Bangkok lives the one-in-all vibe which breathes the best of everything. Offering enriching history, fascinating beaches, delectable street food, and happening nightclubs, Bangkok has something for everybody. The vibrant party-going scene in Bangkok is preferred mainly by all.
However, there are several places to visit and things to do in Bangkok, much beyond the party scene. Let us check out a few of the most popular places to visit in Bangkok, which convey its origin, history, and significance. Here are the top 29 places to visit and things to do in Bangkok to experience an authentic taste of the Asian city.
The Grand Palace
As the name implies, the palace is everything grand and comprises detailed architecture, with awe-inspiring gem and goal leaf designs. Built over three long years, the palace is the official residence of the King.
Although the King does not stay there anymore, it is still used for ceremonies and is a sight to behold. It safeguards enriching history with a temple, chedis, statues, carvings of a historical stature.
By Andy Marchand, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: Grand Palace Na Phra Lan Road, Grand Palace Bangkok 10200, Thailand | Timings: 08.30 am to 03.30 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/xb4ewG9JXb3WyJtM6 | Phone Number: +66 2 623 5500 ext.3100
Wat Pho: Temple of the Reclining Buddha
As mentioned, Bangkok is a lot more than its party vibe, it is also known for its culture and historic temples situated therein. Similarly, Wat Pho is one such Thai temple that is predominantly popular among the tourists for its massive reclining Buddha statue.
Offering a colossal structure 15 meters tall and 46 meters long, the reclining Buddha at the temple is often synonymous with the city’s popularity. Built in 1832, the temple comprises several courtyards, reliefs, temples, and statues to gaze on. Tourists love paying homage to the exorbitant statue at the temple and explore the sanctity of the place.
Address: 2 Sanamchai Road, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok | Timings: 08:00 am to 06.30 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/WXxoGkao5G19svA79 | Phone Number: +66 2 222 9779
Overwhelming Chatuchak Weekend Market
f eating and shopping your heart out is your thing, the Chatuchak weekend market is going to make you fall in love with Bangkok. Make your way through the endless maze of vendors selling everything under the sun, from clothing to pottery and more, and the weekend market is also one of the largest open-air markets in the world.
Boasting as many as 15,000+ stalls, the market is an ideal place to buy souvenirs, gifts, barter, and gorge on some delicious local delicacies. With maps available around, you can easily glide your way through the massive market.
By JJ Harrison, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road | Timings: Wednesday and Thursday: 07:00 am to 06:00 pm, Fridays: 06:00 pm to 12:00 am, Saturday and Sunday 09:00 am to 06:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/E62FLHsZyQKTgwyu6 | Phone Number: +66 2 272 4813
Ride in the Sky Train
Being all touristy, you certainly do not want to miss out on any medium that can take you around Bangkok! Riding the sky train in Bangkok is as exciting as it gets with offering air-conditioned carriages.
The state-of-the-art sky train offers extensive led screens that entertain the passengers. It provides a skywalk allowing pedestrians to walk around the city without any hassle. Offering no traffic high up in the air, the train ride offers a 360-degree view of the beautiful city. Helping tourists witness every single part of Bangkok, riding a sky train is a must for simpler traveling.
By My Train Pix, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link
Address: Sky Train, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon | Timings: 5.15 am to 12.55 am
Siam Paragon
The paradise of every shopper’s delight, Siam Paragon in Thailand is a popular shopping mall housing several shops from high-end fashion designers. Housing the largest aquarium of Southeast Asia, it comprises a multiplex cinema, restaurants, and more.
It is a house to 250 shops and witnesses a large number of foreigners. Several car manufacturers, including Lamborghini and Ferrari, have showrooms inside. Hence, it caters to one, and all’s needs, and you are surely going to find something or the other for yourself.
Address: 991 Rama I Road, Pathum Wan, Pathum Wan District | Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm|Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/mfYDs4ET6emzduh78
Chao Phraya River
Often referred to as the ‘Venice of the East, Bangkok boasts a beautiful river, the Chao Phraya River, which flows through Bangkok and the little canals. Popularly known as the lifeblood of Bangkok, the river is largely accessed for its ferries.
Tourists can fancy a boat trip down the river and witness massive condominiums along with fancy hotels. Taking a tour along the 370 kilometers stretch river will help you relax and ease your worries off. You can also take a water taxi for a rather cheaper rate and enjoy the tour.
Address: Chao Phraya River, Thai Mae Nam Chao Phraya | Timings: Monday to Friday: 06:00 am to 10:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/yDL8GJ8MT7jrGvRDA
Take The Thai Massage
A visit to the city shall remain incomplete if you do not get yourself a proper Thai massage. Bangkok is largely known for its massages, offering a relaxing and invigorating body massage. There is nothing better than easing yourself off with a Thai massage at the end of the day while winding yourself off.
