Bangkok is a thrilling great city of contrast and culture. The traditional beauty of its iconic shrines and temples complement the city’s urban architecture and dynamic lifestyle. From its vibrant nightlife and thriving food scene to its sprawling marketplaces and upscale shopping destinations, you will never run out of fun things to do in Bangkok! If you’re wondering where to start, here are the top 10 famous places in Bangkok:
The Grand Palace is an architectural wonder sitting at the heart of Bangkok. The complex boasts several grandiose buildings, including the renowned Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Reclining Buddha, the imperial residence, and the administrative offices. This heritage site follows a strict dress code, so avoid wearing prohibited outfits like torn pants, mini skirts, shorts, see-through tops, and other clothing with exposed shoulders.
The Temple of Emerald Buddha, also known as the Wat Phra Kaew, is the most significant Buddhist temple in Thailand found within the grounds of The Grand Palace. Stand in awe of the intricately-designed architecture and be amazed by the gilded golden interior decorated with huge murals. This ornate temple is a sacred place, so tourists are expected to follow the proper dress code (no torn, tight, and short pants, mini skirts, and sleeveless shirts). Beat the crowds by going there early and purchasing your tourist ticket online ahead of your visit.
Wat Arun Ratchavararam (Temple of Dawn) is one of the most popular Bangkok tourist places showcasing the sophisticated architecture and culture of Thailand. This Buddhist temple at the west bank of Chao Phraya River (opposite of The Grand Palace) is accessible via a water taxi or a ferry ride. The magnificent pieces of Chinese porcelain and colorful glass decorate its dazzling facade best enjoyed during sunset for its spectacular views. Note that the temple observes proper dress code since it is a place of worship.
If you want to experience Bangkok’s famous nightlife scene, Khaosan Road is the perfect place for you! This short yet bustling street in the Bang Lamphu area is the haven for backpackers as it is close to transport hubs and offers budget-friendly options for lodging. There are also plenty of street food stalls and shopping boutiques and a variety of local pubs and clubs where you can party with the locals and other tourists.
Experiencing the Chatuchak Weekend Market is a must-do in Bangkok! With over 15,000 stalls divided into 26 sections sprawling across the 35-acre land area in Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, one can easily get lost in the maze of vendors and huge crowds of locals and tourists. Getting a map can be a handy guide as you explore everything in this weekend market - from street food, clothing, and accessories to antiques, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
Located near Bangkok’s Chinatown district, Wat Traimit Withayaram Worawihan is an iconic landmark that houses the remarkable solid Golden Buddha. The statue weighs 5.5 tonnes of pure gold and is over three meters high. The temple also contains a museum and several exhibits where you can learn about the historical background of the Golden Buddha. Make sure that proper dress code is worn when visiting the temple.
If you are looking for unusual things to do in Bangkok, you can visit the Jim Thompson House Museum at the heart of the city. The mystery of James H.W. Thompson's disappearance remains unsolved, making this attraction more interesting. The house-turned-museum holds an impressive Asian art collection: antique Buddha statues, rare artworks like paintings and porcelains, and displays of old looms and colorful silk. Guided tours inside the house are available in different languages such as Chinese, English, French, Japanese, and Thai.
Experience the vibrant food scene of Bangkok’s Chinatown at Yaowarat Road in Samphanthawong District! Locals and tourists fill the night market, so walk your way through the alleys to find the best street food: bird’s nest, dim sum, oyster omelets, Thai desserts, and a variety of fresh seafood! The bustling street is also the go-to place for some significant annual events like the Chinese New Year and the Thai Vegetarian Festival.
With over 2,300 shops and stalls to choose from, MBK Center is the ultimate shopping destination for both locals and tourists who are looking for great deals and bargains! This 8-story shopping center is situated at Pathumwan intersection and conveniently connected to the National Stadium BTS Skytrain Station. The complex has different zones: Outlet in Town, Craft Village, Food Fan, Money Park, Camera Master, and Mobile Mania. From fashion items, Thai handicrafts, and souvenirs to digital cameras, mobile accessories, and other gadgets, MBK Center can satisfy every shopper’s needs!
Find a peaceful haven in the center of Bangkok's bustling city by visiting Lumphini Park! Here you can spot large water monitor lizards, rent paddle boats to explore the beautiful artificial lake, bring the kids to the playground, or even have a picnic! This lush multi-functional park also offers wide open spaces, exercise equipment, and several onsite facilities for all ages, making this a popular spot for outdoor leisure activities such as aerobics, jogging, Tai Chi, yoga, and other light workouts. If you get thirsty and hungry after an exercise, there are numerous food stalls around the park offering cold drinks and tasty snacks too!
Thailand's capital Bangkok is kept alive by the beautiful mess of traffic and people. Iconic landmarks include the official residence of the King of Siam, the Bangkok Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew Temple, Wat Arun, and the Temple of Dawn - deemed one of the world's most beautiful structures.
One simply cannot miss the floating market shopping and dining experience at Damnoen Saduak. The Maeklong Train Market in particular even has a train passing through the crowded streets every hour! Do grab a bowl of freshly brewed Tom Yam Goong or Iced Thai Milk Tea to refuel for even more adventures.
Bangkok is well-known for its vibrant nightlife, prominent food scene, and iconic landmarks like the kid-friendly art museums, intricate royal palaces, opulent shrines, and historic temples. With numerous shops and marketplaces that offer a wide variety of products, the city is also considered a shopping hub for both tourists and locals.
Bangkok has a tropical climate, so the country enjoys warm weather all year round. However, November to February is the most popular time for tourists and is the best time to visit since the temperature and humidity are relatively low. Some festivals to take note of include Songkran (April) and Loi Krathong (November).
If you’re looking for the backpackers’ haven and the center of nightlife, the Khao San Road in the Bang Lamphu area offers budget-friendly accommodations, street pubs, and restaurants. The Sukhumvit, Siam, and Silom areas are the perfect places for families and first-timers as they provide proximity to numerous transport stations, shopping markets, exquisite dining options, and popular tourist spots.