13 Best Things to do in Bangkok: Travel Guide + Extra Tips

We’ve been to Bangkok in Thailand three times since 2019, and what always surprises us is how different the city feels with each visit. Bangkok evolves so quickly that it never looks the same twice. That’s why it’s always on our Thailand itinerary.

We love how ancient temples, old streets, and tall skyscrapers are so close to each other. That mix of tradition and modern life is what makes the city so interesting —you can dive into history, culture, food, and nightlife all in a single day.

The energy of the city is hard to ignore; it’s chaotic in the best possible way. And yet, just when you need a break, there are calm riverside temples, lush parks, and little backstreets that feel a world away from the noise.

In this guide, we’ll share the best things to do in Bangkok—covering famous landmarks, local experiences, food and nightlife, and a few of our personal favorites that we keep coming back to.

Whether it’s your very first trip to Thailand or you’re already planning a return, this list should give you plenty of ideas to make the most of your time in the city.

Top Things to do in Bangkok

Map of all the attractions

1. Visit the most famous temples

Whenever we’re in Bangkok, visiting the temples is always at the top of our list. They’re such a big part of what makes the city special, and honestly, each one feels different. Some are grand and overwhelming, while others are quiet and peaceful.

Here are the most iconic temple you can’t miss:

Wat Arun

Wat Arun is one of Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks, sitting right on the Chao Phraya River. Its spires covered in colorful porcelain glisten at sunrise and sunset, which is why it’s often called the Temple of Dawn.

We’ve been here more than once, and honestly, it never gets old. It’s especially beautiful in the late afternoon when the sun hits the temple and the whole thing glows. For some reason, we never timed our visit right.

It’s easy to reach thanks to a ferry connecting Wat Arun with the Tha Tian Pier for 5 THB.

The Grand Palace

The Grand Palace is probably the most famous attraction in Bangkok, and for good reason. This was the former royal residence and it’s home to Wat Phra Kaew, where the Emerald Buddha is kept.

Even if you’re not usually into palaces, this one will leave you speechless.

The detail on every building—gold, mosaics, statues—is overwhelming in the best way. On our first visit, we thought we’d spend an hour here, but we ended up staying almost half a day just wandering through the different halls and courtyards.

Expect a lot of crowds. We also found the rules rather strict. Shoulders and knees need to be covered (no exceptions), tight leggings aren’t allowed, and flip-flops aren’t considered proper footwear.

The first time I came here, I was wearing a spaghetti top, so I ended up buying an overpriced and not-so-nice T-shirt at the entrance. They’re a bit overpriced though.

Security also won’t let you bring in big bags, food, or drinks.

Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)

Wat Pho is famous for its massive reclining Buddha, which stretches 46 meters long. Photos don’t do it justice—we didn’t fully appreciate just how huge it is, until we were standing right in front of it.

But the reclining Buddha isn’t the only reason to visit. As you’re wandering the temple grounds, you’ll see dozens of golden stupas and peaceful courtyards.

Wat Pho is also known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage, and you can actually book a massage inside the temple complex—it’s one of the most unique things to do in Bangkok.

Golden Mount

Golden Mount is a temple built on top of an artificial hill, and to reach the top, you’ll climb around 344 steps.

It’s not too demanding if you take your time. We climbed past rows of bells and gongs, little shrines tucked into corners, and shady spots that gave us a chance to cool down.

I first visited in 2019, and back then it felt almost undiscovered—I only met a few other people along the way. When we came back together a few years later, it was definitely busier, but the atmosphere was exactly the same.

The top has incredible views over the city, but what we loved most was just sitting down for a while, letting the breeze cool us off, and soaking in the spiritual vibe.

It’s one of those rare places in Bangkok where you can pause, reflect, and feel a little removed from the chaos of the streets below.

Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan

Just a short walk from Golden Mount is Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan, home to the striking Loha Prasat. Unlike most temples in Bangkok, this one stands out with its unique multi-tiered metal spire, which looks almost like something out of a fairytale.

We actually came across it while wandering near Khao San Road, which makes it an easy stop if you’re exploring that area. Even though we didn’t go inside, we loved the architecture and spent a while just admiring it from the outside.

Compared to the big-name temples, it felt calm and almost empty.

