Top things to do in Bangkok — 17+ must, cool & best things to do in Bangkok

There are many capitals in the world known as “the city that does not sleep”. One of the first names mentioned must be Bangkok. Famous for its bustling and vibrant lifestyle, Bangkok always surprises and delights all visitors. Let’s discover the coolest things to do when coming to the beautiful country of Thailand, especially Bangkok City, in this post! So, what to do in Bangkok? Let’s check out our suggested 17+ must things to do in Bangkok (must do in Bangkok), top things to do in Bangkok, amazing things to do in Bangkok, best things to do in Bangkok, cool things to do in Bangkok, fun things to do in Bangkok as follows!

Visit Wat Pho to see the reclining Buddha (#best things to do in bangkok)

Wat Pho is one of the top attractions in Bangkok for both Thais and tourists. This huge temple is known for its Buddha statue with the number of Buddha statues larger than any other temple in the whole country of Thailand.

This reclining Buddha statue has a length of 46 meters and a height of 15 meters, which is made from plaster covering the bricks inside and finished with gold leaf on the outside. The statue is placed on a pedestal also inlaid with shimmering gold while the decorations around are elaborately and sharply carved.

When you enter the temple, remember to drop the coin into one of the bronze bowls placed around the area to pray for blessings. These 108 bowls represent the 108 incarnations of the Buddha. In addition, you can enjoy traditional Thai massage services when coming here.

• Address: 2 Sanam Chai Rd, Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Khet Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
• Hours: 8 AM – 6:30 PM
• Ticket price: USD 5,83

Visit the The Grand Palace of Thailand (#must things to do in bangkok)

The Grand Palace was once home to the king as well as an office where the Thai government carried out its work. It will be fascinating to see and experience the royal residence. With a large and magnificent architectural complex like this, you will definitely have great memories and beautiful photos.

• Address: Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
• Hours: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM
• Ticket price: USD 14,57

Take the BTS train (Skytrain) (#top things to do in bangkok)

The BTS (or Skytrain) is also known as the overhead train, running parallel to the main roads in Bangkok. This is one of the means to help you explore Bangkok without worrying about traffic jams. What’s better than sitting at a cool height, not getting stuck in the traffic, and just observing the beautiful city of Bangkok?

• Hours: 6:30 AM – 11:30 PM
• Ticket price: USD 3.71/person/day

Experience the Chatuchak Weekend Market (#what to do in bangkok)

Chatuchak is considered a shopping paradise in Bangkok. Chatuchak Market is the largest market in Thailand with an area of nearly 11 hectares, including many zones and booths with all kinds of products for sale. It is one of the busiest shopping marketplaces and has a large number of visitors passing through.

The special feature here is that you can bargain when buying goods like other traditional markets. You can buy your favorite items at an affordable local price instead of the tourist price. And after shopping time, you can experience the culinary culture here with countless specialties and attractive dishes of Bangkok in particular and Thailand in general.

• Address: 587, 10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Khwaeng Chatuchak, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
• Hours: Wed & Thu: 7 AM – 6 PM / Friday: 6 PM – 12 AM / Sat & Sun: 9 AM – 6 PM

Cruise on the Chao Phraya River (#fun things to do in bangkok)

One of the activities that you can not miss when coming to Bangkok is to explore the Chao Phraya River – the famous river associated with the legend of the Thai people. Where the river flows through are high-rise houses on the banks, along with many famous temples of Bangkok. The Chao Phraya River creates a beautiful scene, which is really poetic and rarely seen anywhere you travel.

Some of the accompanying services when going on a cruise are very interesting, including feeding fish, enjoying food, and watching traditional Thai dances.

• Hours: 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
• Ticket price: 150 baht (about USD 4.26)

Discover Siam Paragon shopping mall

Skip Chatuchak market and go to Siam Paragon if you are a luxury brand addict. Siam Paragon is probably a better shopping place for you.

Siam Paragon is a famous shopping center where many of the world’s leading high-end fashion brands are present, along with Southeast Asia’s largest aquarium, 16 Cineplex theaters, and a comprehensive choice of world cuisine. Located right in front of Siam BTS Station, Siam Paragon is considered the heart of Bangkok.

