Sawasdee! If you’re a first-timer in Bangkok, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed with so much to do – in so little time. That’s why we’ve done all the hard work for you and picked the absolute best and most unique things that you need to see and do whilst you’re in Bangkok.
From a choice of hundreds of world-famous temples, endless street markets serving authentic Thai food, and luxury rooftop bars serving killer cocktails with a view, here are the top things to do in Bangkok…
MUST DO
Visit Wat Pho And See The Reclining Buddha
Wat Pho is a must for any traveller in Bangkok for many reasons. It is best known for the 46-metre-long reclining gold Buddha that sleeps beautifully in its temple, as well as being home to one of the largest collections of Buddha images in Thailand.
Inside the temple, there are 108 bowls which you can buy coins for at the entrance of the temple. The history behind this is that Buddha completed 108 positive actions on his way to becoming perfect. Wat Pho is even first on the list of the six temples in Thailand which are classed as the highest grade of the first-class royal temples.
Fun fact: Wat Pho is known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. You can even stop to receive a traditional Thai Massage whilst you’re at the temple!
Included in: North Thailand Tour (Day 2)
Explore The Grand Palace Complex
No trip to Bangkok would be complete without a visit to the world-famous Grand Palace complex. From 1782, this became the official place of residence of the Kings of Siam (and then Thailand) up until 1925. It was then opened to the public for tours and used to host many royal ceremonies and state functions every year. The Palace is still the official place of residence for visiting foreign officials.
The land where the palace was built in 1782 was originally occupied by a Chinese community. King Rama I ordered the community to relocate to an area outside of the city walls so that they could build the palace there. The community relocated to what is now Bangkok’s famous Chinatown.
Fact: Many of the buildings in the palace were partially constructed out of old building materials from the old capital, Ayutthaya, and ferried down the Chao Phraya by a barge.
Tip: The Grand Palace also houses Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) and most tours will include a visit to this too.
Included in: North Thailand Tour (Day 2)
Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
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Located within the Grand Palace Complex is the amazing Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew). The temple was originally housed in Wat Arun, and transported from there when King Rama I moved the capital across the river from Thonburi. The Emerald Buddha is made out of Jade clothed in gold, and about 66 cm tall. It is regarded as the most sacred and holy Buddhist temple in Thailand and its construction began in 1783.
Tip: Wat Phra Kaew is located within the grounds of The Grand palace and most tours will include a visit to this too.
Included in: North Thailand Tour (Day 2)
Marvel at Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
There are more than 31,000 Buddhist temples scattered across Thailand and Wat Arun stands out from the rest thanks to its iconic structure. Otherwise known as the Temple of Dawn, the world-famous temple derives its name from Arun – the Hindu God of dawn. It also represents the honour of both the literal and symbolic founding of a new Ayutthaya.
Before the capital was moved across the river, the temple was located in the grounds of the then royal palace. The temple was abandoned for a long time, before being restored in the 19th century. It is beautifully decorated with colourful porcelain that glistens in the right light – tourists are even encouraged to climb up the temple!
Included in: North Thailand Tour (Day 2)
Explore Bangkok By Boat
With so much time spent on your feet in Bangkok, why not sit back and relax on the city’s river cruise boat? Taking you right through the heart of the city, it’s the perfect way to see so much of the city in a short amount of time. Some of the main stops include the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Khao San Road, Iconisam shopping centre, and Asiatique (which is great for a drink & food by the river).
It’s common for tourists to use this as their main form of transport whilst in Bangkok. It’s the perfect way to see most of Bangkok’s iconic landmarks in under an hour and will cost you around 120 Baht (£3/$4) pp.
Tip: Once you’ve got your bearings in Bangkok, we recommend travelling via the local boats which are cheaper and allow you to observe the locals’ way of life, who use the boat to commute to and from work themselves.
RELIGIOUS
Explore Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple)
One of Bangkok’s most beautiful and significant temples, the Marble Temple (or Wat Ben) was built from white Italian marble and is classified as a first-class Royal temple.
Its official name translates to ‘the temple of the fifth King located near Dusit Palace’. You’ll even spot the temple on the back of the five-baht coin! Construction began in 1899 and the ashes of King Rama V (who ordered its construction) are kept at the base of the bronze Buddha.
