The capital of Thailand, Bangkok is a city full of culture, energy, and life. Visitors flock to this city all year round to enjoy various pursuits. Known for its stunning temples, large shopping malls, delicious street food, and various forms of entertainment, Bangkok is a must-see destination for any traveler.
There is so much to do and see in the Thai capital that it can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time visiting. But not to worry—we’ve compiled some of the top things to do and the best places to see while you’re in this vibrant and colorful city.
Here are the places you’ll want to add to your Bangkok itinerary.
Historical Landmarks
Grand Palace
One of the most sought-after tourist attractions in Bangkok is the Grand Palace. The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings located in the heart of Bangkok. Built in 1782, the Grand Palace was the home of the Thai King, the Royal court, and the administrative seat of government for 150 years. When you visit the Grand Palace be prepared to spend several hours exploring as there are around 2.35 million square feet of grounds to cover. But you’ll easily lose track of time as you marvel at the beautiful architecture and intricate detail of each remarkable building.
Buddhist Temples
A visit to Bangkok isn’t complete without visiting one of its several sacred Buddhist temples. Some of the better-known and highly visited Bangkok Buddhist temples consist of Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and Wat Phra Kaew. Wat Pho is the home to the Reclining Buddha, an impressive statue that stands 15 meters tall and 46 meters long. Wat Arun (nicknamed the “Temple of Dawn”) is one of the most picturesque temples due to its colorful spires and scenic location, right next to the Chao Phraya River. Wat Phra Kaew (located within the Grand Palace) is known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand.
Bangkok National Museum
The Bangkok National Museum is considered the largest museum in Southeast Asia. The museum, which was built in 1887, houses an impressive collection of ancient artifacts, art, and antiques from across the Asian diaspora. There are tons of interesting things to see in the museum such as Asian weaponry, precious stones, prehistoric art, clothing and textiles, and murals. You’re bound to find something that strikes you and piques your curiosity at this national museum.
Markets
Chatuchak Market
The Chatuchak Market is a sprawling shopping extravaganza. With over 15,000 stalls covering 35 acres of space, this is the largest local market in Bangkok. You’ll find just about everything you could ever imagine for sale at this market. Vendors range from food, antiques, art, clothes, plants, jewelry, and much more. Opened only on the weekends, this is one Bangkok destination that you’ll definitely want to add to your itinerary.
Flower Markets
Bangkok has a wide selection of flower markets located around the city. These markets offer almost any kind of flower you could want. But even if you’re not there to purchase any flowers it’s still worth a visit just to see all the beautiful and colorful floral arrangements that Bangkok has to offer. Some notable flower markets include Yodpiman Flower Market, ICP Flower Market, and Pak Khlong Talat Market.
Floating Markets
One of Bangkok’s biggest tourist attractions is its vast array of floating markets. Floating markets in Bangkok offer an abundance of local delicacies, goods, and scenic views. One of the most popular floating markets in Bangkok is the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, a lively and vibrant affair full of small boats selling fresh fruits and veggies, handcrafted wares, and more, along the banks of the river. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss.
Entertainment
Thai Puppet Shows
Don’t leave Bangkok without seeing one of Thailand’s oldest forms of entertainment, a puppet show. Puppet shows are a popular pastime for Thai people, presented everywhere from temple fairs to palace courtyards. Thai puppet shows transport audiences to ancient times and introduces tourists to some of Thailand’s most classic folk tales. Take in the set design and craftsmanship of the puppets and the props, indulge in the live orchestra accompaniment, and marvel at the master technique of the performers.
Wildlife Exhibits
If you love animals and wildlife, Bangkok is the city for you. Bangkok has tons of places where you can see and interact with exotic wildlife and marine life. One of the top wildlife attractions in the city is SEA LIFE Bangkok. This aquatic paradise boasts several exhibits and more than 10,000 marine creatures. There’s also Safari World which offers a drive-through range through the animal park where you’ll see lions, tigers, polar bears, and even orangutan boxing. Other notable animal exhibits in Bangkok include the Snake Farm, Butterfly Garden, and Crocodile Farm.
Kickboxing (Muay Thai) Stadiums
Muay Thai is the national sport of Thailand and there are Muay Thai stadiums located everywhere throughout Bangkok. The biggest fights normally take place at either the Rajadamnern Boxing Stadium or the Lumpinee Stadium. Both stadiums are considered the most prestigious stadiums to compete in as elite fighters. Spending an evening at one of these stadiums is sure to be a thrilling experience where you can mingle with tourists and locals alike.
Nightlife
Rooftop Bars
Soak up the colorful views of Bangkok at night at one of the city’s many rooftop bars. Go to Vertigo and Moon Bar at the Banyan Tree Hotel to experience some of the best views of the beautiful Bangkok skyline. Designed so you can get a complete 360-degree view of the city with no obstructions, these rooftop bars will take your breath away as you sip on some tasty cocktails.
Dinner Cruises
The famous Chao Phraya River flows through Bangkok and feeds a network of canals, offering visitors a unique way to explore the city both during the day and at night. One of the best ways to do this and take advantage of the nightlife is to book one of Bangkok’s many dinner cruises. Dinner cruises are a romantic and exciting experience that allows you to eat gourmet meals under the stars. Some popular dinner cruise options include White Orchid Dinner Cruise, Pearl Dinner Cruise, and Apsara Dinner Cruise.
Nightclubs
Bangkok is known for its fun and lively party scene. No matter the night of the week, you’re sure to find a buzzing nightclub in Bangkok. Attracting partygoers from all over the world, you can find a club that fits your diverse musical tastes and vibes. Some of the most popular nightclubs in Bangkok include Onyx, Insanity, Sing Sing Theater, and Route 66. If one isn’t enough, check out one of Bangkok’s bar crawl tours that take you to various bars and nightclubs throughout the city.
