What to do and the best things to do in Bangkok is always something we all wonder when coming to Thailand‘s capital, being one of the biggest cities in the world.
The capital has 2 international airports and is extremely easy to reach from inside or outside of Asia. Also, there are also many buses available from Bangkok Downtown to other Southeast Asian countries and vice versa.
Bangkok has become one of my favorite destinations, and it won’t be an easy task to list all the attractions here, but let’s talk about the absolute best in terms of temples, food, tours, and where to stay in Bangkok!
Best Things To Do in Bangkok
Let’s jump right into the main topic with the must-do activities in Bangkok that you’ll love during your itinerary.
Get Amazed at the Grand Palace & Wat Prakeaw
The Grand Palace is one of the biggest and important attractions in Bangkok, and for a reason! With its temples and unique architecture, the Grand Palace has been rated the Number 1 attraction in Thailand.
Go dressed in a very humble manner (no pants with holes and no shoulders shown), or the guards at the entrance will not let you in unless you buy new pants or shirts inside.
Also, I recommend staying in the area nearby, which is one of the most authentic places to stay in Bangkok.
Admission fee: 500 Bath (15.60USD)
Dress Code: You should cover your knees and shoulders. No tank-tops, no ripped pants, no see-through clothes, and no short tops nor mini skirts. If you’re not properly dressed, the security guards at the entrance will make you buy new pants or tops.
Opening Hours: From Monday to Sunday – 08.30AM to 3.30PM
Wat Pho – Temple of the Reclining Buddha
Wat Pho is another temple that should definitely be on your list. Better known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, you’ll be able to walk around its beautiful garden and Buddha statues. Wat Pho is also famous to have the biggest collection of Buddha images in Thailand. This is a much calmer and quieter temple than the Grand Palace.
Entrance fee: 200 Bath (6.29USD)
Dress Code: Knees and shoulders covered. No tank tops, no mini skirts, and definitely no see-through clothes.
Opening Hours: From Monday to Sunday – 08.00AM to 6.00PM
READ MORE: The Perfect 3-Day Bangkok Itinerary
Spend the Night at Chatuchak Market
This market is only open on Saturdays and Sundays, and offers many good deals starting from souvenirs to take home, leather bags, sports shoes, to excellent street food that deserve to be eaten at least once in your life!
If you want to eat weird stuff like bugs, scorpions, or tarantulas, that’s definitely the place!
I’d recommend you to always negotiate the price when it comes to clothes, bags, cell phone accessories, and gadgets in general. The vendors will usually offer 3 times the normal price, so make sure to negotiate at least 30% of the price. Thailand is one of the cheapest places in Southeast Asia after all!
Visit Wat Arun – Temple of Dawn
Wat Arun, also called Temple of Dawn in English, is a must-see attraction in the city. It is a beautiful white towery temple that’s incredibly well preserved. Once inside, you can walk around and take incredible photos. In addition to the beautiful white spire, you can also visit the back garden with smaller temples which also deserve to be seen.
Wat Arun is one of the most beautiful and visited attractions in Thailand and you should also check it out at night when all the lights are on. To sum up, the temple is one of the best things to do in Bangkok.
I’d recommend going for a dinner cruise (read below) and see the majesty of the temple by night from the river.
Admission fee: 50 Baht/$1.50
Dress Code: Knees and shoulders covered. No tank tops, no mini skirts, and definitely no see-through clothes.
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday – 8.00AM to 6.00PM
Discover Jim Thompson House
Jim Thompson House is one of the things to do in Thailand that you shouldn’t miss.
The former owner, Jim Thomson, was an American expat in Thailand and he built a very successful silk company called Thai Silk Company Ltd. He was a collector of antique and therefore built a house in the heart of Bangkok to showcase his incredible collection.
The house is authentic Thai, mainly made of wood, a really well preserved. There are important pieces in the house such as Cambodian carvings, Burmese statues, Victorian-era chandeliers, and even a table once used by King Ram V of Thailand.
Photos are not allowed inside most of the house. You’ll only be able to take pictures of the outside and the garden. There are lockers at the entrance of the house where you’ll be able to put your belongings and shoes before getting inside.
