Visit Bangkok: Top 20 Things To Do & See

Visiting the market is an activity that you should add to your list of things to do in Bangkok. Chatuchak is one of the largest markets in the world, offering a wide variety of goods, including clothing, handicrafts, and street food.

With over 200,000 people visiting Chatuchak Market every weekend, the Bangkok marketplace has become the World’s largest Weekend Market. The Market has over 15,000 stalls which are spread across 35 acres and 26 sections which range from Food, Art, Antiques, Fashion and much more!

Tips before going:

• Chatuchak is a weekend Market, so it opens from 09:00 – 18:00 (Saturday, Sunday), 18:00 – 24:00 (Friday).
• You should choose public transport to go to the market. Because on weekends, not only tourists but also locals will flock to this market to shop. So traffic jams are bound to happen.

Wat Saket (The Golden Mount)

Let’s continue our Bangkok travel guide with the Golden Mount.

The “golden mountain”, formed from the fragments of a collapsed stupa built by King Rama III, was once the highest point in the whole of Bangkok. The Golden Mountain is a famous and revered landmark in Bangkok. Built on the top of a hill, the Golden Mount temple allows you to enjoy a 360 degree view over Bangkok. To get there, you will have to climb 344 steps, but really nothing too insurmountable!

Wat Saket and Golden Mount are open daily from 9:00 am to 19:00 pm. Entrance fee to Wat Saket is free. The entrance fee to the stupa at the top of the mountain is 50 Baht.

Tips before going:

• Men must wear long pants and a short- or long-sleeved shirt. Women must wear skirts or pants that are at least knee-length, and also should not wear an off-the-shoulder top.
• Visitors are allowed to take pictures in any area of ​​the complex.
• The best time to visit is November.

Khao San Road

Khao San Road is a major tourist area in Bangkok known for its vibrant entertainment scene and budget hotels. It is often considered a must stop for backpackers traveling through Asia and is also popular with locals for its carefree feel.

So, Would you try to eat a scorpion?

Whether you want to eat bugs, Khao San Road is worth a quick visit. This small street is packed with restaurants, bars and backpackers’ hostels. And yes, there is also one of the most adventurous street foods in Bangkok, fried scorpion. If you drink enough in the bars on Khao San Road, these scorpions will become a little more. Here, I have some suggestions for you to discover everything in Khao San Road.

Wat Traimit / Golden Buddha

World’s largest solid gold Buddha statue

Wat Traimit is an easy visit for those interested to uncover the hidden beauty and mystery beneath Bangkok’s most influential Buddha image and community. View the magnificent splendor of the world’s largest solid Gold Buddha image, known in Thai as Phra Buddha Maha Suwanna Patimakorn

Opening Time:

• Wat Traimit is open every day from 8am until 5pm. The Golden Buddha image can be viewed every day during the same time.
• The museum is open Tuesday-Sunday from 8am until 5pm (Only the museum is closed on Mondays).

Admission Price: 100 Baht per person for museum entrance (+ 40 Baht per person to view Buddha images).

Tips before going:

• Respectful attire is required.
• Visitors are allowed to take photographs in any area of the complex.
• It is recommended that you should wear shoes that can be easily removed as you’ll need to take them off when entering any structure in the complex.

Lumpini Park

Lumpini Park in Bangkok Thailand is the first public park. This multifunction park allows you to do some outdoor recreation in the cool breeze. The park is also open for activities such as exercise, playing games and music, reading in the library, practicing Tai Chai, learning social dance, and more. An abundance of flora and fauna as well as a large lake can be seen in Bangkok’s Lumpini Park. You can also listen to Thai and Western music in the park. In the past, this place used to be a place for dancing and parties. As it is a public park, there is no entrance fee for Lumpini Park in Bangkok.

The best time to visit the park is from March to October. If you want to enjoy the place when it is relatively quiet, visit the park before sunrise. Make the most of the popular things to do like aerobics, dance classes, yoga, jogging and boating.

Cycling or biking is allowed only between 10AM to 3PM.

Tips before going:

• Pets are not allowed in the park.
• Do not litter in the park as it is bad for the environment
• Smoking and drinking are prohibited in the park.
• Do not walk around in the park after the closing hours.

China Town

Chinatown in Bangkok is truly amazing and absolutely worth visiting! Visitors are fascinated by the hustle and bustle, the colorful lights and vibrant colors, the beautiful Chinese temples and the huge choice of street food. On a tour to the Chinese Quarter of Bangkok, you will get to know the Thai capital from a different side. When walking around Bangkoks Chinatown, you can look forward to a whole range of attractions worth seeing. Most of them are located in the area around the famous Yaowarat Road. So that you don’t lose the overview, we have summarized the best things to do in Chinatown at a glance:

• Yaowarat Road is the heart of Chinatown. Colorful decorated with neon signs and giant Chinese characters makes you feel more like being in Hong Kong than in Bangkok.
• Chinatown Gate is a sign of the new rising of the Chinese Quarter. It is interesting to know that Chinatown in Bangkok is home to one of the largest Chinese communities outside of China.
• The best thing to do in Chinatown is just to walk around and enjoy the variety of street food.

