Bangkok needs a whole two days of your undivided attention if you want to enjoy what it has to offer to the fullest. The capital city of Thailand is a harmonious amalgam of modernity and traditional culture. The city’s vibrant energy welcomes you with its mix of ancient temples and modern bustle. But apart from that, its streets are a riot of experiences – from the bustling markets and food stalls to elegant malls and art villages. So, where should you go first?
Check out these popular places and things to do in Bangkok to plan your own memorable trip.
Here is the list of best tourist places to visit in Bangkok:
1. Siam Square
Nestled in the vibrant core of Bangkok, Siam Square is a lively district that draws travellers to an eclectic mix of shopping thrills, cultural hubs, and unexpected adventures. It sits right at the intersection of Phayathai Road and Rama I Road, just next to Siam BTS Station. It also houses some of the most prominent malls of Bangkok, such as Siam Paragon and Siam Square One.
Apart from shopping in malls, this bustling Bangkok stretch is also jampacked with over 4000 shops offering diverse merchandise and services. The street has a modern vibe, and the locals of Bangkok find this street to be their one-stop solution for all their daily needs.
2. Grand Palace
Bangkok has a bustling vibe, but step into the Grand Palace Complex in the heart of the city and all that noise ebbs away. This sprawling complex was once the abode of the Kings of Siam in the 1700s and, to this day, is used for official events and grand royal festivities.
For tourists, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) is the main allure and features on the list of must-visit temples in Bangkok. However, once you step inside this grand, ornate complex, wander around to see a plethora of Thai architectural wonders. Apart from the Emerald Buddha, the complex invites you to explore 30-plus fascinating attractions, including the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles and the Pavilion of Regalia, Royal Decorations, and Coins. You can even see the model of Angkor Wat in the gardens, a reminder of Khmer roots.
Set a slow pace and enjoy an immersive experience of the rich Thai heritage. Additionally, stroll along the palace grounds, which encapsulate the medley of Thai, Khmer, and European influences, with intricate mosaics and golden stupas that glisten on a sunny day.
3. Jim Thompson House
A short walk down Soi Kasemsan 2, you will find yourself standing in front of the gates of the Jim Thompson House. After shelling out 250 Thai Baht as entrance fees, a guide will aid you with the fascinating tale of Jim Thompson, whose teak house, constructed in Thai architecture, is today considered one of the top places to visit in Bangkok.
As you walk through the verdant garden that leads up to the house, you will find yourself appreciating the orchids hanging like lanterns and the ambience fragrant with frangipani blooms. As you visit the interiors of this wooden house, you will be amazed at its exhibits and gain an insight into the story of how an American, who served in World War II, stayed back in Thailand, fell in love with the local Thai silk weaving, and went on to revive its traditional craft and preserve it over the years.
A visit to the Jim Thompson House nudges you with a reminder that it isn’t just a museum, but a tangible proof of how one person’s vision can uplift communities and preserve traditions. Visit the silk gift shop to find a scarf or necktie that showcases the rich Thai silk craftsmanship.
4. Yaowarat Road
Famously known as Bangkok’s Chinatown, this buzzing street is where Thai and Chinese cultures intertwine seamlessly. Here, the colourful markets dazzle under neon-lit signs, teeming with a variety of delectable food stalls serving Chinese hot soups, dumplings, and Thai salads and satays.
It’s a no-brainer that it is one of the best tourist attractions in Bangkok for a foodie to explore! Watch in awe the Chinatown Gate with ornate dragons, pause for a silent prayer at Wat Traimit, and wander around to lose yourself in the Sampeng Market alleys.
Take in the sights and sounds of the sizzling woks at street food stalls and the flickering neon signs in Cantonese characters. Then, dig into the flavourful Yaowarat Toasted Buns, coconut pancakes, and Pad Thai.
Before you wind up your trip to Chinatown, hang out at Ong Ang Walking Street to explore the murals on the walls, and watch street performers showcase their acts under lanterns. Come to Chinatown during the Chinese New Year to view this fascinating street in its fullest splendour of festive spirit.
5. Wat Arun
Another significantly popular temple to visit in Bangkok, Wat Arun, or the ‘Temple of Dawn,’ is a sight to behold. Dominating the scenery along the Chao Phraya River banks, the temple’s mosaic spire catches the sun’s rays, making it iridescent and changing the aura of the surroundings.
