Bangkok Travel Guide: Top 10 Things To Do
Bangkok is one of the most visited cities in the world. Looking for rich history and culture? Head to The Grand Palace. If you are all about the food, head to Chinatown for some of the best bites. Big on night life? Head towards Sukhumvit Road where you will find tons of bars. This large city has a little something for everyone, while yet expressing and immersing travelers into their Thai culture.
Personalized Trip Planner
If you are interested in a more tailored and detailed Travel Itinerary, I am happy to help. With my Custom Travel Itineraries you will receive a full travel consultation with me and a full Itinerary that is fit to your travel style and needs!
1. The Grand Palace & The Emerald Buddha
The Grand Palace is an absolute must see when in Bangkok. The attention to detail and variety of colors make your eyes wonder from one building to the next. One of the most beautiful buildings to see is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Tickets can be purchased online on the Official Grand Palace Website. Do note that you must purchase your tickets 24-hours in advance.
*There are FREE walking tours daily, starting at the Grand Palace Entrance.
2. Wat Pho
The next most popular attraction in this Bangkok travel guide if just a quick 5 minute walk from The Grand Palace, Wat Pho. This is home to the reclining Buddha and the colorful pagodas. Stretching 46 meters long the shining gold Buddha is quite hard to capture a photo but if you head towards the feet you will be able to grasp how large this amazing structure truly is. Tickets are cash only and purchased at the entrance.
*Be sure to wear appropriate clothing when visiting The Grand Palace and Wat Pho.
3. See a Classical Thai Masked Dance
The Khon Thai Masked Dance is a great thing to do to get to know the history of the culture. Our Grand Palace ticket included entrance to the Masked Dance and even included a FREE trolley to the theatre from The Grand Palace. This is a nice thing to do on a rainy or hot day as it is in a covered airconditioned theatre.
4. Street Food in Bangkok Chinatown
Get culturally immersed in Bangkok’s Chinatown. Once the sun starts to set the streets become alive with many street food vendors setting up shop and hungry tourists wondering around searching for tonight’s bite. It can be a bit overwhelming, so let me point out a few of the must visit stands.
- Grilled Squid Station: This one cannot be missed with the long line it attracts and the pile of fresh squid. Watch them cook up the squid right in front of you. It comes out sizzling hot and cooked to perfection.
- O.K. Pad Thai: One of the best pad Thai dishes I ate during my one month visit in Thailand! Its almost like a pad Thai omelet with a crispy egg crust, delicious noodles, crunchy peanuts, juicy chicken, and a squeeze of limes top it off perfectly.
- Fresh Pomegranate Juice: To give you a refresh from the spicy foods get a pomegranate juice from one of the many juice stalls. It is so fresh and tasty!
- Michelin Star Rolled Noodle Soup: Who would’ve thought you would be eating at a Michelin star place on the side of a busy road in a small abandon warehouse? Known for their rolled rice noodle soup, we had to order one with all the insides, yes that means the hearts, liver, and more!
- Moo Satay Hia Sa: One of my favorite bites in Chinatown. These juicy chicken skewers are the perfect light snack. The spicy peanut sauce is full of flavor!
- Pa Tong Go Savoey: Dessert finishes the night off on a sweet note at the Michelin awarded, Pa Tong Go Savoey. These indulgent fried Thai donuts scream street food. It is a show in its self watching them make each and every Thai fried donut by hand.
Read My Full Food Guide to Bangkok’s Chinatown Here!
5. Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles
The Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles is not a super popular attraction but well worth a visit, especially if you love fashion. It is located inside The Grand Palace and was included in our Grand Palace Ticket. This stunning building was newly restored and is home to some beautiful fabrics worn by the Queen of Thailand. I loved learning how each pattern is hand made and transformed.
6. Dinner Cruise
With the large Chao Phraya River running through Bangkok it is only fitting to book a dinner cruise. This is a great way to see the city from a different view point. Once the sun goes down, Bangkok lights up reflecting off the water creating a gorgeous view. Be sure to see the Wat Arun on your journey as I think this is even more gorgeous tourist attraction at night.
7. Markets
One thing that is in all Bangkok travel guides is to visit one of the many markets. If you are staying near the tourist attractions, check out the busy Sampheng Market. This is an open air market filled with locals and tourists. It is a bit hectic so make sure you are paying attention to your surroundings because it is easy to get lost! If you are looking for more of a fresh market check out Bangkok’s Flower Market. You will find everything from gorgeous flower sculptures to freshly picked Peonies (my favorite).
8. Book a reservation at Signature Bangkok Restaurant
A night I will forever hold near and dear to my heart! Dining at Signature Bangkok restaurant is truly and experience that needs to be had at least once in a lifetime. Former 2 Michelin Star French Chef, Thierry Drapeau welcomed us with open arms with an out standing five-course meal. This seasonal menu highlights fresh innovative ideas like “floral cuisine” and “cuisine of the soil” with the natural elegance of edible flowers and herbs in each and every dish.
9. Visit a Floating Market
One of the most unique thing to do in Bangkok is visit a floating market. The Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market is one of the most famous with many vendors selling food, art, home goods, clothes, and more. These are located a bit out of city center but a quick taxi will get your there in no time.
10. Enjoy a Thai Massage
As you walk through the streets you will find many massage shops. A Thai massage is a bit different than your regular oiled massage. It is a dry massage that focuses more on stretching the body. They use a yoga technique that lengthens and extends your body, making you feel revived and relaxed.
Where To Stay
Novotel Airport Hotel – Perfect for beating Jet Lag
Budget Friendly Hotel Royal Chinatown
Bangkok Travel Guide Map
3-Month Backpacking Through Asia Packing List
Subscribe for my Full Packing List Free Download
This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank You and Happy Gallivanting!
Beating Jet Lag at Novotel Airport Hotel in Bangkok
