Neil Aronson Here is updated (Jan 2025) guide to the best things to do in Bangkok Thailand. In this article we aim to help you figure out what to do in one of my favorite cities, in my favorite country. Our recommendations are all based our own experiences and from our colleagues in Bangkok Thailand.
Because there are so many great things about this city with so many things to do, we will focus on the best attractions in Bangkok. In a city with thousands of hotels, restaurants, bars, and places to see, it is hard for a first time visitor to narrow down an itinerary.
Bangkok Thailand is often used by travelers as a jumping off point for travel to other parts of Thailand, such as Chiang Mai in the north, or the many fantastic islands and beaches to the south.
If you are planning to visit our home city, Chiang Mai, check our complete and updated Guide to Chiang Mai Province. Not just the city!
Resources
Agoda is the best place to book cheap affordable hotels in Thailand, especially near national parks. They also book flights as well.
Expedia is my favorite place to book flights, hotels, cars, and more. Their group includes Hotels.com and Vrbo for vacation rentals.
Viator is the top choice for activities. Book everything from a waterfall tour to scuba diving, jungle trekking to cooking classes.
12Go is the top transportation source for Asia. From busses to trains to regional flights.
Contents for Bangkok Thailand
Introduction to Bangkok Thailand
About Bangkok Thailand
First of all, Bangkok is huge. It is one of the most populous cities in Southeast Asia, with a population of over 10 million people. Similar to most of Thailand, the humid rainy season is May-October. During the winter dry season, it is still very warm, especially in the city among the concrete.
To explore the best areas and hotels, visit The Best Areas In Bangkok Thailand To Stay.
Bangkok is also a little less than 2 hours drive from the popular beach city of Pattaya. From Pattaya and nearby Rayong, you can take a boat to Koh Samet Island, a very popular weekend island getaway. Discover Koh Samet here.
Similarly, another fantastic beach getaway from Bangkok in Hua Hin, about 2.5 hours drive to the south. Famous for its beaches, jungle activities, nightlife, golf, and great hotels.
To get to these locations you can use 12Go, which is Asia’s leading booking site for trains, busses, flights.
Find cheap flights around Thailand and Asia with Air Asia.
The history of Bangkok Thailand goes all the way back to early in the 15th century when it was just a village on the bank of the river to which it sits, the Chao Phraya River. Because of its strategic location, it continued to grow in importance under the rule of Ayatthaya and then the Burmese. Finally to become the capital of Siam in 1782 under King Rama 1.
Over the centuries it became an international economic hub of international trade. And especially after World War 2 with investment from the west. During the Vietnam War it was used as a US military R&R destination, which boosted its tourism industry as well and firmly establishing it as a sex tourism destination.
The interesting part about visiting Bangkok is how the city intertwines the past history with the modern culture of today. You can see an amazing historic temple on one block, and down the street a modern state of the art shopping mall. The mix of traditional cultural ideology with modern society is interesting to see in such a large city.
The city has also become a modern cultural hub as well. Art, music, and theater are some of the best in Bangkok Thailand. You can find plenty of museums and exhibitions as well.
Take for instance the River City Bangkok. On the bank of the river, it helped spearhead a new creative district in the city when it first opened in 1985. Today, it hosts international exhibitions, documentary screenings, design boutiques and auctions across its four floors.
If there is a national festival going on in Thailand, then Bangkok Thailand will be celebrating like no where else. The most famous festival is Songkran, the Thai New Year’s water festival in April. The end of November is the lantern festival, Loy Krathong/ Yi Peng. Explore events and festivals with our Events Calendar.
People: Thai people are some of the most friendly in the world, famous for their ‘Thai Smile’. Not to be confused with the airline! I know because I married one. For travelers, they are very welcoming, helpful, and yes, most speak English.
They take their food very seriously, which makes it a best in Bangkok experience. From fantastic street food to world class high end cuisine, you can find it all in Bangkok.
Getting There And Getting Around
Airport
Bangkok Thailand has two main airports. The newer international airport Suvarnabhumi (BKK) is one of more modern ones in Asia. It is large but easy to navigate, and I have never had to wait in any long lines. Located east of downtown, about 40 minutes drive. But that depends on the time of day. Traffic around Bangkok can be epic.
