15 things to do (and 3 NOT TO DO) in Bangkok - 2024 Thailand Travel Guide

Bangkok is an extraordinary city, where culture and hectic life coexist, between sky bars, oriental temples and Thai massage centres.
It is a glittering metropolis of extraordinary complexity and a thousand contradictions, and it is precisely these peculiarities that make it so attractive and fascinating.
To enjoy the Thai capital in the best way, here is a guide on what to see in Bangkok, with the best attractions and things to do!

1. Royal Palace / Wat Phra Kaew.

Built in 1782, the year in which Bangkok officially became the country's capital after the fall of the kingdom of Ayutthaya and Thonburi, it lies on the banks of the Chao Phraya River and is surrounded by a 1.9 km long wall.
The complex is huge: it includes over 100 buildings between palaces and pavilions. The rulers of Thailand, in the past, lived here for many years. Today the king only goes there on the occasion of some official ceremonies.

The highlight of the complex is the Wat Phra Kaew chapel, where a suggestive and venerated emerald Buddha statue is kept. It is a particularly suggestive place, both for its religious importance and for its particular architecture: many gold pagodas with orange roofs and statues covered with glittering multicolored glass that stand out in lush gardens that surround the entire area.

2. Wat Arun.

Situated on the bank of the Chao Phraya river, overlooks this very particular and easily distinguishable temple also known as the "Temple of Dawn" thanks to the play of light that is created in those hours of the day. With a curious missile shape, its name derives from the Indian divinity of the dawn, Aruna.

The centerpiece of Wat Arun is its þrahng, its 82-metre-tall Khmer-style tower completely covered in small porcelain floral patterns. Climbing to the top is quite tiring as the steps are high and narrow. You can help yourself with ropes that descend from above.

3. Wat Pho - Temple of the Reclining Buddha.

Of all the temples in Bangkok it is, in all likelihood, the one that most deserves a visit. Not only because it is the largest and oldest temple in the city, but also, and above all, for the presence of the extraordinary Reclining Buddha, 46 meters long (15 meters high) and with the soles of his feet entirely covered in mother-of-pearl, where 108 Buddhist scenes are depicted. the Buddha is represented during the transition to Nirvana, or his death.

Also noteworthy are the gardens that develop all around the sacred area. Statues, plants, centuries-old trees and the important Bodhi tree (the ancient sacred fig tree) whose roots derive from the tree where Buddha sat waiting for enlightenment.

The place is also important because it is here that the first public school in the country is located.

4. Khao San Rd.

Bangkok's nightlife mecca is the lively Khao San Road, ideal for street food enthusiasts, among thousands of luminous signs and strong smells. Hundreds of stalls offer an infinite number of particularly cheap Thai gastronomic specialties, but there are also dozens of restaurants and clubs offering live music.

In this area there are the cheapest accommodation in the city and it represents the ideal destination for "backpackers" travellers; on the other hand, it is here that the first backpackers arrived in the 80s. Since 2000, after its appearance in the film The Beach, Khao San has experienced an unstoppable growth in tourism. If you decide to find accommodation in this area, know that you will spend little but you will sleep badly (the chaos is uninterrupted)!

5. Wat Benchamabophit.

Known as the Marble Temple and depicted on the 5 baht coin, this temple has great religious significance. The inner prayer hall is built with Carrara marble imported from Italy. Thanks to the white marble and its many architectural facets it is a sight to behold especially when it is hit by the sun's rays. Inside is the bronze statue of the Buddha wrapped in a bright blue background. A canal separates the temple from the monks' quarters.

6. Wat Saket.

Reaching this temple is certainly not a walk, more than 300 steps will have to be climbed to reach the top of the Golden Mount but it is really worth it. From the temple you can enjoy a breathtaking view over all of Bangkok and to make everything even more magical there will be the sound of the sacred bells and the crowd of monks and faithful in prayer.

Every year during Loy Krathong in early November, Wat Saket hosts a large festival that lasts for an entire week. The celebrations begin with a long candlelit procession. After the devotional rites, the great fair begins with colored lanterns, colored flags, stalls and various entertainment activities throughout the area.

7. Wat Traimit.

Small temple particularly known for housing the largest solid gold statue in the world. 3 meters high and weighing over 5 tons, the statue represents the Buddha receiving enlightenment and is among the most revered in the country. According to legend, the statue dates back to the Ayutthaya period and was brought to Bangkok following the Burmese invasion.

The golden statue of the Buddha is located on the fourth floor of the temple, it was discovered sixty years ago under a layer of stucco or plaster probably made to hide it from possible raids that took place in the past during one of the city's tense siege periods.

8. Chinatown.

Very characteristic, Chinatown is one of the most chaotic districts of Bangkok, a dense network of alleys that branch out like a labyrinth, full of shops, shops, stalls where you can find anything.
The feeling is definitely one of disorientation, if you are visiting Bangkok for the first time or maybe you don't speak English well, we recommend a guided tour of Chinatown, for a first approach and... so as not to get lost!

The main street is Sampaeng Lane, partially covered and entirely pedestrian, while the side streets are divided by category of products for sale: gold, spices, fabrics and bric-a-brac. The area is a riot of lucky charms, indecipherable spices, street food and restaurants serving shark's fins and swallow's nests! A frenetic bustle of people, hand-drawn carts, a slice of life that seems to belong to another era. A very charming area for a fun and lively evening!