You might have come across pictures of this temple while browsing for Bangkok trip packages, but nothing prepares you for its grandeur and beauty once you see it up close. This Buddhist temple is one of the oldest in Bangkok, belonging to the Ayutthaya kingdom, and honours Hindu gods along with Buddhist relics and principles.
The sight of its mighty pagoda glistens in the sun, reflecting in the rippled waters of the Chao Phraya River is outstandingly mesmerising. Standing opposite the modern towers of Bangkok, Wat Arun is a constant reminder of what the city was like before its modernisation.
6. Ayutthaya Historic City
When you plan a trip to Bangkok, know that Ayutthaya is a must-visit. It has a dramatic contrast to what modern Bangkok is today. What was once a rich historic capital of Thailand is now a relic that holds stories of its bygone era as this massive complex of archaic ruins has stood the test of time since its inception in 1350.
Today, Ayutthaya is labelled a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The archaeological remains of its spires and pagodas offer a glimpse of its grandeur from an era when it was ranked among Asia’s largest cities. Ayutthaya is drastically muted, made of ancient stones, rather than how other temple complexes in Bangkok glisten in gold. Located north of Bangkok, it is easily accessible by a 2-hour train journey from Hua Lamphong Railway Station.
7. Central World Bangkok
Bangkok is a shopaholic’s hub for a variety of reasons. For one, you can get an array of merchandise for a steal, and if you are good at haggling, then that’s the icing on the cake. You might even end up buying an extra suitcase for all the shopping hauls you get at a great bargain.
Though street shopping is fun and wallet-friendly, a shopping spree at Central World is something a shopper should not miss in Bangkok. It isn’t just a mall, but an exclusive shopping destination with every type of commodity, food, and entertainment available at one spot. In fact, this mega-mall is so big that you can easily spend an entire day inside it.
By now, you might have guessed that if it’s that impressively colossal, it must be the biggest shopping, dining, and recreational attraction in Bangkok – it’s even tagged as Southeast Asia’s largest mall. Located in Pathum Wan, it covers a whopping 830000 square metres and houses over 400 stores, all spread across 7 impressive levels. You will find everything from a high-end cinema complex to game zones and even a grand luxury hotel! We insist you keep a buffer shopping budget so you can shop freely without worrying about your retail adventure putting a dent in your carefully planned holiday budget.
8. Safari World Bangkok
Gear up for a wildlife expedition right here amidst the city of Bangkok! Set forth on wildlife encounters in a sprawling open-air zoo, Safari World Bangkok which is also one of the largest in South Asia.
Nestled in the northeast outskirts of Bangkok, around 45 minutes away, this expansive park spans over 660 acres and draws in families, animal enthusiasts, and adventure seekers year after year. Brimming with diverse bird, animal, and marine species, this attraction transports you to an African safari or underwater realm without leaving Bangkok.
Here, you can even spot over 200 animal species, feed a few, watch exciting shows like dolphins flipping and orangutans boxing, and see feathered friends like macaws and hornbills fly right by your shoulders. It is one of the most impressive tourist places in Bangkok for family outings.
9. Baiyoke Tower II
It might feel like an irony, but many travellers come to Bangkok to find comfort amid its chaos. Bangkok is ruthlessly bustling, but amid the humdrum of busy modern life, you find pockets of solace by the riverside or in the slow chanting of monks in a grand, ornate temple.
Another way to enjoy the silence, observe, and take in the beauty of the city is to ascend to higher levels where the city’s skyscrapers turn the city’s noise into a gentle hum. One such spot is the Baiyoke Tower II. At 222 Ratchaprarop Road, you will find this tower piercing the bright blue Bangkok sky, looming over the other concrete, steel, and glass structures that look shrivelled and subdued in its presence.
With over 80 floors, it is one of the tallest towers in Bangkok. Perched on the 84th level is an observatory deck from where you can get an incredible bird’s-eye view of the Bangkok skyline. The panorama feels like watching a landscape painting of a city. The view captures silver-glistening modern towers, glittering gold spires, and pagodas of temples. It shows grey roads accentuated by bright pink, deep red, and yellow-orange taxi roofs, all scattered around a verdant land with the silver Chao Phraya river snaking through it. Time your visit for twilight hours, when the sun seeps orange and auburn across the horizon, turning the vista into an Instagrammable moment.
