22 Best Things to Do in Bangkok — From Rooftop Bars to Ancient Temples

Visit the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

In a city with no fewer than 400 temples, it can be a daunting task to try to determine which ones to visit. That said, if it's your first time in Bangkok, experts first recommend Temple of the Emerald Buddha within the elaborate Grand Palace complex, which is regarded as the holiest Buddhist temple in Thailand. Inside the shrine is a small, jade-colored Buddha draped in golden robes — but no one is allowed near the Buddha except for the king of Thailand. While you’re there, spend some extra time exploring the other temples, shrines, and historic halls in the Grand Palace grounds.

Have a drink at a rooftop bar.

The Bangkok skyline is known for its towering skyscrapers, with a good number of rooftop bars ranging in style and budget — appealing to both unfussy backpackers and the poshest of travelers. Try the Sky Bar at Lebua, which is 820 feet in the air, for impressive views.

Climb Wat Arun.

Another can't-miss temple is Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of the Dawn. The uniquely shaped temple rises above the banks of the Chao Phraya River and is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Bangkok. In fact, the land on which Wat Arun sits has been home to a temple since at least the 1500s. It is known for its 270-foot-high tower, which has stairs that lead all the way to the top, where you'll find gorgeous views of the river and Bangkok. Although it appears gleaming white from a distance, the structure is actually made of painted floral mosaics that have been constructed from Chinese porcelain.

Visit Warehouse 30.

While Bangkok is steeped in centuries of history and art, it is also a thriving capital of contemporary and forward-thinking art and design. At Warehouse 30, an abandoned block of World War II-era warehouses that's been transformed into creative spaces for artists and designers, you'll discover cafes, boutiques, and galleries to explore.

View the Reclining Buddha.

Yet another temple to add to your itinerary is Wat Pho (officially named Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan), or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. This massive Buddha is covered from head to toe (all 46 meters) in gold leaf and is one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. Wat Pho also boasts one of the largest collections of Buddha images; there are more than 1,000 of them throughout the sprawling temple complex.

Shop for flowers before dawn.

Bangkok is one of the most colorful cities in the world, and the vibrant flower market of Pak Khlong Talat makes this evident. Browse stalls full of marigolds, orchids, roses, and more for a brilliant kaleidoscope of colors and the sweet, enveloping scent of thousands of fresh blooms. Since it's open 24 hours a day, it also makes a great late-night activity if you're battling jet lag.

Sample some of the best street food in the world.

Bangkok seems to sizzle at all times of day with some of the most coveted street food on the planet. No matter where you are in the city, you're never more than a few steps from savory, flavorful, and aromatic foods, most of which can be purchased for less than $2 per person. Start the day with a Thai iced coffee (strong coffee made extra sweet with condensed milk) and try snack after snack throughout the day, from pad Thai to braised duck and chicken rice.

"Bangkok's reputation as a top street food city means you must explore local food culture in hubs like Chinatown and Baan Tad Thong," says Patty Lerdwittayaskul, director of communications for Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok. "Local dishes offer an authentic taste of everyday Thai life."

Lerdwittayaskul recommends Lim Lao Sa Noodle Stall in Chinatown, a tiny family-run stall offering noodles in a clear fish broth. She also points to Phee Mao Rad Na, a food cart by the canal next to Wat Ratchabophit. "The stir-fried noodles are cooked a la minute, and the two-minute walk to Wat Ratchabophit after a meal adds to the experience," she says.

Eat at a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Beyond its bustling street food scene, Bangkok is also home to roughly 30 Michelin-starred restaurants. One to note in particular is Le Normandie by Alain Roux, a fine-dining restaurant at the iconic Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok. This haute, white-glove experience is set within the gorgeous dining room overlooking the Chao Phraya River. Be sure to book a table at the window so you can watch the sunset and the colorful boats on the river while you dine on exquisite, artfully prepared French cuisine.

Take a cooking class.

Of course, it's fun to cook your own food, too. A Thai cooking class is one of the best things to do in the country overall, so why not give it a try in Bangkok? The city has dozens of cooking schools to choose from across a variety of budgets. Sompong Thai Cooking School is a top choice; each class begins with a trip to the local market to procure key ingredients before moving back to the kitchen to prepare flavorful Thai dishes.

Get a Thai massage.

It's no secret that the spa and wellness services in Bangkok are second to none — you just have to choose your preferred vibe. Whether it's a luxury spa palace or a no-frills storefront down a narrow alley, Bangkok has the wellness market cornered. A Thai massage is a distinct and unique style of massage; it uses no oils or aromatherapy, and instead focuses on passive stretching, acupressure, and increasing the range of motion of your muscles. If you've never had a Thai massage, Bangkok is the perfect place to try one.

Cruise the Chao Phraya River.

Bangkok's main lifeline is the serpentine Chao Phraya River. Some of the city's top luxury hotels, oldest neighborhoods, and biggest tourist attractions sit along its banks. A cruise down the Chao Phraya is the perfect way to introduce yourself to the iconic Bangkok skyline and to catch a glimpse of daily local life. Get on the river with an evening dinner cruise, daylight sightseeing excursion, or use the public water taxi to travel like a local. The boat stops at busy docks along the river and travels all the way up to the neighboring province of Nonthaburi.

