You can never be truly bored in Bangkok with our list of exciting attractions and fun places to visit.
Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, is a large city known for ornate shrines and vibrant street life. Even if you’ve lived here for years or you’re a regular visitor, the city’s landscape is constantly changing, with new cultural, food, and entertainment destinations popping up all the time. That’s why we’ve got you covered with our guide on Bangkok’s coolest attractions and places to visit.
Best places to visit in Bangkok
1. Wat Pho
Wat Pho is perfect if you’re on a tight sightseeing schedule. The temple compound houses the enormous reclining Buddha, the largest collection of Buddha figurines in Thailand, and one of the oldest public education establishments in the country. With 8 hectares of grounds, the 46m-long golden Buddha hardly fits into the building that houses it. As the headquarters for the teaching and preservation of traditional Thai medicine, this place is famous for its Thai massage school.
Wat Pho, 2 Sanam Chai Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200
Nearest MRT station: Sanam Chai
2. Grand Palace & Temple of the Emerald Buddha
A former royal residence, the Grand Palace is solely used on ceremonial occasions now. A huge complex with over 100 buildings, it houses Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha). The Emerald Buddha, carved out of jade, is only 66cm tall. Its gilded shrine holds it high above worshippers’ heads, and it has its robes ceremoniously changed at the beginning of each season. The Ramakien gallery is a long, intricately detailed mural depicting the Thai version of the Ramayana.
Tours around the Grand Palace can be arranged or you can explore at your leisure through the many temples and pagodas. Most of the architecture is known as Ratanakosin, old Bangkok style. Taking a taxi is a more direct way to get there, but you can beat some of the traffic by catching the underground,
The Grand Palace, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200
Nearest MRT station: Sanam Chai
3. Chao Phraya River
This is one of Bangkok’s must-visit places. Charter a long-tail boat for a private tour of the winding canals that snake off the busy Chao Phraya River. Cruise past communities set along the riverside, colourful wooden houses rising on stilts, local markets and people going about their days.
Tours often include gliding past some of Bangkok’s iconic river landmarks like the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen, home to Bangkok’s largest Buddha statue. How about a sunset cruise with dinner along the river of Kings? Reserve a table on one of the numerous boats for an evening out.
Chao Phraya River, Yan Nawa, Sathon, Bangkok 10120
Nearest BTS station: Saphan Taksin
4. Bangkok National Museum
History buffs and museum lovers can spend hours browsing the treasures inside this museum. With sections dedicated to the history of the Thai people and the evolution of Thai culture through the ages, collections include art and crafts from the country’s regions, Neolithic artefacts, and religious relics. Try a guided tour of the collections to learn about court traditions and the religious history of the region that continues to influence artistic expression to this day.
Bangkok National Museum, 4 Na Phra That Road Phraborommaharatchawang Khet Phra Nakhon Bangkok 10200
5. Parks and green spaces
Between the concrete, steel, and glass are Bangkok’s rare green spaces. Lumphini Park features 58 hectares of green lawns shaded by huge trees and an artificial lake home to water monitor lizards.
Benjakitti Park, the city’s largest at 72 hectares, is a mix of sports and nature. It houses scenic elevated walkways through man-made wetlands and mangrove forests, as well as running and cycling tracks, and courts for pickleball, basketball and volleyball inside converted warehouses. It even has a dog park and holds daily spin and yoga classes. The Green Mile, an elevated and well-lit pathway, links Benjakitti to Lumphini Park.
Benjasiri Park, between Emporium and Emsphere, is a compact 11 hectares. With a central lake and fountain ringed by lawns, it’s a favourite for picnics. Within the park are outdoor exercise equipment and a children’s playground.
Lumpini Park, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330
Nearest MRT station: Silom
Benjakitti Park, Ratchadaphisek Rd, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110
Nearest BTS station: Asok
Benjasiri Park, Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110
Nearest BTS station: Phrom Phong
6. Skywalk at King Power Mahanakhon
If you’re afraid of heights, skip this. Bangkok’s tallest skyscraper, King Power Mahanakhon, wows with an unparalleled 360-degree view of the mega city. The double-tiered viewpoint includes the SkyWalk – a glass-floored balcony 78 floors above the earth. To calm your nerves, the open-air bar one floor up can fix you a stiff drink or a round of shots. The views of the city are heart-stopping but take note that it gets very windy up high.
