Welcome to the best things to do in Bangkok!
The vibrant city of Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and a true cultural and culinary hub of Southeast Asia.
Bangkok offers a diverse range of experiences, from exploring ancient temples and floating markets, to indulging in world-renowned street food and relaxing in rooftop bars with stunning views of the city.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the best things to do in Bangkok to help you make the most of your time here.
Get ready to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Bangkok!
Let’s dive in.
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Bangkok Essentials
Top Tours & Experiences In Bangkok
- Half Day Railway Market and Floating Market Tour
- Private Guide In and Around Bangkok: Custom Tour
- Bangkok by Night: Temples, Markets and Food by Tuk-Tuk
- Ayutthaya Historical Park Small Group Tour
- Bangkok Instagram Tour – The Most Famous Spots (Private & All-Inclusive)
Where To Stay In Bangkok
- Tropical Summer Cafe & Hostel ($) – This is a super highly-rated and welcoming hostel in the desirable Sathorn district. It’s modern, well-designed, and has great amenities.
- Holiday Inn Express Bangkok Sathorn ($$) – This is a great budget-friendly hotel in the desirable Sathorn district.
- Grand Eastin Sathorn ($$$) – This is where I stayed, and loved it! For a 5 star hotel, the price was pretty affordable, and the rooftop pool was beautiful. The Sathorn district is also a great area to stay in, with lots of shops and restaurants in walking distance.
- Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort ($$$) – This is a luxurious and tranquil escape from the bustling city, while still providing easy access to all of Bangkok’s top attractions.
- Four Seasons Bangkok ($$$$) – This is one of the best places to stay in Bangkok, hands down. It’s luxurious, located right on the river, and even houses BKK Social Club, ranked one of “Asia’s Best Bars.”
Read more: 10 Best Hotels In Bangkok
How To Get Around Bangkok
Walking
This is obviously the cheapest way to get around, but Bangkok can be pretty spread out.
I recommend staying in a centrally located district, such as Sathorn or Riverside, which puts you closest to the best things to do.
Taxi/Grab
Taking a taxi or Grab is usually pretty simple and inexpensive.
With taxis, always make sure to agree on a price beforehand.
I much prefer Grab, which is basically the Asian version of Uber.
Just download the Grab app, and it makes calling a ride a breeze.
I like that the price is set, and I can pay with credit card.
The only issue with either of these options is that traffic jams can be pretty bad, and sometimes you’ll find that walking is faster than sitting in traffic.
BTS Train (Skytrain)
The Bangkok Skytrain, also known as BTS, is a fast and efficient way to get around the city.
Two main lines cover many of the popular tourist areas.
1. Chatuchak Weekend Market
Chatuchak Weekend Market, locally known as JJ Market, is a huge outdoor market.
In fact, it’s the largest outdoor market in Asia.
Located in the Chatuchak district, the market spans over 35 acres and features more than 15,000 stalls and vendors selling a wide range of products.
These include clothes, accessories, souvenirs, antiques, art, furniture, plants, and food.
The market is open on weekends and attracts both locals and tourists looking for a unique shopping experience.
With its vibrant atmosphere, endless variety, and affordable prices, Chatuchak Weekend Market is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Bangkok.
2. Take A Sunset Cruise Down the Chao Phraya River
The Chao Phraya River is the lifeblood of Bangkok.
Taking a sunset cruise down the Chao Phraya River is one of the best things to do in Bangkok because it offers a stunning and unique perspective of the city.
You can see iconic landmarks such as Wat Arun, the Grand Palace, and the Rama VIII Bridge beautifully illuminated at night, making for a truly magical experience.
Many of the cruises offer dinner and drinks, so you can enjoy a delicious meal while taking in the stunning views.
For the most relaxing and intimate experience, I recommend this Manohra Luxurious Dinner Cruise.
Click here to check availability on Viator.
3. Visit ICONSIAM
ICONSIAM is a high-end shopping and entertainment complex on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.
It’s one of the largest malls in Southeast Asia, with over 500 stores and restaurants spread over several floors.
The mall features a mix of local and international brands, as well as high-end brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Prada.
Although I don’t usually visit malls when I travel, I think ICONSIAM is one of the best things to do in Bangkok.
It’s beautifully-designed and air conditioned, making it a relaxing escape from Bangkok’s hustle and bustle on a hot day.
SOOKSIAM Indoor Floating Market
SOOKSIAM is an indoor floating market located in ICONSIAM.
