The Very Best of Bangkok, Thailand - Travel Guide
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The Very Best of Bangkok
We’ve scoured the lists for the very best things to see and do in Bangkok, and then we went to each place to fully check it out and make sure it was worthy for our list. In this article, you’ll learn about our biggest recommendations and why they made the list. You’ll also learn about a few of the trips that you can take from Bangkok to make your experience in this city even more memorable. Enjoy!
Major Sections
Tuk-Tuk
History, Getting Around, and Culture
History and Expectations of Bangkok
Bangkok, Thailand is a bustling metropolis in the Phraya River Delta. It has come a long way since the early 15th century when it was just a village near the Chao Phraya River bank. Its very strategic location made it a center for trade and business. Since it’s the capital city of Thailand, people from all over the country - and abroad - visit Bangkok to conduct business, marketing, resupply, tourism, and even make it their permanent home.
As your plane prepares for touchdown, have a quick peek out your window and you will notice that this is a vast modern city with tall skyscrapers, large road networks, and residential houses. At night you will see glittering lights, people moving around, and a lot of activities from atop your hotel. Booking near one of Bangkok's famous night markets will give you unique access to a different hive of activities and an almost unending row of merchant stalls offering goods from clothing to exotic fruits throughout the night. Tour the various booths, try to haggle for the best price, and get the best value for your goods.
Experience their best-renowned street food and be amazed at the different food, smell, and fantastic variety. Our personal favorites are Pad Thai, barbecue, and a variety of their other spicy Thai noodles. Wander around their different fruit stands and see the incredible selection of fruits like mango, mangosteen, and papaya. Try their exotic fruits like dragon fruit and the “king of fruit” – the pungent smelling durian.
Bangkok city is unique because, amidst all its modern structures, you will see many religious temples. If you walk the streets you’ll find various religious statues adorned with flowers and offerings. Chances are that you will see plenty of Buddhist monks walking around with their bright orange robes and offering prayers.
Bangkok at Night: One Night in Bangkok
Getting Around Bangkok
It is important to know that traffic in Bangkok is crazy. You definitely don’t want to spend your entire holiday here stuck in congestion - so, we’ve put together this amazing article - which includes the BTS Skytrain, the MRT, the ARL, and even the Waterways - to help you experience a more authentic Thailand while dodging all of the traffic:
Culture and Customs of Thailand
If you’re looking for a guide that will make your trip even more amazing, consider this short read. It covers all of the important Thai customs and cultural aspects that you’ll likely encounter, helps you understand the differences that might otherwise make you worry, and ultimately enrich your adventure to this foreign land. Highly recommended!
Wat Pho
Palaces & Wats
A Wat is a Buddhist monastery or temple. The official religion in Thailand is Theravada Buddhism, which is practiced by more than 95% of the population. Thus, you are going to see many different Wats in Bangkok, but we’ve narrowed down the list to the very best ones in Bangkok for you!
The Grand Palace Bangkok
It’s hard not to include the Grand Palace on a list of the Very Best of Bangkok - but we should point out that it is always exceptionally crowded. Just about anyone who visits Bangkok will be told to go to The Grand Palace, and just about every tour of Bangkok includes a visit here.
Built after the ascension of King Rama 1, the Grand Palace Complex was completed in 1782. The compound sits in a 218,000 square meter area and is home to the Royal throne and halls, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and various government offices. Have a tour of the compound, and marvel at the beautiful Thai architecture with its intricate design and adornments. Feast your eyes on the various temples and statues with different hues, colors, and gold highlights.
There is a stringent dress code when you visit the Grand Palace since it's one of Thailand's most sacred sites. Men are asked to put on long pants and a shirt with sleeves. On the other hand, women are required to dress moderately, with no see-through clothes or bare shoulders dresses. You don't need to worry too much; there is a booth near the entrance that provides clothes to cover up.
