The Best Things to Do in Bangkok: The Must-Visit Bangkok’s Sites and Attractions
Bangkok, the Capital of Thailand, is a sought-after tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors from all over the globe. A unique combination of tradition and modern urban vibes, Bangkok is known for its bustling markets, imposing temples, and vibrant nightlife. Blending several Asian cuisines and influenced by international flavors, the city boasts a dynamic dining scene, with street food playing a leading role. Overall, you’ll enjoy every moment of your journey in Bangkok. Explicitly, you can check out the top 10 things to do in Bangkok during your stay:
1. The Grand Palace
Undoubtedly the most popular attraction in Bangkok, the Grand Palace is a complex of buildings that resembles a small city within Bangkok. Consisting of 100 buildings, the Grand Palace is a walled ensemble of buildings reflecting the local architectural style and history. Once housing the royal family, it is one of the most distinctive symbols of the Thai Royal Family. Nowadays, it serves as a tourist attraction as well as a venue for special royal ceremonies and events. Visitors don’t have access to all the complex’s buildings. Still, they can admire their exteriors, wander around the serene gardens and courtyards, and visit the well-known Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), being regarded as the most sacred Thai religious monument. The Grand Palace is conveniently located in the heart of the city and is open from 08:30 am to 04:30 pm. Please keep in mind that visitors are obligated to be dressed properly to enter its premises.
2. The Famous Bangkok Temples: Wat Pho and Wat Arun
Having received the title “Memorial of the World” by UNESCO, Wat Pho would definitely be on your to-do list during your stay in Bangkok. The Temple of the Reclining Buddha, as it is also called, is one of the six Thai temples that are considered of the higher grade. Besides its religious character, the temple serves another mission as well: being the earliest center for public education, Wat Pho preserves the secrets of Thai medicine and is the birthplace of the renowned Thai massage. What’s more, Wat Pho houses the largest collection of Buddha images.
On the other hand, Wat Arun is also well worth a visit. Lying right by the side of the Chao Phraya River, on its west bank, the temple is centrally located in Bangkok. It is also known as the Temple of the Dawn. It bears a unique and distinctive design. Especially at night, when lit up, it is simply breathtaking. You can marvel at its exterior, visit the temple, and even climb its main staircase (please remember that the steps are steep) and enjoy thrilling views from its higher point.
Our Tip: The temples are sacred places. Therefore, visitors are required to dress in a modest way when visiting them.
3. The Most Thrilling Thing to Do in Bangkok: the King Power Mahanakhon
Do you want to enjoy the best views of the City of Angels? The King Power Mahanakhon is the skyscraper featuring Thailand’s highest observation deck. Thus, you can reach the building’s 74 and 75th floors and enjoy seamless 360° city views from the interior and exterior observation areas. Please note that the observation deck is open from 10:00 am to 07:00 pm. Apart from its stunning views, the King Power Mahanakhon is also known for its unique design. Indeed, architecture enthusiasts simply fall for its “Tetris-like” structure, while all visitors can’t help but get mesmerized by its striking facade. In fact, it is also called Pixel or Tetris Building. Moreover, the building houses the tallest rooftop bar and a wide array of dining facilities, along with a duty-free area and several stores. Finally, the first floor hosts an unforgettable experience. Mahanakhon Bangkok Sky Rides is one of the not-to-be-missed things to do in Bangkok. Experience a virtual reality journey like never before. The Paradrop VR experience can be customized as you can select the settings and soar over mountains, valleys, jungles, or even New York.
4. The Spellbinding Neighborhood of Chinatown
If you want to delve into history, unravel culinary secrets, and take the most picturesque pics, you should pay a visit to Bangkok’s Chinatown. Although it isn’t usually listed among the top city’s things to do, it attracts “sophisticated” travelers who value the street food, the odors, and colors and want to discover the “Chinese” side of the city. Here, you’ll find Wat Mangkon (the Chinese Buddhist temple), and the China Gate and Talad Noi, offering thrilling river views. On the other hand, the Talad Noi wall art will also attract your attention. Overall, the time spent in Chinatown will provide you with an utterly different perspective of Bangkok, unlike any of the city’s other neighborhoods.
5. The “Sports” Thing to Do in Bangkok: Attend a Muay Thai Fight
If you want to feel your adrenaline rising, you should head to Rajadamnern Stadium or Lumpinee Stadium (other stadiums house fights as well, yet these are the top locations to watch a Muay Thai fight) and attend one of the live boxing matches that take place almost every night. Premier athletes and an elevated atmosphere guarantee thrilling moments. The traditional Thai martial art -the Muay Thai- reaches its higher expression in Bangkok. Thus, a Muay Thai fight is certainly one of the top things to do in Bangkok, even if martial arts aren’t your thing.
