The Best Things To Do In Bangkok

Bangkok is a culinary journey like no other, where the richness of tradition meets the thrill of innovation.

From the bustling charm of street food stalls to the elegance of fine dining high above the city, Bangkok’s dining scene promises something extraordinary for every taste. Here, fine dining becomes an art, offering not only exquisite flavors but unforgettable atmospheres, impeccable service, and breathtaking views.

For travellers seeking the extraordinary, a meal in Bangkok is more than a taste—it’s a gateway to the soul of the city, adding a touch of luxury and wonder to every visit.

The Grand Palace is a complex of ornate buildings that served as the official residence of the Thai Kings for 150 years. Its architecture is breathtaking, with golden spires, intricately painted murals, and the revered Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) within its grounds. The Grand Palace is a true emblem of Thailand's royal history and craftsmanship.
 

• Location: Na Phra Lan Rd, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, Thailand
• Address: Na Phra Lan Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
• Nearest BTS Station: Saphan Taksin (BTS Silom Line), followed by a short ferry ride to Tha Chang Pier

Known for its impressive 46-meter-long reclining Buddha statue, Wat Pho is one of Bangkok's oldest and most significant temples. It’s also home to a renowned traditional Thai massage school, offering a relaxing break between temple explorations. The complex is filled with intricate stupas and beautiful courtyards, making it a peaceful spot to immerse yourself in Thai spirituality and culture.
 

• Location: Maharat Rd, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, Thailand
  
• Address: 2 Sanam Chai Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
• Nearest BTS Station: Saphan Taksin (BTS Silom Line), followed by a ferry to Tha Tien Pier

Wat Arun, or the Temple of Dawn, is an iconic riverside temple known for its stunning spires, which are decorated with intricate mosaic tiles and ceramics. The temple is especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset, when it reflects the sun’s rays. Visitors can climb the steep stairs of the central spire for a panoramic view of the Chao Phraya River and surrounding cityscape.
 

• Location: Yai District, Bangkok, Thailand
  
• Address: 158 Wang Doem Rd, Wat Arun, Bangkok Yai, Bangkok 10600, Thailand
• Nearest BTS Station: Saphan Taksin (BTS Silom Line), followed by a ferry to Wat Arun Pier

This traditional Thai-style house-turned-museum was once the home of Jim Thompson, an American businessman who played a key role in reviving Thailand's silk industry. The house is beautifully preserved and filled with art and antiques, surrounded by lush gardens that provide a serene retreat from the city. A visit offers a mix of art, architecture, and a touch of mystery surrounding Thompson’s disappearance.
 

• Location: Pathum Wan District, Bangkok, Thailand
  
• Address: 6 Soi Kasem San 2, Rama I Rd, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
• Nearest BTS Station: National Stadium (BTS Silom Line)

One of the world’s largest weekend markets, Chatuchak covers over 35 acres and hosts more than 15,000 stalls. You’ll find clothing, antiques, handmade crafts, plants, and much more. The food section alone is worth a visit, offering classic Thai street foods like grilled meats, papaya salad, and coconut ice cream.
 

• Location: Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Chatuchak, Bangkok, Thailand
• Nearest BTS Station: Mo Chit (BTS Sukhumvit Line)

Located just outside Bangkok, this famous floating market gives visitors a glimpse of Thailand’s traditional water-based trade. Vendors sell fresh produce, local snacks, and handmade souvenirs from wooden boats. Taking a guided boat tour is a great way to explore the market and sample items like mango sticky rice and freshly grilled seafood.
 

• Location: Damnoen Saduak District, Ratchaburi Province, Thailand
  
• How to Get There: Approximately 1.5 hours from Bangkok by car or van. Many tour operators offer convenient transport packages.

Bangkok’s Chinatown is known for its bustling markets and vibrant street food scene. By day, you’ll find shops selling Chinese herbs, spices, and gold, while the night market comes alive with street food stalls offering dim sum, seafood, and Chinese-Thai fusion dishes. It’s a great place to try unique flavors and explore Bangkok’s Chinese heritage.
 

• Location: Yaowarat Rd, Samphanthawong, Bangkok, Thailand
  
• Nearest MRT Station: Wat Mangkon (MRT Blue Line)

Bangkok’s street food scene is legendary, with vendors offering everything from spicy papaya salad and grilled meats to sweet mango sticky rice. Street food tours are a fantastic way to dive into this world, often led by local guides who know the best stalls and hidden gems.

For those who want to bring a piece of Thailand back home, a cooking class is an excellent way to learn the secrets behind authentic Thai dishes. Classes often include a visit to a local market, where instructors guide participants through selecting fresh ingredients like lemongrass, kaffir lime, and galangal.

Bangkok’s traditional restaurants offer an immersive experience in authentic Thai dining, allowing you to savor beloved dishes prepared with generations-old recipes. For a more elevated dining experience, top-rated restaurants like Le Du and Sorn blend traditional Thai ingredients with contemporary techniques to offer something unique.