The Grand Palace usually opens from 8:30 am - 3:30 pm, and tickets for non-Thai people - which now must be purchased at least 24 hours in advance - are available at the front gate for 500 baht (about $17). Although we had trouble finding the gates that sold the tickets and ended up not getting in on our own. Alternatively, you can get an affordable tour of the Grand Palace, with Wat Pho and Wat Arun, to make this situation much easier - plus, it includes an authentic Pad Thai lunch!
Wat Pho - “The Reclining Buddha”
Just a 10 minute walk from the Grand Palace is Wat Pho. Although the line isn't very long, you will notice that there is an unending stream of tourists and locals entering with offerings and to pray.
Wat Pho is an 80,000 square meter complex with more than 90 colorfully decorated chedis, 390+ gilded Buddha statues, several Chinese guardian statues, beautifully decorated garden oases, and even a massage school (a one-hour Thai massage costs about 480 baht - about $16).
The “reclining Buddha” at Wat Pho is a massive 46 meter long, and 15 meter high, Golden Buddha statue. The Buddha's feet alone are 5 meters long, lavishly decorated with illustrations made from mother of pearl. These illustrations describe 108 auspicious characteristics of Buddha.
You will have to remove your footwear when visiting the Reclining Buddha, and visitors are also asked to follow the appropriate dress code (dress conservatively).
Enter and wait in line to take a picture with the Reclining Buddha, or simply stand in awe at the marvelous huge Buddha statue. Don't forget to bring coins, or purchase them at the entrance, so you can drop them in the 108 bronze "wishing" bowls around the statue.
The Reclining Buddha opens from 8:30 am - 3:30 pm.
The Wat Pho Entrance fee is 100 baht (about $3.50), so if you want to see the whole complex it’s worth coming back if you have extra time, however if you want to see the most highlights in a limited amount of time, the tour that we mention above in the Grand Palace section is the best way to see Wat Pho.
The Sixth Restaurant Bangkok
Although it is not a Wat, this restaurant is located near Wat Pho temple and the Grand Palace. It is a small and cozy restaurant with a lovely ambiance, friendly staff, and excellent service.
It has some of the most highly rated Thai food, decent prices, and delicious dessert options; we recommend having lunch here before or after visiting the reclining Buddha.
Wat Arun - “The Temple of Dawn”
Wat Arun is a riverside temple and one of the most remarkable temples in Bangkok. It is just on the other side of the river from Wat Pho, so getting there is practically effortless. The beautiful architecture and fine craftsmanship are enhanced by its unique riverside location. At the base of the central tower, you will see different statues of soldiers and animals.
Its highlight is a magnificent spire rising 70 meters high with intricate colored glass decorations and Chinese porcelain. You can take a riverboat from the Saphan Taksin boat pier and stop at Pier 8. You ride a small shuttle boat that can take you to the other side of the river.
Wat Arun opening hours are from 8:00 am - 5:30 pm.
Wat Arun ticket price is 100 baht (about $3.50) and the ferry ride to Wat Arun near Wat Pho is 3 baht (about $0.10).
Wat Arun is included in the main day tour described above - including the Grand Palace and Wat Pho.
Wat Saket - “The Golden Mount”
Wat Saket is also called the temple of the Golden Mount, and Phu Khao Thong. It is one of Bangkok city's oldest temples and is unique because it sits atop an 80-meter high mountain.
Visitors need to climb more than 300 steps to get to the temple. Surprisingly, there is a cemetery covered by an overgrowth of vines and trees near the steps' base. Aside from the beautiful and well-decorated structure, it also has fantastic views of Bangkok. Walk up to the top with the local Bangkok tour.
Wat Saket entrance fee is 50 baht (about $2.00).
The Golden Mount and Wat Saket are open every day from 7:30 am - 7:00 pm.
Shopping Centers & Hotels
Terminal 21, Pier 21, and the Grand Centre Point Hotel
Terminal 21 mall is a huge travel themed shopping complex and our #1 pick for best shopping mall in Bangkok to visit. Each floor has its own theme, including the Caribbean, Rome, Paris, Tokyo, London, Istanbul, and San Francisco. Each of the floors sells its own unique items, apparel, and food based on which country you are in… and yes, even the restrooms are themed! There are around 600 shops, over 50 restaurants and cafes, a gourmet supermarket, a movie theater, a large gym, and a food court.
