Best Things to Do in Bangkok: Top Attractions, Sightseeing and Vacation Guide

5. Thailand’s Capital City Offers So Many Incredible Things To See & Do

Bangkok is one of those cities that offers a multitude of things to see and do no matter what type of vacation you are planning. The city of 5.1 million (11.5 million in the metro area) has an enviable reputation for delectable food, fascinating cultural attractions, an abundance of shopping possibilities, and a nightlife that extends into the wee hours. Perhaps best known for its temples, dining scene, museums, and floating markets, this is a destination that needs four or five days to see the top sights, and a day or two longer for specific standout attractions that interest you. Keep in mind that the weather is typically hot and humid, so rushing about town won’t be something you want to do. Taken at a comfortable pace with plenty of time to stop for street food (the options are limitless!) and perhaps a mid-day rest, you will find this colorful and energetic city will have you asking why it has taken so long for you to visit.

5. Top Bangkok Tourist Attractions

5. Asiatique The Riverfront

Envision a bustling complexset on the Chao Phraya River complete with a shopping mall, restaurants, a nighttime bazaar, and a variety of entertainment and you’ve got one of Bangkok’s most popular destinations for locals and visitors alike. By repurposing the docks of the former East Asiatic Company, a modern warehouse-style area has been created that offers an incredible array of things to do. Ride the 60-meter high Ferris wheel, take some dazzling sunset photos, dine in one of many Thai and international restaurants offering both street food and sit-down experiences, check out the well-known Calypso Cabaret dance show, or shop in the many boutiques and pop-up stands set-up by local vendors. Admission is free and Asiatique is open daily until 2 a.m. The complex is more colorful at night, and the weather is cooler too, but families with little ones may prefer coming during the day or early evening.

5. Bangkok Nightlife

Bangkok is known for its vibrant nightlife. Two of the most popular areas with tourists are Khao San Road and Silom. Khao San is a 400-meter/one-quarter mile long stretch that is packed with bars, night clubs, street food, market stalls, and numerous hostels. It has been coined the “Backpacker Capital of the Universe” due to the abundant cheap accommodations in the neighborhood, and the proliferation of small travel agencies where trips throughout Thailand can be booked. Silom is one of several central districts in Bangkok which is known for its combination of modern business towers, parks, nightlife, and ease of access via mass transit.

5. Chao Phraya River Cruise

Cruising through the heart of Bangkok is a relaxing way to see many of this energetic city’s famous landmarks. While there are daytime, evening, and nighttime cruises, Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), the Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew, ICONSIAM, and the Rama VIII Bridge are night-lit if you choose to sail after dark. Multiple companies offer cruises from various starting points which offer a full dinner, sunset cruises that are less expensive with light food options, and daytime sightseeing cruises with no food but beverages for purchase and a quieter vibe. Check out the ChaoPhraya Princess Cruise, Grand Pearl Cruise, and Manohra Dinner Cruises. Whatever time of day you choose to cruise, you will view numerous temples, palaces, and Bangkok’s skyline from the water.

5. Chatuchak Weekend Market

With more than 15,000, yes, 15,000 stalls selling everything imaginable including arts, crafts, antiques, clothing, souvenirs, and even pets, this weekends-only outdoor market is a must-see Bangkok experience. Of course, there is also a seemingly endless array of food stalls where you can sample incredible specialties from all over the country.

5. Erawan Museum

With its primary purpose of preserving Asian art and cultural heritage along with religious artifacts, the Erawan Museum is best known for the three giant white elephants at the center of the complex. Mythologically representing the Underworld, Human World, and Heaven, visitors climb a stunning spiral staircase to view ancient images of Buddha and celestial art, an eye-popping stained-glass dome, and an extensive array of antiques, Naga serpent art, set amid soft lighting for atmospheric ambiance.

5. Floating Markets

One of Bangkok’s top attractions are the numerous floating markets that sell a tantalizing array of goods from boats and nearby stalls along the various waterways. You may choose to travel to a particular market on your own by bus or taxi or might prefer taking a half or full-day organized tour via air-conditioned motorcoach. The most famous of these venues is the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market located 100 kilometers/62 miles southwest of central Bangkok but still where visitors from all around the world congregate. Sample freshly cooked dishes, purchase local fruits and vegetables, and handmade Thai garments. Other popular floating markets include Talingchan which is close to central Bangkok, and Amphawa Floating Market, 80 kilometers to the southwest of downtown, which is considered by many to be the most picturesque and authentic market.

