The 30+ Best Things to Do in Bangkok

It’s no secret that Thailand is one of my favorite countries in the world. Over the past two years, I’ve spent more time here than anywhere else. And while big cities aren’t usually my thing, Bangkok has completely won me over. It’s chaotic and colorful in all the best ways: temples tucked between skyscrapers, palaces, and more amazing street food than you’ll be able to eat in one trip.

My 48-hour Bangkok itinerary is one of my most popular blog posts. But truthfully, two days are barely enough to scratch the surface of this vibrant city. If it’s your first time in Bangkok, you’ll want more time to take it all in. So, from the iconic landmarks to my favorite hidden gems, here are my top 30 things to do in Bangkok.

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Bangkok can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time visiting. If you’d like to steal my 48-hour itinerary, make sure to read this post next. At the end of this post, I’ll share some of my favorite hotels and neighborhoods.

Even though I absolutely love Thailand, I’m still just a visitor there. If you’re looking for truly local recommendations, check out my friend Petra’s blog. While I’m sharing everything I’ve done and loved, Petra offers deeper insight into Thai culture, customs, and everyday life. Plus, her Thai lessons are a fun (and practical!) way to start learning the language.

Justyn’s Quick Bangkok Recommendations:

🏨 Stay: My favorite hotel in Bangkok is Shama Yen Akat (especially if you’re staying for a bit longer).

🍜 Favorite eats: Penang Curry, Khao Soi, and of course, Pad Thai.

⭐️ Tours: Don’t miss out on taking this Midnight Street Food Tour. It’s the best way to experience Thailand’s incredible food. You can also take a special food tour by bicycle that’s full of hidden food gems.

🇹🇭 Travel tip: Get connected fast with a Thai eSIM.

🌃 City Pass: Access popular attractions, restaurants, activities, and transportation. All in one price with the Bangkok Day Pass!

Now, without further ado, my top 30 things to do in Bangkok.

My Top 30+ Things to Do in Bangkok

Temple and Cultural Experiences

Bangkok has incredible temples and cultural experiences for visitors. It’s one of the things that I love most about this city. You can be exploring the busy, modern streets and malls, and within minutes be tucked away in a temple that’s completely silent. Here are the temples and cultural experiences I recommend in Bangkok.

For all these cultural experiences, you will need to dress modestly. You need to cover your shoulders and knees, so make sure that you pack lightweight, comfortable clothing for exploring.

(The first five cultural experiences and temples are all in my 48-hour Bangkok Itinerary, but I’ve added a couple of extras which would be perfect if you have more time in Bangkok, or you’re planning a second or third visit.)

Visit the Grand Palace

This is probably the busiest place that you will visit in all of Bangkok, but it’s so worth it. The Grand Palace was established in 1782 and serves as a ceremonial residence of the King of Thailand. Located right in the heart of Bangkok, this complex is home to museums, temples, and private residences.

Be warned, it can be very hot here. I recommend bringing a lot of water and a fan to help keep you cool. Some of the temples have areas where you can refill your water bottle. I also love these hats for sun protection. 

Admire the Emerald Buddha at Wat Phra Kaew

The Grand Palace is also home to the Emerald Buddha, so you can enjoy both of these cultural experiences in Bangkok with just one ticket. The Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha close early, so they’re a great place to start your day.

Entrance to both the Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha costs 500 baht, and I recommend spending around two hours here. 

See the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho

While the Grand Palace is absolutely stunning and 100% worth a visit, my favorite temple complex in Bangkok is Wat Pho, home to the famous Reclining Buddha.

The Reclining Buddha itself is definitely a must-see, but what I really love is the rest of the temple grounds. They’re surprisingly peaceful, especially once you step away from the main hall. Most visitors come to snap a photo of the Buddha, but many don’t stick around, which means you can often find a quiet corner to sit, wander, and really take in the atmosphere.

Entrance here costs 300 baht, and I recommend spending around an hour here.

