The 17 Best Things to Do in Bangkok: Top Attractions for 2025
What to know about Bangkok
With an eclectic cityscape, delicious dishes, incredible street art, interesting classes, and stunning architecture — Thailand’s capital is like no other. For the most well-rounded stay, we’ve come up with the ultimate guide to the best things to do in Bangkok and the top ways to experience the city.
Bangkok is the capital and most populous city in Thailand, with a population of around 9 million. Like most of Thailand, it has a tropical savanna climate, which means the city experiences three distinct seasons: hot, rainy, and cool. The cool season runs from November to February when the average temperatures vary from 25°C to 32°C.
If you’re travelling from Australia or New Zealand, you won’t need a visa as long as you arrive by air and stay less than 30 days. However, if you enter by land or sea, you’ll only be able to stay a maximum of 15 days without a visa.
Getting around the bustling city has never been easier than now as there are plenty of above and underground networks, servicing all neighbourhoods. However, if you don’t want to use public transport, know that taxis are pretty ubiquitous and affordable, making travel simple.
Another thing to know is that the entire city comes to a screeching halt during the Thai New Year, which falls every year around April. During Songkran, the city plunges into a multi-day, boisterous water party.
Finally, note that even though there are countless things to do in Bangkok, it’s best to have an itinerary and stick to it. While it’s easy to get distracted by the many wonderful attractions or shopping centres, remember that Bangkok has much to offer and if you’re only staying for a few days, you can’t see them all.
Wat Pho Temple and the Reclining Buddha
A 16th-century shrine, the Wat Pho Temple is likely one of the most recognisable Bangkok landmarks. It is home to the magnificent, 46-metre tall statue of Reclining Buddha, gracefully adorned with gold leaf and mother-of-pearl inlays.
The Wat Pho monastery is home to the original Thai massage, with daily treatments offered to both tourists and locals. What’s more, the monastery is even home to a massage school.
If you’re planning a trip to Wat Pho and the Reclining Buddha, keep in mind that these Bangkok attractions see thousands of daily visitors. As there are many coming to pay respects there, make sure you wear appropriate clothing and remain respectful inside and outside the temple.
The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
Majestic and awe-inspiring, the royal complex of Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace stand as a symbol of Thailand’s rich history. Originally established by Thai kings, it served as the heart of a capital city that quickly expanded beyond its original home on Ko Ratanakosin Island to become the bustling metropolis we know today.
Dating back to 1782, this sprawling complex was once the official residence of the Thai monarchy. It boasts a collection of grand palaces, reception halls, temples, and courtyards, making it Bangkok’s most iconic tourist destination. The highlight of any visit, however, is Wat Phra Kaew, the temple housing Thailand’s most sacred artifact, the Emerald Buddha. Despite its name, this revered statue, carved from jade, dates back to the 12th or 13th century.
Wat Arun
Among Thailand’s 40,000-plus temples, Wat Arun stands out as one of the most iconic. Rising 90 metres above the banks of the Chao Phraya River, its towering prahng, designed in Khmer style, is a sight to behold, especially at night when the temple is bathed in a golden glow.
What sets Wat Arun apart is its climbable prahng. Visitors can scale its steep, narrow steps for breathtaking views of the river and the surrounding temple grounds. After soaking in the panorama, take your time descending to admire the intricate floral murals crafted from broken Chinese porcelain, creating a creative reuse of materials left behind by traders at the nearby port.
Take a Class
A quintessential experience and one of the best things to do in Bangkok is to take a class. Depending on your interests, there are countless different classes to take that will help you better understand and appreciate Thai culture.
For example, you can take a cooking class and learn how to prepare some traditional dishes. You can also take part in Lumphini aerobics, Muay Thai, pottery, massage, and so much more. To learn more about the classes available to you, ask at your resort.
The Jim Thompson House
The Jim Thompson House offers a glimpse into the life of American entrepreneur Jim Thompson, who built his fortune in the mid-20th century by reviving Thailand’s silk industry. Now a museum, his canal-side home showcases an impressive collection of antiques, artwork, and religious artifacts. The property consists of six traditional teak houses brought from Ayutthaya, the former Thai capital, and is surrounded by lush gardens.
Inside, visitors can admire an array of fascinating objects, including intricate temple wall hangings illustrating the life of Buddha, repurposed mahjong tables in the dining room, a graceful standing Buddha, and an exquisite porcelain collection. Beyond its artistic treasures, the house is steeped in history as a hub of high-society gatherings, earning Thompson comparisons to Gatsby for his legendary parties.
Chinatown
Bangkok’s Chinatown is a sensory feast of vibrant market lanes, glittering gold shops, mouth-watering street food, and centuries-old temples. Here, golden Buddhas shine, Taoist temples fill the air with incense and colourful street art adds a modern touch to this historic neighbourhood. Despite its size and activity, Chinatown retains a timeless charm, seemingly untouched by modernisation.
There’s no need for tickets or reservations—just bring an appetite for Thai-Chinese street food and a willingness to wander. As one of the largest Chinatowns in the world, it offers endless discoveries, with even longtime locals uncovering new gems. Yet, it’s the classic spots, like the beloved Eiah-Sae coffee shop, that truly capture Chinatown’s enduring appeal.