Take in history and peace at Golden Buddha Wat Traimit

Wat Traimit is home to one of the world’s largest solid gold statues of Buddha, weighing over 5.5 tons. The sheer size and magnificence of the Golden Buddha are awe-inspiring and provide a unique opportunity to witness a remarkable work of art and spirituality.

When visiting Wat Traimit, it’s recommended to dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees as a sign of respect for the sacred site. You’ll be able to marvel at the Golden Buddha statue and learn about its history through informative displays and exhibits. The temple is often visited as part of cultural and historical tours in Bangkok.

Jim Thompson’s House

Another thing to do when you travel to Bangkok is visiting Jim Thompson’s House, which is home to an impressive collection of art, artifacts, and antiques from various parts of Thailand and Southeast Asia. The interior is adorned with exquisite ceramics, sculptures, and textiles, reflecting Thompson’s deep appreciation for regional art and culture.

The house itself is a masterpiece of traditional Thai architecture, consisting of several teakwood buildings brought together to create a harmonious complex. The intricate design, wooden carvings, and lush gardens create a tranquil oasis in the midst of Bangkok’s urban chaos.

Don’t miss the chance to visit this interesting place!

Visit Dusit Palace Park

This royal property is home to palaces, museums, gardens and impressive structures. Villa Vimanmek is one of the largest buildings in the world made entirely of teak and is one of the main architectural works of Dusit Palace. The throne of Ananta Samakhom, also on this ground, is also made of teak. Visitors can also visit the museum located inside the throne room of Ananta Samagom.

Entrance fee: 150 THB

What to do in Bangkok

Attend a boxing match

Muay Thai is the national sport in Thailand. It was developed several hundreds of years ago as a form of close-combat that utilizes the entire body as a weapon. Even if you’re not a fan of boxing, attending a match in Bangkok is a must-do, if only for the atmosphere.

The two main Muay Thai stadiums are Lumpinee Stadium and Rajadamnern Stadium.

Enjoy the traditional massage

If you have visited all the places in Bangkok and need a moment of relaxation, you should choose a traditional Thai massage service.

You will find hundreds of beauty salons all over the city. Prices start from around 250 baht for an hour foot massage and around 500 baht for a full body massage.

The experience is a bit unusual, you will be stretched all over the place, sometimes in rather bizarre positions! However, at the end of the massage, you will feel relaxed, even if it is a bit painful at first.

In Bangkok, most hotels have spas and also provide this.

Shopping in Bangkok

If you go to Bangkok for relaxing and shopping, Bangkok is known as a shopping paradise. The best is to head to Siam district, where all the modern and trendy shopping centers are located.

On the other hand, Siam Paragon is more luxurious with many luxury shops.

In the area is also CentralWorld, one of the largest shopping malls in South Asia.

They are open daily until late evening. They all have food courts where you can find Thai and international dishes

Top cuisine must try

Embark on a street food tour to taste an array of delicious Thai dishes like Pad Thai, Som Tum (green papaya salad), Mango Sticky Rice, Tom Yum Goong (spicy shrimp soup), and many more…

The best time to visit Bangkok

The best time to visit Bangkok depends on your preferences and the type of experience you’re seeking. Bangkok has a tropical climate, so it is hot and sunny all year round, with only two seasons: rainy and dry. Here’s some suggestion to help you decide when to visit:

• Cool and Dry Season (November to February): This is generally considered the best time to visit Bangkok. The weather is cooler and more comfortable, with lower humidity and less rainfall. It’s a great time for sightseeing, exploring temples, and enjoying outdoor activities.
• Hot Season (March to May): The hot season can be quite scorching. Humidity levels also increase during this time. While it’s less crowded than the cool season, the heat might limit your outdoor activities.However, this could still be a viable time to visit.
• Rainy Season (June to October): It is the rainy season in Bangkok. While this is the least popular time for tourism due to the wet conditions, it can have its advantages. The city is less crowded, hotel prices are lower. However, flooding can occur in some areas, and outdoor activities might be limited due to the weather.

If you’re willing to tolerate the heat, visiting during the hot season (March to May) can still be enjoyable. Alternatively, the rainy season (June to October) might offer more budget-friendly options and a chance to experience a quieter side of Bangkok, as long as you’re prepared for occasional rain showers.

