Visit Bangkok Temple in Bangkok Thailand

Tourists Gathered Around Wat Traimit Bangkok

Bangkok Street Food Vendor Selling at Night Market

Bangkok Travel Guide

January - DecemberThailandTHB

Nightlife & Local Scene

Temples & Pagodas

Markets & Shopping

The ‘City of Angels’ is currently the world’s most popular tourist destination and is guaranteed to thrill the senses of any first-time visitor. Thailand’s capital is a dazzling, dizzying mix of old and new, with shimmering glass skyscrapers and state-of-the-art shopping malls rubbing up against historic shophouses and fascinating little alleyways, and a seemingly endless list of places to discover and things to do. And as the travel hub of Southeast Asia, it’s the perfect starting point for exploring one of the world’s most fascinating and exciting regions.

Whether you’re a foodie or a photographer, a shopper or an explorer, a party animal or a seeker of enlightenment, Bangkok has whatever you’re looking for, and you’ll find it at its bustling night markets, on its tranquil waterways, and in its legendary bars, restaurants and street food stalls. Some of Thailand’s most beautiful beaches, as well as the spectacular mountains of the north, are just a short flight away. Factor in some of the friendliest people you’ll meet anywhere in the world, and it’s clear why Bangkok is one of the world’s greatest cities!

This diverse and vibrant city will reel you in with the many opportunities it presents for spontaneity and adventure. Stick to the main areas, and you’ll find lively locals haggling with visitors in the markets or stray from the beaten path and run into some Buddhist monks in the streets. Or, escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a bit and take a serene boat ride to discover hidden coves and markets with a local guide. No matter what you decide to do and see, your trip to Bangkok will be a hodgepodge experience as you explore one of the world’s most popular destinations.

Must See Attractions in Bangkok

Grand Palace

Dating from 1782, the Grand Palace is THE must-see site in Bangkok, a colorful complex of temples and structures, including the famous Wat Phra Keo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) and the Great Chakri Palace, the former royal residence. It's a fascinating primer on Thai royal culture and history. Today, the palace is only used for special ceremonies. During your visit, you'll be able to explore the gardens and four of the palace's remaining historic buildings. With over 200 years of architectural history, it's thrilling to explore the unique styles and structures of the complex.

Wat Pho

Also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha due to its 46m-long Golden Buddha statue, Wat Pho is one of the biggest and most beautiful temples in Bangkok - if you only visit one wat, make it this one! It's also a great place to relax, being home to one of Thailand's leading massage schools whose students will happily practice their skills on your tired muscles after a long day of exploring. Stroll through the grounds of Wat Pho covering 8 hectares, and marvel at the monastic buildings and sheer volume of the collection of Buddhas. In fact, Wat Pho is home to the most extensive collection of Buddha images in the country. Enter the temple of the Reclining Buddha (after taking off your shoes, of course) and donate coins in the metal bowls behind the statue.

Wat Arun

The 18th-century' Temple of Dawn' is one of Bangkok's most beloved temples. After the fall of the old capital Ayuthaya, King Taksin famously built this wat to house the Emerald Buddha, and with that, Bangkok became the new capital of Thailand. While you visit, climb to the top and get a beautiful view over the Grand Palace and beyond; it's best viewed at sunset from across the river when its porcelain spires take on a beautiful golden hue. Visit the temple, then cross the river and settle down with a cocktail while the sun sets for one of Bangkok's most magical experiences!

Jim Thompson House

Thompson was one of the most fascinating foreigners in Bangkok's history. Born in America, he eventually became an art collector and silk entrepreneur and built up a client base around the globe. Thompson mysteriously disappeared one day while out for a walk, and his story has been clouded in mystery ever since. His house is now a museum of his collection. Today, his beautifully preserved teak house is crammed full of rare artifacts and artworks from across Asia. The on-site shop with its range of beautiful silk products is the perfect place to stock up on gifts for the folks back home.

