25 Best Things to do in Bangkok
Discover Bangkok’s magic with these 25 unmissable experiences in Thailand’s capital
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Bangkok is a city that never sleeps. Next door to ancient temples you’ll find glittering malls, chic rooftop bars overlooking canals where locals still live on the water and streets that come to life with the smell of sizzling street food, neon signs and extravagant cabaret shows. It’s a city that gets under your skin. History buffs, food lovers and adventure seekers will all find something to love here, and to get you started, we’ve put together a list of the 25 best things to do in Bangkok – these are the things, experiences and attractions you shouldn’t miss.
1. Visit the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
Wat Phra Kaew, or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is arguably the most important temple in Thailand. Located within the huge Grand Palace complex, this temple houses the Emerald Buddha, a highly venerated statue carved from a single block of jade. The temple’s architecture is a stunning example of traditional Thai design, featuring intricate mosaics, golden spires and decorated hallways. Unlike other temples, Wat Phra Kaew does not have resident monks, as its primary purpose is to house the Emerald Buddha.
2. Explore Wat Pho and the Reclining Buddha
Adjacent to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho is famous for its giant reclining Buddha statue, which measures 46m in length. Covered in gold leaf and adorned with intricate mother-of-pearl inlays on its feet, it represents the Buddha’s entry into Nirvana. Beyond the Reclining Buddha, Wat Pho is home to over a thousand Buddha images, beautifully decorated stupas and some of the most exquisite murals in Thailand. The temple is also considered the birthplace of traditional Thai massage, with a massage school on-site where you can experience this ancient healing practice.
3. Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
Wat Arun, or the Temple of Dawn, is a strikingly beautiful landmark situated on the western bank of the Chao Phraya River. Known for its towering central spire, which reaches a height of 70m, Wat Arun is covered in colourful porcelain tiles and has breathtaking views of the city from its upper levels. The temple is especially beautiful in the early evening, when the sunset bathes the temple in golden light. Monks live, study, and perform religious duties at the temple, and when you visit Wat Arun, you’ll often see them going about their daily routines, engaging in prayer, meditation and other spiritual practices. A boat ride across the river is one of the best ways to view this iconic temple.
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4. Shop at Chatuchak Weekend Market
Covering over 35 acres and with more than 15,000 stalls, Chatuchak Weekend Market is an icon of Bangkok’s night market scene. Chatuchak is a sensory overload, with colourful clothes, handmade crafts and other goods spilling out into the walkways. This bustling maze of narrow, interconnected alleys is also one of the best places for street food in Bangkok. As you navigate the aisles, you’ll smell Thai BBQ and sizzling pork skewers, as well as international dishes such as dim sum and churros. It’s one of the largest markets in the world and the perfect place to experience the spirit of Bangkok’s night markets.
5. Cruise the Chao Phraya River
The Chao Phraya River is the lifeblood of Bangkok, playing a vital role in the city’s history, culture and daily life. Historically, it served as the main transportation route, fostering trade and connecting communities long before modern infrastructure was developed. A cruise is the perfect way to get acquainted with this ancient waterway. As you glide along the river’s calm waters, you’ll be treated to stunning views of Bangkok’s skyline, where skyscrapers stand alongside historic temples and palaces. The journey takes you past some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the majestic Wat Arun, the Grand Palace and the bustling riverside markets. Along the way, you’ll witness the daily life of locals living and working along the riverbanks, from fishermen casting their nets to water taxis ferrying people across the city. Opt for a luxurious dinner cruise to witness the city by night, take a long-tail boat tour for a more authentic experience, be like a local and take one of the hop-on-hop-off water taxis, or charter your own private boat for the ultimate personalised experience.
6. Experience the Floating Markets
The floating markets of Bangkok are an iconic sight, where the city’s local traditions and energetic soul come to life on the water. Picture narrow canals brimming with longtail boats, their hulls laden with an array of colourful goods – fresh tropical fruits, fragrant flowers, handmade crafts and street food. Vendors, often wearing traditional conical hats, paddle their boats skillfully, offering their wares to locals and tourists. The markets, such as Damnoen Saduak and Amphawa, are a sensory feast, with the smell of grilled seafood and ripe mangoes mingling in the air and the sound of chatter and haggling filling your ears. Visiting these markets offers a window into Thailand’s past, where waterways were the main arteries of trade and daily life. It’s not just a shopping experience but a glimpse into a way of life that has endured for generations. Read our full Guide to Visiting the Floating & Railway Markets here.
