23 attractions and things to do in Bangkok
Bangkok, the capital and largest city of Thailand which is rich in culture and history. Bangkok is home to a number of cultural and historical landmarks. These iconic temples and palaces offer a glimpse into Thailand’s past and provide a chance to learn about the country’s rich cultural heritage. This city is known for its delicious food, with a wide range of options available including street food, seafood, and traditional Thai dishes. There are also a number of international restaurants available for those who want to try something different. You will notice that Bangkok is a shopper’s paradise, with a variety of markets, shopping centers, and department stores to choose from. From designer brands to local crafts, there’s something for everyone in Bangkok. Nightlife – Bangkok is known for its vibrant nightlife, with a range of options available including clubs, bars, and live music venues. Affordable – Bangkok is generally quite affordable compared to other major cities, making it a great destination for budget travelers. Overall, Bangkok is a city that offers something for everyone, from culture and history to shopping and nightlife.
MahaNakhon SkyWalk
If you’re planning a trip to Bangkok, be sure to add a visit to Thailand’s highest observation deck at King Power MahaNakhon to your bucket list. Located at a height of 314 meters, the deck offers stunning 360 degree views of the city from both indoor and outdoor viewing areas. One of the highlights of the deck is the glass tray, which sits at 310 meters on the 78th floor and offers a bird’s eye view of the city. Adventure seekers will love taking a photo standing on the glass tray, although visitors are required to cover their shoes with disposable shoe covers and keep all loose items, including mobile phones, away from the tray. Photography of your experience on the glass tray is permitted from the official photo taking area.
Location: 114 Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Rd, Khwaeng Silom, Khet Bang Rak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10500, Thailand
Grand Palace
When visiting Bangkok, a visit to the stunning and majestic Grand Palace is a must. Built in 1782 and formerly the residence of the Thai King and the center of government for 150 years, the Grand Palace is a marvel of beautiful architecture and intricate detail that continues to awe its visitors. However, it is also important to note that the Grand Palace, which contains the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is Thailand’s most sacred site and therefore has a strict dress code. Men are required to wear long pants and shirts with sleeves (no tank tops), and women should avoid see-through clothing and bare shoulders. In addition, it is not allowed to be barefoot, so make sure to put on socks when wearing sandals.
Location: Na Phra Lan Road, Old City (Rattanakosin), Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Open: Daily from 8.30am to 3.30pm
Visit Bangkok Temples
Bangkok is home to many temples, and the three most well-known ones are Wat Pra Kaew, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho. Even if you visit all three of these famous temples, there are still many other temples worth exploring. Many of the most famous temples in Bangkok are located near the Grand Palace, making it easy to visit multiple temples in one day. When visiting temples, it’s important to bring a camera and to dress appropriately by wearing long pants, clothing that covers your shoulders, and proper shoes. Do take note of the admission timing as some of them closes as early as 5pm. Here are the list
Chinatown (Yaowarat)
Bangkok’s Chinatown is a lively and vibrant neighborhood located in the heart of the city. It is known for its colorful and exotic atmosphere, as well as its chaotic energy. The area is packed with market stalls selling a wide variety of goods, including traditional Chinese herbs, spices, and other products. It is also home to probably the highest concentration of gold shops in the city, with numerous stores selling gold jewelry and other precious items. During major festivities such as Chinese New Year and the Vegetarian Festival, the dynamism and spirit of celebration in Chinatown is even more pronounced. The streets are filled with people participating in parades and other events, and the atmosphere is electric. If you happen to be in Bangkok during these celebrations, it is definitely worth taking the time to visit Chinatown and witness the energy and excitement of the area at its best.
Bicycle Tour
Bangkok is a bustling and vibrant city, rich in history and culture. One of the best ways to truly immerse yourself in its atmosphere is by exploring its streets on a bicycle. Not only is cycling a sustainable and eco-friendly mode of transportation, it also allows you to move at your own pace and take in all the sights, sounds, and smells that the city has to offer. You can visit some of Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks, such as ancient temples and bustling markets, and also venture off the beaten path to discover hidden gems and lesser-known areas of the city. You’ll also have the opportunity to witness firsthand the daily life of the local people and learn about their culture and traditions. In contrast, traveling by taxi or skytrain may not provide the same level of intimacy and immersion. So if you want to truly experience all that Bangkok has to offer, consider joining a bike tour and venture out into the streets on two wheels.
