Things to Do in Bangkok
Golden temples on the river, giant markets and some of the world's best street food.
See top-rated activities »About Bangkok
Most things to do in Bangkok begin along the Chao Phraya River, where the old royal city of Rattanakosin was founded in 1782. The Grand Palace, the former royal residence, and Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, stand together inside white walls, a dazzling complex of gilded spires and murals. A strict dress code applies: shoulders and knees covered. Just south, Wat Pho houses a 46-meter reclining Buddha covered in gold leaf, and is also the traditional home of Thai massage.
Across the river, Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, rises in tiers decorated with broken porcelain; it is reached by a short cross-river ferry and is beautiful lit up at night. The Chao Phraya Express boats are both transport and sightseeing, and longtail boats take visitors through the canals, or khlongs, of Thonburi, where wooden houses stand on stilts above the water.
Bangkok's markets are enormous. Chatuchak Weekend Market has thousands of stalls selling clothing, crafts, plants and food, and Or Tor Kor next door is one of the city's best fresh markets. Yaowarat, the Chinatown, fills with street food stalls after dark. The Jim Thompson House, the teak home of an American silk entrepreneur who disappeared in Malaysia in 1967, is a calm museum of Thai art and architecture, and rooftop bars in the business districts look out over the skyline.
Popular day trips include Ayutthaya, the old Siamese capital about 80 kilometers north, whose temple ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the floating market at Damnoen Saduak, best reached early before the tour buses arrive. Getting around the city is easiest on the BTS Skytrain and MRT subway; traffic can make taxis slow at rush hour. In the evening, a Muay Thai match at one of the city's historic stadiums, a dinner cruise on the river or a drink at a rooftop bar shows a different side of the capital.
Don’t Miss
The former royal palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha; modest dress required.
The giant reclining Buddha and a traditional Thai massage school.
The Temple of Dawn, with a porcelain-covered central tower by the river.
Traditional teak houses filled with Southeast Asian art, with a cafe and silk shop.
Top-Rated Tours, Tickets & Activities in Bangkok
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TiqetsTours, tickets, prices and reviews from Viator (a Tripadvisor company) and Tiqets — prices are per person, from, and were checked October 28, 2026. See & Do Asia may earn a commission when you book, at no extra cost to you.
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Get free trip quotes »Bangkok — FAQ
What should I wear to temples in Bangkok?
Cover your shoulders and knees, and wear shoes you can easily remove. The Grand Palace enforces its dress code strictly.
When is the best time to visit Bangkok?
November to February, the cool and dry season. March to May is very hot, and the rainy season runs roughly from June to October.
Is Bangkok street food safe?
Generally yes. Choose busy stalls where food is cooked fresh in front of you, and drink bottled water.
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