Bangkok is a city that is full of surprises. A day in Thailand’s capital city could carry you from a luxury hotel foyer one minute to the middle of a crush of people in chaotic Chinatown the next, and a perfectly quiet courtyard of one of the city’s many temples, soon after. It is a celebration of modern and traditional Thai culture which makes for a fascinating melting pot of sights, sounds, and foodie delights for visitors. This first-timer’s guide features some of the must-do and some unique things to do in Bangkok.
The view over Bangkok across temple rooftops to the city skyline from Wat Saket. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Top Things to Do in Bangkok
1. Visit the Incredible Bangkok Temples
The Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha
The Grand Palace is at the top of most visitors’ lists when planning a trip to Bangkok.
The complex itself is huge at 281,000 square meters and includes a number of historic buildings from the royal residence to the throne halls and the incredible Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
The palace was built in 1782 when King Rama ascended to the throne.
Unless you have booked a half-day tour (which we highly recommend), catch the express boat to Chang Pier and walk up to The Grand Palace.
Let’s not sugarcoat it; a visit to The Grand Palace can be chaotic. It becomes very busy, particularly in peak season and you’ll find yourself using your elbows and dodging rogue umbrellas around every bend.
It is still a must-visit site while in Bangkok though.
Arriving first thing in the morning or at dusk will help manage the crows slightly but you should prepare yourself.
Ensure you are dressed respectfully or you won’t be able to enter the temples and make sure you wear sunscreen and you are well hydrated, the heat can become overwhelming, particularly when coupled with the crowds.
Dress appropriately. Opens at 8.30 am.
The Grand Palace in Bangkok is one of the busiest tourist sites you will find anywhere but still well worth the visit. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Wat Pho
While Wat Pho is just next door to The Grand Palace, you may want to divide your visits into two mornings (depending on the time you have) so you can arrive at both at the start of the day.
Wandering around The Grand Palace among the crowds in the heat can be taxing and you may want a break.
Wat Pho (or Temple of the Reclining Buddha) should definitely be on your list for your first time in Bangkok.
The huge Reclining Buddha is breathtaking and the grounds are beautifully maintained.
As the center for Thai medicine, particularly Thai Massage, it is also interesting to read the history of the teachings on the walls and if you are in need of a massage, the Wat Po Thai Traditional Medical School is just next door.
Dress appropriately. Opens at 8 am.
The Gilded buildings in the expansive Grand Palace complex sparkle in the sun in Bangkok, Thailand. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha is a must-see for your first visit to Bangkok. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Wat Arun
The Temple of Dawn or Wat Arun is located in the more low-key, traditional neighborhood of Thonburi on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River.
Take a ferry from Tien Pier to see the intricately decorated prangs up close; covered in colored glass and crushed Chinese porcelain pieces.
Or, simply admire the iconic temple’s central 82m-high prang tower lit up at dusk from across the water or pass by on a long-tail boat.
Wat Arun opens at 8 am.
The iconic Wat Arun from across the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, Thailand. Image © Pat Bailey
Wat Saket
Wat Saket or Temple of the Golden Mount is one of our favorite temples in Bangkok. You won’t come across the crowds you find at The Grand Palace.
Built on a man-made hill, climb the 344 steps to the stunning 58-meter-high stupa that glows in the sunlight.
While the chedi houses a Buddha relic drawing worshipers, there is also a great view over the Bangkok skyline from up outside the golden dome.
There are several other buildings on site, some dating back to the 14th century that you will no doubt see on your way back down the hill.
Dress appropriately. Opens at 9 am.
The stunning 58-meter high stupa at Wat Saket is well worth the 344 steps you will climb to see it in person. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Loha Prasat at Wat Ratchanadda
The Loha Prasat is one of the most iconic architectural structures in Bangkok.
Loha Prasat means ‘metal castle’, referencing the structure’s 37 dark metal spires that represent the 37 steps to awakening according to Buddhist teachings.
Construction on the building itself began in 1846 and was modeled after similar temples in Sri Lanka.
Dress appropriately. Opens at 8.30 am.
If you plan on visiting Loha Prasat and Wat Saket, plan for both on the same morning as you will need to take a taxi or driver there and they are across the road from each other.
There are many more temples that are worth visiting while in Bangkok, but these are those that should be at the top of your list on your first time in Bangkok.
Ring the bells at The Golden Mount (Wat Saket) for good luck. Image © Skye Gilkeson
2. Go Shopping in Bangkok
The Flower Markets
The Bangkok Flower Market or Pak Klong Talad is a busy place to visit. You will mix with plenty of tourists, buyers, and flower wholesalers on the market floor but it is still very much worth a visit.
You’ll watch shop owners (from the very young to the more experienced) weaving offerings and bunching up lilies, roses as well as plenty of fragrant jasmine and chrysanthemum.
Ask before taking photos as you’ll find some vendors a bit tourist weary and not happy with you simply snapping away. Open 24 hours.
Wang Lang Market | Wang Lang Pier
A truly local market on the Thonburi side of the river, Wang Lang Market is a day market selling clothing, accessories at bargain prices (you will need to haggle), and plenty of cheap street food.
Suan Lum Night Bazaar Ratchada | Ratchada-Lad Prao Intersection
Polish up your haggling skills at the Suan Lum Night Bazaar. The Ratchada Road night markets feature more than 1800 stalls selling anything from clothing to souvenirs and cheap jewelry with plenty of entertainment and food along the way to keep you going.
Take the MRT to Lad Prao or grab a taxi. Opens at 6 pm.
Amphawa Floating Market | Amphawa
About 2 hours drive from Bangkok, Amphawa is one of the busiest floating markets near Bangkok and you may find slightly fewer tourists here than at the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.
Take a taxi or simply book a tour or guide through your hotel to take you there but make sure you lock in all prices before you go and confirm they will take you door to door to the market as there are plenty of taxi scams around.
You’ll find everything from clothing to souvenirs and plenty of fresh seafood to snack on. Open Friday to Sunday.
Head to Bangkok’s 24-hour flower markets to see all the colorful action. Image © Pat Bailey
Bangkok Shopping Malls
Many of the big malls are located downtown and are accessible by BTS Skytrain:
- Siam Paragon is ideal for mid-30s style fashion and mixed food outlets
- Siem Center is the spot for young teen fashion
- MPK Center is the other good pick for teen fashion.
- For those with a generous budget, Siam Discovery is where you’ll find designer goods and beautiful homewares.
- Fashionistas will love The EM District with trendy stores, gourmet food buys, and Qurator, where you’ll find about 60 up-and-coming Thai designers’ pieces, perfect for those looking for something unique to take home.
These are just a few of the major shopping centers, with many more to explore.