2. Khao San Road

Khao San Road is probably the most famous street in Bangkok, known for its wild nightlife, endless bars, and backpacker vibe. It’s one of those places that divides opinion—some people love the chaos, others avoid it completely.

We’ve been a couple of times, and honestly, it’s always an experience. The mood really depends on the time of day you visit.

When we went late in the evening, we were blown away by the sheer energy—music blasting from every corner, bars spilling over with people from all around the world, and the street so packed we were squeezed in like sardines.

WE HATED IT! But if you’re chasing party vibes or want to see the “real” Khao San madness, then evening is the time to go.

For us, it was far more enjoyable earlier in the day. Before 18:00, the street felt much calmer, and we could actually enjoy it.

Enjoy browsing the souvenir shops, tasting some seriously good street food, grabbing a drink, and treating yourself to a super cheap massage. That version of Khao San was much more our style.

3. Enjoy some of the best street food

If there’s one thing you can’t skip in Bangkok, it’s the street food. Honestly, it’s half the reason we love coming back. The flavors, the chaos of the stalls, and the sheer variety make it one of the most exciting things to do in Bangkok.

On our first trip, we weren’t sure where to start—every corner seemed to have someone cooking up something amazing.

Over time, we’ve tried a bunch of different stalls, and here are a few that stood out for us:

SKIP: Jay Fai (Old Town) – The famous Michelin-starred street food queen, known for her crab omelet. It’s not as special, and also ridiculously expensive.

INSTEAD: stalls near Jay Fai – Honestly, the smaller, family-run stalls nearby impressed us much more. Dishes were cheap, fast, and packed with flavor.

SKIP: Thipsamai Pad Thai – This legendary spot claims to be one of the oldest Pad Thai stalls in the city. We tried the Pad Thai wrapped in egg and didn’t find it special at all!

INSTEAD: Nava Pad Thai – Honestly, the best Pad Thai we’ve ever had. We keep coming back for years now!

For something unusual, brave ones can try fried worms or even a scorpion on Khao San Road or in Chinatown. We’ve tried worms and they tasted like potato chips!

4. Enjoy Thai Massage

A Thai massage in Bangkok is an experience in itself, and honestly, it’s one of the best things to do in Bangkok if you need a break from all the walking and sightseeing.

Most people head straight for Khao San Road, where massages are famously cheap. You’ll see rows of chairs lined up on the street, filled with travelers getting quick foot massages while watching the chaos unfold around them.

It’s fun to see, but we’ve always gone for the full-body Thai massage instead. They always took us inside to a quiet, dark room away from the noise of the street. It felt like stepping into a different world for an hour.

We’ve tried a few different spots, but two places stood out for us: Minimal Massage and Shewa Spa. Both felt professional, clean, and still really affordable.

4. Go shopping at Chatuchak Weekend Market

If you love markets, Chatuchak Weekend Market is the ultimate one to visit in Bangkok. With more than 15,000 stalls spread across 27 sections, it’s often called the largest market in Thailand, and honestly, it felt endless once we were inside.

You’ll find everything here—clothes, souvenirs, antiques, food, pets, art, and just about anything else you can imagine.

The first time we went, we only checked Google opening hours and showed up on a Wednesday—turns out that’s when only the plant section is open! It was still fun, but we quickly realized we had missed the real Chatuchak vibe.

We came back on the weekend, and that’s when the market really came alive.

Here’s how the schedule works:

• Wednesday & Thursday – Only the plant sections are open
• Friday – Wholesale day
• Saturday & Sunday – The full market is open

5. Stroll around Chinatown

What we loved most was just soaking in the atmosphere – bright neon signs, the sizzling woks, and the mix of locals and travelers. Chinatown feels like its own little world within Bangkok.

Wander through the narrow streets lined with gold shops, traditional pharmacies, and little stores selling everything from herbs to Chinese decorations.

As soon as the sun goes down, the whole place is transformed. The food stalls appeared out of nowhere, and the streets filled with people.

We spent the evening hopping from stall to stall, trying whatever caught our eye—grilled seafood, dumplings, mango sticky rice, fresh juice, and even some dishes we couldn’t quite identify but tasted amazing.

Honestly, it turned into one of the best food experiences we’ve ever had in Bangkok.