Admission fee: 200 Baht/$6.15
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9.00AM to 6.00PM
Get Lost in Khao San Road
No need to introduce Khao San Road anymore, where many movies were recorded, including The Beach, The Hangover II, or even James Bond’s Tomorrow Never Dies.
Khao San Road is the backpackers’ hub and is a nice place to party all night long or have a nice time with cheap beer.
Be prepared, though, to be stopped by many vendors selling suits, massages, and waitresses inviting you to their pub.
When is the best time to visit Khao San Road? Probably around 10PM when the shops are slowly closing and when you’ll enjoy the Bangkok nightlife with some drinks, music, and nice people from all around the world.
Have a Blast on the Chao Phraya Dinner River Cruise
The Chao Phraya river is the one going through Bangkok and from where you’ll see the best things to do such as Wat Arun and the Grand Palace at night.
If you’re the kind of person that likes to have a sublime dinner out with your partner or your family while admiring the amazing architecture, you’re in for a treat.
You’ll need to book your ticket online and then get to the River Pier City to check-in. Once you checked in, you’re ready to board and take a seat. The food will be ready shortly after departure.
There is a massive buffet inside with lots of Western and Thai dishes, together with delicious appetizers and desserts.
Lastly, the view from the boat is amazing and you’ll have no less than 3 hours to enjoy yourself on the boat!
Temple of the Golden Mount – Wat Saket
It is personally my favorite temple in Bangkok, and it deserves to be visited for a few reasons. First of all, it is incredibly peaceful and calm compared to other temples like Wat Pho or Wat Arun. Here, you can expect fewer tourists and more locals coming to pray.
Wat Saket, or Temple of the Golden Mount in English, is definitely one of the best answers to what to do in Bangkok with no doubt.
Also, there is an amazing view over Bangkok from the top and that is most likely one of the best views in the capital. Note that you’ll need to take the stairs to the top, and whilst it is not that hard, you’ll probably take a longer time than usual because of the humidity.
Lastly, it is simply beautiful and it’s just great to take photos around while monks are praying and singing. Don’t forget to take a fortune teller message on the first floor just before getting to the top of the temple!
Admission fee: 50 Baht/$1.50
Dress Code: Knees and shoulders covered. No tank tops, no mini skirts, and definitely no see-through clothes.
Opening Hours: From Monday to Sunday – 8.00AM to 5.00PM
The Ancient City – Muang Boran
The Ancient City is definitely one of the uncommon and unique things to do in Bangkok, Thailand. Far from the crowd at the Grand Palace and the bustling city, this is perfect to enjoy the traditional Thai culture and environment.
Once you get to the Ancient City, you can either walk around or rent a bike for the day. The bike is included with your entrance ticket so you should really take that opportunity to explore the country-shaped outdoor museum
Entrance Fee: 700 Bath/$21.5 for adults & 350 Bath/$10.80 for children
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday – 9.00AM to 7.00PM
Admire the Marine life at Sea Life Bangkok
The Sea Life Aquarium in Bangkok is another uncommon touristy thing to do in Bangkok. Whilst they receive many visitors every day, it is certainly not the first thing that comes in our mind when mentioning the capital of Thailand.
The aquarium is huge and you’ll need at least 1 to 2 hours to explore it completely. In addition, you will see many marine creatures from sharks, turtles, penguins, and many more. This is definitely one of the best things to do in Bangkok with kids!
Sea Life Bangkok Entrance fee: 709 Bath/$21.8 per person
Opening hours: Open every day from 10.00AM till 9.00PM
Take Some Shots at Phra Sumen Fort
The Phra Sumen Fort was built in 1783 to defend against potential naval invasions and is, therefore, a thing to do in Bangkok that’s part of the capital’s history.
There were 14 watchtowers built in Bangkok and this is the only one left standing together with Mahakan Fort. Other than the Phra Sumen Fort, there is a small river right in front of it with a nice grassy park and an open-air pavilion that deserve to be visited.
Go to the Unusual Airplane Graveyard
While the Airplane Graveyard is not an official attraction in Bangkok, it is definitely worth visiting to see a more underground thing to do in the city.
There is no official stand that sells entrance tickets, nor website. You’ll have to get to Ramkhamhaeng Alley 103 by yourself and talk to the family living there that will allow you in. The entrance fee for the Airplane Graveyard in Bangkok is 200 Bath.
