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25 Best Things to Do in Bangkok: Highlights & Hidden Gems

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Bangkok is one of those cities that can feel completely overwhelming when you first arrive. It's huge, it's busy, it's hot, the traffic can be ridiculous and there seems to be something happening on every single street. But give Bangkok a little time and it starts to make sense. You might even end up loving it as much as I do.

I’m one of the people who didn’t get Bangkok on my first visit and it therefore took years before i made it back. However, after visiting multiple times I fell in love with the city and ended up spending a month there on my last visit.

There is so much to do in Bangkok! You'll find beautiful temples hidden between modern skyscrapers, tiny street-food stalls next to luxury shopping malls, colourful markets, rooftop bars, peaceful parks, chaotic neighbourhoods and the Chao Phraya River running through the middle of it all.

One of the things I like most about the city is that you can make your trip completely your own. You can spend three days ticking off the famous sights, or stay for a week and barely scratch the surface. And you definitely don't need to spend your entire time visiting temples.

Bangkok is just as much about eating your way through Chinatown, getting lost in markets, watching the sunset from a rooftop, taking a boat along the river and wandering through neighbourhoods as it is about the big attractions.

So if you're wondering what to do in Bangkok, what not to miss, where to grab a drink, which temples are worth visiting, what to do at night or how to spend a few days in Bangkok, this guide covers it all.

Exploring Bangkoks rooftop bars

What are the best things to do in Bangkok?

As always I’ll start with the fun part first, namely the top things to do in Bangkok. If you also want more practical information like where you should base yourself, how to get around and my favourite bars and restaurants, just scroll further down and you’ll find everything you need.

Visit the Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew

If there's one Bangkok attraction that belongs on almost every first-time itinerary, it's the Grand Palace. The enormous complex was the official residence of the Kings of Siam and Thailand for more than 150 years, and today it's one of Bangkok's most visited attractions.

It can be quite busy, but when you walk through the entrance and start seeing the incredible gold details, colourful mosaics and ornate buildings, it's easy to understand why. The Grand Palace isn't just one building. It's a huge complex containing temples, courtyards, ceremonial buildings and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, or Wat Phra Kaew so you can easily spend a couple of hours just here.

Exploring Bangkok

You can't take photographs inside Wat Phra Kaew, the area where the Buddha is enshrined, so this is one of those places where it's better to put the camera away for a few minutes and just enjoy where you are.

It’s important to know that The Grand Palace has a strict dress code because Wat Phra Kaew is a sacred Buddhist site. So your shoulders and knees should be covered when you visit. You can get your tickets in advance here or join a guided tour that takes you to all the temples in the area as well.

Visit Wat Pho and the Reclining Buddha

Just a short walk from the Grand Palace is Wat Pho, one of Bangkok's most famous temples. It's best known for the enormous Reclining Buddha covered in gold leaf. The Buddha statue in itself is reason enough to visit, but the whole complex is stunning and deserves to be explored.

You can walk through beautiful courtyards, see plenty of temples covered in colourful porcelain and there are lots of smaller buildings to explore.

Wat Pho

Watch the sunset at Wat Arun

Right across the river from Wat Pho you’ll find Wat Arun. Instead of taking a taxi around the river I recommend heading to Tha Tien Pier and catch the small river-ferry over. It’s the easiest way to get from one to the other no matter which way you’re visiting. It will only take 2-4 minutes and is very budget friendly. Just remember to bring small cash for the crossing.

Once you’re there you can admire one of Bangkoks most recognisable landmarks. The central prang is decorated with intricate porcelain and ceramic details, and the temple looks particularly beautiful as the light changes in the late afternoon. If you come around sunset you’ll find plenty of people dressed in traditional clothing having photoshoots around.

If you want, you’ll also find plenty of shops renting out costumes along the streets here. I recommend booking a session in advance if it’s something you want to do.

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Even though I loved exploring Wat Arun, my favourite way of seeing it is actually from the other side of the river, and around sunset. That way you get to see it in all its glory. There are a couple of nice restaurants with great views you can book for amazing views like Sala Rattanakosin or TYME restaurant. I would also head to the Wat Arun viewing point for the best views of the temple.

Wat Arun
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Take a boat along the Chao Phraya River

The Chao Phraya River is basically another transport route through Bangkok. Instead of sitting in traffic, you can jump on a boat and see the city from the water. It's also one of my favourite ways to connect several Bangkok attractions.

You can combine a river journey with Wat Arun, Wat Pho, The Grand Palace, ICONSIAM, the flower Market and Bangkok's Old Town.

Exploring Bangkok

If you want everything organised you can book a sightseeing cruise that takes you to all the famous spots. If you’re short on time in Bangkok I recommend doing this either in the morning or in the evening if you want to see the city and temples lit up.

