Guides » Thailand » 25 Best Things to Do in Bangkok (Thailand)

25 Best Things to Do in Bangkok (Thailand)

The capital city of Thailand and maybe the traffic jam capital of the planet, Bangkok is a fascinating, exciting and incredible city to visit. Like many other capital cities Bangkok never goes to sleep, there is always a hive of activity as people work around the clock in their various professions.

With eight million inhabitants living within the city you will find yourself encountering every walk of life, from the super poor to the mega rich they all congregate in the one city and each feels at home as the other.

Let’s have a look at the top things to do and see in Bangkok :

1. Visit Wat Pho To See The Reclining Buddha

A visit to Wat Pho is a must for any traveler to Bangkok, it is the home to the Reclining Buddha which stands at fifteen metres tall and forty six metres long, the feet alone are measured at over five meters. The whole statue is covered in gold leaf and looks incredible when you get up close.

Inside the temple there are 108 bowls and on the way in to the temple you can buy coins for the bowls. The history behind this is that Buddha completed 108 positive actions on his way to becoming perfect. Whilst you are at the temple you can also stop for a while to receive a traditional Thai Massage

Recommended tour : Damnoen Saduak, Reclining Buddha, and Wat Arun Private Tour

2. Visit the Grand Palace

Of all the places to visit in Bangkok the Grand Palace is the most famous attraction there is. You simply cannot move onto another city until you have taken the time to visit here.

The palace at one time was the king’s home as well as the place where the government of Thailand carried out their work. A trip to the palace can take many hours as there are over 214,000 sq. meters to cover. Be aware of potential scams when outside the palace and only pay the entrance fee when you are actually going in.

Great walking tour available : Walking Temple Tour: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun

3. Ride the Sky Train

There is only one way to get around Bangkok at any speed whilst keeping cool and that is to jump aboard one of the sky trains. With air conditioned carriages there is no better way to get around.

In most instances you are high above the traffic below giving you a view of the city but also the train takes the most direct route. With nearly every part of Bangkok you would want to visit having a train station, travel could not be simpler.

4. Take a trip around Chatuchak Market.

If you like shopping you need to check this place out. If you hate shopping you need to give this place a wide berth. With over 8000 stalls covering 27 acres of space this is one of the largest markets in the world.

Open every Saturday and Sunday it attracts nearly 200,000 visitors a day, you will find everything you could ever imagine for sale here and mostly at local prices rather than tourist prices, it is certainly worth picking up a map before you go to avoid you being lost in the market for hours.

5. Take a Boat Trip along the Chao Phraya River

Some people refer to Bangkok as the ‘Venice of the East’ this is due to the Chai Phraya River flowing through Bangkok and all of the little canals that feed off of it. The river is the lifeblood of Bangkok, even today 50,000 people still go to work on one of the many ferries that go up and down.

Taking a boat trip down the river is fascinating as you will see high rise condominiums and fancy hotels in one part whilst you will see wooden shacks and children playing in the water in other parts. Feel free to get on and off at any of the stops the ferries make to further explore the city.

Related tour : Tuk Tuk & Tourist Boat on Chao Phraya River

6. Shop Till You Drop At Siam Paragon

The high end shopper’s paradise, a hugely popular shopping mall that houses many different shops for high-end fashion designers, Southeast Asia’s largest aquarium, a huge multiplex cinema and enough restaurants to feed you for a life time.

There are over 250 shops inside the mall, most of which are frequented by the well-heeled Thai’s and foreigners. Various car manufacturers including Ferrari and Lamborghini also have showrooms within the complex so if you have deep pockets you are sure to find what you are looking for.

7. Visit The Bangkok National Museum

The Bangkok National Museum is home to the largest collection of artifacts and Thai art in all of Thailand. The museum was first opened by King Rama V to show off all the gifts that his father had given to him.

There are many interesting things to see in the museum such as Chinese weapons, precious stones, puppets, clothing and textiles and Khon masks. If you go to the museum on a Thursday you can be given a tour in English to give you a greater understanding of everything in the museum.

8. Have a Thai Massage

Whatever country you come from you almost certainly would have heard of Thai massages and maybe even have seen a Thai massage parlour in your local village. But nowhere can you experience a traditional Thai massage done as well as you would in the country where it originated.

The experience of a Thai massage will give you a new lease of life whilst making you feel invigorated as well as balanced. There are parlous absolutely everywhere so it is worth doing your research to find a good one near your hotel.

9. Spend an Evening in Nana Plaza (Soi 4)

Situated just outside the BTS station called Nana is a place called Nana Plaza, many people think that Nana Plaza is the largest sex complex in the world today.

Here you will find many gogo bars full of Thai women looking to pleasure you for the evening in return for a fee. Even if you have no intention of participating in any of the girls offers it is worth spending some time sitting down with a drink and watching the people go by.

10. Climb the Sathorn Unique Tower

Before the financial crisis hit the world a few years ago a huge 49 story skyscraper was being built in the heart of Bangkok, but when the crisis hit the building work stopped and the tower was never completed. Now it sits there abandoned, far too big for anyone to do anything with.

Some sites recommend climbing the tower, but this is dangerous and not allowed. A few years ago some bloggers/vloggers had criminal charges filed against them for posting material online showing them climbing the tower.

11. Take A Stroll Through Lumpini Park

At over 500,000 sq. meters Lumpini Park providers the people of Bangkok with a much needed break from the hustle and bustle of the city. The name of the park originated from the Lord Buddha who was born in Nepal.

It is not unusual when you walk through the park to see the older Thai generation practicing their Thai Chi or a romantic couple relaxing by the side of the lake. At the weekends the park is full of people taking part in all sorts of activities so a great time to go is early morning or just before sunset.

Related tour : City Culture 3-Hour Bike Tour

12. Eat Out At Chinatown

Every major city has its own Chinatown and Bangkok is no exception to this, you know you have arrived when you walk through the ceremonial Chinese gates and into Chinatown itself.

Packed full of street stalls and restaurants the choice of places to eat will be endless, nowhere else in Bangkok will you get to try as many different kinds of Chinese food as you can here, especially at such good prices. If it is gold you are on the lookout for it is said that this is also the best place in Bangkok to look.

Suggested tour : Bangkok Chinatown Food Tour

13. Go For A Drink On Top Of The City

There are various places in Bangkok where you can go for a drink at the end of the day but none will have the view of Bangkok that the Vertigo and Moon bar or the Lebua Rooftop bar has. Sitting on the 61st floor of the Banyan Tree hotel you can look out and see the beautiful skyline of Bangkok in all of its glory.

As soon as you reach the top you are straight outside so this is not the place to be if you are afraid of heights, the designers have made the rooftop in such a way that you get a complete 360 degree view of the city with no obstructions.

Book online: Lebua Rooftop Bar Reservation & Round-Trip Transfer

14. Eat Street Food

With Thai people choosing to eat almost every meal out instead of cooking at home the popularity of street food has never been stronger. Every busy road will have street food vendors selling their products to the locals and tourists alike, the prices are low because this is where the Thais choose to eat their meals as well.

You have probably heard of Pad Thai but there is so much more to street food that this one dish. You will get stalls selling all sorts of foods from Som Tam (papaya salad) to Squid, all cooked in front of you ready for consumption straight away.

There are also some amazing food tours available.

 15. Take a Motorcycle Taxi

With the roads of Bangkok being as congested as they are, getting from one place to another can often seem like a daunting task. For most places you can get a sky train but for those that you cannot it is a good option to take a motorcycle taxi, unlike a traditional taxi or a tuk-tuk these guys will take you on the back of their motorcycle to anywhere you want to go.

There is no measuring how far the journey is so once you have paid your fair the driver will want to be there in a rush. Sit back and relax as your driver weaves through the traffic to get you to your location.

16. Watch Kickboxing (Muay Thai)

The whole of Thailand is full of kickboxing stadiums but the biggest fights happen in Bangkok, normally at either the Lumpini or Ratchadamnoen stadiums. Muay Thai is the national sport of Thailand and it is talked about everywhere. The viewing figures on TV are some of the highest for any show that is aired.

An evening spent at the stadium is sure to be action packed as the locals get so immersed in the fights that the atmosphere reaches fever pitch. There is usually somebody walking around taking bets as well if that is of interest to you.

Book online : Muay Thai Rajadamnern Boxing Stadium – VIP Entrance Ticket

17. Visit Dusit Zoo

Dusit Zoo is the oldest zoo in Thailand and has been open for over 60 years.

There is a large range of animals inside the zoo (approximately 1600) including monkeys, alligators, lions, tigers, penguins and kangaroos.

The zoo is very much a working zoo and has an animal hospital which looks after all of the inhabitants of the zoo as well as an education center, museum and train.

18. Take Part in a Water Fight During Songkran

Celebrated each year between the 13th and 15th of April Songkran is the traditional Thai New Year festival and nobody is safe from getting wet. In the Buddhist religion it is believed that by sprinkling water your sins and bad luck will be washed away.

Today the sprinkling of water has turned into a full on water fight that the whole country gets involved in. with the huge crowds of Bangkok there is no better place to experience this festival as the city becomes one big party.

19. Explore the Bangkok Nightlife

Bangkok is famous for it’s nightlife scene and grown pretty big over the years.

There’s exciting nightclubs, amazing rooftop bars, hip cocktail bars and much more. There’s the adult themed Soi Cowboy and Patpong, the party scene at Khao San Road and lot’s of clubs to dance the night away. Want to party with like-minded travelers? Then check out this bar crawl tour .

20. Visit The Bangkok Puppet Show

An absolute must for all tourists to Bangkok, in most puppet shows the puppeteers are hidden from view but not in this show.

The puppeteers are part of the show and it takes three people to control each puppet. The puppets tell out a classic folk tale whilst a live orchestra plays music to add to the atmosphere.

The set design and craftsmanship that goes into making the props is magnificent as is the technique of the artists as well.

21. Visit Jim Thompson House

Thai silk is famous the world over and nowhere will you find a better place to learn about the history behind this craft. As you walk around the house you will not only learn the history of The Thai Silk Company but also the fascinating history of Jim Thompson himself. The house itself is more of a complex with six traditional teak structures forming the complete dwelling.

Consider the Jim Thompson House and Baan Krua Community Tour to save a buck.

22. Visit Wat Arun

There are more than 31,000 Buddhist temples spread out across Thailand and this one is one that you really want to see.

The temple is named after Aruna, the God of Dawn. Situated on the bank of the Chao Phraya River is this beautiful temple that stands at 79 metres tall.

The tower is covered in ceramic tiles and coloured porcelain making for an incredible sight when you catch it in the right light. The temple itself is guarded by a pair of mythical giants that keep watch over the temple grounds.

Suggested tour:  4-Hour Night Bike Tour with Wat Arun & Wat Pho

23. Feast Yourself On Durian

You will probably smell it before you see it but Durian is known as the king of fruits. People either love it or hate it with some public areas going as far as putting up signs that completely ban it.

A durian fruit is distinct for many reasons, firstly its look, it looks like some kind of medieval weapon with its thorny outer shell, and once the shell has been removed the insides are like this creamy buttery texture that some people say is the greatest fruit of all.

24. Visit Erawan Shrine

Situated in one of the busiest areas of Bangkok is Erawan Shrine, It is a Brahman shrine and attracts so many visitors that it is more popular than many of the temples.

Constructed in the 1950’s the shrine was made because the construction workers on the nearby hotel were too superstitious to continue their work as they felt the land spirits were unhappy and causing problems on the construction site.

The shrine itself is a four faced brahma god and people flock there and lay floral garlands in the hope their wishes will come true..

25. Visit Vimanmek Mansion

Vimanmek Mansion is the world’s largest teak wood building. Formally a royal residence it was only used for a few years before being left empty for many decades.

The mansion itself is now a museum that is home to many ancient artifacts and even some photographs that have been donated by His Majesty the King.

When you are in the grounds of the buildings you may take as many photographs as you wish but you will not be allowed to take your camera inside the museum itself and a strict dress code is in force so ensure you dress modestly.

25 Best Things to Do in Bangkok (Thailand):

• Visit Wat Pho To See The Reclining Buddha
• Visit the Grand Palace
• Ride the Sky Train
• Take a trip around Chatuchak Market.
• Take a Boat Trip along the Chao Phraya River
• Shop Till You Drop At Siam Paragon
• Visit The Bangkok National Museum
• Have a Thai Massage
• Spend an Evening in Nana Plaza (Soi 4)
• Climb the Sathorn Unique Tower
• Take A Stroll Through Lumpini Park
• Eat Out At Chinatown
• Go For A Drink On Top Of The City
• Eat Street Food
• Take a Motorcycle Taxi
• Watch Kickboxing (Muay Thai)
• Visit Dusit Zoo
• Take Part in a Water Fight During Songkran
• Explore the Bangkok Nightlife
• Visit The Bangkok Puppet Show
• Visit Jim Thompson House
• Visit Wat Arun
• Feast Yourself On Durian
• Visit Erawan Shrine
• Visit Vimanmek Mansion

32 Best Things to do in Bangkok, Thailand

Written By: Stella Saintis

Updated On: January 8, 2023

We love Bangkok. It’s exciting and a bit hectic but filled with amazing history, food, and culture. The sprawling metropolis is huge. With so many things to do in Bangkok can be difficult to decide how best to spend your time. But don’t worry, we’re here to help. We have spent a ton of time in Bangkok with frequent visits over the past 20 years. You could say Bangkok is one of our favorite cities in Asia.