There won’t be tourists around and you’ll probably be the only one in there, which is a great advantage in a big city like Bangkok.
Last but not least, the airplane graveyard doesn’t have official opening times (of course) but I’d recommend getting there not later than 3PM as they might not let you in.
Get Glamorous at Icon Siam
Icon Siam is one of the most popular and classy shopping malls in Bangkok. While there are endless authentic and interesting things to do in Bangkok, there are many entertaining options inside Icon Siam too.
You’ll be able to shop luxury goods, tech products, cars, have a coffee at Starbuck’s or take great photos for your Instagram feed. In fact, the shopping mall is located right next to the Chao Phraya river.
Opening times: Every day from 11.00AM to 8.00PM
Climb the Sathorn Unique Tower
The Sathorn Unique Tower is another unofficial thing to do in Bangkok that you shouldn’t miss during your time in the city.
It is an unfinished skyscraper that was planned to become a massive condominium complex. However, the construction site was stopped due to the Asian economic crisis in 1997.
With that in mind, it is now possible to get in and climb to the 49th floor of the building and witness one of the best views in Bangkok. Just like the airplane graveyard, there is no official stand and you’ll need to negotiate the fee with the security guards at the ground-floor.
Pro Tips: 1. Don’t pay the security guard more than 400-500 bath for the entrance. 2. Take a bottle of water with you, you’ll need to climb 49 floors. 3. Be careful at where you walk. 4. The best time to get to Sathorn Unique Tower is around 5.00PM before sunset. This way, you’ll admire the city getting prepared for the night with all the lights from above.
Have a Pad Thai at Home Cafe Tha Tien
While Home Cafe Tha Tien probably isn’t the most famous and popular restaurant in Bangkok, it is one of the best in terms of value for money and location.
The restaurant is a few minutes’ walk away from the Grand Palace and a few meters from Wat Pho, so needless to say, close to the best attractions.
They have many different dishes from Pad Thai, Fried rice with seafood, various curry dishes, salads, and also beer and fresh fruit juices. The average price for their main courses is around 90 Bath/$2.70 and their food is to die for.
Opening times: Monday to Saturday – 10.30AM to 6.30PM
Wander Around Lumpini Park
What to do in Bangkok is certainly a question to ask yourself when planning to visit the city, and there are certainly many things to do. However, many find the city overwhelming and too polluted for their liking.
For this reason, Lumpini Park in Bangkok is the perfect place to relax and get some fresh air, unlike in many other parts of the city.
Get Lost in Chinatown – Yaowarat
Bangkok has a very nice Chinatown, and I actually booked an apartment there and had a great time at a cheap price.
Here you can taste hundreds of delicious traditional Chinese and Thai dishes for an affordable price, including Pad Thai, duck dishes, shark dishes, and many more! I personally recommend having dinner at Jumbo Lobster on Yaowarat Road.
Apart from the food, you can enjoy this district that’s different from the others in this huge city, and which also has many gold shops and cheap electronics like nowhere else!
Spend a Night at a Rooftop Bar
If you’re not the kind of person to party all night long in bars and clubs, then you should at least have dinner at one of Bangkok’s rooftop restaurants.
What to do in Bangkok is a question asked by many. Having a fantastic view from above at a rooftop bar is a great answer.
Mezzaluna, Yao Restaurant, or the Red Sky, to mention only a few, are the kind of rooftop bars that you will never forget.
Plus, spending the night at a Bangkok rooftop bar is one of the things you should include in your Thailand bucket list!
Join a Day Trip to Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya is the former capital of Thailand, which was destroyed by the Burmese in the 18th century.
We booked a tour to get there as we were able to experience it with a local and to take us around including to the Summer Palace where the former King of Thailand went to spend his vacations, and the Buddha Head in Tree Roots, which was really impressive.
Have a Thai Feast at R.Haan Restaurant
There are many great and delicious restaurants in Bangkok and you shouldn’t spend a lot of money to enjoy a fantastic meal. However, the 2-star Michelin R.Haan restaurant takes the Thai dining experience to a whole new level.
It is certainly more expensive than most of the restaurants in Bangkok but the price is more than justified. Their 17 courses menu comes at 1712 Bath / $52.70 and every one of their dishes is beautifully served and extremely tasteful.