Don Mueang Airport used to be the international airport before the opening of BKK. After renovations, it is now used at a regional airport for low cost airlines. So if you are traveling the region, you may use it.
Dozens of major airlines have service to Bangkok Thailand. Our favorite from the US is Korean Airlines through Seoul. Eva, Japan, and China Airlines are good as well. You can look up flights on our Book Travel page.
Flying into the international airport is one way to get there. Many people who are traveling around Thailand will take a train, bus, or local flight to get to Bangkok Thailand. The options for traveling cheaply around Thailand are many. 12Go is the best source for trains, busses, and local flights on Bangkok Airways.
Air Asia is probably the most popular regional airline, and can take you all over Southeast Asia.
Getting around Bangkok Thailand
Bangkok isn’t a walkers’ city. It’s hot, humid, and polluted, so it’s best to take local transport between sights. The exceptions are Chinatown and the area around the Grand Palace, which have several attractions within walking distance. In Siam and Ratchaprasong, elevated walkways connect major shopping malls and BTS Skytrain stations, making it easier to go between hotels and different attractions in the area on foot.
If you just want to get to the end of a long street or need to reach the other side of a neighborhood, take a tuk tuk.
Bangkok has an extensive public transportation system that includes buses, a Skytrain (BTS), an underground metro (MRT), and a network of water buses and taxis on the Chao Phraya River. Traffic congestion is a common issue in the city, so taking the ‘subway’ is recommended if possible.
Songthaew’s are a local favorite option. It is your budget option. Small red busses the will drop you off around town, less than 30 baht. Grab is a local Uber type rideshare company that is available in Thailand. Regular cabs are also easily available.
Temples & Palaces
Temples are a way of life in Thailand, and in Bangkok Thailand is where you can find some of the most grand anywhere. These are a few any visitor should see. I advise visiting on the weekdays, to try and avoid crowds.
Most temples feature a cloister housing a row of Buddha images, a chedi (pagoda) encasing a relic of the Buddha, a wihan (assembly hall), and a bot (ordination hall) housing the main Buddha image. Those containing the most revered images were founded by royalty and have names beginning with Maha-, Rat-, or Racha-.
Get transportation in and around Bangkok with 12Go.
Dress respectfully when you visit any temple in Thailand. Make sure your shoulders are covered (no vests, tank-tops or spaghetti straps). Although skirts or shorts are acceptable at many temples, they should be smart and at least knee-length. Take off your shoes before entering the temple buildings. If you are wearing a hat, that should also be removed before going inside.
Wat Arun Ratchawararam (Temple of Dawn)
Wat Arun is located on the Chao Phraya River’s west bank. Wat Arun is an ancient Temple dating back to the Ayutthaya period and considered as a Royal Temple of King Rama II, also known as King Buddha Loetla Nabhalai of the Chakri Dynasty. Its stupa was considered as one of the most beautiful and gigantic stupas in that era.
Although it’s known as the “Temple of Dawn,” this temple is mostly visited at sunset, as that’s when it’s at its most beautiful. It’s one of Thailand’s most iconic monuments, and its architectural style is actually unique in the country.
Wat Pho
Wat Pho, also spelled Wat Po, is located in the Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok, Thailand. It is on Rattanakosin Island, directly south of the Grand Palace. Bangkok’s largest and oldest temple was built in 1788 over another that stood on the site since the 1500s.
We took the river taxi to get here which was fun. The temple grounds are huge, and you have to pay to enter. Of course it is usually crowded, as it is one of the two most visited in Bangkok. We recently went on a Wednesday in January and it was crowded.
Known also as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. Another highlight is a vast array of ancient Chinese sculptures like ancient warriors, lions, or even the statue of Marco Polo, the first foreign explorer who travelled China, and much more. Its official name is Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan.
