Bangkok hits different than any other city you’ll visit.
One minute you’re standing in a golden temple, the next you’re eating the best street food of your life for less than $2.
This guide covers the 17 must-do experiences in Bangkok, with practical tips on how to get there using the city’s excellent public transport.
Trust me, once you figure out the MRT and BTS, you’ll zip around Bangkok like a local. 😊
1. Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha)
You can’t visit Bangkok without seeing the Grand Palace. This isn’t just another temple, it’s the heart and soul of Thailand.
The complex sparkles with golden spires, intricate mosaics, and the sacred Emerald Buddha. Every surface tells a story through its decoration. You’ll need at least two hours to take it all in properly.
a. What Makes It Special
The Emerald Buddha sits high on a golden altar, and only the King can change its seasonal robes three times a year.
The surrounding buildings blend Thai and European architecture in ways you won’t see anywhere else.
Don’t miss the Ramakien murals that wrap around the entire complex. These 178 paintings tell Thailand’s national epic story.
b. Practical Tips
- Entry fee: 500 baht (includes everything)
- Hours: Daily 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM
- Dress code: Shoulders and knees must be covered. No shorts, tank tops, or tight pants
- Best time: Arrive at 8:30 AM sharp on a weekday
c. Getting There
Sanam Chai MRT Station, Exit 1.
Walk north for about 15 minutes along Sanam Chai Road. You’ll see the white palace walls on your left.
For a scenic route, take the BTS to Saphan Taksin Station, then hop on an Orange Flag boat to Tha Chang Pier. The palace entrance is a 3-minute walk from the pier.
2. Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
Wat Arun‘s towering spire covered in colorful porcelain is Bangkok’s most photographed landmark. And for good reason.
The temple looks stunning any time of day, but sunset from across the river creates pure magic.
Those millions of porcelain pieces were once ballast in Chinese trading ships, now they create rainbow patterns that change with the light.
a. Climbing the Central Spire
The steep stairs take you up for incredible views over the Chao Phraya River. You’ll see the Grand Palace and Wat Pho spread out across the water.
Look closely at the porcelain work. Each tiny piece was placed by hand centuries ago.
b. Practical Details
- Entry fee: 200 baht
- Hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily
- Dress code: Cover shoulders and knees (sarongs available for rent)
- Photo tip: Cross to the opposite bank around 5-6 PM for the classic sunset shot
c. How to Get There
Take the BTS to Saphan Taksin Station, then hop on an Orange Flag boat to Tha Tien Pier. From there, ride the short cross-river ferry (only 5 baht) straight to Wat Arun.
3. Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha)
Wat Pho feels more relaxed than the Grand Palace next door, but the 46-meter golden Reclining Buddha will stop you in your tracks.
This is also where traditional Thai massage was born. Getting a massage here after exploring the temple grounds? That’s a perfect Bangkok afternoon.
a. Must-See Highlights
The Buddha’s feet alone are 5 meters long, decorated with mother-of-pearl designs showing the 108 auspicious signs.
Drop coins into the 108 bronze bowls along the wall. The musical clanging brings good luck and helps maintain the temple.
Four colorful tiled chedis dedicated to past kings make great photo spots. Each one has different mosaic patterns.
b. Essential Info
- Entry fee: 300 baht
- Open: 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM
- Thai massage: Available on-site, authentic and affordable
- Best time: After 4 PM when tour groups leave
c. Getting There
Sanam Chai MRT Station, Exit 1.
Wat Pho is just a 5-minute walk from the station exit. It is one of the easiest major temples to reach by train.
4. Asiatique The Riverfront
Asiatique combines a night market with riverside dining in restored warehouses from the 1900s. It’s touristy but fun, especially with kids or for a relaxed evening by the river.
The 60-meter Ferris wheel lights up the riverfront. Riding it at sunset gives you amazing city views.
a. What to Do Here
- Shopping: Over 1,500 shops in themed districts
- Dining: Everything from street food to upscale restaurants on a converted tall ship
- Shows: Calypso Cabaret performs nightly
- Ferris wheel: Operates until 10 PM
b. Getting There
Saphan Taksin BTS Station, Exit 2.
Free shuttle boats run from Sathorn Pier (under the station) from 4:00 PM to 11:30 PM. The boat ride takes 10 minutes and is part of the experience.
5. Chinatown (Yaowarat)
Yaowarat Road at night is sensory overload in the best way. Neon signs, sizzling woks, and crowds hunting for the city’s best street food.