RELATED GUIDE: Best Day Trips from Chiang Mai
Spend Some Cash at Siam Paragon
Siam Paragon is another very popular shopping mall in Bangkok that you should visit during your vacation in Thailand.
It is far from being authentic Thai, however, it will show you a more modern side of the city and it should be definitely be seen as well as the common touristic places.
Wander around the shopping mall for some time before getting to your hotel, eat ice cream, treat yourself to some new clothes, and much more, cause Siam Paragon has it all.
Siam Paragon Opening Hours: Every day from 10.00AM to 10.00PM
Get to know Thai culture at Bangkok National Museum
The Bangkok National Museum is one of the most important museums in Thailand. In fact, it has the largest collection of local arts, artifacts, and decorative objects.
It is possibly the best museum in Thailand, and that’s one of the reasons you should visit it. Other than historical things, you also get to know more about Thai culture.
Opening Times: From Wednesday to Sunday – From 9.00AM to 4.00P
Enjoy a Bangkok Puppet Show at Joe Louis Theatre
The Puppet Show in Bangkok is another one of the best things to do in Bangkok. Whilst puppet shows are popular all around the world, the Thai one displays authentic Thai puppets.
Each puppet is held by 3 or 4 people and you’ll see them during the show. The puppets are dressed in original Thai clothing, which will make your experience even more unique.
Other than seeing this incredible show, you can also eat there and have a great moment.
Bangkok Puppet Show Time: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday – From 07:30PM to 08:30PM
Taste Durian for the First Time
If there is one fruit to be tasted when in Thailand, it should definitely be durian.
It is difficult to find the right words to describe durian. Some say that it tastes like sweaty feet, some others say it’s creamy, sour, and sweet at the same time. I myself think it’s creamy and incredibly smelly.
It mainly grows in Malaysia, The Philippines, and of course Thailand. The best months to eat durian are June, July, and August as it’s the fruit’s season. Be brave, hold your nose, and taste durian for the first time!
Visit Wat Benchamabophit – The Marble Temple
There are many amazing temples to visit in Bangkok as mentioned above like Wat Pho or Wat Arun (Wat means temple).
The Marble Temple is one of the nicest temples in Bangkok with a big magnificent Buddha image. In addition, there are 52 images of Buddha in the gallery around the inside part of the temple.
Admission fee: 20 Baht/$0.60
Dress Code: Knees and shoulders covered. No tank tops, no mini skirts, and definitely no see-through clothes.
Opening Hours: From 8.00AM to 5.00PM
Explore Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Floating Markets are an original and unique attraction yet a common place for locals to shop in Thailand but also other Asian countries.
When checking what to do in Bangkok, you might also want to know what to see outside the capital.
There are more floating markets in Bangkok but this one is the most popular in the province and also the biggest and more diverse.
From cooked foods, vegetables, snacks, and fresh fruit juices, this market has it all. I’d recommend getting to Damnoen Saduak Market taking a tour or hiring a private taxi since it’s far away from the city.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Opening Hours: Everyday from 07.30AM to 11.00AM
Discover Asiatique: The Riverfront
Asiatique The Riverfront is a well-known place in Bangkok to visit for its location, the shopping, the food you can get, and, ultimately, shows like Muay Thai ones.
Other than all the activities that Asiatique offers, it is also a great place for everyone with kids, with their partner or even all alone to buy some souvenirs.
There is a free shuttle that will take you to Asiatique from the central pier, also known as the Sathorn Pier and you should definitely take advantage of it to get there.
Asiatique The Riverfront Opening Hours: Every day from 5PM to Midnight
Get Naughty at Soi Cowboy
Soi Cowboy is the Thai version of Amsterdam’s red light district. Of course, just like its Dutch version, it has to be seen for personal interests but also out of curiosity.
It is actually a short road in Bangkok with over 40 foreign-oriented (men) bars with a lot of drinks, music and girls available. If this is your thing, then you know this is one of the must things to do in Bangkok.
Visit Maeklong Railway Market
Markets are an important part of Thai culture all around the kingdom and apart from the floating markets, there are more original and unique ones.
This is where Maeklong Railway Market comes and gets you surprised.
