Wondering what to do in Bangkok? Check out our complete guide to the capital of Thailand: best attractions, where to stay and more.
14min
Planning a trip to Bangkok, Thailand? From ornate temples to vibrant nightlife, exotic food and relaxing massages, this guide will give you the best information on what to do in Bangkok, where to stay, and how to get around.
Find out what to do in Bangkok, Thailand, and other practical tips to help you make the most of your time there:
There are countless leisure options and things to do in Bangkok during the day and at night. Below are some of the main attractions that are most enjoyed by the city's visitors. But besides planning an itinerary, stay open: Bangkok is a destination to live the unexpected.
The Grand Palace in Bangkok is the official ceremonial residence of the King of Thailand (his private residence is at Dusit Palace).
To make the most of your visit, arrive early, just before opening time (8:30 a.m.), to be one of the first to enter. Head straight to Wat Phra Kaeo, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Later in the day, it gets hotter and more crowded, with long lines to enter.
Next, move in a clockwise direction to visit the other sites; you can follow a map you can pick up at the entrance.
Tourist groups with guides usually arrive at 9 a.m. and move in a clockwise direction, so it’s better to swim in favor of the current, or even better, be ahead of the crowd to visit the site with more peace and tranquility.
If possible, visit during the week, as some areas are closed to the public on weekends.
If you can’t go early, the second-best time is to arrive at the Grand Palace in Bangkok by 3 p.m., since the last tourist groups usually leave after 2:30 p.m., and the last entry is allowed at 3:30 p.m., with the option to stay inside until 4:30 p.m.
Important tip: There is a dress code for this tourist attraction, where men and women can only enter if their elbows and ankles are covered. Also avoid tight-fitting or transparent clothes, and do not wear flip-flops.
A visit to Wat Pho is a must for any traveler in Bangkok. Here lies the Reclining Buddha, which is fifteen meters high and forty-six meters long (the feet alone measure over five meters).
Inside the temple there are 108 bowls, and on your way to the temple you can buy coins for the bowls. The story behind this is that Buddha completed 108 positive actions on his way to perfection.
There are over 31,000 Buddhist temples scattered throughout Thailand, and this is one of the most visited. The temple is named after Arun, the God of Dawn.
Situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, this beautiful temple stands 79 meters tall. The tower is covered with colorful ceramic and porcelain tiles, providing an incredible view when you catch it in the right light. The temple itself is guarded by a pair of mythical giants who watch over the grounds.
Khao San is a street in downtown Bangkok that gets very busy at night. It is filled with bars, restaurants, and street vendors, resembling an "Asian Las Vegas."
You can go there to do some people watching and listen to live music. Drinking while walking is allowed on this street, and you’ll also have the opportunity to try exotic foods, such as fried scorpion.
One of the highlights of Khao San Road is the Roof Bar, known for having the best live music on the street and a more local vibe.
With over 500,000 square meters, Lumpini Park provides the people of Bangkok with a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
It’s common to see older Thai people practicing Thai Chi or a romantic couple relaxing by the lake. On weekends, the park fills with people participating in all kinds of activities, so it’s good to go early in the morning or just before sunset.
Chatuchak Market is known for being one of the largest markets in the world. It covers an area of 27 acres with over 8,000 stalls.
It is open every Saturday and Sunday and attracts around 200,000 visitors per day. Here, you will find everything you can imagine at local prices, not tourist prices. It’s worth having a map to avoid getting lost in the market.
You’ve probably heard of Thai massages and maybe even seen a Thai massage parlor in your life.
Thai massage uses gentle pressure and stretching techniques to relax the entire body. To find the best places, research the most recommended massage parlors online or ask for recommendations at your accommodation.
If you’re looking to travel to Bangkok on a budget while also immersing yourself in local culture, consider volunteering through Worldpackers. This platform connects travelers willing to exchange a few hours of volunteer work for free accommodation with different types of hosts who need help with small tasks.
