You’re planning to visit Bangkok during your next trip and you want to know what to do in the Thailand capital city ? So let’s dive into the 15 best things to do in Bangkok:
Best Things to Do in Bangkok
- Wat Pho
- BTS Skytrain
- Wat Arun (Temple of dawn)
- Chatuchak Weekend Market
- The Grand Palace
- Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
- Jim Thompson’s House
- Siam Paragon
- Wat Saket (The Golden Mount)
- Lumpini Park
- Wat Traimit (Golden Buddha)
- Chinatown
- Chao Phraya river
- Khao San Road
- Rajadamnern Muay Thai Stadium
Wat Pho and the Reclining Buddha
A visit to Wat Pho is a must for any traveler to Bangkok. It is located not far from the Grand Palace and is easily accessible on foot. It’s one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the country and one of the oldest and largest temples in Bangkok.
Wat Pho temple is the home of the famous Reclining Buddha, which is the largest in Thailand measuring 45 meters long and 15 meters high. The whole statue is covered in gold leaf and looks incredible when you get up close.
Entry to Wat Pho costs 200THB (US$5.30) and the visit takes around an hour and a half.
Ride the BTS Skytrain
The BTS Skytrain is one of the most efficient ways of getting around Bangkok, with over 60 stations across three lines. With air conditioned railcars there is no better way to get around.
Avoid the infamous Bangkok jam and hop on the train. In most cases, you are high above the traffic below and it gives you a great view of the city.
Depending on how long you plan to stay in Bangkok, you can get a single journey ticket (starting at 16THB, up to 44THB or US$0.46 to US$1.30 per journey), a one-day pass (150THB or US$4.40) , and a rechargeable Rabbit stored value card (100THB or US$2.90 for initial issuing fees and 465THB or US$13.60 for 15 trips).
Be careful: the tickets and passes are not valid on the subway (MRT) or Airport Rail Link (ARL).
Wat Arun (Temple of dawn)
The temple is named after Aruna, the God of Dawn. It completes the trio of temples to visit during your stay in Bangkok.
Wat Arun is especially known for its 70-meter-high prang (spire) decorated with tiny pieces of colored glass and Chinese porcelain. It’s surrounded by 4 smaller prangs, also encrusted with mosaics.
If you have the chance, I totally recommend to come back during the evening to see it full illuminated from the other side of the river.
Wat Arun is open everyday and the entrance fee is 50THB or US$1.45.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
You’re in Bangkok during a weekend ? Then you must visit Chatuchak Market. It’s simply the the largest market in Thailand with more than 15,000 stalls spanning 26 sections.
Each section has it own speciality: local street food, clothing, second-hand merchandise, home decor, handicrafts, antiques, shoes, jewelry, souvenirs, plants and much more.
It’s so big, they even give you a map when you enter to help you get around.
The market can be easily reached by the BTS Skytrain.
Open every Saturday and Sunday it attracts nearly 200,000 visitors a day. So be careful, as pickpockets are going there too. Always pay attention when you take your wallet out to pay for your purchases.
The Grand Palace
The Grand Palace (or Royal Palace) is the most famous and the most visited attraction there is in Bangkok. It is also one of the best things to do in Thailand.
Established in 1782, this ceremonial residence of the Kings of Thailand, includes more than 100 buildings, palaces, and pavilions.
Visit the Queen Sirikit Museum, where you can view the beautiful textiles displayed. Don’t miss Khon Performances (Thailand’s masked dance drama) at Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre.
Entry to the Grand Palace costs 500THB or US$14.60.
Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
Take your time to explore the Grand Palace imposing courtyards and don’t miss Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha where you can admire a jade statue of Buddha found in 1434 in Chiang Rai (in the North of Thailand).
Jim Thompson’s House
If you’re an art lover, then this is your place. Jim Thompson’s House is the former home of an American businessman and art collector named Jim Thompson.
As you walk around the house you will not only learn the history of The Thai Silk Company but also numerous works of Asian art and many unique displays.
The house itself is more of a complex with six traditional wooden houses forming the complete building.
Admission costs 200THB or US$5.84.
Siam Paragon
You feel like you’re more a shopping person ? Then head to Siam Paragon.
This huge shopping mall is the truly high end shopper’s paradise. There are over 250 shops inside the mall with luxury brands and even fancy car showrooms (including Ferrari and Lamborghini).
You’ll find the SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World, a mega cineplex, and Madame Tussauds Bangkok. There is also a food hall and gourmet market, and enough restaurants to feed you for a life time.
Wat Saket (The Golden Mount)
This temple is known for the Golden Mount or Phu Khao Thong. It allows you to enjoy a 360 degree view over Bangkok.
But every view comes with a price and you’ll have to climb a few steps to get there. Fortunately the path will be ponctuated by statues, fontains, as well as gongs you can ring to attract luck, love, or money.
Entry to Wat Saket costs 50THB or US$1.45.
Lumpini Park
With over 500,000 sq. meters, Lumpini Park is the largest and oldest park in Bangkok. It’s a green and relaxing parenthesis in this fast-paced city.
While wandering in the park, it is not unusual to see the older Thai generation practicing their Thai Chi or a romantic couple relaxing by the side of the lake. During the weekends the park is full of people taking part in all sorts of activities.
Wat Traimit (Golden Buddha)
Wat Traimit is one of the most important temples of Bangkok. It contains the Golden Image Buddha, which is made of solid gold and weighs approximately 5 ½ tons.
The entrance ticket for the temple costs 40THB or US$1.15.
Chinatown
One of the main points of interest of Bangkok is Chinatown. Every major city has its own Chinatown and Bangkok is no exception to this.
This fast-paced district was founded over 200 years ago and went on to become the main hub for Bangkok’s large Chinese community.
The noises, smells, and colors, everything is making you feel like you are actually in China. Just wander in the alleys packed full of street stalls and restaurants. You’ll see that the choice of places to eat will be endless and for a very good price.
If it is gold you are looking for, in this district, you’ll find many gold jewelry boutique.
Chao Phraya river
Bangkok is sometimes referred as the ‘Venice of the East’ because of the Chao Phraya river flowing through the heart of Bangkok.
Taking a boat trip down the river is a good way to explore the city since many of the best attractions are easily accessible from various points along this waterway.
You should definitely try it in the evening, when the buildings are illuminated. It will allow you to discover the temples and monuments from a new perspective.
Khao San Road
Khao San Road is on of Bangkok’s main tourist attractions and also one of the major backpacking hubs of South East Asia. If you are a part of late-night party people this is definitely the place for you.
The street is one of the best places to enjoy Bangkok nightlife. You will find bars and restaurants where everyone goes in the evening to have a drink.
You can try some unusual street food like scorpions on a stick, watch erotic shows, get a foot massage, or even a tattoo as a souvenir for your trip.
Rajadamnern Muay Thai Stadium
Muay Thai is the national sport of Thailand and it is talked about everywhere. The whole of Thailand is full of kickboxing stadiums but the biggest fights happen in Bangkok.
More than just simple fights, Muay Thai is first of all an art form. The ‘boxing dance’ is performed during the warm-up phase and fights are also accompanied by musicians adapting the rhythm to the moves and blows.
