30 Best Things To Do in Bangkok: Hotspots & Hidden Gems
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 her entire life, while Cam was first introduced as a teenager on a family trip. 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 ticked off the famous sights, wandered into the working class outskirts, and eaten our weight in mango sticky rice.
Yes, Bangkok can feel overwhelming at first, but spend a few days peeling back its layers and you’ll discover one of the most pulsating, captivating and flavourful cities in the world. This travel guide showcases the very best of the Thai capital: 30 of the best things to do, from iconic landmarks like Wat Pho to hidden gems like Eagle Nest Rooftop Bar.
Famous Bangkok sign
30 Best Things To Do in Bangkok
1. Visit 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 breathtaking, with multi-tiered roofs and intricate gold and blue detailing every where you look. 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 boasts 178 murals that depict scenes of battles, heroes, and myths connected to Thailand’s history. It’s considered one of the longest continuous murals in the world, stretching for two kilometers along the inner cloister walls. It’s a wonderful introduction to The Grand Palace.
Travel Tip: The Grand Palace quickly fills up with visitors and tour groups. Get there before it opens at 8:30 AM, so you can easily purchase tickets. Otherwise, you’ll be waiting in long queues and wading through a sea of people. Keep in mind that your shoulders and knees should be covered. If you don’t have the appropriate clothes, clothing rental is available at the gate. Allow for at least two hours to explore this magnificent temple complex.
Read more: The Grand Palace, Bangkok: Dress Code, Timing & Photo Spots
Ramakien Gallery
The Grand Palace
The Grand Palace
The Grand Palace
2. Enjoy Cocktails at Tichuca Rooftop Bar
There are rooftop bars in Bangkok that simply offer a view and then there’s Tichuca: a buzzing bar that capture’s the city energy. Located on the 46th floor of the T-One Building, Tichuca is famous for its LED “Avatar Tree” that sways with the music and changes color throughout the night - from deep purples to vibrant greens. We’ve spent many nights up here drinking cocktails with friends, dancing to banging DJ sets, and soaking up the skyline views from the 47th/48th floor.
Travel Tip: To capture the iconic “jungle-style” photos, order their fresh pineapple cocktail called the Yuzu Colada. To avoid the queues, arrive by 4:45 PM to take the first elevator up at 5:00 PM. The dress code here is casual chic and foreign visitors need to bring their physical passport for ID.
Tichuca Rooftop Bar
Tichuca Rooftop Bar
Tichuca Rooftop Bar
3. Discover Wat Paknam - A Hidden Gem
Nestled in the Phasi Charoen district, away from the tourist hubs, Wat Paknam is one of our favorite temples to visit in Bangkok. While the emerald-domed stupa and Dhammakaya heritage here are fascinating, the focal point is the Giant Buddha that rises over the canal in dramatic fashion - making it a dream for photographers. The temple is located on the Yai Canal (which connects to the Chao Phraya River) and can be reached via 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.
Wat Paknam
Wat Paknam
Wat Paknam
4. Ride a Tuk-Tuk in Bangkok
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. Short rides usually cost between 100-200 THB but negotiating the price first is standard practice. For fixed pricing, use the Grab Tuk-Tuk option.
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 ended up handing over a few 1,000 THB notes instead of 100s! A mistake we’ll never make again.
Tuk Tuk ride
Tuk Tuk ride
5. Watch the Sunset at Eagle Nest Rooftop Bar
Eagle Nest Rooftop Bar is perched above the Sala Arun Hotel, offering guests unobstructed views of Wat Arun across the 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 starkly with Bangkok’s more modern and glitzy rooftop bars. Eagle Nest is a great pick for a romantic evening with your partner.
Travel Tip: Eagle Nest has a walk-in only policy, so arrive well before 5:00 PM to secure a table.
Eagle Nest Rooftop Bar
Wat Arun from Eagle Nest Rooftop Bar
Road to 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 hundreds 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 alleways 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: For a more refined dining experience in Chinatown, make a reservation at POTONG. This restored shop-house has One Michelin Star and serves award-winning Chinese-Thai cuisine.
Chinatown, Bangkok
Chinatown, Bangkok
Chinatown
7. Shop and Dine at ICONSIAM
ICONSIAM is Bangkok’s most extravagent shopping and dining destination, located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. It’s a great a place to pick up a new luxury bag or shoes, or just wander through the indoor “floating market” where vendors sell snacks, fruit and handmade crafts. We’re not typically big shoppers, but the architecture and riverside promenade alone make it worth a visit.
Travel Tip: Head to the 7th floor rooftop terraces at sunset for panoramic views of the river.
ICONSIAM
Kat at the ICONSIAM entrance
8. Experience 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 bear, street tattoos, 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 just a block away, offers a more relaxed vibe with tree-lined streets decorated with fairy lights, live acoustic music and plenty of massage shops.
