30 Best Things To Do in Bangkok: The Ultimate Travel Guide
Not everyone’s a fan of Bangkok. But we absolutely love it. Every time we go back, we discover something new: a secret bar with views of Wat Arun, a delicious hotpot joint in the back of Chinatown, or a golden Buddha statue rising out of a forgotten neighbourhood.
Kat has been visiting Bangkok since she was little, while Cam was first introduced as a teenager on a family holiday. His first impression was a midnight check-in to a hotel down Khao San Road, a real eye opener! We’ve both been here dozens of times and love seeing how the city has evolved over the years. We’ve seen the famous landmarks, got lost in the working class districts, and eaten our fair share of mango sticky rice.
Bangkok can feel overwhelming to start with, and downright chaotic. But spend a few days here exploring its little “sois” and parts unknown, and you’ll quickly change your mind. This travel guide reveals the 30 best things to do in Bangkok, taking you away from the tourist traps and towards the most compelling hotspots and hidden gems, places that are actually worth your time like Marble Temple, Nobu Rooftop Bar and Song Wat Road.
Shopping in Bangkok
Famous Bangkok sign
Monk at the flower markets
30 Best Things To Do in Bangkok
1. Visit the Temples of the Grand Palace
No trip to Bangkok is complete without visiting the Grand Palace, home to the most sacred temple in Thailand: The Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew). The architecture is incredible, from the multi-tiered roofs to the intricate gold and blue detailing. Inside the temple, you’ll find the treasured Emerald Buddha carved from a single block of jade.
The highlight for us though is actually the Ramakien Gallery, the first stop on the standard temple visit. The gallery displays 178 murals depicting scenes of battles, heroes and myths connected to Thailand’s history. It’s one of the longest continuous murals in the world, stretching for two kilometers, making for a wonderful introduction to the Grand Palace.
Travel Tip: The Grand Palace fills up pretty quickly. Get there before it opens at 8:30 AM, so you can easily purchase tickets. Otherwise, you’ll be waiting in long queues and getting stuck in a sea of tourists. Keep in mind that your shoulders and knees should be covered. If you aren’t dressed appropriately, clothing rental is available at the gate. Allow for at least two hours to explore this magnificent temple complex.
Read more: How to Visit the Grand Palace in Bangkok: A Detailed Guide
Ramakien Gallery
The Grand Palace
The Grand Palace
2. Have a Few Cocktails at Tichuca Rooftop Bar
Located on the 46th-floor of the T-One Building, down Sukhumvit Road, Tichuca is one of our favorite rooftop bars in Bangkok. We’ve visited numerous times, whether it’s on a romantic date night or catching up with Kat’s friends over cocktails. This is more than just a rooftop bar with a nice view - Tichuca has an electric atmosphere thanks to its LED “Avatar Tree”, late-night DJ sets, and buzzing crowd that likes to dance and socialize.
Travel Tip: Dress well (casual chic), bring your physical passport for ID, and try to arrive at 4:45 PM to take the first elevator up at 5:00 PM.
Read more: Tichuca Rooftop Bar: Bangkok’s Jungle Bar is Worth the Hype
Tichuca Rooftop Bar
Tichuca Rooftop Bar
Tichuca Rooftop Bar
3. Enjoy a Longtail Ride at Wat Paknam
If you’re wondering where to find Bangkok’s giant Buddha statue, it’s here at Wat Paknam, nestled by the cute canals of the Phasi Charoen district. The Giant Buddha is indeed the main attraction but don’t forget to visit the emerald-domed stupa inside the temple as well, which is equally impressive. Wat Paknam is located on the Yai Canal, and can be reached via taking the MRT - stopping at Bang Phai Station on the Blue Line.
Travel Tip: Take a 30-minute boat ride beside the Giant Buddha for the best photo-ops. It’s easy to find longtail boats and a willing guide around the temple grounds.
Read more: Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen: How to See Bangkok’s Giant Buddha
Wat Paknam
Wat Paknam
Wat Paknam
4. Zoom Around Bangkok in a Tuk-Tuk
You simply can’t come to Bangkok without riding in a tuk-tuk! The wind in your hair, horns honking, neon lights flashing by, and music pumping out of make-shift stereos. We love riding at night when the weather’s cooler and the traffic disperses. It usually costs between 100-200 THB for short rides and between 300-500 THB for longer trips, but bartering is standard practice.