This comprehensive guide will give you all the tools you need to make the most of your time in the gateway to Southeast Asia. What sets this Bangkok guide apart from the others? We’ve enlisted the help of local Bangkok resident, Stella Saintis to offer local recommendations to complement our favorite Bangkok attractions. So, are you ready to explore the Venice of the East with us? Let’s go.

Things to do in Bangkok, Thailand

GetYourGuide has a good day tour of Bangkok that shows you all the most popular things to do in Bangkok with a private guide.

1. Wat Pho – Reclining Buddha

One of the most famous wats , (the Thai word for temple) in Bangkok is Wat Pho located just behind the Grand Palace. This wat should definitely be at the top of your list to visit in Bangkok because it houses the famous reclining Buddha. This massive golden statue takes up the entire temple and is magnificent. It is probably the most famous reclining Buddha in the world. If there is one Buddha that is a must-see in Bangkok, this is it.

My advice is to go early as both of these attractions can become incredibly packed with people. Also, if you can plan your visit during the week you will avoid the throngs of tourists that flock there on the weekends. Locals from all around Thailand come to visit these temples throughout the year, especially during the Thai Holidays.

• C osts: 200 baht per person ($6 USD)
• Opening hours: 08:00 – 18:30

If you want to see most of the best Bangkok attractions, you can hire a private guide that you can personalize for yourself. You can choose from a day tour in Bangkok to explore Khao San Road, the reclining Buddha and more or you can choose to go to Ayutthaya, the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. More details here.

2. Explore The Grand Palace

Arguably one of the most popular things to do in Bangkok is the Grand Palace. For most people, it is also the first place you should visit in Bangkok. Built in 1782, the Grand Palace was once known by its original name, Phra Borom Maharatchawangit, it was once the royal residence and housed government administrative buildings. Today, it is open to the public and is a must-do in Bangkok. You can only visit some of the buildings but make sure not to miss the Grand Palace Hall. Learn about the history of the Grand Palace on this Flexi Walking Tour.

It took us several visits before we finally booked a tour guide to show us around the temple complex and it made a huge difference to help us understand what we were looking at. Book this half-day temple tour Bangkok’s Royal Grand Palace and two of its most famous temples: Wat Trimitr and Wat Pho.

3. Wat Phra Kaew – Temple of the Emerald Buddha

Inside the grounds of the Grand Palace sits the famous Wat Phra Kaew – Temple of the Emerald Buddha, where visitors can catch a glimpse of the emerald Buddha statue. Make sure to dress properly when visiting – covered shoulders and legs – since there are sacred temples inside the palace complex.

Local Tip: At the back of the grounds is a famous Thai massage school, which some Thai people claim is the best massage in Bangkok. You can visit both temples independently very easily. But having a tour guide will give you a better understanding.

• Admission Costs: 500 baht per person ($15 USD)
• Opening Hours: 08:00 – 17:00

Scam Alert: Many local touts and tuk-tuk drivers will tell you that the temples are closed and then offer to take you to other temples that are open. Ignore them and see for yourself. They are trying to get you in the tuk-tuk to take you to jewelry shops and markets where they receive commissions.

Travel Tips for Seeing the Wats in Thailand

Be sure to dress accordingly when visiting temples in Thailand: visitors are required to have their shoulders and legs covered, so having a light shirt to throw on and a lightweight long skirt/pants are best. They do provide a cover-up for visitors who are not dressed appropriately.

4. Wat Arun – Temple of the Dawn

A short ferry ride across the river from Wat Pho and the Grand Palace is Wat Arun, also known as The Temple of the Dawn. The temple’s central spire is famous in the skyline of Bangkok along the river and even if you have never heard of Wat Arun, you will be familiar with it. For just 4 baht, visitors can catch a ferry across the river from Wat Pho to Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn) and wander the grounds of another stunningly beautiful Thai temple.

You should visit Wat Arun in the morning or at sunset to avoid the crowds. You can also walk up the first set of stairs on the main pyramid but the ones that go higher up were gated off as of this update. If you don’t want to ride the ferry, grab a drink at one of the restaurants with great views of the river with Wat Arun in the background.

• Hours: 8:00 am – 5:30 pm
• Admission Costs: 50 baht per person
• Accessible via taxi, tuk-tuk, Grab Taxi (Thailand’s Uber) or ferry

Another way to explore the wats along the Chao Phraya River is to take a hop on hop off Tuk Tuk Tou r. It’s a great way to combine several of the top things to do in Bangkok in one go. Travel hassle-free by Tuk Tub on a flexible hop-on, hop-off tour to favourite Bangkok attractions like Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Khaosan Road, China Town, and many more.

5. Wat Suthat

While you are in the Old Town area exploring the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, The Grand Palace, and Wat Pho, make a side trip to Wat Suthat Thepwararam. It is one of the oldest temples in Bangkok. The Giant Red Swing is 21.15 meters high and is a famous landmark in Bangkok and is well worth adding to your visit to Bangkok.

6. Wat Saket and the Golden Mount

I know you are probably getting a little “wasted out”. I know that we spend time in Bangkok and Thailand, we tend to have a little temple fatigue, but just a little farther out (15 minute walk to be exact) is the only hill in Bangkok. 320 steps will take you to the top of the Golden Mount to see Wat Saket which is known for its Buddha images and the Sri Maha Bodhi tree. Plus, it is free!

7. Boat Tour of the Chao Phraya River

The Chao Phraya River is the heart of Bangkok and taking a boat tour along the river is an attraction unto itself. The Chao Phraya is what gives Bangkok its name, “The Venice of the East” and it is filled with water taxis, longtail boats, and public ferries ready to take you to anything you want to see for as little as 15 Baht (.45 cents) Many of the top places you’ll want to visit in Bangkok are located on the river with their own pier where you can hop on and hop off to explore as you wish.

Hire a Longtail Boat to see the Backwaters

We highly recommend a longtail boat tour that will take you into the backwaters to explore the different canals and waterways. There are so many sites to see along the Chao Phraya River that you could spend your entire visit in Bangkok on the water and feel that you had a good introduction to the city. We hired a private boat for 1000 baht $30. If you go with a group, it is much cheaper, but we liked having the boat all to ourselves.

How to Get to the Chao Phraya River

The Chao Phraya River is easily accessed from Bangkok’s main backpacker ghetto, Khao San Road. You can easily walk to it from Khoa San Road’s Phra Nakhon District. The Sky train goes directly to the river from Sukhumvit and other popular Bangkok neighborhoods and you can easily take a taxi, hail a tuk tuk or book a Grab Taxi to the river. See our tips for navigating the Chao Praya River in our video here.

The Chao Phraya River is one of our favorite places to stay in Bangkok as well. We recommend the Royal Orchid Sheraton . It is an upscale hotel with 3-star prices. Most hotels along the Chao Phraya have complimentary boats to the BTS Skytrain station where you can catch the subway to the city center too. See our full breakdown at Where to Stay in Bangkok – A Guide to the Best Neighborhoods

8. Khaosan Road (Khao San Road)

Khao San Road is one of the most iconic places to visit in Bangkok for backpackers and budget travelers due to the large number of cheap hostels in the area. Plus, it is a great place to book tours, day trips, find cheap eats, and transportation to places like Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai in the north or south to Thailand’s dreamy islands.

There are many stores to shop for souvenirs, as well as massage parlors for those looking to relax with a foot or classic Thai massage. This is also my favorite place to sit down, grab a Chang beer and people watch. There are characters of all shapes and sizes that make their way to Khao San Road.

No trip to Bangkok would be complete without stopping to see this iconic street. Drinks at any of the bars are extremely affordable, and the nightclubs here are always packed. Those looking to party in Bangkok should look no further than Khao San Road.

9. Sampeng Lane Market in Chinatown 

Chinatown is a popular place to visit in Bangkok for foodies, and if you are looking for a unique shopping experience, check out this tiny walking street in Chinatown. Shoppers can find just about anything here at wholesale prices, including fabrics, electronics, toys, beauty supplies, and much more.

The street is narrow and often congested, but the hectic vibe gives visitors fun and definitely a different shopping experience than they are used to. The maze of streets that make up this market means you may get lost at some point, so be sure to set aside an hour or two to really immerse yourself in this Chinatown staple.

Take this bicycle tour of Bangkok to discover Chinatown and the Chao Praya Rive r. You’ll have the unique experience to cross the river by pedestrian ferry and to explore the historic neighborhood of Thonburi.

10. Visit the Flower Market

Located along the Chao Phraya River the Bangkok Flower Market is the largest in Thailand. After spending some time in Bangkok, you’ll notice that the city is filled with flower displays around the country and every hotel, eatery or shop will have some sort of flower arrangement. It is most likely that this is where those flowers come from.

The busy chaotic market is a good addition to a tour of China Town. It is also very easy to get to with its own stop on the Chao Phraya River and is open 24 hours a day.

11. Wat Traimit

In Chinatown, visitors can visit Wat Traimit in order to see the largest solid gold Buddha statue in the world! The Golden Buddha is located on the 4th floor of the temple. Underneath the 2nd and 3rd floors are the Chinese Cultural Center with a museum dedicated to the history of the Chinese in Bangkok as well as information on the discovery of the Golden Buddha.   This is really something you have to see.

12. Thai Cooking School

A cooking course in Thailand is something that Bangkok is famous for and something you have to try. We are always cooking Thai at home now that we know how to make it! Take a cooking course so you can recreate your Bangkok experiences at home. There’s a great list of classes to browse here. 

One of the best cooking schools in Bangkok is called Silom Thai Cooking School. They offer classes every day of the week and even include a market tour in order for guests to see the actual ingredients used in the dishes. At the end of the class, you get a cookbook with all of the recipes and many more to take home with you!   Read more: Best Thai Food – Traditional Thai Dishes to Eat in Thailand or at Home

Thai food is some of the best in the world and one of the best ways to learn about it and understand what to order at street food stands or in the restaurant is to take a cooking class! You’ll never be confused again. Plus, doing a cooking class is a great way to get to know Thai food and to help understand its culture.

13. Take a Food Tour

After you have taken a cooking course, head out on a food tour to sample all the delicious Thai Cuisine. If you’ve been wary about checking out Bangkok’s famous street stalls and street food vendors this is the chance to do with an expert local guide. Popular tours take you around to enjoy the best street food in Bangkok.

Night Market and Temple Tours by Tuk Tuk – Going out in a new city at night can be intimidating, especially at night. But Bangkok is a place the thrives at night. So if you feel uncomfortable exploring on your own at first, book this tuk-tuk night tour to see the markets and temples at night.

14. Thai Street Food – Eat like a Local

Speaking of street food, when you visit Bangkok, you must indulge in the delicious food that Thailand is famous for. Thai locals almost exclusively eat street food, since it is much cheaper than buying all of the many ingredients needed and cooking it for themselves.

Many tourists are nervous about eating street food, fearing they will get sick. But street food offers some of the best foodie experiences in Bangkok. It is always fresh and cooked well. I lived in Thailand for 2 years and only got sick one time, and I ate street food almost every day. Do not let stop you from enjoying what is some of the best food available in the country!

This food tour combines the best way to get around the city, (in a tuk-tuk) with a food and temple tour. Visit the famous Flower Market, enjoy street food and explore Wat Po.

15. Lumpini Park (Lumphini Park)

If you are looking for one of the quieter things to do in Bangkok, a visit to Lumpini Park is a great option. It offers a little break from the chaos of Bangkok. This refreshing green space is also the biggest park in Bangkok.

There are many things to do in Lumpini Park to fill the day and this park is popular with locals and tourists alike. Stroll the many walkways or rent a paddleboat to take out on the lake. Be sure to buy some food for the fish who live there and keep an eye out for the giant monitor lizards which roam freely.

If you are in the mood for an exercise class, you can join Thais of all ages and dance along to music in one of the aerobics classes in the evenings. You will often see older Thai practicing Thai Chi which is so relaxing even if you are just watching. For me, one of the best things to do in Bangkok is to hang out here early in the morning or at sunset and enjoy the peacefulness.

16. Get a Traditional Thai Massage

One of the best things to do in Bangkok that make you feel rich but is very affordable is to have a traditional Thai Massage. Thai people love getting massages and see it as an essential part of staying healthy. In fact, they go to get massages multiple times a week. To experience this Thai tradition, check out any of the hundreds of massage shops throughout the city.

For more of a luxurious experience, go to one of the branches of Health Land. There you will get a private room and top-of-the-line treatment for an incredibly cheap price.

• Cost: If you go to one of the fancier spas, you will pay about 1000 baht (this usually includes a welcome drink and a private room).
• Many smaller local spots will charge around 250 baht.
• Make sure to read our guide on Spa Etiquette !

17. Take a Tuk Tuk Ride

One of the coolest ways to get around Bangkok is to take a ride on a Tuk Tuk. If it’s your first time in Bangkok, don’t miss hiring a tuk tuk. Thailand is famous for these three wheeler odes of transportation that skip through traffic with ease. The exhaust can be heavy, so we do not recommend taking tuks tuks all the time, but once in a while, they are a lot of fun.