Our Tip: You should opt for a VIP seat if you don’t mind the extra cost and want to really feel the fight’s vibes.
6. The Finest Shopping Experience in Bangkok: IconSiam
If Bangkok is a prime destination for shopping lovers, IconSiam is the ultimate proof of that fact. The massive shopping mall is one of the top things to do in Bangkok, even if you don’t feel like going on a shopping spree. Nestled in the bank of the Chao Phraya River, it houses more than 500 retail stores, from local providers and international chains to luxurious brands and fashion designers. Besides its shopping options, however, IconSiam boasts countless dining facilities. More than 100 restaurants and bars are to be found within its premises, ranging from fast-food facilities to Michelin-starred establishments. Some of them even offer amazing river views. Moreover, it features a heritage museum, an auditorium, a cinema complex, and even an indoor floating market. Last but not least, its outdoor park is exquisite as well, boasting the longest fountain in Southeast Asia. During the night, a magnificent spectacle of light, color, and water provides a simply unforgettable experience.
7. For Breathtaking Views and Irresistible Flavors: Baiyoke Tower
If you want to see Bangkok from above and enjoy seamless views all the way to the Gulf of Thailand, you should visit the majestic Baiyoke Sky Hotel. Its observation deck on the 77th floor provides unparalleled vistas, while telescopes and multimedia kiosks are available to visitors. However, the Observation Deck isn’t the hotel’s highlight. Hence, you can also visit the amazing Revolving View Point on the 84th floor and enjoy 360-degree city panoramas. The Observation Deck is open to the public from 10 am to 10 pm. Are you looking for something more than breathtaking views? Baiyoke Tower should still be your destination, as its Sky Restaurant is one of the city’s finest. Serving international dishes, it specializes in seafood and mouthwatering local delicacies.
8. The Most “Relaxed” Thing to Do in Bangkok: Cruise the River
If you want to see the city from a different perspective and get a good glimpse of its vibrant ambiance, you should take part in one of the numerous cruises organized all over the Chao Phraya River. Day cruises and night options, including dinner and entertainment events, are available. Depending on your interests, you can take your pick among the various options and cruise the city canals, enjoying every minute of your time onboard.
On the other hand, if the water isn’t your element, you can always opt for a tour with the local “tuk tuks” and get lost in the city’s bustling streets. In that case, it is highly recommended to settle on a night tour, as the traffic levels during the day are usually very high.
9. One of the Best Things to Do in Bangkok Beyond the City Center: The Local Markets
Leave the hustle and bustle of busy Bangkok and, after a 1.5-hour drive, arrive in Ratchaburi and visit the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. You may as well take part in one of the organized tours so as to delve into the area’s history and unlock its secret gems, or even catch a comfortable Bangkok taxi to reach your destination. In any case, you’ll arrive at the floating market after a short paddleboat ride. Damnoen Saduak is the most well-known Thai floating market, being a magnificent tapestry of colors, odors, and flavors, a stunning blend of sights and sounds in the waters of the longest canal in Thailand, Klong Damnoen Saduak. Get to know Thailand’s traditional way of commerce -via rivers and canals- and enjoy shopping like never before.
Do you feel like continuing to explore? Maeklong Railway Market (Hoop Rom Market) is located a 25-minute drive from Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. What’s exciting about that particular Thai market? It lies on railway tracks. One of the largest markets in the area, specializing in seafood, awaits just a 90-minute drive from Bangkok in the area of Samut Songkhram. Aren’t you still thrilled enough to add Maeklong Railway Market to your to-do list? Please note that the railway network is still in use! That’s the reason why it is also known as Siang Tai (life-risking) Market. Thus, every time a train passes through (eight times a day), the market stalls have to be quickly pulled back!
10. The Historical City of Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya is situated a one-hour drive from Bangkok and is the place to be for history buffs and travelers who are eager to get a glimpse of the area’s past. The ancient capital of Thailand – Ayutthaya- is part of UNESCO’s Heritage List and is a mosaic of temple ruins and historical relics. The temples are known for their distinctive prangs (towers), while the Chao Sam Phraya National Museum completes the historical adventure through time, displaying a wide number of relics and artifacts from all the periods of the city’s long history.