9. Jim Thompson House.

The home of the American architect and entrepreneur Jim Thompson, a well-known US silk entrepreneur, lover of art and beautiful things, who decided to build a house mixing Western style and architectural details in a pure Thai mood. Today, Jim Thompson's huge Thai complex has become a house-museum in the suggestive Pathumwan district, an oasis of peace where time seems to stand still.

Surrounded by the characteristic khlongs, the canals of Bangkok, it is a complex made up of 6 splendid buildings in teak wood, assembled with traditional techniques without the use of ask. Inside you can admire characteristic Asian memorabilia, a valuable collection of antique furniture, sculptures, porcelain and oriental ceramics; outside a lush garden and wonderful lotus flowers.

Beyond the architectural value, Jim Thompson's house-museum is also known for the mystery associated with the entrepreneur's death. In fact, in 1967, when Thompson was at the height of success, he mysteriously disappeared during an excursion in the Malaysian jungle. Despite the use of over 400 men in the search operations, his body was never found.

10. Rooftop Bars.

A widespread trend in Bangkok is to spend an evening sipping a cocktail on the Rooftop Bars, bars located on the top floor of skyscrapers. The tallest in Bangkok is the Baiyoke tower with a revolving terrace on the 84th floor that allows for a magnificent panoramic view of the city. We recommend buying tickets in advance as the place is very touristy.

However, it is not the only one, there are dozens of them throughout Bangkok such as The Roof which allows a wonderful view of Wat Arun or the Sirocco Restaurant & Sky Bar where a scene from "The Hangover 2" was filmed

11. Bangkok Art & Culture Center (BACC).

Art, music, theatre, design, cinema and cultural events of all kinds take place inside the museum, also giving space to cafes, bookshops and design shops.
A 9-storey museum born to show the artistic heart of Bangkok and able to please everyone.

12. Siam Square.

The most cosmopolitan and commercial soul of Bangkok. Maxi screens, shopping malls and very tall buildings distinguish the area of the city full of traffic and worldliness, where young and sophisticated fashion is all the rage, unfortunately not always within the reach of all budgets.

Siam Square, the heart of the country's economy, is not only a tourist destination but also a point of reference and entertainment for locals.
Its huge shopping centers are the perfect place for shopping and relaxation with shops of the main international labels and attractions of all kinds such as the aquarium and the Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum.

On the upper floors of the Malls there are the food areas where it will be possible to taste traditional Thai dishes.

13. Lumpini Park.

Big green lung of Bangkok, a destination for residents and tourists, an oasis of relaxation for walking, jogging or simply enjoying its enchanting landscape. It rises in the heart of the city and covers an area of 58 hectares.
Originally, the park was an open space owned by King Rama VI; in 1925 it was given to the nation to become the city's first public park. At the southwest entrance to the park is a statue of the king in memory of him.

Initially the area was used to host the Siamrath Phiphithapan Trade Fair, a market that had the aim of promoting Thai products: the park was in fact set up to become an exhibition center for Thai crafts and flowers. Despite the intentions for this intended use, the park has over the years become one of the most loved places by Bangkok residents. Its name comes from the birthplace of the Buddha, in Nepal.

14. King Power MahaNakhon SkyWalk.

If you want to admire Bangkok from above, we advise you to go to the, a large mirrored skyscraper that includes 78 floors with hotel rooms, shops and a viewing platform: this is the highest observatory in all of Thailand, at 314m high!

But that's not all: while you admire the city from above, the more adventurous can also walk on a glass platform, inserted among the largest glass observation decks in the world! A unique experience that will allow you to literally have the city at your feet, but not recommended for those suffering from vertigo!

15. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.

Pure folklore about 100 km from the centre. Visiting this place is one of the best-selling and most requested excursions. The floating market of Damnoen Saduak has in fact now become a must for every self-respecting tourist.

The market is set up on stalls aboard longtail boats. A truly unique experience to photograph, but also to experience by getting involved in bargaining purchases! A real journey through time.

16. Warnings.

1) Avoid any physical contact with Buddhist monks.

In Thailand, monks are among the most respected and revered figures. As such, the best thing you can do when you see a monk is to keep your distance. Although the rule of not having any kind of physical contact with the monks is particularly suitable for women, also men should not, out of respect, come into physical contact with the monks (by physical contact we also mean a handshake!). Also, always remember not to put yourself in a position that appears to be taller than a monk. For example, you should not be standing when there is a monk sitting because you will be in a higher position than his posture.

2) Romantic gestures in public.

Thailand is an Asian country and just like many in other Asian countries, people rarely show romantic gestures in public. So, respect oriental culture and behave accordingly when in public places. Do your best, essentially, to avoid kissing your partner on the street. In Thailand, even a simple romantic gesture like holding hands is rarely seen. Of course, even while travelling, you will have plenty of time to show your love to your partner...but do it, out of respect, in private. Thus, it will be even more romantic!

3) Dress NOT appropriately when visiting temples.

You will find numerous temples when you are in Thailand and like any good traveler, you will certainly want to visit most of them. However, remember to keep in mind that it is not allowed to visit places of worship if you wear revealing or provocative clothes. This is considered very offensive. Therefore, you cannot wear shorts, low cut tops, miniskirts, and tank tops. Much better, it would be better to wear trousers and a top that covers the arms and shoulders.