Scam Alert: T uk Tuk drivers should cost about 100 baht for a reasonable length ride. If they charge too little, you can be sure they will take you on a ride to markets and shops were they get a commission. If the price seems to good to be true, it probably is. Read our post 17 Travel Scams Around the World and How You Can Avoid Them

18. Unicorn Cafe

Bangkok is home to many cute cafes (including a Hello Kitty Cafe and a mermaid Cafe) but my favorite one is still the Unicorn Cafe. If you are also a fan of anything rainbow or unicorn themed, then this cafe is a must!

They serve up delicious sweet treats that are all very colorful, as well as food such as rainbow spaghetti. For those wanting to take a unique picture, grab one of the unicorn costumes they have for guests to pose in! Visiting the Unicorn Cafe is definitely one of the more unique things to see in Bangkok.

19. Jim Thompson House

If traditional Thai architecture and art interest you, then the Jim Thompson House should be on your list of places to visit. Jim Thompson was an American businessman who came to Thailand and started a textile business to promote Thai silk. Because of him, the Thai Silk industry was born and is still thriving to this day.

His house has been turned into a museum to pay tribute to Jim Thompson. It is an excellent example of different Thai architectural styles. During the tour, the guide tells visitors all about his life… and mysterious death.

While the house is lovely, my favorite part was the lush vegetation located all around the grounds, making me feel like I was in a jungle in the middle of the bustling city.   Jim Tompson’s house has been one of the best things to do in Bangkok for decades. This highly rated private tour takes you through the six traditional Thai-style house and teak structures that were home to Jim Thompson followed by a visit to the Baan Krua silk village, where the legend of Jim Thompson begins. More details here.

20. Manhanakhon Skywalk

The tallest building in Thailand is the King Power Manhanakhon and it has the highest observation deck scene in the city. It offers the best views of Bangkok. Visitors can take in 360-degree views of the city from 314 meters up in the sky. The bravest can walk out on the glass floor to view the city from unprecedented heights.

After taking in the bird’s eye views of Bangkok, grab a drink at the rooftop bar and toast to the City of Angels. This attraction is not for the faint of heart!

Another popular tower to visit in Bangkok is Baiyoke Tower II. It has an open air revolving roof deck and a public observatory deck on the 77th floor.

21. Royal Bangkok Sports Club

For those visitors looking to try something off the traditional tourist trail in Bangkok, head to the Royal Bangkok Sports Club ! Every other Sunday, the club opens its door to the public for horse racing and gambling.

This is the only location in Thailand where it is legal to gamble, so many of the locals come to try their luck. The racing may not be up to the high international standards, but it provides a fun activity. Food and drinks are available for purchase as well.

22. Chatuchak Weekend Market

The sheer size of the Chatuchak market is part of what makes it such a popular destination in Bangkok. Shoppers can find just about anything at Chatuchak Market, at crazy cheap prices. It is one of the largest markets in the world, and one of the best places in Thailand to pick up your souvenirs. The best time to visit is earlier in the day on the weekends, before the crowds and infamous Bangkok heat hit.

If you get hungry while shopping, there are small street stalls located in one section of the market. It’s another chance to try some Thai street food. Chatuchak market also has places to get a Thai massage if you need to relax (and enjoy some AC!)

23. Go the Shopping Mall at Siam Square

Bangkok is home to some of the largest shopping malls in Southeast Asia where you can shop for high-end brand names and cheap bargains. There are also good bargains to be had as well at the MBK Centre. This is where we pick up our Thai SIM Cards, and it’s great for electronics. Yes, we have even bought a camera at the MBK Center.

The MBK Centre, Siam Paragon, and Central World shopping mall will blow your mind. These malls make for a great escape from the heat and offer plenty of chances to people watch. You can walk around the entire area on walkways above the traffic and congestion. They are connected indoors as well where you can enjoy the air conditioning. The malls are easy to get to on public transportation as they are located directly on the Skytrain line.

24. Siam Paragon

We love going to Siam Paragon to watch a movie. Siam Paragon is also so much more than just the high-end, luxury shopping mall in Bangkok. It houses the Bangkok Ocean World Aquarium, indoor luxury car dealers, The Thai Art Gallery, and the opera house. Being one of the largest shopping malls in SEA, it is definitely one of the best places to go shopping in all of Thailand.

25. Bangkok Art and Culture Centre

The Bangkok Art and Cultural Centre is locaterd among the famous shopping malls of Bangkok in the heart of the city. It is a great place to meet up with friends, catch one of its revolving display of Thai Art, see live music or just go to the library to browse and have a coffee. It is located at the BTS Skytrain station and is close to attractions like National Stadium, Siam Paragon, MBK Centre and more. Cost: Free

26. Muay Thai Boxing Class

A fun way to get to know Thai culture and get a workout at the same time is to take a Muay Thai boxing class! I took classes regularly at the Chakrit Muay Thai School, which had a great central location and was close to the BTS Skytrain. The teachers there were all very friendly and worked one-on-one with students in every class. I learned a lot about proper technique and always left super sweaty!

Dave and I saw a professional Muay Thai Match in Bangkok and Chiang Mai and this is another one of Bangkok’s must-see attractions. There are Muay Thai training centers all over Thailand and we highly recommend giving it a try. It’s a great way to immerse in the culture. Check out our Muay Thai Training in Phuket

27. Lebua Tower Sky Bar

Fans of the movie The Hangover 2 will immediately recognize the golden dome at the top of this rooftop bar. Located at the top of the Leuba Hotel, the Sky Bar is a popular destination for those looking to see the city from above at night. It claims to be one of the highest rooftop bars in the world, and the view is definitely second to none.

2. Soi Cowboy

Another popular place in Bangkok at night is the late-night area is Soi Cowboy. Located just off the BTS, this street is a well known red-light district. The area got its name from T.G ‘Cowboy’ Edwards, an American airman who was famous for wearing a cowboy hat. He opened the first bar in the district

This area is most famous for its ‘ping pong’ shows but we do not recommend going to these as there is a real problem in Thailand with human trafficking. If a Go-Go bar is not up your alley, head down the street to Soi 11, another popular late-night hangout and fun of bars and clubs.  

Bangkok Day Trips

It is worth getting out of Bangkok to see the sites. Popular day trips from Bangkok are to the floating markets, the Train Market and Ayuthaya.

29. Visit a Floating Market

There are two floating markets located outside of Bangkok, and they make a wonderful day trip. Of the two (Damnoen Saduk Floating Market and Amphawa ), I found the latter to be less touristy and more authentic.

To get to this floating market from Bangkok, simply take a van from the southern bus terminal that will drop you near the entrance. Be sure to enjoy some fresh seafood while strolling the many stalls. I also encourage you to take a boat tour to see more of the surrounding area. You can also hire a longtail boat to take you through the Klongs where you can see smaller markets without having to go a long way out of the city.

If you don’t want to haggle for prices, you can book this tour in advance where you’ll not only experience the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, known for its maze of canals you’ll also stop at a traditional Thai House to see how coconut brown sugar is made, and take a longtail boat to fruit plantations and houses.

These are also some other reputable tours:

• Damnoen Saduak Floating Market 6 Hour tour
• Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Maeklong Train Market Tour
• Bangkok’s Must-See Weekend Floating Market s Private Day Trip
• Damnoen Saduak Tour and Authentic Thai Cookery Class

Scam Alert! The Floating Markets are extremely popular, and though the majority of Thai people are friendly and helpful be aware of the scammers. You should not pay more than 100 Baht per person and make sure to depart from one of the official docks around town.

30. Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is the most popular of all the day trips from Bangkok but we suggest making a few days of it because there is a lot to explore. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is not to be missed with a temple complex sprawling throughout 289 hectares.

Ayutthaya was once the capital of Siam and there are plenty of temples to explore. Some of the not to miss temples include, Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Yai Chai Mongkol and its 121-foot-long reclining Buddha statue, and Wat Mahathat which will remind you of Angkor wat with its tree roots growing into the wat.  

Book this Ayuthaya with Photo Tour Guide for a full-day tour that includes air-con transfers from Bangkok, a boat tour around Ayuthaya and a photography guide.

31. Kanchanaburi

I’ll never forget visiting the Bridge on the River Kwai. Being movie buffs, this was high on our list. Located 120 km from Bangkok, one of the more popular days trips from the city. But we suggest making it overnight.

Kanchanaburi is a 2-hour drive from Bangkok so you can easily book a day trip from the city. You can also catch the train or book a day trip. This Kanchanaburi tour not only takes you to the EATH Museum, and Bridge Over the River Kwai in Kanchanaburi, it also stops at Erawan National Park to enjoy Erawan Waterfall and its seven tiers with a set of limestone caves at its base

32. Maeklong Railway Market

Check out t his highly rated tour to the Maeklong Railway Market combined with Damnoen Saduak Market. Discover two of Bangkok’s most popular day trips combined into one. The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market by paddle boat and a stop at the Maeklong Railway Market to enjoy shopping, sampling street foods, and local specialties.

Bangkok Travel Tips

• Thailand Currency – 1USD = 31.27 Thai Baht. Get the XP currency Converter App for currency calculations
• ATMs can be found everywhere but take out large sums at a time as Thailand banks charge a 150 baht ($5 USD) fee above and beyond your bank’s service charges.
• Pick up your Lonely Planet Travel Guide – This is our go-to city guide and country guide when traveling the world. We’ve used Lonely Planet since 2000.
• Invest in a BTS Rabbit Card – an extremely versatile stored-value electronic card that can be used for most public transport as well as at many merchants around Bangkok.
• SIM Cards are easy to buy at the MBK Centre in Bangkok for your unlocked smartphones. Data is cheap and fast.
• You can also download the GRAB app which is Thailand’s answer to Uber.
• Thailand power voltage is: 220 V; Plugs A & C
• For electronics, we use the Eagle Creek Travel adapter in conjunction with the Belkin Mini Surge Protector . It’s all we need to charge 5 devices at once. Three plugs and two USB Chargers.

Where to Stay in Bangkok

We have a complete breakdown of where to stay in Bangkok explaining neighborhoods and suggested accommodations for budget, mid-range, and luxury hotels.

You can go to that Bangkok guide directly here, or you can click below to see each area.

• Banglamphu  – Home to the Grand Palace and Khao San Road this is the best places to say in Bangkok for Backpackers.
• Bangrak  – For those on the hunt for amazing food, this is a great option.
• Chinatown  – One of the oldest areas of Bangkok.
• Sukhumvit  – A modern and cosmopolitan area in central Bangkok.
• Siam  – For those looking to shop ’til they drop mear Siam Paragon, BMK Centre and the Sky Train.
• Chao Phraya River – We loved staying on the Chao Phraya being close to the Grand Palace, and Wats Arun and Pho. Easy access to the sky train and Khao San Road.

When is the best time to visit Bangkok?

Bangkok is hot year-round and it can be visited at any time of the year. While you can save during shoulder season and the offseason, Bangkok is a relatively affordable place to visit with many different types of accommodation for all budgets.

• November – March: the high season for Bangkok tourism . This is the dry season in Bangkok and it is also the busiest time of year.  Prices are higher during the high season, but there is ample budget accommodation around the city. In our opinion, this is the best time to visit Bangkok
• July and August – are low seasons and this is also the wettest time of the year. Expect heavy rains, but they don’t last for too long.
• April – June is shoulder season and the rains are beginning. This is also the time of year when Bangkok is at it’s hottest. We have visited Bangkok in April and can attest it is hot and wet.
• September – October –  We have visited during October and it was a very pleasant time to explore Bangkok. Because it is shoulder season and just starting to ramp up to the high season, deals can be had at more luxurious hotels. It isn’t quite as hot as November through March and rains happen in the afternoon.

Getting Around Bangkok

In Bangkok, visitors have a range of options to choose from for getting around the city. The best way to get around Bangkok is to use public transit. It has an efficient public transportation system that is fast and affordable.

The BTS Skytrain has frequent stops with access to many of the most popular tourist destinations. The Sky train is relatively cheap, and train cards can be topped up in stations very easily. The BTS Skytrain has two lines, so at connecting stations, pay attention to the direction and line you are getting on.

The MRT is the underground system that operates in much the same way as the BTS sky train, though they do use separate cards.

Tuk Tuk – For a more traditional feel, try a tuk-tuk. These three-wheel taxis are a fun way to take in the sights and sounds as you cruise to your destination.  Always make sure to agree to a price BEFORE getting in a taxi or tuk-tuk.

Taxis  – When you take a taxi, sk the driver to turn on the meter. Negotiating is encouraged, as drivers will often inflate the price for visitors. I was often shocked by what tourists would pay for a taxi. Don’t get scammed!

Also, be aware that taxi drivers often refuse to take passengers ; they may hear your destination and decide they don’t want to drive there. Other drivers will refuse to turn on the meter. Have no fear, as there are more than enough taxis to find one to take you where you need to go at the price that works for you.

Chao Phraya River – See our video below or click here to watch  – how to navigate the Chao Phraya independently. There are tourist boats, public boats and boat taxis on the Chao Phraya ranging from 15 baht to 40 baht for Tourist boat. 

Uber is no longer in Bangkok, but they have the GRAB taxi app which is similar. 