Visit The Temple Of The Golden Mount (Wat Saket)
Wat Saket, or the Temple of the Golden Mount, is beautifully located on a 90-metre tall man-made hill. Located in Bangkok’s Old Town, the temple is dedicated to the Ayutthaya era. Climb to the top to see the gleaming gold chedi and unbeatable panoramic views of the city! Visitors are welcomed all year round, but it can get pretty crowded in November during the week-long Loy Krathong festival.
The Vultures of Wat Saket: In the past, the Siamese had a tradition whereby the dead could not be cremated within the city walls. Wat Saket was located outside of the city walls and was therefore used to cremate the dead. It was the main receiving ground for many dead bodies. When cholera hit, they were unable to cremate every dead body and some were left out in the open, where vultures devoured the dead bodies. Cholera hit every dry season for decades and the temple was the main place where the vultures ate.
Visit The Home Of Jim Thompson
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Be sure to take a canal boat to visit the Jim Thompson Museum in Bangkok to explore the home of the late American architect and entrepreneur who transformed the Thai silk industry.
Jim Thomspon originally visited Thailand on a business trip and immediately fell in love with the culture, in particular the Thai silk industry. He ended up moving to Bangkok and built his own home in 1959. The house was mainly designed to showcase his impressive collection of traditional Southeast Asian art and Buddhist statues.
The disappearance of Jim Thompson after his afternoon walk in 1967 still remains an unsolved mystery. This is not one to be missed!
Tip: You can pay on arrival at the museum and your ticket price includes a free guided tour.
FOOD / DRINK
Explore the Endless Rooftop Bars
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It’s no secret that Bangkok is famous for its nightlife scene. If you fancy something a bit more classy and stylish than the usual Khao San Road, then book a table at one of the many rooftop bars in the city and enjoy killer cocktails with an unbeatable panoramic view of Bangkok’s skyline. A must-visit is the Sky Bar at Lebua where The Hangover Part II was filmed! Just be sure to book in advance so you get the best seat in the house!
Some of our personal favourites that you need to check out are Moon Bar, Bayan Tree Hotel, Vertigo bar, and Banyan Tree, Baiyoke Tower II (aka the rooftop of Bangkok).
Drink and Eat at Khao San Road
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Whilst you’re in Bangkok, be sure to visit the world-famous backpacker area, Khao San Road. This strip of bars and clubs sees between 20,000-50,000 tourists visiting it every day! You’ll find some of the best bars and clubs in the city here, with street food, fast food and restaurants dotted everywhere. The market here includes everything from clothes to DVDs, and even fake ID documents (you didn’t hear it from us).
SHOPPING
Dine and Shop at Asiatique Riverfront
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At the end of the riverboat tour line, you’ll find the Asiatique riverfront. It was once a bustling international trade port and is now a shopping centre with 1,500 boutiques and 40 restaurants. Stop off here for dinner and drinks on the riverfront and watch the amazing sunset.
Tip: Most restaurants and bars are only open in the evening though, from around 4-5 pm.
Go Shopping at Iconsiam
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One of the largest shopping malls in Asia, Iconism is home to over 100 restaurants and 500 shops across six floors. You’ll find luxury designer brands such as Louis Vuitton, as well as high-street brands such as Zara. There’s even an indoor floating market! If you board the river tour boat, you’ll pass Iconism and can stop off directly outside.
Visit Chatuchak Weekend Market
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One of the largest markets in Asia, the Chatuchak Weekend Market is home to over 15,000 stalls and welcomes over 200,000 visitors every weekend! Open every Friday, Saturday & Sunday, you’ll find here rare art, jewellery, clothing, accessories, and endless food options.
Tip: It can be quite overwhelming in Chatuchak, so be sure to grab a free map of the market from one of the information desks.
Explore Rot Fai Ratchada Night Market
Open every evening Thursday until Sunday, Rot Fai Ratchada Night Market is the perfect place to spend your evening whilst watching locals haggle and trade.
The famous market splits into avenues with hundreds of market stalls, stocking everything from clothes, shoes, handbags, souvenirs, and endless food options. There are even rows of bars with music and bright lights if you fancy a night out in the market.
More locals visit Rot Fai Ratchada than tourists, so you’ll find that the prices are cheaper compared to the other markets in Bangkok.