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7. Explore Bangkok's Chinatown (Yaowarat)
An essential stop on any Bangkok itinerary, Chinatown, also known as Yaowarat, leaves an impression on every visitor. Visually, Chinatown is a kaleidoscope of colours and activity – narrow streets lined with gold shops, traditional herbal medicine stores and food stalls overflowing with exotic ingredients and mouth-watering dishes. Red lanterns hang above the streets and bright neon signs in Chinese characters light up the night. During the day, the area is a busy market area, where you can find everything from Chinese silk and jewellery to tacky souvenirs. By night, Chinatown transforms into a food lover’s paradise, with street stalls serving some of the best and most authentic Chinese and Thai street food in the city. Visiting Chinatown is like stepping into a living museum of Chinese culture, one that has influenced Bangkok for centuries.
8. Visit the Jim Thompson House
The Jim Thompson House is a beautifully preserved gem in the heart of Bangkok, once home to the famous silk merchant Jim Thompson and offering an escape from the concrete jungle of the city. The house is a traditional Thai-style teakwood mansion, meticulously constructed from six old Thai houses that were transported from different parts of the country and reassembled in a lush, tropical garden. Inside, the house is a treasure trove of Asian art, antiques and textiles, showing Jim Thompson’s passion for preserving and promoting Thai silk and culture. The collection includes everything from rare Buddhist statues to exquisite porcelain and traditional Thai paintings. It’s also home to a mystery – the disappearance of Jim Thompson himself. He mysteriously vanished on March 26, 1967, during a visit to the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia. Despite an extensive search operation involving police, local tribesmen and even clairvoyants, no trace of him was ever found.
9. Relax in Lumpini Park
Lumpini Park is a green oasis nestled in the heart of Bangkok, offering a refreshing contrast to the skyscrapers and sidewalks of the city. The park spans over 500 acres, featuring lush lawns, tranquil lakes and shaded walkways. The centrepiece is a large, picturesque lake where you can rent paddle boats and enjoy views of the city skyline from the water. The park is also home to monitor lizards and colourful birds, making it a real nature retreat from the urban streets. Popular with locals as a place to go jogging, cycling and to practise Tai Chi, you can easily wile away a sunny afternoon in the shade of the trees here while getting a glimpse into the community spirit of Bangkok.
10. Marvel at the Giant Swing and Wat Suthat
The Giant Swing is a towering religious structure located in front of Wat Suthat, one of Bangkok’s oldest and most beautiful temples. It’s a striking red wooden structure standing 21m tall, and is a historic ceremonial swing originally used in Brahmin rituals to honour the god Shiva. It’s a remarkable sight against the backdrop of Bangkok’s urban streets. Just behind the Giant Swing lies Wat Suthat, one of the city’s temples. This impressive temple is known for its grand architecture, including a beautifully detailed ordination hall with an elaborate mural depicting the life of the Buddha. Both are worth a visit.
11. Enjoy the Nightlife on Khao San Road
The infamous backpacker hub of Bangkok, Khao San Road is the epicentre of Bangkok’s traveller scene. The road is lined with budget guesthouses, street stalls, lively bars and restaurants. During the day, the street is alive with the sounds of people haggling in the shops and trying street food for the first time. By night, Khao San Road transforms into a raucous nightlife hotspot, with neon lights illuminating the streets and music pumping from every conceivable corner. The area’s informal atmosphere and its mix of travellers make it a melting pot of cultures and experiences. Can you say you’ve been to Bangkok if you haven’t at least sampled a little of Khao San Road?
12. Explore the Erawan Shrine
The Erawan Shrine, located at the bustling intersection of Ratchaprasong in Bangkok, is a great spot to experience offerings and dances dedicated to the Hindu God Brahma. The shrine is adorned with a stunning four-faced Brahma statue, richly embellished with gold leaf and surrounded by flowers, candles and incense. It’s a powerful place of worship where people come to seek blessings and make offerings in hopes of receiving good fortune, health, and success. Listening to traditional Thai music while watching dance performances by devoted worshippers is a wonderful experience, made all the more unusual by its location in a busy intersection! It truly is a symbol of a city that blends history and spirituality with modern life seamlessly.
13. Shop in the Luxury Malls
There is more to Bangkok’s shopping experience than night markets and counterfeit handbags. The city’s luxury malls are architectural marvels that offer a world-class shopping experience, even if you’re on a budget. Malls like ICONSIAM, Siam Paragon and Central Embassy are not just shopping centres but also destinations in and of themselves where you can immerse yourself in luxury and opulence. Think sleek, modern exteriors with expansive atriums and visually stunning artistic installations. Inside, you’ll find a curated selection of global luxury brands, from haute couture fashion and fine jewellery to gourmet food and electronics. This is where you’ll find some of Bangkok’s finest restaurants, a hop away from Chanel and Hermes. But you don’t have to splash the cash to enjoy these spaces. Air-conditioned and spacious, they offer an escape from the Bangkok heat and packed streets. Stroll the grand atriums adorned with dramatic chandeliers, admire the art installations and grab a coffee while people-watching in a place that sometimes feels a world away from life outside the rotating doors.