If you have longer in Bangkok you can take the regular river boat and just jump of at the various spots you want to explore further. It’s a very practical and inexpensive way to explore Bangkok.

Explore Chinatown and Yaowarat Road

Bangkok's Chinatown, known as Yaowarat, is one of my favourite areas to explore. During the day, the narrow streets are filled with shops selling everything from Chinese herbs and dried food, to gold, household goods and random things you didn't know existed.

And when the evening arrives it becomes one enormous street-food scene. Neon signs light up the road, restaurants fill the pavement and food stalls start serving everything from seafood and noodles to desserts and fresh fruit.

I recommend coming here one evening, just wandering around and sit down at a spot that looks good. Order some shrimps and morning glory and just take it all in. If you want a more in depth experience and love trying new foods, you should check out this food tour in Chinatown where you get to try everything from dumplings to Pad Thai and end up in the bar street fro drinks.

Chinatown, Bangkok
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Eat street food in Bangkok

one of my favourite foods is Thai food, and you’ll find so much amazing food in Bangkok. You can of course spend your whole trip at fancy restaurants, because there are more than enough to pick from. However, I do recommend grabbing at least one meal from a food stall at a local market. There are so many delicious dishes to try like pad thai, pad kra pao, mango sticky rice, coconut ice cream, tom yum and much more.

There are plenty of nice spots to eat, but I recommend the Or Tor Kor Market or Train Night Market Srinagarindra for some really good food.

Thai BBQ

Visit A Weekend Market

If you're in Bangkok on a Saturday or Sunday, make time for Chatuchak Weekend Market.

It's huge! We're talking thousands of stalls selling everything from clothing and jewellery to vintage items, ceramics, artwork, plants, home décor and souvenirs. You can easily spend several hours here. Don’t try to see everything, because it’s just too massive. instead just pick a few sections that interest you and wander around.

If you’re not in Bangkok during the weekend you can check out my guide on all the best markets to find another thats suits you.

Exploring Bangkok

Watch Bangkok from a rooftop bar

Bangkok's skyline is ridiculous in the best possible way. The views are like nothing I’ve ever seen and it’s even more stunning at night when the whole city is lit up. In my opinion you can’t leave Bangkok without having visited at least one rooftop bar.

One of my favourite things to do in Bangkok is head up to a rooftop bar around sunset, order a drink and watch the city change from daylight to a sea of lights. It’s the perfect way to end a day of exploring.

There are countless rooftop bars in Bangkok so no matter what kind of vibe you’re looking for there is something for you.

Some of the most famous options include:

If you want to know which ones are worth visiting and what to expect, I've put together a separate guide to my favourite rooftop bars in Bangkok.

Skybars in Bangkok
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Go to the top of King Power Mahanakhon

The King Power Mahanakhon is one of Bangkok's most recognisable skyscrapers and it has an observation deck that gives you a huge panoramic view over Bangkok. You can also walk on the famous glass skywalk if you’re not terrible afraid of heights.

It’s an amazing place no matter what time you come, but if you can time it to later afternoon to see the sunset, you’ll get an incredible view of Bangkok.

Take a Day Trip to Ayutthaya

If you have an extra day in Bangkok, Ayutthaya is one of the easiest day trips to add to your itinerary. Located around 80–90 kilometres north of Bangkok, the former capital of Siam is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with impressive temple ruins, ancient Buddha images and crumbling stupas. Walking between the ruins gives you a completely different perspective on Thailand’s history.

Day Trip to Ayutthaya

You can take a train there and explore it in your own, but I think it’s best explored on an organised tour with a guide who can show you the area. The site is quite spread out so it’s best seen with someone who knows where to go and which temples to focus on. We did this tour from Bangkok and loved it!

Day Trip to Ayutthaya

Visit Jim Thompson House

If you're looking for something a little quieter, a visit to Jim Thompson House might be just the thing.

The museum is the former home of American businessman Jim Thompson, who played a major role in reviving Thailand's silk industry. The house itself is made up of traditional Thai teak buildings surrounded by tropical gardens. It's a surprisingly peaceful place considering you're right in the middle of Bangkok.

Jim Thompson House

You can explore the grounds on your own, but you need a guide to enter the house. The only downside is that you can’t actually book it in advance so if you’re visiting during high season you might end up waiting a bit for a tour. I recommend checking their websites for updated times before you go so you can try and time it accordingly. Alternatively you can combine it with a cooking class like the one below and have everything organised for you in advance.

Visit the Golden Mount at Wat Saket

Wat Saket, home to the Golden Mount, is one of my favourite temple visits in Bangkok. To get there you climb a staircase that winds around the artificial hill to reach the golden chedi at the top.