Terminal 21 Food Court Bangkok
Our personal favorite spot at Terminal 21 is actually Pier 21 - a food court with a wide variety of the most affordable, upscale/quality street-food that you’ll find in Bangkok! They even have amazing Thai desserts such as mango sticky rice, shaved ice, and a number of bean and jelly options.
Terminal 21 is also attached to one of the most affordable luxurious five-star hotels in Bangkok: the Grande Centre Point Hotel, which features:
Excellent location with access to both the BTS and MRT train routes
a rooftop pool with excellent views of the city
a full-service spa so you can relax
Additionally, it is located on Sukhumvit Road - and close to just about everything worth seeing in Bangkok! This is our number one recommendation on accommodations / hotel if you can afford it. If not, look at these nearby BnBs!
Al-Meroz Hotel Bangkok
If you’re looking for the best places to stay in Bangkok, the Al Meroz Hotel also has an excellent location and can easily be reached from Suvarnabhumi Airport as it's only a few blocks from the ARL line. It's Bangkok's leading Halal Hotel, and it's located very close to the Foundation Islamic Center where guests can visit and have their daily prayers.
It caters to both Muslim and non-Muslim visitors. This Hotel exclusively serves halal-certified food for all its guests. It has excellent guest reviews in terms of its cleanliness, service, and food.
We stopped in here to be picked up for two of our day trips and were greeted and treated exceptionally well. It's a very fancy place that reminded us of the best hotels that we saw in Morocco or Egypt, and had an amazing assortment of cafe snacks and beverages as well as a high-quality restaurant with a delicious looking menu.
Siam Square & Other Shopping Centers in Bangkok
Siam Square One is the newest mall in the Siam square complex. It's a multi-story mall where the first two floors are reserved for cheap and trendy fashion. At the same time, the other floors are for more expensive Thai and International stores and brands. The top floors are home to several restaurants and food stalls serving Asian food and other cuisines.
Siam Paragon is located on Rama 1 road, which is the former location of the Siam International Hotel. It's next to the Siam Discovery Center and across from MBK Center.
The malls are located near each other, and Siam Paragon is the international fashion hub and filled with designer flagship stores.
Siam Discovery is a Japanese designed seven-floor sophisticated mall. Each floor has a specific theme from women's fashion, digital appliances, and homeware.
MBK center, on the other hand, is one of Bangkok's famous shopping malls. It's a large mall with eight floors and around 2,000 shops. It's not as upscale as the previous malls, but tourists and locals go here to buy fashion accessories, mobile phones, appliances, leather products, and others. It's also where we found our Thailand tourist patches.
Daytime Activities & Museums
Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market tour
Thailand is known for its various floating markets; especially for the larger ones, like the famous Damnoen Saduek floating market, that are located west of the city.
Khlong Lat Mayom is a local Thai favorite and one of the more local-community ones that are actually located inside the city of Bangkok. It is less busy, more relaxed, easy-going, and has a nicer local ambiance. We recommend this place because it gives you a much less touristy feel than the busier floating markets located west of Bangkok.
Feast on the different food sold in and around the canal, such as Glass noodles, grilled fish, Thai Chicken, etc. Enjoy other activities such as a longboat ride thru the water channels, a tour of the sheep farm, horse riding, and fish feeding. This market is only open on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.
Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market Tour: Arrange a tour of the Khlong Lad Mayom floating market to explore all of the hidden crevices and to get access to the Taling Chan Floating Market.
Jim Thompson House & Museum
This really is more than just a house, it contains some serious Thai history, an intriguing mystery, and tons of well-kept traditional Thai (Siamese) styling decor, artifacts, and structures. True, the house was built by an American architect who fell in love with Thailand, but the hand weaving of traditional Thai silk, the combination of six traditional teak buildings - which represented the best in traditional Thai architecture, and the attention to detail of customs from early builders - from elevated houses, to fired roof tiles, to the specific red preservative paint, and even the traditional religious rituals required in constructing the house - make this location a must if you are fascinated by Thailand’s customs and culture.
