It’s hard to fall in love with Bangkok at first sight. Traffic, pollution and humidity will not make your first impression the best, so with this list of the essential places to visit in Bangkok , we hope to help you prepare your trip through one of the most intense cities in the world.
As you begin to wander the streets, visit its markets and temples, taste its food and begin to understand its way of life, we are sure that little by little you will find the charm of its orderly chaos and you will end up wishing you had had more time to get to know the city better.
We always recommend starting in Thailand if it is your first experience in Southeast Asia as the change with the West is not as brutal as in other countries and Bangkok is always the ideal starting point. Its mix of tradition and modernity will make you feel the magic of Asia with the comforts of the West.
Based on the 6 days we spent in the city during our trip to Thailand and the five days of our last trip, during which we wrote this guide to Bangkok and this route through Thailand in 7 and 14 days, we have made a selection of the What we believe are the 10 essential places to visit in Bangkok.
1. The Grand Palace in Bangkok
The Grand Palace, with its famous Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is the most famous and essential place to visit in Bangkok . This sprawling complex of buildings was the official residence of the King of Thailand from the 18th century to the mid-20th century.
The most important place within the complex is Wat Phra Kaew, also considered the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand, where the statue of the Emerald Buddha is found inside. This small jade figure of about 45 centimeters is the main religious icon of the Thai people and although as we say it is very important, you can only see it from afar, since it is not close to visitors.
In addition to this temple, the entire enclosure has buildings and statues that show in their details all the beauty of Thai art and that make it one of the essential visits in Bangkok .
Something to keep in mind is that when you approach the Palace, several places can alert you that it is closed, proposing an alternative route. This is a scam, to take you to stores from which they get commission, so you should continue towards the entrance without paying attention to them and continue on your way.
Visiting hours: every day from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
2. Bangkok markets
Browse and haggle in the markets and flea markets is one of the best things to do in Bangkok . There are markets day and night, on top of the water or the train tracks, for flowers, clothes or food. You will find everything you can imagine among one of their stalls. The most famous markets in Bangkok are:
– Chatuchak Market
Chatuchak is one of the largest markets in the world, with more than 8,000 stores and is, how could it be otherwise, another of the essential places to see in Bangkok . Going through its stalls and narrow corridors you can invest a whole morning since it has absolutely everything.
Keep in mind that in all markets you have to haggle as much as possible, although as always, within consistency and above all, without actually doing or pretending that the seller loses money.
In addition, it is convenient to review what you want to buy, since there are some that offer cheap products, but of poor quality or counterfeits.
Our experience in this market is that if you don’t have much time, it’s best to arrive first thing in the morning, since as the day progresses you can get overwhelmed by the large number of people who come daily.
The market is located a bit far from the center, but it can be easily reached by metro, getting off at the Chatuchak station.
Visiting hours: Friday from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
– Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Although it is located almost two hours by bus from Bangkok, the Damnoen Saduak floating market is the most famous and also touristic in the city. In addition to everything it offers, one of the most striking things is that this colorful market is covered in a traditional boat, from which you can buy all kinds of products: spices, fruits, handicrafts or souvenirs, both in the shops of the shore or directly from other hawker boats.
It is advisable to arrive early so as not to see it saturated with boats. If you do not want to go by bus, you can opt for the taxi, although if you decide on this option, it is best to set the price beforehand to avoid surprises.
Visiting hours: every day from 07:00 to 14:00.
– Mae Klong
Market The Mae Klong market is one of the most amazing in the world as it is mounted on top of a working train track. Every time the horn sounds, the market is taken apart in a few minutes and reassembled after the train has passed, giving a unique insight into the market and how it works.
It can be reached by minivan from Bangkok’s Mo Chit Bus Station in an hour or two, depending on traffic.
Market hours: every day from 7:00 to 5:30.
Train passing time: arrival at 8:30, 11:10, 14:30 and 17:40, departures at 6:20, 9:00, 11:30 and 15:30.
– Patpong Night Market
Located in the red light district of Silom, with great nightlife, the Patpong market is one of the most famous and busiest in Bangkok. Most of their products are counterfeits so you have to haggle a lot and pay little.
