Things to do in Bangkok
There are so many incredible things to do in Bangkok that it’s impossible to cover them all here. However, we’ve picked out seven of our favourite sights and activities in Thailand’s capital city to leave a lasting impression on you. From ancient temples and shrines to amazing museums and nightlife, keep reading to discover the best of Bangkok.
Visit the Grand Palace
When you’re looking for a taste of Thailand’s architecture, culture and history, visiting the Grand Palace is an absolute must. This stunning complex of buildings dates back to the late 1700s. There’s so much to appreciate across an area spanning almost 220,000 square metres. It used to be home to the country’s royalty and when you see the beauty, attention to detail and craftsmanship close up, you’ll understand why it remains Bangkok’s crowning glory.
The most popular attraction is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, known locally as Wat Phra Kaew. The 14th-century Buddha inside is the most revered religious icon in Thailand and is not to be missed. When you’re in the area, make sure you stop to see Wat Pho, a 15-metre tall reclining Buddha statue.
Admire the Erawan Shrine
This Hindu shrine is also known as the Thao Mahaprom Shrine. You’ll find it in the centre of Bangkok, offering a place of calm and reflection where worshippers make a wish. It’s an unmistakably beautiful presence in a hectic part of the city. And while it’s not somewhere you’ll likely spend a lot of time, it’s one of our recommended things to do in Bangkok because of what it stands for in today’s fast-paced world.
Hop on a Chao Phraya River boat tour
While there’s so much to see and do in Bangkok on dry land, taking time to cruise the Chao Phraya River is well worth it. As well as giving you a different perspective of the city, you can also hop on and off to explore attractions near the various piers along the way, including the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) and Museum Siam.
In addition to sightseeing, you can also book river cruises that include dinner and a beautiful Bangkok sunset. These provide a blissful way to unwind after a busy day exploring the city on foot.
Chill out in Lumpini Park
Staying on the relaxation theme, Lumpini Park is a 58-hectare oasis. It’s the perfect place to stop and enjoy a picnic to break up your sightseeing adventures.
If you’re feeling a little more energetic, there’s outdoor exercise equipment, an open-air swimming pool and a boating lake to enjoy. Lumpini Park is also great for a gentle stroll with its pedestrianised paths surrounded by majestic trees and pretty flowers. The park is free to enter and if you’re lucky, you might see one of the local lizards or other fantastic wildlife that call it home.
Savour the street food
One of the most popular things to do in Bangkok is indulging in the local street food. Thai cuisine has a justified reputation for being aromatic, flavoursome and easy on the eye.
With approximately 500,000 street food vendors in the city, you’ll be spoilt for choice. We’d highly recommend visiting Victory Monument and tucking into as many authentic and delicious dishes as possible. A cheap and enticing bowl of boat noodles will leave you craving more.
Nang Loeng Market is another place with an appetising selection of freshly cooked local dishes. To make it an even better experience you can take a tuk-tuk to and from the market and appreciate the buzz of different neighbourhoods and streets along the way.
We clearly can’t cover all the street food options in this article, but our third and final suggestion is Yaowarat. It’s known as Bangkok’s Chinatown and serves up a vast array of sumptuous seafood and soups among many other street food delights.
Embrace the nightlife
Bangkok’s nightlife has a notorious reputation but caters to many different tastes. For example, if you’re young and looking to party hard with the locals, Khao San Road and Royal City Avenue are two of the best places to go.
When you’re seeking a more laid-back and refined experience, the Vanilla Sky Rooftop Bar is perfect for chilled-out music, guest DJs, cool cocktails and mesmerising panoramic views over the city from the 36th floor. It’s a fitting spot to spend your last night in Bangkok so you can celebrate your stunning holiday to Thailand in style.
Marvel at the museums
If nightlife’s not your thing or you’d like a bit of culture the day after a bar crawl, one of the most relaxing things to do in Bangkok is wander around its many museums. We’ve highlighted four below to give you an idea of what to expect.
Bangkok National Museum - within walking distance of the Grand Palace, you’ll find a huge collection of exhibits, including old transport used by royals, precious stones, bronzes and textiles. Spending an hour or two in this vast space provides a glimpse into Thailand’s fascinating heritage.
Museum Siam - is a modern, interactive museum that encourages discovery and learning by bringing Thai history to life. It also explores the cultural relationships between Thai people and the rest of the world.
Jim Thompson House Museum - the Thai silk industry boomed after World War II thanks mainly to American Jim Thompson. The museum has a vibrant collection of Asian art, antiques, porcelain, tables and religious items.
Museum of Contemporary Art - here, you’ll find approximately 800 works of art from the outstanding collection of Boonchai Bencharongkul. Thai and Western painting styles combine to create an absorbing experience for anyone interested in art.
That concludes our round-up of seven unmissable things to do in Bangkok. However, we’ve barely scratched the surface here. It’s a remarkable holiday destination you’ll fall in love with from day one.
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