New Year’s celebration at Khao San Road
Khao San Road
9. Take a Day Trip to Ayutthaya
A two hour train ride north of Bangkok lies the UNESCO site of Ayutthaya. We recommend taking the slow, “ordinary” train from the historic Hua Lamphong Railway Station for a more “local” journey. Once at Ayutthaya Station, join a tuk-tuk tour to iconic temples like Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon and Wat Mahathat. Here you can see large bell-shaped chedis, rows of Buddha images draped in saffron cloth and the famous 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.
Read More: Ayutthaya Day Trip from Bangkok: Trains, Tuk-Tuks & Temples
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. From budget parlors to luxury spas, there’s an option on almost every street corner. 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 sight and a place we love returning to. The 46-meter-long Reclining Buddha is the stand out experience within the temple compound, with a gently resting head that instantly puts you at ease. Beyond the Reclining Buddha, Wat Pho is home to the city’s largest collection of Buddha images, beautiful courtyards, and Thailand’s oldest massage school.
Travel Tip: Try to arrive before 9:00 AM so you can capture photos without the crowds, then treat yourself to a traditional Thai massage within the temple grounds - a truly unique experience!
Reclining Buddha
Wat Pho
Wat Pho
12. Admire Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn)
When you think of quintessential Bangkok, Wat Arun is one of the first places that comes to mind. This 80-meter high temple towers 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 recommend: 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). Many people also time there return ferry for sunset, watching the spires light up and reflect on the river.
Wat Arun
Wat Arun
13. Marvel at Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple)
Wat Benchamabophit has seen its fair share of Instagram promotion recently but there’s no denying its charm. 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 naturally attracts smaller crowds. Highlights of the Marble Temple include the photogenic courtyard and the central Buddha image housed in the marble ordination hall.
Travel Tip: Aim for a sunrise or sunset visit 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”.
Wat Benchamabophit
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. One of the highlights is the permanently docked sailing ship that acts as a riverside restaurant, the perfect spot for photos even if you’re not dining in.
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. And the best part? These meals rarely cost more than a coffee back home!
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.
Noodle stalls
Street food
16. Watch a Muay Thai Fight
For martial arts fans, watching a real Muay Thai fight in Bangkok is a once in a lifetime experience. While there are free bouts at MBK Center, it’s much better to book tickets at Rajadamnern or Lumpinee stadium for a proper spectacle. Watching it live is electrifying: the Wai Kru dance ritual and Sarama music set the stage, and then the kicks start flying! 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 or Lumpinee stadium tickets online.
17. Relax in Lumphini Park
Bangkok isn’t all concrete and glass, and Lumphini Park is proof. The “Green Lung” is where you can take a little break from the chaos of the city. Here you’ll see local running groups, people riding swan-shaped paddle boats, and monitor lizards sunbathing by the lake (don’t worry, they are harmless).
Travel Tip: Go before 8:00 AM to see group Tai Chi classes and the morning aerobics sessions.
Lumphini Park
18. Venture to the Ancient City (Muang Boran)
Located about an hour south of Bangkok, the Ancient City or “Muang Boran” is a sprawling outdoor museum shaped like Thailand itself. 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.
Ancient City (Muang Boran)
Ancient City (Muang Boran)
Ancient City (Muang Boran)
19. Get Lost in the Chatuchak Weekend Market
Did you know that the Chatuchak Weekend Market is the largest outdoor 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 50%.
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”. Visitors should look out for the “Antique Turtle Car”, Muebon's Bird and cat-themed murals.
Travel Tip: The location of Talat Noi makes it easy to combine with Chinatown - both neighborhoods blend seamlessly into one another. This walk is suitable for both photographers and street art enthusiasts.
21. Climb the Golden Mount (Wat Saket)
The Golden Mount, otherwise known as Wat Saket, offers stunning panoramic views of Bangkok’s old city from its 80-meter high terrace. In fact, it’s one of the only elevated spots in the historic quarter, making it worth visiting for the views alone. However, the entire experience is special: the walk up 300 winding steps with bells to ring along the way for good luck, a magnificent golden chedi to admire at the top and, if you time your visit right, spectacular sunset vistas.
Travel Tip: The temple closes its gates at 7:00 PM daily, so there’s normally ample time for taking in the sunset.
Golden Mount (Wat Saket)
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 tour 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!
Insider 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. Take a Tour with Hidden Bangkok
Hidden Bangkok is a locally run, boutique tour operator focusing on small group tours through the city’s hidden canals. On comfortable longtails, with no more than 15 people, their trips take you to incredible places like Wat Paknam (see point #3) and Baan Silapin (The Artist House). If you want to witness authentic Bangkok life outside the Chao Phraya River, this is one of the most unique ways to do so.
Travel Tip: Choose the sunset boat tour to see locals returning home from work and to soak up classic sunset views of Wat Arun on the way back.
24. Try Durian - The King of Fruits
Let’s be honest: Durian isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. But for those brave enough, Bangkok is one of the best places in the world to try it for the first time. Beneath the spiky shell and relentlessly odorous smell, lies a custardy fruit rich in vitamins. Some of the city’s best durian can be found at Or Tor Kor Market, with passionate sellers ready to guide you through your first (and hopefully not last) bite.
