Unlock the best things to do in Bangkok with our comprehensive guide on what to do and where to go. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned local, find unique activities and hidden gems that make Bangkok truly special.
Top Attractions
â—† Adore the Magnificence of The Grand Palace
The Grand Palace, located at the heart of Bangkok, is high on the must-visit list of the most first-time tourists to Bangkok. The primary reason is that the Palace had once served as the official residence for many Thai Royal families. Though the Palace becomes the ceremonial place to host Royal’s guests and accommodate heads of state, these imposing structures remain the architectural symbol of The Thai King.
When you appreciate these cultural heritages, you can choose to secure a guided tour while there. The tour guide reveals the stories behind the Palace, allowing you to learn about which building held what significance.
Find out more information for your visit at the Grand Palace Official Website.
â—† Capture the Sunset at Wat Arun
“Temple of Dawn, “Wat Arun, is a Buddhist temple named for the Hindu god Aruna, God of Dawn. At first sight, you will soon be amazed by the main feature of Wat Arun, a 270-foot temple architecture with colorful porcelain.
The towering structures are decorated by seashells bits of porcelain, used as heavy materials by boats from China to Bangkok. These solid seashells offer the buildings the sturdy protection and unique light reflection, making the finishing of Wat Arun is so different from other temples in Bangkok.
Be sure to make a late afternoon at Wat Arun to witness the breathtaking sight at Sunset. The scene of the sun sinking over the Chao Phraya River will engrave the beauty of Bangkok in your memory.
Discover more at the official Website of Tourism Authority of Thailand for your visits.
â—† Shop by Longboat at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
This time, you will experience a new shopping way like no other at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, one of the most famous markets in Thailand. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market features shopping by longboat: traders and shoppers rely on the flat-bottomed wooden boats to move at the canals.
In the past, daily commerce in Thailand had primarily developed along rivers and canals. The water network was thrived and served as the primary transportation system, causing Bangkok to be called the “Venice of the East.”
â—† Explore Bangkok by Riverboat
The Chao Phraya River flows through the heart of Bangkok. Taking a river cruise allows you to discover some of the most imposing temples and monuments along the way. The colorful lighting and gorgeous buildings offer new photogenic views of the city with a completely new appearance. In the evening, you can choose to take a dinner cruise to enjoy the delicate food while sailing passing by the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Rama VIII Bridge.
During the day, many express boats and ferries sail on the Chao Phraya River, offering a more convenient way to reach most tourist attractions such as Wat Arun and RatchaWongse Pier. Taking advantage of the express boats will reduce much time wasted on traffic jams on the road.
â—† Shop Everything at Chatuchak Weekend Market
The Chatuchak Weekend Market is the largest in Thailand and even described itself as the biggest weekend market in the world. Almost everything from fashion, jewelry, souvenirs, antiques, toys, household goods to delicious street food—over 15,000 stalls houses at Chatuchak Market. You’ll need to make price comparisons here, as some stores sell similar products at higher prices.
In Chatuchak Market, you can mingle with locals and immerse yourself in everyday Thai life. You can also observe the latest cultural trends of the young generation of Thailand. Half to one day is a good amount of time that you can spend at Chatuchak Weekend Market.
Find visiting hours and ticket information on the Chatuchak Market Official Website.
Culture & History
â—† See the Blends of Market and Railway at Mae Klong Railway Market
You might want to experience something exclusive to Thailand, then Mae Klong Railway Market is the place you should go. The Mae Klong Railway Market has been open since 1905. This market is where the residents and fishers sell their goods. Along with suburban development, the local government built the railway system to connect the provinces around Thailand better.
Therefore, this area becomes the blend of local market and railway, remaining these two quite different functions at the same time.
Every day, here are eight times a train passes right through the Mae Klong railway. When the train’s signal rings, vendors will soon move their stalls away from the tracks. The market suddenly becomes a live performance stage for tourists to feel the excitement happening just in front of them. When the train leaves, that canvas will reopen again and back to their usual place until the next train passes.
â—† Get Relaxed by Thai Massage
No trip to Thailand is complete without an experience of Thai massage. Besides visiting Thai cultural buildings, having excellent food, and enjoying the nightlife, a Thai massage is at the top of every visitor’s itinerary.
Thai massage is a traditional therapeutic system assisting in restoring the body’s energy lines. The massage therapist usually begins at the feet and moves upwards, applying compressions to pressure points along the body. The therapist also helps the customers through stretches to release both mental and physical stress. Each session can be tailored to a client’s needs. And different studios and spas often offer their unique variations of traditional massage. Some even serve local sweets such as mango with sticky rice to end the fantastic relaxing experience.
Local Experience
â—† Have a Cozy Night at Asiatique The Riverfront
Asiatique: The Riverfront is an open-air night market in Bangkok. Asiatique is home to 1,500 shops and 40 restaurants, most of which are housed in the former warehouses, which are colonial-style structures.
The night market is known for shopping and a wide range of local specialty and entertainment programs. You never get bored at this large complex at night.
Asiatique The Riverfront is also a good place to tick off your souvenir shopping list, with over 1,500 boutiques and shops offering local exclusives and handicrafts. You can easily make a satisfying purchase with those friendly market traders from trending items, accessories, snacks, home decors, and lifestyle products.
See what’s new and plan your visits at the Asiatique Official Website.
â—† Experience Thai with Street Food Stalls
To learn more about Thailand traditions, you must try the local cuisine. Thai values its food culture, and they have developed so many unique dishes over the centuries. From main meal to desserts, here are full of dishes that you have never tasted before.
In 2017, CNN shortlisted seven Thai dishes on the “World’s 50 Best Foods” list, including Tom Yang Goong, Pad Thai, Massaman Curry, Green Curry, Thai Fried Rice, and Nam Tok Mu. All of them are easy to find in Thailand, and you should get them a try to treat your taste buds.
It is no trouble for you to find the appealing local specialty in the restaurant or even on the street. Don’t let the full-plate chili stop your attempt to experience Thai food. The intense color and flavor are right the features of Thai food.