In addition to the attractiveness of the market, another reason for being so touristy is the environment that surrounds it, which is famous for its striptease shows and clubs, so it should be taken into account if you are traveling with children.
Visiting hours: every day from 6 pm to midnight.
These that we have told you about are the best known in the city, but there are many other markets that are less touristy and that are very worthwhile, such as the Sampeng Market in Chinatown, the flower market on Chak Phet Road, the food market from Or Tor Kor, the amulet market near the Royal Palace, the Amphawa floating market or the Pratunam clothing market.
3. Khao San Road, one of the streets to see in Bangkok
The small street of Khao San, located in the center of Bangkok and very popular among backpackers, is another place to visit in Bangkok . Many travelers land in Bangkok to explore Southeast Asia for a while and this street, with cheap hotels and hostels, is usually their first place of accommodation and their starting point.
It is worth going at sunset or at night, when there is more atmosphere, the terraces and bars begin to fill up and a multitude of street food and drink stalls are set up. Its great popularity has led to many shops, massage parlors, hotels, and restaurants coming to the nearby Rambutri street, thus expanding the initial area that remained only on Khao San Road.
An interesting option if it is your first visit to the city and you want to learn more about its history is to book this private tour with trip.com .
4. Chao phraya
The Chao Phraya River, the largest in Thailand, in addition to dividing the city of Bangkok in two, formed a series of secondary channels, known as klongs.
A wooden boat ride through the canals is one of the best experiences you can have in the city, in which during the journey you will be able to see the way of life and the floating houses on the shore. We took a private boat, the cost is between 15 and 20 euros, in which, in addition to navigating for a while on the Chao Phraya River, we enjoy the vision of the narrowest and little-traveled channels.
To navigate the great Chao Phraya River you have several options in addition to small motorized boats, such as the public boat, which stops at the different piers or the ferry that crosses the river.
Another romantic way to tour the river is by booking a dinner cruise , with which you can see the city and the illuminated temples from another perspective.
5. Wat Pho, one of the best places to visit in Bangkok
What Pho, with its great Reclining Buddha 46 meters long and 15 meters high, is our favorite temple and one of the best places to visit in Bangkok . The statue covered in gold leaf, do not miss the decoration of the soles of the feet, it occupies almost the entire temple area and is one of the visions that we are sure you will not forget about the city.
If you have some time, it is convenient to know that in the back of the statue you can do the almsgiving ceremony, one of the Buddhist traditions.
In the complex there are also several buildings and statues of Buddha of great beauty and you can also get a massage at a cheap price in the center of traditional Thai medicine, so it is advisable to go with time if you have in mind to do several of these activities in The enclosure.
6. Viewpoints of Bangkok
Bangkok is a city of contrasts, in which it is very common to see how traditional houses can have skyscrapers as neighbors. These tall buildings have become great viewpoints in the city, which they have known how to take advantage of, locating bars and restaurants on their terraces, from which to enjoy unique views.
Climbing up a skyscraper at dusk to watch the sunset and have dinner or a drink while the city lights up has become one of the essentials.
The most famous viewpoints in Bangkok are:
– Mahanakhon
This new viewpoint opened in 2016 has become one of the most essential attractions in the city. Located on the 78th floor at 314 meters above sea level, the MahaNakhon Observatory impresses with its glass floor and 360 degree panoramic views of the city. In addition, the viewpoint has an architecture in the form of glass boxes producing a pixelated effect that leaves no one indifferent.
We recommend you book this ticket in advance so you don’t run out of seats and release adrenaline while you walk on a glass floor at more than 300 meters.
– Baiyoke Tower
During our visit to Bangkok we took advantage of one day to have a drink and dine at the buffet at the Baiyoke Tower, one of the best-known viewpoints in Bangkok. This skyscraper also has the tallest hotel in Southeast Asia, the Sky Hotel, from where if you go up to its 84th floor, you will have 360 degree panoramic views of the entire city.
Keep in mind that the viewpoint is open from 10:00 a.m. to 02:00 a.m., so it can be a perfect end to the day during your stay in the city.
– Sirocco
Famous for appearing in the movie The Hangover , the Sirocco restaurant stands out for its spectacular outdoor terrace located above the Lebua at State Tower Hotel. The restaurant is prohibitively expensive if you are going to dine, so if you don’t want to leave your wallet, it is best to go for a drink in its famous bar, although you should keep in mind that you have to dress well, since they have an access code tag . The bar is open from 22:00 to 01:00.