Travel Tip: The durian at Or Tor Kor Market is pricey, much more expensive than what you’d find at a roadside stall (for example), but the quality is unmatched. Durian is one of those foods where it’s wise not to compromise on quality.
Durian
25. Ride the Skytrain (BTS)
The BTS Skytrain is a super practical way of getting around Bangkok, especially when you’re staying in Sukhumvit. We stayed here on a recent trip and enjoyed using the BTS pretty much everyday. It takes you above the gridlock in air-conditioned trains, making it easy to hop between different neighborhoods, tourist attractions, shopping districts and nightlife hubs.
Travel Tip: If you plan on using the BTS for multiple stops, it’s worth getting a one-day pass.
Skytrain (BTS)
Skytrain (BTS)
26. Stay Overnight 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, and 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: For a more scenic journey, take the train from Thonburi Station. It’s slow but takes you through rice fields and river gorges.
Erawan National Park, Kanchanaburi
27. Celebrate Songkran Festival in Bangkok
Songkran (Thai New Year) kicks off in April every year: one of the most hot and humid months in Thailand. To escape the heat, Thais have come up with an ingenious solution: water fights! Certain parts of Bangkok transform into friendly streetside water battles, with buckets and super soakers soaking anyone in the vicinity. It’s a colorful, slightly chaotic celebration - and one of the most unique things to do in Bangkok for visitors.
Travel Tip: Your best bet is to head to Khao San Road or Silom Road for the biggest water fights.
Songkran
28. Visit Lebua Sky Bar
Ever since The Hangover Part II shot it to international fame, Lebua Sky Bar has become a staple Bangkok attraction. The setting is ridiculous: a unique circular bar that extends off the main rooftop area, giving you the feeling that you’re stepping out onto the skyscraper’s edge. However, the prices here are ridiculous too. If we remember correctly, we paid close to 2,000 THB for one cocktail. If you can handle the prices, then it’s still a memorable visit.
Travel Tip: The dress code at Lebua is very strict. We were denied entry because Cam was wearing shorts, so he had to head to the bottom of the State Tower to buy long pants from a tailor who seems to specialize in this mishap. It’s all part of the experience!
Lebua Sky Bar
29. Experience Bangkok Nightlife Beyond Khao San
Khao San Road might be your first introduction to Bangkok’s nightlife, but the “City that Never Sleeps” goes far beyond that. For example: Thonglor and Ekkamai have great cocktail bars, RCA (Royal City Avenue) rages with nightclubs, and riverside venues offer relaxed live music and jazz. 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: Iron Balls Distillery crafts world-class gin, while Havana Social offers live music and vintage Cuban charm.
30. Wander Srinagarindra Train Night Market
Srinagarindra Train Night Market is a fantastic local market to explore. You’ll find classic cars, neon signs, vintage decor and endless food stalls. Locals come to eat, shop and unwind - and the tourists who do know about it are rewarded with warmth and great food!
Travel Tip: Come after 6:00 PM and plan to stay for a good few hours. The live bands and late-night snacks make it one of Bangkok’s most fun evenings out.
Best Time to Visit Bangkok
Bangkok is always hot, but from our experience the most pleasant weather arrives from November through to March. During these months, there’s plenty of sunshine, less humidity, and the evenings are cooler. April/May tend to be the warmest months, when humidity goes through the roof. It’s not very comfortable being in a city - you’ll need to shower after each time you go outside! June to October marks the rainy season with short downpours, less haze, and noticeably fewer tourists.
How Many Days to Spend in Bangkok
In our opinion, Bangkok isn’t a city you can simply “skip” or “pass by”. There’s too much to see and do. For first-time visitors, 4-5 days is essential. That’ll give you two days for temples and markets, one day for food and nightlife, another for a dedicated day trip (like Ayutthaya or the Ancient City), and some much-needed free time to wander spontaneously. You could pack everything into 2-3 days but it’s worth having some breathing room to relax, Bangkok’s energy can be unrelenting. A hotel with a pool gives you the perfect “chill” day.
The Grand Palace
Getting Around Bangkok
BTS Skytrain & MRT Metro: Easily the most efficient and cost-effective way of getting around Bangkok, especially if you’re staying in Sukhumvit.
Tuk-Tuks: Tuk-Tuks aren’t necessarily that efficient but they’re definitely the most fun way of exploring Bangkok. We never get tired of tuk-tuk rides.
Grab: Great for short trips, and it's always an adventure weaving through Bangkok’s back alleys on the back of a bike.
Boats: Ferries make crossing the Chao Phraya River easy and they're well organised.
Airport Rail Link: This is the fastest route from Suvarnabhumi Airport to the old city.
Kat on the back of a bike
River ferries
Where to Stay in Bangkok
NapPark 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.
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 is evolving at a staggering pace, and there’s always something new and exciting to experience. That’s why we never skip it. On every trip we take to Thailand, we always set aside 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. We hope you’ve enjoyed reading our list of the 30 best things to do in Bangkok.