Things to do

Things to do in Bangkok: the must-sees and our tips

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Wat Arun temple lit up at night in Bangkok
Contents

In short: start with the great temples of the Old Town (the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun), take a boat on the Chao Phraya and its canals, taste the street food of Chinatown, browse Chatuchak market at the weekend and end the day at a rooftop bar. Add Ayutthaya as a day trip.

The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew

The former royal residence, the Grand Palace, is home to Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the most sacred in the country. Arrive at opening time to avoid the heat and the crowds. Modest dress is compulsory (shoulders and legs covered). Beware of strangers outside who claim the palace is “closed today”: it’s a classic scam.

Wat Pho and Wat Arun

A few minutes’ walk away, Wat Pho is home to the huge Reclining Buddha and a famous Thai massage school, where you can get a massage. Across the river, Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, is a few minutes away by ferry; it is magnificent at sunset.

The river and the canals

Chao Phraya Express boats link the major sights along the river, with no traffic jams. To discover another side of Bangkok, take a long-tail boat ride through the canals (khlongs) of Thonburi, lined with stilt houses and small temples.

Chinatown and street food

In the evening, Yaowarat Road lights up with neon and fills with stalls: noodles, seafood, desserts and fresh fruit. Bangkok is one of the world’s street food capitals: follow the crowds to the busiest stalls.

The markets

  • Chatuchak, one of the largest markets in the world, mainly at weekends: clothes, crafts, plants, food.
  • Night markets, for eating and browsing after the heat of the day.
  • Floating markets (Damnoen Saduak, Amphawa) and the Maeklong railway market, as a day trip.

Modern Bangkok

  • Jim Thompson House, a beautiful traditional teak home with a collection of Asian art.
  • Lumphini Park, the city’s green lung, where large monitor lizards roam.
  • Rooftop bars: many bars and restaurants offer spectacular views of the city at night.
  • Thai boxing (muay thai), to watch at one of the city’s big stadiums.

Day trips from Bangkok

  • Ayutthaya, the kingdom’s former capital, and its ruined temples, a World Heritage Site.
  • The floating markets and Maeklong market.
  • Kanchanaburi and the Bridge on the River Kwai, for a longer day.

Getting around

The BTS (Skytrain), the MRT (metro) and boats are the fastest options. Ride-hailing apps show the fare upfront; in a tuk-tuk, agree on the price before getting in. From the airport, a private transfer takes you straight to your hotel.

Where to stay in Bangkok

Sukhumvit or Siam for a convenient first visit, the riverside for charm, the Old Town for the temples: every area is detailed in our guide Where to stay in Bangkok.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need in Bangkok?

Three days let you see the great temples, the river, Chinatown and a big market. Add a day for Ayutthaya or the floating markets.

What should I wear to visit the Grand Palace?

Modest dress is required: shoulders covered, trousers or a long skirt, nothing see-through. The rules are strictly enforced at the entrance.

When is Chatuchak market open?

The big Chatuchak market is mainly open at weekends. Come early in the morning, before the heat and the crowds.