16 Best Things to Do in Bangkok (That You’ll Actually Love)

Posted on April 28, 2025 | Julie J. |

Bangkok was one of those places I wasn’t sure I’d love — but it completely won me over.

Between the glittering temples, the endless street food stalls, the chaos of the markets, and the peaceful corners hidden in the middle of the city, Bangkok is full of contrasts in the best way possible.

I spent 4 days exploring as much of the city as I could, trying different neighborhoods, markets, and experiences. Some places completely blew me away, others were a little disappointing — but that’s part of the adventure.

In this guide, I’m sharing the best things to do in Bangkok based on my own trip, with honest tips to help you plan yours. Whether it’s your first time in Thailand or you’re coming back for more, these are the experiences you don’t want to miss!

1 – Visit the Grand Palace

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Grand Palace (2)

Visiting the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is a must-do while in Bangkok.

The temple is one of the most beautiful I’ve seen in Thailand so far. Just be prepared for it to be really crowded. I visited in September, so during the low season, and it was packed! I would recommend trying to get as early as you can.

Note that you can only visit the temple, the palace is closed to visitors. I honestly was a bit disappointed, especially as the entrance fee is pretty steep.

Tip: Wear pants or a long skirt and a top that covers your shoulders, they won’t allow you in if you use a sarong to cover up.

2 – Try the Food at the Chinatown Night Market

Starting at around 5 PM, people start to turn Chinatown’s streets into a giant open-air night market where food is the focus. You can pretty much try whatever your heart wants, from classic Pad Thais to crunchy crickets.

If you visit Chinatown during the day, you’ll find a more regular market where you can try some local fruits. You can also stop by the Chinese Buddhist Temple of Mangkon Kamalawat.

3 – Check out a “Floating” Market

Khlong Lat Mayom, Floating Market in Bangkok

There are many “floating” markets that you can visit in Bangkok, mostly during the weekends. I visited Khlong Lat Mayom and loved it. However, the floating markets in Bangkok, don’t have much “floating” going on anymore.

When I was there, there were only 2 sellers on boats. If you look at reviews for all the floating markets in Bangkok, you’ll notice, none have boat stalls. But, they do offer boat rides along the canals.

I headed to Khlong Lat Mayom market for breakfast and loved it. It’s huge with many stalls selling produce, ready-to-eat food, clothes, souvenirs, antiques… All the shops seem to be selling handmade stuff/be craftsman shops.

4 – Visit the Temples

There are so many temples to visit in Bangkok that it can feel overwhelming. I recommend picking 3 to 4 temples and not trying to see them all.

I visited Wat Arun, it’s quite unique and different from most temples in Thailand, Wat Phra Chetuphon, known for its huge reclining Buddha, and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, mentioned above.

5 – Explore the National Museum Bangkok

I’ve actually started my trip with a visit to the National Museum Bangkok, which is a great place to learn more about Buddhism in Thailand and the country’s history.

It has several buildings that you should visit in chronological order (they’ll give you a map, and each room is numbered).

Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

6 – Cruise along the Chao Phraya River

View of the MahaNakhon Tower from the Chao Phraya River

While you can book a cruise or a hop-on-hop-off boat ride, I recommend skipping that and just using the public water taxi. It’s way cheaper and super convenient. You can use it to get around Bangkok or just take it from one end to another.

It will take you past many of the city highlights and you’ll get to see many of the iconic buildings (like the MahaNakhon Tower).

You can also ride it at night to see the illuminated temples and buildings along the waterfront or book a longtail boat ride to explore the city’s many canals.

7 – Enjoy the nightlife on Khao San Road

The famous backpacker district of Bangkok is filled with bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. Even if you’re not into clubbing, you can check out the night market and walk around. Right across Khao San Road, check out Soi Ram Buttri, another lively street.

8 – Get lost in Chatuchak Market

If you happen to be in Bangkok during the weekend, don’t miss the Chatuchak Market. It’s huge and you can find pretty much everything here, from a puppy to a new couch. There’s a section with second-hand clothing worth checking out, as well as a “spa” section where you can get cosmetics and beauty products.

I bought some spices there. There are a couple of shops selling dry herbs (if you like Thai food get some Kefir Lime leaves) as well as ready-to-use paste to make Tom Yum, Panang, Pad Thai… It’s not the cheapest you can find, but it’s convenient.

There’s an area inside with food, but I actually stumbled upon a great buffet-style vegetarian restaurant just outside the market called Vegetarian Society, which I highly recommend. It was delicious and super cheap.

9 – See the Street Art in Talat Noi

Baan Chim Cha Tea House in Talat Noi, Bangkok

Talat Noi is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Bangkok. It’s super cute and is known for its street art and tea houses.

The area is pretty small, so you can just walk around and see everything easily. Focus on the small streets between the Chao Phraya River and Soi Wanit 2.

A super cool place I wanted to check out, Baan Rim Naam, was unfortunately closed for renovation. It looks super cozy with great views of the river, so stop by if you’re visiting to see if they have reopened.

Two great tea houses to check out are Baan Chim Cha (my favorite) and Citizen Tea Canteen. For coffee, Hong Sieng Kong and Mother Roaster are must-try.

10 – Stroll Around Lumphini Park

If you need some greenery, go for a stroll at Lumphini Park, one of the most popular parks in Bangkok. It features a beautiful lake surrounded by walking paths and tall buildings. You can also bike there or rent a “duck” paddle to go around the lake.

11 – Explore Little India

Known for its market and Indian street food, visiting Little India is one of the best things to do in Bangkok. It’s best to either visit in the morning when all the shops are open, or in the evening for the street food.

Don’t miss visiting Siri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara.

