Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, is a large metropolis known for its ornate shrines and vibrant street life.
The city is also home to many luxury hotels, shopping malls, and trendy restaurants.
Visitors to Bangkok can enjoy a wide range of activities, from exploring the city’s temples and markets to enjoying its nightlife and dining scene.
Here are our top 10 things to do in Bangkok:
1. Visit the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings that served as the official residence of the Kings of Siam from the 18th century onwards. Wat Phra Kaew, located within the palace grounds, houses the Emerald Buddha, a revered statue that dates back to the 14th century.
The Grand Palace (Thai: พระบรมมหาราชวัง, Phra Boromma Maha Ratchawang) is a complex of buildings in the heart of Bangkok, Thailand.
The palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam (and later Thailand) since 1782. The king, his court, and his royal government were based on the grounds of the palace until 1925. Kings breathed their last within its walls, and royal funerals were held within its compounds.
The palace was also used as a venue for both state and private entertainment from time to time.
It was also a base where the king deployed his military across Southeast Asia.
Considered the epitome of Thai architecture, the complex is known to Thais as Phra Borommaharatchawang (พระบรมมหาราชวั ง, The Grand Palace of the Kings).
It is one of Bangkok’s most popular tourist attractions, drawing in over 10 million visitors per year.
2. Take a Boat Ride on the Chao Phraya River
The Chao Phraya River is the main river that runs through Bangkok and offers a great way to see the city from the water.
Visitors can take a leisurely boat ride on one of the many tourist boats that ply the river or take a more adventurous journey on a long-tail boat.
The Chao Phraya River is the main river in Thailand, and has been an important waterway since the time of the ancient kingdoms of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya.
The river flows through Bangkok, and is a major transportation artery for the city.
Here are the top things to do along the Chao Phraya River:
1. Take a river cruise – There are many different companies offering cruises on the Chao Phraya River. You can choose from day or night cruises, dinner cruises, and even private charter cruises. All of the major sights of Bangkok can be seen from the river, making it a great way to orient yourself to the city.
2. Visit Wat Arun – Wat Arun is one of the most iconic temples in Bangkok, and it is located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. The temple is especially beautiful at sunset, when the setting sun reflects off of the temple’s spire.
3. Take a ride on a longtail boat – Longtail boats are a traditional mode of transportation on the Chao Phraya River. They are narrow boats with a long tail that is used to propel them through the water. You can flag down a longtail boat to take you to any number of destinations along the river.
4. Shop at the floating markets – There are several different floating markets located along the Chao Phraya River, where you can find everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to souvenirs and trinkets. The most popular floating market is the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, which is located about an hour outside of Bangkok.
5. Visit the Grand Palace – The Grand Palace is a must-see for anyone visiting Bangkok. The palace was the former home of the Thai king, and is now used for ceremonial purposes. It is located on the east bank of the Chao Phraya River.
3. Take a trip to Khao San Road
Khao San Road is a street in Bangkok, Thailand that is known for its nightlife and backpacker scene.
Khao San Road is a popular backpacker street that’s full of cheap hotels, restaurants and bars. It’s also a great place to pick up souvenirs and bargain for clothes.
The street is lined with bars, nightclubs, and restaurants, and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
There are many things to do on Khao San Road, so we’ve put together a list of things to do on Khao San Road.
1. Drink at a rooftop bar
There are many rooftop bars on Khao San Road, each with their own unique atmosphere. Whether you want to drink cocktails or beer, there’s a rooftop bar for you. Some of our favourites include Sky Bar at Lebua State Tower, Vertigo at Banyan Tree Bangkok, and Octave Rooftop Bar & Lounge.
2. Party at a nightclub
If you’re looking to party, Khao San Road is the place to be. There are many nightclubs on the street, each with their own music and crowd. Some of the most popular nightclubs include Route 66, Demonia, and Spicy Discotheque.
3. Shop at a market
Khao San Road is home to many markets, where you can find everything from clothes to souvenirs. Some of the most popular markets include Street Market, Talad Neon Night Market, and Suan Lum Night Bazaar.
4. Get a Thai massage
There are many places on Khao San Road where you can get a Thai massage. This is a great way to relax after a night of partying or sightseeing.
5. Eat street food
Khao San Road is home to many street food vendors, so you’ll never go hungry. From pad thai to fried chicken, there’s something for everyone.
6. Visit a temple
There are many temples in Bangkok, and some of them are located on Khao San Road. If you want to experience Thai culture, be sure to visit Wat Chana Songkhram and Wat Bowonniwet Vihara.
4. Shop at Chatuchak Weekend Market
Chatuchak Weekend Market is one of the largest markets in Bangkok, covering an area of over 27 acres.
The market sells everything from clothes and accessories to food and souvenirs. It’s the perfect place to find unique gifts and bargain deals.
Here are some fun facts of Chatuchak Weekend Market.
1. Chatuchak Weekend Market is the biggest market in Bangkok, and possibly in all of Thailand. It’s a great place to find souvenirs, clothes, Thai art and crafts, and just about anything else you can imagine.
2. The market is open every Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 6pm, and it’s easy to get to by taking the Skytrain (BTS) to Mo Chit station.
3. Once you’re at the market, be sure to bargain for everything – it’s expected, and you can usually get prices down by 20-30% or more.
4. If you get hungry while walking around the market, there are plenty of food stalls selling delicious Thai food. Make sure to try the Thai iced tea, which is a refreshing way to cool down on a hot day.
5. When you’re ready for a break from shopping, head to JJ Green Market, which is located in the same area as Chatuchak Weekend Market. JJ Green is a night market with a more relaxed atmosphere, and it’s a great place to find unique gifts and souvenirs.
6. Another great place to shop for souvenirs is at Talad Rot Fai ( also known as Train Market). This market is made up of old shipping containers that have been turned into shops selling vintage clothes, antiques, and other collectibles. It’s open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 6pm until midnight.
5. Explore Wat Arun
Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, is one of the most iconic temples in Bangkok.
The temple’s main tower is adorned with colorful porcelain mosaics, and its riverside location offers stunning views of the city skyline.
Wat Arun is one of the most famous and well-known temples in Bangkok. The temple is located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, opposite Wat Pho.
Wat Arun is also known as the Temple of Dawn.
The temple was built in the early 19th century during the reign of King Rama II.
The main structure of the temple is 70 meters tall and is adorned with beautiful mosaics made from Chinese porcelain.
Visitors can climb to the top of the temple for a stunning view of Bangkok.
6. Ride the Skytrain
The Bangkok Skytrain is a quick and efficient way to get around the city. The train runs on elevated tracks and offers panoramic views of the cityscape.
Tickets can be purchased from vending machines at any station.
7. Visit Lumpini Park
Lumpini Park is a large urban park that offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok’s streets.
The park is popular with locals and visitors alike and features a lake, running track, and numerous gardens.
8. Shop at Siam Paragon
Siam Paragon is one of Bangkok’s most popular shopping malls, offering a wide range of high-end stores and restaurants. The mall also houses an aquarium and a cinema complex.
9. Explore Chinatown
Bangkok’s Chinatown is a bustling neighborhood that is home to a large Chinese community. The area is filled with markets and temples and is the perfect place to sample authentic Chinese cuisine.
10. Go on a Food Tour
Bangkok is renowned for its street food, and there are many tours available that will take you to the best stalls in the city.
These tours are a great way to try local specialties such as pad Thai, curry, and Thai iced tea.
Thoughts and Conclusion
There are an endless amount of things to do in Bangkok, but these are our Top 10 Things to Do in Bangkok. If you have any other suggestions, please feel free to leave a comment below.
