Bangkok is a fantastic city to explore. Whether you want to enjoy the street food and nightlife, discover the beauty of the temples or soak up the culture at the many markets, there’s something for everyone to love. But sometimes having a lot of choices can actually make your trip all that much harder to plan. So to help you decide how to spend your time in Thailand’s capital, here is my guide to what I think are the 10 top things to do in Bangkok.
Table of Contents
1. Khao San Road
Yes, it’s tacky, over touristy and loud. But Khao San Road is still certainly an experience to be had, whatever impression you come away with. Expect hawkers selling you everything from henna tattoos to fried scorpions on sticks. And not forgetting reps trying to tempt you into the bars with cheap beer and buckets. Perch yourself on one of their little stools out on the street and soak up the lively, albeit crazy atmosphere.
The details
Location: Khao San Road (duh)
Reviews: Trip Advisor
2. Lumpini Park
Bangkok is a massive, busy and chaotic place, and sometimes you just need some space to get away from it all. Lumpini Park is one of the few green areas in the city where you can do just that. Made up of a series of lakes nestled in scenic parkland, it’s an ideal space to come and relax during the hottest part of the day. You can even rent out a shaded swan pedalo to take out onto the lake.
The details
Location: Rama IV Rod
Opening times: Daily 4.30 am – 9 pm
Reviews: Trip Advisor
3. The Grand Palace
Probably the number 1 on most lists of top things to do in Bangkok. The Grand Palace is certainly just that. Grand. And it’s not just a palace. Inside the walls, you’ll find a complex of magnificent temples and beautifully detailed historical buildings that tell the story of the Thai kingdom. On your visit, be wary that there are quite a lot of scams around The Grand Palace. A common one is people approaching to say that the palace is closed for cleaning, closed for lunch, closed for a holiday (yes we had all of those said to us), when in fact the palace is open. They will then try and persuade you to go on their friend’s tour of the city instead for a rip off price.
The details
Location:1 Na Phra Lan Road
Opening times: Daily 8.30 am – 3.30 pm
Cost: 500TBH per person
Reviews: Trip Advisor
4. Wat Pho
This temple is one the city’s most impressive, found just a short walk away from The Grand Palace and considered one of the top things to do in Bangkok. However, it does get really busy here, which can take the shine off it a little. Therefore I would recommend heading there as early as possible and beat the crowds, so you can properly appreciate its beauty and tranquillity.
The details
Location: 2 Sanam Chai Road
Opening times: Daily 8 am – 5 pm
Cost: 100TBH
Reviews: Trip Advisor
5. Soi Rambuttri
Found just off Khao San Road, this street still has all the liveliness of its neighbour but has a slightly more chilled vibe to it. Whilst there are still many bars here, they aren’t pumping out dance music or thrusting beer offer signs in your face. And the pretty lanterns and string lights that lace the street give the place an attractive cosy glow that Khao San just doesn’t have.
The details
Location: Soi Rambuttri Road
Reviews: Trip Advisor
6. Golden Mount Temple (Wat Saket)
Golden Mount Temple is slightly less on the tourist trail than the likes of some of the other temples listed here. But it’s still well worth a visit. The best time to go is at sunset, where you can climb up to the top and watch it from there. The climb up in itself is also rather serene as you pass by lines of bells, gongs and hanging trees whilst the sound of monks singing drift out of speakers.
The details
Location: Between Boriphat Road and Lan Luang Road
Opening times: Daily 9 am – sunset
Cost: 50TBH
Reviews: Trip Advisor
7. Wat Arun
Nestled on the banks of the river, Wat Arun, or the Temple of Dawn is another one of the top things do in Bangkok. Despite its name, this spectacular landmark is actually best visited at dusk when it’s lit up. Catch a boat across from the pier by the opposite Wat Pho and discover its highly unique architectural features.
The details
Location: 158 Thanon Wang Doem
Opening times: Daily 8.30 am – 5.30 pm
Cost: 100TBH
Reviews: Trip Advisor
8. China Town
China Town is not just a place to enjoy great street food but is also a photographers dream. Head there in the evening to see the large bright signs that stretch down most of the buildings illuminate the main street. And unlike most things, here, everything looks even more stunning after it’s just rained.
The details
Location: Yaowarat Road
Reviews: Trip Advisor
9. Visit a floating market
Floating markets have been a long-standing tradition in the city and visiting one is certainly one of the top things to do in Bangkok. There are many to choose from, each with their own pros and cons. They all seem to sell a mix of souvenirs and food, but I would say they are more of a foodie experience rather than a shopping one. As we didn’t want to go to one too over-touristy, we decided to give Khlong Lat Mayom floating market a miss and went to Taling Chan floating market instead. This is actually a really good alternative, as it’s close enough to the city that you can get there on the bus 79, which takes about 20 minutes, it isn’t too busy and has a nice mix of food and drink.
The details
Location: 300 Chakphra Road
Opening times: Saturday & Sunday only – 8 am – 4 pm
Cost: Bus 30TBH one way | entry is free
Reviews: Trip Advisor
10. Go to a rooftop bar
Bangkok isn’t short of any high rise buildings and with it rooftop bars. Whichever area you stay in, you’ll find lots of choice as to where you can enjoy views across Bangkok’s amazing cityscape from up high. My favourite was the Sala Rattanakosin hotel rooftop bar, for its spectacular view of the Wat Arun on the other side of the river bank.
The details
Location: 41 Maharat Road
Opening times: Monday – Thursday 7 am – 10 pm | Friday – Sunday 7 am – 10.30 pm
Reviews: Trip Advisor
It goes without saying there is so much more to discover in Bangkok than the 10 top things to do above. But hopefully it should be enough to get you started on exploring this exciting city. Have fun!
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