12 – Take a Thai Cooking Class

If you love Thai food (and who doesn’t?), why not learn how to make it yourself? Bangkok offers tons of cooking classes where you can learn to prepare classics like Pad Thai, Tom Yum soup, and Green Curry from scratch. Many classes start with a trip to a local market to shop for fresh ingredients, which is a fun experience on its own. I took a class at Tingly Thai Cooking School, and it was honestly one of the highlights of my trip. Plus, you’ll take home some serious skills to impress your friends back home!

13 – See a Muay Thai Fight

Muay Thai, Thailand’s national sport, is an intense and thrilling experience to watch live. Even if you’re not usually into fighting sports, the energy during a Muay Thai match is infectious. Fights are often accompanied by traditional music and rituals, making it not just a sporting event but a full cultural experience.

You can catch matches at places like Rajadamnern Stadium or Lumpinee Boxing Stadium. I booked a ticket online ahead of time to be sure to get a good seat — highly recommend! Some places even offer beginner classes if you want to give it a try yourself.

14 – Go Shopping at one of Bangkok’s Malls

Bangkok has some of the biggest and most luxurious malls in Asia — and they’re an experience in themselves! Even if you’re not a big shopper, it’s worth visiting at least one.

Siam Paragon is probably the most famous one, filled with luxury brands, a giant food court, and even an aquarium. MBK Center is more budget-friendly and chaotic, great for bargain hunting. Terminal 21 is another fun one — each floor is themed after a different city around the world.

If you’re into more artsy or local designer stuff, EmQuartier, Icon Siam, and Siam Discovery are also worth checking out. Plus, Bangkok malls are air-conditioned, so they offer a great break from the heat!

15 – Visit Jim Thompson House

If you’re looking for a quieter, more cultural experience in the middle of Bangkok’s chaos, don’t miss the Jim Thompson House. Jim Thompson was an American businessman who helped revive the Thai silk industry in the 1950s. His home — a stunning traditional Thai-style house built from six historic teak buildings — is now a museum.

The guided tour (which is included in your ticket) is really informative and gives you a glimpse into traditional Thai architecture and art. Plus, the house is surrounded by lush gardens that feel like a hidden oasis in the city.

16 – Check Out the Rooftop Bar Scene

Bangkok has one of the best rooftop bar scenes in the world. Watching the sun set over the city from a sky-high bar is an unforgettable experience. Even if you’re not into nightlife, grabbing a cocktail or a soda while soaking in the 360° views is totally worth it.

Lebua Sky Bar (famous from The Hangover Part II) is probably the most iconic, but there are plenty of options. Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar, Vertigo & Moon Bar Rooftop, and Above Riva are a few others to check out.

Tip: Dress codes are usually strictly enforced (no flip-flops, no shorts), so make sure you dress up a little if you plan to visit one!

Bonus: Easy Day Trips from Bangkok

If you have a few extra days in Bangkok and want to see more of Thailand, there are some awesome day trips you can take from the city:

Ayutthaya — Explore the ancient ruins of Thailand’s old capital, full of crumbling temples and giant Buddha statues. It’s only about an hour and a half away.
Maeklong Railway Market — Visit the famous market where vendors pull back their stalls as a train passes right through the middle. It’s chaotic and very cool to see!
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market — One of the most famous (and still pretty lively) floating markets near Bangkok. It’s very touristy but still a fun experience if you haven’t seen one before.
Erawan Waterf alls — If you’re up for a longer adventure, head to Erawan National Park to swim in beautiful turquoise waterfalls surrounded by jungle.

Travel Tips for Visiting Bangkok

Before you go, here are a few helpful tips that can make your time in Bangkok even smoother — and help you avoid some common mistakes first-time visitors make.

Dress Respectfully for Temples
When visiting temples, make sure to cover your shoulders and knees. Some places provide rental sarongs, but it’s easier to bring a lightweight scarf or long pants. – See my guide on proper etiquette for visiting temples.
Mind the Heat
Bangkok is hot and humid almost year-round. Carry water with you, wear light clothes, and take advantage of malls, cafés, and the BTS (Skytrain) for quick AC breaks.
Use Public Transport
The BTS (Skytrain) and MRT (subway) are super efficient and cheap ways to get around the city without getting stuck in traffic. Taxis are cheap too, but always insist on using the meter!
Download Grab
Grab (Southeast Asia’s version of Uber) is very useful if you need to get somewhere and don’t want to deal with haggling. It’s also great for food delivery if you just want a chill night in.
Carry Cash
While most malls and larger restaurants accept cards, a lot of street food stalls, small shops, and markets are cash-only. ATMs are everywhere, but withdrawal fees can be high, so plan ahead.
Be Aware of Scams
Bangkok is generally safe, but tourist scams do exist (like tuk-tuk drivers offering “special tours” or saying temples are “closed” when they’re not). A polite but firm “no thanks” usually does the trick.
Tipping Isn’t Mandatory, But Appreciated
In restaurants, it’s common to round up the bill or leave small change. For massages or taxis, tipping is appreciated but not required.
Respect Local Customs
Always be polite (a smile goes a long way) and avoid touching anyone’s head. Also, it’s considered very disrespectful to point your feet at people or religious objects.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Bangkok

Bangkok is such a vibrant, chaotic, and colorful city that it can feel overwhelming at times — but that’s exactly what makes it so special. Whether you’re exploring ornate temples, stuffing yourself with street food, or just getting lost down tiny alleyways full of hidden gems, there’s always something to discover.

If I can give you just one piece of advice: don’t try to do everything at once. Pick a few things that really interest you, leave room for wandering, and let the city surprise you. Trust me, Bangkok has a way of turning unexpected moments into the best memories.

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