Wander Chinatown.

Bangkok's Chinatown is among the largest Chinatowns in the world, and walking through this sprawling neighborhood will have you feeling like you've stepped onto the streets of Beijing. If you like street food, Bangkok's Chinatown is the place to be. Or come to marvel at the district's neon lights, dangling lanterns, and dozens of gold stores on the iconic Yaowarat Road.

"Visit the Chinese Shrine in Chinatown during the late afternoon [when the red lanterns in the shrines and candles are lit up] to catch the evening chanting rituals by monks," says Lerdwittayaskul. "After visiting the shrine, I love strolling through the backstreets and trying delicious Chinese dishes like noodles, stir-fried oyster pancakes, dumplings, and refreshing lotus root herbal juice."

Browse the Chatuchak Weekend Market.

If you hear locals talking about the JJ Market, they're referring to the Chatuchak Weekend Market (Chatuchak is pronounced with a J sound in Thai). It is one of the largest outdoor markets in the world, boasting around 15,000 stalls selling electronics, clothing, souvenirs, local art, birds, and everything in between.

Cycle in the city.

For such a busy city, you'd be amazed at how many opportunities there are for getting outside. If you're looking for a bit of fresh air, give cycling a try.

"One of the best places for a cycle is in Bang Krachao, an island in the Chao Phraya River — also known as the 'Green Lung' of Bangkok, thanks to its abundant green space," says Wanwisa Maneewatthana, chief culturist at Capella Bangkok. "Despite being a big city, Bangkok can offer great outdoor experiences to immerse [you] into both nature and culture. Visitors can enjoy cycling in an old neighborhood like Charoenkrung to discover remarkable and non-tourist cultural sights like local wet markets and neighborhood temples."

Visit the Bangkok Art & Cultural Centre.

After you've hit the main tourist sites, you may want to slip a little below the radar for a different look at Bangkok via the Bangkok Art & Cultural Centre. This public space (with free admission) promotes both local and international art and culture exhibits. If you're interested in seeing the work of young Thai artists, this is the top gallery in the city.

Visit Jim Thompson House.

If there's one Western name consistently tied to Bangkok, it's Jim Thompson. Thompson was the American businessman who brought Thai silks to the rest of the world in the mid-20th century. His canal-side home has been transformed into a museum showcasing his vast collection of art and antiques. The home is an architectural marvel, made of an amalgamation of six traditional teak houses from Ayutthaya. The lush gardens surrounding it are just as stunning.

Celebrate a new year at the Songkran festival.

If you pick one festival to attend in Bangkok, it should be Songkran (or Thai New Year) which is held every year in April. During this three-day event, the city stops its usual business to transform into a giant water-filled party. In 2024, the Thai government even extended the festival by several weeks.

"The festival offers guests the chance to experience a fun-filled celebration that includes water fights on the street," says Maneewatthana. "Also, visitors can visit temples to participate in religious celebrations to bring them good luck in the coming year."

Shop at Siam Paragon.

If you're cruising down the Chao Phraya River, you can't miss one of the largest luxury malls in Asia: Siam Paragon. This is the ultimate stop in Bangkok for high-end labels as well as a host of entertainment options, from restaurants and Southeast Asia's largest aquarium to a 16-screen movie theater, Madame Tussauds, and more than 250 shops. It's easy to get to Siam Paragon as two BTS Skytrain lines intersect at the stop right in front of the mall.

Cruise the klongs in a longtail boat.

Bangkok is known as the "Venice of the East," and for good reason — the city is quite literally webbed with miles of canals, or klongs. A visit to Thonburi, the city's oldest section that sits west of the Chao Phraya River, takes you back in time. There are wooden houses on stilts plus lush greenery, small, colorful temples, and far more locals than tourists.

"I try to have [all of my clients] spend some time on the klongs," says Ekelund. "It's an interesting and unique way to experience the city from the water. Get a little bit out there, and get a sense for how people live in Bangkok."

Stroll in Lumpini Park.

Another slice of green space in Bangkok is the 142-acre Lumpini Park, also known as the "Central Park of Bangkok." Set right in the heart of the city, the park includes a man-made lake strewn with swan paddle boats. It's also a popular spot for trail walking, picnics, tai chi, live music, and more. 

Explore Charoenkrung Road.

Bangkok is a city of many personalities, but if it's old-school charm you're looking for, head to another of the city's oldest neighborhoods, Charoenkrung. Home to the very first paved road in Bangkok, Charoenkrung Road, the district is slowly disappearing as luxury hotels continue to open. But visitors can still experience myriad cultural activities here, from street food and hidden temples to an emerging art district.

Take a day trip to Ayutthaya.

About an hour from Bangkok by train, Ayutthaya is an ideal day trip from the city. Once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam, Ayutthaya gives visitors a glimpse of the ancient days of Thailand. The preserved kingdom capital is home to gorgeous palaces and temples that date back as far as the 14th century.

"A day trip here offers a deep dive into Thai history and culture," says Lerdwittayaskul. "You can explore numerous historical sites and temples, where the civilization, traditions, and beliefs of ancient people come alive."

"Ayutthaya gets more into the history of Thailand," added Ekelund. "It's so cool, especially if you are not going to Cambodia to see Angkor Wat and want to see that style of architecture."