Top 13 Things to Do in Bangkok
Visiting the bustling capital of Thailand with its population of 11 million might feel daunting. That’s why we have asked some of our world-class regional specialists and Trip Leaders for their insider tips on the best things to do in Bangkok. The “Big Mango” is a world of dichotomies — you can spend your days contemplatively wandering around some of the world’s holiest Buddhist temples, then head to a glitzy rooftop bar at night or take a 4:00 am street food tour through Chinatown. And the next day, indulge in a Thai massage or embark on a relaxing longtail boat ride.
Read on for some of our top things to do in Bangkok, and consider booking one of our Thailand adventures: our Thailand Private Journey or our Bangkok Extension. And our Bhutan trips, Hiker’s Journey to Bhutan and Bhutan Private Journey, start and end in Bangkok.
1. Explore Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
Wat Arun stands majestically on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. Its stunning prang (spire) is covered in colorful porcelain and seashells that catch the sunlight beautifully. You’ll get fantastic river views after climbing part of the central tower or during your ferry ride across the river. We recommend visiting the enchanting temple at sunrise or when it’s lit up at night.
Featured on: Bangkok Extension and Thailand Private Journey
2. Shop at Chatuchak Weekend Market
This enormous open-air market is a treasure trove for shoppers and wanderers alike, open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm on weekends (and some sections are open on weekdays, too). With more than 15,000 stalls spread across 35 acres, you will find everything from vintage clothes, art, plants, and antiques to puppies and street snacks. It’s easy to get lost here (literally), but that’s part of the fun. Go early to beat the heat and crowds.
3. Visit the Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew
The Grand Palace is Bangkok’s most iconic landmark, a dazzling complex of golden spires, ornate buildings, and sacred temples. Within its walls lies Wat Phra Kaew, home to the Emerald Buddha, carved from a single block of jade. Wat Phra Kaew is the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand, embodying traditional Thai artisanship and royal history. Be prepared for crowds and to follow the dress code, covering knees and shoulders with no revealing clothing.
Featured on: Bangkok Extension and Thailand Private Journey
4. Watch the Sunset from a Rooftop Bar
Bangkok’s skyline is best admired with a drink in hand from a rooftop bar. Places like Sky Bar at Lebua, Vertigo at Banyan Tree, or Octave offer panoramic views and swanky vibes. Go just before sunset for golden hour, and stay as the city lights up below you for a romantic, cinematic moment.
5. Visit the Jim Thompson House Museum
Once the home of the American businessman who helped revive Thailand’s silk industry, the Jim Thompson House is now a beautifully preserved museum. Set amid a lush garden in central Bangkok, the traditional teakwood houses showcase Southeast Asian art, silk-making, and intriguing stories—especially Thompson’s mysterious disappearance in Malaysia. It’s a peaceful escape from the city buzz.
Featured on: Bangkok Extension
6. Take a Tuk-Tuk Ride and Visit Pak Khlong Talat Flower Market
During the day, the Pak Khlong Talat Flower Market’s stalls sell produce at wholesale prices. But at night, the market really comes alive, when heaps of fresh roses, orchids, and carnations arrive from upcountry and sell for cheap. Head there between midnight and 4:00 am for the biggest bustle—we recommend visiting after a night out in Chinatown or taking a nighttime tuk-tuk tour of the city.
7. Eat Your Way through the City
Bangkok is a culinary adventure zone. At night, the streets light up with signs and sizzling woks. Foodies will love the variety—think grilled squid, crispy pork belly, steaming bowls of boat noodles, and Thai-Chinese desserts. Wander the narrow alleys and try something new from each vendor. Whether you are looking for authentic street food or a Michelin starred experience, Bangkok is without a doubt one of the best culinary destinations in the world!
Featured on: Bangkok Extension and Thailand Private Journey
8. Wander Bangkok’s Chinatown
Experience the charm of one of Bangkok’s oldest neighborhoods—Chinatown. Walk along Yaowarat Road with shops selling everything from gold and garments to antiques and musical instruments. Explore the bustling Talat Kao Market where a variety of food, fresh and dry fruits, and Chinese herbs are on offer before returning to your hotel.
9. Relax at Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)
Home to the famous 150-foot reclining Buddha covered in gold leaf, Wat Pho is one of Bangkok’s oldest and most spiritual temples. Beyond the iconic statue, you will find serene courtyards, elegant chedis (stupas), and the country’s oldest massage school. It’s the perfect place to admire art, learn some history, and then unwind with a traditional Thai massage.
Featured on: Bangkok Extension
10. Watch a Muay Thai Match
For an adrenaline-filled cultural experience, head to one of Bangkok’s legendary stadiums—Rajadamnern or Lumpinee. Muay Thai, the “Art of Eight Limbs,” is a fierce and graceful martial art and combat sport that blends tradition and power. The atmosphere is electric with local fans, music, and the rhythm of the fights. You can even book beginner classes if you’re feeling brave.
11. Indulge in a Thai Massage
Treat yourself to some much-needed pampering. Bangkok offers everything from affordable foot massages on bustling streets to luxurious spas in 5-star hotels. The ancient art of Thai massage uses pressure points and stretching techniques to relieve tension. For something soothing, try an herbal compress massage or a relaxing aromatherapy oil treatment for total bliss after a day of exploring.
12. Take a Longtail Boat Ride through the Canals (Khlongs)
Escape the traffic of Bangkok’s streets by gliding through the quiet canals of the Thonburi neighborhood. These waterways offer a glimpse into the city’s past, where wooden homes on stilts, floating vendors, and ancient temples line the banks. This calming, photogenic experience reveals a side of Bangkok many tourists miss.
13. Visit a Floating Market
Located about 60 miles from Bangkok, the 100-year-old Damnoen Saduak floating market is well-worth a visit. The vibrant market features countless small boats laden with colorful fruits and vegetables, paddled by Thai women wearing bamboo hats, and is one of the only places to see this traditional way of buying and selling goods in Thailand. Since it’s almost always crowded with hundreds of sellers, buyers, and tourists, we recommend boarding a boat and floating through the small canals to experience the market up close (and buy some fresh produce)..
Featured on: Bangkok Extension
To learn more about Bangkok from a local expert, book our Bangkok Extension after another Asia journey. And for a deeper dive into Thailand’s culture, geography, and history, our Thailand Private Journey is an active, guided exploration of traditional villages and hiking trails that ends in a visit to Chiang Mai.
June 19, 2025