Explore Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple)

Wat Benchamabophit, otherwise known as the Marble Temple, is another gorgeous temple worth exploring while you’re in Bangkok. It’s one of the most popular temples in Bangkok, and for good reason. You might also recognize it from its engraving on the 5 baht coin. 

Take a boat to Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

The Temple of Dawn is one of the most unique temples that I visited in Bangkok. A Buddhist temple has existed at this site since the Ayuttahaya Kingdom (1351–1767 AD). The temple here is different from the others you’ll visit in Bangkok. It’s entirely white with intricate carvings and designs all the way around. You can take a ferry to Wat Arun, and the entrance costs 200 baht.

Walk around the Bangkok City Pillar Shrine (Lak Mueang)

Finally, for your last temple or cultural experience in Bangkok, walk around the Bangkok City Pillar. This is one of those low-effort activities that you can add to any day of exploring. The Pillar Shrine was erected in 1782 when the city of Bangkok was established. It is considered the spiritual heart of Bangkok.

Visit Wat Saket (Golden Mount) for panoramic city views

A visit to Wat Saket is the perfect place to end a day exploring Bangkok. This temple offers absolutely incredible views over the city, and it was once the highest point in Bangkok. It’s also one of the oldest temples in Bangkok, and it’s definitely worth a visit. Entrance to Wat Saket costs 50 baht, and you’ll probably spend an hour here as well. 

If you want a guided tour of these incredible cultural sites in Bangkok, I highly recommend booking with GetYourGuide. Download the app today and get 5% when you use the code: JUSTYNJEN5. You can find my favorite Bangkok activities here.

Street Food & Local Eats

Bangkok is renowned worldwide for its exceptional local street food. You’ll never go hungry anywhere in Thailand, and these days even vegetarians and vegans can enjoy all that Bangkok has to offer by way of street food. There are so many incredible places to eat in Bangkok. These are just a few of the best things to do in Bangkok – all food-related.

Eat your way through Chinatown (Yaowarat Road)

A few years ago, I would have felt out of place trying to eat in Chinatown as a vegetarian… These days, the food options are endless! Here are a few of my tips for eating your way through Chinatown in Bangkok:

• Look for “Jay” (เจ) — Yellow flags with red lettering mark vendors serving strictly plant-based food (no garlic, onions, or animal products). This tradition lights up Chinatown during the Nine Emperor Gods Festival and beyond.
• Eat at Jae Dang – This is a vegetarian Chinese spot offering flavor-packed snacks, such as spicy pickled mustard greens and olive-pickled greens with mushrooms. These make a great starter and cost around ฿40–฿50.
• Check out Chijuya – This is a  vegetarian Japanese diner hidden in a side street near Yaowarat. They have plenty of ‘mock’ meat items, including things like duck and prawns.

I’ve honestly noticed so many more vegetarian options popping up across popular food markets around the world.

Join a Thai cooking class

This is, hands down, one of the best things to do in Bangkok. Thai food is incredible; it’s one of my favorite cuisines in the world. A Thai cooking class will take you behind the scenes to shop for, prepare, cook, and enjoy some of your favorite Thai dishes. This is my favorite Thai cooking class in Bangkok.

Slurp boat noodles near Victory Monument

Boat noodles (kuay tiew rua) are famously served in small bowls to avoid spillage when they were sold from boats. At Victory Monument’s Boat Noodle Alley, you’ll stack up bowls as you go. The idea is to try them all! If you’re wondering how to get to Boat Noodle Alley, head to Ratchawithi Road just north of Victory Monument BTS. Walk down from the skywalk to discover a row of bustling stalls beside a canal, many offering both outdoor and air-conditioned seating. 

Taste Isaan food at Somtum Der

Somtum Der is an Isaan restaurant in Bangkok. It’s recognized in the Michelin Guide, and they now have locations in major cities around the world. Now, this might seem hyped up, but Somtum Der serves amazing food at a really affordable price. It’s the perfect place to dive into Northern Thai cuisine, which differs from the traditional Thai classics you’re accustomed to.