Travel Tip: Be careful when paying for tuk-tuks in dark corners of the city. One night, we were in a rush to make a dinner reservation and couldn’t see how much Baht we were paying the driver. Kat handed over a few 1,000 THB notes instead of 100s - a mistake we’ll never make again!
Tuk Tuk ride
Tuk Tuk ride
5. Catch the Sunset at Eagle Nest Rooftop Bar
Eagle Nest Rooftop Bar offers arguably the best views of Wat Arun from the other side of the Chao Phraya River. At sunset, the temple’s porcelain towers glow in gold and rose colors, while at night the temple beams across the river in gorgeous golden light. The atmosphere of the restaurant/bar is intimate and “old school”, the type of cozy setting that contrasts with Bangkok’s more modern and glitzy rooftop bars. Eagle Nest is a great pick for a romantic evening with your partner.
Travel Tip: You can’t make a reservation at Eagle Nest as they have a walk-in only policy, so make sure you arrive well before 5:00 PM to secure a table.
Eagle Nest Rooftop Bar
Wat Arun from Eagle Nest Rooftop Bar
6. Explore Chinatown (Yaowarat Road)
Yaowarat Road is a hive of activity. Neon signs glow in Chinese script, tuk-tuks jostle for parking space, and thousands of people follow their nose to find grilled seafood, duck noodles, mookata (Thai BBQ), Chinese hotpot and a variety of sweet, colorful desserts. Some of the best meals we’ve had here haven’t actually been on Yaowarat Road - we found them by wandering aimlessly down the connecting alleyways and side-streets. Whether it’s your first time visiting or your 10th time, exploring Chinatown always makes for a fun night out.
Travel Tip: Make a booking at POTONG in Chinatown and do it well in advance of your trip. This restored shop-house has One Michelin Star and serves award-winning Chinese-Thai cuisine.
Chinatown, Bangkok
Chinatown, Bangkok
Chinatown
7. Go Shopping and Dining at ICONSIAM
We normally wouldn’t recommend visiting a shopping mall, but ICONSIAM is something totally different. Not only does it offer extravagant luxury brands and incredible river views, it’s also home to an indoor “floating market” where you can buy snacks, fruit and homemade crafts. The architecture and riverside promenade alone make it worth a visit.
Travel Tip: Head up to the 7th-floor terraces for panoramic views of the Chao Phraya River at sunset.
Kat at the ICONSIAM entrance
8. Dive into the Chaos of Khao San Road
Once the main backpacker hub of Southeast Asia, Khao San Road has transformed over the years into a loud, colorful and entertaining party street. Whether you come for cheap beer, street tats, or to try scorpions, you always leave with a story or two. When we visit Bangkok, we like to stay in the Khao San Road area - close enough to join the fun but far enough away to sleep well.
Travel Tip: Rambuttri Alley, running parallel to Khao San, offers a much more relaxed vibe with trees, fairy lights, live music and massage shops.
Khao San Road
Rambuttri Alley
9. Take a Day Trip to Ayutthaya
A two-hour train ride from Bangkok lies Ayutthaya - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We recommend taking the slow, “ordinary” train from the historic Hua Lamphong Railway Station for a more “local” journey. Then once you arrive, join a tuk-tuk tour to find the most iconic temples, famous for their bell-shaped chedis, rows of Buddha images draped in saffron cloth and the one Buddha head in the tree. It’s a window into Thailand’s glorious past.
Travel Tip: Foodies will love Ayutthaya’s giant river prawns and signature boat noodles.
Ayutthaya
Wat Mahathat
Ayutthaya
10. Get a Thai Massage in Bangkok
Ticking activities off your Bangkok bucket-list can be exhausting, so there should always be time for a traditional Thai massage. This ancient Thai art soothes sore muscles, improves blood flow and restores body balance. Prices start from around 350-450 THB, but expect to pay more at a boutique shop (like those in Sukhumvit).
Travel Tip: Masseuses often earn low base wages in local shops and even a small tip of 50-100 THB can go a long way. Tipping isn’t mandatory but it’s well appreciated.
11. See the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho
Wat Pho is a classic Bangkok temple and a place we love returning to. The 46-meter-long Reclining Buddha is the stand out experience within the complex, with a gently resting head that instantly puts you at ease. Wat Pho also boasts lovely courtyards, a large collection of Buddha images, and a traditional massage school where you can get a massage within the temple grounds.
Travel Tip: Arrive before 9:00 AM to see the Reclining Buddha. This is crucial as the flow of tourists at mid-day is unrelenting!
