Sawasdee! From temples to bustling markets, here are the top things to do in Bangkok that you'll absolutely love.
Ahh Bangkok – the first international destination I ever visited! No matter how many times I've been to Thailand's capital, I always love coming back. Amazing food, lovely people, and still relatively affordable despite rising costs in recent years. Whether it's your first visit or you're returning for the nth time, here's a quick guide to the best things to do in Bangkok.
Bangkok Overview
Country: Thailand (formerly Siam)
Country Code: +66
Continent: Asia (Southeast)
Timezone: GMT+7
Currency: Thai Baht
Airport: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang International Airport (DMK)
Language: Thai, English
1. The Grand Palace
A glimpse inside the Grand Palace complex in Bangkok, Thailand. Photo: Lord Acuña
Let's start the list in a grand way with The Grand Palace! Located in the heart of Bangkok, this expansive temple complex is a former royal residence. Visitors can explore the grounds and admire the ornate exteriors of the palace buildings. Don't miss the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), a meditating Buddha figurine carved from a single piece of green jade and clothed in gold and diamonds.
Note that a strict dress code is enforced – no shorts, sleeveless tops, or slippers allowed. This place can get extremely crowded, so it's best to arrive early in the morning.
Location: Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Opening hours: 08:30 - 15:30
Cost: ฿500
2. Wat Pho
A closer look at the reclining Buddha in Wat Pho, Bangkok. Photo: Lord Acuña
Just 700 metres south of the Grand Palace is Wat Pho, home to the gigantic Reclining Buddha. Measuring 46 metres long and gold-plated from head to toe, the statue depicts the Buddha in a reclining position, symbolising his final passage into complete spiritual enlightenment. As with the Grand Palace, a modest dress code applies, with shoulders and knees required to be covered.
Location: 2 Sanam Chai Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Opening hours: 08:00 - 18:30
Cost: ฿300
3. Wat Arun
Wat Arun glowing at sunset. Photo: Lord Acuña
Set against a stunning contrast with Bangkok's modern cityscape, Wat Arun is one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Situated on the Chao Phraya river, it sits directly opposite the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, making it an easy stop after exploring both. To get there, just hop on the cross-river ferry, which departs every 20 minutes.
Location: 158 Thanon Wang Doem, Wat Arun, Bangkok Yai, Bangkok 10600, Thailand
Opening hours: 08:00 - 18:00
Cost: ฿200
4. Asiatique The Riverfront Destination
Fancy a ride on the Asiatique Sky? Photo: Lord Acuña
After a long day of sightseeing, Asiatique The Riverfront Destination along the Chao Phraya river is a great place to slow things down. This huge open-air mall and night market in Bangkok offers plenty of options for shopping and dining. Feeling adventurous? Ride the Asiatique Sky, a giant Ferris wheel with panoramic views of the river and Bangkok skyline.
Cruising along Chao Phraya river with my friends.
Prefer a more relaxing evening? Take a dinner cruise from Asiatique The Riverfront Pier and enjoy a scenic two-hour journey down the river. The cruise features an international buffet you can savour while listening to live band music. Arrive 15-30 minutes before departure to allow time for check-in and boarding.
Location: 2194 Wat Phraya Krai, Bang Kho Laem, Bangkok 10120, Thailand
Opening hours: 11:00 - 00:00
5. Khao San Road
Sharing a pitcher of Chang beer with my friend Chemarie on Khao San Road.
Head to Khao San Road if you're looking for a vibrant nightlife scene. Not only does it come alive at night, but it's also budget-friendly. If you’re ready to sample Thai street food, grab cheap drinks, and party late into the night, this is the place to be. There are no direct train stations nearby, so you'll need to take a taxi or a tuk-tuk to get here.
6. Chatuchak Weekend Market
Give yourself plenty of time to explore Chatuchak Weekend Market. Photo: Lord Acuña
Visiting Bangkok on a weekend? Then it's the perfect time to explore Chatuchak Weekend Market. With over 15,000 stalls spread across 26 sections, there's no shortage of food, art, clothing, jewellery, and more. While selected parts of the market are open on weekdays, visiting on the weekend gives you the full Chatuchak experience.
Location: Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Khwaeng Chatuchak, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
7. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
If Chatuchak Market isn't fun enough, head out to one of Thailand's most famous floating markets. Located around two hours from Bangkok, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in Ratchaburi offers a unique experience where you can shop and eat directly from a boat. Drift along narrow, winding canals and soak up the atmosphere of traditional Thai water markets that have been around for over 100 years.
Location: Damnoen Saduak District, Ratchaburi 70130, Thailand
Cost: From ฿750
8. Explore Bangkok's shopping malls
The iconic ICONSIAM in Bangkok, Thailand. Photo: Lord Acuña
Of course, for travellers with a bigger budget, Bangkok is also home to luxury shopping malls such as ICONSIAM, Siam Paragon, and Emsphere. But if you want to keep things more affordable, check out Terminal 21, CentralWorld, and Siam Center. Tax refunds for tourists are available on eligible purchases and must be claimed at the airport before flying out.
9. Visit a cat café
Cat lovers can spend a few relaxing hours surrounded by friendly feline residents at one of Bangkok's many cat cafés. Feed them treats, play with them, or snap plenty of photos, but remember to be gentle and let the cats come to you. Sudden movements or picking them up can easily stress these furry babies out.
Read my review of Caturday Cat Cafe, a cat café located in Ratchathewi.
10. Enjoy authentic Thai food
Some of my favourite Thai food! Photo: Lord Acuña
Finally, where else to enjoy authentic Thai food but in Bangkok? Not only is it delicious, but it can also be incredibly affordable, depending on where you eat. Sample local staples such as pad thai (stir-fried rice noodles), tom yum soup (hot and sour soup), som tam (green papaya salad), mango sticky rice, and Thai milk tea.
Have an amazing time in the Land of Smiles!
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