Wander the stalls at Or Tor Kor Market

Or Tor Kor is known as Bangkok’s gourmet fresh market. Here you’ll find some of the freshest and most pristine fruits and vegetables that you’ve ever seen in your life – and it is the perfect opportunity to try something new. I recommend trying mangosteen, lychee, rambutan, and of course, durian! This market is extremely easy to explore, and I highly recommend trying a papaya salad at the food court. You can trust that it will be one of the best of your life.

Join a night market food tour

And, of course, if you love food, one of the best things to do in Bangkok is take a guided food tour by tuk-tuk. This one will take you to some of the most famous night market food stalls, all while giving you a rich history of the incredible food of Thailand. It’s the number one tour I recommend to all of my friends. You’ll also get a chance to visit the biggest flower market in the country (and one of my favorite places in Bangkok).

Museums & Galleries

Bangkok is a city rich in history, and in the past, I’ve spent my time learning about it through food tours and visiting temples. However, I’ve recently decided to explore the museums and galleries that Bangkok has to offer as well. Here are a few additions to consider if you’re looking for unique and unforgettable things to do in Bangkok. 

Tour the Bangkok National Museum

The Bangkok National Museum is a former royal palace that has been converted into a museum. It’s housed in the former Front Palace (Wang Na), and it was the first public museum in Thailand. To this day, it’s one of the largest museums in Southeast Asia.

They have three permanent galleries:

• The Thai History Gallery, which covers the nation’s evolution.
• The Archaeological and Art History Galleries, which span from prehistoric artifacts to Bangkok-era sculptures
• The Decorative Arts and Ethnological Collection showcases royal regalia, textiles, musical instruments, and weapons.

The museum offers free tours twice a week (on Wednesdays and Thursdays), and the entrance fee is 200 baht.

Explore the Museum of Siam

The Museum of Siam is not your typical museum. It’s housed in a building that used to be the Ministry of Commerce, and it’s actually a ‘discovery museum’ that’s designed to bring Thai identity to life through multimedia, hands-on displays, and immersive zones. The flagship exhibition, “Decoding Thainess,” takes you through the entirety of Thai history and what it’s like to be Thai. If you only have time to visit one museum, I recommend this one! Entrance costs 100 baht.  

See contemporary art at MOCA Bangkok

The Museum of Contemporary Art in Bangkok is a must-see for anyone interested in art, featuring over 800 paintings spread across five floors. MOCA features diverse galleries where you can expect to see a wide range of Thai themes. After visiting art museums around the world, this was the first one I’d visited in Southeast Asia, and I loved being able to see the diverse art being created here. 

Dive into history at the Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall

This is a very funny museum, which is once again, not really like a typical museum at all. Here you can expect to find a lot of technology, including VR and games, to show you what life was like in Bangkok from 1782 to the present day. You can wander through nine themed zones that include the Grandeur Rattanakosin (Rama I’s founding era), Royal Performances, Modern Rattanakosin, and The Heart and Soul of the Nation. Each room offers a bite-sized taste of history in a way that never ceases to be engaging.

I recommend doing the guided tour, which takes 2 hours. And the entrance costs 100 baht.

Nature, Parks & Wellness

Need to escape the chaos and noise? Luckily, there are plenty of places where you can do that in Bangkok. One of the things I love about the city is how easily it is to escape the hustle and bustle. From quiet, luxurious spas to huge parks and botanical gardens, there are plenty of things to do in Bangkok if you want to get away from the city. 

Explore the Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park and Botanical Garden

This park and botanical gardens are often referred to as the ‘Green Lung’ of Bangkok, and when you’re there, you’ll truly feel like you’ve escaped the city altogether. I am a huge fan of botanical gardens around the world, and Bangkok’s doesn’t disappoint. Wander through themed areas like the mangrove groves, herb gardens, tropical rainforests, lotus ponds, and an orchid nursery. 

