Top Things To Do In Bangkok

Bangkok, one of the most visited cities in the world, offers a variety of interesting things to see and do, all at a very affordable price. From the high-end hotels and well-kept temples along bustling Chao Phraya river, to the magnificent ancient architecture at the Grand Palace, amazing cuisine, including an awesome street food scene, hip clubs, the worlds largest Chinatown, a variety marketplaces, floating markets, and more, Bangkok really has a lot to offer.

Although formally known as Bangkok, the city’s real name is 169 characters and the longest city name in the world. It’s Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahinthara Yuttaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udom Ratchaniwet Mahasathan Amonphiman Awatansathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukamprasit. This roughly translates to, City of angels, the magnificent city of the nine gems, seat of the king, city of royal palaces, home of gods incarnate, erected by Vishvakarman at India’s behest.

The shortened version is Krung Thep, or City of Angels.

Top Sites In Bangkok

Grand Palace

The Grand Palace, with its dazzling ancient architecture, is a definite must-see in Bangkok. This was the official residence of the Kings of Siam, which is now known as Thailand, up to the early 20th century. It was also home of the Royal court and the administrative seat of government. Today this gem is Bangkok’s top tourist attraction.

It’s almost 1 square mile, and full of halls, pavilions, gardens, courtyards, and home to Thailand’s most sacred temple. There’s an outer court, which was administrative, the central court, where the King lived and the location of the state business halls, and the inter court, where the King’s royal consorts and daughters lived.

Not everything, however, is open to the public, like the inner court and some of the buildings. But what you can see and explore is so over-the-top ornate, you will wander in awe. Expect to take tons of photos here.

A few of the top sites at the Grand Palace include:

Wat Phra Kaew (Chapel of the Emerald Buddha)

The most sacred temple in Thailand, Wat Phra Kaew, or the Chapel of the Emerald Buddha, is also the most important site in the Grand Palace. Thailand’s greatly revered Emerald Buddha is here, carved from a single block of jade and adorned in gold robes and diamonds.

This temple is open to the public when not in use for religious ceremonies. It’s official name is Wat Phra Si Ratana Satsadaram.

Phra Kaew is the building with the orange roof, below left.

Demon Gaurdians

There are six pairs of colorful, giant, guardians, most facing the Chapel of the Emerald Buddha. Each is a character from Ramakian, the Thai version of the Indian Ramayana epic.

Phra Mondop

Closed to the public, this is the library and home of sacred scriptures, like the Canon of a Buddha, and other ancient literature. It’s striking exterior is covered with green, mirrored tiles, inlaid with gold medallions of Buddha, and intricately embellished columns (below left).

Phra Siritana Chedi

This eye catching Golden stupa (above right) is said to hold the ashes of the Lord Buddha.

Miniature Replica of Angkor Wat

This replica of Angkor Wat dates back to the reign of Rama IV, when parts of Cambodia were part of Siam. Built to emphasize that the Kings also controlled Angkor Wat, it sits across from the temple of the Emerald Buddha.

Chakri Maha Prasat (Royal Reception Hall)

Chakri Maha Prasat, once a royal residence built by King Ram V, is a blend of traditional Thai architecture and 19th century European styles.

How To Get To The Grand Palace: Take the BTS Skytrain to Saphan Taskin station. From here, follow the signs to the boat pier, taking a river taxi or Chao Phraya Express boat north to Ta Chang pier. From there, the palace is a short walk away.

Dress Code For The Grand Palace: Conservative dress is strictly enforced at this sacred site. Arms and legs must be covered with loose fitting clothing, although skirts covering the knees can be worn.

You may be given a free sarong if deemed necessary, or you may be asked to purchase something. Also, flip-flops are not acceptable, and sometimes sandals are questioned, so it’s best to have your feet covered.

Tips For Visiting The Grand Palace: Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and the heat of the day. Also, be aware that a popular scam is for locals to tell you the Grand Palace is closed and take you for a Tuk-Tuk ride to shops where they get a fee for bringing you. It’s best to go directly to the ticket window to verify in person, or buy your tickets in advance at Royal Grand Palace tickets.

Top Temples in Bangkok

There are over 400 wats, or temples, in Bangkok, but the three most popular are Wat Pra Kaew in the Grand Palace (above), Wat Pho, and Wat Arun.

Wat Pho (Temple of The Reclining Buddha)

Also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, it’s official name is Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan. One of the largest and oldest wats in Bangkok, it features a 150’ (46 m) long reclining Buddha and more than 1,000 Buddha images.

Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn)

How To Get To Wat Pho: Wat Pho is located south of the Grand Palace, about a 5-7 minute walk. If arriving via BTS Skytrain, stop at Saphan Taskin and take a Chao Phraya Express boat to Tha Tien pier.

Wat Arun, or the Temple of Dawn, sits on the west bank of the Chao Phraya river. Encrusted in colorful porcelain and seashells, this temple stands majestically over the river. It’s best visited in the early morning hours, but looks spectacular when lit at night.

