Top 17 Must-Do Experiences in Bangkok: From Street Food to Stunning Temples

Bangkok epitomizes the vibrant complexities of an Asian megacity. The extensive urban area, housing 22% of Thailand’s population, is adorned with resplendent golden wat (Buddhist temples), soaring skyscrapers, bustling markets, expansive highways, and quaint village-style residences that reflect the city’s evolution over the past five decades. Clearly, there exists a plethora of attractions and activities to engage in!

For visitors, Bangkok offers an extravagant sensory experience. The culinary offerings push the palate to unprecedented enjoyment through the rich spices and intricate flavors found in the street food. Visually, the city impresses with its sparkling temples and colorful mosaics, while the auditory landscape combines the clamor of traffic, music, and Buddhist chants. Meanwhile, the olfactory senses are engaged with traffic emissions, incense, jasmine, and the city’s unique aromas.

With an abundance of activities, meticulous planning is essential to maximize your visit. Whether your interests lie in culture, history, cuisine, or nightlife, here are our recommended activities in Bangkok.

YouTube video player

Feast on Bangkok’s famous street food

Home to what may be the world’s most dynamic street food culture, Bangkok presents travelers with an overwhelming variety of light snacks and affordable meals available at nearly every street corner. Options range from Thai-style stir-fried noodles, dumplings with assorted flavors, spicy curries served with jasmine rice, skewered meats grilling on barbecues, to fresh tropical fruits and countless deep-fried desserts; the assortment of street food in Bangkok is limitless.

Both locals and travelers flock to numerous stalls and carts lining the city’s thoroughfares, where the air is infused with the tantalizing aromas of lemongrass, chili, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal. Although enforcement has increased in some districts against informal food markets, many food stalls continue to thrive, especially with vibrant night markets commencing daily from around 5 PM. However, Mondays tend to see a slower pace, as many vendors close for the day.

Browse thousands of stalls at Chatuchak Weekend Market

Possibly Asia’s largest open-air market, the vast Chatuchak Weekend Market – frequently referred to as JJ Market – provides an unmatched shopping experience for those willing to spend their baht. Rows of pavilions, each accommodating numerous shops and stalls, are arranged in organized sections under shaded canopies, with each section focused on a specific category of merchandise.

Items such as clothing, footwear, kitchen appliances, glassware, handicrafts, antiques, personal care goods, home decor, food, gardening supplies, and even live pets can all be found in abundance here. Accordingly, it is advisable to allocate a significant portion of your day to fully absorb this immensely popular attraction. ATMs and currency exchange facilities are conveniently located to facilitate spontaneous purchases.

As the name suggests, the market operates solely on Saturdays and Sundays. On non-market days, it tends to be rather quiet, with the exception of the nearby JJ Mall, which remains open throughout the week. The BTS Skytrain services the nearby Mo Chit station, from which it is a brief 500m (approximately a third of a mile) walk.

Marvel at the graceful majesty of Wat Pho

Housing an impressive 46m (151ft) statue of the Reclining Buddha adorned with gold leaf and mother-of-pearl inlays, the 16th-century shrine of Wat Pho stands as one of Bangkok’s most celebrated landmarks. The temple complex, a repository of mosaic-covered stupas and prayer halls, also serves as the spiritual heart of Thai massage, providing treatments daily through its dedicated massage school.

As a result, Wat Pho attracts hundreds of visitors each day who come to admire its stunning main Buddha statue or to pay respects at the various shrines within the tranquil grounds of this expansive oasis. It is advisable to take time to reflect within the serene corridors and prayer halls before rejoining the activity of the city.

Due to its religious significance, visitors are expected to dress modestly to gain access to the temple grounds. An entrance fee of 200 Baht is charged for adults, which includes a complimentary bottle of water, a notable courtesy on a warm day.

Soak up the buzzing atmosphere of Chinatown

Chinatown serves as a captivating blend of cultural contrasts: a photographer’s canvas, a foodie’s haven, a shopper’s delight, and an anthropologist’s treasure trove. This historic district overflows with bustling food carts, gold-studded jewelry shops, atmospheric shrines, lively markets, and charming family residences.

The primary thoroughfare, Th Yaowarat, presents an overwhelming sensory experience. The aromatic blend of burning incense, jasmine tea, and fried garlic oil tantalizes the nose, while the vibrant colors and neon signage dazzle the eyes. At any given moment, the area bustles with life, hosting a diverse array of locals and visitors.

During the Lunar New Year celebrations, typically occurring in late January or early February, this district becomes a veritable stage for festivities, showcasing lively dragon and lion dances amid sumptuous food fairs. Although Chinatown is renowned for its inexpensive dining options, it’s noteworthy that many street food vendors operate primarily in the evening and generally close on Mondays. At other times, sourcing a sit-down restaurant may be necessary.