How to Get to Bangkok

International planes fly into Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). Getting to Bangkok from the Suvarnabhumi Airport is affordable and easy. You can take a taxi from the terminal. There are taxi stands outside arrivals. The Airport Rail Link City Line Train will take you from the Airport to downtown Bangkok and you can also take the airport bus which will take you directly to Khao San road. Planes also fly into the Don Mueang international airport and this airport is more of a commuter and low cost airline hub.

Bangkok is a city where no one could ever get bored. From the food to the temples, museums, shopping, and with new attractions added every year, it is a place to visit more than once. It’s no wonder there is so much to see and do in Bangkok, it’s a city that needs to be visited again and again.

We’ve barely scratched the surface of all the things to do in Bangkok and we look forward to going back to tell you more! Have you been to Bangkok?

Enjoy all of these things to do in Bangkok? Save it to Pinterest for Future Travel Planning.

What did we miss and what should we do on our next visit? Please let us know other ideas for what to do in Bangkok.

Read More Bangkok Travel Tips

• Where to Stay in Bangkok – A Guide to the Best Neighborhoods
• 3 Days in Bangkok – The Perfect Bangkok Itinerary

Check out these Thailand Travel Guides

• Thailand Travel Tips – Things to Know Before You Go
• The Best Things to do in Chiang Mai Thailand
• The Importance of Responsible Tourism in Thailand
• Amazing Things to do in Thailand
• Rock Climbing in Railay, The Thailand Adventure Continues
• Sea Kayaking in Thailand and Island Camping with John Gray’s Sea Canoe
• Thailand’s Songkran Festival, The Worlds Largest Waterfight
• Exploring Thailand by Train

The Best Things to do in Koh Samui, Thailand

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Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About Stella Saintis

Stella is the author of Stella's Out . As a traveling teacher, she lived in South East Asia for 2 years including Thailand. She now lives in Honduras here she documents her adventures on a budget. Follow her to prove that you can still have a lot of fun and travel without a lot of money Follow Stella at StellasOut.com / Facebook / Instagram /

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15 thoughts on “32 Best Things to do in Bangkok, Thailand”

This is the best post to know the things can do in Bangkok.

Really Good Post about Bangkok.

Love love love that you teamed up with a local to provide an insiders input on the list. This has given some unique ideas you wouldn’t really find elsewhere, giving you unique experiences which are always amazing!

All the food looks amazing, and I miss it so much! Thanks for sharing this, ill have to add a few of the locals recommendations for my next trip there!

we have been to bangkok for 4 times and those are still new things to explore. its so amazing =) xoxo tina wimpernverlängerung ausbildung

Well I’ve been to Bangkok twice, still I got to know some of the places from this post . Jim Thompson House looks really interesting and so does the unicorn cafe. Thanks for Sharing!

You really have shared some amazing pictures of Bangkok. Bangkok is known for its food and temples. It is one of the most amazing places in the world.

You have recommended to set up 4 temples. Why not recommend all 9 temples? Thais have the tradition of visiting 9 temples to increase merit. i recommend more

1. Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) 2. Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararam Ratchaworamahaviharn Temple (Wat Pho) 3. Wat Kanlayanamit Woramahaviharn 4. Wat Arun Ratchawararam 5. Rakhang Temple Kositaram Woramahaviharn 6. Chana Songkhram Temple 7. Bowonniwet Vihara, Ratchaworawihan 8. Wat Suthasan Thep Wararam Ratchaworamahawihan 9. Sra Ket Temple

Thanks for the recommendation. We haven’t seen them all yet, but will make sure when we get back!

This is everything one could need for their trip to Bangkok. The Unicorn Cafe is love! Thanks a ton for sharing the blog with us.

I think that walking around some less upscale neighbourhoods is fun, there’s always some bizzare shit going on there. Like to the north from Banglamphu Canal, or the area near the Royal Barge Museum. Less crowded than more touristy places, and pretty quiet, considering it’s Bangkok.

You have selected all the sparkling gems of Bangkok. It’s really difficult to choose which one to visit and what things to do, especially when one is for a limited time in this fabulous tourist destination. I will surely take out enough time to explore all the things you’ve mentioned in the post since your write-up has flared my desires.

Omg, there are still so many things I haven’t done/seen in Bangkok! E.g. all the special cafés. I always just eat on the street and that’s about it :)) Also, my first time hearing the nickname Big Mango! :))

Wow. This looks like an exhaustive guide to Bangkok. I never knew so much about it before! I especially would love to go to Lumpini Park, Unicorn Cafe, and Manhanakhon Skywalk. Thanks for sharing.

These are great destinations in Bangkok. We can’t wait to go back and visit.

I keep hearing good things about Thailand. I might have to look into future travel there.

24 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Bangkok

Written by Meagan Drillinger Updated Mar 20, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Bangkok is everything you'd expect from the capital of Thailand: it's noisy, crowded, colorful, exciting, infuriating, and simply magical. Bangkok is a microcosm of what makes Thailand so special. Centuries-old temples and ancient sites sit side by side with 21st-century shopping malls that have a kitschy, yet high-end ambience. Bangkok can be overwhelming, but it's also a fascinating city that represents Southeast Asia's tension between the developed and developing worlds.

Bangkok also serves as a gateway to many other parts of Thailand . From here, you can hop a short flight to Phuket, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, and other popular destinations. You can also board a train or hop on a bus for little money, and visit national treasures such as Ayutthaya , Lopburi, and many other gems around the country.

Discover the best things to do in this bustling city with our list of the top attractions in Bangkok.

1. Admire the Beauty of the Grand Palace

3. wat arun, 4. wat traimit, temple of the golden buddha, 5. wat suthat, 6. giant swing, 7. national museum & wang na palace, 8. stock up on authentic souvenirs at chatuchak market, 9. shop by boat at the damnoen saduak floating market, 10. discover khao san road, 11. jim thompson house, 12. walk around lumpini park, 13. shop at terminal 21, 14. experience street food stalls, 15. take a river cruise, 16. step inside the temple of the emerald buddha, 17. pass through wat mahathat, 18. explore chinatown, 19. ride the skytrain, 20. shop at iconsiam, 21. take a muay thai lesson, 22. visit kalayanamit, 23. indulge at a spa, 24. check into a luxury hotel, where to stay in bangkok for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to bangkok, map of tourist attractions in bangkok, best time to visit bangkok, thailand.

If you only visit one major historical tourist attraction in Bangkok, this should be the one. The royal compound lives up to its name, with spectacular structures that would put the most decadent modern monarchs to shame.

Built in 1782, the grand palace was the royal residence for generations and is still used for important ceremonies and accommodating heads of state. Dress modestly when visiting the Grand Palace, which basically means covering your arms and legs and avoiding any sloppy attire.

To avoid any hassle and to make the most of your visit, take the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew Tour . This is a half-day sightseeing tour, either morning or afternoon, with pickup from your hotel and a local guide to put what you are seeing in context. Without a guide, it's easy to miss important features or not fully understand the relevance of what you are seeing, and the hotel pickup makes the whole experience that much simpler.

Location: Na Phra Lan Road, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon

• Read More: Exploring Bangkok's Grand Palace: A Visitor's Guide

Located immediately south of the Grand Palace precinct, Wat Pho makes an excellent addition to your palace tour, provided your feet are up for more walking.

The temple was built by King Rama I and is the oldest in Bangkok. It has long been considered a place of healing, and was famous centuries ago for its pharmacy and as Thailand's first "university"-both established by King Rama III. You can get a Thai or foot massage at the traditional medical school on the premises, but the prices are significantly higher than what you will find at massage parlors elsewhere in the city.

Today Wat Pho is best known for the Temple of the Reclining Buddha , where you'll find a statue so big (45 meters long and 15 meters high), it cannot be viewed in its entirety but only appreciated in sections. The soles of the feet, inlaid with a myriad of precious stones, are particularly beautiful. Look also for the long earlobes signifying noble birth, and the lotus-bud configuration of the hand to symbolize purity and beauty.

Address: 2 Sanamchai Road, Grand Palace Subdistrict, Pranakorn District

Wat Arun is something of a triumphant complex, dating back to the time of ancient battles between the former Siam and Burma. Having fallen to the Burmese, Ayutthaya was reduced to rubble and ashes, but General Taksin and the remaining survivors vowed to march "until the sun rose again" and to build a temple here. Wat Arun, the Temple of the Dawn, was that temple. It is where the new king later built his royal palace and a private chapel.

If you climb to the top of the prang just before sunset, you will be rewarded with an unforgettable view as the sun sinks over the Chao Praya River. Even if you don't plan on doing any climbing, sunset is really the time to take in this place in all its glory.

Address: Arun Amarin Road, Bangkok

Sheer luck (or lack thereof) makes this attraction special. During the 1950s, the East Asiatic Company purchased the land around the temple.

A condition of the sale was the removal of a plaster statue of Buddha, but the statue proved too heavy for the crane being used. The cable parted and the figure was dropped, being left overnight where it fell. It happened to be in the rainy season, and when next morning some monks walked past, they noticed a glint of gold shining through the plaster. The coating was removed, revealing a 3.5-meter Buddha cast from 5.5 tons of solid gold.

All attempts to trace the origin of this priceless statue have so far failed, but it is assumed to date from the Sukhothai period, when marauding invaders threatened the country and its treasures, and it became common practice to conceal valuable Buddha figures beneath a coating of plaster. No one knows how it came to Bangkok, but here it stands, available for the admiration of visitors from all over the world.

Wat Suthat, adjacent to the Great Swing , is one of the oldest and most beautiful of Bangkok's Buddhist temples. Three kings had a hand in its construction: it was begun soon after the coronation of Rama I (founder of the Chakri dynasty) in 1782, continued by Rama II, and completed 10 years later by Rama III.

Apart from its delightful architecture, the temple boasts some exceptionally interesting wall paintings. Wat Suthat is less popular than some of the other temple complexes in the city, so you'll enjoy a more peaceful and intimate experience here.

Address: Bamrung Muang Road, Sao Chingcha, Phra Nakhon

In the center of the busy square in front of Wat Suthat stands one of Bangkok's most eye-catching sights: the 27-meter-high teak frame of the so-called Giant Swing. Built in the 1700s to be used as part of traditional Brahmin (Hinduist) ceremonies, the swing was later damaged by lightning and became just decorative.

This used to be the focus of a religious ceremony held every year in December after the rice harvest. Teams of three took turns to balance on a dangerously narrow board and be swung 25 meters or more off the ground "up to Heaven," at which point they would attempt to catch a bag of silver coins in their teeth. King Rama VII banned the contest in 1932, following a number of fatal accidents.

History buffs will want to devote at least half a sightseeing day to the national museum. Until the mid-1970s, this was Thailand's only museum, which explains why its collection is so big and diverse.

Fortunately, just about every exhibit is labeled in Thai and English and guided tours are also offered in English, so you won't miss out on any of the country's fascinating ancient and contemporary history.

King Rama I's Wang Na Palace, located within the grounds of the museum, remains essentially as it was, and stands as a testament to Thai history. Visitors can see regalia, religious and ceremonial artifacts, ceramics, games, weaponry, musical instruments, and the Viceroy's throne, as well as an impressive collection of Buddha figures arranged according to period.

Address: Na Phra That Road, Bangkok

This sprawling semi-outdoor weekend market is the largest in the world and one of the top things to do when visiting Bangkok. Shoppers can find everything from jewelry and religious icons to pet supplies, paper lamps, and delicious street food here. Chatuchak Market is home to over 15,000 stalls offering just about anything you can dream up-even better, any souvenir you might want is probably available here at a much cheaper price than anywhere else in Bangkok.

This is a great place to mingle with locals and immerse yourself in everyday Thai life, so arrive early and clear your schedule for the rest of the day if you want to do this place justice.

The market is adjacent to the Kamphaengpecth Station (MRT), about a five-minute walk from Mochit Skytrain (BTS) Station and Suan Chatuchak (Chatuchak Park) Station (MRT)

For an even more interesting market experience, you can arrange a tour to Damnoen Saduak, a famous floating market located in Ratchaburi (about 1.5 hours outside Bangkok). The popularity of floating markets once earned Bangkok the nickname "Venice of the East."

Keep in mind that floating markets are now highly touristic enterprises, so don't expect an exclusive morning of shopping by boat – but you will be able to buy fresh and delicious foods and interact with locals in an authentic way.

The best way to reach the market is to join a tour such as the Floating Markets Cruise Day Trip from Bangkok , which takes about six hours and includes pickup right from your hotel and transport in an air-conditioned coach.

This is Bangkok's infamous backpacker district, a neighborhood jam-packed with guesthouses, food vendors, clothing stalls, and travelers from every corner of the globe. You'll need to tap into your patience when hanging out here, because while it is colorful and exciting in its own way, the crowds and scents and blaring music can test even the calmest soul.

All that said, Khao San Road is also a great place to pick up a few pairs of baggy fisherman pants, the perennial staple of every backpacker's wardrobe when trekking through Thailand; browse the treasures in a used bookstore; and dig into some delicious Indian food from a neighborhood restaurant.

The historic home of a "self-made American entrepreneur" who disappeared while traveling in Malaysia now stands as a relic of an older time in Bangkok. Jim Thompson settled in Thailand after spending time there as a serviceman around the end of WWII and quickly became a well-known name in the Thai silk industry.