Try to book a restaurant for dinner, or visit a bar overlooking the temple on the east bank. During the Kathina Festival, the King arrives in a procession of royal barges to bring new robes to the monks.

How To Get To Wat Arun Temple: This temple sits across the river from Wat Pho. If arriving via BTS Skytrain, stop at Saphan Taskin and take a Chao Phraya Express boat to Tha Tien pier (Wat Pho). From there, walk to the next pier and take a ferry across the river.

It can seem a bit chaotic at first. The boats blow their whistles at each stop, rushing you off and on, seeming to barely stop as you scuttle to and from the pier with the crowds. After a few rides, however, you’ll be a pro.

For a more serene ride, look for the complimentary boats rides offered by the fancy hotels like the Mandarin and the Hilton. They are both beautiful hotels and definitely worth a visit for dinner or a drink. These boats are also generally lit at night, making an evening ride ideal.

Jim Thompson House Museum

Jim Thompson was an American businessman and architect-turned silk entrepreneur. He starting the Thai Silk Company, which revitalized the Thai silk industry in the 50s and 60s. The house he lived in, along with the Asian antiques inside, and art he collected, are now a museum. Sadly, he mysteriously disappeared during a walk in 1967, never to be found.

How To Get To The Jim Thompson House Museum: Located in central Bangkok, it’s easiest to get to the Jim Thompson House Museum by Sky Train, stopping at National Stadium. From there take exit 1 and turn right on Soi Kasemsan.

Weekend Market (Chatuchak)

Chatuchak is world’s largest and most diverse weekend market with over 15,000 stalls. You can find practically everything here. Negotiating is a requirement. Also know that you may get a better deal if you know some Thai.

How To Get The Chatuchak Weekend Market: Take the BTS Skytrain to Mo Chit station. From here, take exit 1 and follow the crowd. Alternatively, you can take the MRT subway to Chatuchak Park.

Flower Market

Although not a popular tourist spot in Bangkok, it should be. It’s not only beautiful, it’s also a wonderful way to experience some local culture.

This is where where locals buy their flowers, which are important in Thai culture for daily offerings, gifts, and ceremonies. You’ll find rows and rows of colorful roses, orchids, marigolds, and many more, sold in bundles, arrangements, or threaded onto garlands.

Open 24/7, it’s busiest just before dawn, when the flowers arrive from nearby provinces.

How to Get To The Flower Market: Located south of Wat Pho on Chak Phet Road, near Memorial Bridge. You can walk from Wat Pho in about 10 minutes. Otherwise the nearest pier via Chao Phraya Express boat is Ranjini Express Boat pier.

Floating Markets

There are two floating markets near Bangkok, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Amphawa Floating Market. Damnoen is the larger of the two, while Amphara is a little more authentic, with mostly local Thais in attendance. Both are located about an hour and half drive from Central Bangkok, and best reached via a tour. You may even be able to arrange a tour to visit them both.

How To Get To The Floating Markets: There is a daily bus from the Bangkok Bus Terminal (Southern Line) to Damnoen Saduak. For Amphawa, which is only open on weekends, there is a mini bus from the Southern Bus Terminal.

How To Get To Chinatown: The MRT provides the closest stop to Chinatown. Take it to the Hua Lamphong stop, then take exit 1 and walk to Chinatown. Alternatively, you can take the Chao Phraya Express boat to Ratchawong pier. From there, just walk straight ahead.

Culinary Food Tours

Walking food tours are a fantastic way to experience Bangkok and another must-do in Bangkok. To navigate the many, many options, I really recommend a tour (unless you’re visiting Chinatown), which you can find a ton of on Viator, TripAdvisor, and Airbnb Experiences.

Mine visited several great Thai restaurants, some with some cultural fusion, some street food, and a bakery. We tasted a variety, including a Thai-Indian fusion green curry, chicken covered with a nest of fried lemongrass and lime leaves. pork salad and papaya salad, mango sticky rice and more. Yum!

Bangkok Art & Cultural Center

The Bangkok Art & Cultural Center is also a great stop and it’s free. The building has 9 spiraling floors, reminiscent of the NY Guggenheim, full of contemporary art, design, music, and more.

Want To See More of Thailand?

Thailand is a beautiful country with plenty to explore. I’ve been here twice and hope to visit yet again.

From Bangkok, the ruins in Ayutthaya, which was the capital of Siam, is just a 1-2 hour train ride north. This ancient, cosmopolitan city is full of the remains of palaces, temples, and monasteries after being burnt to the ground by the Burmese in the 18th century.

There’s also Chang Mai, in northern Thailand, also full of ancient temples, but also a great place to experience Thailand culture and see other sites.

And if you’re into beaches, Thailand is known for them, especially Phuket, in southeastern Thailand.

For an overview of the top sites, how to get around, safety, scams, logistics and more, see the Thailand Travel Guide. It’s a great tool to help you plan your trip.