14. Experience Traditional Thai Street Food
Street food is an essential part of Bangkok’s culture that shouldn’t be missed. From bustling 35 acre markets to lively street corners, Bangkok is teeming with street food stalls where you can eat yourself into oblivion, night after night after night. You might be wandering through the chaotic alleys of Chinatown, exploring the night markets like Jodd Fairs or Chatuchak, or strolling along the streets of Silom. No matter where you are, you’ll find vendors cooking up everything from spicy papaya salad (som tam) and savoury grilled skewers (moo ping) to aromatic bowls of noodle soup (guay teow) and the iconic pad thai. Dishes are often cooked to order right in front of you, with an electric atmosphere that’s hard to find anywhere else in the world. Quick, affordable and utterly delicious, the street food of Bangkok is not only a chance to taste the heart of Thailand, but also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the city’s street culture, where food really is a way of life. Here’s the low-down on the 7 Best Places for Street Food in Bangkok: A Foodie’s Guide
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15. Visit the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre
The Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) is a beacon of contemporary art in the heart of the city. The building itself is an architectural marvel, with its curving white façade and expansive, spiralling interior that resembles the Guggenheim in New York. The design encourages exploration, as you ascend through the circular galleries connected by wide ramps, offering views of the art from multiple angles. Inside, the BACC is filled with contemporary art exhibitions, ranging from painting and sculpture to multimedia installations and photography. The centre also hosts live performances, film screenings and cultural events. It’s an essential stop for artists and creatives, offering a deep dive into Thailand’s burgeoning contemporary art scene and a refreshing contrast to the city’s traditional temples and markets.
16. Discover the Hidden Khlong (Canals)
Bangkok was once known as the “Venice of the East” due to its extensive network of canals, or “khlongs.” This labyrinth of waterways is a glimpse into the city’s past, where the canals served as the main arteries of transportation and daily life. Unlike the wide, busy Chao Phraya River, these narrow winding khlongs are often tucked away in quieter, less-touristy neighbourhoods, preserving a slower pace of life amidst the urban sprawl. As you glide through these peaceful canals on a traditional longtail boat, you’ll pass by stilted wooden houses and local temples that evoke the charm of old Bangkok. The khlongs are lined with scenes of everyday life – it’s here you’ll see locals fishing, washing clothes or tending to floating gardens. A unique, intimate perspective on Bangkok that most people will never see.
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17. Take in the Views from a Rooftop Bar
Bangkok’s rooftop bars are legendary for their panoramic views of the city’s glittering skyline. Perched atop the city’s tallest buildings, you’re treated to breathtaking vistas that stretch across the Chao Phraya River, the sprawling urban landscape and iconic landmarks like Wat Arun and the Grand Palace. The sunset from these heights is particularly magical, as the sky transforms into shades of orange and pink before giving way to the twinkling lights of the city below. Each rooftop bar in Bangkok has its own unique vibe, from the glamorous and chic to the laid-back and intimate. The cocktails are as impressive as the views. Expert mixologists craft drinks with exotic flavours, often with a Thai twist. You might find your mojito infused with fragrant lemongrass, spicy chilli, or tangy passion fruit, each sip as memorable as the skyline itself. Experience it for yourself with our curated guide to the 7 Best Rooftop Bars in Bangkok
18. Explore Asiatique The Riverfront
Asiatique The Riverfront is an open-air shopping and entertainment complex located along the Chao Phraya River. The complex is set within a restored 19th-century trading port, with colonial-style warehouses, cobblestone streets and elegant storefronts. The centrepiece is a giant Ferris wheel, with stunning panoramic views of the river and the city skyline, especially at night when the skyscrapers twinkle like stars. There are over 1,500 boutiques and 40 restaurants to keep you busy. It’s the place to enjoy a riverside meal and then catch a traditional Thai puppet show or cabaret performance afterwards.