Where to stay in Bangkok – Bangkok Hotels

The choice of hotels in Bangkok depends on your preferences, budget, and the areas you plan to explore. Here are some highly recommended hotels across different price ranges and areas in Bangkok:

Luxury Hotels

• Mandarin Oriental Bangkok: An iconic riverside hotel offering luxurious rooms, impeccable service, and stunning river views.
• The Peninsula Bangkok: A riverside oasis known for its elegant design, spacious rooms, and exceptional facilities.
• The Siam: A boutique luxury hotel with a unique design, private pool villas, and a serene riverside location.
• Banyan Tree Bangkok: Offers luxurious rooms, a rooftop bar with panoramic views, and a rejuvenating spa.

Mid-Range Hotels

• Amari Watergate Bangkok: Centrally located with comfortable rooms, a rooftop pool, and shopping nearby.
• Novotel Bangkok Ploenchit Sukhumvit: Connected to BTS Skytrain, this hotel offers modern rooms and convenient access to shopping.
• Hotel Muse Bangkok Langsuan: Known for its Art Deco design, this hotel offers stylish rooms and a rooftop bar.
• Grande Centre Point Hotel Terminal 21: Offers spacious rooms, a rooftop pool, and direct access to Terminal 21 mall.

Budget-Friendly Hotels

• Ibis Bangkok Siam: A budget-friendly option with a central location, comfortable rooms, and access to BTS Skytrain.
• Siam@Siam Design Hotel Bangkok: Offers a contemporary design, rooftop pool, and is close to shopping and transport.
• Bangkok Loft Inn: A budget hotel near Khao San Road with basic amenities and a convenient location.
• Sala Arun: Offers budget-friendly rooms with river views near Wat Arun and the riverside.

Boutique Hotels

• Ariyasom Villa: A charming boutique hotel with a peaceful garden setting, offering a retreat from the city.
• Cabochon Hotel: Known for its vintage style, this boutique hotel offers elegant rooms and a relaxing atmosphere.
• Siamotif Boutique Hotel: Offers Thai-style rooms, personalized service, and is located near the Chao Phraya River.

Remember to check recent reviews, amenities, and current rates before making your booking. The choice of hotel will depend on your preferences, travel style, and the areas you plan to explore in Bangkok.

Transportation – Travelling to Bangkok

Two international airports – Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Muang Airport (DMK) are serviced. Normally, the main airport serving more international flights, the majority of tourists arriving in Bangkok will likely enter the country via Suvarnabhumi.

How can get to downtown Bangkok from the airport?

From Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK)

By Train: This is the best way to get to downtown Bangkok from Suvarnabhumi. You can take the Airport Rail Link from Suvarnabhumi to Phaya Thai Station (THB 45). From there, you can transfer to the BTS line and take it to the station nearest your hotel. You can purchase tickets at the station but you can get a small discount if you buy it in advance through Klook.

By bus: You can catch the S1 bus from Suvarnabhumi to Khao San Road. Departing from Gate 7 on the first floor of the passenger terminal, the fare is THB 60 and it runs every 30 minutes from 6AM-8PM.

By taxi or grab: A taxi from Suvarnabhumi to downtown Bangkok should cost you around THB 400 (with airport surcharge and toll). Be sure that the driver uses the meter since taxi scams are quite rampant in Bangkok.

From Don Mueang International Airport (DMK)

By train: There’s no BTS or MRT station at Don Mueang, so you’ll need to take a bus or taxi from the airport to the nearest train station, which is Mo Chit. Once you’re at Mo Chit Station, then you can take the BTS to the station nearest your hotel.

By bus: You can catch the A2, A3, or A4 bus from Don Mueang to Victory Monument (A2), Pratunam and Lumpini Park (A3), or Khao San Road and Sanam Luang (A4). However, the bus tends to get full. So going by bus may not be a good choice.

By taxi or grab: A taxi from Don Mueang to downtown Bangkok should cost you around THB 350 (with airport surcharge and toll). As advised, be sure the driver uses the meter.

How many days to spend in Bangkok?

To have a memorable experience, our experts have recommended you to spend about 4 days to immerse yourself in this bustling city. Hope this plan can support your next plan.

Day 1: Visit Historic Attractions

Royal palace

Visiting Wat Pho

Wat Arun Optional Museums Worth Your Time

Day 2 : Shopping

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market – Buying fresh produce, flowers, and fish.

Siam Paragon

Chatuchak Market

Day 3: Recharge in Bangkok’s Parks

Lumpini Park

Jim Thompson House

Benjakiti Park

Day 4: Nightlife

Khao San Road – cafés, bars, and souvenir shops.

Nana Plaza.