Millions of tourists visit Bangkok, Thailand’s capital city, each year because it is such a lively and energetic metropolis. Bangkok offers a distinctive fusion of antiquated customs and contemporary amenities. It is well known for its bustling street markets, mouth-watering street cuisine, and breath-taking temples.
Numerous cultural and historical sites in the city, like the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, and Wat Arun, draw tourists from all over the world. Bangkok is recognized for having a diverse selection of bars, nightclubs, and entertainment places.
Despite its hectic pace, Bangkok is also a city of contrasts, with quiet parks, placid temples, and peaceful canals offering a welcome break from the city’s bustle. Bangkok has something to offer everyone, regardless of his or her interests in culture, history, cuisine in Thailand, or nightlife in Bangkok. This article, we will give you some of the top tourist attractions and what you should see and do in Bangkok.
Visit the Wat Phra Kaew & Grand Palace
One of Thailand’s most revered and significant temples is Wat Phra Kaew, popularly referred to as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. It is thought of as the nation’s spiritual hub and is situated inside the Grand Palace complex in the city’s center, Bangkok. The temple is home to a highly venerated Buddha statue carved from a single block of jade, which is a symbol of Thai sovereignty and is thought to have benevolent properties.
For more than 150 years, the Thai monarch lived at the Grand Palace, which was constructed in 1782. The palace complex is a magnificent display of traditional Thai architecture, with intricate designs and elaborate embellishments. Audience halls, royal apartments, and ceremonial buildings are among the many structures that are there.
Visitor must-see locations in Bangkok include Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace, which together provide a window into Thailand’s illustrious past and vibrant present. As a symbol of respect for the site’s religious and cultural significance, visitors are asked to dress appropriately by covering their shoulders and legs.
Visit the Wat Arun
One of the most recognizable sights in Bangkok is Wat Arun, popularly referred to as the Temple of Dawn. The temple is renowned for its gorgeous architecture, elaborate decorations, and remarkable height and is situated on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. Both residents and tourists enjoy visiting the temple.
Aruna, the Hindu god of dawn, inspired the temple’s name, and it is well known for its central prang, or tower, which is coated in vibrant porcelain and glass pieces that glitter in the sunlight. The prang is flanked by four smaller towers and is reached via a winding staircase that provides breath-taking panoramas of the surroundings.
In addition to the prang, Wat Arun has a number of additional buildings, such as a room filled with Buddha statues and a stunningly designed ordination hall. To acquire a fresh perspective of the temple’s spectacular architecture, visitors can take a boat trip down the Chao Phraya River.
Wat Arun provides a special look into Thailand’s rich cultural and religious legacy, making it a must-visit location for anybody visiting Bangkok.
Visit the Chatuchak Weekend Market
One of the biggest outdoor marketplaces in the world is Chatuchak Weekend Market, which is situated in Bangkok, Thailand. The market is renowned for its wide variety of goods, which include apparel, jewelry, antiques, handmade items, and cuisine. With more than 200,000 visitors every day, it is a well-liked tourism spot for both locals and foreigners.
Over 15,000 stalls are distributed across 27 parts of the market, which has a 35-acre footprint. Weekend hours are available, and it provides a distinctive shopping experience in a lively setting. A excellent area to sample traditional Thai snacks and street food is the market.
Come prepared to spend several hours perusing the market’s extensive offerings if you plan to visit Chatuchak Weekend Market. Since the maze of stalls is confusing, it is essential to bring a map and make a note of prominent features to help you find your way around. Visitors should be prepared to negotiate over prices, as haggling is a typical practice in the market.
For anyone visiting Bangkok and seeking an authentic Thai shopping experience, Chatuchak Weekend Market is a must-stop.
Visit Khao San Road
A well-known street called Khao San Road may be found in Bangkok, Thailand’s Banglamphu neighborhood. Because of the low cost of lodging, the exciting nightlife, and the abundance of street food vendors, it is a well-liked vacation spot for backpackers and low-budget tourists.
It is the perfect place for travelers on a tight budget because the street is lined with guesthouses, hostels, and inexpensive hotels. Along with its bustling ambiance, it is renowned for its street sellers that offer a wide variety of goods, including apparel, crafts, and mementos.
Khao San Road comes alive at night with a wide range of pubs, clubs, and live music venues. It is a terrific place to make new friends and socialize with other travelers in a laid-back setting.
Khao San Road is an interesting and fascinating area of Bangkok that provides a glimpse into the city’s developing backpacker culture, even though it may not be for everyone. Khao San Road is undoubtedly worth a visit if you are searching for a cheap somewhere to stay or a fun night out.
Visit the Bangkok Sky Bars
The Bangkok Sky Bars are an essential stop for tourists visiting the city. With some of the most well-liked ones perched atop some of Bangkok’s highest structures, these rooftop bars provide stunning views of the city skyline.
The bars, which frequently stand on the upper floors of hotels, serve a variety of cocktails and alcoholic beverages. Visitors need dress appropriately in order to enter several of the pubs because many have dress codes.
The Sky Bar in Lebua State Tower, which was seen in “The Hangover Part II,” is one of Bangkok’s most well-known sky bars. The 63rd story of the State Tower is home to this bar, which provides sweeping views of the city.
Along with the Vertigo and Moon Bar at the Banyan Tree Hotel, other well-liked sky bars in Bangkok are the Octave Rooftop Lounge and Bar on the top floor of the Marriott Hotel.
Overall, Bangkok Sky Bars offer a wonderful chance to take in the city’s breath-taking vistas while sipping on a few cocktails. For tourists to Bangkok, they provide an exceptional and unforgettable experience.
For a list of our favorite sky bars in Bangkok, you can click here and see our list of the best sky bars in Bangkok.