King Power Mahanakhon, 114 Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Rd, Si Lom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
7. Chatuchak Weekend Market
Known as ‘JJ’ to the locals, the popular weekend market is infamous for its 15,000 stalls. As you’d expect in one of the largest outdoor markets in the world, you can find anything here. We’re talking about home decor, art pieces, clothing, accessories, cooking equipment, vintage finds and dupes of the latest sneakers. There’s also a whole section for plants and pets! That’s why it’s one of the best places to visit in Bangkok.
Worried about getting lost? Don’t sweat, just pick up a map or ask around for directions. After you’re done shopping, grab a bite to eat at food stalls selling snacks, noodles, and stir-fried dishes. Top off your day with a cooling mai tai or ice cold beer at Viva 8. They’ll supply the music!
Chatuchak Market, 587, 10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Khwaeng Chatuchak, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900
Nearest BTS station: Mo Chit
8. Chinatown
Red lanterns. Market-lined streets. Glimmering gold shops. Michelin-recommended street food. The neighbourhood is always a vibrant draw for visitors. Dim sum spots and Thai-Chinese restaurants call to you, but if you’re not sure what to get, sidle up to establishments that have a queue (you can’t go wrong with that). Duck down alleyways to find more market stalls selling electronics and bolts of silk, linen, and satin. During the day and on weekends, locals flock to temples in the area, so expect to see crowds.
Chinatown, Yaowarat Rd, Khwaeng Samphanthawong, Khet Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100
Nearest MRT station: Wat Mangkon
9. Sea Life Bangkok
Who needs to go to Koh Tao or Phuket to see marine life when you have the largest aquarium in Southeast Asia right there in Siam Paragon? Once again, Bangkok’s malls have basements and attractions we can’t get enough of. This aquarium is home to deep sea creatures, brightly-hued reef dwellers, translucent jellyfish, and a collection of eels, sharks, rays, and Napoleon wrasse. Penguins, otters, and freshwater fish complement the myriad ocean life.
Sea Life Bangkok, 991 Rama I Rd, Khwaeng Pathum Wan, Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10330
Nearest BTS station: Siam
10. Siam Amazing Park
Add this to your bucket list of places to visit: Bangkok’s largest amusement park is home to about 30 rides, including roller coasters, a log flume, and a free-fall tower to chill your blood even on a hot April day. If adrenaline-fueled rides aren’t your cup of tea, there’s also a water park to cool you down. Make a splash on water slides and chutes, or bob around in the wave pool, which holds the Guinness World Record for being the largest. Snack and refuel at various restaurants in the park while waiting in line for your turn.
Siam Amazing Park. 203 Suan Sayam Rd, Khan Na Yao, Bangkok 10230
11. Bangkok Art & Culture Center
The Bangkok Art and Culture Center is worth a visit, with its wide range of contemporary art, design, music, theatre and film pieces from Thai and international artists. Keep tabs on the latest programming for the dates of current and upcoming exhibitions. You’ll also find public galleries, performance spaces, meeting spaces, cafes, commercial art galleries, bookshops, craft shops, and an art library within the walls.
Bangkok Art and Culture Center. 939 Rama 1 Road, Wangmai, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330
Nearest BTS station: National Stadium
12. IconSiam
No longer the newest mall in Bangkok, IconSiam is a glitzy riverside mega mall that houses 7,000 brands, over 100 restaurants, an indoor floating market, an Imax cinema, residences and a hotel. Luxury car brands, high-fashion, and high-street brands come together under one roof. With so much floor space, getting in your daily steps won’t be difficult.
What we love is the floating market in the ‘basement’ – it’s a treasure trove of authentic Thai cuisine, crafts, and clothing. Market stall boats float along man-made waterways, selling fried fish balls, northern Lanna dishes, and any Thai food you can think of. If riverside views are in order, the fancier restaurants command views of the Chao Phraya from their terraces.
IconSiam, 299 Charoen Nakhon Rd, Khlong Ton Sai, Khlong San, Bangkok 10600
Nearest BTS station: Krung Thon Buri
13. EM District
What happens when one mall group builds three malls right next to each other? You get EM District. Between Emquatier, Emporium, and Emsphere, there are over 1,000 brands, office spaces, restaurants, cinemas, and multi-use spaces. The latest addition to the district, Emsphere, is home to restaurants by Gordon Ramsay, the first inner-city Ikea, and a National Geographic shop.
