Intro
Bangkok is an exciting city to visit. But it is also hectic, yet clean (although some my disagree with me) and safe. If you are planning your first trip to Bangkok, I have highlighted the top 9 spots you should visit, along with some etra spots you may consider for art, culture, and shopping.
This Guide is the light version on my paid BANGKOK Complete Visitors' Guide. If you are visiting Bangkok for the first time and are looking for more details about the city and tips on navigating it, consider acquiring my detailed Guide packed with practical information and multiple selected addresses for an unforgettable Bangkok experience. Information in this Guide will also save you time and money.
Are you planning you trip to Bangkok, but the sheer abundance of options that the city has to offer overwhelms you? Then you are in the right place!
This Guide is tailor-made to simplify your journey and ensure you make the most of your time in the city. It is full of practical information that will save you time and money.
Besides its practical side, this Guide has a historical and cultural lense, with most of the shared places and experiences concentrated in the old part of town.
This Guide contains the following information:
☀️ Best time to visit Bangkok, based on weather, pollution and festivals
⚠️ Practical information on what you should and should not do in Bangkok and how to avoid scams
🇹🇭 Cultural specificities you should be aware of
🤑 Money saving tips
🛺 How to get from the airport to Bangkok, all transportation options in the city and tips on avoiding traffic
ℹ️ An intro to Bangkok's neighbourhoods
📷 Bangkok essentials - 9 places you should visit on your first trip to Bangkok
🗝️ Detailed guide to Phra Nakhon (old town), Chinatown and Talad Noi
📌 Curated points of interest (museums, galleries, parks, massage parlours, cafes, bars and restaurants) around the city
😴 Suggestions on where to stay - from luxury hotels and royal stays, to boutique hotels and stylish hostels
🎁 Gift ideas
All the recommended places are indicated on the map to simplify your trip planning.
Every shared place is accompanied with a short description or practical information to enrich your knowledge and help you plan your visit.
9 MUST-SEE spots
These are the nine spots you should visit in Bangkok, depending on how much time you allocate to the city.
These spots are the most iconic or historical sites in Bangkok. Most of them are located in the old part of town, away from the buzzling Sukhumvit area. This collection of historical and modern sites will provide you with a better understanding of Thailand's history and Bangkok's cultural and urban development.
In the old town, beware of scammers that may tell you that the Grand Palace or Wat Pho is closed for holiday, lunch, official ceremony or any other reasons. There are no changes to the official hours.
1. The Grand Palace
The Grand Palace in the former residence of the first 5 Kings of the current Chakri Dynasty (Rama I to Rama V) since Bangkok's establishment as the capital of Siam in 1872. (The current King is Rama X). It also features the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), regarded as the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand.
⌚Hours: Daily between 8:30-16:30. Tickets sold until 15:30. You can buy your tickets online to avoid long queues. Consider going early morning to avoid the heat, as most of the visit is outside. However, the sight is most crowded in the morning.
💲Price: 500 THB
ℹ️ Note: Dress appropriately (knees and shoulders should be covered).
ℹ️ Note: Consider visiting the Khon show at Sala Chalaermkrung included in the cost of your ticket. You can get there by a free shuttle from the Grand Palace. You can also visit the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles that displays the royal dresses of Queen Sirikit, queen mother.
The Grand Palace
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The Grand Palace stands as an iconic symbol of Thailand's rich cultural heritage and architectural splendor. Built in 1782, when the capital of Siam was moved from Thonburi to Rattanakosin, the name of the island on which the Grand Palace stands, this sprawling complex served as the official residence of the Kings of Siam for over 150 years. Within its intricately adorned walls, you can explore a treasure trove of historical artifacts, breathtaking temples, and ornate pavilions, including the renowned Wat Phra Kaew, home to the revered Emerald Buddha. The opulent design and meticulous craftsmanship of the Grand Palace make it a must-visit destination if you seek to immerse themselves in Thailand's regal history and grandeur.
The king, his court, and his royal government were based on the grounds of the palace until 1925.
Contrary to the expectations, you will not visit inside the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall, built in a unique blend of European neoclassical and traditional Thai architectural styles, reserved for royal official ceremonies.
Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is one of Thailand's most revered and iconic landmarks, situated within the grounds of the Grand Palace complex in the heart of Bangkok. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha was meticulously crafted to enshrine a singular figurine of the meditating Buddha, fashioned from a single piece of green jade, adorned with resplendent gold and diamonds. “Emerald” refers to the color rather than the stone. In a display of profound devotion, the King of Thailand (only the King performs this ritual) undertakes a ceremonial costume change for the Emerald Buddha three times annually, corresponding to the Summer, Rainy, and Winter seasons. During these revered rituals, a procession of monks and dignitaries accompanies the King as he anoints the faithful with sacred water, bestowing blessings for the forthcoming season. The costumes include a diamond-encrusted golden robe for the hot season, a solid gold robe for the cool season, and a gold-plated monk's robe with an ornate headdress for the rainy season.
Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles
On August 12, 2022, Her Majesty Queen Sirikit the Queen Mother marked her 90th birthday. The Museum of Textiles, located on the premises of the Grand Palace, showcases an exhibit dedicated to the Royal Wardrobe of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. This exhibit features a collection of dresses designed by notable Thai designers and the internationally acclaimed French designer Pierre Balmain. Additionally, the museum houses a shop offering a variety of items such as books, gifts, home accessories, cotton and silk clothing, jewelry, stationery, and handmade silk flowers. It also serves as the primary retail location for Support Foundation products.
Khon show at Sala Chalermkrung
Included in your ticket is a visit to the Khon performance at Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre. Khon, a traditional masked dance drama from Thailand, was recognized by UNESCO and added to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2018.
The performances run three times daily, from Monday to Friday, at 1:00 PM, 2:30 PM, and 4:00 PM. A shuttle bus will be available at Phiman Deves Gate of the palace for a one-way trip to the theatre, departing 30 minutes before each performance begins. Tickets for the Khon Show can only be purchased at Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theater for 400 baht per person. For further details, you can visit the Theatre’s website.
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2. Wat Pho
If you are looking for the famous 46-meters long golden statue of the Reclining Buddha, you will find it at Wat Pho. This is the one of the oldest temples in Bangkok, which stood there way before Bangkok became the capital of Siam.
⌚Hours: Daily between 8:30-16:30.
💲Price: 300 THB. Cash only.
ℹ️ Note: Dress appropriately (knees and shoulders should be covered).
ℹ️ Note: Consider downloading the free app InsightWatPho for more detailed information about the temple.
Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan
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Known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Wat Pho is one of Bangkok's oldest and most revered temples, dating back to the 16th century. Its centerpiece, the reclining Buddha statue, stretches an impressive 46 meters in length and 15 meters in height and its feet adorned with intricate mother-of-pearl inlays, showcasing the artistry of Thai craftsmanship. Beyond the reclining Buddha, Wat Pho is also renowned for its tranquil courtyards, 4 stupas holding the ashes of the first 4 Kings, beautifully landscaped gardens, and a renowned traditional Thai massage school, offering visitors a holistic experience of spirituality, culture, and wellness.
You may download a free app InsightWatPho, which provides histrical and cultural details about the temple, along with the map of the temple.
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3. Jim Thompson House
Jim Thompson was an American architect and entrepreneur who revived the Thai silk industry after the WWII and established a famous eponymous Thai silk brand. Thompson lived across the canal (khlong) from the silk weaving workshops. He assembled six traditional wooden Thai houses to create his own home, which houses a collection of rare antiques that Thompson had collected throughout the region.
You can visit the house and learn about Jim Thompson's life and mysterious disappearing only by joining the 40 minute guided tour. Tours are conducted in multiple languages without a set schedule.
⌚Hours: Daily between 10:00 - 17:00
💲Price: 200 THB. Tickets sold at the entrance. Credit cards accepted.
ℹ️ Note: There are free shuttles to Jim Thompson's HQ and his first store on Surawong. It has a collection of home decor worth visiting.
ℹ️ If you want a bargain, consider visiting the Factory Outlet at BTS Bank Chak.
ℹ️ Also, next to the House is the Jim Thompson Art Center and library that you can visit for free with your ticket from the museum.
ℹ️ For a very local experience, consider taking a public canal (khlong) boat to the old town. The pier is close to Jim Thompson Museum. The direction for the old town is Panfa Leelard Pier, located next to Wat Saket.
Jim Thompson House Museum
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The house of Jim Thompson - the American entrepreneur who revived the Thai silk industry.
Nestled amidst lush tropical gardens in the heart of Bangkok, Jim Thompson's House offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and legacy of the renowned American entrepreneur and silk merchant.
Once the home of Thompson himself, this meticulously restored teakwood villa showcases a remarkable collection of Southeast Asian art, antiques, and artifacts, alongside beautifully preserved architectural features and captivating anecdotes of Thompson's extraordinary life and his mysterious disappearing in Malaysia.
The 40-minute guides tour will provide more information about the life and business of Jim Thompson and his mysterious disappearing in Malaysia.