There are positions available in hostels, NGOs, ecological projects, holistic centers, guesthouses, eco-villages, and more. It’s a great opportunity to save money, explore more destinations (or stay longer in one), connect with people from around the world, and even learn or develop new skills.
Check out all the Worldpackers hosts currently available in Bangkok and read the sections “what you offer” and “what you get” to find the opportunity that best suits your goals.
Here are a few examples:
Don’t miss out on Thai food; it’s always interesting to be in touch with different ingredients and ways of preparing a meal. You might even end up incorporating some of these ingredients and "ways of eating" into your routine.
The Sixth offers excellent Thai food! With only five tables, run by a young couple, the place has a friendly and laid-back atmosphere.
The menu is in English, and the couple also speaks English. In addition to traditional dishes, they serve excellent Thai iced tea and other beverages, such as different kinds of coffee, tea, and homemade sodas.
Prachak is famous for its Chinese-style roasted duck with a dark and spicy sauce over rice. This restaurant has been operating since 1909, and its tradition and fame make it worth a visit.
The small Thip Samai restaurant is known for serving the best Pad Thai in Bangkok.
Sukhumvit Soi 38 is a street where you’ll find the best of Bangkok street food, almost like a food court.
After trying all these famous foods in Bangkok, try delicious desserts such as Thai cookies and sweets at Boonsap Thai Dessert.
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The city of Bangkok has a tropical climate and typically remains warm and humid throughout the year, but the high season is between November and March, when temperatures are slightly cooler.
December to February are the coolest months, making it a good time to explore the city on foot, while March to May, despite being hot, is when the Thai New Year occurs—a very lively time full of celebrations, making it an interesting period to visit Bangkok.
From May to October is considered the low season, and Bangkok doesn’t receive many visitors. This is the ideal period for those looking to save money, as hotel and tour prices will be more attractive due to low demand. These months tend to be rainy, but there are indoor activities such as visiting temples, aquariums, shopping, and enjoying entertainment complexes.
To travel from the USA to Bangkok by plane, you’ll typically have at least one connection in Asia or the Middle East, with a total flight time ranging from 20 to 24 hours. Flights depart from major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, and San Francisco, offering multiple options to reach your destination. From Europe, the flight time decreases, but it’s still long, lasting around 15 to 18 hours.
We recommend comparing flight prices and routes through websites such as Google Flights or Skyscanner. If your travel dates are somewhat flexible, it will be easier to find cheaper tickets.
Generally, the best place to stay during your trip is one that’s closest to the attractions you want to visit, so you don’t spend too much on transportation. It’s also good to stay in a safe area that has the infrastructure you need, such as markets, restaurants, transportation, and pharmacies.
That said, let's talk about the best neighborhoods in Bangkok:
Khlong Toei, also spelled Klong Toey, is the central district of Bangkok, with easy access to the BTS and MRT metro stations. The district features large port facilities and the big Khlong Toei market.
Nearby, you’ll find plenty of shopping malls, restaurants, and nightlife. This part of Bangkok also has some of the highest-rated hostels on Worldpackers.
The Thonglor neighborhood is close to the city center and is known for its wide range of restaurants and fun nightlife, including game bars and nightclubs. It’s also near the khlongs, the canals that run through Bangkok and serve as a means of transportation. Because of these canals, Bangkok is also called the "Venice of the East."
Next to Thonglor is the Ekkamai neighborhood, where food and accommodation are more affordable. For those who need to save money, this is a good option as it’s cheaper and still not too far from the city center.
Ekkamai also has many coffee shops, a shopping mall, and one of the busiest bus terminals in the city.
Banglamphu is considered one of the best neighborhoods to visit in Bangkok because it offers a mix of ancient temples, such as Wat Saket and Wat Suthat, and nightclubs. Banglamphu is also home to one of the city’s most famous streets, Khao San Road, filled with shops, street food, and live music.
Close to the Banglamphu neighborhood there are the districts of Bangkok Yai and Bangkok Noi, which offer a variety of cultural and leisure activities, both within and outside the usual tourist itinerary. These districts are home to the famous Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn.