• Address: 991 Rama I Rd, Khwaeng Pathum Wan, Khet Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
• Hours: 10 AM – 10 PM

Visit the National Museum Bangkok

The National Museum Bangkok was constructed in the 19th century by King Rama V and first opened to the public in 1874. Located in the Grand Palace complex, it is an interesting attraction of the Thai capital, home to many historical artifacts.

This museum houses Thailand’s largest collection of arts and handicrafts. Visitors going through the museum’s galleries will admire the different collections of artifacts and artworks symbolic of each period, such as musical instruments, costumes, and antiques.

• Address: QF5R+6MP, Soi Na Phra That, Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Khet Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
• Phone: +66 2224 1370
• http://www.virtualmuseum.finearts.go.th/bangkoknationalmuseums/index.php/th/
• Hours: 9 AM – 4 PM / Mon & Tue: Closed
• Ticket price: USD 5.83

Thai Massage

You can see the presence of Thai massage services in any other country, but if you experience traditional Thai massage at its origin, it will definitely offer you more quality. A Thai massage is the best way to help you relax after a long day of exploring Bangkok.

• Address: Let’s Relax Spa – LG Level, 1031 Phloen Chit Rd, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand / Health Land Spa – 142, 6 Charan Sanit Wong Rd, Khwaeng Arun Amarin, Khet Bangkok Noi, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
• Price: 150 baht (about USD 4.26)

Explore Sathorn Unique Tower

Sathorn Tower is also known as the “ghost tower” because it has been abandoned for a long time since Thailand’s economic crisis in 1997 erupted. Despite being abandoned, the tower has become a popular destination for photographers and film crews. If you choose to come here, you can experience the feeling of watching a Thai ghost movie.

• Address: 1539, 14 Soi Charoen Krung 51, Khwaeng Yan Nawa, Khet Sathon, Bangkok 10120, Thailand

Visit Lumpini Park (#must do in bangkok)

With an area of more than 500,000 square meters and a system of greenery, Lumpini Park is known as the “green lung” of Bangkok. The name of the park was coined by King Rama VI following the place where Buddha was born in Nepal.

Coming here, you can immerse yourself in the fresh atmosphere of nature with lots of shade from green trees. And over time Lumpini Park has gradually become the center of outdoor recreation activities for locals and tourists.

• Address: 192 Witthayu Rd, Lumpini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330 Thailand
• Hours: 4:30 AM – 10 PM
• Ticket price: Free of charge

Explore the Chinatown of Bangkok

Coming to Chinatown Bangkok, you can enjoy the intersection of Chinese and Thai culture and shop for textiles, low-price fashion, electronics, souvenirs, and even antiques.

If you have the opportunity to visit this attraction, don’t hesitate to select some souvenirs with inspiration from both Chinese and Thai features. Also, remember to enjoy the food here, which will certainly not disappoint you.

• Address: PGR5+4W6ถ. เยาวราช Khwaeng Samphanthawong, Khet Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100 Thailand
• Hours: Open all-day

Enjoy a drink with the best view of the city

Bangkok is a vibrant city, and with so many skyscrapers, you can easily find various rooftop bars on these buildings. The bars also offer you a panoramic view of the whole city at night, shimmering under the lights. Such a perfect place for young people to party when the night falls.

One recommendation for you is the Vertigo and Moon Bar on the 61st floor of Banyan Tree Hotel, which has the most beautiful view of Bangkok City.

Enjoy the street foods of Bangkok

A typical experience that tourists seek when they come to Bangkok is the street food culture here. Bangkok’s street food comes in many different forms. It could be a small cart on the side of the road, or it could be many stalls clustered together in local markets.

Or Bangkok street food comes as an eatery with tables and chairs arranged on the sidewalk similar to street vendors in Vietnam. With countless delicious, affordable dishes bringing authentic tastes by local people, street food will certainly take visitors hours for each visit.