Do yoga or Muay Thai at a local studio

I’ve done both, and depending on which one you choose… you’ll have a very different experience. If you’d like to relax, consider signing up for a yoga class. However, if you want something truly authentic, try a Muay Thai class. It was one thing that absolutely kicked my butt, but I had so much fun doing it. Be prepared to laugh at yourself and give it your all. It’s incredible how sweaty you can get in just one session. 

Visit the Bangkok Butterfly Garden and Insectarium

The other thing I love as much as a botanical garden is a butterfly garden. We’ve visited several in Southeast Asia, and they’re always breathtaking. The Bangkok Butterfly Garden is situated within Queen Sirikit Park, which is also worth visiting on its own. The lush garden is home to hundreds of colorful butterflies fluttering freely around a habitat that’s been designed to mimic a rainforest.

This is the perfect place to escape the heat and chaos of Bangkok, even just for an hour. 

Relax with a traditional Thai massage at Wat Pho

Wat Pho is the birthplace of Thai massage! So, of course, it’s the perfect place to retreat for a massage after your Muay Thai class. Trust me, your muscles will be thanking you for this one. The peaceful temple setting just adds to the overall experience here. It’s one of the nicest places to get a massage in Bangkok, but be sure to arrive early, as there’s always a line for the massages.

Be pampered for hours at Oasis Spa Sukhumvit 31

Finally, for pure bliss, visit one of my favorite spas in the city. I recommend booking a full day of pampering before you head off to your next destination. The facials, massages, body scrubs, and wraps are all incredible and so relaxing at Oasis Spa. And compared to what you’d pay back home, they’re incredibly reasonably priced as well. 

Take a stroll or paddleboat ride in Lumphini Park

Lumphini Park is definitely Bangkok’s most iconic park. It’s located directly in the heart of the city, so it’s easy to escape into. You can walk the endless walking paths, rent a paddle boat, or take a picnic and watch for monitor lizards. You might even stumble upon free group lessons of yoga or tai chi if you’re lucky.

Rooftop Bars & Views

You cannot go to Bangkok without visiting a rooftop bar! I won’t allow it. Even if you don’t drink, I highly recommend going just for the experience, and you’ll be able to find plenty of nonalcoholic options on the menus these days. Rooftop bars are such an iconic part of Bangkok. Here are just a few that are worth checking out. 

Sip cocktails at Vertigo Rooftop Bar (Banyan Tree Hotel)

Located at the top of the Banyan Tree Hotel, Vertigo offers breathtaking 360-degree views of Bangkok, paired with expertly crafted cocktails. They have an open-air setting that’s perfect for a sunset drink or a stop on your glamorous night out. I love going out at night to see the city lights twinkle below.  

Catch city lights from Tichuca Rooftop Bar

Tichuca Rooftop Bar is similar to Vertigo in that it’s at the top of a very tall building, giving you the iconic view of a glittering Bangkok beneath you. I always recommend that people take a bar crawl through Bangkok, trying all the iconic rooftop bars until they find their favorite.

Enjoy drinks with a river view at Sala Rattanakosin

You’ll find Sala Rattanakosin along the Chao Phraya River, and its rooftop bar is the best place to view War Arun from afar. It’s actually in a beautiful location, where you can sip on a refreshing cocktail and soak in the serene riverside of Bangkok. This is definitely the place to go if you’re looking for a more laid-back evening. 

Watch the sunset from Sky Bar at Lebua State Tower

This bar is silly and very touristy, but if you’re looking for fun things to do in Bangkok, I recommend checking it out for one drink. Famous for its appearance in The Hangover Part II, Sky Bar offers one of Bangkok’s most iconic sunset views. Make sure to get a signature cocktail and watch the city change colors. It’s sure to be an unforgettable experience. 

Hidden Gems & Experiences

Catch a traditional Thai puppet show

Going to a traditional Thai puppet show in Bangkok will give you a glimpse into Thailand’s unique cultural heritage. Traditional Thai puppet shows combine intricate puppetry, classical music, and storytelling to bring ancient folktales and myths to life. Venues like the Joe Louis Puppet Theatre and the Artist’s House (Baan Silapin) in Bangkok regularly host traditional shows, often accompanied by live piphat (Thai classical) music.