5. The Giant Swing

Located in front of Wat Suthat, one of Bangkok’s most important temples, this ceremonial swing is (21 meters/69 feet tall) is a religious structure in the Sao Chingcha district. The swing was built in 1784 and is conveniently nearby the Grand Palace, Wat Saket, and Old City sightseeing.

5. The Grand Palace & Temple of the Emerald Buddha

Bangkok’s #1 attraction is also the most important temple in Thailand. This must-see attraction was built in 1782 and is home to the sacred Emerald Buddha. Be sure to see not only the Emerald Buddha Temple, but also the throne hall and other palaces on the grounds, several of which feature astounding gold architecture.

5. Jim Thompson House Museum

Yes, the Jim Thompson House Museum is a popular cultural attraction in Bangkok, Thailand. Built by an American silk entrepreneur, tickets can only be purchased on-site. Featuring spectacular lush gardens combined with Thai history, art, design, and architecture, the museum is a welcome escape for a couple of hours from the energetic city. Thompson disappeared in 1967 in Malaysia, but his major role in saving Thailand’s silk industry has been immortalized here. The museum is comprised of six authentic teak buildings from the 19th century that were dismantled and rebuilt here. Thompson’s extensive art collection of Buddhist statues, Thai artwork, Southeast Asian art, and 16th-17th centuries Chinese blue and white porcelain are all on display here. Guided tours are offered in five languages.

Bangkok’s museums are plentiful and world-class, with these being some of our favorites beyond the one’s detailed in this list: National Museum Bangkok for Thai history and royal artifacts; Bangkok Art & Culture Centre for Thai modern art and traveling contemporary art exhibitions; Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) for magnificent private art collections, beautiful galleries, a few indoor comfortable hours of Thai modern away from the heat.

5. Phra Sumen Fort

One of two original defensive forts remaining that protected Bangkok in the late 18th century, the fort’s location in Santi Chai Prakan Park alongside the Chao Phraya River has become a spot favored by tourists and locals for a superb photo opportunity. Visitors can also learn about the historical significance of the complete system of 14 forts that once guarded the city. The fort has been restored and is a beautiful relic of the past.

5. Rooftop Bars

which offer beautiful views from high above have become a mainstay in cities around the globe, and Bangkok is no exception. Recommended places to have a beverage or bite to eat while looking out in awe at the lights down below include the Sky Bar by lebua, Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar, and Vertigo. Sky Bar is located on the 64th floor of The Dome at lebua, Octave is high atop the Bangkok Marriott Hotel in the Sukhumvit district, and Vertigo overlooks Bangkok from the 61st floor of the Banyan Tree building in Sathon.

5. Safari World Bangkok

Best split over two days, Safari World offers Marine Park and Safari Park which are two different experiences. Safari Park allows visitors to see animals from their personal car or a park tour bus during a 45 minute drive-through “safari”. Animals (lions, Bengal tigers, zebra, giraffes, rhinos, cheetahs, bears, crocodiles, etc.) roam throughout the park within natural habitats. On the other hand, Marine Park is a more traditional zoo with animal shows, static exhibits, and fun-to-watch feeding sessions. This walk-through area of Safari World Bangkok features dolphins, sea lions, birds, aquariums, and themed shows. The complex, 35 minutes by car from central Bangkok, also features a lush botanical garden.

5. SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World

Enormous is an understatement when it comes to the size of this venue. SEA LIFE is located on the basement floor of the Siam Paragon Mall, one of Southeast Asia’s premier destinations for upscale shopping. SEA LIFE is home to hundreds of marine species and is particularly known for its penguin ice exhibit, coral reefs, rainforest habitats, sea turtles, and shark tunnel. Families especially enjoy visiting, often combining the aquarium with a movie at the cinema complex or a special meal. The BTS Siam train station is directly connected so getting lost isn’t an issue.

5. Chinatown’s Street Food

is an unforgettable experience and widely considered one of the top street-food districts in the world. Some of the family-run stalls here have been operating for 60+ years, and there are even some Michelin Bib Gourmand award-winning vendors here. Known locally as Yaowarat, visitors can enjoy freshly grilled seafood, a diverse array of classic Thai and Chinese dishes, as well as Thai desserts. Because the food is so delicious and affordable, expect large crowds consisting of not only tourists, but plenty of local residents. The neighborhood sparkles at night with neon-lit signs, and there are Chinese temples here, too. There are also plenty of traditional medicine shops, and gold jewelry is widely available. You can graze your way through Chinatown sampling wok-fried noodles, mango sticky rice and Chinese doughnuts, or opt to dine indoors at a seafood or dumpling specialty restaurant.

5. Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

especially spectacular at sunrise and sunset, is a riverside temple whose spires are covered with porcelain and seashell mosaics that sparkle from above. One of Bangkok’s iconic sights on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, this Theravada Buddhist temple is named for the Hindu god of dawn. Built in the 17th century, the famous prang wasn’t built under the early 19th century when Rama II and Rama III were reigning. This temple is definitely included in our list of top things to see in Bangkok.

5. Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)

houses the 46-meter long (150 feet) and 15-meter high (50 feet) Reclining Buddha. This is one of the most historic temples in Bangkok and is situated immediately south of the Grand Palace in the Phra Nakhon district. Considered to be a first-class royal temple, Wat Pho is home to one of the largest collections of Buddha paintings and photos in all of Thailand. This is also where Thailand’s oldest massage school is located.

5. Top-rated Places To Stay In Bangkok

Determining where to stay in a new destination is rarely easy, but we have found over the years that the hotel booking website Travelated, with nearly 900 Bangkok properties available, is the best place to start your search. More often than not it’ll also be the only site you will need to find a great price at the perfect hotel for you and your traveling companion, or perhaps the entire family. Travelated’s selection is second to none, their prices are extremely competitive, and navigating the website is so easy.

Here are some of our favorite Bangkok hotels for you to consider, though there are many more we also recommend depending on what area of the city you’d like to stay in, your budget, and if you are seeking luxury or something that is plenty comfortable, but not extravagant.

5. Bangkok Hotels Rated Five Stars

1. Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok by IHG

Address: 78 Soi Tonson Lumpini Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330, TH

Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok by IHG

2. The Peninsula Bangkok

Address: 333 Charoennakorn Road, Bangkok, 10600, TH

The Peninsula Bangkok

3. Park Hyatt Bangkok

Address: Central Embassy, 88 Wireless Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, Bangkok Metropolitan, Bangkok, 10330, TH

Park Hyatt Bangkok

4. Avani Plus Riverside Bangkok Hotel

Address: 257 Charoennakorn Road, Thonburi, Bangkok, 10600, TH

Avani Plus Riverside Bangkok Hotel

5. Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit

Address: 189 Sukhumvit Road, Soi 13 - 15,Klongtoey-Nua, Wattana, Bangkok, 10110, TH

Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit

5. Bangkok Hotels Rated Four Stars

1. 1905 Heritage Corner

Address: 68 Phraeng Phuthon Road San Chao Por Suea, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, 10200, TH

1905 Heritage Corner

2. dusitD2 Samyan Bangkok

Address: 333 Si Phraya Road Khwaeng Si Phraya, Bangkok, 10500, TH

dusitD2 Samyan Bangkok

3. Ten Six Hundred, Chao Phraya, Bangkok by Preference, managed by The Ascott Limited

Address: 29 /2 Soi Charoen Nakhon 39, Bang Lamphu Lang, Khlong San, Bangkok 10600, Bangkok, 10600, TH

Ten Six Hundred, Chao Phraya, Bangkok by Preference, managed by The Ascott Limited

4. Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong by Marriott

Address: 111 Ratchadamri Road, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok, 10330, TH

Moxy Bangkok Ratchaprasong by Marriott

5. At Residence Suvarnabhumi Hotel

Address: At Residence Suvarnabhumi 458/4-8 Soi Lat Krabang 24/1, Lat Krabang Road, Bangkok, Bangkok, 10520, TH

At Residence Suvarnabhumi Hotel

5. Not To Be Overlooked, Bangkok Delivers A Fantastic Vacation

If you’re considering a visit to Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, or Malaysia, may we suggest you take a closer look at Bangkok, one of those rare cities that delivers on all aspects for a superior city vacation experience. When it comes to affordability, energy, amazing cuisine, nonstop nightlife, fascinating temples and other cultural sites, it really is difficult to surpass Bangkok. From the floating markets to golden Buddhas, Michelin level street food to rooftop lounges, you just can’t go wrong here. Come explore Bangkok, the Capital of Thailand, “The Land of Smiles”.