If you’re in the mood to party, drink and dance the night away at Tribe Sky Beach Club or pop by Raze Academy, the only F1-themed bar in Thailand. Emquartier’s Helix is a meandering walk past countless restaurants and decadent goodies. Day or night, rain or shine, the EM District is a mall rat’s dream come true. You can’t miss it!
EM District, 622 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110
Nearest BTS station: Phrom Phong
14. Pak Khlong Talat
Bangkok’s 24-hour flower market is a feast for flower lovers and scent gourmands – and it makes for colourful Instagram snaps. Vendors along Chakkaraphet Road prepare temple offerings each morning, folding lotus blossoms, making chains of jasmine, and sifting through sacks bursting with marigolds. These flowers are regularly used in floral offerings at weddings and funerals. Swing by to smell the roses and pick up bunches of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Pak Khlong Talat, Wat Kanlayanamit, Khwaeng Wang Burapha Phirom, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200
Nearest MRT station: Sanam Chai
15. Fight Night at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium
A core pillar of Thai culture, Muay Thai fight nights are thrilling spectacles. A popular venue for the spot, Lumpinee Stadium held its first mixed martial arts event in 2022. Since then, it has hosted One Championship fights, with the majority of bouts under Muay Thai rules. Fights are held on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays with tickets for sale online. The energy is electric!
Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, 6 Ram Inthra Rd, Anusawari, Bang Khen, Bangkok 10220
Nearest BTS station: Wat Phra Sri Mahathat
16. Bounce Thailand
If it’s pouring outdoors, Bounce Thailand is a unique way to spend your day. Featuring floor-to-ceiling trampolines, foam pits, space to dunk basketballs like an NBA pro, and more than enough room to freestyle away the hours, it’ll give you an adrenaline rush. It’s suited to bouncers of all ages, so you’re welcome to book a bounce party or do something different for date night.
Bounce Thailand, 4th Floor The Glass Quartier, The EmQuartier Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok 10110
17. Wat Arun
Presiding over the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun’s 82-metre þrahng (Khmer-style spire) is best viewed at sunrise. This central spire symbolises Mount Meru, the centre of all physical, metaphysical, and spiritual universes in Hindu cosmology.
The morning sun’s rays reflect off the white mosaic of Chinese porcelain that covers the Temple of Dawn. This was regular practice in the early Rattanakosin period when Chinese ships would discard old porcelain that was used as ballast at the Bangkok port. Originally, the Emerald Buddha was housed within Wat Arun, until it was moved to its own temple in 1785 AD.
Wat Arun, 158 Thanon Wang Doem, Wat Arun, Bangkok Yai, Bangkok 10600
18. Patpong Night Market
It’s not so much a night market, but more a collection of stalls between go-go bars and gay bars. The things you can buy? Mostly souvenirs and fake designer goods, bags, and watches. For a raucous night out, you’ve got plenty of cheap drink specials, bars, nightclubs, live music venues and notorious go-go bars to keep you entertained. Between everything, the ever-present street food vendors are there with their deep-fried and grilled snacks.
Patpong Night Market, 61, Soi Thanon Phat Phong, Suriya Wong, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
19. Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter
Thailand is known for its silk, and Jim Thompson’s are some of the best. An upgrade and expansion of the original Jim Thompson House Museum, the Heritage Quarter is an immersive experience that includes the museum, art centre, store, cafe, bar, and restaurants. It’s all in honour of the American entrepreneur, who is credited with taking Thai silk to the world stage.
Jim Thompson Heritage Quarter, 6 Kasem San 2 Alley, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330
Nearest BTS station: National Stadium
20. Koh Kret Pottery Village
Bangkok’s largest river island dates back to 1722, when a canal was constructed to bypass a bend in the Om Kret branch of the Chao Phraya river. As the canal widened, it eventually created the island, which serves as a refuge to descendants of the Mon tribes. The Mon people have kept their distinct identity in their practice of Buddhism and, particularly in Koh Kret, their pottery.
The island has a market along its shores, selling handmade teacups, incense burners, plates, and hot pots. Traditional Thai sweets and snacks will satiate your hunger before you find yourself at the local brewery Chit Beer. Tip: the home-brew is only available on Saturdays and Sundays! For more adventures, rent a bicycle to pedal around the island, visiting temples, cafes, and local shops. Oh, and get your hands dirty with a pottery workshop while you’re there.
Koh Kret Pottery Village, Pak Kret District, Nonthaburi 11120
Bookmark this list for all the best attractions and places to visit in Bangkok!