Bangkok Sky Bar
Rooftop bars are popular in Bangkok. First, the city has a warm, tropical climate, which makes it enjoyable to be outside year-round. Additionally, Bangkok has a lot of tall buildings, so there are many opportunities to get a bird’s eye view of the city from a rooftop bar. Finally, Bangkok is a bustling, vibrant city with a lively nightlife, and rooftop bars offer a unique, trendy atmosphere for people to socialize and relax after a long day. Here are the list
Chatuchak Weekend Market – JJ Market
Chatuchak Weekend Market, also known as JJ Market, is a large outdoor market located in the Chatuchak district of Bangkok, Thailand. It is one of the largest markets in the world, with more than 15,000 stalls selling a wide variety of goods, including clothing, jewelry, crafts, art, and food. The market is divided into sections, with each section specializing in a particular type of merchandise. For example, the clothing section features stalls selling everything from traditional Thai clothing to modern fashion, while the food section has stalls selling a variety of Thai street food and other snacks. If you’re planning a visit to Chatuchak Weekend Market, it’s a good idea to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water, as the market can get quite crowded and hot.
Location: Chatuchak Park, Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Open: Fridays from 9 pm to 3 am – Saturday and Sunday, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Shopping & more Shopping
Bangkok is a city known for its abundance of shopping malls, which offer a wide range of products and services to suit all kinds of lifestyles and budgets. Many of these malls have onsite facilities such as food courts, supermarkets, and cinemas, making it easy to spend an entire day exploring just one mall. These facilities can include food courts offering a variety of local and international cuisines, supermarkets stocked with groceries and household essentials, and cinemas showing the latest movies. Some malls also have arcades and multiplex cinemas, providing additional entertainment options. Here are the list
Museums in Bangkok
Bangkok museums are among the city’s finest cultural venues, where you can admire centuries-old artefacts of historical significance, Buddhist relics, and modern art pieces. Some are housed in buildings just as interesting as their contents. Bangkok’s many museums exhibit some of the most sublime and strangest collections of relics you can imagine, giving you a wonderful insight into Thailand’s colourful culture and unique heritage. Here are the list
Klongs of Thonburi
Thonburi is located on the western banks of the Chao Phraya River in Thailand. It was the capital of the country before the city of Bangkok was established. Despite being merged into Bangkok in 1972, Thonburi has managed to maintain a more laid-back and rustic atmosphere compared to the rest of the city. This is largely due to its network of khlongs, or canals, which were a central part of daily life in the area. These canals were used for transportation, irrigation, and waste management, and many of them still exist today. The khlongs of Thonburi, such as Khlong Mon and Khlong Bangkok Noi, have retained much of their original charm and are now popular tourist attractions.
Cruises on Chao Praya River
Dinner cruises on the Chao Praya River in Bangkok offer a unique and memorable dining experience. As you sail down the river, you’ll be able to take in the stunning views of the city’s skyline and iconic landmarks, including Wat Arun, the Temple of the Dawn, and the Grand Palace. The cruises typically depart in the evening, making it the perfect time to enjoy a romantic dinner or a special occasion with friends or family. The dinners are often served buffet-style, with a variety of international and local dishes to choose from. The ambiance on the cruises is usually relaxed and elegant, with live music or entertainment to enhance the atmosphere. Overall, a dinner cruise on the Chao Praya River is a fantastic way to experience Bangkok’s beauty and culture while indulging in a delicious meal.
Asiatique: The Riverfront
Asiatique successfully combines 2 of the most popular shopping experiences in the city: a night bazaar and a mall. About 10 minutes downriver from Saphan Taksin BTS station, this once-bustling international trade port transformed with over 1,500 boutiques and 40 restaurants housed in a huge replica warehouse complex. Open from 4pm, spending an evening here is no problem: you’ll have good fun browsing the boutiques and you’re guaranteed to find something to eat. And, if this isn’t enough entertainment, cabaret shows performed nightly. Take the wheels high up to see the cityscape of Bangkok.