Wat Benchamabophit
Known as The Marble Temple, it is located in Dusit. The Temple’s ubosot was constructed of marble imported from Italy, so tourists from all over the world know this temple as the “Marble Temple”. “Wat Benchamabophit” was bestowed it name by King Rama IV the Great meaning “the temple of the fourth King near Dusit Palace.”
The Grand Palace/ Wat Phra Kaew
The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok Thailand. The palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam (and later Thailand) since 1782. Several royal ceremonies and state functions are held within the walls of the palace every year.
Within its grounds is the Wat Phra Kaew, which houses the revered Emerald Buddha.
Rather than being a single structure, the Grand Palace is made up of numerous buildings, halls, pavilions set around open lawns, gardens and courtyards. The palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand, with over eight million people visiting each year.
Viator is a perfect place to book local tours of these and other places in Bangkok.
Wat Traimit – Temple of the Goldenn Buddha
Wat Traimit has the world’s largest golden Buddha statue (made from tons of solid gold) can be seen in this ornate temple. Said to be worth US$250 million, the image dates back to the 13th century, and was once covered in plaster, to fool Burmese invaders. The temple is one of the tallest structures in Chinatown, offering a panoramic view of the city.
Top Things To Do
If you like me, you are not the type of person that lounges around when traveling. Most cities in Thailand have many things to see besides temples. Here are some of our recommendations for Bangkok Thailand.
Jim Thompson House
The former home of an American businessman who played a major role in the Thai silk industry. The house is a museum showcasing traditional Thai architecture and art.
Bangkok National Museum
Thailand’s largest museum, featuring a vast collection of artifacts, art, and historical exhibits.
It was a former royal residence from 1782 became the National Museum in 1926, housing a wealth of treasures (mainly archaeological finds and artifacts related to Thai history and culture). Spread over several galleries in different buildings, displaying prehistoric art, decorative pieces, jewelry, textiles, weapons, and gilded ceremonial chariots used in royal funerals.
Museum of Contemporary Art
In a country rich in traditional crafts and designs, Bangkok’s Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) provides a space for the display and celebration of contemporary art. It displays permanent and temporary exhibits, mostly from Thai artists but with some international artists.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
One of the largest markets in the world, Chatuchak is a bustling weekend market where you can find everything from clothing and accessories to home decor and exotic pets.
Lumpini Park
A green oasis in the heart of the city, Lumpini Park offers a peaceful escape with jogging paths, paddle boats, and regular cultural events.
Top Of Bangkok!
Go to the top of the King Power Mahanakhon Building. Bangkok’s tallest building at 320m has an open-air observation deck, a bar, and a skywalk with a dizzying transparent glass floor. The glass-bottomed SkyWalk observation deck on the 78th floor to take in its uninterrupted 360-degree views.
Erawan Shrine
A Hindu shrine located in the heart of the city in the Siam Area, which is the prime shopping district. The Shrine is known for its vibrant atmosphere and traditional Thai dance performances.
Longtail Boat Tour
See a side of Bangkok that most travelers don’t get to see as you cruise along the city’s canal ways. Set sail along the klong (canals) of the Chao Phraya River in a traditional longtail boat and enjoy a glimpse of local life in the Thonburi district of Bangkok.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Located east of the city, these are two of the most famously photograhed places. Going by tour is the best option. Damnoen Saduak is the most popular floating market in Thailand.
It this one is located 100km (62 miles) southwest of the city. It’s a maze of narrow canals (called khlongs), crossed by small wooden boats mainly paddled by female vendors wearing traditional farmers’ shirts and conical straw hats.
Maeklong Railway Market Tour
Close by is Talad Rom Hoop, also known as ‘Train Umbrella Market’, for a unique market experience. The market literally sits on the railway track and every day customers and shopkeepers make way for the Bangkok-Maeklong train to pass.
Asiatique The Riverfront
A large open-air mall and entertainment complex on the Chao Phraya River, offering shopping, dining, and cultural performances.
Siam Paragon and Siam Center
High-end shopping malls in the Siam Square area, offering luxury brands, entertainment, and dining options.
We hope this helps you plan your visits to Bangkok Thailand.
Read here for more on the Best Areas In Bangkok Thailand To Stay And Shop .