While Jim Thompson disappeared on March 26th 1967 while on a visit to the Cameron Highlands of Malaysia - and “not a single valid clue has turned up in the ensuing years as to what might have happened to him” - his desire to open his home to the public, with the proceeds being donated to Thai charities to help preserve Thailand’s rich cultural heritage, lives on through The James H.W. Thompson Foundation - which “supports a wide variety of research, publication and seminar projects in furtherance of this aim.”
Consider the Jim Thompson’s Story of Silk tour if you’d prefer to have round trip transportation from/to your hotel or other accommodations.
Museum of Siam
The Museum of Siam in Bangkok is located near Wat Pho, so it would be practical to make it a part of your area's tour. Upon entering the museum, you will be greeted by a giant ribbon called the Roong, which will become a panoramic screen where you can watch a movie about Thai history, wars, and Buddhism.
Far from the usual intricately designed temples, the building that houses the Museum of Siam is a sizable neoclassical house. But if you expect old and dusty statues, you will be surprised by the modern art and modern technology in the museum. The Museum of Siam is open from Tues-Sun from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm.
This is a great place for kids to learn more about Thailand and the history of Siam! Additionally, it is the drop-off point for the Wat tour that we highly recommend as well - so, the perfect last stop for the day as well.
Museum of Siam entrance fee is 200 baht for foreigners (about $6.75), 50 baht for students, and 100 baht for Thai adults - but, as we learned by pure happenstance, it is FREE for everyone on its anniversary day - March 8th!
The Bangkok National Museum
The Bangkok National Museum is in the former grounds of the 18th century Wang Na Palace. It is very close to the Grand Palace, so it's recommended to make the museum a part of your area's tour.
Bangkok Museum is home to the biggest collection of Thai artifacts and art. It was first opened by King Rama V to exhibit different antiques and gifts given to him by his father. It's open on Wednesdays -Sundays from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Lumpini Park
With over 500,000 square meters of greenery and open space, it's the largest green space in central Bangkok. It's also where locals converge to jog, exercise, do aerobics, and relax.
Have a leisurely stroll in the park and enjoy the fresh air, lush greenery, and lovely lake view. You can also rent a paddle boat and paddle around the artificial lake or find a quiet corner, then sit and meditate.
Do note that there were “an estimated 400 Asian water monitor lizards, between one and three metres long, living in the Lumpini Park” back in 2016, and many are still living there today. We saw quite a few on our visit, but they are mostly harmless if you don't get too close to them - they try to run away if you get close. However, they can be quite dangerous (they are poisonous) if you pursue and/or try to trap them!
Lumpini Park is open daily from 9:30 am- 9:00 pm.
West Bangkok Area
West of Bangkok has several tourist trails, natural sceneries, museums, and national parks. It's a sizable rural area in Central Thailand. It is also known for its wide variety of fruits and fresh seafood.
Additionally, it is a popular area for floating markets, such as the infamous Damnoen Saduek Floating Market. It's also home to the famous Bridge over the River Kwai, which was immortalized in a movie based on real events in World War 2.
Learn more about these two hot spots in our Amazing Day Trips from Bangkok section below.
Street Food & Night Life
Bangkok Chinatown & Yaowarat Road
Bangkok's Chinatown and Yaowarat road will challenge your sense of adventure. Be prepared to experience the different streets and alleyways and enjoy a unique integration of Chinese and Thai culture.
Bangkok Chinatown Night Market
Experience Chinatown and Yaowarat Road at night and see it transformed into a huge street food venue. Try their delicious flat noodles, dim sum, oyster omelets, and fresh seafood. Try their yummy desserts and exotic fruits.
Did you know that there are Michelin rated food carts here in Chinatown? There actually are!
Since traffic can be heavy, use the MRT and go down at Wat Mangkon MRT station. It's just around a 5 minutes walk to Yaowarat Road.