Next to the House is the eponymous shop, which showcase an exquisite collection of handcrafted silk products, ranging from sumptuous textiles and elegant apparel to exquisite home decor and accessories. Each piece bears the hallmark of Thompson's meticulous attention to detail and dedication to preserving the centuries-old traditions of Thai silk weaving. It houses a cafe and a restaurant that serve… (check info on the website)
The Museum also offers a free shuttle to Jim Thompson’s flagship store on Surawongse Road, which is worth visiting. In addition to a wide collection of apparel and dining decor, this shop houses a beautiful collection of home decor on the 4th floor.
Next to the Museum is the Jim Thompson’s Art, which is also worth a visit.
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4. King Power Mahanakhon Tower
This is the highest you can get in Bangkok. And I am not talking about a substance effect, but one of the most impressive viewpoints in town. Althought it is not the tallest tower in Bangkok, it offers a highest viewpoint at 314 m, just slightly higher than the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
⌚Hours: Daily between 10:00 - 19:00 (last admission 18:30)
💲Price: Adults (daytime between 10:00-15:30) - 880 THB,
(after 15:30) - 1,080 THB. Juniors (3-12 years) and seniors (60+) - 350 THB (regardless of entry time).
ℹ️ Note: The view is best enjoyed at the sunset, although this is when it gets the most crowded. There is also a stylish bar at the top and a cafe one floor below. There is no time limit for staying on the rooftop, but you can enter only once.
ℹ️ Note: You cannot bring your own drink, nor any large bag (no backpacks). These will be stored for you for free at the entrance.
ℹ️ Note: The rooftop may be closed on rainy days, but the lower covered floor with 360° view will remain open.
King Power Mahanakhon
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The highest viewpoint in Bangkok. A perfect place to watch the sunset while sipping on your favorite drink.
While no longer the tallest building in Thailand, the Krung Thep Manahanakhon Tower, also known as the King Power Mahanakhon, offers breathtaking panoramic views of Bangkok's skyline from its observation deck.
Rising majestically above the bustling streets below, this architectural marvel boasts an innovative design, featuring a glass skywalk and a thrilling rooftop experience that allows you to admire the cityscape from dizzying heights.
Whether you're seeking a bird's-eye view of Bangkok's iconic landmarks or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, the Krung Thep Manahanakhon Tower promises an unforgettable experience.
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5. Wat Paknam
Situated at the intersection of several canals, the giant sitting Buddha statue attracts visitors not only by its sheer size, but also by the nearby stupa that hosts a meditation center, a museum with myriad of gifts offered to the temple, and a Buddhism relics room. The top floor has stunning visuals on its ceiling and from the outside balcony offers some impressive views over the city.
⌚Hours: Daily between 8:00 - 18:00
💲Price: FREE
ℹ️ Note: Dress appropriately (knees and shoulders should be covered).
Paknam Phasi Charoen Temple
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A temple complex with the largest Buddha statue in Bangkok.
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6. Chatuchak Weekend Market
Chatuchak is the world's largest weekend market. There you will find anything from souvenirs and Thai art to clothes and pets. Is is better to visit early in the morning, as it gets very hot and crowded during the day. You can reach Chatuchak by BTS and stop at Mo Chit station or by MRT and stop at Chatuchak Park or Kampaeng Phet.
Across the street from Chatuchak is the Or Tor Kor Market, one of the best and most expensive fruit markets in Bangkok. You will find some of the best quality fruits there. If you want to buy mango to bring back to your country, they will package it well for you.
⌚ Hours: Friday 18:00 - 00:00, Saturday & Sunday 9:00 - 18:00
💲Price: FREE
ℹ️ Note: It's better to visit it in the morning as it gets very hot during the day.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
@madame.bernal
If you are in Bangkok on a weekend, consider visiting the world's largest weekend market - Chatuchak.
It is a great location to shop for souvenirs.
You can get there by taxi or my the BTS.
Considering going there early in the morning, as it gets very hot during the day.
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7. Chinatown
Bangkok's Chinatown is one of the oldest and largest in the world. It is absolutely worth visiting for an authentic experience of Bangkok. Yeawarat is the main street and you should take a walk there any time of the day. At night, Yaowarat, Chinatown Night Market and Plaeng Nam Road turn into street food heaven.
Wat Mangkon (at MRT Wat Mangkon) is the most important Chinese Buddhist temple in Bangkok. Wat Traimit houses the largest gold Buddha statue.
If you have time, consider also exploring Song Wat Road, which is parallel to Chao Phraya River and Yaowarat. You can reach it by foot from anywhere in Chinatown. The area is rapidly developing with new stylish shops and cafes popping up. Consider roaming on Soi Rong Khom for a very local experience. While it may seem hectic, the area is safe.
China Town
@madame.bernal
A trip to Bangkok is not complete without a visit to Chinatown, one of the oldest and largest in the world.
