The Ultimate Bangkok Travel Guide: Best Things to Do in Bangkok

Thailand is one of my favorite countries I’ve ever visited, and there’s nothing that compares to the beautiful temples, incredible street food, and rich culture of Bangkok. This Bangkok Travel Guide has the ultimate list of things to do in Bangkok.

In this guide, you’ll find recommendations on the best activities in Bangkok, restaurants and bars, the best time to visit, and how to get around.

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10 Best Things To Do In Bangkok

1. Grand Palace

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The Grand Palace is an absolute must-see, with its intricate architecture and cultural significance. Built in 1782, it is the former royal residence and administrative center of Thailand, and today it hosts ceremonial and state functions. The Emerald Buddha Temple within the palace grounds is especially impressive (it’s one of the most sacred temples in Thailand). Just make sure to dress modestly since no shorts, leggings, or sleeveless tops are allowed!

Cost: 500 BHT (~$15 USD)

Tip: Watch out for anyone saying the Grand Palace is closed. This is a common scam in Thailand that typically involves friendly locals convincing tourists that the palace is closed for a special event. They then redirect them to overpriced gem shops or other tourist traps. We saw it happen but luckily were prepared and knew to ignore them!

2. Wat Pho + Reclining Buddha

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Wat Pho, home of the massive reclining Buddha, is also close by so head there afterwards! This iconic statue is an awe-inspiring 46 meters long and 15 meters high, making it one of the largest Buddha images in Thailand. The statue depicts Buddha in his final moments of nirvana, lying on his side with his head supported by his right hand, symbolizing peace and tranquility.

Cost: 300 BHT (~$9 USD)

3. Wat Arun Temple

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Another jaw-dropping temple you have to visit is Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn. It’s located right by the Chao Phraya River and is known for its striking spires covered in colorful porcelain tiles. It looks especially stunning at sunset when the light hits just right and you get a great view of the river. 

Cost: 200 BHT (~$6 USD)

4. Street Food Tour

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One of my favorite things to do in Bangkok is experience the local food, and Bangkok’s street food scene is legendary. A street food tour is an amazing way to try over a dozen types of Thai food and learn more about each dish. Whether you’re snacking on pad thai, eating spicy som tam (papaya salad), or digging into a bowl of khao soi (a northern Thai curry noodle dish), you’re in for a treat. We tried so many different dishes that were all delicious and we couldn’t eat another bite by the end!

Cost: (~$60 USD)

5. Day Trip to Ayutthaya Historical Park

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A day trip to Ayutthaya Historical Park is like stepping back in time to explore Thailand’s rich history and ancient ruins. Some must-see spots include the famous Buddha head at Wat Mahathat, the impressive chedis at Wat Phra Si Sanphet, and the serene Reclining Buddha at Wat Lokayasutharam. You can also climb to the top of Wat Ratchaburana for amazing views and don’t miss the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace!

Cost: (~$50 USD w/hotel pickup)

6. Thai Cooking Class

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One of my favorite things to do when I travel is take a local cooking class. It’s such a fun way to learn about the local culture and traditions, especially when you start by shopping for fresh ingredients at a local market. Then, the real fun begins as you get hands-on in the kitchen, preparing classic dishes like pad Thai, tom yum soup, green curry, and mango sticky rice (which is definitely one of my favorites!). 

Cost: ~$40 USD

7. Drinks at a Rooftop Bar

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Bangkok has some incredible rooftop bars that are perfect for drinks in the evening. We visited Octave at the Marriott in Sukhimvit which had panoramic views of the city, a DJ, and great drinks. Other popular spots are Vertigo and Moon Bar at Banyan Tree, Above Eleven, Zoom Sky Bar, or the Sky Bar in Lebua State Tower. 

Cost: varies

8. Maeklong Railway Market

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A day trip to the Train Market (Maeklong Railway Market) is a fun and unique experience you can have near Bangkok. About an hour outside the city, this market is set up right on the train tracks, and when a train comes through (which happens multiple times a day), the vendors quickly pull back their awnings and move their goods to make way for it. After the train passes, the market goes right back to business!

Cost: ~$35 USD (w/hotel pickup)

9. Floating Markets

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For a unique experience, take a trip to one of Bangkok’s famous floating markets. Although they’re not right in the city center, a visit to Damnoen Saduak or Amphawa Floating Market (about an hour outside the city) is worth the trip. You’ll paddle around on a boat, shopping from vendors selling everything you can think of.  It’s also easy to combine the floating markets with a trip to the famous train market for a fun day trip!

