12 Places to Visit in Bangkok + Things To Do

Bangkok should be on everyone’s bucketlist in Thailand, and for good reason! Start with a trip to the Grand Palace for a quick peek at the famed Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha). Then, go on a tour of the city’s most sacred Buddhist temples including Wat Pho (Temple of Reclining Buddha), Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn), Wat Saket (Golden Mount Temple), and Wat Traimit (Temple of Golden Buddha). Shop ’til you drop at CentralWorld, Terminal 21, Siam Paragon, MBK, Platinum Mall or Chatuchak Weekend Market.

For yummy local eats, head to Yaowarat (Bangkok’s Chinatown). Take a break from the busy city life at Jim Thompson House, Lumphini Park or go on a scenic cruise/ferry ride along the Chao Phraya River. Cap off your night at Khaosan Road or Bangkok’s best rooftop bars. If that’s not enough, take a day trip to floating markets nearby like Amphawa & Damnoen Saduak.

To help with your trip planning, I’ve added links to the locations on Google Maps. Feel free to click/tap on the links posted below. Then, use the “save” feature on the Google Maps app for easy reference. But before you start ticking goals off your bucketlist, here are travel essentials & discounts you’ll need to check. Pre-book online for a hassle-free trip!

Bangkok travel essentials

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1. Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew

An impressive complex of finely-decorated buildings, statues & courtyards. Here, you can find the 26-inch tall Emerald Buddha, the kingdom’s most sacred image, Wat Phra Kaew, the holiest temple in Thailand.

Opening hours — 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.

Admission/entrance fee — THB 500 per person.

How to get to the Grand Palace — The entrance gates are located within an easy walk from Tha Chang pier if you want to go by ferry. The Grand Palace is just over 1 kilometer from Khao San Road. On foot, it takes around 15 to 20 minutes. From the National Stadium, Phaya Thai or Hua Lamphong BTS/MRT station, it’s easily reached by taxi/Grab. The fare shouldn’t cost more than THB 100. Or, ride bus #47 from National Stadium, Silom or Lumphini BTS/MRT station. Bus fare is THB 7 on weekdays and FREE! on Saturdays & Sundays.

Location: Na Phra Lan Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand. Save on Google Maps.

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2. Wat Pho

Home to the famous reclining golden Buddha.

Opening hours — 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Admission/entrance fee — THB 100 per person.

How to get to Wat Pho — Located near Tha Tien Pier, beside the Grand Palace, but on the other side of the entrance gate. Wat Pho is a short walk away. Bring an umbrella because it gets really hot & humid in Bangkok during the day.

Location: 2 Sanam Chai Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand. Save on Google Maps.

3. Wat Arun

This temple is famous for its beautiful spire that towers over the Chao Phraya River. You can climb up the steep stairs for a breathtaking overlook of Bangkok’s skyline. Though, my favorite view of Wat Arun is from the riverside bars across the river (near Tha Tien pier). The sunset & dusk views from here are not to be missed!

Opening hours — 8:00 am to 6:30 pm.

Admission/entrance fee — THB 100 per person.

How to get to Wat Arun — From Tha Tien pier & ride the local ferry to Wat Arun. The ferry ride costs THB 4 per person.

Location: 158 Thanon Wang Doem, Wat Arun, Bangkok Yai, Bangkok 10600, Thailand. Save on Google Maps.

4. Bangkok markets & shopping malls

Bangkok is a shopping paradise! There are a lot of exciting markets, malls & bargains here to keep you busy all day. Don’t go only to shop, most malls have excellent food courts where you can eat affordable & delicious Thai food.

Chatuchak Weekend Market — The market of all markets in Bangkok. This is a must-visit for shoppers visiting during the weekend. Chatuchak Weekend Market is located near Mo Chit BTS & Kamphaeng Phet MRT station.

Terminal 21 — My favorite mall in Bangkok because of its many Instagram-able spots inspired by London, Paris, Rome, Tokyo, Istanbul, San Fransisco and & Hollywood. The food court is huge with lots of delicious options. The boutique shops (upper floors) are more upscale than the stalls at Chatuchak Market but the clothes are way more interesting. Terminal 21 is located near Asok BTS & Sukhumvit MRT station.

Platinum Fashion Mall — Shopping for affordable clothing in Bangkok? This is a mall you should not miss.

Siam Paragon, Siam Center & Siam Discovery — Located just outside Siam BTS station, it’s very easy to visit & one of Bangkok’s most popular malls. There’s a huge food court on the ground floor of Siam Paragon with a good variety of food options. Siam Center & Siam Discovery is located next door. You can find Madame Tussauds & SEA Life Bangkok on the 6th floor of Siam Discovery.

Pantip Plaza — THE destination in Bangkok for electronics & IT products. Its five floors area full of small shops selling cameras, phones, computer hardware, software & accessories. Pantip Plaza is located beside Platinum Fashion Mall.

MBK — Originally called Mahbookkrong, is one of the city’s oldest & biggest malls with over 2,000 shops. MBK is located across the street from Siam Discovery.

Central World — The largest mall in Bangkok & among the largest shopping complexes in the World. Central World is located near Chit Lom & Siam BTW stations.

Emporium — Mostly caters to high-end shoppers. Beautiful views from the sky gardens & open-air terraces. Emporium is located near Phrom Phong BTS station.

Asiatique — Nice views of Chao Phraya riverside, especially at night. Shops cater to the tourist crowd. Many products are the same as what you’d find at Chatuchak Weekend Market & Platinum Fashion Mall but sold at higher prices. To get to Asiatique, ride a free shuttle boat from Sathorn/Central Pier near Saphan Taksin BTS station.