Bangkok's Chinatown, Yaowarat, is a historic and culturally rich neighborhood that has stood the test of time since its establishment in the late 1700s. As one of the oldest Chinatowns in the world, it embodies a fascinating blend of Chinese, Thai, Indian, and other Southeast Asian cultures.
The bustling Yaowarat Road serves as the heart of the district, offering an array of experiences from vibrant street markets to tantalizing street food stalls that come alive at night. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere and explore the intricate alleyways filled with hidden gems, traditional Chinese temples, and bustling gold shops.
Chinatown's allure extends beyond its culinary delights and cultural landmarks. It's a place where traditions thrive, especially during festivals like Chinese New Year, when the streets burst with color and excitement. Amidst the festive atmosphere, visitors can witness mesmerizing dragon dances, marvel at the grandeur of the Golden Buddha statue at Wat Traimit, or simply stroll through the labyrinthine streets, soaking in the sights, sounds, and aromas of this dynamic neighborhood.
Whether it's indulging in sumptuous street food, shopping for gold jewelry, or delving into centuries-old traditions, Bangkok's Chinatown offers an unforgettable experience that celebrates the rich tapestry of cultures that make up the vibrant city of Bangkok.
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8. Talad Noi
Adjacent to Chinatown, this small neighbourhood used to welcome Chinese immigrants that repaired motorbike and car engines, with businesses surviving until present day. The neighbourhood is impregnated with a persistent smell of motor oil, with a distinct charm.
Go on a walking tour of the neighbourhood to explore street art, stylish tea shops and lovely cafes.
Start off with Talad Noi Street Art Wall and get a cup of specialty coffee at Mother Roaster Talad Noi, then continue to the Antique Turtle Car, where you may meet a real turtle, passing by Baan Rim Nam, The So Heng Tai Mansion, then following to Baan Chim Cha, Citizen Tea Canteen with a final stop at locals' favorite Hong Sieng Kong on the river.
The main road Charoenkrung in Talad Noi is also full of cool cafes and bars that you can explore by walking.
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9. ICONSIAM
This is one of the most iconic mall experiences in Bangkok. Make sure to visit the street food area on the ground floor. There are also regular shows in that area and outside that are worth watching for first time tourists. There is a nice view point on the top floor that is worth visiting at any time of the day for a mesmerizing city skyline.
If you want to reach Iconsiam by boat (highly recommended!), you have three options: Sathon Pier on the left handside (if facing the river) of the BTS Saphan Taksin, CAT Tower Pier behind the General Post Office and Si Phraya Pier between the Embassy of Portugal and Royal Orchid Sheraton (don't confuse with the Si Phraya Ferry Pier by River City). The shuttle boat cost is 8 THB paid in cash only.
⌚Hours: Daily 10:00 - 22:00
ICONSIAM
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As one of Bangkok's premier shopping and lifestyle destinations, IconSiam offers a luxurious and immersive retail experience like no other. Situated along the banks of the Chao Phraya River, this sprawling complex boasts a dazzling array of high-end boutiques, gourmet dining establishments, and entertainment venues, all housed within a striking architectural masterpiece. From designer fashion brands to exquisite dining options and captivating cultural performances, IconSiam captivates visitors with its blend of luxury, sophistication, and Thai hospitality, making it a must-visit destination for discerning travelers and shopaholics alike.
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Art & Culture
If you are into art and would like to explore Bangkok art scene, from the traditional Thai art and antiques to modern art, check out these iconic museums and art centers.
National Museum Bangkok
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If you choose to visit one museum in Bangkok, pick this one. You will find here everything from Buddha statues to royal and religious paraphernalia, to Khon masks and benjarong.
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River City Bangkok
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A large collection of antiques and modern art under one roof.
It is located at the footsteps of Talad Noi and close to the Warehouse 30.
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Bangkok Art and Culture Centre
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Contemporary art center conveniently located at the BTS National Stadium and across the street from MBK.
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Shopping
If you want to shop in Bangkok, consider one of these luxury malls, where you can find anything from food and electronics to clothes and amusement. Mass market and the most exlusive luxury brands are all gathered under one roof. And these are just a few of the many malls located along the Sukhumvit BTS line.
Siam Paragon
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Check out the Gourmet Market on the ground floor.
Located at the BTS Siam.
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EmQuartier
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Check out the Quartier Water Garden.
Located at the BTS Phrom Phong.
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EmSphere
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TRIBE Sky Beach Bar is impressive.
Located at the BTS Phrom Phong.
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Central Embassy
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Check out the Open House boostore on the top floor.
Located at the BTS Ploenchit.
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Where to stay
I have prepared another FREE guide will stylish accommodation for any budget, from the most luxurious stays to hotels.
If you liked my Guide, please share it with you friends that are planning to visit Bangkok 🙏
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