Welcome to Bangkok – packed with attractions, cultural landmarks and plenty of things to see.
Famed for its iconic Buddhist temples, sensational shopping and one of the most exciting nightlife scenes in the world, Bangkok is a vibrant Southeast Asian city offering a little something for everyone. Whether you’re after a taste of the culture, the history or the vibrant food from Thailand’s capital city, there is so much to try it can get a little overwhelming.
To help you plan your next tropical adventure, we’ve come up with a guide to the best things to do in Bangkok, letting you discover the charms and wonders of this amazing city. Let’s go sightseeing!
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Visit the Grand Palace
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the history and culture of Thailand, spend at day at the extravagant Grand Palace. With stunning golden domes, dozens of royal palaces, and intricate architecture, it’s not hard to see why the Grand Palace has been the official home for Thai royalty since it was established in 1782. The 218,000 square metres of the Grand Palace is one of the most important buildings in Thailand, and an essential visit for anyone visiting Bangkok.
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Bask in awe at Wat Pho
One of the oldest temples in Bangkok, Wat Pho gives you a snapshot of the rich Buddhist history of Thailand. Directly south from the Grand Palace, Wat Pho is most famed for the magnificent, 46-metre-long gold leaf status of the Reclining Buddha that will simply awe any traveller. Sightseers should not miss one of the best attractions in Bangkok!
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Cruise along at the Floating Markets
Tingle all your senses with a trip to one of the many floating markets of Bangkok. The canals of Bangkok, what was once the main way of getting around the city before the 20th century, has now become a thriving marketplace of small boats and dinghies hoping to sell their wares. Whether you’re visiting Damnoen Saduak or the Amphawa Floating Market, make sure to visit early, take your time and enjoy the food, the hawkers and energetic atmosphere of this Bangkok attraction. One of the most fun and unusual things to do in Bangkok!
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Cheer at a Muay Thai Boxing Match
For something a little punchier, grab a seat at a Muay Thai boxing match in Bangkok. Get a front row seat by buying early at one of the many venues, including the Rajadamnern and Lumpini Boxing Stadiums, some of the most popular and iconic arenas for Thailand’s national sport. Fights normally begin around 2:30pm, so strap in for an evening five bouts of exciting action in Bangkok!
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Shop till you drop at Bangkok's Famous Shopping Malls
If there’s one thing you must do on your trip to Bangkok, it’s shopping! And, for the shopaholics among us, look no further than Bangkok’s massive shopping complexes. Spread out across the city limits, there are seemingly endless options: from local treats to high end luxury and boutique malls, you’ll always find the perfect mall to match your style. CentralWorld, Iconsiam, and Siam Paragon are some of the largest shopping malls in the world, and should definitely be on any bucket list to Bangkok.
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See the streets with a famed Tuk-Tuk ride
One of the most famous features of Thailand’s streets, a tuk-tuk ride is a fantastic way to get around this bustling metropolis. With their distinctive neon lights, blaring music, and flashy interiors, you’ll be scooting around to some of the hottest destinations and tourist attractions in no time. Running about the same price as a taxi, these three wheeled rickshaws are a fun travel experience you can’t find anywhere else!
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Visit the Chatuchak Weekend Market
If you’re visiting Bangkok over the weekend, you have no excuse not to visit the Chatuchak Weekend Market, the largest weekend market in the world. Across 35 acres with over 15,000 stalls ranging from food, fashion, art, antiques, and so much more, this is a true outdoor shopping mecca unlike anywhere else. Open every weekend in the heart of Bangkok’s CBD, after one visit you’ll soon realise why the Chatuchak Weekend Market is one of the best things to do in Bangkok!
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Try your hand at a Thai cooking class
Who doesn’t love some tasty Thai food? What if we said you could make it yourself? Now is your chance to get hands-on lessons with master chefs, as they take you through the step-by-step process of making some of your favourite dishes. Whether a massaman curry, chicken satay or a delicious pad Thai. There are plenty of options to choose from, with standouts like the Bangkok Thai Cooking Academy making every class a treat. So bring the flavours of Thailand home with you at these exquisite Thai cooking classes!
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Relax with a traditional Thai massage
We all need a little R&R, even during a hectic holiday. Thankfully, Bangkok is stock fully of authentic Thai massage parlours, eager to kneed your body into something more relaxing. Whether you’re after a traditional full body massage, a foot massage, or even a day spa, there are dozens of masseuse ready to help you relax and recharge.
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Party it up on Sukhumvit Road
Just because you’ve visited the many sights of Bangkok during the day, doesn’t mean you need to go to bed at night. Nightclubs, rooftop bars and energetic drinking holes can be found throughout the city, meaning that your adventures through Thailand have only just begun at nightfall. The most famous area to visit is Sukhumvit Road, which has built a reputation as one of the best nightclub areas in the city. So grab some friends and drink the night away at Sukhumvit Road!
Looking to explore more of Thailand? If you’re needing some convincing, let us persuade you with our list of the Top 5 Reasons to Visit Phuket in Thailand in 2023. Or, if you’re planning to visit Indonesia in southeast Asia soon, check out this list of the 10 Best and Most Unique Things to Do in Bali.
