Things to do in Bangkok
Looking for the best things to do in Bangkok? Thailand’s buzzing capital is a city of contrasts — where golden temples sit beside glittering malls, and street food vendors serve up Michelin-star flavors for just a few baht. Whether you’re exploring ancient royal palaces, gliding through canal-side neighborhoods, or sipping cocktails 40 stories up, Bangkok is chaotic, colorful, and completely unforgettable.
This Bangkok travel guide highlights the most essential, exciting, and unexpected things to do — along with where to stay and insider tips to help you explore with ease.
Best Things to Do in Bangkok
Visit the Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew
At the top of every list of things to do in Bangkok, you’ll find this: the Grand Palace. This former royal residence is a jaw-dropping maze of gold-tipped rooftops, intricate murals, and historic halls. Inside the palace complex, Wat Phra Kaew houses the Emerald Buddha — Thailand’s most sacred religious statue. Pro tip: arrive early (opens at 8:30 AM), wear modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered), and bring a hat — it gets hot.
Watch the Sunset at Wat Arun
Directly across the river, Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) is one of Bangkok’s most iconic temples. Its central Khmer-style prang is covered in porcelain mosaics that sparkle in the sun. Climb the steep stairs for panoramic views of the Chao Phraya River. Sunset is the best time to visit, with a longtail boat ride back offering magical views as the temple lights up.
Explore Bangkok’s Floating & Train Markets
For a real taste of local life, visit one of Bangkok’s nearby floating markets like Damnoen Saduak or the more local Amphawa. Prefer something more unique? Try the Maeklong Railway Market, where vendors pull back their awnings moments before a train cuts through the middle of the market.
Shop, Eat, and Get Lost in Chatuchak Weekend Market
One of the best weekend things to do in Bangkok, Chatuchak Market has over 15,000 stalls selling everything from vintage clothing to handmade homeware. It’s also a street food lover’s paradise — don’t miss the coconut ice cream, Thai iced tea, and grilled meats on skewers. Arrive early, wear light clothing, and bring cash.
Cruise the Canals by Longtail Boat
Bangkok was once known as the “Venice of the East” — and you’ll understand why when you cruise through its old canals. Book a longtail boat tour through Thonburi’s khlongs to discover a slower, more traditional side of the city, with wooden stilt houses, hidden temples, and daily life unfolding on the water.
Explore the Street Food Scene in Yaowarat (Chinatown)
Food is the heartbeat of Bangkok, and Chinatown is where it beats loudest. At night, Yaowarat Road transforms into a neon-lit buffet of sizzling woks, fragrant soups, and local delicacies. Grab grilled squid, roast duck, or the legendary crab omelet at Jay Fai (Thailand’s first Michelin-starred street food vendor). Pro tip: go hungry and be ready to wait — it’s worth it. You can book a street food tour here.
Bar-Hop in Thonglor or Party on Khao San Road
For nightlife, you’ve got options: sleek sky bars like Vertigo and Octave offer city views with classy cocktails, while Thonglor and Ekkamai are full of cool local lounges and speakeasies. Prefer backpacker chaos? Khao San Road is your wild, no-rules playground.
Where to Stay in Bangkok
Looking for the best places to stay near all the top things to do in Bangkok? Here are our favorites:
Budget: Bangkok Saran Poshtel
Tucked away near the old city, this guesthouse is quiet, clean, and just a short walk from the temples and riverside.
Mid-Range: Pranakorn Heritage Hotel
A beautiful mix of colonial Thai style and modern comfort, right in the heart of Old Bangkok. Great value and great location.
Luxury: Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai
A sleek high-rise with an infinity pool, amazing skyline views, and direct BTS Skytrain access — ideal for exploring all corners of the city in style.
Travel Tips for Bangkok
Getting Around: Use the BTS Skytrain or MRT to skip the traffic. Grab is your go-to for reliable taxis.
Best Time to Visit: November to February = dry season and cooler temps. April is scorching (Songkran water festival time).
Dress Modestly at Temples: Shoulders and knees covered. Avoid tight or see-through clothing.
Cash is King: Credit cards work in malls and hotels, but street food, markets, and transport are mostly cash-based.
Stay Hydrated: Bangkok’s heat is real. Coconut water is your new best friend.