Watch Muay Thai

Muay Thai, also known as Thai boxing, is a traditional Thai martial art. It is similar to Western boxing but still has differences. The main distinction between Muay Thai and Western boxing is that Western boxing tends to be more defensive and Thai boxing focuses more on attack.

The fighters attack fiercely, doing their best to defeat the opponent. Therefore, Muay Thai matches are often very exciting, making the audience tip on their toes before the fights between the boxers. For such a reason, this is definitely something that you should not miss when visiting Bangkok.

Visit Dusit Zoo

Dusit, or Khao Din Park, is a complex with an area of almost 200,000 sq meters. It includes not only rare animals and a rich botanical garden, but also shops, cafes, recreation sites, playgrounds, and even a zoological museum that tells the story of the place. With such interesting things, Dusit Zoo will definitely not disappoint you.

• Hours: 8 AM – 6 PM
• Ticket price: USD 1.40 – 3.00

Participate in Songkran Water Festival

Held annually from the 13th to the 15th of April, Songkran is Thailand’s traditional New Year’s Eve water festival. Thai people believe that during the festival if others throw water at them, they will bring a lot of luck and dispel any bad luck.

Usually, people prioritize splashing water on elders rather than themselves, like grandparents and parents, to pray for their health and express gratitude towards them. If you have the opportunity to come to Thailand on Songkran, don’t avoid water splashes.

Enjoy the art of puppetry in Bangkok

Another thing that you should not miss when you have the opportunity to visit Bangkok is to enjoy the art of puppetry here. Traditional Thai puppetry differs from other types of puppetry in that the artists don’t hide themselves, instead, they wear black costumes with masks and stay observable throughout the show.

With meticulously designed puppets wearing traditional Thai costumes of all colors, they give the audience a beautiful and fascinating performance. Therefore, you should not miss it when coming to Bangkok. You can enjoy puppet performances at Aksra Theater to experience the best service.

Your journey will only be complete if you discover all the things that we have shared above. Quickly save and share these places with your friends to have a fun trip to Thailand.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, to and from Bangkok you can refer to

• Bangkok City & Temples Tour by Tour East
• Classic Bangkok Tour: Floating Market, Elephant Village, Asiatique, & More by AK Travel
• Bangkok Old City Half Day Tour
• Bangkok Landmarks Day Tour: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Chao Phraya River & More
• Bangkok Sky Train (BTS) One Day Pass
• Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link (ARL) Ticket
• [Sale] Private Suvarnabhumi Airport Transfers (BKK) for Bangkok, Pattaya & More by Oriental Holiday
• Shared City Transfers between Bangkok and Pattaya by Oriental Holiday
• Private City Transfers from Pattaya to Bangkok, Hua Hin, Koh Samet & Koh Chang
• [SALE] BTS Skytrain Rabbit Card
• Chao Phraya Tourist Boat Bangkok Hop-On-Hop-Off Sightseeing Boat
• [SALE] Chao Phraya Princess Cruise
• Floating Markets Day Tour: Damnoen Saduak, Maeklong and Amphawa
• Safari World Bangkok Ticket
• Klook Pass Bangkok and Pattaya
• Bangkok Safari World Shared and Private Transfers Service Tour
• Bangkok BTS Skytrain Rabbit Card
• Mahanakhon SkyWalk Ticket in Bangkok
• Chao Phraya White Orchid Cruise in Bangkok
• Ancient City Bangkok and Erawan Museum Ticket
• Spa & Massage near Let’s Relax (Central World) in Chidlom
• Private City Transfers between Bangkok and Pattaya, Ayutthaya, Hua Hin & More by TTD
• Bangkok Day Tour: Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha
• [SALE] 4G Sim Card (Thailand Pick Up) for Thailand
• 4G SIM Card (BKK Airport Pick Up) for Thailand (Unlimited Data)
• 4G Pocket WiFi (Bangkok and Phuket Airports Pick Up) for Thailand
• 4G Portable WiFi for Thailand from Uroaming (Unlimited Data)

Are you looking for more Bangkok travel guide and top things to do in Bangkok: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Bangkok travel blog — The fullest Bangkok travel guide blog for a budget trip to Bangkok (BKK).