A Trip to Bangkok: Ten Must-Visit Attractions

A visit to Bangkok will always be a trip to remember. Thailand’s high-octane cultural capital has something for everyone – from vibrant modern culture to stunning traditional temples, unbelievable street food or high-end dining, and everything in between. 

Bangkok should be on any serious traveler’s bucket list, and in this article, you’ll gain a taste of what’s on offer!

The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew

If we’re talking iconic Bangkok landmarks, it doesn’t get much more famous than The Grand Palace. Built in 1782, it’s still used regularly for ceremonial events and attracts thousands of visitors worldwide. Known for its ornate golden turrets and jaw-dropping architectural complexity, the palace has served as the residence of the Kings of Siam for over 150 years. The royal family no longer resides there today, but naturally, it remains one of the most iconic places in Thailand’s rich history.

Inside the grounds of the palace itself, you’ll also find Wat Phra Kaew. It’s considered one of the most sacred sites in the country, and where the palace in general is known for its impressive exterior, Wat Phra Kaew is remembered for its beautifully intricate interior; inside, you’ll find stunningly decorated murals and sculptures alongside the main attraction – The Emerald Buddha. There’s also a dress code: long pants and sleeved shirts are required.

Opening hours: from 08:30 to 16:30

Admission fee is 350 THB.

The dress code: long sleeve shirt and pants or skirt covering the knees.

Chatuchak Weekend Market

No visit to Bangkok is complete without experiencing Chatuchak Weekend Market. It’s one of the largest markets in the world and is the perfect place for an authentic shopping experience. Unbelievably, there are over 15,000 different stalls to browse with the market area covering an impressive 35 acres of land; you’ll find everything from an extensive selection of delicious street food to clothing, accessories, art, antiques, fabrics, and local souvenirs. 

Navigating the huge crowds can be challenging at first, but once you get the hang of things, you’ll be bartering with the best of them! It’s an atmosphere like no other, and you’ll be sure to come away with several bags full.

Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

Wat Arun is a temple known for its stunning views at sunrise and sunset. Like most famous temples in Thailand, it’s recognized for its unique architecture, comprised of five distinct spires (four in a square with one large one in the center). Named after Aruna, the Hindu god of dawn, the entire building is covered in brightly colored porcelain. 

Climbing to the top offers you amazing views over the entire city, with the surrounding area being brightly illuminated in the evening – it’s the perfect spot to soak in the atmosphere and snap some pictures to show your family and friends!

Entrance to the temple is free, a visit to the pagoda is paid.

Tour around Wat Pho

Wat Pho is another popular attraction of Bangkok and one of its oldest temples. Wat Pho is famous for the giant (46 meters) statue of Buddha which attracts local pilgrims and tourists from all over the world to pay the honor and throw a coin for good luck at the feet of the Great Enlightened One.

But the territory of the temple itself is interesting too: there are many stupas (a few hundred!), statues and images of Buddha, as well as amazingly beautiful stone sculptures. And the temple itself is worth attention.

Be respectful and don’t wear revealing clothes, check other things you should know about Thailand.

Opening hours: from 08:00 to 18:30.

Admission fee is 100-200 THB (for children under 120 cm tall admission is free).

Pro Tip: Plunging into Thai culture by trying local cuisine is in the top list of things to do for everyone! So don’t miss out on the most authentic Thai dishes.

See Vimanmek mansion

Vimanmek is famous for being the largest in the world wooden building, built without a single nail!

The fact that the palace is made of pink yew makes it look like a huge carved jewelry box. Items that belonged to the royal family are stored in the 80 rooms of the palace: the finest porcelain items, furniture, hunting trophies and much more. A park and a pond near the palace create a uniquely peaceful atmosphere.

The palace is located in Dusit Park. Guided tours in English (4 groups per day) are held from 11:00 to 14:00.

Dress code: a long sleeve shirt and trousers or a skirt covering the knees.