Location: 2194 Charoenkrung Road, Wat Phraya Krai, Bang Kho Laem, Bangkok 10120, Thailand
Open: Daily from 4 pm to midnight
Tha Tien
Tha Tien is a neighborhood located in the Old Town area of Bangkok, close to popular tourist attractions such as Wat Pho, the Siam Museum, Wat Phra Kaew, and Sanam Luang. It is known for its yellow, ancient buildings with a Sino-Portuguese influence that have been renovated and given new life as a tourist destination. Visitors can explore the area by walking and taking photos, and there are many restaurants and cafes to choose from, each decorated in a way that adds to the atmosphere of the old city. Tha Tien is a great place to relax and experience the charm of the old city while enjoying a drink or meal at one of the local establishments. Here is the full detail with images
Location: 246 Thai Wang Alley, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Khao San Road
Khao San Road is a vibrant and lively neighborhood in Bangkok, Thailand that is known for its diverse mix of travelers and cultures. Located in the heart of the city, it is a popular destination for backpackers and other tourists who come to explore the city and the surrounding region. The area is known for its eclectic mix of establishments, including sleek clubs that play sophisticated music, cocktail bars, and market stalls selling a variety of goods. It is also home to a range of restaurants and food stalls that offer dishes to suit the Western palate, as well as traditional Thai cuisine. Khao San Road is a place where Eastern and Western influences meet, making it a unique and exciting destination for travelers. Its popularity with the backpacker crowd and its central location make it a convenient hub for those looking to explore all that Thailand and Southeast Asia have to offer.
Soi Rambuttri
Soi Rambuttri is a street in Bangkok that is often referred to as the more charming and well-mannered sibling of Khao San Road. Located near Khao San Road, it offers a glimpse into what the city used to look like before the arrival of modern skyscrapers. Soi Rambuttri is shaded by leafy banyan trees and has a laid-back, local vibe, despite attracting a number of backpackers who prefer to stay here rather than on Khao San Road. The street is home to a variety of guesthouses, restaurants, bars, and street food stalls. The entire road can be explored on foot in about 30 minutes, making it a convenient and enjoyable place to spend an afternoon.
Cabaret Shows
Cabaret Shows are a popular form of entertainment in Bangkok, Thailand. These shows typically feature elaborate costumes, extravagant sets, and talented performers (usually transgenders) who sing, dance, and perform various acts. The shows often have a comedic or campy element and may include drag queens and other performers who play with gender and sexual identity. Many cabaret shows in Bangkok are held in dedicated venues, such as the Calypso Cabaret at Asiatique The Riverfront or the Mambo Cabaret at MBK Center. Some hotels and clubs also offer cabaret shows as part of their entertainment offerings. If you are interested in attending a cabaret show in Bangkok, it is a good idea to do some research and choose a show that matches your interests and preferences.
Watch Muay Thai Fights
Muay Thai is a traditional martial art and combat sport from Thailand. It is also known as “Thai boxing,” as it is characterized by its use of fists, elbows, knees, and shins for striking. Muay Thai has a long history in Thailand and is an integral part of the country’s culture and national identity. In Muay Thai training and competitions, practitioners wear gloves and protective gear, and the sport is known for its rigorous physical demands. Muay Thai techniques include punches, kicks, elbows, knee strikes, and clinch fighting (grappling while standing). Muay Thai sparring and fights often take place in a ring, and bouts are usually divided into rounds. Location – Lumpinee Stadium & Ratchadamnoen Stadium (Most popular Statium) FYI: not every night there are matches.