Thompson was awarded the Order of the White Elephant, an important honor given to foreigners who have made significant contributions to Thailand. Thompson's home has been turned into a museum offering insights into his life and business, as well as the history of the city and the Thai silk industry.

Address: 6 Soi Kasemsan 2, Rama 1 Road, Bangkok

Lumpini Park provides visitors with a green oasis amid the traffic and chaos of Bangkok. Hang out on one of several lawn areas, enjoy the shade of a Chinese pagoda, or take a boat out on the lake. Lumpini Park is a great place to spend an afternoon enjoying the contrast of the tranquil park with the skyscrapers rising all around it.

Note that the park has been the site of anti-government protests that have occasionally turned violent in the past, so be sure to check on the current political situation before visiting. Keep an eye out for the massive Asian water monitors as well-they can often be found taking a stroll around the lake.

Location: Rama IV Road, between Ratchadamri and Witthayu (Wireless) roads

Don't let the airport-like name fool you. This shopping mall is one of the best places to visit in Bangkok if you're looking for a mix of local and international brands, as well as plenty of unique buys.

Terminal 21 is unique in more ways than one – even by Thailand's shopping standards. Every floor of the mall has been themed to a different international city. Enter at the level of the BTS station and you'll be in Paris; go up a floor and it's Tokyo; another floor and you're staring at the iconic red phone booths of London. The Caribbean, San Francisco, and Istanbul also figure into the design theme.

Other malls of note include the high-end Siam Paragon , and adjacent Siam Discovery , which has more moderately priced chains; fun cafés; and the super luxurious Virgin Active Siam Discovery , self-dubbed "the largest gym in Southeast Asia." Here, visitors can rock climb, try anti-gravity yoga, or visit the unique "Sleep Pod" rooms for the ultimate in relaxation.

To really experience Bangkok, you have to try the local cuisine. You haven't really "done" the city without chowing down on grilled meats and fish, spicy noodles, fresh fruit, and curries. If you think you know Thai food, you're in for a surprise. Whatever you've tried before is nothing like the dishes you'll find here.

You'll have no trouble at all finding vendors to tempt you with treats all around Bangkok and help you live through a quintessential Thailand experience, tucking into a delicious (if mysterious) meal, surrounded by the chaos and heat of the city.

Surprisingly, some of the best street food in Bangkok is on Khao San Road – both in the little stalls lining up the street and in the small shacks and restaurants just off the main road selling pad Thai, pad see ew, and mango sticky rice.

The Chao Phraya River is Bangkok's heartline. Known as the "river of kings," this major waterway will allow you to discover some of the city's most stunning temples and monuments from a completely new angle.

In the evening, you can jump on a dinner cruise to see the lit-up city skyline as you sail along the Grand Palace and Wat Arun and under the Rama VIII Bridge.

During the day, take advantage of Bangkok's many ferries and express boats, which depart from Sathorn Pier and will stop right at the ports of major tourist attractions, including Wat Arun and Ratchawongse. Local canal boats (khlong Saen Saep) are used by the locals to commute to work and are a great way to see the real Bangkok, as the boats zigzag through small canals and behind residential buildings.

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, or Wat Phra Kaew, is located on the grounds of Bangkok's Grand Palace. It is regarded as one of the most sacred Buddhist temples in the Kingdom of Thailand. The temple itself is simply spectacular, as is the Buddha statue itself, which is carved out of bright green jade.

For such a massive reputation, significance, and shrine, the statue itself is rather small. But it has been sitting on its perch since 1784. Hundreds of thousands of tourists and pilgrims pass through the gates to the temple every hear in order to view the statue.

Prior to taking up residence here at the Grand Palace, the Emerald Buddha traveled for centuries across Southeast Asia, from India and Sri Lanka to Cambodia and Laos. It was one of the most important treasures for King Rama I, who reigned from 1782 to 1809. In fact, when the capital of Thailand was moved from Ayutthaya to Bangkok, it was partly done so that this statue had a permanent home.

Not far from the Grand Palace is one of the most important temples in Thailand: Wat Mahathat. Not to be confused with the temple of the same name in the historic city of Ayutthaya, Bangkok's Wat Mahathat is deeply significant to the culture and history of Thailand – in fact, it is the final resting place of King Rama IX.

The temple was constructed before the city of Bangkok was founded. Built in 1782, today it is home to one of the largest schools of Buddhism, dedicated to the Mahanikai school, Thailand's largest monastic order.

The temple complex is rather large and may appear confusing, as it is home to several school buildings and offices, but if you press on towards the center, you'll find the temples, which are packed with golden images and statues of Buddha. In fact, it has one of the largest collections of Buddha's image than most other temples in Bangkok.

Of Bangkok's many colorful and diverse neighborhoods, Chinatown stands out as one of its most exciting. In fact, Bangkok's Chinatown is one of the largest Chinatowns in the world, and, as it so happens, one of the best.

The main artery of Chinatown is Yaowarat Road. This energetic thoroughfare and its side streets are slammed with restaurants, food carts, gold stores, cafés, herb shops, fruit stalls, and so much more. If you've come to Chinatown to eat, then you'll want to wait until the sun sets, when the entire neighborhood explodes with food stalls overflowing with mouthwatering treats.

Chinatown is slowly revamping, as well. Today you'll find more "fine dining" dim sum houses and swanky hotels than before. Still, the energy is always swirling and chaotic, but it's always one of the most beautiful parts of Bangkok.

Bangkok is famous for many things, and one of them, unfortunately, is the traffic. To go a short distance can sometimes take upwards of half an hour. Fortunately, visitors to Bangkok have a very easy, convenient, and time-efficient option: the Bangkok Skytrain.

Bangkok's BTS Skytrain is truly a game changer. It opened in 1999 and has quickly become the most popular way to get around the city. Travelers love it for its speed, cleanliness, air-conditioning, and price.

The Skytrain does not go everywhere in the city, but it does cover two of the most important areas: Sukhumvit and Silom. Silom will take you from the National Stadium through Silom and Sathorn and out to Bang Wa in the suburbs. Th Sukhumvit line will run from Mo Chit in the north to the eastern province of Samut Prakan.

You can purchase individual tickets, or use a Rabbit Card, which is a pre-paid card that can be loaded as often as you need it.

The BTS Skytrain is absolutely better than sitting in Bangkok traffic, but just be aware that it does not go everywhere in the city, and it stops running at midnight.

Bangkok loves its luxury shopping centers, but none is as popular (or large) as the riverfront ICONSIAM. Perched on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, the 750,000-square-meter mega-mall is a destination in its own right.

The mall is divided into three main sections: ICONSIAM, ICONLUXE, and Siam Takashimaya. Inside each section are further zones that have been designated to highlight parts of Thailand's culture and design. SookSiam, for example, has brought together art, culture, tradition, and food from its many different provinces. It houses more than 3,000 local businesses from all over Thailand.

The facility also has seven dining zones, outdoor park space, and retail devoted to fashion, beauty, health & fitness, Thai crafts, and more. Visiting ICONSIAM is so much more than a day of shopping. It really is a Bangkok (and Thailand) experience.

Address: 299 Charoen Nakhon Rd, Khlong Ton Sai, Khlong San, Bangkok 10600

Official site: https://www.iconsiam.com/th

Thailand's national martial art, Muay Thai, is famous around the world. Also known as "Thai boxing," the combat sport is known as the "art of eight limbs" because it uses combinations of shins, knees, elbows, and fists.

It's a complicated and challenging sport, but those who practice are devoted to the art. If you're coming to Bangkok, it is the perfect place to get your feet wet in the sport and learn from those who have mastered it.

Many gyms across Thailand, but in Bangkok in particular, offer May Thai training. It is a mecca for May Thai fans, where you will find the best stadiums, gyms, and gear. Bu you'll also find gyms suited to beginners, as well.

Gazing across the Chao Phraya River at Wat Arun, another beautiful, sprawling temple complex may catch your eye. What you're looking at is Wat Kalayanamit. This historic temple was founded in 1825 by a nobleman and a friend of King Rama III.

The most eye-catching structure from across the river is the ordination hall, inside of which sits a massive Buddha image. It is one of the largest images of Buddha in the city. The temple is a combination of both Chinese and Thai architecture, including chedis, pavilions, and statues.

Though not one of the most-visited temples by tourists, it is certainly beautiful and worth a visit because of its historic architecture, the massive Buddha statue, and a 13-ton bell in the bell tower, which is the largest bronze bell in Thailand. It is still an active temple, as well, with monks that live on the site.

One of the many things Thailand is famous for is its affordable spa culture. Whether it's a casual pop-in for a stretchy Thai massage or a full-on day of bliss at a luxury spa, Bangkok has a facility to fill whatever you're looking for.

A traditional Thai massage is the best introduction into Thai spa culture. This style of massage has been around for more than 2,000 years. It's a dry massage, meaning it does not use oils. Instead, the therapists use stretching and rocking techniques to improve flexibility, relieve tension and promote blood circulation.

Thai massage can be used to help alleviate many ailments, from headaches and back pain to flexibility and joint stiffness. You can find affordable Thai massage parlors all over the city of Bangkok. Most massages will be less than 300 Thai baht.

Or you can check into some of the more high-end options for entire menus of treatments, body scrubs, and wraps. Clinique La Prairie, for example, has opened a new treatment center in Bangkok in The St. Regis Bangkok . This wellness center combines both wellness programs with nutrition and medicine to help patients achieve a more well-rounded, balanced life.

Speaking of high-end and luxury, if you can swing a stay at one of Bangkok's many luxury hotels it will be a game-changing experience. Bangkok has no shortage of opulent five-star hotels, from the historic and classic Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok to the sleek, chic, newer Capella Bangkok .

Bangkok has plenty of budget-friendly options and hotels across the spectrum, but there is something about a luxury hotel stay in Bangkok that truly makes the experience magical. Many five-star hotels in Bangkok have world-renowned restaurants, like the two-Michelin-starred Le Normandie by Alain Roux at the Mandarin Oriental. Others have fabulous spas, gorgeous pools, and rooms with spectacular views.

Whether on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, or overlooking Lumpini Park, Bangkok has dozens of five-star hotels that will make your visit a trip to remember.

Bangkok is a big city with many areas where visitors can stay and still have good access to sightseeing, shopping, and dining. Many of the top-end hotels are in the historic Riverside area. Not far away, budget-minded travelers and backpackers often frequent the Khao San Road area, which lies in close proximity to some of the major sites, including the Grand Palace, Wat Phra, Wat Pho, and museums.

Sukhumvit is a more modern area with good shopping and easy access to other parts of the city on the Skytrain. This is a good place to find mid-range hotels. Below are some popular hotels in these key areas:

Luxury Hotels:

• One of the best hotels in Bangkok is the ultra-posh Mandarin Oriental in Riverside, with a great location, beautiful pools, and several restaurants, including the Riverside Terrace overlooking the Chao Phraya River.
• Still luxurious but more affordable is the SO/ Bangkok , with great rooms and amenities in a decent location.
• For luxury accommodation in Sukhumvit, the popular boutique hotel, Ariyasomvilla , is a good choice with a variety of room styles, all tastefully decorated. This is a modern hotel with old-world charm in a tranquil setting with a lovely pool and grounds.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• A more reasonably priced option in Riverside is the Chatrium Hotel Riverside , overlooking the river. This hotel has a beautiful infinity pool and several restaurants.
• The Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers offers well-appointed rooms and world-class service at a very affordable price. There's also two outdoor pools and five on-site restaurants to enjoy here.
• Also popular is the Glow Pratunam , with a convenient location and decent prices.

Budget Hotels :

• For location, it's hard to beat the Adamaz House , just a short walk off Khao San Road and close to some of the city's most important attractions. The hotel has basic but clean rooms.
• The Phranakorn-Nornlen is a very popular budget to mid-range hotel with a good location and a bed-and-breakfast feel.
• Located in Sukhumvit is the Smart Suites , with budget prices and quality rooms.
• Consider a Tour: To spare yourself the trouble of bargaining for everything and trying to find a taxi that will actually take you where you want to go, a guided tour might be the most practical option. It will save you both time and aggravation-and you'll also get the benefit of having a knowledgeable guide along for the adventure. To see the most famous temples, including the reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, take a Private Guided Temples Tour .
• Be Prepared to Bargain : This applies as much to taxi rides as market shopping. Taxi drivers in Bangkok are notorious for overcharging, so agree on a price before getting in. You can also insist that they use their meter, but then watch it carefully to make sure it's not jumping around, as some have been rigged to run faster than they should.
• Take Advantage of Public Transportation : Even with an honest cabbie, rides can get expensive in Bangkok's traffic. Bangkok has a good public transportation system, with both above-ground and underground trains covering a good portion of the city. Buses can take a while because of traffic jams, but trains provide a quick, easy, and cheap way to get around. The system is user-friendly, very affordable, and takes little time to figure out, so take advantage of it while you're in town.
• Be Prepared for the Brutal Heat . There's no sea breeze here to help with the burning temperatures, and no break from the humidity when you're walking the streets of Bangkok. So if you're out for the day, plan on mixing some indoor shopping along the way for some air-conditioned relief. Stay hydrated at all times and wear plenty of sunblock. Choose cotton and linen clothing and grab an umbrella or hat when you're at Chatuchak Market for some extra sun protection.
• Watch Out for Scams: As mentioned above, taxi drivers often try to overcharge or insist that their meters don't work. Use your judgment and walk away from anyone who doesn't seem trustworthy. Another scam to watch out for involves a driver or supposed tour guide who agrees to take you one place and starts making stops along the way, usually at a gem store or a tailor. Drivers get a commission when they bring in tourists, but these places are often overpriced and not worth visiting. Insist that the driver takes you to your original destination, or tell them you're leaving. This will usually get things back on track, but if it doesn't, you'll find another cab quickly enough.