10. Chatuchak Weekend Market
Time for more shopping and sampling Thai food, but this time the charms of locals will take over, compared to the opulence of stylish malls. It is a hotspot for all tourists visiting Bangkok. This 35-acre shopping arena is known as the largest weekend street market in the world, featuring over 15,000 shops!
Go on a shopping spree in the main street, but don’t neglect small shops in alleyways, as they are the best spots to find hidden treasures that only Thailand can offer. The market is open only on weekends and can feel a bit confusing to navigate, with its many entrances and 26 zones selling different merchandise. However, you will figure it out as you explore the alleys lined with shops and stalls selling everything from Thai clothes, handcrafted items, and souvenirs to lip-smacking Thai delicacies.
The food scene is fantastic here. Even savouring Khao Soi at a dingy stall in Chatuchak Market will have an impressive lasting impact on you. It is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Bangkok for its street food scene and shopping.
11. Baan Silapin
A visit to Bangkok is often meant to be an exploration of bustling markets and grand temples. But a serene detour along the Khlong Bang Luang canal on the Thonburi side takes you to the world of Thai puppetry – a traditional art form that’s a delight to watch.
If you are someone who believes in the simple joys of life, you will find this to be one of the most fascinating places to see in Bangkok. Here, the wooden stilt houses the most creative, authentic storytelling experiences in Thailand.
Baan Silapin, also known as the Artist’s House, is a cultural venue where you can experience intricately designed puppetry art and catch an enticing show performed by puppeteers dressed in black robes and masks.
The whole experience feels like a world away from the modern bustle of Bangkok. It makes for an amazing way to venture away from the usual tourist trails and enjoy an authentic experience that’s interesting for kids as well.
12. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Explore this fascinating place where you shop from floating shops on a canal! This might feel new and unique to you, but it is a usual sight in Thailand. There are many such markets where vendors on their wooden boats make a living, selling fruits, handmade crafts, flowers, and more, while gliding on a labyrinth of canal water.
For a Bangkok visitor, the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is an ideal choice as it is just around 40 minutes away from Bangkok’s city centre, in the Ratchaburi province.
The uniqueness of this experience is that you explore these wooden floating shops on a boat ride, expertly meandering and shuffling through a crowd of boats without bumping into any of them. The most fascinating sight is to watch how locals prepare a bowl of hot noodle soup and grill skewers of meat freshly on a makeshift kitchen right on a wooden boat. They go about their day doing business with ease, just as if they were doing so on a roadside.
This market is a sensory overload, but nevertheless a flamboyant sojourn to witness the floating bazaars of Bangkok. To make your extraordinary shopping experience more interesting, combine a visit to this floating market with the Maeklong Railway Market. This marketplace operates on a functional train track that winds up for a few minutes as the train chugs through it.
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Featured 13. Muang Boran
If you are falling short of time and would love to have a whirlwind experience of visiting all of Thailand’s prominent landmarks and attractions in one go, then book a visit to Muang Boran. Also known as the Ancient City, this is one of the most breathtaking open-air Bangkok tourist attractions to visit.
Just an hour’s drive away from Bangkok, and near the Crocodile Farm in Samut Prakan Province, this sprawling 200-acre land is a dedicated space that showcases the best of Thailand’s places as miniature replicas, making it the largest outdoor museum in the world. Put on your best walking shoes as you will be covering a lot of land on foot and pausing to get a good look at the fine craftsmanship of exact replicas of over 116 Thai ancient temples, palaces, and even villages, complete with ponds and bridges.
Muang Boran is not just about showcasing Thailand’s architectural marvels, it’s about preserving history. You can see the replica of the Khao Phra Viharn from the earlier Khmer era and Wat Mahathat from the Sukhotai period, which were lost to time, but can comprehend what they looked like before they became time-worn ruins. It is inarguably a spot not to be missed on a Bangkok trip.
Conclusion
Bangkok’s warmth makes you seek the soul of the city rather than just its sights. Its bustling markets, serene temples, and warm-hearted people all play their part in invoking different emotions that you will remember for a lifetime. Even the mighty Chao Phraya echoes the forgotten tales of the land with remnants along its shores.
But when you return home, you will feel happy about meeting such nice, warm people. However, there would also be a longing to come back for more. When you visit these attractions in Bangkok, you witness the timeless heritage and spirituality along with a hint of modern vibes and even life’s simplest joys. If you ever find yourself in Bangkok, these are the attractions you certainly shouldn’t miss on your trip.
