What To Do in Bangkok: Top Sights to Discover in Thailand’s Capital

The capital of Thailand, home to at least 11 million people. A city that is alive during the day and equally so at night. It’s no wonder they say Bangkok never sleeps.

Although most tourists in Bangkok spend one or two nights before heading south, it doesn’t imply there’s nothing to do here. The style of sightseeing (or leisure) is just different. You can party, shop, get lost in one neighborhood and find yourself in another.

Curious about what to see in Bangkok? What attractions are worth visiting? What to eat, drink, and try? Whether it’s your first time in Bangkok or your umpteenth, welcome to this Bangkok guide.

How to explore Bangkok?

Most people prefer a self-guided tour, allowing free exploration of the city with more flexibility. Alternatively, hiring a guide or taking an organized tour can be beneficial, especially if it’s your first time in Bangkok and you wish to see as many attractions as possible in a short time. Guides often provide access to places that may be challenging to explore alone and can help you understand local culture and history. I mostly toured the city with a guide who was quite knowledgeable, providing insights not only about the attractions but also about life and interesting facts about Thailand.

Bangkok – public transportation

Exploring Bangkok usually involves a lot of walking, so understanding how public transportation works is helpful. You can navigate the city using various means of public transportation such as tuk-tuks, river ferries, Skytrain (BTS), and Metro (MRT). Tuk-tuks offer a unique road experience, but beware of potential scam attempts. Cabs are another option. If it’s your first time in Thailand, be aware that air conditioning is often a lifesaver, allowing you to cool down while sightseeing.

Bangkok attractions

What to see in Bangkok largely depends on your travel expectations. While I’ve listed the so-called must-see places below, offering an insight into Thailand’s culture and history, these aren’t all the attractions, and you aren’t obliged to visit them all. Plan your trip to ensure you enjoy it and create great memories, not merely based on the number of photos taken or attractions visited.

The tallest skyscraper in Bangkok – MahaNakhon

MahaNakhon is the tallest skyscraper in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. Standing at 314 meters, you can admire the Bangkok skyline from this height. The building offers a 360-degree view of the city. It houses a bar and restaurant where you can enjoy a meal or drink while appreciating the view (the bar is at the very top, with the restaurant two floors below).

I highly recommend this spot. Such vantage points are my favorites, and this one is perfect for enjoying the sunset and an evening drink. The party-like atmosphere and the impressive glass floor (which helped me conquer my fear of heights) add to its appeal.

Ticket prices for the observatory vary depending on the day and time (sunset times are more expensive). Tickets can be purchased on-site or online.

The Royal Palace in Bangkok

Not everyone who visits Thailand may realize that the country is a monarchy. Although the king probably doesn’t reside here anymore, the Royal Palace in Bangkok remains one of the city’s most significant landmarks.

The Royal Palace complex comprises several buildings, gardens, and courtyards, including not only palaces but also numerous chapels. The famous Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), home to one of the most revered Buddha images in Thailand, is part of this complex. Despite its name, the statue is actually made of jade, not emerald. Photography inside the temple isn’t allowed, but you can capture shots fromoutside.

Note: Dress codes apply here, such as prohibiting short shorts, mini skirts, strapless tops or outfits with revealing cleavage.

Temple of the Reclining Buddha

Wat Pho, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is one of the oldest and largest temples in Bangkok. It is located adjacent to the Royal Palace and serves as an essential pilgrimage site for Buddhists. It is renowned for its colossal statue of the Reclining Buddha, which measures 46 meters long and 15 meters high. It’s simply gigantic.

Wat Pho welcomes visitors daily. Like the Royal Palace, there are specific dress codes for visitors, and admission requires tickets.

Chinatown in Bangkok

Bangkok’s Chinatown is among the largest Chinese districts globally. This lively area is known for its unique ambiance, stores, and notably, street food. Among the food stalls, you’ll discover a variety of dishes, from fried noodles to grilled octopus and even fried scorpions. It’s a fantastic place to sample authentic Chinese and Thai cuisine.

Chinatown is best visited in the evening, when neon lights bring the streets to life. During the Chinese New Year, the district transforms into a vibrant celebration hub – a sight worth seeing!

Lumpini Park

Lumpini Park, Bangkok’s largest public park, is often referred to as the “green lungs” of one of the world’s busiest cities. Filled with tropical vegetation, it offers peace and relaxation amidst city bustle (it’s surrounded by skyscrapers, creating a striking contrast!).

In this park, you’ll find various bird species and other wildlife, including large varanids. The varanids can be spotted either in a lake or basking in the sun. The park’s artificial lake is one of its most popular features, where you can rent boats or floating swans.

Chao Phraya River Cruise

Cruises on the Chao Phraya River are extremely popular among tourists, especially after dark, when city lights reflect on the water. During the cruise, you’ll see many of Bangkok’s highlights splendidly illuminated at dusk, such as the Temple of Dawn, the Royal Palace, and the Rama VIII Bridge.