CULTURAL
Experience a Famous Thai Massage
No trip to Thailand would be complete without experiencing a famous Thai massage for yourself, and Bangkok is home to some of the best massage parlours!
After all the walking and exploring you’ll be doing on your travels, 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 won’t be hard to find one.
Tip: the average price of a good Thai massage is around £8-10 for a full body. You can have a Thai foot massage for around £3. Just be sure to tip after!
Visit Chinatown (Yaowarat Road)
Be sure to visit one of the largest Chinatowns in the world – right in Bangkok! Get lost amongst the many market alleys and endless street food vendors with influences of both Thai and Chinese cultures.
Due to famine, Chinese people migrated to Bangkok and originally settled where the Grand Palace is today. They were later ordered to resettle in Yaowarat Road (now Chinatown) by King Rama I when he moved his capital across the river.
Tip: Yaowarat Road is the main road to visit Chinatown. Built in 1891, the road itself is It’s about 1.5 kilometres long and has some of the best places to eat and drink in Bangkok.
Visit Art in Paradise Museum
Prepare to have your mind blown at Art in Paradise – the First 3D and “illusion” museum in Bangkok. Through the use of painting techniques such as shading and borders, artists can trick our eyes into believing something is 3D.
The museum is divided into two floors over 2,500 square meters and features 150 interactive paintings. There are six permanent exhibition zones to explore in the museum: aqua, safari, classic art, fantasy, nature, and modern art.
Tip: Art in Paradise is near to the Cultural Centre MRT station – so combine this with Rot Fai Ratchada Night Market.
OUTDOORS
Take a Stroll in Lumpini Park
Escape the noise, bustle and heavy pollution of Bangkok’s city and take a stroll in the beautiful Lumpini Park. This huge park was created in the 1920s and features a stunning artificial lake with swans.
Many locals use the space to exercise, particularly early-morning runners. Keep your eyes out for the giant lizards inside the park – some of them growing close to 10 feet long!
TRIPS
Explore the Ancient Ruins of Ayutthaya
Prepare to be amazed by the Ancient city of Ayutthaya, the former capital of Thailand (Siam) before it was destroyed by the Burmese Army in 1767.
Founded in 1351, Ayutthaya was once one of the largest cities in the world. At its peak, it was known to have up to 1,000,000 people living there in the 1700s. The ruins of the old city are preserved in the Ayutthaya historical park, a UNESCO world heritage site.
Join a full-day guided tour where you’ll visit the 5 UNESCO-listed temples and the National Museum, which contains key artefacts from the kingdom’s 417-year history.
Included in: North Thailand Tour (Day 6)
Ride Through Maeklong Railway Market
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Get a taste of the local Thai lifestyle outside of Bangkok and visit one of Bangkok’s most unique attractions, Maeklong Railway Market. Once you arrive at the station, you’ll have time to explore the endless markets that run on the railway tracks. Experience the stalls collapse and transform as a train passes through – tuck in tight!
Buy a ticket from Maeklong station to the next stop which will allow you to ride the traditional train that passes right through the market itself. Smile and wave as hundreds of locals and tourists cram tight into the side of the train tracks and wave as you pass!
Tip: We recommend joining a tour which includes both the Maeklong Railway and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, as they are both located close to each other.
Included in: North Thailand Tour (Additional Day 1)
Visit Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Swap the train tracks for canals at the infamous Damnoen Floating Markets. Make a grand entrance to the market on a long tail boat, where you’ll speed around the tight corners. For all of you James Bond fans, this is where The Man With The Golden Gun feature was filmed.
Once you arrive, explore the markets at your own pace, or experience it first hand on your own private boat tour for just 120 Baht (£3/$4). Pull up to local stalls for authentic Thai souvenirs, food and drinks. Relax, enjoy a Chiang Beer and some sweet sticky mango rice, and take in all the sounds and sights of this bustling market. Not one to be missed!
Included in: North Thailand Tour (Additional Day 1)
Join the Vanishing Canal Tour
Bangkok was once known as the Venice of the East. Today though, most of the canals in Bangkok have been filled in and are converted into roads, although there are still a lot of canals left to be explored.
There are many tour options to choose from – some take you near the centre of the city, and others venture out onto the other side of the Chao Phraya River where you can see what local life used to be like.