– Vertigo
The Vertigo bar and restaurant, on the 61st floor of the Banyan Tree Hotel, is another place to visit in Bangkok , especially if you like good views.
Located very close to Lumphini Park you will enjoy, from its outdoor terrace, incredible views of Bangkok, only surpassed by the Sirocco.
The price of the restaurant is excessive, so if you do not want to spend a lot, as in the previous option, we recommend having a drink in its small bar, known as the Moon Bar.
The terrace is open from 5:00 p.m. to 01:00 a.m.
7. Wat Arun
The Wat Arun or Temple of Dawn, located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, is one of the most essential places to visit in Bangkok . This Buddhist temple stands out for its prangs (towers) decorated with seashells and pieces of porcelain, as well as for the magnificent views of the river and the city from the top of its large central tower.
From the opposite shore, where the Grand Palace is located, or from a boat, you will have a beautiful image of the temple with the Chao Phraya river at sunset.
Visiting hours: every day from 08:00 to 17:30.
8. Chinatown, one of the neighborhoods to see in Bangkok
Chinatown is one of the most chaotic and authentic neighborhoods that still exists in Bangkok. This old neighborhood, with its two main streets Charoen Krung and Yaowarat Road, changes radically day and night, making it interesting to go at different times of the day.
Before nightfall you can visit the bustling Sampeng clothing market and visit the beautiful Wat Traimit or temple of the Golden Buddha and at night focus on the visit to the street food stalls that take over the neighborhood, the lights of the restaurants and the of the tuktuk headlights illuminating the street.
Although it can be a bit stressful due to the amount of people, it is worth spending a few hours in Chinatown and getting to know this other world of Bangkok.
9. Shopping Centers
Bangkok is one of the most popular cities in the world for shopping where, in addition to the markets, you will have several shopping centers with all kinds of shops, where you will surely find what you are looking for.
Most shopping centers open at 10 in the morning and close at 10 at night, something to keep in mind if you want to visit any of them.
The most famous shopping malls in Bangkok are:
– MBK
It is the best-known shopping center in Thailand, opened in 1985 and in which with its 8 floors, which have more than 2000 stores and 150 restaurants, if you like shopping, you will be immensely happy.
Electronics and clothing stores stand out and in most you can haggle, something that depending on how it develops, you can use to find out if the items are original or imitations.
– Siam Paragon
Located near the MBK, the Siam Paragon is the shopping center with the most expensive luxury stores and brand items in Bangkok. In addition to clothing stores, you will find car dealerships such as Maserati and Lamborghini, the Siam Ocean World, the largest aquarium in Asia, or the Siam Opera.
Even if you are not going to buy anything, the prices are fixed and there is no haggling, it is worth going to see its spectacular windows.
– Central World
Central World, is the largest shopping center in Southeast Asia and the third in the world. Its 8 floors, including a hotel, are full of electronics, clothing and restaurants stores and the prices are somewhere between MBK and Siam Paragon. Keep in mind that there is no haggling here, so if you like something, you should take out your wallet.
– Pantip Plaza
The Pantip Plaza is a paradise for lovers of computers and electronics. You can find all kinds of software, movies and music and depending on the prices you can deduce if they are original or pirated.
In addition to hardware and all possible gadgets for the computer, they have photography and mobile products of all brands.
10. Jim Thompson House
The Jim Thompson House, made of teak wood, is one of the best examples of the traditional Thai style of architecture and one of the essential places to visit in Bangkok .
Jim Thompson was an American businessman highly appreciated in the country for making Thai silk famous worldwide.
The mansion is made up of 6 teak houses from Ayutthaya and built without using nails, in which its beautiful garden also stands out, in which it is clear that Jim was a great lover of the jungle and created his own paradise in the middle of Bangkok .
A good option to save time and see the city from another perspective is to book the Bangkok tourist bus .
Visiting hours: every day from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
If you have a free day in Bangkok and you are not going to take a public transport route to the north, we recommend taking an excursion to the ruins of the ancient city of Ayutthaya , one of the most impressive places to see in Thailand .
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