Cost: ~$35 USD (w/hotel pickup)

10. Chinatown

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Chinatown (Yaowarat) is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, and is a foodie’s paradise. Don’t miss the chance to sample some of the best street food in Bangkok, with everything from dim sum and roasted duck to Chinese-style donuts. Make sure to try Yaowarat Toasted Buns – a dessert bread with yummy fillings!

Cost: free

Bars in Bangkok

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Octave Rooftop Bar

(Rooftop Bar)

Rabbit Hole

(Cocktail Bar)

Above Eleven

(Rooftop Bar)

Best Time to Visit Bangkok

Bangkok is located in the center of Thailand and has a tropical, humid climate, with a rainy season from May to October. The best time to visit is during the winter months (November to February) when the weather is cooler, though it’s also peak tourist season, so expect higher prices. March and April will also have sunny skies, but it’s much more humid and hot during these months, so if you visit during these times be sure to stay hydrated!

How to Get Around Bangkok

Getting around Bangkok is pretty easy thanks to the MRT, the city’s metro system. It’s affordable, air-conditioned, and connects you to all the major sights, so we used it a lot, especially with the help of Google Maps. We also used Grab, which is like Uber in Asia. It was affordable and you can also use it for food delivery!

Tuk-Tuk’s in Thailand

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For a fun, short ride around the city center, tuk-tuks are a great option, but make sure to agree on a price beforehand to avoid getting ripped off. We found the best method was to book a tuk-tuk through the Grab app since it has a set price, so no negotiating even needed!

How Many Days to Spend in Bangkok

There’s so many things to do in Bangkok you could easily spend a week taking it all in. However, most of us are time constrained when we travel, so I’d recommend at least 3-4 full days in Bangkok in order to get the most out of the city.

Is Bangkok Safe for Tourists?

Bangkok is generally a safe place to visit, but you’ll want to take the usual precautions when traveling. Avoid poorly lit areas, keep an eye on your belongings, and don’t accept drinks from strangers. Also be sure to be careful when crossing the road or navigating traffic in Bangkok as it can get pretty hectic!

Scams in Bangkok

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There’s a few common scams for tourists to be aware of. For example, if a tuk-tuk driver tries to tell you the Grand Palace or another attraction is closed, they are often trying to get you to take a tour with them where you’ll stop by their friends’ shops and they can get a commission. Always double check hours of operation directly through the attraction’s website!

You’ll also want to be cautious when it comes to food safety. Thailand has some of the best food in the world, but it’s also common for tourists to get sick, which can derail a trip. When you’re in Bangkok, don’t drink the tap water and stick to bottled water only, which you can easily grab at any 7/11 around the city.

Ice is safe as long as it’s in the hollow cylinder shape, because that’s made from purified water that’s delivered fresh daily. Be cautious with pre-cut or peeled fruit and only eat it if you’ve peeled it yourself, since the fruit could have been washed in tap water. 

Bangkok is known for its street food, and it’s definitely a must try, but it’s also a common place tourists can get sick. You’ll want to look for the busiest stands since the more popular they are, the quicker the food is turned over, so it’s more likely to be fresh instead of sitting out in the heat for hours. Another option is to book a street food tour since they will usually take you to reputable spots (that’s what we did)!

What to Wear in Bangkok

Bangkok’s tropical climate can be pretty intense, with heat and humidity that had us sweating through our clothes almost every day, even in December! Be sure to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the strong sun, plus lightweight, breathable clothing to keep cool. Comfortable shoes are also a must with all the walking you’ll be doing when seeing the sites!

What to Wear in Bangkok Temples

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If you’re planning to visit temples, don’t forget to bring long pants or skirts that cover your knees. Also make sure your shoulders are covered for places like the Grand Palace! Many temples require you to remove your shoes to enter, so I recommend wearing sneakers with socks instead of sandals so you don’t have to go barefoot.

If you’re a carry-on only packer like me, you might be worried about having enough clothes with all the sweat and changing you’ll be doing. Luckily, laundry service is super affordable and often offers pickup and drop-off right at your hotel, so you can pack light!

Looking for more Thailand recommendations? Check out some of our other posts from the blog!

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Visit The White Temple in Chiang Rai, Thailand: Wat Rong Khun