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Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand and is one of the most exciting tourist destinations on Earth. Known for ornate temples, vibrant markets, and a vast array of cuisine, this unique destination has endless sightseeing opportunities.
Bangkok is one of the easiest Asian cities to spend time in, which is why it welcomes more than 22 million visitors each year. It’s cheap and hassle-free to zip around the city via the modern public transport system or the tuk-tuks that snake their way through Bangkok’s infamous traffic, English is widely spoken in the tourist areas, and the city is generally a safe place for tourists to visit.
Without further ado, here’s our travel guide to the 19 best things to do in Bangkok.
1. Unleash Your Inner Foodie on a Street Food Tour
Thai food is known for its fresh, spicy ingredients and no trip to Bangkok is complete without trying a few of the country’s most popular street food dishes. If you’re unsure where to start, a food tour is a great option, or you’ll have no trouble finding markets and food stalls yourself during your explorations around the city.
Three dishes not to miss:
- Pad Thai – stir-fried rice noodles with shrimp, egg, peanuts, and bean sprouts.
- Moo ping – grilled pork skewers with a sweet and savory marinade.
- Jok – rice porridge made with broken jasmine rice and served for breakfast.
2. Bask in the Beauty of Wat Pho
Wat Pho is home to the incredible 46-meter Reclining Buddha sculpture and is a must-visit while in Bangkok. The intricate mosaic, gold leaf, and mother of pearl that adorn this spiritual place are an impressive sight, and the grounds are a peaceful place for a meditative moment.
3. Shop in Bangkok’s Best Markets
Markets are synonymous with Thai culture, and you’ll be spoilt for choice when choosing which ones to visit. From food-focused night markets to floating flower markets, there’s something for everyone.
Here are the best spots to spend your baht:
- Chatuchak Weekend Market – said to be Asia’s largest market, selling everything from clothes and homeware to food and gardening supplies. Open Saturdays and Sundays.
- Pak Khlong Talat Mai Flower Market – see colorful arrangements and lush bouquets at this spot that’s very popular with locals.
- Damnoen Saduak Floating Market – located 62 miles southwest of Bangkok, this is the most famous floating market and makes a great day trip.
4. Visit the Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew
The Grand Palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam since the 18th century, and the King was still based here until 1925.
Nowadays, the site is open to visitors, and most tourists come here to see Wat Phra Kaew, the adjacent temple. Wat Phra Kaew is home to the most sacred Buddha image in Thailand — the Emerald Buddha. Visit the Temple of the Emerald Buddha to appreciate this impressive jade artifact that dates back to the 12th or 13th century.
5. Cruise the Chao Phraya River
The Chao Phraya River is Thailand’s major river and cuts through the heart of Bangkok. Taking a river cruise is a great way of seeing some of the best sights without getting caught up in the city’s crazy traffic. For a memorable evening or a romantic date, choose a sunset dinner cruise.
These are some of the sights that you’ll see along the way:
- Wat Kanlayanamitr – an impressive 19th-century Buddhist temple.
- Phra Sumen Fort – one of the original forts that guarded the city of Rattanakosin (the fourth and current Thai kingdom that was founded in 1782).
- Rama 8 Bridge – a spectacular cable bridge that looks particularly attractive at night.
6. Watch Fighters at a Thai Boxing Match
Thai boxing, or Muay Thai, is an intense martial art where opponents can kick, punch, and elbow their way to victory. Watching a match isn’t for the faint-hearted but if you can stomach it, it’ll be an experience you won’t soon forget.
Bangkok has two main boxing stadiums:
- Rajadamnern Stadium – this is the city’s original stadium and the world’s first official Muay Thai battleground.
- Lumpinee Boxing Stadium – get seats in the second or third-class areas for the most exciting atmosphere.
7. Check out the Nightlife
Bangkok is a city that never sleeps, and the nightlife is one of its main draws. If you’re looking for a few quiet cocktails or a wild night to remember, these are the best areas in the city to party:
- Khao San Road – a backpacker paradise with budget beer bars and a laid-back and lively atmosphere.
- Sukhumvit Soi 11 – this is the heart of the city’s nightlife. You’ll find rooftop bars, cocktail lounges, live music, and everything between here.
- Ekkamai – a hipster area with quirky bars and arty live music venues.
8. Get a Thai Massage
Bangkok is said to be the massage capital of the world, and getting a traditional Thai massage is the perfect way to unwind after a hectic day of sightseeing.
The Wat Pho massage school is a highly rated place to get a Thai massage, but be sure to arrive early as it’s extremely popular.