Bangkok Museums
If you want to get out of the heat for a while and see Thailand’s rich history, you can’t go wrong visiting one of Bangkok’s many museums. Depending on your interests and itinerary, you’ll have your pick, but the two most popular ones in town are definitely the National Museum and the Museum of Siam.
The building that houses the National Museum was built in 1782 and it’s home to countless historical antiquities and art pieces. If you’re travelling with your family, you shouldn’t miss the Museum of Siam. Full of interactive exhibits and media, this museum shows Thai culture and history over time.
Ayutthaya Ancient City
If you’re up for a day trip while visiting Bangkok, the Ayutthaya Ancient City is only an hour away from the capital. Once the world’s richest and most cosmopolitan city, it was known as Siam and it was a bustling city up until 1767.
Nowadays, Ayutthaya is the site of around a dozen ruins and incredible stone-carved temples, stupas, and buildings. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visitors will also see the two biggest temple complexes, which are Wat Ratchaburana and Wat Phra Si Sanphet.
Soi Nana
Soi Nana in Chinatown is one of the best streets in the city for bar-hopping. Once the sun sets, the ramshackle shophouses begin overflowing with the sounds of music, martinis, and the city’s cool crowd. There, you can slip in and out of the quirky cocktail bars, packed restaurants, or even stylish galleries and party until your heart’s content.
Khao San Road
The Khao San Road is another exhilarating, fun-packed street with partying people and street stalls selling food, drinks, clothes, and souvenirs. The street is open all day, but the partying begins when the sun sets and lasts until the wee hours of the morning.
There, you can stroll among the stalls, which sell everything from strange Thai snacks to party hats and leather bags. If you’re planning a visit to Khao San Road, keep in mind that there are no BTS stations close by and you will have to take a taxi or a river ferry to the 13 Phra Arthit Pier.
Sukhumvit
Known as party central in Bangkok, Sukhumvit is home to clubs, restaurants, and bars that promise to deliver a good time. In addition to the traditional establishments, Sukhumvit is also where you’ll find camper VW vans converted into mobile bars, inviting tourists and locals.
Stay at Club Med Phuket
A ways away from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok is Phuket, the largest and most beautiful island in Thailand. It’s right there where travellers will find a stunning, all-inclusive Club Med resort that excites all the senses.
Club Med Phuket allows guests to immerse themselves in the cultural wonders Thailand has to offer while soaking up the crystal blue seas and sandy beaches. With the longest resort beachfront on Kata Beach, Club Med Phuket is set on 16 hectares of lush nature, ideal for a tropical getaway.
Book your stay at Club Med Phuket today to experience all this world-class resort has to offer.
Benchakitti Park
Benchakitti Park has been around since 1994, but it has recently seen a 120-acre expansion and holds the spot as the most beautiful green space in the city. The ecological forest park is full of blossoming lotus ponds and mounds of earth that make it the prime spot for relaxing and taking beautiful pictures.
In Benchakitti Park, you’ll also find winding walking trails, bike lanes, and even a 1.9-kilometre elevated skywalk. The elevated skywalk will allow you a stunning view of the sprouting flowers, trees, and wetlands that make up the park.
Chao Phraya River
For the perfect blend of nature and activity, head on down to the Chao Phraya River. There, you can witness the soothing river vistas from the shore or even take a cruise along the river to take in the gorgeous surroundings. What’s more, you can even book a dinner cruise and opt for candlelight romance or a raucous floating party.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Also known as JJ Market, Chatuchak is the ultimate market to end all markets. Featuring a whopping 15,000 stalls, it’s one of the largest outdoor markets in the world. Among the thousands of stalls, you’ll find everything you could possibly desire. From home decor, art, clothing, accessories, appliances, and even live animals. Despite its size, the Chatuchak Market is still well organised, and you can find all the goods you’re looking for on the large map posted near the entrance.
Other things to do in Bangkok to experience nature or shopping
Iconsiam
Shopping malls are very popular all across Asia and even with such tough competition, Iconsiam stands head and shoulders above the crowd. The luxury development in Bangkok includes eight stories showcasing more than 7,000 brands, over 100 restaurants, an IMAX theatre, SkyPark, and even a subterranean floating market.
If you’re planning a visit there, keep in mind that the entire mall encompasses an area of around 750,000m2, making it easy to get lost and overwhelmed. Depending on your desire to shop, make sure you have a game plan going in and try to look for the things that make the place so unique, like Sooksiam, the floating market.
Talad Noi
For those wanting to go a bit off the beaten path, Talad Noi is the neighbourhood to be. A fascinating area to explore, Talad Noi is an excellent place to experience historical Bangkok and see how it has evolved over the years. In addition to the quaint cafes and charming restaurants, you can also find shrines, churches, museums, and much more.
Street Food
When it comes to delicious street food, almost no one does it quite like Bangkok. With a mind-boggling variety of light bites and affordable meals, there are tasty treats to be sampled at almost every corner. No matter where you are in the city, you’re sure to find a stall serving some traditional Thai delicacy or a modern take on a classic.
However, the most popular places for street food are Chinatown, Yaowarat Road, and Chatuchak Market. If you can, don’t miss a chance to try out Jay Fai, a Michelin Star street food restaurant, known for its crab omelette.