Night Markets
Night markets in are popular in Bangkok, reasons being that they offer a unique atmosphere and cultural experience. Many night markets in Bangkok are held in outdoor spaces and feature a wide variety of food stalls, clothing vendors, and other types of merchants selling a range of goods. They also often have live music or other types of entertainment, making them a fun and lively place to spend an evening. Also night markets in Bangkok are popular is that they offer a wide range of affordable goods and services. Many night markets offer discounted prices on goods and services, making them a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Here are the list
Floating Markets
One of the top things to do when visiting Bangkok is to visit the floating markets, and Amphawa Floating Market (not in Bangkok) is a must-see. It may not be as large as Damnoen Saduak, but it offers a more authentic experience. The nearest floating market you can find is Kwan Riam Floating Market (40 min drive from city centre). On weekends, the market attracts many Thai visitors and the food stalls have spread from the riverbanks and into the surrounding streets. The main attraction is the seafood grilled on boats moored around the central bridge, offering a wide selection of large prawns, shellfish, and squid. The aroma is irresistible and customers flock to both sides of the river from noon until late in the evening. Here are the list
Maeklong Railway Train Market
The Maeklong Railway Train Market, also known as the “umbrella pulldown market,” is a unique and bustling marketplace located in Samut Songkhram province (just beside Amphawa Floating Market), Thailand. It is situated on the Maeklong Railway Line, and several times a day, the market’s stalls must be temporarily moved or dismantled to allow trains to pass through. Visitors to the Maeklong Railway Train Market can experience the vibrant atmosphere of the market and observe the skill and efficiency with which the vendors move their stalls and goods out of the way of the trains. It is a one-of-a-kind destination that offers a glimpse into local life and culture in Thailand. Do take note: Check the schedule of the train arrival to experience the whole event.
Chocolate Ville
Chocolate Ville is a unique dining and entertainment destination located in Ram Inthra, Khan Na Yao about 20mins from city. It is known for its colorful and quirky theme park setting, which features a range of fun and interesting attractions, such as a miniature train, horse-drawn carriage rides, and a petting zoo. The main dining area is set within a large, open-air courtyard, and it serves a mix of Thai and Western dishes. The menu includes a variety of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, pizzas, pasta dishes, and desserts, all of which are made with high-quality ingredients and prepared to order. In addition to the food, Chocolate Ville also offers a range of beverages, including coffee, tea, juices, and cocktails. The atmosphere at Chocolate Ville is lively and fun, making it a popular choice for families, couples, and groups of friends.
Phra Sumen Fort
During the reign of King Rama I, fourteen forts were constructed to defend the borders of the Old City in Bangkok. However, most of these have been lost over time. Currently, only Phra Sumen Fort and Mahakhan Fort remain in the city. Phra Sumen Fort is a pale white concrete structure with battlements that is located in the peaceful Suan Santichaiparkran Park, which sits on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. To visit the fort, you can take a taxi or the Chao Phraya Express Boat and disembark at Phra Athit Pier.
Location: Phra Athit Rd, Chana Songkhram, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Democracy Monument
Circled by perpetual swarms of traffic, the Democracy Monument on Ratchadamnoen Road is a large western-style symbol of Thailand’s adoption of democracy and liberty. Field Marshall Plaek Pibulsonggram commissioned it to commemorate the June 1932 military coup that led to the country’s first democratic constitution in place of absolute rule.
Location: Ratchadamnoen Avenue, Wat Bowon Niwet, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
King Rama I Monument
The monument of King Rama I, otherwise known as King Puttayodfa, is a double lifesize monument to the Thai royal that was built to mark the city’s 150th anniversary in 1932. It was built along with the Puttayodfa Memorial Bridge next to which it sits. The monument was designed by HRH Prince Naris, and architect Silpa Bhirasri sculpted it in bronze. Born on March 20, 1736, King Rama I was the first king in the Chakri Dynasty which continues to this day. He ascended to the throne on April 6, 1782, and died 27 years later.
Location: Prachathipok Rd, Wang Burapha Phirom, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Victory Monument
Victory Monument in Bangkok marks a brief and relatively bloodless war that led to Thailand regaining disputed land on its borders with Indochina. It was built to commemorate the country’s victory over French colonialists in Indochina. If you travel by Skytrain to Mo Chit (en route to Chatuchak Weekend Market), you’ll catch the best view possible of this large military monument.
Location: Thanon Phaya Thai, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