Sampeng Market

Diving into the chaos of Chinatown's Sampeng Market is one of the quintessential Bangkok experiences. The market itself is over 230 years old and is known as the birthplace of Bangkok's Chinatown. You'll catch glimpses of history throughout the whole market; some of the Chinese pharmacies still thrive as locals go there to heal their ailments. Its seemingly endless lanes are lined with stalls and shophouses selling pretty much everything you can imagine - toys, clothes, jewelry, and some of the most bizarre culinary delicacies you'll find anywhere in the city! Wander around, chat with vendors, and stop at one of the many restaurants & cafes to refuel — a great way to spend the afternoon.

Colorful Clothing Hanging at Shop Inside Chatuchak Bangkok

Chatuchak Weekend Market

Thailand's largest market used to be exclusively for wholesalers and other traders, but eventually opened for tourists. The concept of the market was ideated in the 1940s and 1950s, but the market you know it as today has only existed since 1982. 27 zones. 8000 stalls. 200,000 visitors every weekend. Chatuchak is a shopping experience like no other, a paradise for anyone looking for quirky clothing, souvenirs, and antiques, or simply those who enjoy people-watching or grazing at some of the market's countless restaurants and food courts. It's huge and exhausting but absolutely unmissable for hardcore shoppers.

Muang Boran Overlooking the Lake in Bangkok

Muang Boran Ancient City

Now the world's largest private open-air museum, Ancient City was established by a Thai millionaire in 1963 to preserve national history for future generations to witness. Built in the shape of Thailand itself, this is the perfect place to get a full overview of the country's long history without leaving the city. Muang Boran is a huge collection of scale models — or in some cases, relocated originals — of many of Thailand's most famous historic buildings, set in a beautifully landscaped park, which you can explore by bicycle or golf cart. The recent BTS (Skytrain) extension means it's now a breeze to get there & back.

Colorful Lights on Tuk Tuk During Night Tour

Tuk-Tuk Night Tour

The tuk-tuk gets its cute name from the noise made when the engine starts. One of Bangkok's icons, the revelation of the tuk-tuk came in the 1900s when Japan began exporting motorbikes to Thailand, and the Thais made some of their own revisions. On a tuk-tuk night tour, you'll get to explore some of the most fascinating parts of the city. You'll visit markets, temples (including the unforgettable sight of Wat Pho after dark), and street food stalls on this superb and authentic Thai tour.

Poo and Student Wearing Aprons at Bangkok Cooking School

Cooking with Poo

There are many cooking classes in Bangkok, but none like Cooking With Poo. Poo started her school several years ago in the middle of Bangkok's Khlong Toey' slum' district to support her family and neighbors, and now has a thriving little business — she's even appeared on TV with Jamie Oliver! You'll visit the bustling Khlong Toey market to buy ingredients then head to Poo's cooking school to prepare several Thai dishes. From its small beginnings in front of Poo's house where no one spoke English to the world-renowned cooking school Poo runs today, she has become a model of positivity and success within the Thai community.

Optional Day Trips from Bangkok

Ayutthaya

Situated 85km to the north of Bangkok, the ancient city of Ayutthaya was formerly Thailand’s capital, and in 1700 was actually the biggest city in the world with a million inhabitants. The city was burned to the ground by Burmese invaders in 1767 and is now a sleepy provincial town and UNESCO World Heritage Site with some superb historical remains; paradise for temple junkies and an easy — and fascinating — day trip out of the city by rail or road. With so much history, there’s a lot to explore here. Visit the ruins of Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon — and if you’re superstitious, make sure to climb up to the crypt where you can drop change in the bucket for good luck. There are also endless temples to explore, like Wat Ratchaburana and Wat Chai Wattanaram, for those of you interested in the area’s historic religious importance. Also worth checking out is the Bang Pa-In Palace, along with its gardens that stretch across 19 hectares. Of course, there are many other ruins, temples, and sights to explore here, so give yourself at least a full day or two!