Most night cruises include onboard dinner, often a buffet, where you can sample a variety of dishes, primarily Thai cuisine. The dinner typically features live performances, including traditional Thai dances. It’s a fantastic experience that complements a city tour or serves as an introduction to orientate you to the city.

I enjoyed the Grand Pearl cruise, which departs from River City Bangkok.

Shopping in Bangkok

A trip to Thailand isn’t complete without shopping! Ensure you have room in your suitcase because one thing’s for sure: you’ll return with a few extra kilos. Shopping is a popular pastime in Thailand, so opportunities abound, from street market stalls to shopping malls to luxury boutiques.

Bangkok is renowned for its night markets and street markets, where you can find everything from clothing to jewelry to antiques. Haggling is crucial at these stalls, unless you want to overpay.

Speaking of antiques and art, River City Bangkok is an exceptional shopping center to visit. I discovered it during my Chao Phraya River cruise, and it serves as a unique gallery featuring art exhibitions. It’s a place where you can find high-quality items, ranging from traditional Thai ceramics and ancient Buddhist statues to modern art.

Patpong: a night market in Bangkok

Patpong, one of Bangkok’s most famous and longest-running night street markets, has a vast assortment of items, from clothing and jewelry to electronics and souvenirs. Beware that brand-name items found here are likely counterfeits.

Nevertheless, Patpong is primarily known for its “red light district.” In short, you’ll find numerous go-go bars and nightclubs here, as well as the notorious ping-pong show. This street can be addictive, so gentlemen, be cautious. ?

Tuk-tuk Ride

When you’re in Bangkok, you’ll inevitably be tempted to take a tuk-tuk ride. As I mentioned earlier, tuk-tuks provide one of the more thrilling road experiences, but be vigilant about potential scams. Always agree on the price before starting the ride. Don’t forget to haggle, as the final price can be much lower!

For me, a nighttime tuk-tuk ride was a blast, though it was also somewhat unnerving, given the weaving between cars, scooters, and other tuk-tuks that I was unaccustomed to.

Thai Massage in Bangkok

A Thai massage is a fundamental part of Thai culture. It’s something you should experience when traveling to Bangkok. This type of massage brings relief to both body and mind.

Bangkok is filled with places that offer Thai massages, from luxury spas to simple salons on city streets. But if you’re looking for a unique experience, try Perception Blind Massage.

Perception Blind Massage offers a unique and impactful experience in Bangkok. All massage therapists working here are blind or visually impaired, but they are highly trained and skilled in their work. This massage experience is often emotionally resonant, not only because of the relief and relaxation it offers, but also because it supports the visually impaired community.

Other Attractions in Bangkok

My adventure in Bangkok extended beyond the main tourist sites, leading me to other fascinating places such as the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC). One of the largest and most significant convention centers in the city, QSNCC sits within a modern neighborhood adjacent to Benjakitti Park, one of Bangkok’s most charming urban parks.

While roaming around, don’t forget to keep an eye out for Thai McDonald’s. You’ll find their mascot, Ronald McDonald, striking a distinctly Thai pose, which is quite amusing and memorable. ?

Also, don’t miss the Rama VIII Bridge, one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. The architecture is awe-inspiring and provides a superb photo opportunity.

For film buffs, Bangkok (and Thailand in general) is a delight. Movies like “The Hangover Part II” and “The Beach” were filmed here, so why not add a little cinematic flair to your visit by following in the footsteps of these films?

Accommodations in Bangkok

Choosing where to stay in such a sprawling city as Bangkok depends largely on your plans and interests. There’s no one-size-fits-all location. When selecting a hotel, consider its proximity to public transportation, making it easier to explore the city.

I stayed at the Montien Hotel Surawong Bangkok, which I found to be quite comfortable. It offers spacious rooms, a restaurant, and a swimming pool. Plus, the tasty breakfast spread accommodates various palates, featuring both Thai and Western-style options.

Bangkok – my throughts

Bangkok, with its intriguing blend of cultures, fascinating locals, and exceptional cuisine, truly captivated me. Despite hearing stories that initially intimidated me, I discovered that Bangkok is far from the fearful picture painted by some. It’s a vibrant, fast-paced, and captivating city that immediately won me over. This city offers endless opportunities for exploration and experiences; boredom is unlikely to be an issue here. If you allow it, Bangkok will sweep you off your feet!

While Bangkok is the gateway to Thailand, there’s so much more to discover in this country. For a unique market experience, visit the Train Market, which operates on active railway tracks, and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, a bustling hub of trade conducted on water.

My trip to Bangkok and the broader Thai tour was made possible by the Tourism Authority of Thailand [ADVERTISEMENT]. It was a remarkable experience that I would love to repeat.

See also:

Chiang Mai – Hidden Attractions in Northern Thailand

Maeklong Railway Market & Floating Market Near Bangkok