The market is designed like a traditional Thai village, full of local vendors selling food, drinks, clothes, and other goods.
It’s really beautiful, and makes for some great photo ops!
While this isn’t the most authentic market per say, I think it’s worth a visit if you want to experience a Thai market in a really comfortable, air conditioned atmosphere.
4. Relax in Lumphini Park
Lumpini Park is a public park located in the heart of Bangkok.
It covers 142 acres, and features a lake with paddle boats, a jogging track, playgrounds, and green space.
It’s a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, who come to relax, exercise, or attend events such as outdoor concerts or yoga classes.
The park is also known for its resident monitor lizards, which can often be seen basking in the sun or swimming in the lake.
Overall, Lumphini Park is a great place to visit to relax and get a glimpse of how everyday people in Bangkok live their lives.
Related: 10 Best Things To Do In Phuket, Thailand
5. Visit a rooftop bar
Visiting rooftop bars is one of the most popular things to do in Bangkok.
A rooftop bar is one of the best places to see breathtaking views of the skyline, and get a taste of Bangkok’s vibrant nightlife.
Many of these bars are located on top of high-rise buildings, offering stunning views of the city’s landmarks and river.
Tichuca Rooftop Bar
Sometimes called Bangkok’s “most Instagrammable” rooftop bar, Tichuca is a trendy, jungle-themed bar on the 46th floor of the T-One building.
It offers stunning panoramic views of the city skyline and an immersive rainforest atmosphere, complete with lush greenery, a bamboo bar, and jungle-inspired cocktails.
One of its most striking features is the LED-lit “tree” that sways behind the bar.
The bar’s menu features an extensive list of cocktails, along with a variety of small bites and snacks.
Some of the bar’s signature cocktails include the “Rainforest Elixir” made with lemongrass-infused gin, cucumber, and basil, and the “Tropical Tichuca” made with passionfruit, coconut, and rum.
Moon Bar at Banyan Tree
Moon Bar is a rooftop bar on the 61st floor of the Banyan Tree hotel.
It offers a breathtaking view of the Bangkok skyline and the Chao Phraya River.
The bar is famous for its sophisticated atmosphere, signature cocktails, and live music.
You can also enjoy a fine dining experience at the adjacent Vertigo restaurant.
The bar is open every day from 5 pm to 1 am, and you’ll want to make a reservation in advance to secure a table with the best view.
Sky Bar Bangkok
Sky Bar is a stunning rooftop bar on the 63rd floor of the Lebua at State Tower hotel.
It’s considered one of the most iconic rooftop bars in the city, and even in the world.
Sky Bar offers breathtaking panoramic views of Bangkok’s skyline, including a view of the Chao Phraya River and the glittering lights of the city below.
The bar is famous for its signature cocktail, the Hangovertini, which was created for the cast of “The Hangover Part II” movie that was filmed at the hotel.
6. Visit the Grand Palace
The Grand Palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Bangkok.
It was built in 1782 and served as the residence of the Kings of Thailand until the early 20th century.
The palace complex covers an area of over 2 million square feet and features a number of impressive buildings.
These include Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha), which is considered the most sacred temple in Thailand.
The Grand Palace is renowned for its intricate architecture and elaborate decorations, including gold-leafed roofs, intricate murals, and ornate carvings.
Related: 15 Best Things To Do In Chiang Mai, Thailand
7. Visit Wat Pho
Wat Pho, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is one of the largest and oldest Buddhist temples in the city.
It’s known for its massive reclining Buddha statue that measures 151 feet long and 49 feet tall.
You can easily spend a few hours exploring the temple grounds, admiring the intricate architecture and artwork, and learning about the temple’s history and significance.
Wat Pho is located next to the Grand Palace, so you can visit them on the same day.
8. Visit Wat Arun
Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, is a stunning Buddhist temple on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River.
The temple is named after the Hindu god Aruna, who is often personified as the radiations of the rising sun.
It’s one of the most iconic landmarks of Bangkok, known for its intricate Khmer-style architecture and its towering central spire, or prang, which stands at 260 feet tall.
The temple is decorated with colorful pieces of Chinese porcelain and seashells, and you can climb the steep stairs to the top of the prang for a breathtaking view of the surrounding area.
Wat Arun is especially beautiful at sunset, when the temple’s spires are lit up against the backdrop of the sky.
9. Take A Cooking Class
Taking a cooking class in Bangkok is a great way to immerse yourself in Thai culture and learn more about its world-famous cuisine.