This market is quite far away from Bangkok and getting there by yourself is probably not the best idea. The best ways to get to Maeklong Railway Market are taking a tour or going with a taxi driver but of course, the later will cost you more.
Other than the train passing by, there are many products for sale at the market from vegetables, meat, fish, nuts, and much more!
Take a Thai Cooking Class
Photo Credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Thai-Cooking-Class-Chiang-Mai-Thailand.jpg
Thai food is one of the best in Asia and most foreigners like taste and diversity. While it may taste weird to some, you should try out different dishes to see which one you actually like.
Other than tasting the food, you will also cook yourself and this is what cooking classes are all about. The best cooking classes in Bangkok are the ones below:
- Chef LeeZ Thai Cooking Class – Less than 200THB/$6 per dish
- BaiPai Cooking Courses – 2200THB/$67.8 per set
- Silom Thai Cooking Class – 1000THB/$30.8
- Blue Elephant Royal Thai Cuisine – 2943THB/$90.7+, price depends on the course
In addition, some of the courses include a trip to the local market before cooking, for you to have the full local experience.
Go to a Floating Market
As mentioned above, you should definitely go and visit a floating market if you’re in Thailand. Other than the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, there are a few in and around the city.
If you’re planning to visit the ones outside the city, you would either need to take a taxi or join a tour.
The best floating markets are outside Bangkok, however, it’s really worth a visit if you want to get out of the beaten path!
Stop at Wat Traimit – Temple of the Golden Buddha
Wat Traimit is another temple that you should visit and that never gets boring.
The temple is located in Chinatown and you can combine it with other attractions in the area. It has a massive staircase in marble that lets you get to the massive 3 meters high golden Buddha.
In addition, there is a museum inside where you can discover the history of Buddha and Chinatown. The entrance fee to the museum will cost you, though, an extra 100 Bath/$3.
Admission fee: 40 Baht/$1.20
Dress Code: Knees and shoulders covered. No tank tops, no mini skirts, and definitely no see-through clothes.
Temple of the Golden Buddha Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday – From 8.00AM to 5.00PM
Ride a Tuk Tuk
Tuk Tuks are a symbolic vehicle to southeast Asia, and more specifically to Thailand. They are the modern version of the human-powered rickshaw that is still used in some countries such as The Philippines.
While many have bad experiences with tuk tuk drivers increasing drastically their prices to foreigners, it is actually very fun if you know how to deal with them.
Never pay the price they initially offer, and rather, negotiate at least 30% to 40% of the price. If you want to get to the Grand Palace from Chinatown (a 10-minute ride) you shouldn’t pay more than 100 Baht/$3. Of course, tips are certainly appreciated.
Lastly, it is important to know that Tuk Tuks never drive long distances. They may take you around for 30 minutes or more, but they will never drive around for more than 10 or 15 miles.
See a Muay Thai Fight
One of the things for which Thailand is famous around the world is Muay Thai. There are many places in Bangkok to watch one.
The best places to watch Muay Thai fights are:
- Rajadamnern Stadium – 1000 to 2000THB / $30.80 to $61.60 – Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday. Doors open at 6.00PM
- Lumpinee Stadium – 2000THB / $61.60 – Tuesday at 6.30PM, Friday at 6.00PM , and Saturday at 4.00PM.
- MX Muay Xtreme – 600THB / $18.50
- Channel 7 Stadium – Free Entry – Sunday at 2.30PM
Enjoy Cheap Luxury at a 5* Hotel
Thailand being cheap is nothing new, and luxury hotels are no exception to that. That’s what I really like when in need of some good time in a great place.
Whether you like to spend a few dollars in a hostel or to spend hundreds in a luxury hotel, Bangkok is the right place for you.
There are many 5-star hotels in Bangkok that you can stay at for less than $100 a night breakfast included and that’s absolutely amazing.
I personally stayed at Prince Palace Hotel for $50 a night with breakfast, gym, pool, and an upgrade! If there’s one thing you should take advantage of in Thailand, that’s luxury hotels.
Good To Know: Instead of calling a taxi, I’d recommend you to install the Grab app on your phone. You’d get a much better price and it is just more practical.
There isn’t Uber in Thailand, and you might end up in an awkward situation with the taxi drivers as most of them don’t use the taxi meters. For this reason, Grab is the best solution to travel around.