Wat Pho
Wat Pho
Wat Pho
12. Admire Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn)
Wat Arun is an 80-meter high temple towering over the Chao Phraya River, with five main spires covered in beautiful porcelain mosaics and seashells. On our most recent trip here, we decided to walk up the central prang (you’re allowed partway up) to check out the views of the river and the Grand Palace on the opposite bank. It was well worth the climb! Actually visiting the temple, rather than just photographing it from a distance, is highly recommended: the level of detail is impressive.
Travel Tip: You can easily visit Wat Arun by jumping on a ferry at Tha Tian Pier (Pier 8).
Wat Arun
Wat Arun
13. Marvel at Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple)
As the name suggests, the temple is made from marble - Carrara marble in fact, imported straight from Italy. The temple is located at the northern edges of the “Old City”, in the Dusit District of Bangkok, so getting there is more of an effort than Wat Pho or Wat Arun. However, its location means it attracts smaller crowds, so you can wander around its courtyard in peace.
Travel Tip: Come at sunrise or sunset if you can. The white Italian marble reflects the low light beautifully, and the white-on-gold contrast is at its most vivid during “golden hour”.
Marble Temple
Marble Temple
Marble Temple
14. Stroll Around Asiatique
We’ve had some surprisingly good nights out in Asiatique. It’s a very family-orientated area, and we often meet our friends with their young kids here as they love the ferris wheel, candy floss and live music. Asiatique is often described as an “open-air mall” but it feels more like a riverside promenade. The atmosphere is touristy but it has this warmth about it, with lots of friends and family meeting for food and watching the boats go by on the Chao Phraya River.
Travel Tip: The “ship restaurant” is called Sirimahannop. If you’re thinking of having dinner, just be aware that the prices in Asiatique are much higher than other parts of Bangkok.
Asiatique ferris wheel
Asiatique
15. Feast on Bangkok Street Food
Cam will never forget the first time he visited Bangkok with Kat. We were just outside Khao San Road, where all the street food vendors hang out, and Kat wandered off somewhere with her friends, ordered mookata (Thai BBQ) and we sat on plastic chairs eating out of sizzling hot clay pots. The beef and pork was tender, the dipping sauce was insanely good, and the soup of noodles, vegetables, and egg was the perfect accompaniment. It was a standard meal for Kat and her friends, but for Cam it was something special.
Since then, street food has played a major role in all of our Bangkok trips. Whether it’s a quick pad kra pao, ultra spicy som tum (papaya salad), or mango sticky rice drenched in coconut sauce - we love heading away from the crowds to find a stall hidden in one of Bangkok’s many nooks and crannies.
Travel Tip: If you’re not accustomed to Thai hot (spicy), just remember these three words: “ped nit noi”. It means a little spicy or mildly spicy.
Coconut puddings street food
Street food in Bangkok
16. Watch a Muay Thai Fight at Rajadamnern
Martial arts fans, or anyone looking for a fun night out, will revel in watching Muay Thai fights at Rajadamnern Stadium. The fights are exhilarating, the entertainment is showstopping and the atmosphere is rambunctious - especially on the Sunday Local Night. This isn’t just a “boys night out” as well, as the crowd is increasingly a mix of solo female travelers, couples and families.
Travel Tip: Be sure to pre-book your Rajadamnern tickets online.
Read more: Rajadamnern Stadium: A Guide to Muay Thai in Bangkok
Rajadamnern Stadium
Muay Thai at Rajadamnern Stadium
Muay Thai at Rajadamnern Stadium
17. Spot Monitor Lizards at Lumphini Park
Lumphini Park, otherwise known as the “Green Oasis” of Bangkok, offers a much needed respite from the concrete and glass that dominates the city landscape. Here, you can relax by the lake, sit under the shade of a palm tree and watch the world go by: running groups, locals riding swan paddle boats and monitor lizards sunbathing by the water (don’t worry, they are harmless).
Travel Tip: Grab a coffee and go before 8:00 AM, when you can see the Tai Chi classes and morning aerobics sessions.
Lumphini Park
Monitor Lizards at Lumphini Park
18. Venture to the Ancient City (Muang Boran)
The Ancient City or “Muang Boran” is a massive outdoor museum shaped like Thailand itself, situated about an hour south of Bangkok. Within the 200-acre complex are full-scale replicas of historic temples, palaces and monuments. One of the most photographed sites is the Sumeru Mountain Palace built on a giant fish. It's easy to get around the Ancient City, as bikes and golf carts are available to rent upon arrival.