Bangkok is known for its street food and traditional dishes, and taking a cooking class allows you to learn the secrets behind some of your favorite Thai dishes.
You’ll also learn cooking techniques and get hands-on experience making dishes like Pad Thai, Green Curry, and Tom Yum Soup.
At the end of the class, you get to enjoy the results of your hard work and savor the delicious meal you just cooked.
I recommend this highly-rated Hands-on Thai Cooking Class & Market Tour.
Click here to check availability on Viator.
10. Try the SkyWalk at King Power Mahanakhon
The SkyWalk at King Power Mahanakhon is a thrilling attraction in Bangkok that offers a panoramic view of the city from one of its tallest buildings.
The building is 1,030 feet tall and boasts the highest observation deck in Thailand.
The SkyWalk experience involves walking on a glass floor on the 78th floor of the building, which is a unique and exciting way to see the city below.
The view from the top is truly breathtaking, with stunning views of the skyline and the Chao Phraya River.
11. Sample All the Street Food
Trying street food is one of the best things to do in Bangkok because it’s a great way to experience the local culture and taste some of the best and most authentic Thai cuisine.
The city is known for its incredible street food scene, which offers a wide variety of delicious and affordable dishes.
Some of the most popular street food stalls in Bangkok include:
- Jay Fai: A Michelin-starred street food vendor known for its crab omelet and drunken noodles. She was featured in Netflix’s Street Food Asia.
- Jek Pui Curry: A popular street food stall in Bangkok known for its delicious Southern-style curries. Also featured in Netflix’s Street Food Asia.
- Som Tam Nua: A popular street food stall specializing in som tam (papaya salad), which is a classic Thai dish.
- Thip Samai: A legendary street food stall that’s been serving up the best pad Thai in Bangkok for over 50 years.
If you really want to explore Bangkok’s food scene like a local, I recommend taking a street food tour.
This highly-rated Chef Designed Bangkok Food Tour for 8 Exclusive Guests is the ultimate foodie experience, without the stress of planning it yourself.
Click here for availability on Viator.
12. Take the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market + Maeklong Railway Market Tour
The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Maeklong Railway Market Tour is a popular excursion for tourists visiting Bangkok.
The tour takes you to two different markets in Ratchaburi Province, which are located about an hour and a half outside of Bangkok.
I recommend doing this if you’re in Bangkok for more than a few days, because it’s a lot of time spent traveling.
But if you have time for it, the experience is definitely unique!
Maeklong Railway Market
The first stop is the Maeklong Railway Market, which is unique because it’s set up along the railway tracks.
Several times a day, a train passes through the market, and vendors quickly move their goods and umbrellas out of the way to avoid being hit by the train.
It’s quite a spectacle to witness.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
The second stop is the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, which is a traditional Thai market set up on boats.
Vendors sell everything from fresh produce to souvenirs, and you can explore the market by boat or by foot.
It’s a great place to sample local foods and experience the unique atmosphere of a floating market.
Overall, the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Maeklong Railway Market Tour is a great way to see a different side of Thailand and experience the country’s vibrant market culture.
Click here to check availability on Viator.
13. Experience Khao San Road
Khao San Road is a famous street in Bangkok that’s become a hub for backpackers and budget travelers from around the world.
It’s known for its lively atmosphere, hostels, bars, and shops selling souvenirs and cheap clothing.
The street comes alive at night with live music, dancing, and street performances.
I’ll be honest, I didn’t visit Khao San Road because I know that loud and cheap just isn’t my vibe lol.
But maybe that’s something you need to decide for yourself!
14. Explore Chinatown
Exploring Chinatown is one of the best things to do in Bangkok for a unique cultural experience.
The area is known locally as “Yaowarat” and is full of narrow alleyways and bustling streets lined with shops, restaurants, and street vendors selling traditional Chinese goods.
The vibrant atmosphere and colorful architecture, including the famous Chinese-style gate, make for great photo opportunities.
You can sample delicious dim sum, noodle soups, and other Chinese dishes, as well as explore the many shops selling traditional Chinese medicines, herbs, and teas.
15. Visit the Bangkok National Museum
Visiting the Bangkok National Museum is one of the best things to do in Bangkok if you’re interested in learning about the rich history and culture of Thailand.
The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts, including traditional Thai art, sculptures, pottery, weapons, and clothing, that date back to prehistoric times.
You can wander through the many galleries and exhibits, learning about the evolution of Thai art, religion, and culture throughout the centuries.
With knowledgeable guides and informative displays, the Bangkok National Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history and culture of Thailand.
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