Getting a Thai massage is exceptional when received from the experts’ hands and is one of the best things to do in Bangkok. The professionals are trained and offer state-of-the-art massages of different types, from Swedish to Thai and much more.
Address: The Thai Massage & Spa, 392/12-15 ปาก Sukhumvit 20 Alley, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand | Timings: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm | Google Map location: https://goo.gl/maps/1KKCPgK6UKz2y3QA7 | Phone number: +66 2 002 3967
Bangkok National Museum
A museum focusing deep on Thai culture comprises an extensive collection of recorded music, funeral chariots, musical instruments, and more. Housing the largest collection of local artifacts and art, the museum holds a fascinating history of the yesteryears.
Established in 1874, the National Museum in Bangkok offers English tours on Wednesdays and Thursdays and is usually preferred by all. Opened by King Rama V, it displays the gifts that he was gifted to by his father.
Address: Na Phra That Alley, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand | Timings: Wednesday to Sunday: 9.30 am to 04:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/QTCQwyjDW9pJGn8M6 | Phone number: + 66 2 224 1333
Sathorn Unique Tower
The huge 49 story skyscraper was built in the heart of Bangkok; however, with the financial crisis hitting the world a few years ago, work on the building stopped. As a result, today, it is abandoned and hence is grandeur to witness.
One of the best offbeat Bangkok attractions features an abandoned skyscraper and offers mesmerizing city views. You can make most of the structure by paying the security guards to view Thailand’s mesmerising views from the top. The views are breathtaking, which will make the climb difficult.
By Chainwit, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Address: Charoen Krung Rd, Yan Nawa, Sathon, Bangkok 10330, Thailand | Timings: 09:00 am to 05:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/YrtrhSb6aeTFGCoGA | Phone number: +66 2 255 2542
Chinatown
Although almost every Asian city has a Chinatown, it is the biggest of all Chinatowns in the world. Presenting a dynamic Chinese environment, it is home to some of the best street food, delicacies, and more.
A thousand food lovers flock around the place to explore the delectable Thai delicacies sold here. If you love seafood, you would love exploring the narrow streets and trying them out. A tour to Bangkok will not be complete unless you make a street food tour around Chinatown.
Address: Krung Thep Maha Nakhon | Timings: 09:00 am to 05:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/4yh8mg9foy7SuHmj8
Lumpini Park
Spanning across a wide area of 140 acres, LumpiniPark is one of the largest parks in Bangkok. A home to manicured lawns, jogging paths, bicycle lanes, tai chi classes, and more, the park is the perfect place to unwind. You can enjoy a picnic at the park with your loved ones where you can spend time boating in an artificial lake and amidst lush greenery.
A perfect place to grab a book, relax and explore the scenic beauty of the surrounding, the Lumpini park is a nice change from the bustling city. It is also a no-smoking zone and hence caters to the needs and requirements of all.
Address: Rama IV Rd, Lumphini, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok 10330, Thailand | Timings: 04.30 am to 09:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://g.page/lumphini-park?share | Phone Number: +66 2 252 7006
Shop at the beautiful Floating Market
Boarding a longboat to discover a marketplace! How cool does it sound? Well, this is exactly what the beautiful floating market of Bangkok is made of. It features a boat tour passing through Wat Arun temple and entering a narrow canal while moving to another temple and area.
You can explore all this whole shopping to your heart’s content. Although it sounds touristy, it is one of the best things to do in Bangkok and fun that cannot be missed out on.
Address: 96/19 38 Asok Montri Road, 10110 | Timings: 09:00 am to 09:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Y8zyD5vGLyd9oDYF9 | Phone Number: +66 81 308 2300
Enjoy Drinks at Rooftop Bar
Nightlife and Bangkok are quite synonymous with one another, and if you are in Bangkok, you simply need to halt at a rooftop bar and drink your heart out. Sip on your favorite cocktail while overlooking a panoramic view of the beautiful city.
You are bound to find a large array of rooftop bars which are a must-visit in the city. The food, the drinks, and the experience are much likely to live up to the hype that it is.
Address: Rooftop Bar Bangkok, 9th floor, Novotel Bangkok Platinum Pratunam, 220 Phetchaburi Road | Timings: 04:00 pm to 12:00 am | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/jqXtMJrBqAhxJStp7 | Phone number: +66 2 209 1700
Watch a Muay Thai Match
Thailand is largely known for the kickboxing stadiums. However, Bangkok is largely known for the big fights. Muay Thai is one of the most popular sports of Thailand and is largely popular everywhere. If you love watching fights and wondering about what to do in Bangkok, make sure you buy the ticket.
Get immersed in the fights and enroll in bets to attain a fair bet on your next Muay Thai match in Bangkok. The Muay Thai matches last around 25 minutes, comprising around 7-9 fights each night.