The climb isn't difficult, but Bangkok's heat will make you work for it if you come in the middle of the day. However, the view is worth it. From the top, you get a completely different perspective of Bangkok's skyline and Old Town. And compared with the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, it can feel much more peaceful.

Visit the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre

If you're looking for something to do in Bangkok when it's raining, I can recommend heading to the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre. If you’re interested in art it’s ofcourse a nice spot to explore anyway. It's right near the Siam shopping district and hosts exhibitions, galleries, creative spaces and cultural events. It's an easy addition to a shopping day and gives you a break from Bangkok's malls.

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Explore Talat Noi

If you want somewhere that feels a little different, spend a few hours exploring Talat Noi. This historic neighbourhood sits next to Chinatown and is full of narrow lanes, old shophouses, street art, small cafés and car workshops.

It's particularly fun to explore on foot and just wander around without a huge plan. There's no need to rush from attraction to attraction here, just stop wherever you find something that catches your eye.

You'll find old Chinese architecture mixed with colourful street art and modern cafés, which gives the neighbourhood a completely different personality from the skyscraper-filled parts of Bangkok.

Talat Noi
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Take a stroll or Jog in Lumpini Park

After a few days of Bangkok traffic, crowds and concrete, you might suddenly realise you need some greenery. That's where Lumpini Park comes in. It's one of Bangkok's best-known green spaces and a popular place for locals to exercise, walk and relax.

Go early in the morning if you want to see people exercising or later in the afternoon when temperatures start to drop. You’ll find plenty of people jogging around or groups practicing tai chi or dance. It’s the perfect spot if you want to get a jog in while in Bangkok.

Don't expect a remote tropical paradise, you're still in the middle of Bangkok, but it's a nice break from the city.

Lumpini Park

Relax in Benjakitti Park

If you want another break from Bangkok’s temples, traffic and shopping malls, Benjakitti Park is one of my favourite places to slow down for a while. The park is built around a large lake and has walking and cycling paths, landscaped gardens and elevated walkways that take you through a surprisingly green part of the city.

The Benjakitti Forest Park section is particularly worth exploring, with boardwalks through wetlands and plenty of spots where you can see birds and enjoy a different side of Bangkok. It’s also a great place for a walk around sunset, when the city skyline starts lighting up behind the greenery.

It’s a lot bigger than Lumpini and I would come here for a picnic and stroll on the walkways more than a run like in Lumpini.

Benjakitti Park

Explore Bangkok's shopping malls

Bangkok takes shopping malls very seriously and some of them are honestly destinations in themselves. You could easily spend a full week just exploring the shopping malls in Bangkok and still not see half of it. So if you like shopping Bangkok is perfect. I would pick one or two and focus on them. Below are some of my favourites.

ICONSIAM - Right on the Chao Phraya River, ICONSIAM combines luxury shopping, restaurants and the indoor SookSiam food and cultural area. It's particularly easy to combine with a river trip. It also has a water and light show every evening.

Light show at ICONSIAM

Siam Paragon - One of Bangkok's most famous luxury shopping malls, right in the middle of Siam.

CentralWorld - Huge, modern and packed with shops and restaurants.

MBK Center - A better option if you're looking for electronics, souvenirs, clothing and more affordable shopping.

Terminal 21 - Fun if you want a more casual shopping experience with each floor themed around a different international destination.

Bangkok malls are also one of my favourite places to escape the heat for an hour and grab some food. Most of them have huge food courts where you can find almost anything.

Shopping in Bangkok
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Visit a Bangkok floating market

Floating markets are one of the classic things to do in Bangkok and even though they are a bit touristy these days they are still great fun. Just be aware that many of the famous floating markets are outside central Bangkok, so don't assume you can squeeze one into a one-hour gap between other attractions.

For something relatively accessible, look at Taling Chan Floating Market. For a larger day trip, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is one of the most famous options. Another option is Khlong Lat Mayom, which is particularly good if your main interest is food.

The atmosphere and level of tourism varies significantly between them, so choose based on what you're looking for rather than simply going to the most famous one.

Visit River City Bangkok

River City Bangkok is a great place to visit if you want to see a more creative and contemporary side of the city. Located near Si Phraya Pier, this is an arts and antiques centre that hosts exhibitions, galleries, art auctions and cultural events.

I like it as a quieter alternative to some of Bangkok's bigger attractions, especially if you're interested in art, photography, antiques or design. You don't need to spend hours here either, you can combine it with a walk along the river or a visit to nearby Talat Noi and Chinatown, making it an easy addition to a day exploring this part of Bangkok. Or you can take the boat over to the other side of the river for some shopping at ICONSIAM.