9. Escape the Heat in Bangkok’s Best Shopping Malls
If the heat and humidity get to be too much, you have the perfect excuse to visit Bangkok’s iconic shopping malls. Local boutiques, international brands, and world-class tailors sit side by side so you can pick up pretty gifts for yourself or folks back home.
Three of the best malls in Bangkok are:
- Siam Paragon – home to international luxury brands, a cinema, and Southeast Asia’s largest aquarium.
- centralwOrld – explore the ninth-largest shopping complex in the world, then head to the rooftop bar for a refreshing drink and breathtaking views.
- MBK Center – there are more than 2,000 stores at MBK and it’s a great place to bag a bargain.
10. Jim Thompson House
Jim Thompson was an American businessman known as the Thai Silk King. Thompson vanished in strange circumstances in the 1960s and his traditional Thai-style home has since been turned into a captivating Asian art museum.
11. Test Your Nerves on the Skywalk
This observation deck is perched on the 78th floor of King Power Mahanakhon which is Thailand’s tallest building. The glass floor of the balcony will test your bravery but you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Bangkok’s beautiful skyline.
12. Take a Cooking Class
As we’ve already mentioned, Thailand has some of the best food in the world. So, what could be better than learning how to cook some of your favorite dishes so you can recreate them at home?
Hundreds of cooking class providers operating in Bangkok will teach you how to create staple Thai dishes such as:
- Thai green curry
- Laab gai (a spicy salad with chicken)
- Pad Thai
- Pineapple fried rice
13. Stroll Along Th Yaowarat
Bangkok’s Chinatown is a vibrant area of the city where you can shop, eat, and people-watch. The main street is Th Yaowarat, where you’ll see temples, food carts, and jewelry stores sitting side by side. Come on Chinese New Year when the neighborhood is most lively.
14. See the Temple of Dawn
Wat Arun is known as the Temple of Dawn and can be found in the charming neighborhood of Thonburi. The temple dates back to the Ayutthaya Kingdom and has a very different appearance from other Thai temples due to its 82-meter tall spire.
This is one of the only temples where visitors can climb the main staircase — it’s worth the effort for the picturesque river views.
15. Have a Meal to Remember at Bangkok’s Michelin Restaurants
Bangkok is renowned for its bustling street food scene, but what many visitors don’t realize is just how many high-end restaurants there are here, too. If you’re looking for somewhere to celebrate a special occasion, the city’s Michelin-star restaurants include:
- 80/20 – seasonal, innovative tasting menus featuring Thai classics with a modern twist.
- Baan Tepa – a farm-to-table concept with a focus on Thai flavors and sustainable ingredients.
- Sorn – the team of chefs all learned from their grandmothers and the seafood and curry dishes are especially delicious.
16. Explore Bangkok’s Oldest Street
Charoen Krung is Bangkok’s oldest street and dates back to 1861. It runs for five miles from the Grand Palace and there’s so much to see and do, including museums, antique shops, and art galleries. To get here, take the BTS Skytrain to Saphan Taksin.
17. Take a Day Trip to Koh Kret
Just one hour north of Bangkok is Koh Kret — an island famous for its terracotta pots. This peaceful area is the best place to visit workshops and buy ceramics from local makers who learned their trade from the generations before them.
Don’t miss Wat Poramai Yikawat while you’re there — this Buddhist temple is home to an important reclining Buddha and a museum about Ko Kret’s ceramics.
18. Relax in Lumpini Park
Also known as Lumphini, this lush green space in the Si Lom neighborhood is a tranquil place to take a break from the city. Rent boats to explore the artificial lake, take kids to burn off their energy on the playgrounds, or enjoy a picnic in the shade of the towering trees.
Other notable parks in Bangkok include:
- Benchakitti Park – a popular park for running and jogging. Located south of Sukhumvit Road.
- Queen Sirikit Park – a botanical garden with manicured lawns and a large variety of flowers and plants.
- Wachirabenchathat Park – a huge park on the outskirts of the city. There’s a bicycle track and lots of vegetation to explore.
19. See a Cabaret
Seeing a show is a must-do activity while in Bangkok, and you’ll have no trouble finding one to attend no matter which part of the city you’re staying in.
Calypso Cabaret is widely said to be the best in Bangkok. Performed by transgender artists, this captivating show will wow you with its costumes and creativity.
There are several themed shows to choose from — these are three of the best:
- Rihanna Wild – a Rihanna-themed show featuring many of the singer’s hits.
- Soul of Calypso – this neon-themed show takes you into the soul of music.
- Girl Power – expect glitz and glamour during this classy show.
Eat, Shop, and Explore in Breathtaking Bangkok
Bring your appetite and your baht because as you can see, there’s no shortage of fun things to see, eat, and do here in the vibrant city of Bangkok. The only question is, what will you do first?