This is where Bangkok locals come to eat. Follow the longest queues, that’s where you’ll find the good stuff.
a. Food You Can’t Miss
- Lek & Rut: Classic sidewalk restaurant with plastic stools serving authentic wok-fried dishes
- T&K Seafood: Another legendary sidewalk spot where locals go for fresh seafood cooked to order
- Yaowarat toasted bread stalls: Multiple vendors sell this sweet-filled bread, but the ones with the longest queues are worth the wait
- Century-old dim sum shops: Look for the old shophouses with steamer baskets stacked high
- Bird’s nest soup vendors: If you’re feeling adventurous, several traditional shops serve this delicacy
b. Beyond the Food
Start at Wat Traimit to see the 5.5-ton solid gold Buddha, then walk into Chinatown as the neon lights up.
Explore the narrow alleys for Chinese medicine shops, gold dealers, and hidden temples.
c. Practical Tips
- Best time: 6 PM to midnight for street food
- Bring cash: Most vendors don’t take cards
d. Getting There
Wat Mangkon MRT Station, Exit 1.
You’re in Chinatown within 3 minutes.
6. Banthat Thong Road
This street near the universities has become Bangkok’s newest food hotspot. Less touristy than Yaowarat, more Michelin-recognized stalls, and packed with students.
You’ll find legendary local restaurants next to trendy dessert cafes. The viral “June Pang” thick toast lives up to the hype.
a. What to Eat
- Jeh O Chula instant noodles (expect queues)
- Traditional sukiyaki at Louis Long
- Braised duck at Tang Sui Heng
- Every possible Thai dessert you can imagine
b. Getting There
National Stadium BTS Station, Exit 2.
Walk for about 10 minutes. The food really gets going after 6 PM.
7. Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen
This temple has Bangkok’s newest giant Buddha (69 meters tall) and a psychedelic emerald glass stupa that looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movie.
Most tourists miss this one, so you’ll share it mainly with locals. The cosmic ceiling painting above the green glass pagoda is absolutely wild.
a. Don’t Miss
- The giant Buddha visible from blocks away
- The emerald glass pagoda on the 5th floor (incredible for photos)
- Feeding fish in the canal for good merit
b. Getting There
Bang Phai MRT Station, Exit 1.
Walk about 10-12 minutes. You’ll see the massive Buddha rising above the neighborhood to guide you.
8. Wat Traimit (Golden Buddha)
Home to the world’s largest solid gold Buddha statue. The amazing part? It was hidden under plaster for centuries until workers accidentally dropped it in 1955, revealing the gold beneath.
The museum explains how Chinese immigrants shaped Bangkok’s Chinatown. Perfect combo with exploring Yaowarat.
a. Visitor Info
- Entry fee: 40 baht for Buddha only, 100 baht extra for museum
- Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (museums closed Mondays)
- Location tip: Right at Chinatown’s entrance
b. Getting There
Hua Lamphong MRT Station, Exit 3.
Walk 5 minutes toward the Chinatown Gate. You can’t miss the temple.
9. Jim Thompson House Museum
This teak house museum is your cool oasis in central Bangkok. The American silk entrepreneur’s traditional Thai home sits in a jungle-like garden that feels miles from the nearby malls.
The mandatory guided tour tells Thompson’s fascinating story, including his mysterious disappearance in 1967.
a. What You’ll See
- Six traditional Thai houses assembled into one home
- Impressive Southeast Asian art collection
- Beautiful tropical gardens perfect for photos
- Working silk weavers showing traditional techniques
b. Practical Details
- Entry fee: 250 baht (includes guided tour)
- Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily
- Tours: Every 30 minutes in multiple languages
c. Getting There
National Stadium BTS Station, Exit 1.
Turn right into Soi Kasemsan 2. The museum is at the end of this small alley, about 5 minutes walk.
10. Chatuchak Weekend Market
The world’s largest weekend market is overwhelming and amazing. Over 15,000 stalls selling literally everything.