Khao San Road Nightlife
Khao San Road is known as a foreign backpacker haven. It is considered the foreign traveler's hub because it's packed with various cheap restaurants, budget accommodations, and bars that cater to late-night fun and drinking.
Khao San has a number of different food stalls that serve delicious Thai street food and desserts. It also has excellent live music in its various resto-pubs, and affordable shopping. It's also a good starting point when you want to tour other nearby attractions such as the Bangkok National Museum, the Museum of Siam, Democracy Monument, Phra Sumen Fort, and the famous Wats that we mentioned above.
This area is geared more toward single tourists and people who enjoy partying - not really for families with small kids as it can be quite loud at night.
It is also where many of the day trip tour vans drop off everyone that they’ve picked up from their hotels earlier in the morning to re-distribute them into the vans that will be going to their specific locations (based on which tour they purchased). It's an interesting, but effective, logistical setup!
Chatuchak Night Market
Chatuchak - or JJ Weekend Market - is the largest market in Thailand. There are seemingly endless rows of shops and stalls as you walk through the large sprawl of the market. The outer edges are mostly food stalls set up each weekend, and the inner area is filled with narrow passageways lined with clothing, toys, knick-knacks, and various other shops.
It is open on Friday evening, and during the day on Saturday and Sunday. We enjoyed going on Friday evening as the temperature drops to a bearable level after the sun goes down. Additionally, it isn't too far from the Thai Immigration Bureau Division (see below), so it makes for a great evening after a long day of extending your visa!
PRO TIP: Be aware that there is nowhere to sit down at the market, but there is a mall across the street with a food court on the top level. We escaped there to sit down so Jenny could feed our baby in an air conditioned location. The food court also has restrooms.
Other Frequently Visited Places
Thai Immigration Bureau Division
While it does have a decent variety of food places for a facility designed for an Immigration Bureau, and it even had a convention with lots of free stuff when we went, it is a place to be avoided unless you really need to extend your visa. The traffic is a nightmare trying to get out of here and there are no easy subway/tube-like stations nearby - so, whether you drive, taxi, or take the bus, you’ll end up sitting through some endless traffic on your way out UNLESS YOU GET HERE EXTRA SUPER EARLY IN THE MORNING!!!
Tip: Get there WELL BEFORE IT OPENS!
Songkran in Silom - “Thai New Year's”
Songkran Festival in Thailand is a national holiday usually celebrated between April 13 and 15. It is known for its fun, friendly water fights and massive street parties. Songkran is a great time for family reunions, temple visits, and annual house cleaning.
Silom is known for some of the biggest, and most exciting, Songkran crowds. Young Thais line the 5 kilometers stretch of street, and bring their water guns or anything else that can spray water. One of the highlights is being hosed down by firetrucks to the excitement of the crowd. This event is especially fun for kids (read more about it in National Geographic Kids).
For those of you who would like to witness the energy of the festival without participating in the water fun, you can stay up on the walkway above Silom road. It can also be a place to take a break from getting soaked, but you’ll have to make sure you’re a bit dried off before going up. There are barriers in place to prevent drenched Songkran participants from making their way up the stairs to the covered walkway to keep the area dry.
Amazing Experience in Silom: Thai Foodie Tour and Cooking Class at Silom Thai Cooking School (4 hours)
Amazing Day Trips from Bangkok
It is definitely worth noting that many of the more amazing places in Thailand are outside of Bangkok itself, and that we highly recommend taking a few day trips such as The Death Railway, Ayutthaya, or the Damnoen Saduek Floating Market tours. Actually, you can get a couple of them included if you’re on your way up to Chiang Mai next!