Admire the regal grandeur of Wat Phra Kaew & the Grand Palace

Imposing and magnificent, the royal complex comprising Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace was founded by former Thai monarchs as the nucleus of a city that quickly expanded well beyond its initial boundaries on Ko Ratanakosin Island, evolving into contemporary Bangkok.

Established in 1782, this expansive complex, once the official residence of the Thai monarchy, houses an impressive collection of temples, palaces, reception halls, and courtyards, making it easily the city’s foremost tourist attraction. However, the primary draw remains the adjacent Wat Phra Kaew temple, which shelters Thailand’s most revered religious artifact, the Emerald Buddha, crafted from jade and dating back to the 12th or 13th century.

The walls of Wat Phra Kaew’s courtyard are adorned with the renowned Ramakian Murals, originally painted in the 18th century, illustrating lavish scenes from the Ramakian (the Thai rendition of the Indian epic, Ramayana). Recently restored, these murals showcase some of the country’s most exquisite religious artistry.

Take a sunset dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River

Offering experiences that range from subtly romantic to overtly extravagant, a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River can create lasting memories of your Bangkok journey.

Depending on your choice of cruise vessel – which can vary from elegant teak boats equipped with fine-dining options to large catamarans featuring bright lights and energetic entertainment – you might find yourself enjoying a calm candlelit meal prepared by a private chef, or participating in an exuberant floating party complete with lively music and buffet dining for hundreds. Regardless of your selection, it is certainly worth dedicating an evening to this activity, especially for the refreshing evening breeze that accompanies a hot Bangkok day.

These cruises are exceedingly popular among tourists, particularly the higher-end options that often require advanced reservations to secure a spot. Most dinner cruises depart from the impressive, antique-lined River City Mall, with passenger pick-up commencing around 7 PM.

Experience a rejuvenating Thai massage

Integrating traditional healing methods and natural products designed to holistically refresh the mind and body, Thai massage is regarded as one of Bangkok’s premier experiences. The city has established itself as the massage capital of the world, with invigorating sessions particularly rewarding after extensive sightseeing.

Offering a variety of options, from inexpensive foot massages at street parlors to comprehensive wellness experiences at upscale spas, Thai massage services abound. Some establishments incorporate aromatherapy oils and herbal presses, while others focus on a combination of pressure and stretching exercises to alleviate muscle tension and enhance circulation.

Numerous well-known spa chains in Bangkok – including Health Land, Divana Massage & Spa, and Asia Herb Foundation – offer exceptional quality at competitive prices. However, these spas can be busy, especially on weekends, so securing a reservation ahead of time is advisable.

Savor diverse flavors at a night market

The fabled night markets in Bangkok combine guilt-free shopping, social interactions with friends, refreshing drinks served in buckets, and indulgent bowls of Thai cuisine at outdoor stalls.

Among these, the renowned Talat Rot Fai Srinakharin night market located in Northern Bangkok delivers one of the most fulfilling evening experiences, while the stylish Artbox, centrally situated on Th Sukhumvit, attracts a youthful, fashionable crowd with unique crafts, live jazz, and an effortlessly relaxed vibe.

Comparatively, the more notorious Patpong Night Market presents a blend of souvenir shops, food stalls, massage establishments, and pubs featuring live entertainment, catering to varying tastes. Although it remains popular, it might not be suitable for everyone.

Generally, night market food stalls begin setting up around 5 PM most evenings, including along the well-trodden backpacker route of Th Khao San (Khao San Rd). The convenient underground MRT can transport you to Talat Rot Fai Srinakharin, while the BTS Skytrain services the areas nearby Artbox and Patpong Night Market.

Step into history at the Jim Thompson House

Jim Thompson, the American entrepreneur and silk magnate, utilized his traditional Thai-style home situated along the canal between Banglamphu and Th Phetchaburi as a showcase for valuable Thai artifacts and art. Following his enigmatic disappearance in 1967, his teak-frame residence was transformed into a captivating museum that continually captivates visitors.

Why? The rooms are adorned with his impressive collection of art and personal possessions, including rare Chinese porcelain and invaluable artifacts from Burmese, Cambodian, and Thai culture, all set within a lush garden brimming with tropical flora and serene lotus ponds. Furthermore, visitors can purchase exquisite Jim Thompson silks directly on-site.

Discover the unique character of Banglamphu

Arguably Bangkok’s most enchanting district, Banglamphu once served as the city’s aristocratic enclave. Historically populated by diplomats, dignitaries, and minor royalty, this old quarter has now transformed into a vibrant hub for backpackers seeking relaxation on the famous Th Khao San, civil servants traversing between offices and eateries, and bohemian artists and students breathing new energy into vintage shophouses.

With an abundance of food stalls and traditional Thai restaurants, the area caters to the appetites of hungry visitors, while also serving as a venue for some of the best live music in the city. Both day and night, Banglamphu’s alleys brimming with eclectic markets feature an array of Thai souvenirs and trinkets, with lively bars spilling onto the streets and pop-up cocktail stands animate until midnight, when legal alcohol sales pause until the next day.