6. Slow down at Lumphini Park

When the chaos of Bangkok gets too much, Lumphini Park is the perfect escape. We loved slowing down here—watching locals do tai chi, renting a paddle boat on the lake, or just sitting under the trees with a cold drink.

It’s also where we spotted a few huge monitor lizards wandering around, which was a surprise!

7. Explore modern Bangkok at Siam & Sukhumvit

Bangkok isn’t just about temples and old streets—the modern side of the city is just as impressive. We loved spending time in the Siam and Sukhumvit areas, where you’ll find giant malls, rooftop bars, and some of the tallest glass towers in the city.

Highlights we enjoyed:

• Siam Paragon & CentralWorld – enormous malls with everything from designer brands to amazing food courts.
• Terminal 21 (Sukhumvit) – a quirky mall where each floor is themed after a different city (we couldn’t resist checking out the “Tokyo” floor).
• Rooftop bars in Sukhumvit – for incredible views of the skyline at night.
• IconSiam – a huge luxury mall right on the river with a floating market-style food court

8. Grab a drink at rooftop bar

One of the best things to do in Bangkok at night is to see the city from above, and there’s no better way than from a rooftop bar. With all the glass skyscrapers and glittering lights, the skyline looks incredible once the sun goes down.

We recommend the famous Sky Bar at Lebua (from The Hangover Part II). It is pricey, but the view is unforgettable. For something more relaxed, head to Octave Rooftop Lounge on Sukhumvit, which has a younger vibe and less of a dress code.

9. Watch a train pass through the Mae Klong Railway Market

About an hour outside Bangkok is one of the most unusual markets we’ve ever seen. Mae Klong Railway Market looks like a typical Thai market at first—rows of stalls selling fresh fruit, vegetables, seafood, and spices—but then a train comes right through.

We made the trip out there because it’s one of those quirky experiences you just can’t have anywhere else.

As the train approaches, vendors calmly pull back their goods just inches from the tracks. The train passes right through the middle of the market, so close that you can touch it. Then, as soon as it’s gone, everything slides back into place like nothing happened.

The train only passes through a few times per day, and the schedule can change, so it’s really important to check it carefully when planning your trip.

For an easy visit, we’d recommend joining a tour from Bangkok—most combine Mae Klong with a stop at the nearby Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.

I visited the market on my own once, and it was a complicated adventure. It involved multiple local trains and buses, and I ended up being the only foreigner around. It was fascinating in its own way, but definitely not the easiest option for most travelers.

10. Visit Floating Markets

Some floating markets feel a bit touristy these days, but we still think they’re worth experiencing at least once. Sitting in a long-tail boat, drifting past vendors selling noodles, fruit, and souvenirs straight from the water, feels like stepping back into a different era of Thailand.

The most popular one is the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, which is usually paired with the Mae Klong Railway Market on day tours. However, it’s crowded and mostly geared toward foreigners. Some vendors might be a bit too pushy.

Another market we really recommend is the Amphawa Floating Market, which has a more local vibe. It felt much calmer than Damnoen Saduak, and that’s exactly why we loved it. But it’s only open on weekends, and it’s most lively in the evenings.

For the real local experience, head to Thakha Floating Market.

11. Day trip to Ayutthaya

If you’ve got a little extra time in Bangkok, a day trip to Ayutthaya is absolutely worth it.

Once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam, Ayutthaya is filled with ancient temples and ruins that give you a glimpse into Thailand’s history before Bangkok took over as the capital.

I went there by train, which is not only the cheapest option but also a really fun experience in itself. Check out our full guide on how to get from Bangkok to Ayutthaya by train for all the details.

I recommend renting a bicycle and spending the day cycling between some of the most famous temples like Wat Mahathat, Wat Ratchaburana, and Wat Phra Si Sanphet.

What I loved most was the contrast to Bangkok—it felt calm, open, and peaceful. Riding through tree-lined streets and exploring temple ruins at my own pace was a memorable experience.

12. Visit Ancient City

If you want to see Thailand’s most famous landmarks all in one place, the Ancient City (Muang Boran) is the spot.

It’s an open-air museum just outside Bangkok that recreates important temples, palaces, and monuments from across the country—some as scaled-down models, others as full-size replicas.