Lumpini Park is often called the "green lung" of Bangkok, covering over 142 acres and offering a peaceful escape right in the heart of the city. Named after the birthplace of the Buddha in Nepal, Lumpini Park is one of Bangkok's oldest and largest public parks, providing locals and tourists alike with a place to exercise, relax, and enjoy nature.

The khlongs, or canals, of Bangkok were once the primary mode of transportation, earning the city its nickname, “Venice of the East.” While many canals have been modernized or replaced by roads, several still remain, providing a unique way to explore Bangkok’s quieter side and witness traditional riverside life.

Amid Bangkok’s skyscrapers, rooftop gardens and parks offer a tranquil escape with stunning panoramic views of the city skyline. These elevated green spaces combine relaxation with breathtaking vistas, making them ideal for a peaceful retreat or a scenic photoshoot.

MBK Center is one of Bangkok’s most iconic malls, known for its affordable shopping and vast variety of stores. With eight floors housing over 2,000 shops, MBK Center is a favorite for locals and tourists alike, offering everything from clothing and electronics to souvenirs and Thai handicrafts.

Known as one of Bangkok’s premier luxury shopping destinations, Siam Paragon houses high-end brands, fine dining, and even an aquarium. It attracts both high-end shoppers and visitors looking for a taste of luxury in an elegant setting.

Khao San Road is often considered the heart of Bangkok’s backpacker scene and is one of the city’s most famous nightlife destinations. This bustling street is packed with lively bars, street food vendors, and shops that stay open late into the night. Known for its party atmosphere, Khao San Road is a place where you’ll find travelers from all over the world mingling, dancing, and experiencing the carefree vibe of Bangkok’s nightlife.

Asiatique The Riverfront combines a night market with an open-air shopping and entertainment complex along the Chao Phraya River. With its historical warehouses converted into shops, restaurants, and bars, Asiatique offers a more family-friendly nightlife experience that’s both scenic and lively.

Bangkok’s rooftop bars are legendary for their stunning views, inventive cocktails, and upscale ambiance. One standout destination is Belga Rooftop Bar & Brasserie at Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit, where visitors can experience Belgian-inspired dining 32 stories above the vibrant city streets.

At Belga, you’re invited to elevate your dining experience with authentic Belgian flavors,combining fine cuisine with panoramic views. The menu features Belgian delicacies such as roasted bone marrow and shellfish simmered in white wine and herbs, served in a sleek, welcoming space that feels both exclusive and relaxed.

The BTS Skytrain is one of the easiest and fastest ways to explore Bangkok. It’s especially popular with visitors since most of the city’s top attractions, shopping areas, and dining spots are accessible via the BTS.

The system has two lines: the Sukhumvit Line and the Silom Line, intersecting at the central Siam station.

BTS trains can be especially crowded during weekday commuter hours: mornings from 7:00 am to 9:00 am and evenings from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. It’s best to avoid these times if you want a more relaxed ride.

Alternatively, using the BTS off-peak is a convenient way to reach attractions comfortably and without traffic delays.

Popular BTS Stops and Attractions Nearby:
 

• Siam Station: Home to major shopping malls like Siam Paragon, Siam Center, and Central World.
  
  
• Asok Station: Near Terminal 21 Shopping Mall and Sukhumvit’s vibrant nightlife.
  
  
• Chit Lom Station: Access to the Erawan Shrine and upscale shopping malls like Central Chidlom and Central Embassy.
  
  
• Mo Chit Station: The closest station to Chatuchak Weekend Market, the largest market in Bangkok.
  
  
• Saphan Taksin Station: A connection point to the Chao Phraya River, where you can catch riverboats for sightseeing.

The Chao Phraya River boats offer a scenic and practical way to explore Bangkok, especially if you want to avoid traffic while sightseeing.

There are different types of boats: the Orange Flag boats for regular routes and the Blue Flag boats specifically for tourists, which stop at key sights and allow unlimited hop-on, hop-off access.

The Blue Flag tourist boats are ideal for visitors looking to sightsee, as they’re direct, offer commentary, and stop at the most popular landmarks. If you’re commuting or planning to travel farther, the Orange Flag boats are more frequent and affordable.

The riverboats provide access to iconic Bangkok sites like the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and the bustling riverside markets. It’s also a great way to reach areas that are farther from BTS or MRT stations, like some of Bangkok’s oldest neighborhoods and smaller temples.
 

• Tha Chang Pier (Grand Palace and Wat Pho)
  
  
• Wat Arun Pier (Wat Arun)
  
  
• Sathorn Pier (connects to the BTS at Saphan Taksin Station)

Taking a tuk-tuk is a quintessential Bangkok experience: Always agree on a fare before the ride. Tuk-tuks don’t have meters, so fares can vary and bargaining is acceptable. It’s best to have a general idea of the distance to negotiate effectively. It's best for short trips where you can enjoy the open-air ride without dealing with traffic for too long.

Avoid tourist scams and long rides: Be cautious of drivers who offer to take you on a full 'tour' for a very low rate. This often includes stops at shops where they receive commission. Bangkok’s traffic can make a long tuk-tuk ride uncomfortable due to fumes and heat. Stick to shorter routes for the best experience.