Indulge in a Bangkok shopping spree

Even the most outspoken critics of consumerism might falter in Bangkok, as they transition from denouncing material possessions to admiring the treasures found in street stalls and plotting their path to the nearest night market for Thai silk, handicrafts, and fashionable brands.

This shopping-enthusiast haven features interconnected malls creating a near-continuous shopping experience, with pavements serving as overflow retail spaces for vendors without permanent structures. Apart from flagship international brands, Bangkok also has a long-standing reputation for bespoke tailoring, along with a dynamic emerging fashion scene.

Commence your retail exploration in expansive malls such as Siam Paragon, centralwOrld, MBK Center, and Emquartier. After your shopping excursion, take a moment to unwind at a rooftop bar offering scenic city views, including venues like Red Sky atop the Centara Grand at centralwOrld, Moon Bar on top of Banyan Tree in Sathorn, and Brewski at Radisson Blu Plaza near Th Sukhumvit.

Navigate the Chao Phraya River

The Chao Phraya River, Bangkok’s principal waterway, is always bustling with activity. Large freighter ships are towed by dedicated tugs, ferries make swift crossings, and children can be seen delightfully making cannonballs into the murky waters that lap against jetties and stilt houses.

Soothing views of the river can be enjoyed from the shoreline (preferably from Ko Ratanakosin or Thonburi); however, the excitement escalates when you venture onto the water in a chartered long-tail boat, or hop aboard the Chao Phraya Express Boat. Regardless of where you choose to take in the scene, as the sun descends beyond the horizon, casting a brief silhouette against the ornate temples and palaces, Bangkok transforms to reveal an unexpectedly tranquil beauty.

Learn to make green curry at a Thai cooking school

To ensure a memorable culinary experience beyond just enjoying flavorful dishes in Thailand, consider enhancing your skills – and future dinner parties – by enrolling in a Thai cookery school.

Bangkok’s cooking schools range from formal training for aspiring chefs to relaxed, home-style cooking for beginners. Each class is enjoyable, as participants visit local markets, experiment with ingredients, sample their creations, and depart equipped with new culinary skills.

Explore the vintage universe of Papaya

What commenced as a personal passion for collecting antiques has transformed into an extraordinary exhibition of vintage 19th- and 20th-century artifacts at Papaya in northern Bangkok.

The collection includes art-deco furniture, vintage beer signs from the 1960s, superhero figurines, Piaggio scooters, typewriters, movie projectors, love seats, televisions, VHS players, seasonal mannequins, unique lampshades, and beyond. Many exhibits are theoretically for sale, but prices are set high to preserve the collection, effectively designating it as a museum of recent history.

Walk the SkyWalk at King Power Mahanakhon

Providing an exceptional 360-degree view of the Bangkok skyline, this two-tier observation deck is located atop King Power Mahanakhon, known as Thailand’s tallest building. Walking out onto the breathtaking SkyWalk – a glass-bottomed balcony suspended 78 floors (310 m / 1017 ft) in the air – offers a thrilling experience, which can be complemented by a refreshing drink at the open-air bar positioned one flight above. An indoor observatory on the 74th floor provides a less vertiginous alternative for a reduced entry fee.

Cheer on the fighters at a Thai boxing match

Thai boxing, or moo·ay tai, showcases a form of striking martial arts that captivates audiences with its striking displays of athleticism and tradition. If you appreciate the intensity of full-contact sports, a Thai boxing match is an event deserving of your attention, offering a vibrant spectacle enriched with live music, ceremonial traditions, and the excitement of betting.

Fights occur at two prominent boxing venues in Bangkok. The historic Rajadamnern Stadium, constructed on royal grounds following WWII, features an elegant art-deco design and a more refined atmosphere. The alternative venue, Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, has relocated to a more modern site north of the city. Ticket prices vary by seating choice, and securing second- or third-class seats often enhances the enjoyment amid the lively crowd.

Experience the backpacker mayhem on Th Khao San

Th Khao San, popularly recognized as Khao San Road, is unlike any other location worldwide. This vibrant area serves as a crossroads for independent travelers, whether initiating their adventure in Southeast Asia or pausing for a final celebration before returning to the familiarity of home. Its uniqueness can be encapsulated in a question: apart from airports, where else might you find such an assortment of people from diverse countries sharing the same space simultaneously?

Walking along this bustling thoroughfare, you might observe everyone from first-time backpackers savoring banana pancakes to elders relishing G&T cocktails, alongside an amalgamation of individuals including hippies, hipsters, tourists, globetrotting nomads, weekend explorers, and a medley of others.

Once perceived as a haven for budget accommodation with bedbug-infested hostels, Khao San Road has since transformed into a desirable destination, showcasing boutique hotels and upscale bars in place of the dilapidated establishments of yore. A visit to Bangkok is incomplete without experiencing the lively atmosphere of this iconic street.

This article was first published on Jun 3, 2021, and updated on Nov 26, 2023.