Honestly, we didn’t expect much beyond a tourist attraction, but it turned into a highlight. It’s a relaxing mix of culture, history, and fresh air—perfect if you want a break from Bangkok’s chaos without going too far.

I must admit some of the temples blew our minds! The architecture is so impressive, you won’t find anything similar elsewhere. This was definitely one of the best things to do in Bangkok.

We visited by taking the BTS Skytrain and then a quick taxi ride. The grounds are huge, so we rented bikes to get around, which made it way more fun (golf carts are also available if you don’t feel like pedaling).

13. Experience Bangkok’s Nightlife at Nana Plaza and Soi Cowboy

Bangkok is world-famous for its nightlife, and two of the most talked-about spots are Nana Plaza and Soi Cowboy. Both are known for their neon lights, bars, and adult entertainment, so they might not be on everyone’s list of best things to do in Bangkok.

We went out of curiosity, and honestly, the first impression was overwhelming. Soi Cowboy is the flashier of the two, a short street lit up with neon signs where go-go bars line up one after another.

Nana Plaza had a slightly different vibe when we visited—still packed with bars and clubs, but it felt a bit more laid-back and international.

Where to stay in Bangkok

• Khao San Road / Banglamphu – Cheap and lively with nonstop nightlife, but hostels here often feel a bit run-down. We’ve stayed near Khao San a few times, and while it was budget-friendly, the places weren’t very well-maintained.
• Sukhumvit – Modern and comfortable, with malls, rooftop bars, and great BTS connections. Last time we stayed here and it felt much nicer and more convenient.
• Siam – Perfect for shopping and families, with huge malls and easy transport, though a bit commercial.
• Silom – A mix of business district and local vibes, close to Lumphini Park and night markets.
• Riverside – Scenic and relaxed with luxury hotels and boat access, but less connected to BTS/MRT.

👉 Based on our experience, we’d recommend Sukhumvit or Siam if you want comfort and convenience, and only choose Khao San if you’re after the budget/party vibe.

How to get around

Bangkok is huge, but getting around is fairly easy once you figure out the options. Here’s what we’ve learned from our visits:

Tuk-tuks – These days, tuk-tuks are more of a tourist attraction than a practical way to get around. They’re fun to try, but honestly, they’re usually very expensive compared to other options.

BTS Skytrain & MRT Metro – Clean, efficient, and perfect for avoiding Bangkok’s traffic jams. The old town and temples aren’t well connected, and the price can add up for longer journeys. Most of the time, we actually found Grab to be cheaper.

Grab (app) – Our go-to option. It’s reliable, safe, and you know the price before you ride. The GrabBike option in particular turned out to be the cheapest way to get around—and a bit of an adrenaline rush in traffic!

Taxis – Fine if the driver uses the meter, but many try to set a fixed fare, which usually isn’t worth it. We preferred using Grab to be safe and avoid scams.

Boats & ferries – One of the best ways to reach riverside attractions. The Chao Phraya Express Boat is cheap, scenic, and skips the traffic completely.

Best time to visit Bangkok

The best time to visit Bangkok is from November to February, when the weather is cooler and less humid. March to May can be extremely hot, while June to October is the rainy season (showers are usually short but heavy).

That said, Bangkok is a year-round destination and the city never really slows down.

Quick Tips & Local Insights

• Tuk-tuk tours that sound too cheap usually come with unwanted shopping stops.
• Don’t trust anyone who tells you “the Grand Palace is closed today” (it’s a common scam to lure you elsewhere).
• Bangkok is generally safe, but pickpocketing can happen in crowded areas.
• Always have sarong, it’s useful for temple visits (for women mostly).
• Never place your head above the Buddha when taking photos.
• Never point your feet at Buddha.
• Always remove shoes when entering temples.

Final Thoughts

Every time we’ve visited Bangkok, we’ve left with new memories—and honestly, we’d go back again in a heartbeat. What makes the city so special is the mix of old and new. It’s chaotic, colorful, and full of surprises, which is exactly why it never gets boring.

If we could only recommend a couple of things, it would be visiting the temples (Wat Arun and the Grand Palace are must-sees for first-timers) and diving into the food scene.

Those are the experiences that made Bangkok unforgettable for us, and the ones we think every visitor should try.