Wander through the local market

Damnoen Saduak floating market is the most popular among tourists. Now Damnoen Saduak market is not just shopping in Bangkok, but also a famous landmark and entertainment. Thousands of tourists come here to see the trade on the water. Not only individual tourists come to Damnoen Saduak market, but organized tours too. At noon, the market can be overcrowded, so it is better to visit early in the morning.

Get a massage near Wat Pho and visit the colorful flower market after that.

Taling Chan (open on weekends), Bang Khu Wiang and Tha Kha are less crowded. They are popular more among Thai people than among tourists.

Get some fresh air in Lumpini park

Lumpini Park is an oasis inside crowded megapolis and is a Bangkok analog of the Central Park in New York. The total area of Lumpini Park is more than 57 hectares. In this area, there are two lakes, sports grounds for playing tennis, fitness, jogging and cycling tracks, playgrounds. On a daily basis, people can attend gymnastics and fitness in the park absolutely for free.

The entrance to the park is open from 4.30 am to 21.00 in the evening. You can ride bicycles from 9 am to 3pm; you cannot walk your animals there or smoke.

Pro tip: Take some bread with you to feed carps in the pond (and if you’re lucky, monitor lizards too).

The entrance to the park is free.

Party on Khao San Road

It’s a perfect place to plunge into colorful, bustling life of the nighttime Thailand. With the onset of darkness, the street turns into a night market and a party place. Tourists from around the world, music, many languages - it seems that the whole globe has gathered here.

Even if you are not a fan of noisy parties, you should check it out. The least you can do is to take a walk, buy delicious street food (or be adventurous and try a fried scorpion?), listen to music or even go to one of the many bars out there.

Read: Most popular Thai food to try in Bangkok

Get a Feel of Modern Bangkok in Siam Paragon

Bangkok is not only about ancient temples and antiquities. You can dive into the modern side of life of this colorful metropolis, and arrange a shopping day in Siam Paragon.

Here you can hang out for the whole day: check out boutiques of popular world brands, jewelry stores, cinemas, cafes and restaurants, and most importantly – Siam Ocean World, the largest aquarium in Southeast Asia, where visitors can swim with sea predators.

The shopping center is located in Bangkok’s shopping mecca, Pathumwan district, on Rama I Road, between Siam Center and CentralWorld. The easiest way to get here is on the BTS Skytrain subway.

Opening hours: Siam Paragon is open daily from 10:00 to 22:00.

Visit Jim Thompson House

Perhaps one of the most unexpected places of interest in Bangkok. This house belonged to an American intelligence officer who became famous for reviving the Thai silk industry. Jim Thompson has mysteriously vanished in 1967 in Malaysia.

Today there is a museum in his house, where, besides the amazing beauty of the interiors, you can see the private collection of the former owner (especially impressive collection of antiques).

Admission fee is 200 THB for adults.

Attend Muay Thai Boxing Show

Bangkok is your go-to place to watch the authentic Muay Thai Match. The fights elsewhere are mostly designed for tourists and not worth wasting your time.

Watch the fights at the Bangkok at Rajadamnern Stadium. For foreigners tickets are not cheap – from 1,000 to 2,000 THB ($ 30-60), but an unusual experience is probably worth the money.

Pro tip: watch the Muay Thai Match FOR FREE in the Channel 7 building! The admission is free to the public every Sunday at 2 p.m. and every third Wednesday of the month at 12 p.m.

Wrapping Up

A fantastic holiday in Bangkok awaits you, no matter what you decide to do. The suggestions above are but only three out of dozens of possible attractions to visit, though they're a great place to start if you're feeling overwhelmed by ideas.

One final tip: if you can, consider opting for the likes of a 5 star hotel in Bangkok - you'll typically find them to be cheaper than they would be in most other places, and most offer beautiful views, great food, and spacious rooms for the perfect base to start your adventures from.