Come early (9 AM) to beat heat and crowds. Pick up a free map at the entrance or you’ll get completely lost.
a. Must-Eat Food at Chatuchak
The food at Chatuchak is as diverse as the shopping. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss:
- Coconut ice cream: Look for the stall with the long line. They serve it in a coconut shell with toppings
- Grilled pork skewers (moo ping): Multiple vendors sell these throughout the market
- Pad Thai: Fresh-made in giant woks
- Papaya salad (som tam): Made to order with your preferred spice level
- Fresh fruit smoothies: Perfect for cooling down while shopping
b. Shopping Sections
- Antiques, Accessories, Thai Instruments, and Books: Sections 1 and 29
- Teen Clothing and Accessories: Sections 2–4
- Used Clothing and Shoes: Sections 5–6
- Art and Paintings: Section 7
- Carvings, Spa Products, and Incense: Section 8
- Artificial Flowers, Basketry, Handicrafts, Souvenirs, and Knitting Wool: Sections 9–11
- Clothing, Accessories, Bags, and Shoes: Sections 12, 14, 21–24
- Postcards, Souvenirs, Pet and Animal Care Equipment: Section 13
- Tableware, Ceramics, Silverware, Home Decor, and Homewares: Sections 15, 19–20
- Clothing, Hiking Equipment, and Leather Goods: Sections 16–18
- Ceramics and Silk: Section 25
- Antiques & Home Decor, Silk, and Photo Frames: Section 26
- Books, Handicrafts, and Miscellaneous Items: Sections 27–28
- Clothing and Miscellaneous Items: Section 30
- Food and Beverages: Sections 2–4, 23–24, 26–27
c. Survival Tips
- Vendors usually don’t give extra discounts for one item. Buy 3 or more to get around 10–15% off.
- Use the Clock Tower as your meeting point
- Weekends only, 9 AM to 6 PM
- Keep hydrated, wear comfortable shoes
d. Getting There
Mo Chit BTS Station, Exit 1. Follow the crowds through the park for 4 minutes.
Or Kamphaeng Phet MRT Station, Exit 2. You’ll be right inside the market.
11. Chao Phraya River Cruise
Whether you take the tourist boat during the day or a dinner cruise at night, seeing Bangkok from the river changes your whole perspective of the city.
Temples and skyscrapers light up after dark. The dinner cruises are touristy but romantic, with Thai food and live entertainment.
a. Cruise Options
- Orange Flag boats: Cheap public transport that’s also sightseeing (16 baht)
- Tourist boats: Hop-on-hop-off with commentary (150 baht)
- Dinner cruises: 2-hour experiences with buffet and shows
b. Getting Started
All regular boats start from Sathorn Pier.
Take the BTS to Saphan Taksin Station, Exit 2 and you’ll find the pier right under the station.
For dinner cruises, board at Asiatique Pier or ICONSIAM Pier.
12. Khao San Road
The backpacker party street is exactly what you’d expect. Cheap drinks, bucket cocktails, fried scorpions, and travelers from everywhere.
Even if partying isn’t your thing, walk through once to see the spectacle. The energy after dark is something else.
a. The Khao San Experience
- Bars spill onto the street after dark
- Street food includes both Thai classics and insects for tourists
- Foot massages right on the sidewalk
- During Songkran (April), it’s water fight central
b. Getting There
No direct train access. Take BTS to Saphan Taksin Station, then Orange Flag boat to Phra Arthit Pier.
Walk inland for 10 minutes. You’ll hear Khao San before you see it.
13. Mahanakhon Skywalk
Thailand’s highest observation deck has a glass floor 310 meters up. Standing on it while looking straight down at the city streets? Your brain won’t quite believe it’s safe.
Come late afternoon to see the city transform from day to night. The sunset views are spectacular.
a. The Experience
- Glass Tray: One of the world’s largest glass floors
- Indoor observatory: Floor-to-ceiling windows with AR displays
- Rooftop bar: Cocktails at 314 meters high
- The elevator: 74 floors in under 50 seconds
b. Tickets
Book online for discounts. Sunset slots (4-7 PM) fill up fast.
c. Getting There
Chong Nonsi BTS Station, Exit 3.
The building is connected directly to the station by skywalk.
14. Jodd Fairs Night Market
Bangkok’s trendiest night market has the food scene everyone’s talking about. The volcanic pork spine soup draws huge crowds, and for good reason.
Less chaotic than older markets, with neat rows of stalls and good live music.
a. Must-Try Foods at Jodd Fairs
Jodd Fairs is all about the food. Come hungry and try:
- Leng Saap: The famous spicy pork spine soup served in towering bowls.
- Grilled seafood platters: Fresh prawns, squid, and fish at great prices
- Juicy beef skewers: Perfectly grilled and seasoned
- Mango sticky rice: From well-known vendors who’ve perfected the recipe
- Korean corn dogs: The trendy snack that’s taken over Bangkok
- Pink milk tea stall: Incredibly photogenic and tasty
b. Shopping at Jodd Fairs
While food is the main draw, you’ll also find:
- Trendy Thai-designed T-shirts: Young local designers
- Summer dresses and fashion: Current styles at local prices
- Phone cases and accessories: Every design imaginable
- Pop culture merchandise: Anime, K-pop, and more
- Handmade jewelry: Unique pieces from local artisans
c. Atmosphere & Tips
- Beer garden with craft beers and cocktails
- Live acoustic music most nights
- Peak crowds 7:00-9:00 PM, come earlier or later for space
- Market runs 5:00 PM to 12:00 AM daily
d. Getting There
Thailand Cultural Centre MRT Station, Exit 4.