Address: Rajadamnern Boxing Stadium, 8 Ratchadamnoen Nok Road | Timings: Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/rMxk6ddk8wvktCzf6 | Phone number: +66 2 281 4205
Party in the streets of Khao San Road
Bangkok is known for its nightlife, and the best of it happens on the streets of Khao San Road. Popularly known as the hub of backpackers, the street houses bars, street stalls, hawkers and is a fun space to spend some time in.
Experience the vibe by grabbing a drink, ordering a few local delicacies, and watching the sunset. Indulge into the bustling streets and enjoy the live music humming down the streets. It is one of the best things to do in Bangkok to taste the place’s local vibe.
Address: Talat Yot, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok | Timings: 06:00 pm to 04:00 am | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/YPfeocwcnPax9oBj9
Prepare yourself for Songkran
The traditional Thai New Year Festival, Songkran, is largely braced by individuals worldwide. Celebrated between the 13th and 15th of April, the traditional festival is a delight to watch. What’s interesting about this festival is its unique celebratory note that spares no one from getting wet.
The Buddhist religion perceives that sprinkling water is extremely significant to wash your sins away and eliminates the back luck from persisting. Today, the celebratory note takes the form of a fully-fledged water fight in the entire country and is one of the most popular Bangkok attractions.
With the expansive crowd of Bangkok, it is surely one exciting place to enjoy.
Address: Wat Pho | Timings: 13th to 15th April every year | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/vSnfDs3SCUt3qPix7
Explore Bangkok by Water Taxi
Although much of the water-based culture has been replaced today with malls and skyscrapers, the heritage still is intact, which you can make most of. Explore the surroundings with a water taxi, from the mighty Chao Phraya River, flowing through the city and to the canal and suburbs.
Witnessing the city through the water taxi offers a unique opportunity to go back in time and see the city from the water. Offering a preferred route through the most exciting tourist destinations, the ride is among everyone’s favorite Bangkok things to do.
By BrokenSphere, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: Chao Phraya River | Timings: 09.30 am to 06:00 pm, the taxi runs every half an hour, 04:00 pm to 05:00 pm, the taxi runs every 15 minutes | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/pxsDPH8NBTBQ2HB77
Watch a Puppet Show
Going on a tour of the Chao Phraya River appeals to the travelers and also offers them scenic beauty along with the Thai Puppet Show Tour. The puppet tour offers the guests an opportunity to experience the traditional Thai lifestyle a lot closer.
The tour will let you witness the larger-than-life puppet shows brought to life with exciting props that act out the scenes from Thai history, including love puppet stories, comedy, and more.
Address: 1026 Rama IV Road, thung Mahamek, Sathon, Bangkok | Timings: 09:00 am to 05:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/5qweiUM1NizaYwT16 | Phone number: +66 82 799 1099
Experience the famous TukTuk
If you have heard about Bangkok, you surely would have heard about TukTuk as well. Practically the national emblem of Bangkok, the tuk-tuk is the heart of the city and offers you an authentic experience of Bangkok’s very essence.
These open-air three-wheeled vehicles are a fun activity in themselves and are essentially one of the fun things to do in Bangkok. The successor to the earlier cycle rickshaws, Sam Lor, got the unique name from the engines’ sound.
Wat Arun
Housing more than 31,000 Buddhist temples around the city, Bangkok takes pride in presenting this one-of-a-kind temple, named after the God of Dawn, Aruna. Wat Arun is located on the bank of the Chao Phraya River and stands upright at 79 meters tall.
Covered in ceramic tiles, colored porcelain and thus is a wonderful creation to behold. Guarded by mythical giants, visiting Wat Arun is a must for all.
By Preecha.MJ, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Address: Wat Arun,158 Thanon Wang Doem, Wat Arun, Bangkok Yai | Timings: 08:00 am to 06:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Q6e6GaXSEfWj1XZt8 | Phone number: +66 2 891 2185
Jim Thompson House
The famous American spy resided in Thailand during the 50s and 60s’, amidst the Second World War. The American architect, Jim Thompson, turned into a silk entrepreneur who shared an unparalleled love for Thailand and strived to do everything to revive its silk production.
The house is a traditional Thai home and is beautifully decorated with teak wood and a pretty garden. Visiting the place will enlighten the tourists about him, his life story, and more. Post this, Jim Thompson mysteriously vanished while being in the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia.
By D Ramey Logan, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: 6 Kasem San 2 Alley, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok 10330, Thailand | Timings: 09:00 am to 06:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/bYXovK6VF7ShREi86 | Phone Number: +66 2 216 7368
Siam Museum
Opened back in the year 2007, the museum unfolds Thailand and its culture. Home to thousands of movies, galleries, and multimedia displays, it explores the right history, culture, war, and creation of modern Thailand.
