Explore the Best Things to Do in Bangkok

Bangkok is the Asian megacity incarnate. Its vast urban sprawl—home to 22% of the Thai population—is studded with gleaming golden wat (Buddhist monasteries), towering skyscrapers, teeming markets, multi-lane highways, and clusters of village-style houses that show just how far Bangkok has come over the last 50 years. With so much to see and do, there’s a lot to experience!

A Feast for the Senses

For travelers, Bangkok is a feast for the senses. The sense of taste is pushed to almost orgasmic levels by the lavish spices and complex flavors of Bangkok street food. The eyes are transported by the gleaming spires and rainbow mosaics of Bangkok’s temples and monasteries, and the ears resonate with the roar of traffic, music, and Buddhist chanting. Moreover, even the sense of smell gets a workout from traffic fumes, incense, jasmine blossom, and city aromas.

Feast on Bangkok’s Famous Street Food

Home to a vibrant street food culture, Bangkok offers a mind-boggling variety of light bites and cheap meals, dished out on almost every street corner. From Thai-style fried noodles to fiery curries, fresh-cut tropical fruit, and a vast array of deep-fried desserts, the choice of street food in Bangkok is endless.

Locals and visitors flock daily to the countless stalls and carts lining Bangkok’s roadsides, as sizzling woks perfume the city air with enticing scents. Night markets start up across the city from around 5pm daily, though things are generally quieter on Mondays.

Browse Thousands of Stalls at Chatuchak Weekend Market

Possibly Asia’s biggest open-air marketplace, the vast Chatuchak Weekend Market is the ultimate shopping experience for those ready to burn some baht. Rows of pavilions house hundreds of shops and stalls, organized in neat sections beneath shady canopies, each dedicated to specific merchandise.

From garments to foodstuffs, home decor to live pets, pretty much everything can be found here. Plan to spend the better part of a day immersing yourself in this immensely popular experience, complete with ATMs and moneychangers to fuel impulsive purchases.

Marvel at the Graceful Majesty of Wat Pho

The 16th-century shrine of Wat Pho is home to a magnificent 46m (151ft) sculpture of the Reclining Buddha, gracefully adorned with gold leaf and mother-of-pearl inlays. The monastery serves as the spiritual home of Thai massage, with treatments offered daily.

Visitors are drawn daily to marvel at its stunning highlights and pay their respects at the many shrines. Given Wat Pho’s religious significance, modest attire is required, with a 200B entry fee applicable for adults.

Soak Up the Buzzing Atmosphere of Chinatown

Packed into one of Bangkok’s oldest boroughs, Chinatown is a vibrant tapestry of smoke-spewing food carts, jewelry stores, atmospheric temples, and food markets. Th Yaowarat, the area’s main thoroughfare, offers a sensory overload with aromas of burning incense and tantalizing street food.

During the Chinese New Year, a carnival spirit sweeps through the district, with lively dragon dances and sumptuous food galas. While a fabulous budget dining destination, be aware that many vendors here only operate in the evening.

Admire the Regal Grandeur of Wat Phra Kaew & the Grand Palace

The royal complex made up of Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace was established by former Thai kings and is home to several imposing temples and courtyards. The best reason to visit is to admire Wat Phra Kaew, home to Thailand’s most sacred artifact, the Emerald Buddha, and the splendid Ramakian Murals detailing lavish scenes from the Ramakian epic.

Take a Sunset Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya River

A dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River can be one of the most enduring memories you’ll take home from your visit to Bangkok. Depending on your choice of vessel, you can enjoy an atmospheric candlelit dinner or a lively floating party that ensures an unforgettable evening experience.

These cruises are exceedingly popular with tourists, and many of the top-end vessels tend to get booked out weeks in advance.

Experience a Pummeling Thai Massage

Renowned as the massage capital of the world, Bangkok offers a plethora of massage options ranging from foot massages to luxurious wellness packages. Various establishments provide high-quality treatments at reasonable prices, but can get crowded on weekends, making advance reservations advisable.

Graze Through Myriad Thai Flavors at a Night Market

Bangkok’s legendary night markets offer a delightful blend of shopping, socializing, and indulging in a variety of Thai cuisines at outdoor food stalls. Night markets spring up across the city from around 5pm, including bustling hubs along Khao San Road.

Step Into History at the Jim Thompson House

This traditional Thai-style home transformed into a captivating museum showcases Thompson’s exquisite art collection and personal possessions amid lush gardens, providing insight into Thailand’s rich cultural heritage.

Feel the Complex Character of Banglamphu

Easily Bangkok’s most charming neighborhood, Banglamphu is filled with vintage shops, vibrant street food carts, and eclectic markets. By day and night, the lanes buzz with activity, offering both live music and culinary delights.

Throw Yourself Into a Bangkok Shopping Spree

Bangkok is a shopping paradise, with an array of malls and street vendors offering everything from high-end fashion to unique Thai handicrafts. Notably, megamalls such as Siam Paragon and MBK Center are key destinations for shoppers.

Ride the Chao Phraya River

The Chao Phraya River teems with activity and offers the perfect backdrop to witness stunning sunsets. Opt for a chartered long-tail boat or the Chao Phraya Express Boat for a scenic experience.

Learn to Make Green Curry at a Thai Cookery School

Spice up your culinary skills by learning to create authentic Thai dishes. Cooking schools in Bangkok cater to all skill levels, making it a fun and rewarding experience.

Dive Into the Vintage Universe of Papaya

What began as a personal antique-collecting hobby has transformed into an impressive collection of vintage artifacts and furniture, making it a fascinating stop for history enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Walk the SkyWalk at King Power Mahanakhon

Offering a breathtaking 360° view of Bangkok, the SkyWalk at King Power Mahanakhon is a thrilling experience. After soaking in the views, enjoy a drink at the open-air bar above.

Cheer on the Fighters at a Thai Boxing Match

Experience the adrenaline of a Thai boxing match at either Rajadamnern or Lumpinee stadiums, where the vibrant atmosphere and spirited competition showcase a fascinating aspect of Thai culture.

Plunge Into the Backpacker Mayhem on Th Khao San

Khao San Road is a lively thoroughfare filled with independent travelers from all corners of the globe, making it a unique destination for good food, entertainment, and camaraderie. Walk along this famed street for a quintessential Bangkok experience.