Top 12 Wonderful Things to do in Bangkok
Bangkok is an absolutely massive city that goes on as far as the eye can see, we have put together a fun and easy to use guide on things to do in Bangkok.
These will include fun things to do in Bangkok, as well as temples, markets, shopping malls, museums, palaces and beautiful scenery along the river. We will make sure you don’t miss a thing on your travels to Bangkok!
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1. Tour the Grand Palace
The Grand Palace is a MUST see in Bangkok. It’s one of the most famous landmarks within Bangkok and for good reason. Make sure to get in early as there are always hordes of tourists here and similar to most religious sites in Thailand, please make sure you are dressed appropriately.
2. Visit the temple of the Reclining Buddha.
My favourite Bangkok temple is the Reclining Buddha is really close to the Grand Palace so you can probably see both on the same day, remember to bring along some comfortable walking shoes!
3. Take a tour of the Floating Markets or Railway Market.
Bangkok offers several different options when it comes to floating markets, Amphawa Floating Market, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Taling Chan Floating Market, Tha Kha Floating Market are some of the most popular!
You can also visit the Maeklong Train Market located on a set of train track, the stall owners need to move their goods when the train comes through, it’s a pretty cool experience.
4. Visit Ayutthaya for the day (Day trip from Bangkok)
If you’re a bit of a history buff or are interested in the Thai culture, a tour to Ayutthaya cannot be missed. Here you will learn about the fall of the ancient capital (Ayutthaya) and the invasion of the Burmese in 1767. The Ancient ruins are surprisingly still standing after so long!
5. Enjoy a dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River
Take a cruise along the river and enjoy a nice dinner with some great views of Bangkok. There are a heap of dinner river cruise companies that offer different settings, to name a few – Chaophraya Dinner Cruise, Apsara Dinner Cruise, Bangkok Loy Nava Cruise, Bangkok Grand Pearl Cruise, Manohra Dinner Cruise, Ayutthaya Rice Barge Dinner Cruise and Wan Fah Dinner Cruise.
We tried the Apsara Dinner cruise which is owned by the Banyan tree hotel, we really enjoyed it because it was really intimate and a little more relaxed than the large dinner cruise boats we saw speeding past us. I think its the perfect option for couples on their honeymoon or couples who are looking to have a romantic dinner.
If cruises aren’t your thing you can try out 1 of the 15 Vegan Restaurants in Bangkok.
6. Take a tour of River Kwai and the Death Railway (Day tour from Bangkok)
Take a day trip out to visit the Thailand-Burma railway where thousands of POW and labourers died making the “death railway” during the Second World War. While this is pretty depressing, its none the less an interesting slice of history. The bridge over the River Kwai is something I would recommend seeing which is usually offered as a part of most tours visiting the death railway.
7. Take in a Ladyboy Show
Thailand is famous for its stunning Ladyboys and there are plenty of Lady Boy Cabaret shows in Bangkok. Calypso Ladyboy Show is one of the better-known shows, its located within the Asiatique complex, which is handy if you’d like to do a spot of shopping beforehand.
8. Have dinner or a drink at a rooftop restaurant/bar
Bangkok has a ridiculous amount of rooftops bars and restaurants and why not, you get the best view of Bangkok from 61 floors up. There are several rooftop bars to choose from in Bangkok.
We have created an easy to follow guide on the Top Rooftop bars in Bangkok. Personally, my favourite is Vertigo at the Banyan Tree hotel, the food, drinks, service and the view… all incredible!
9. Stroll down Khao San Road
Khao San Road is a fairly popular backpackers area, this 1 km-long stretch of road offers several backpacking hostels, a few mid-range hotels, a heap of internet cafes, bars, restaurants, a massage parlour or two, market stalls and tattoo shops. It’s a bit of a tourist eyesore, but worth a trip to check it out!
10. Sea Life Bangkok Aquarium
Spending a few hours at the aquarium is a good way to beat the heat of Bangkok. It’s considered the largest aquarium in Southeast Asia which features a massive underwater tunnel so you can take a closer look at how the fish and sharks spend their day!
If you’re looking things to in Bangkok with kids this a great activity to keep your kids cool and entertained!
11. Visit the Bangkok National Museum
The Bangkok National Museum is located on the grounds (and fairly close to the Grand Palace) of the former of the 18th Century Wang Na Palace, which features the largest collection of Thai art and artifacts in the country.
It includes prehistoric art, murals, bronzes, exhibits from other Asian countries and ceremonial carriages used by royal families.
12. Chatuchak Weekend Market
The Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok is epic, featuring over 8,000 (yes I said 8,000) market stalls in 27 different sections.
The market sees up to 200,000 visitors every weekend and just about anything and everything can be bought here, however, beware of purchasing “antiques here” as many of them are actually fake.
Its recommended to get in as early as possible as you’ll not only miss the crowded but the excessive heat created by the crowds!
Hey Chris!
thanks so much!
Good list. I do however think that the Grand Palace is way overrated! So many other cool little temples scattered throughout the city!
Great list. Can certainly recommend the markets on Silom Road. Also an afternoon rice barge cruise on the Chao Praya river. Having been to Bangkok many many times, just ralax and let the city wash over you.
This is surely useful!
Awesome photos! I would love to see the floating markets. They look like fun and I’ve read about all they have to offer in terms of food. Thanks for all the great suggestions.
I and my girlfriend booked already for this coming August 7-14 in Bangkok. Can’t wait to see and experience your posted pictures. Could you give me some advice oh how are we going to start our trip because we have no reserved hotel yet when we arrive their.