Things to Do in Bangkok

Wat Phra Kaew, or temple of the Emerald Buddha, is regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand. Built in the historic center of Bangkok, the temple is home to the Phra Kaew Morakot (the Emerald Buddha), an image of Buddha precisely carved from a single block of jade. The image depicts Buddha meditating in the style of the Lanna School in northern Thailand. Legend has it that the Emerald Buddha was discovered when Wat Phra Kaew was struck by lightning in 1434, and the octagonal Chedi fell apart, revealing the Emerald Buddha.

Interesting Fact: The robe “worn” by the Emerald Buddha is changed three times a year by the King of Thailand himself.

Wat Pho, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is a must-see gem in Bangkok's Phra district. Spanning an impressive 80,000 square meters, it’s one of the largest temple complexes in the city. While the 46-meter-long, gold-leaf-covered Reclining Buddha steals the spotlight, the rest of the temple is equally captivating. Take time to wander through the vast grounds, where you'll find over a thousand Buddha images, a serene Buddhist monastery, and striking statues of Chinese giants, each guarding the temple with a watchful eye. There’s so much to discover in this sacred and visually stunning space.

Interesting Fact: Wat Pho is the birthplace of the traditional Thai Massage, and a massage school operates to this day within the complex.

A trip to Bangkok isn’t complete without touring the ancient city of Ayutthaya, just a short drive away. Once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to stunning temple ruins and historic landmarks. Explore the towering spires of Wat Mahathat, the impressive Ayutthaya Historical Park, and the serene beauty of Wat Chaiwatthanaram, all set against the backdrop of lush landscapes. Walking through Ayutthaya feels like stepping back in time, offering a glimpse into Thailand's rich history and culture.

Interesting Fact: At its peak, Ayuttaya was one of the most technologically advanced cities in the world, and even contained a hydraulic system for water management.

A visit to the Grand Palace is like stepping into a fairytale! This dazzling treasure in the heart of Bangkok is a feast for the eyes, with its golden spires, intricate carvings, and stunning architecture. Wander through the majestic courtyards, get wowed by the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and explore the opulent halls that once housed Thailand's kings. With its rich history and jaw-dropping beauty, touring the Grand Palace is one of the top things to do in Bangkok and an experience you won’t soon forget!

Interesting Fact: Each of the Grand Palace’s 12 majestic gates has its own rhyming name.

Bangkok’s BTS Skytrain started operating in 1999. The city’s rapid growth, combined with little urban planning and few building regulations, resulted in Bangkok growing into a jumbled, complex cityscape (which is really part of its charm). To allow people to navigate this urban maze more easily, the BTS Skytrain was built. The Skytrain is an elevated rail network and as such afford riders great views of the city beneath them.

Interesting Fact: The Bangkok Skytrain was designed using the successful Vancouver Skytrain as a model, and was originally referred to as the Lavalin Skytrain.

Khao San Road is a short but lively street in the center of Bangkok. A “backpacker’s haven”, the road transforms from a fairly normal tourist area into, as soon as night time falls, an energetic street with bars, live music, food hawkers, parties, and nightclubs. The road has been described as “a short road that has the longest dream in the world”.

Interesting Fact: Khao San translated means “milled rice”, a homage to the street’s history as a major Bangkok rice market.

Jim Thompson, born in 1906, was an American businessman who was instrumental in helping to revitalize the Thai silk industry in the 1950s and 1960s. In fact, his work was considered so important that he was described by Time Magazine as “almost singlehandedly saving Thailand’s vital silk industry" from extinction.

Today interested tourists can visit his house, now a museum, that houses an assortment of old Thai structures that Jim collected from all across Thailand.

Interesting Fact: Jim Thompson mysteriously disappeared after going for a walk in 1967. Though no one really knows what happened, several theories have been advanced, including that he was captured by aborigines.

Damnoen Saduak, the floating market, consists of dozens of wooden rowing boats bobbing up and down alongside each other, each laden with fruits, vegetables, flowers, condiments, handicrafts, souvenirs, and other assorted merchandise. Some of the boats are even equipped with cooking apparatus, giving market-goers the opportunity to enjoy freshly prepared “boat noodles” or seafood skewers.

Interesting Fact: The Damneon Saduk floating market was featured in James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun as the setting for an exciting chase scene.

Seated on the bank of the Chao Phraya, the Wat Arun dominates the local skyline. Perhaps one of Southeast Asia’s most recognized sites, the impressive silhouette of the Wat Arun features on countless Bangkok postcards and adverts. Towering 70 meters, Wat Arun’s spire, or prang, is decorated with tiny pieces of colored glass and porcelain.

Interesting Fact: Wat Arun symbolizes the birth of the Rattanakosin Period and the founding of the new capital after the fall of Ayutthaya.

Cruising the Chao Phraya River is one of the most scenic and relaxing ways to experience Bangkok. As you glide along the water, you'll get a unique view of the city’s iconic landmarks, including the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and riverside temples. The bustling riverside life is vibrant, with boats zipping by, and you’ll pass traditional wooden houses and modern skyscrapers side by side. Whether you opt for a traditional long-tail boat or a luxurious dinner cruise, this river journey offers an unforgettable perspective of Bangkok’s beauty and charm.

Bangkok is a unique city, and those who visit it will each have their own adventures and escapades. But endeavor to see our top ten things to do in Bangkok, and you can be sure that you won’t miss out on your trip to Thailand.