Travel Tip: If you’d prefer not to take a taxi from Bangkok, the BTS Skytrain is a good option. You can jump on the Green Line to Kheha Station and from there take a local songthaew.
19. Get Lost in the Chatuchak Weekend Market
Did you know that the Chatuchak Weekend Market is the largest weekend market in the world? Over 15,000 stalls, 27 different sections and over 200,000 visitors every weekend are found here. You can literally shop until you drop: everything from vintage jeans and clothing accessories, to hand-made wooden carvings and sparkling ceramics.
Travel Tip: Bring cash (plenty of 100 THB notes) and your best bartering skills: for some items, you might be able to negotiate the price down 30%.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
20. Check Out the Street Art in Talat Noi
Talat Noi is a charming, historic neighborhood where street art is painted onto old shophouses, abandoned buildings and rusty car parts. It was once a mechanic’s quarter but has transformed over the years into something like an “open-air gallery”. While you’re searching for colorful murals, you might stumble across the famous metal artists who use scrap materials to build impressive pieces of art like Transformers and elephants.
Travel Tip: The location of Talat Noi makes it easy to combine with Song Wat Road and Chinatown - these neighborhoods blend seamlessly into one another.
Talat Noi
Talat Noi
Talat Noi
21. Climb the Golden Mount (Wat Saket)
The Golden Mount is our top pick for a temple to visit at sunset. Standing at 80-meters tall, on an artificial hill, the views from the terrace over the city’s ancient temples and sprawling skyscrapers are incredible. In fact, the entire experience is special: the walk up 344 steps with bells and gongs to ring along the way, a magnificent golden chedi at the top, and local monks and devotees making merit and praying.
Travel Tip: The temple closes at 7:00 PM, so there’s normally just enough time for watching the sunset if you don’t arrive too late.
Read more: Golden Mount (Wat Saket): The Best Sunset Temple in Bangkok
The Golden Mount
The Golden Mount
The Golden Mount
22. Join a Cooking Class at Blue Elephant
Housed in a colonial mansion, Blue Elephant’s cooking school has been a popular tourist activity for decades now and it’s easy to see why. It all starts with a market visit to pick up the right quantity of herbs and spices, before returning to marble kitchentops to get taught how to cook Thai classics like tom yum goong or green curry. The chefs are both informative and entertaining, and (of course) you finish by feasting on your own creations. If you’ve ever wanted to learn proper Thai food cooking, this is your chance!
Travel Tip: Morning sessions include the market visit, while the afternoon sessions focus purely on cooking, so pick accordingly. We recommend booking early as spaces are limited.
23. Soak Up the Views at Nobu Rooftop Bar
Nobu Rooftop Bar, located on the 60th-floor of the Empire Tower, hands down offers the best views in all of Bangkok. We were absolutely floored by the 360-degree panorama over the city, with the King Power Mahanakhon building looking upon us, while we enjoyed a few cocktails and some of their famous Japanese-Peruvian cuisine.
Travel Tip: Don’t take a taxi there at peak rush hour (like we did) or you’ll be stuck in traffic and likely miss your reservation. Instead, jump on the BTS to Chong Nonsi Station which is a 5-minute walk away.
Read more: Nobu Rooftop Bar (Bangkok): 10 Things To Know Before You Go
Nobu Rooftop Bar
Japanese-Peruvian cuisine at Nobu
Incredible sunset views at Nobu
24. Discover the Treasures of Song Wat Road
Song Wat Road offers a neat little shopping and eating journey around the Chinatown area of Bangkok. When we visited, there were quite a few roadworks underway, but it didn’t take away from the experience. We really enjoyed having coffee at the Rabbit Cafe, shopping for little trinkets at Road of Cinnamon, and eating bao buns and beef noodle soup. It’s so easy to get lost down a little alleyway here - and find yourself at a cool boutique shop or quirky piece of street art.
Travel Tip: Start from one end of Song Wat Road and walk all the way down until you reach Talat Noi.
Road of Cinnamon Shop, Song Wat Road
Rabbit Cafe, Song Wat Road
Song Wat Road, Bangkok
25. Ride the Skytrain (BTS)
The BTS Skytrain is a super practical way of getting around Bangkok, and beating the rush hour traffic, especially when you’re staying in Sukhumvit. We were based in Sukhumvit on a recent trip and loved riding the BTS. It took us above the gridlock in air-conditioned trains, transporting us directly to popular landmarks, markets, temples and nightlife hubs.