The Death Railway
Probably our favorite day trip from Bangkok, but also a super informative one. While we didn't initially start our world travels caring much for history - this one really taught us some things that we never knew while bringing us on an adventure through some amazing areas of Thailand, along the River Kwai, and even to an amazing waterfall! Let's just say we enjoy learning about history now, thanks in part to this trip! Learn more about it in our full review here:
Ayutthaya Historical Park, Wat Mahathat & The Summer Palace
The ruins of the former capital of Siam are now Ayutthaya Historical Park. “Wat Maha That” is arguably the most popular site in Ayutthaya due to the famous Buddha head entangled in the tree roots. It was also our favorite stop on our day tour to Ayutthaya and Bang Pa-In Palace. We also visited several other beautiful and historical Wats on the tour. Learn our tips to making your visit more enjoyable - and the importance of staying hydrated - in our full review:
Maeklong Railway Market & the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
There are a few markets within Bangkok, but to see the railway market and the most famous floating market, you’ll need to take a day trip. Discover which markets are worth going to visit and which ones are okay to miss here:
Our Favorite Places in Bangkok
There is never a dull moment when you visit Thailand. Experience their warm hospitality, unique attractions and amazing food by booking some of these amazing spots today. No wonder over 3 million visitors arrive each year to enjoy Thailand, the “Land of Smiles.”
If you are limited in time on your trip to Bangkok, our absolute must-see list would include:
Terminal 21/Pier 21 for affordable (cheap), delicious Thai food and location,
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn),
Khlong Lat Mayom floating market,
We hope you enjoy your holiday to Bangkok and learn a bit about the history, culture, and of course the food during your stay! Let us know if this helped you plan your visit or if you think we missed something that is a must-see!
FAQ’s
What are the options for vegetarian food in Bangkok?
Bangkok is a haven for food lovers and vegetarians are no exception. The city offers a variety of vegetarian restaurants serving Thai and international cuisine. May Veggie Home is a popular spot, offering a range of vegan Thai dishes. Broccoli Revolution is another favorite, known for its plant-based menu and fresh juices. Street food stalls also provide vegetarian options, with dishes like pad thai easily made meat-free upon request.
How can tourists navigate the language barrier in Bangkok?
English is widely spoken in tourist areas of Bangkok, making communication relatively easy. For a more immersive experience, learning a few basic Thai phrases can be helpful. Mobile apps like Google Translate can also assist in real-time translation for more complex interactions. Additionally, carrying a hotel business card can aid in returning to one's accommodation without language difficulties.
What are the best ways to avoid scams in Bangkok?
Staying informed is the best defense against scams. Common scams include tuk-tuk drivers offering overly cheap rides then taking passengers to shops where they receive commissions. It's advisable to agree on a fare before starting the trip or use metered taxis. Tourists should also be cautious of unsolicited advice about closed attractions, as this often leads to alternative, overpriced tours. Consulting reputable travel guides or hotel concierges for accurate information is recommended.
(1) River Kwai Tour and Death Railway to Kanchanaburi - From Bangkok .... https://eatwanderexplore.com/blog/2019/4/13/river-kwai-tour-and-death-railway-to-kanchanaburi-from-bangkok-thailand.
(2) Exploring Thailand - Blogs about Thailand - REmotiFIRE by EatWanderExplore. https://eatwanderexplore.com/guides/thailand.
(3) Ayutthaya and the Summer Palace from Bangkok - the Pompeii of Thailand .... https://eatwanderexplore.com/blog/ayutthaya-bang-pa-summer-palace-tour-from-bangkok.
(4) Bangkok Floating Markets & Railway Market - Thailand. https://eatwanderexplore.com/blog/best-floating-and-railway-market-bangkok-thailand.
(5) REmotiFIRE by EatWanderExplore Remote Lifestyle & Online Coding Bootcamp. https://eatwanderexplore.com/.
(6) Bangkok travel blog — The fullest Bangkok travel guide & suggested .... https://livingnomads.com/2023/07/bangkok-travel-blog/.
(7) 3-Day Bangok Itinerary: The Best of Bangkok - ytravelblog.com. https://www.ytravelblog.com/3-day-bangkok-itinerary/.
(8) The Very Best of Bangkok, Thailand - Travel Guide. https://eatwanderexplore.com/blog/the-very-best-of-bangkok-thailand.
(9) 11 Amazing Reasons Why You Should Travel to Bangkok This Year. https://www.thewildestroad.com/blog/11-amazing-reasons-why-you-should-travel-to-bangkok.
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