However, there are other interesting sites worth visiting, such as the National Museum of Royal Barges and the Siriraj Medical Museum, also known as the Museum of Death.
Ari is a trendy neighborhood in Bangkok where you'll find cafes, restaurants (some of them upscale), as well as street food.
Huai Khwang features an authentic and remarkable night market called Huai Khwang Night Market. The area is also known for its delicious street-side restaurants, open 24 hours a day, many of which serve traditional Thai food. This area is also easily accessible via the MRT metro.
Bang Rak is a district that never disappoints travelers who love dining out. Many of the city's best restaurants and bakeries are located here, and Bang Rak also hosts some of the best nightlife activities in Bangkok.
On Silom Road, you'll find lounges, pubs, and LGBT bars, many of which host cabaret shows. This neighborhood is also home to the city’s most popular gay nightclub, DJ Station.
Chinatown is where Bangkok's Chinese community is located, and the area is bustling day and night. This neighborhood offers the perfect blend of chaos and excitement, with plenty to see and do to keep any traveler busy.
There are several Chinatowns around the world, but Bangkok’s is the largest and the most unique of them all. The main reason for visiting Chinatown is the food. Although there are a few more upscale restaurant options, Chinatown’s main street, known as Yaowarat Road, is lined with vendors serving delicious dishes.
There are also many temples and shrines worth visiting in this area. Chinatown is located south of the Grand Palace and along the Chao Phraya River.
In Ratchathewi, you'll find the Victory Monument, an obelisk erected in June 1941 to commemorate Thailand's victory in the Franco-Thai War.
The monument is located at the intersection of Phahonyothin Road, Phaya Thai Road, and Ratchawithi Road, and around it, there are two shopping malls and a small, attractive green space known as Santiphap Park.
There aren’t usually many tourists in this area, except at the Saxophone Pub after dark. This bar features live music every night, and although drink prices are quite high, many are willing to pay for the atmosphere and music.
In addition to several nightlife venues, some of the best street food in the city can be found in Ratchathewi.
Bangkok has numerous transportation options available: buses, BTS Skytrain, MRT Subway, taxis, motorcycles, tuk-tuks, songthaews, express boats, and khlong boats.
Several local bus services operate in Bangkok, connecting nearly every part of the city. Although buses can get stuck in traffic jams, they are ideal for budget travelers who want to pay as little as possible for transportation.
In some buses, there is an attendant responsible for collecting payments, while in others, you’ll need to pay the driver directly. Try to avoid using large bills, as buses often lack change.
You can go to Transit Bangkok website to find schedules, fares, and service numbers, as many drivers speak limited English, and destinations are often written on the buses in Thai. Buses usually operate between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m., though some night services are also available.
Look for yellow or blue signs on bus windows. Those with yellow signs are generally faster, using the expressway, which also means they have fewer stops. Those with blue signs are slower, with more stops, better for travelers who want to hop off somewhere along the way.
Just like buses, there are plenty of minivans in Bangkok. Typically operating on set routes, they have fixed fares regardless of the distance traveled.
Songthaews are converted pickup trucks with two benches in the back, and they often have the destination written on the side, though usually in Thai. Minivans may also have place names written only in Thai. Simply wait by the side of the road and, when you see one approaching, wave it down.
Double-check that it’s going where you want before hopping in! Let the minivan driver know when you want to stop and alert them by pressing a bell. If the bells aren’t working, do it the Thai way and tap on the driver’s cabin window.
Unlike buses, which usually only pick up passengers at designated stops, minivans can be flagged down anywhere along their route, provided there’s space. They will also drop passengers off wherever they want along the route.
Bangkok's Mass Transit System, also called BTS or Skytrain, runs through the newer parts of Bangkok. It connects many popular attractions, restaurants, shopping areas, nightlife spots, and accommodations.
While Bangkok's streets can be congested, the BTS flies over all the traffic with more comfort and air conditioning. BTS tickets must be purchased from machines or ticket counters at the stations.