Wander the flower market (Pak Khlong Talad)

This is Bangkok’s largest and busiest flower market – and it’s definitely the largest flower market that I’ve been to in the world. It’s open 24 hours, something that I’ve not seen anywhere else in the world, and I recommend going later at night because it’s such a unique experience. I personally love wandering through the flower market for photography and people-watching. 

Take a Longtail Boat Tour through the Thonburi Canals

Welcome to the Venice of Bangkok. Thonburi, on the west side of the Chao Phraya River, is crisscrossed with historic canals (khlongs) that offer a glimpse into traditional riverside life far from the busy city streets. Glide past wooden stilt houses, local markets, temples, and lush greenery, seeing a side of Bangkok many tourists miss. It’s peaceful, scenic, and culturally rich. Here’s one tour you can book. 

See Loha Prasat at Wat Ratchanadda (also known as the Metal Castle)

Loha Prasat stands out as one of the only metal-spired buildings in the world, with its 37 spires representing the 37 virtues toward enlightenment in Buddhist teachings. It was built in the early 19th century and shares a blend of Sri Lankan, Indian, and Thai architectural influences. It’s one of the most peaceful temples I’ve visited in Bangkok, offering a sense of calm that you don’t often find at other temples.

Where to Stay in Bangkok

Now, to answer the age-old question of where to stay in Bangkok. I’ve stayed all over the city, so I’m going to share some of my favorite hotels. One of the beautiful things about Bangkok is that it’s actually very easy to navigate. You can take the BTS or hop on the back of a scooter and be anywhere you need to go fairly easily. The only thing I would avoid is taking a taxi if possible. Then you will find yourself stuck in traffic for hours. But there are plenty of ways to get around without a taxi. 

Here’s my quick guide to Bangkok’s neighborhoods

1. Sukhumvit

• Bustling nightlife, trendy restaurants, and luxury shopping
• Easy BTS Skytrain access for exploring the city

2. Silom

• Financial district by day, vibrant nightlife by night (think Patpong Night Market)
• Close to Lumpini Park for green space and outdoor activities

3. Siam

• Bangkok’s shopping hub with mega malls like MBK, Siam Paragon, and CentralWorld

4. Old City (Rattanakosin)

• The historic heart of Bangkok, with landmarks like the Grand Palace and Wat Pho
• Rich in temples, museums, and cultural heritage sites

5. Chatuchak

• Home to the massive Chatuchak Weekend Market
• Green spaces like Chatuchak Park and Queen Sirikit Park

6. Ari

• Hip, laid-back area with trendy cafes and boutique shops
• Popular with locals and expats for a more relaxed vibe

7. Riverside

• Scenic views along the Chao Phraya River
• Luxury hotels and cultural sites like Wat Arun and the Iconsiam mall

Obviously, there are even more neighborhoods than that in Bangkok, but those are the ones that I’ve either stayed in or explored at some point.

Here are some hotels/hostels that I can recommend:

Find more hotels in Bangkok:

Optional Additional Activities in Bangkok

As you can see, there are so many things to do in Bangkok. You can easily spend a year here without running out of unique experiences, amazing food, and stunning spas to explore. Before you go, here are just a few more tours that I’ve done and loved in Bangkok.

• Midnight Food Tour by TukTuk (I highly recommend this for solo travelers!)
• Damneon Saduak and Maeklong Railway Markets
• Ayutthaya Temple Tour

Exploring more of Thailand? Be sure to read my guides for diving, beach hopping, and exploring the islands across the southern part of the country.

If you’re traveling around Southeast Asia, make sure to check out some of my other guides when planning your trip. 

• Island Hopping in the Gulf of Thailand
• How to Spend a Week in Koh Samui
• Diving Guide to Koh Tao
• Where to Stay in Koh Tao (The Ultimate Guide)

And if you need help planning your first visit to Bangkok, make sure to read that guide next. 

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