Rivercity Bangkok

Wander Around in Ari

Ari is a great addition if you want to get away from the main tourist areas and see a more local, laid-back side of Bangkok. It’s a neighbourhood in northern Bangkok known for its independent cafés, small restaurants, bars, boutiques and leafy residential streets, with plenty of places to stop for coffee or food as you wander around.

I’d come here without too much of a plan and spend a few hours exploring around Ari BTS Station. However, if there are two spots in Ari I would check out it’s the GUMPS Community centre who has various pop-up shops and shows. Another is Landhause bakery if you’re looking for some really good cinnamon buns and bread.

Exploring Ari, Bangkok

Where to Stay in Bangkok

Below I’ve found the three best hotels in various areas of Bangkok. If you want to read the full guide on the best areas to base yourself, check out this article.

Grande Point Sukhumvit 55 Thong Lo
Grande Point Sukhumvit 55 Thong Lo

Located in the Thong Lo part of Sukhumvit, this hotel puts you closer to Bangkok's trendy restaurant and café scene while still giving you BTS access. The property has a large outdoor pool and spa facilities, making it a good choice if you want to combine sightseeing and comfort.

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Banyan Tree Bangkok
Banyan Tree Bangkok

Banyan Tree is one of the area's best-known luxury hotels and is famous for its spectacular Vertigo and Moon Bar rooftop. The high-rise rooms, spa and skyline views make this a particularly memorable choice if you're looking for a special Bangkok stay.

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Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok

The Mandarin Oriental is one of Bangkok's legendary hotels and has occupied its riverside position for well over a century. It combines old-world elegance with excellent dining, a beautiful riverside setting and the hotel's famous Authors' Wing, making it a particularly atmospheric choice for a special stay.

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Map of the Best Hotels in Bangkok

Below you'll find a map where I've pinned my favourite hotels in Bangkok to make it easier for you to navigate when you're looking for where you want to base yourself.

How many days do you need in Bangkok?

I'd recommend at least three days for a first visit. Three days gives you enough time to see the major temples, experience Chinatown, visit a market and enjoy the skyline without constantly rushing.

If you have four or five days, even better. You can slow down, explore different neighbourhoods, take a day trip or simply have days where you don't have a strict itinerary.

Exploring Bangkok

Bangkok FAQs

What is Bangkok famous for?

Bangkok is famous for its ornate Buddhist temples, Grand Palace, street food, markets, nightlife, shopping, rooftop bars and the Chao Phraya River.

What should I not miss in Bangkok?

For a first visit, don't miss the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Chinatown, a Bangkok market, Thai street food and at least one rooftop bar.

Is 3 days enough for Bangkok?

Three days is enough to see many of Bangkok's main attractions, but you'll need to be selective. If you have four or five days, you'll have much more time to explore beyond the major sights.

Is Bangkok expensive?

Bangkok can be very affordable, particularly when it comes to street food, public transportation and local accommodation. At the same time, the city has plenty of luxury hotels, restaurants, shopping malls and rooftop bars if you want to spend more.

Exploring Bangkok

How do you get around Bangkok?

The BTS Skytrain and MRT are excellent for avoiding traffic, while taxis and Grab are useful for areas without convenient rail connections. Boats are particularly useful around the Chao Phraya River.

Is Bangkok safe for tourists?

Bangkok is a major international tourist destination, but normal city precautions still apply. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas, be cautious with valuables and use reputable transport.

Final Thoughts: Is Bangkok worth visiting?

As I said to begin with I didn’t love Bangkok on my first visit, but have fallen in love with it since. I think one of the reasons I didn’t like it the first time around is that I stayed in the wrong area, hadn’t done enough research about what to do and tried to squeeze to much into just a few days.

The hardest part about planning Bangkok isn't finding things to do. It's deciding what not to do. There are so many temples, markets, restaurants, rooftop bars, shopping malls, neighbourhoods and day trips that you could stay for weeks and still have things left on your list.

My advice is not to try to do it all. Pick a few of the big sights you really want to see, then leave plenty of time to wander, eat street food, get lost in Chinatown, watch the sunset from a rooftop and explore the river by boat.

The best parts of Bangkok happen when you start mixing the famous sights with the everyday ones. It's chaotic and calm, traditional and modern, incredibly touristy in some places and surprisingly local in others.

Plan Your Trip to Bangkok

Hopefully this guide has given you everything you need to plan what to do in Bangkok. To make planning the rest of your trip even easier, I've included all the resources I personally use when I travel.

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Every recommendation is based on tools and services I genuinely use and would recommend to friends and family.

By using these links you help me continue to create free travel guides like this one.

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-Ingrid

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