Walk about 3 minutes to reach the market.
15. Train Night Market Srinagarindra
This massive vintage-themed market is where Bangkok locals go treasure hunting for classic cars, antiques, and all things retro.
It’s a bit far from the center but worth the trip if you love vintage finds. It’s also a great spot for food hunting, with plenty of lively bars and chill hangouts around the market.
a. Food Paradise at Train Market
The food section here is huge and caters to local tastes with great prices:
- Grilled giant river prawns: Multiple seafood stalls, but look for the ones with the biggest crowds
- Seafood platters: Often cheaper than downtown, piled high with prawns, squid, crab
- Famous fried chicken stall: Usually has a long queue, worth the wait
- Som tam (papaya salad): Isaan-style from northeastern Thai vendors
- BBQ skewers: Every meat imaginable, grilled over charcoal
- Thai-style pancakes (roti): Sweet versions with Nutella, banana, egg
- Pad Thai and boat noodles: Classic street foods done right
- Fresh coconut and local craft sodas: Served from retro coolers
b. Market Zones
- Vintage warehouse: Antiques, vinyl, old motorcycles
- Fashion: Trendy graphic tees, Denim at local prices, Handmade leather goods, Shoes and bags
- Food: Massive selection at local prices
- Bars: Live music most weekend nights
c. Essential Tips
- Opening hours: Thursday to Sunday only, 5:00 PM to midnight
- Best time to visit: Arrive around 7:00 PM when everything’s fully set up and lit
- Getting around: The market is huge, so wear comfortable shoes for lots of walking
- Weather: Mostly outdoors, so bring a hat or fan for humidity, umbrella during rainy season
d. Getting There
Suan Luang Rama IX MRT Station, Exit 1.
Walk straight and then turn right to reach the market. It takes about 5–10 minutes in total.
16. Soi Cowboy
This neon-lit red-light street is what it is. The lights make for interesting photos, and it’s less aggressive than other similar areas.
This 150-meter alley connects Sukhumvit Soi 23 and Asok, named after an American who opened the first bar here in the 1970s wearing a cowboy hat.
Today it’s packed with about 20-30 go-go bars, each trying to outshine the next with neon signs.
a. What to Expect
The street comes alive after 7 PM when all the bars open and the neon creates a carnival atmosphere. Many visitors just walk through to see the spectacle. That’s totally fine.
Notable bars if you’re curious:
- Baccara: Two floors with a glass ceiling between them
- Tilac: Featured in The Hangover Part II movie, decorated with neon hearts
- Country Road: Sometimes has live bands, making it different from the others
- Shark and Suzie Wong: Long-standing venues on the strip
If you go into a bar, expect drink prices around 150-200 baht. There’s no entrance fee, and no obligation beyond buying a drink.
b. Practical Points
- Photography of the street scene is fine, but never inside the bars
- The area is well-lit and generally safe with security around
- A polite “no thank you” works if you’re not interested in invitations
- Less chaotic than Patpong’s market maze or Nana’s multi-story complex
- Everything winds down around 1-2 AM
c. Getting There
Asok BTS Station, Exit 3 or Sukhumvit MRT Station, Exit 2.
The street connects these two stations. You’ll see the neon from blocks away. It’s right behind Terminal 21 mall if you need a landmark.
17. SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World
A massive aquarium under Siam Paragon mall. Perfect for families or when you need a break from temples and heat.
The underwater tunnel surrounds you with sharks and rays. Kids love the penguin feeding times.
a. Highlights
- Walk through the 270-degree ocean tunnel
- Glass-bottom boat rides over the main tank (extra fee)
- Penguin feeding shows throughout the day
- Touch pool with starfish
b. Visit Details
- Entry Fee: Around 1,190 baht for adults and 990 baht for children (discounts often available online)
- Hours: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily
- Duration: Allow 2-3 hours
- Location: Basement of Siam Paragon
c. Getting There
Siam BTS Station, Exit 5.
Takes you right into Siam Paragon mall. The aquarium is in the basement.
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Photo Credit:
Photos by PIXTA