Travel Tip: Get a one-day pass if you plan on using the BTS for multiple stops.
Skytrain (BTS)
Skytrain (BTS)
Skytrain (BTS)
26. Stay for a Night or Two in Kanchanaburi
While it’s probably too far for a day trip, Kanchanaburi is definitely worth visiting for a night or two. It offers a great mix of history, culture and nature. The “Bridge Over the River Kwai” is Kanchanaburi’s most famous landmark, where you can learn all about the WWII railway, while Erawan National Park is a wonderful balance to this sobering site with its turquoise waterfalls and jungle setting. Ticking these two activities off your bucket-list makes for an unforgettable day.
Travel Tip: We had a fantastic stay at Inchantreedoopool and would highly recommend it if you’re looking for accommodation for the night.
Read more: 10 Best Things To Do in Kanchanaburi (Beyond the River Kwai)
River Kwai Bridge, Kanchanaburi
Wat Tham Suea, Kanchanaburi
Erawan National Park, Kanchanaburi
27. Celebrate Songkran Festival in Bangkok
Songkran (Thai New Year) kicks off in April every year: one of the hottest and most humid months in Thailand. To escape the heat, Thais have come up with an ingenious solution: water fights! It’s a slightly chaotic celebration, with buckets and super soakers everywhere, but definitely one of the most unique things travelers can participate in with the locals.
Travel Tip: Your best bet is to head to Khao San Road or Silom Road for the biggest water fights.
28. Jump on the Back of a Grab Motorbike
Riding on the back of a Grab motorbike is easily the most fun way of getting around Bangkok, even more thrilling than a tuk-tuk ride! You’ll weave in and out of traffic, hoon down streets lined with skyscrapers, and tuck down little “sois” to find shortcuts to your destination of choice.
Travel Tip: Make sure you keep at least one hand on the grab bar at the back of the bike for balance and safety, lean with the driver as they turn, and ensure your Grab driver provides a helmet (it’s the law).
Grab motorbike rides
Grab motorbike rides
29. Experience the Nightlife Beyond Khao San
The nightlife scene in Bangkok goes well beyond the touristy parties of Khao San Road. Thonglor and Ekkamai offer buzzing cocktail bars, RCA (Royal City Avenue) is the nightclubbing Mecca, and there’s many relaxed venues to choose from by the river. You can party until dawn (Hangover style) or just enjoy a couple of drinks before bed, it’s totally up to you how you experience Bangkok nightlife.
Travel Tip: We found a cool little bar called Sonny Ari where we spent the night with friends listening to live music, and enjoying nice food and drinks. Highly recommended!
Sonny Ari
With friends at Sonny Ari
30. Party the Night Away at SIN Rooftop Bar
SIN Rooftop Bar sits on the 27th-floor above Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel, boasting a red DJ booth and some interesting geometric patterns on the walls. We spent a couple of hours here ordering from the bar, listening to the DJ sets and looking back at the beautiful views of the Chao Phraya River, with boats cruising past and the ferris wheel in the background. The vibe was intimate, up until 10:00 PM. Then, people started to flock in and a party-like atmosphere set in!
Travel Tip: The views aren’t as dramatic as Tichuca or Nobu, but the DJ sets are awesome.
SIN Rooftop Bar
SIN Rooftop Bar
Where to Stay in Bangkok
Nomads Khao San Road Hostel: Sociable and well-reviewed hostel, perfect for backpackers who want to meet new people and do a bit of partying.
Casa Vimaya Riverside: This is our personal favorite hotel - superb value for money, a cute little rooftop pool, comfortable rooms, and situated walking distance to Khao San Road but without the noise. It’s one of the best mid-range options in all of Bangkok.
Dusit Thani: A stunning 5-star hotel with views overlooking the greenery of Lumphini Park.
The Siam Hotel: Luxury riverside hotel blending art-deco and Thai heritage, the ultimate place to spurge if you have the budget.
Casa Vimaya Riverside
Final Thoughts on Bangkok
We know Bangkok has its fair share of detractors, and at times we’ve been desperate to get out of the city too. But it’s still a place we always look forward to coming back to. The city never sleeps, and never stops evolving, with something new and exciting popping up every year. That’s why we never skip it: we always plan 4 or 5 days to fully get under the city’s skin. Because it’s just one of those places that never stops surprising you.