The Skytrain operates from 6 a.m. to midnight, and if you're staying in Bangkok for an extended period, you can save money with a 30-day Rabbit card.
The Metropolitan Rapid Transit, or MRT, is Bangkok's subway system. It runs between 6 a.m. and midnight, and there are two lines: the Blue Line and the Purple Line.
The Blue Line runs between Tao Poon and Hua Lamphong, connecting to Bangkok's main train station. The Purple Line runs from Tao Poon to Khlong Bang Phai in the neighboring province of Nonthaburi.
While it's mostly used by locals, the Blue Line can be great for visitors who want to reach places like Lumphini Park, Khlong Toei, the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, and the Thailand Cultural Center.
Taxis are the most expensive form of transportation in Bangkok, and trips can take a long time due to traffic. By law, Bangkok taxis must use a meter, and if they refuse, walk away and find another taxi.
If they start the journey and don’t turn on the meter, stop the ride and get out. The only time it's appropriate to negotiate a fare is for longer trips between cities or if you want to rent a taxi for a day (or more).
Tipping is not necessary, although it's common to round up to the nearest ten baht. A common scam involves drivers taking unnecessarily long routes, so it’s good to keep an eye on Google Maps to know if you’re heading in the right direction.
However, it could also happen that the driver is going on a different route because they know a particular road is very congested and are seeking a faster alternative.
Motorcycle taxis can be a convenient and exciting way for solo travelers to get around the city.
Whenever you see a man waiting by the roadside with a motorbike, holding two helmets and wearing a colorful vest, it means he's a motorcycle taxi. Make sure to agree on a fare before hopping on.
Motorcycle taxis have the advantage of being able to slip between vehicles during traffic, meaning your journey is often faster than by regular taxi. Always wear a helmet, keep your feet raised, hold onto the bar behind the seat and don’t worry too much, the driver knows what they’re doing.
An iconic form of transportation in Bangkok and Thailand in general is riding in a tuk tuk. Tuk tuk fares are not cheap, and unlike taxis, they don’t have meters. Always agree on the price before starting a trip to avoid unpleasant surprises upon arrival.
They are reliable and can be found anywhere—but they tend to get stuck in traffic and may also inflate prices for tourists. Try asking at your accommodation’s reception how much a local would pay for a particular route so you have an idea of what you should pay.
If you want to negotiate the price of a tuk tuk, choose a driver sitting alone and away from a group. Drivers in a group are less likely to lower the initial price.
Several ferry and boat services operate along the Chao Phraya River and canals. The services are color-coded, and onboard announcements give advance notice of each stop. Most boats operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays, and the orange service also runs on weekends. Tickets can be purchased at the piers.
There is also a hop on hop off boat called the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat, which offers unlimited boat transportation for one day. While this can be a great way to reach many different tourist spots, it’s not worth the fare if you only want to take a single trip.
Vendors at the piers often try to sell these tickets first, so make it clear that you want to board a regular ferry to avoid paying an excessively high price for a short trip.
In Bangkok, as in many tourist cities around the world, there are scams where locals make money off tourists. Therefore, stay alert—don’t accept help from strangers on the street, inquire about the prices of things to avoid paying more than you should, always check the change you receive when buying things, and keep an eye on your bag/backpack.
Another interesting thing is that I always thought it was super cheap to visit Thailand; however, Bangkok is the capital city, and spending time there can become expensive if you don’t plan well. On the website Numbeo, you can compare average costs between your city and the destination you want to visit to get an idea of how much you will spend.
Once again, I believe that traveling to Bangkok as a Worldpackers volunteer is very advantageous since you won’t pay anything for your stay, and you might get other perks like free meals and access to a shared kitchen.
Not to mention all the advantages of doing this type of cultural exchange, which allows you to learn about Thai culture and meet people from around the world, discovering new ways to live.
So, did you like these tips on what to do in Bangkok? Follow Worldpackers on social media to get many more travel tips: we're on Instagram and Tiktok.
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Marius
Nov 01, 2024
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