Bangkok's weather is tropical all year-round, which translates to long, hot days no matter what time of the year you arrive. If you'd like a bit of a break in temperatures (high 20s instead of high 30s Celsius), December and January are the best time to visit Bangkok weather-wise . But overall, you will not be disappointed with the weather if you visit Bangkok between November and March. Because Bangkok is still very much a tropical destination, the weather can often have a mind of its own. The heavy monsoon rains taper down in early November, and the holiday crowds don't arrive till late December, so you'll see slightly cooler, drier weather and smaller crowds. Bear in mind, however, that the time between November and January is high season, so hotel rates and airfare will be at their highest.

If your plan is to head south to the islands after a stop in Bangkok, arriving between November and April guarantees the best beach and water conditions. In Bangkok, where everything's air-conditioned, and many of the attractions are at least partially indoors, there's no such thing as "the worst time to visit." For example, arriving during the wettest months might seem inconvenient, but it guarantees shorter lines at the main attractions and lower prices almost everywhere.

If you want a peek into local culture, the two major Thai festivals occur in April and November. April is the Songkran festival , which is Thailand's most famous festival. It's the traditional Thai New Year festival, and it's a time when the entire country erupts with celebration. November hosts the Loi Krathong, which is the time to thank the Water Goddess for her abundance, as well as ask forgiveness for the human pollution of the bodies of water. It's a beautiful festival held all over the country, marked by thousands of lanterns that are released into the night sky. In December, all the major shopping areas in Bangkok get decked for Christmas, even though it's not traditionally celebrated in Thailand.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Bangkok & Beyond: No visit to Bangkok is complete without a proper tour of the Grand Palace, the former residence of kings and now a massive museum. For tips on what to see inside the palace, take a look at our article, Exploring Bangkok's Grand Palace: A Visitor's Guide . Ready to explore outside Bangkok? Find out how to get to popular Ayutthaya in our article, From Bangkok to Ayutthaya: Best Ways to Get There .

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The 18 Best Things to Do in Bangkok

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Sprawling Bangkok, a metropolis of more than 8 million people, often gets overlooked by travelers to Southeast Asia who land briefly in the city before heading off to beaches in the south or more peaceful Chiang Mai in the north. But these travelers are missing out. Bangkok is bustling and cosmopolitan, a unique melange of centuries-old history in the form of palaces and temples and towering bars and billion-dollar shopping centers. There are seemingly endless things to do in the City of Angels.

Admire the Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew

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Thailand's most important Buddha statue lives in an astounding temple complex on the grounds of Bangkok's Grand Palace. If you've seen the enormous Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, you might be surprised to see that the Emerald Buddha pales in size. At just 26 inches tall, the seated Buddha is sacred in Thai culture and may only be touched by the king. The site is home to many other interesting artifacts too, including a curious model of Angkor Wat, constructed in the late 1800s by King Mongkut.

Visit the Jim Thompson House

Fabrizio Vendramin / Getty Images

Whether you know the story of Jim Thompson or not, a visit to his stunning home is a must-do in Bangkok. Thompson, an American who single-handedly started the Thai silk industry after World War II, built an elaborate compound of Thai-style teak houses on a khlong (canal) across from Bangkrua, where his weavers worked. Thompson mysteriously disappeared in Cambodia in 1967, shortly after his home's completion, but luckily, the site—and Thompson's immense collection of Asian art—has been preserved for all to enjoy.

Shop a Floating Market

Igor Prahin / Getty Images

Floating markets are a massive draw for many visitors to Bangkok, but beware that you might be disappointed. Unfortunately, these markets are over-populated by tourists, so if you go expecting an incredibly authentic experience, you might be disheartened by the overabundance of vendors selling photo ops with animals or floppy sunhats. Still, an early morning visit to a floating market can be an enjoyable experience. Skip the overcrowded Damnoen Saduak market and instead head to Tha Kha. While it's a slightly further drive (it takes about 90 minutes each way), you'll find fewer cheesy souvenirs and much better food, including the famous boat noodles.

Stroll Through a Retail Palace at IconSIAM

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

Completed in 2018 to the tune of $1.5 billion, IconSIAM is a retail giant among Bangkok's shopping centers . You can expect to find every major American and European retailer here—and then some. IconSIAM is home to the city's first Apple store and a unique indoor floating market. The downstairs food court has more than 100 different dining options and excellent options for Thai gifts. A free and convenient water taxi runs from the pier near the BTS Skytrain Saphan Taksin Station.

Get a Glimpse of Local Life Along Bangkok's Canals

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Bangkok's khlongs (canals) are crucial to everyday life for many Thai people. You'll still see wooden stilt houses along many of them, as well as small shops selling groceries and more. One of the most fascinating and unique ways to see what life is like here is to take a long-tailed boat ride along the canals. Most of these tours focus on Thonburi, west of the Chao Praya, and near Wat Arun. On a tour, you'll typically pass the Royal Thai Barge Museum, an orchid farm, or, if you go on a weekend, the Taling Chan floating market.

Have a Drink in the Sky

Courtesy of Lebua

For a bird's-eye view of Bangkok, head up 820 feet to Sky Bar at Lebua . One of the world's tallest rooftop bars, Sky Bar might look familiar since it played a prominent role in "The Hangover: Part II," but even if you're not a movie fan, the views alone are still cinematic. Grab a drink or have dinner at one of Lebua's sister establishments, which include the Michelin-starred Mezzaluna and the newly-opened, state-of-the-art Chef's Table, where Vincent Thierry, who manned the kitchen at Hong Kong's three-star Caprice, now runs the show.

Explore the Immense Chatuchak Weekend Market

It's easy to get lost in this enormous market, where vendors line-up to sell everything from elephant pants to live animals. With more than 15,000 stalls, it pays to have a plan when you visit. Go early (Bangkok's hot!), know what you want to buy, and get a map. While the market is a great place for Thai silk, housewares, and cheap and cheerful clothing, some vendors illegally sell wildlife or products made from animal materials like ivory or coral. Avoid these things entirely and also be mindful of any items displaying Buddha, as it's illegal to export these from the country.

See How Royalty Lives at the Grand Palace

It's hot and crowded, yet tourists still flock to Bangkok's Grand Palace. The massive complex, home to the Emerald Buddha and several other impressive buildings is model after the Grand Palace in Ayutthaya, Siam's original capital until the Burmese destroyed it in 1767. If you go, go early—the grounds open at 8:30 a.m.—so you can beat some of the crowds and a little bit of the heat.

Make New Friends on Khao San Road

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If you want to hang out with other tourists—and, hey, maybe you do!—head to Khao San Road. A long-time hub for backpackers and other budget travelers, bustling Khao San Road is lined with bars, restaurants, shops, hostels, and more. It's touristy, yes, but if you're looking to meet new friends in Bangkok or for a continuation of your trip, this is the place to do it.

Admire Wat Arun at Sunset

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Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan is one of Bangkok's most iconic temples , situated right on the bank of the Chao Praya. The 220-foot spire, also called a prang , is adorned with porcelain and colored glass and was constructed sometime during the Ayutthaya period. Visitors can climb to the top of the central tower, but the best views of Wat Arun are across the river at sunset—a truly iconic Bangkok scene.

Enjoy Green Space at Lumpini Park

 Mongkol Chuewong / Getty Images

In a city that seems overloaded with asphalt, Lumpini Park is a welcome retreat. Spanning more than 140 acres in the city's business district, the park welcomes visitors looking to golf, run, row around the lake, or relax away from the city's hustle and bustle. During the winter months, the orchestra serenades visitors on weekend evenings, and you can expect to see various groups and clubs gathering throughout the day.

Admire Wat Ben's Marble Facade

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A younger temple by Bangkok standards—it was built in 1899—Wat Benchamabophit Dusitvanaram is smaller than many but impressive in its style and architecture. Rama V spared no expense building Wat Ben, even importing thousands of pounds of Carrara marble from Italy for its facade. Inside, there's an image of the Phra Buddha Chinnarat, the base of which contain's Rama V's ashes. (Fun fact: This is the temple that you see on the reverse of the 5 baht coin.)

Have a Moving Meal in Chinatown

Laura Ratliff

Despite its name, Bangkok's Chinatown has more than just Chinese food. Yaowarat Road, lined on both sides with flashing lights and billboards advertising shark-fin soup and other delicacies, is the place to go for any visitor looking to try a whole lot of street food in a short period. Start with kaeng karii neua (beef curry) at Jek Pui before trying the elaborately stir-fried morning glory greens at Fikeaw Yao Wa-Rat. Then, for your main course, try the peppery pork noodle roll soup at Nai Ek Roll Noodle. If you're not too full, mango sticky rice from one of the many streetside vendors is the way to go. The entire meal will set you back less than $10.

Take a Dinner Cruise on the River

TripSavvy / Paula Galindo Valle

While an evening cruise of the Chao Praya can be an excellent way to see a different perspective on the city, most dinner cruises plowing the river offer far from relaxed experiences. You can see them from yards away, with their blaring music and flashing neon lights—not ideal if you just want to enjoy the sunset and admire the temples lit up at night. Supanniga Cruise , which launched in early 2019, aims to turn the loud dinner boat experience into a tranquil one, hosting just 40 guests on sunset cocktail, champagne, and dinner cruises. The latter includes a six-course menu and a welcome glass of champagne for 3,250 baht (around $107). Meanwhile, their sister restaurant, Suppaniga Eating Room , is among the most popular riverfront spots for getting that perfect sunset Instagram of Wat Arun.

See the Famous Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho

 Jeremy Villasis / Getty Images

Even if you know very little about Bangkok, you've likely seen or heard of Wat Pho's Reclining Buddha, a 150-foot gold-leafed Buddha in a sideways laying position. While this famous Buddha is undoubtedly impressive, Wat Pho's temple complex is home to four chapels containing nearly 400 gilded Buddha images and other fascinating artifacts. The complex was also the first public university in Thailand, where students would study religion, literature, and science. Today, it's known as a top center for Thai massage and traditional medicine, so if you have the time, don't skip getting a massage.

Learn About Thailand's Rich History at the Bangkok National Museum

  Samuel's Photograph / Getty Images

As the first public museum in Thailand, Bangkok's National Museum houses an extensive collection of Thai art and artifacts. In addition to Buddhist art from other countries in Southeast Asia, the museum's collection is home to a stone pillar inscribed by King Ramkamhaeng, believed to be the oldest record of Thai writing; Thai ceremonial chariots that are solely used for royal cremations; and the Phra Buddha Singh image, the second-most important Buddha image in Thailand.

See a Different Side of Thai Architecture

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Bangkok's Vimanmek Mansion shows off an entirely different side of Thai architecture alongside an excellent glimpse into royal life. The golden teak building was originally a summer home in Koh Si Chang but was dismantled and reconstructed in Bangkok's Dusit district in 1900. Built in the European style completely free from nails, the house is believed to be the largest golden teakwood building in the world. While no royals live there today, the palace is open to the public who can see many of the rooms where King Chulalongkorn the Great and King Rama V lived.

Shop a Local's Market

If you want to immerse yourself in Thai cuisine, visit Thewet Market. Like much of Bangkok, Thewet is a symphony for the senses: You'll spy piles of chilies, hear the sizzle of garlic and oil hitting the pan, and hear the chatter of locals shopping and haggling for their groceries. If you want to learn how to whip up a Thai dish yourself ( yum som-o , anyone?), find a cooking class that starts with a trip to the market. The luxurious Siam offers guests an excursion that includes a tuk-tuk ride to the market and shopping with the chef before returning to the hotel to cook lunch in a traditional teak house.

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Places to Visit in Bangkok

• Places To Visit

Bangkok Tourist Places

Here are some of the best places to visit in bangkok:.

Dream World Amusement Park

The Dream World theme park features amusement park rides, vibrant displays, candy floss, flowery gardens, waterworks, a snow park, and entertainment performances in a bright, lively atmosphere. With over seven enormous zones and 40 rides, Dream World provides a terrific family experience. It also offers amazing shooting options thanks to the amusement park's refreshing scenery and well-maintained park amenities.

Top Experiences To Do in Dream World Amusement Park

Safari World Zoo

Located in Khlong Sam Wa , the Safari World, within an area of 170 acres is a drive-in zoological park divided into two parts. The first is the Safari Park to house a large variety of animals like zebra, deer, giraffe, birds tigers lions, bears, etc. in a natural habitat. The second is the Marine Park which hosts events like the famous dolphin show. The Safari world zoo is the perfect place for families with children to visit in Thailand. Come face to face with thousands of rare and endangered species roaming freely in their natural habitat. The park provides a coach service for visitors who do not drive in.

Timings: Opens daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Price: The approximate price ranges from 50 Baht to 350 Baht. 