Photo credit: Once Again Hostel
19. Visit the Ban Bat Community
The Ban Bat community in Bangkok is a small, historic neighbourhood renowned for its traditional craft of hand-making alms bowls, known as bat, used by Buddhist monks in their daily rituals. Tucked away in a quiet area near the Golden Mount, the community keep alive a vanishing way of life, where artisans continue a craft passed down through generations. The narrow lanes of Ban Bat are lined with modest homes and workshops, where you can see skilled craftsmen meticulously shaping, hammering and polishing metal sheets into beautiful, rounded alms bowls. Each bowl is made entirely by hand, a labour-intensive process. Visiting Ban Bat allows you to witness this rare and meaningful craft up close, engage with the artisans and learn about their dedication to preserving this ancient artform. It’s a unique opportunity to step away from the typical tourist paths and experience a living tradition – while you still can.
20. Watch a Muay Thai Fight
Muay Thai, often referred to as the “Art of Eight Limbs,” is Thailand’s traditional martial art. Watching a match is an experience in itself. During a Muay Thai boxing match, fighters punch, kick, elbow, and knee their opponent so fluidly it could be a dance. The sport is deeply ritualistic, with each bout beginning with the Wai Khru, a ceremonial dance performed by fighters to pay respects to their teachers and the spirit of the sport. The fights take place in a ring, often accompanied by traditional music. The atmosphere in a Muay Thai arena is electric, filled with loud spectators, colourful fighter outfits and the sound of thudding strikes. Experiencing a Muay Thai match is to experience an ancient combat sport that takes serious skill and discipline to perform. It’s an iconic aspect of Thai culture. The Rajadamnern Stadium and Lumpini Stadium are two of the best spots to watch real Muay Thai fighters in action.
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21. Experience a Traditional Thai Massage
Traditional Thai massage, also known as Nuad Thai, is a deeply restorative experience that combines ancient techniques with holistic healing practices. The massage involves a series of rhythmic, flowing movements, including gentle stretching, acupressure and deep tissue manipulation, all performed on a cushioned mat on the floor rather than a traditional massage table. The therapist uses their hands, elbows, knees and feet to apply pressure along the body’s energy lines, or Sen, aiming to release tension, improve flexibility and stimulate overall wellness. It’s an immersive, rejuvenating experience that leaves you feeling both relaxed and invigorated, as well as being an integral part of Thailand’s spirituality and heritage. In fact, the origins of Thai massage are often associated with the Wat Pho Temple in Bangkok, who preserve and teach this ancient practice.
22. Explore the Bangkok National Museum
Located near the Grand Palace, The Bangkok National Museum is Thailand’s best museum and a treasure trove of the country’s rich culture. Housed in the former palace of King Rama V, the museum features an array of exhibits spread across several grand, colonial-style buildings and spacious courtyards. Inside, you’ll find artefacts that span Thailand’s history, including ancient sculptures, royal regalia, traditional Thai weaponry and exquisite art pieces. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in the beating heart behind Thailand’s temples and ancient sites.
23. Visit the Golden Mount (Wat Saket)
The Golden Mount, or Wat Saket, is an iconic temple perched on top of a man-made hill in the heart of Bangkok, offering incredible panoramic views of the city. The temple’s most famous feature is its gleaming golden chedi, or stupa, which shines brilliantly against the Bangkok skyline. To reach the chedi, ascend a winding staircase of 318 steps, flanked by statues and greenery that gradually reveal the cityscape below. Wat Saket is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists, particularly during the Loy Krathong festival when it transforms into the centre of celebrations. Typically held in November during the full moon of the 12th lunar month, Loy Krathong, which means “to float a krathong,” centres around the release of beautifully decorated floating baskets, or krathongs, onto rivers, canals, and lakes. It’s a breathtaking ritualistic festival that will leave a lasting impression on anyone who is able to visit.
24. Visit the Giant Buddha at Wat Pak Nam
The Giant Buddha at Wat Pak Nam is a breathtaking sight that stands as one of the most impressive landmarks in Bangkok. Only completed in 2022, this colossal statue, officially known as Phra Buddha Maha Nawamin, towers at an astonishing 69m (226 feet) tall, making it one of the tallest Buddha statues in Thailand. The bronze statue is cast in gold, which gleams brilliantly in the setting sun of a Bangkok evening. It can be seen from most places in the city and will soon become an iconic feature of the skyline. The sheer size of the statue, coupled with its spiritual significance and the meticulous craftsmanship, makes it a standout attraction in Bangkok. Get there before the rest of the world does!
25. Visit the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall
Located in Dusit Palace, the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall is unlike anything you’ll see in Bangkok. Blending the grandeur of Italian renaissance with the intricacy of Thai architecture, this stunning building has a grand white marble facade, detailed columns and a huge domed roof. Originally built as a royal reception hall in 1915, it now serves as a venue for state functions and art exhibitions. Once you’ve finished admiring the interiors, complete with murals of Thai royal ceremonies, walk around the lush manicured gardens and fountains.
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