The museum is one of the most popular Bangkok attractions and is housed in a beautiful building decorated in the European style and completely interactive. The museum displays a hands-on exhibit that explores the enriching history of Thailand.
By ScorpianPK, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: 4 Sanam Chai Road, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon | Timings: Tuesday-Sunday: 10:00 am to 06:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/tsyCRYLCDjLFG3baA |Phone Number: +66 2 225 2777
Flower Market | Pak Khlong Talat
The flower market, Pak Khlong Talat, is popular in Thailand and worldwide for its unique offerings. Busiest at night, the flower market offers the largest assortment of flowers offered to you. From traditional roses to lotus flowers, the shopkeepers make most of the ice to keep the flowers in the best shape and beat the city’s heat.
Most businesses are run by families who have brought the best out of the beauty of the popular Asian flower market.
By Ovedc, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Address: Pak Khlon Talat | Timings: 24X7 | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/B3kJMPdWpFHhK5FE9
Soi Cowboy
Soi Cowboy has been named after the African American who was wearing a cowboy hat and opened the first bar in the early 1970s. It is popular for the red-light district and offers a carnival-like feel.
Emancipating flashing neon lights, it colors up the streets and offers a vibrant atmosphere everywhere. The entry is free and offers fixed drink prices.
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By Clay Gilliland, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link
Address: Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana | Timings: 8:00 am to 12 midnight | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/HrfaudXkcq2354iJ7 | Phone Number: +66 2 258 7711
Airplane Graveyard
The airplane graveyard is a private property in Thailand and is located outside the city. Five planes are sitting abandoned and are ready to get explored. A local family is thriving on the grounds, which will let you enter for return of a fee.
It is a popular hotspot among photographers, and you can seek an out of the world off the tourist path. Do not forget to come along with a bug repellent, as the grasses tend to attract mosquitoes. The best way to reach out there is by taking a canal boat.
By Photogoddle, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Address: Ramkhamhaeng Alley 103, Hua Mak, Bang Kapi District | Timings: 10:00 am to 06.30 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/tmAEm1RBN1yJ5yUW7
Learn to cook Thai Cuisine
Bangkok is the ideal place to explore the cuisine, and you can travel beyond the Pad Thai and Green Curry to learn something more. Love cooking and wondering about what to do in Bangkok?
Exploring the mouth-watering dishes gets a lot more fun when you start to cook Thai cuisine. You can join any cooking class and learn the essentials of Thai cuisine. The course is for both novices and professionals of all varying levels enjoying Thai food and are cooked with authentic Thai ingredients.
Address: Bangkok Thai Cooking Academy, 1979/13 Sukhumvit soi 75/1, Phra Khanong Nuea, Watthana | Timings: 08:00 am to 05:00 pm, closed on Sunday | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/L2dqc8X6VScF9L4e9 | Phone number: +66 80 770 6741
Bangkok Art and Culture Centre
Events at the popular Bangkok Art and Culture Centre emerge as one of the most attractive tourist spots in the city. Hosting live music, performance, art, and more, the culture center was established in 2007.
The Thai cultural events are largely popular and house a gallery, art library, craft shop, book store, and more. If you are an art lover, you can visit the cultural center to experience new learning.
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By Supanut Arunoprayote, CC BY 4.0, Link
Address: 939 Rama I Road | Timings: Tuesday-Sunday: 10:00 am to 09:00 pm | Google map address: https://goo.gl/maps/9hSnErDvP2ai1ync9 | Phone number: +66 2 214 6630
Go Wakeboarding
If you are of the adventure kind, you surely do not want to miss out on the fun that wakeboarding has in store for you. If you wish to get out of the city and have some fun, make sure you head to the eastern outskirts of Bangkok on Lake Taco.
Situated at a distance of just 40 minutes, this adventure sport is one of the most exciting things to do.
Address: 175/1 Km13, Bang Phli Yai, Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan | Timings: 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Q1RS365fZ8prwB668 | Phone number: +66 61 626 2252
Explore the Divine Temples
Bangkok’s temples emerge as a unique part of the city, and a trip will be incomplete without exploring the beautiful and soulful temples around. Offering awe-inspiring Thai architecture, exorbitant decoration, blissful peace, and tranquility around, the structures vouch for being the biggest treasure of the City of Angels.
These make for being the most crucial part of the Buddhist traditions and the best time to visit one is early morning as it is a lot cooler.
Address: Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Na Phra Lan Road, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang | Timings: 09:00 am to 05:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/CPNpUXarJLsJnokRA | Phone number: +66 2 224 3290
The smart city Bangkok is definitely worth spending your time and energy with, offering much more than it promises. From divine temple, museum, fun train rides to exotic nightlife, and it is the blend of two worlds. If you have been waiting to hop on a TukTuk and explore this Asian country, it is time to give your desire the wings to fly.