Top Experiences To Do in Safari World Zoo

Maha Nakhon Skywalk

Step through the glass-floored King Power Mahanakhon Tower's Skywalk for a spectacular panoramic view of Bangkok. You may feel like you're on top of the world as you stand on the roof of one of the city's tallest buildings, taking in the sights of Bangkok's bustling streets. You will be awestruck by the sight of a mesmerizingly serene sunset painting the sky with orange colours.

Top Experiences To Do in Maha Nakhon Skywalk

Best of Thailand

The Grand Palace

The brilliant, majestic Grand Palace is one of the most sought after monuments and heritage sites in Bangkok. Served as the Thai King's residence for about 150 years in the past, the monument stands as a testament to the brilliant creativity and skill of the Thai people and it still happens to be the spiritual core of Thailand.

Top Experiences To Do in The Grand Palace

Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World

SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World is one of Southeast Asia's largest underwater aquariums. The Underwater Ocean Tunnel provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see 400+ marine species, including beautiful sharks. Witness and photograph uncommon marine species such as water rats, otters, and penguins, as well as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to feed them with your hands.

Top Experiences To Do in Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World

Madame tussauds.

Originally founded in 1835, Madame Tussauds is a globally renowned chain of museums displaying wax figures of famous celebrities including actors, musicians and politicians. This unique wax museum offers different themed zones displaying some of the biggest personalities in the field of theater, art, politics, history and science. Experience activities like Picaso painting, photography, etc. here with your loved ones.

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Chatuchak Market

Chatuchak Market, known as the world's largest weekend market, is home to approximately 15,000 stalls selling everything from clothing to jewelry, shoes, accessories, arts, antiques, along with plants and pets. After a day of shopping, guests can satiate themselves with food and beverages at one of the area's restaurants or ease their weary muscles with a relaxing Thai massage.

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Siam Park City

Siam Park City, located in Bangkok's Khan Na Yao district, is Southeast Asia's largest theme and water park. With over 30 rides, a wax museum, floral gardens, a zoo, and more, the amusement park provides the greatest holiday experience. It sweeps you away from the bustle of city life and allows you to unwind and enjoy yourself, making it the most peaceful way to spend a summer vacation.

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Floating Market Bangkok

Almost every traveller visiting Bangkok for the first time has this ardent urge to visit these unique shopping areas conducted from the traditional boats. Despite the fact that sellers are more worried about tourists as compared to local people nowadays, the floating markets of Bangkok are still heaped with tropical fruits and vegetables, ready-to-drink coconut juice and local food cooked from floating kitchens found right on the vessel. 

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Erawan Museum

The Erawan Museum is immediately identifiable by its three-headed elephant construction that stands stoutly above the facility. The First Floor of the Museum depicts the theme of the underworld in Hindu mythology. The concept of Earth, or current life, is featured on the second floor, and the Third Floor portrays the concept of Tavatimsa Heaven.

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Siam Serpentarium

Siam Serpentarium is peerless and the first of its kind in Asia for having a snake world inside. This place overtures snake edutainment, which serves as a fantastic experience of snake civilization.

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The Jim Thompson House

Jim Thompson House Museum is situated in the heart of Bangkok and is dedicated to Jim Thompson, a silk merchant and an American entrepreneur. The place is a captivating museum displaying the rich legacy of Jim Thompson. The museum was first built in 1959, exhibiting a vast collection of Asian artifacts and art pieces that leave tourists spellbound.

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Wat Arun In Bangkok

Wat Arun or Temple of the Dawn is a sacred place of worship in Bangkok that dates back to the ancient Ayutthaya period. The beautiful architecture of the temple coupled with magnificent views of the river and beyond, makes it one of the most popular places to visit among tourists.

Ayutthaya City Park

Ayutthaya City Park, Thailand's largest shopping complex in the city of Ayutthaya. It stands out because of its modern design, which contrasts sharply with the remainder of the town's lovely old charm. It's a lovely spot to escape the heat in the afternoons and spend some time shopping and resting. Its serene, beautiful vibe comes from its simple modern style, wide spaces, and fountains.

Wat Phra Kaew

Also called the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Phra Kaew is considered as one of the most important tourist places in Chiang Rai. It houses the meticulously carved statue of the Emerald Buddha and beautifully decorated to leave every tourist enthralled to the core.

One can look forward to gathering a peaceful day by visiting Wat Phra Kaew and admire the striking craftsmanship and architecture of this beautiful temple when they are on a vacation with their loved ones in Chiang Rai.

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Giant Swing

The Giant Swing in Bangkok stands as a captivating symbol of the city's cultural heritage. This iconic landmark, located in the historic area of Phra Nakhon, dates back to the 18th century and was originally used in Brahmin ceremonies. Towering over the skyline, the Giant Swing is not only a historic marvel but also offers a glimpse into Thailand's religious traditions.

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Jim Thompson House And Suan Pakkad Palace Museum

Visit these sightseeing places in Bangkok to explore Thailand's architectural traditions and artwork. First, visit Suan Pakkad Palace - a former royal residence featuring eight traditional teakwood houses with a collection of Ban Chiang. Then head to Jim Thompson's house and museum to view his personal collection of fine arts and antiques.

The Temple of the Dawn or Wat Arun towers 260 ft above the Chao Phraya River. With fabulous views of the rising and setting sun, the temple is one of Bangkok's major tourist attractions after the Grand Palace.

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Bangkok Art And Culture Centre

The Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) is the epicentre of Bangkok's burgeoning art scene, showcasing the best Thai art, music, design, film, and theatre, as well as the modern art scene from around the world. Every hallway, gallery, store, and restaurant within the BACC has been designed to create an ideal cultural dialogue for every art aficionado.

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Art In Paradise

Art in Paradise is an "illusional" art museum which features ten different interactive galleries. Also, known as Trickeye museum, the galleries are loaded with superbly done paintings varying from Ride a Flying Carpet, Stairway to Hell to the Coronation of the Emperor.

Assumption Cathedral

Assumption Cathedral is one of the most significant and beautiful churches located in Bangkok. Visit this magnificent 200-year-old church with a stunning European architectural style, all completed with a baroque style ceiling decorated with motifs. Bronze statues of saints can also be seen both in the interior as well as exterior, along with sloped ceilings and frescos. 

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Wat Intharawihan

Wat Intharawihan, a hidden gem in Bangkok, stands tall as one of the city's most captivating temples. A soaring 32­metres high standing Buddha is what defines Wat Intharawihan, which borders Wisut Kasat road at the northern edge of Banglamphu. Known as the Luangpor Toh, building on this statue, built of brick and stucco, began in 1867 during the reign of King Rama IV. Decorated in glass mosaics and 24­carat gold, it took over 60 years to complete and is the tallest of its kind in the world. The Ubosot was built towards the end of the Ayutthaya period, and has several interesting Buddha images, elevated murals on the walls and lavishly gilded window shutters. Outside are unusually carved sema stones and tucked away in an alcove there's a lifelike model of Luang Phaw Toh, a famous monk. In the small museum are old Buddha images and various paintings.

Princess Mother Memorial Park

The Princess Mother Memorial Park stands as a serene tribute to the beloved Princess Srinagarindra, revered as the "Princess Mother" in Thailand. Nestled amidst lush gardens and tranquil ponds, the park reflects her grace and benevolence. Visitors can explore the museum showcasing her life's legacy and admire the intricate architecture of the memorial hall. Immerse yourself in the rich history and pay homage to a remarkable woman whose enduring spirit is eternally enshrined in this picturesque sanctuary.

Wat Benchamabophit Dusitwanaram

Wat Benchamabophit Dusitwanaram, also known as the Marble Temple, is a stunning Buddhist temple in Bangkok, Thailand. Constructed from Carrara marble imported from Italy, this architectural masterpiece combines Thai and European design elements, creating a unique and elegant structure. Inside, visitors can admire intricately carved statues and beautiful murals. The temple's peaceful ambiance, exquisite craftsmanship, and spiritual significance make it a must-visit attraction for anyone exploring the cultural and religious wonders of Bangkok.

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Pratunam Market

Pratunam Market is the largest clothing market of Thailand. One of the major and cheapest markets of Bangkok, you can also buy shoes, bags, watches, and other accessories in this market. Pratunam Market covers the entire space around and behind Amari Watergate. This is where the market gets its name, pratunam, that literally means ‘watergate’.

Dolphin Show

Dolphin show has always been a mass entertaining show, audiences of all ages are excited to watch these sea queens without any hesitation. Dolphins are amiable water animals with an emotional sensibility and a high intelligence quotient making them smart, curious and empathic.

Wat Maha Phruettharam Worawihan

Wat Maha Phruettharam Worawihan, also known as Wat Mahaprutharam is an ancient temple, built during the Ayutthaya era. The temple is located on the east side of the Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem and spreads over 14 hectares. Initially a resting place for water buffalo carts, the temple was originally known as Wat Tha Kwian. It was later renovated by King Rama IV, given the current name and status of a third-class royal temple.

Top Experiences To Do in Wat Maha Phruettharam Worawihan

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Siam Amazing Park

Siam Amazing Park, located in Bangkok, Thailand, is a sprawling amusement and water park offering an exhilarating escape for families and thrill-seekers alike. Spanning over 120 acres, the park boasts a plethora of attractions, including adrenaline-pumping roller coasters, water slides, and engaging shows.

Above Eleven

Located on the uppermost levels of the luxurious Fraser Suites Sukhumvit offering a distinctively stylish rooftop bar with spectacular views, the Above Eleven concept also introduced to the Bangkok dining scene its first authentic Peruvian cuisine restaurant. Some of the hottest culinary trends internationally such as London, Barcelona, and New York opening new Peruvian-themed venues or transforming their menus. With its culinary team headed by Peruvian native Chef Omar Frank Maruy, the authentic Peruvian­, Japanese fusion food known as Nikkei Cuisine served at Above Eleven has been particularly well­ received­ the crisply fresh seafood dishes, spicy salads, and chargrilled skewers, all designed to be shared, and appealing to the palates of a mixed clientele of residents, expats and visitors.

What do you feel about a lunch arranged by the side of the river bank market? Bang Khla is exactly one of this kind. Mostly structured as a small village in the district of Bang Khla, the Bang Khla Floating Market is a famous tourist market in Thailand. Nestled in the heart of Thailand, Bang Khla offers a serene escape from bustling city life, making it a must-visit destination on your Thailand tour. This quaint town, located in the Chachoengsao Province, captivates visitors with its picturesque landscapes and cultural charm.

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The Don Wai Floating Market is very famous in Bangkok, Thailand. Located on the outskirts of the City Capital, Don Wai Floating Market is a popular local market dealing with fresh farm Thai veggies and seafood.

The Royal Thai Elephant Museum

A national symbol and a deeply revered animal in Thailand remain to be the elephant. Tradition dictates that a white elephant should belong to the monarch and becomes their exclusive property. Considered a symbol of prestige and wealth, the white elephant is an albino of the Siamese elephant. the grounds of the Dusit Palace. Formally the building was used as the stables of the royal elephants, but today has been converted in to a museum, which is made up of two buildings.

Top Experiences To Do in The Royal Thai Elephant Museum

Democracy Monument

Democracy Monument is famous for its dramatic symbolism, superb construction, and vital position, which is connected to significant sites in the capital city. It is a historical attraction in Bangkok, a symbol of modern Thai history's revolutions, as well as a memorial to honour the Siamese Revolution of 1932, situated on the busy intersection of Ratchadamnoen Avenue, at Dinso Road.

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20 Best Places to Visit in Thailand — From the Country's Oldest National Park With Secret Waterfalls to Stunning Islands With Excellent Diving

There's no shortage of beautiful places to visit in Thailand.

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Thailand is so much more than a travel destination — visiting is a bona fide rite of passage. From hostel-hopping backpackers to well-heeled five-star hotel aficionados, there’s something for everyone in “The Land of Smiles.” 

My most recent trip to Thailand was in early 2022, when the country implemented strict entry requirements due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, I was one of a few hundred thousand tourists who were allowed into the country, and it felt like I had many of the typically crowded attractions all to myself.

The beauty of Thailand is that it will show you different sides of itself no matter how many times you visit. From the idyllic white-sand beaches and palm-fringed islands in the south to the misty hillsides and temple-peppered mountains of the north, the rattle and hum under neon lights of nonstop Bangkok, and the ruins of ancient cities surrounded by jungle, Thailand never disappoints.

So, what are the best places to visit in Thailand? I reached out to a Thailand travel expert and threw in a bit of my own first-person experience to help you narrow down this ever-growing list.

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For most travelers, an adventure in Thailand will likely kick off in the nonstop, energetic capital city, Bangkok. A dizzying destination and one of my favorite international cities, Bangkok is full-on sensory overload — but in the best way. Dig into sizzling street food; meander back alleys and bustling thoroughfares in search of small markets, shops, and hidden temples; cruise along the Chao Phraya River, and grab a cocktail at the dozens of sky-high rooftop bars. 

Tip: Book a room at the Capella Bangkok or Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok — two iconic luxury hotels with stunning locations perched on the Chao Phraya River.

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Second to Bangkok on most visitors’ lists is the northern city of Chiang Mai. Many travelers even prefer Chiang Mai to Bangkok for its relatively slower pace of life. The spectacular city is bursting with temples (Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a must) and humming with restaurants and bars. 