Pratunam Market — Fashion-focused version of Chatuchak Market. Pratunam Market is located near Platinum Fashion Mall.

5. Jim Thompson House

Houses the impressive art collection of Jim Thompson, an American expat famous for revitalizing the Thai silk industry in the 1950s and 1960s. The site also features traditional Thai-style houses surrounded by cool greeneries.

Opening hours — 9 am to 6 pm.

Admission/entrance fee — THB 150 per adult. THB 100 per student (under 22 years old.

How to get to Jim Thompson House — Ride the Skytrain to National Stadium BTS station. Then, ride the free shuttle or take a short walk to Jim Thompson House.

Location: 6 Kasem San 2 Alley, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok 10330, Thailand. Save on Google Maps.

6. Bangkok nightlife

Bangkok’s infamous nightlife needs no introduction. Different areas in the city cater to various crowds. See the list below to keep you guided on night spots you shouldn’t miss in Bangkok.

Where to go at night in Bangkok

Khao San Road — The ultimate place to party & meet backpackers from all over the world.

Silom & Sukhumvit — Home to most of the finest clubs and bars in Bangkok.

Rooftop bars — Gorgeous views overlooking Bangkok’s skyline. Here are some of the most famous bars.

Beautiful rooftop bars in Bangkok:

Patpong — Where to see the famed “ping-pong” shows.

Siam Niramit Cultural Show & Dinner — Theatrical show featuring grand set pieces, hundreds of performers, traditional music, dances & stories of early Siamese heritage.

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Chao Phraya river cruise — Enjoy the night lights along Bangkok’s riverside while indulging in a sumptuous buffet dinner onboard.

Bangkok buffet — Excellent way to feast on different Thai dishes and international cuisine.

7. Explore more Bangkok temples

Thailand’s capital is home to over 40,000 Buddhist temples. In addition to Wat Pho, Wat Arun & Wat Phra Kaew, here’s a list of beautiful temples in Bangkok.

Wat Saket (Golden Mount Temple) — Near Grand Palace/Khao San Road.

Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple)

Wat Inthrawihan (Temple of the Giant Standing Buddha)

Wat Suthat — Beside the Giant Swing. Near Grand Palace/Khao San Road.

Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha) — See the World’s largest solid gold Buddha statue. Located in Yaowarat/Chinatown.

8. Bangkok Chinatown

Location: Samphanthawong, Bangkok, Thailand. Save on Google Maps.

Where to go near Bangkok (Day trips from Bangkok)

9. Floating Markets

An easy day excursion from Bangkok. The most popular floating markets are found in Damnoen Saduak & Amphawa.

Location: Damnoen Saduak, Damnoen Saduak District, Ratchaburi 70130, Thailand. Save on Google Maps.

Bangkok Floating Markets Travel Essentials

Tours + discounts

10. Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya is filled with massive ancient temples ruins that is just one-hour away by land from Bangkok. This ancient city, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, served as the second capital of Thailand.

Location: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Thailand. Save on Google Maps.

Ayutthaya Travel Essentials

Where to stayTours + discounts

11. Pattaya

Famous beach town just 2 hours south of Bangkok famous for its lively nightlife.

Location: Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri 20150, Thailand. Save on Google Maps.

Pattaya Travel Essentials

Where to stay

12. Hua Hin

Less popular, but also a lot less crowded & family-friendly version of Pattaya. This beach town has many themed Instagram-able spots like The Venetian & Santorini Park. Travel time from Bangkok is around 2.5 to 3 hours.

Location: Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand. Save on Google Maps.

Hua Hin Travel Essentials

Where to stayTours + discounts

Beyond Bangkok

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Home to Angkor Wat, one of the World’s grandest temples & ancient structures. Travel time from Bangkok to Siem Reap takes 1 hour by flight or around 9 hours by bus.

Location: Siem Reap Province, Cambodia. Save on Google Maps.

Siem Reap Travel Essentials

Where to stayTours + discounts

Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

Vibrant capital city & the southern gateway to Vietnam. Travel time from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh takes 1.5 hours by flight.

Location: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Save on Google Maps.

Ho Chi Minh Travel Essentials

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Chiang Mai

A City of Temples, home to hundreds of beautiful temples and museums in & beyond the Old Walled City. This place is not only a beautiful place to visit, it’s also one of the cheapest travel destinations in Southeast Asia.

Location: Northern Thailand. Save on Google Maps.

Chiang Mai Travel Essentials

Where to stayTours + discounts

Krabi & Phi Phi Islands

Go south & visit Thailand’s World-famous beaches. Krabi is home to the country’s most spectacular island landscapes with picture-perfect beaches surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.

Location: Krabi, Thailand. Save on Google Maps.

Krabi Travel Essentials

Where to stayTours + discounts

Phuket

Thailand’s most popular beach destination.

Location: Phuket, Thailand. Save on Google Maps.

Phuket Travel Essentials

Where to stayTours + discounts

Ko Samui, Ko Phangan & Ko Tao

Head to the east coast of Thailand for amazing underwater views and epic “Full Moon” beach parties.

Location: Ko Samui District, Surat Thani, Thailand. Save on Google Maps.

Ko Tao Travel Essentials

Where to stayTours + discounts

What places have you added to your bucketlist? Have you been to beautiful places in Bangkok that should be on this list? Feel free to share your thoughts!

Places to visit in Bangkok

Bangkok tourist spots, things to do in Bangkok, where to go in Bangkok & more.

Note: Destinations featured above are not listed by rank.

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