"I would say for anybody, whether it's their first time or a repeat trip to Thailand, if you have been there or you haven't, [you have to visit] Chiang Mai," said Grant Ekelund , Travel + Leisure A-List advisor and senior travel consultant and Asia specialist at InsideAsia. "It's such a neat city. It’s one of those destinations that has something for everyone … Are you a foodie? Do you want to hike? See cool temples? Have amazing trekking opportunities? It can all be done [here], and it slots into any itinerary perfectly."

Koh Phi Phi

Thailand has more than 1,400 islands scattered around its coastline, but few are as famous or iconic as the Phi Phi Islands in the Andaman Sea. Comprising two islands — Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh — Koh Phi Phi is known for its natural beauty, excellent diving, and raucous party scene. For the latter, Phi Phi Don is the most famous. Phi Phi Leh, meanwhile, is uninhabited and beloved by those looking to disappear into nature. It was blasted into the public eye about two decades ago, when Leonardo DiCaprio's character went in search of an island paradise in the film "The Beach," which is set in real-life Maya Bay.

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While we’re on the topic of Koh Phi Phi, we’d be remiss not to mention Krabi province as a whole. Located in southern Thailand, bordering the Andaman Sea, Krabi is home to many of the beautiful beaches and islands that make Thailand famous. 

"I've been booking many [trips to] Krabi lately," said Ekelund. "It ticks a lot of boxes for people. You've got the beauty, cool cliffs, and interesting geology. It has a beach, but it's for people who don't want to simply park it on the sand for 10 days. Krabi offers activities and more." Some highlights include the beach town of Ao Nang, as well as islands like Phuket, Koh Lanta, Koh Yao Yai, Koh Lipe, Railay Beach, and several national parks.

Koh Yao Noi

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My first trip to Thailand was to the small island of Koh Yao Noi back in 2013. One of the most beautiful islands in Phang Nga Bay, Koh Yao Noi is flecked off the coast of its sibling island, Koh Yao Yai. Sandy beaches and small fishing villages comprise most of the land here, along with the luxe Six Senses Yao Noi resort tucked along the eastern coast. The property’s infinity pool is legendary for its explosive sunrise views that blur the distinction between the sky and sea.

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Many Thai cities have the ability to make visitors feel like they’re stepping back in time. But few create the illusion as vividly as Ayutthaya. Once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam, the ruins of Ayutthaya are breathtaking and hauntingly beautiful. It’s only an hour from Bangkok, making it an easy day trip or a great overnight excursion.

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Sukhothai is another beautiful ancient city. "Sukhothai is for people who like history. I was taken by how beautiful the area is and how extensive the ruins are," said Ekelund. "We cycled around the ruins with a guide and got a great sense of the history. Sukhothai is much more rural and harder to reach, meaning it has fewer tourists. You also don't have a city built up around it."

Mae Hong Son Loop

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Of all the places I've visited in Thailand, none stick with me as much as the Mae Hong Son Loop. This 300-mile route is most often tackled by travelers on the back of motorbikes looking to brave the mountain switchbacks that descend into the thick jungle and pass from small village to small village. It's not a journey to be taken lightly — motorbike experience is strongly recommended — but those who make the trip are rewarded with spectacular scenery and access to remote communities.

Khao Yai National Park

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Thailand has more than 100 national parks. The oldest is Khao Yai National Park, which also happens to be the country's third-largest. Within the park lies a web of hiking trails, secret waterfalls, and herds of elephants.

"Khao Yai has a lot of bat caves, too, which is one of the coolest things I've ever experienced," said Ekelund. "I stood there for 30 minutes while an unending stream of bats flew over my head. It was all so beautiful. It's a beautiful park with waterfalls, trekking, and hiking. Plus, it's just a couple of hours [by car] from Bangkok."

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Approximately two hours southeast of Chiang Mai is the city of Lampang. Much like many large cities in Thailand, Lampang has its fair share of temples, street food, and markets. But unlike the others, it feels like a place where time has stood still. Just listen for the sound of clip-clopping horse carts, still used for transportation, and you'll understand what I mean. Because of Lampang's integral role in the teak trade, many migrants from Myanmar made this northern city home, and you'll find teak mansions and Burmese-style temples everywhere.

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Chiang Rai, a northern Thai city, is often glossed over as most visitors opt to stop in Chiang Mai instead. "I am always struck by how chill Chiang Rai is," said Ekelund. "It's a relaxing place to be and has cool stuff to do. It's a great city to walk through the neighborhoods and see people living their daily lives. I enjoyed the mountains, nearby villages, and opportunities for cultural exchange."

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No list of best places to visit in Thailand would be complete without Phuket. While Phuket has a reputation for being crowded with resort after resort, the truth is it’s for a reason — the island is a beautiful place to be. Thailand's largest and most easily accessible island brings visitors in by the millions each year for its wide array of hotels, white-sand beaches, parties in Patong, colorful snorkeling, and eclectic culinary scene.

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Thailand’s second most popular island sits off the country’s eastern coast in the Gulf of Thailand. Koh Samui is wreathed in bone-white sandy beaches, peppered with temples, veined with hiking trails, and splashed with fabulous resorts and energetic beach towns and villages.

"It's hard to beat Koh Samui. It's just beautiful," said Ekelund. "If you want easy access without a full resort stay, I recommend Anantara Bophut . You can walk to Fisherman's Village, and you won’t feel like you're 'stuck' at a resort. If you want a full resort experience, I like Banyan Tree Samui for its private beach and spectacular rooms."

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The tiny island of Koh Tao, located in the Gulf of Thailand and not too far from Koh Samui, is one of the country’s best locations for diving and snorkeling. In fact, most avid divers will tell you that Koh Tao is their destination of choice in Thailand. The palm-fringed island is best known for its abundance of sea turtles.

Kanchanaburi

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Shrouded in thick jungle and sliced by miles of track belonging to what was once known as the “Death Railway,” Kanchanaburi has a dark and tragic history. The infamous train route, which crosses the River Kwai, was built from 1940 to 1943 by prisoners of war taken by the Japanese in World War II. Today, only a small section of the rail route is open and takes travelers on a journey through the mountain cliffs and bamboo forests of Kanchanaburi. "If you're into history, beautiful vistas, trains, and wildlife, you can get all of that in Kanchanaburi. It's a place not many tourists go, either, so it has a lot to offer," said Ekelund.

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Trang is the province directly south of Krabi, which means it has the same beautiful stretch of Andaman Sea coastline, except with a fraction of the crowds. There’s no shortage of islands to explore around Trang, like Koh Kradan and Koh Muk. Koh Muk's crown jewel is the secret Emerald Cave, which can be entered via a dark tunnel that leads to a protected beach surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.

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Located in the province of Phang Nga, Khao Lak can be thought of as Phuket’s much quieter cousin. Less than two hours from Phuket International Airport, Khao Lak is home to miles of sprawling, empty beaches, plus it offers easy access to beautiful national parks.

"I've been hyping Khao Lak quite a bit for people who want something quieter," said Ekelund. "You have easy access to the Phuket International Airport, but it's much more chill than the other Andaman Islands. It has beautiful beaches, good infrastructure, a great spot for dining, and it’s not hard to get to."

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Whether or not you drive the Mae Hong Son Loop, you’ll want to stop in Pai when visiting northern Thailand. Once a sleepy community of expats, Pai has morphed into a must-visit backpacker destination. Visitors will find funky cafes and coffee shops, endless bars, guest houses, hostels, and a dispensary or two, particularly now that cannabis is no longer considered a narcotic in the country.

Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park

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South of Bangkok, the province of Prachuap Khiri Khan is best known for the glamorous, frenetic beach town of Hua Hin. The province runs down the skinny arm of the country, bordering the Gulf of Thailand on one side and Myanmar on the other. Here’s where you'll find Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, Thailand's first marine national park. The park's top attractions include a series of spectacular caves and a sprawling freshwater marsh. Visitors can enjoy the park’s beaches, islands, walking trails, and thick mangrove forests. It’s just an hour from Hua Hin and about 3.5 hours from Bangkok.

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This long, skinny island, also in the province of Krabi, flies under the radar, but it’s one of my favorite places in the country. Koh Lanta is home to beautiful beaches, great restaurants, and the Mu Ko Lanta National Park, an amazing spot for diving and seeing undeveloped beaches.

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The best time to visit Thailand

Jan 3, 2024 • 5 min read

Find the best time to visit Thailand for you © Chadchai Ra-ngubpai / Getty Images

Silky-soft beaches, jungle-draped mountains, incredible food and a well-connected position at the heart of Southeast Asia have made Thailand a tourism hub for decades.

It welcomes more than 11 million visitors a year. All the same, travelers who dream of perpetually sunny skies and balmy weather might be dismayed at the pelting rain that arrives like clockwork every July or the sky-high price of their hotel from December to January.

The kingdom is full of diversions – myriad night markets, thundering waterfalls, even cherry blossoms and the occasional dusting of frost – but to experience them for yourself, you need to be in the right place at the right time. Here’s how.

December to February is best for beaches

The prevailing joke about Thai weather is that the country has three seasons: hot; wet and hot; and really, really hot. That may be, but when the “cool” season rolls around in December, you will find Thais bundled up in sweaters and even puffer jackets to combat temperatures that fall as low as 23°C (73°F).

While this may be cold for Thais, it’s perfect for international travelers hitting the beach, especially those escaping the northern winter, and resorts like Phuket , Samui and Krabi are predictably packed with sun-seekers at this time of year.

Daytime highs of 31°C (88°F) make outdoor activities warm but bearable, while nights are a hive of activity, with street food vendors lining the sidewalks and markets clad in fairy lights tempting even the most unwilling of shoppers.

The cool season is not for beachcombers alone. This time of year sees frost up north in the mountains as temperatures drop to 13°C (55°F). The northeast region even ushers in its own cherry blossom season as Phu Lom Lo erupts in a burst of pink Himalayan cherry blooms. Early morning hikers are rewarded with sunrise views over a sea of fog at the northern border with Laos , and wildflowers dapple the slopes of Doi Suthep and Phu Tabberk .

Not surprisingly then, this time is considered Thailand’s high season, when hotel and transportation prices are at their peak. However, the payoff is the kingdom at arguably its most beautiful and welcoming, temperature-wise.

March and April are best for tropical fruit and Songkran

The weather, even for Thais, becomes alarmingly toasty during Thailand’s “summer” when temperatures average 30°C (87°F). School is out, meaning the capital is less crowded than usual, and the beaches are typically jammed with Bangkokians seeking reprieve from the heat. Meanwhile, temperatures in the usually temperate north soar to 36°C (97°F).

While it may seem a miserable time to visit, foodies will have a field day because all of Thailand’s most beloved fruits – mangoes, mangosteens, rambutans and Marian plums – are in season.

In mid-April, Thailand celebrates its new year, Songkran , and the streets burst into joyful water fights. You’ll find the entire country in celebration: families seeking blessings from their elders, Thais dancing in the streets, and travelers receiving benedictions in the form of perfumed water on the hands, daubings of brightly colored powder on the cheeks or (most likely) a blast of water in the face. Fans of water fights (and getting drenched) will find their like-minded brethren anywhere in the kingdom.

Meanwhile, fans of an empty Bangkok can take advantage of… an empty Bangkok. That means breezy commutes from one end of the city to the other, less competition at popular restaurants and fewer crowds to contend with at shopping malls and theaters. The change in the city is so pronounced that quite a few Bangkokians prize this time of year, opting to make sure that when Songkhran rolls around, they celebrate in the capital.

May to October is best for accommodation bargains

Thailand’s rainy season is long, but it doesn’t necessarily mean non-stop torrential downpours. Monsoon rains, especially before July, are typically violent but short, usually arriving in the early evening and lasting for 20 to 30 minutes. (Luckily, Thailand’s location means it avoids the strong typhoons experienced by Vietnam and the Philippines.) The problem is Bangkok traffic snarls for hours as a result, but travelers in less congested destinations are not necessarily affected, and hotel and transportation prices linger at months-long lows.

From May to July, beach resorts on the Andaman Sea side of Thailand – especially on weekdays – are basically deserted, claiming only a fraction of the prices they would normally charge during high season. This means that even at five-star resorts, choice rooms can be rented for far less than their usual rate. And while there will likely be daily rains, they’re usually brief.

Low-season rates extend to non-beach-but-still-popular destinations like Chiang Mai and Khao Sok , where a treasure trove of accommodation options, from floating bungalows to mountaintop cabins, awaits savvy bargain hunters willing to put up with a sudden shower or two. In contrast, July and August are peak season for islands in the Gulf of Thailand like Samui , where the weather is less affected by monsoon rains.

From September to October, the northeast is brimming with waterfalls, providing impromptu bathing areas for visitors with the foresight to bring bathing suits or even just towels. A word of warning: this is also when flooding may occur in the north or northeast, with water reaching all the way to Bangkok in some years. Only riverside areas are at risk, so make sure to check before you go.

November is best for experiencing Loi Krathong

November marks the beginning of the dry season and is considered the shoulder to high season, but bargains can still be found among the bigger local hotel chains.

On the night of November’s full moon, the country celebrates its Loi Krathong festival, marking the end of the rainy season. This is also when people float away their sins by placing candles on makeshift river rafts or lanterns in hopes of welcoming the coming year with a clean slate.

This article was first published Mar 2, 2021 and updated Jan 3, 2024.

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