Shopping Centres in Bangkok
Bangkok’s MBK Shopping Centre is one of the most well-liked places to shop. The city’s centre is home to an eight-story mall that sells a wide range of goods, including apparel, electronics, cosmetics, and trinkets.
The mall is well-known for its wide variety of mobile phones and accessories, which makes it a well-liked hangout for both locals and visitors. Prices are typically within reach, and haggling is customary in the marketplace.
Visitors to the MBK Shopping Centre should plan on spending several hours navigating the confusing mall. It’s simple to take a break, refuel, and resume shopping because there are many food and beverage alternatives accessible. In general, Bangkok’s MBK Shopping Centre is a fantastic location to locate amazing bargains and distinctive goods.
Another shopping centre in Bangkok is Terminal 21, a well-known shopping centre. With each floor depicting a different city, such as Tokyo, Paris, and San Francisco, the mall is renowned for its innovative concept.
A wide range of goods, including apparel, accessories, electronics, and home goods, are available in the mall. It also boasts a sizable food court, which is a 5-star food court and one of the greatest in Asia, with a variety of world cuisine options.
With a direct link to the BTS Skytrain, Terminal 21 is conveniently reachable via public transit. The Erawan Shrine and the Grand Palace are just a couple of the other well-known tourist attractions that are close to the mall.
In conclusion, anyone visiting Bangkok should make sure to visit Terminal 21. It is a fun place to explore and shop for a few hours thanks to its distinctive idea and vast range of goods.
For a list of our best places to shop in Bangkok, you can click here and see our list of the best places to shop in Bangkok.
Visit Wat Pho
One of Bangkok’s most well-known and ancient temples is Wat Pho, often called the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. It is thought to be one of the city’s oldest and biggest temples and is situated close to the Grand Palace.
This temple is well-known for its enormous, 15-meter-tall, 46-meter-long reclining Buddha statue. The statue’s feet are embellished with delicate mother-of-pearl inlay and are wrapped in gold leaf.
With more than 1,000 statues on exhibit, Wat Pho also houses the country of Thailand’s greatest collection of Buddha images. The temple is a well-liked tourist attraction, and guests can get traditional Thai massages at the temple’s massage school.
Overall, anyone visiting Bangkok should make sure to visit Wat Pho. An interesting and amazing experience, it is characterized by its rich history, beautiful architecture, and cultural relevance.
Hop on hop Off Bus Tours in Bangkok
Step on, step off Bangkok sightseeing excursions on buses are a well-liked method. The best sites in the city may be seen on these trips in a convenient and adaptable manner, at your own leisure.
The buses stop at several well-known tourist attractions, including the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Chinatown, allowing passengers to disembark and explore before boarding again to continue their journey.
The audio commentary on many hop on hop off tours provides intriguing information about the history and culture of the city and is available in a variety of languages.
Tickets can be bought for a single day or a number of days, and the tours normally follow a defined timetable. They provide a convenient, air-conditioned means of seeing Bangkok, making them a fantastic choice for tourists who want to see the city’s key sights without having to deal with figuring out public transportation or hiring a private tour guide.
To book a hop on hop off bus tour in Bangkok, click here or on the CitySightseeing or Big Bus Tours banners below.
Asiatique The Riverfront
Asiatique On the banks of Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River, The Riverfront is a well-known area for dining, shopping, and entertainment. It was formerly a thriving port for international trade, but these days it serves as a popular location for shopping and leisure.
In addition to a sizable Ferris wheel and weekly cultural performances, Asiatique offers a wide range of stores, eateries, and bars. With breath-taking views of the city skyline, visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the riverfront.
The area is particularly well-liked at night since it has a buzzing environment and a variety of entertainment alternatives, like live music and street performers. With frequent shuttle services linking it to other sites along the river, Asiatique is conveniently reachable by boat.
Asiatique as a whole Anyone visiting Bangkok should be sure to stop at The Riverfront, which offers a distinctive fusion of tradition, modern entertainment, and history.
Visit Chinatown in Bangkok
In the centre of Bangkok, Chinatown, also known as Yaowarat, is a thriving and busy neighborhood. With a long history and a significant Chinese cultural influence, it is one of the biggest Chinatowns in the world.
The region is well-known for its street food, with a large selection of Chinese and Thai foods offered by several vendors and eateries. It is renowned for its gold shops, which offer a variety of fine jewelry and accessories.
Visitors can stroll through the vibrant streets of Chinatown and take in the elaborate architecture, flashing neon billboards, and vibrant markets. The region comes alive around the Chinese New Year when dragon dances and other customary festivities are held.
With its distinctive fusion of culture, history, and culinary experiences, Chinatown is generally a must-visit location for anybody visiting Bangkok.
Wat Saket (Golden Mount)
Located in the centre of Bangkok, Wat Saket, sometimes referred to as the Golden Mount, is a revered temple. It is renowned for the majestic golden chedi that rises to the top and provides breath-taking views of the city.
A panoramic view of Bangkok’s cityscape may be seen after ascending the Golden Mount’s 318 stairs, which are accessible to Wat Saket visitors. Visitors can explore the lovely grounds of the temple, with its elaborate buildings, Buddha statues, and verdant gardens, as they proceed.
When hundreds of people visit the temple for the Loy Krathong festival, when they release floating lanterns into the night sky and offer prayers, it becomes exceptionally well-known.
For everyone visiting Bangkok, Wat Saket is a must-see destination. It offers a one-of-a-kind and unforgettable experience thanks to its rich history, breath-taking views, and serene atmosphere.
12. Festivals in Bangkok
Bangkok is a city that enjoys partying. Numerous exciting festivals and cultural events occur all year long, adding to the city’s bustling vibe.
Songkran, the Thai New Year, which is celebrated in April, is one of the most well-known celebrations in Bangkok. Locals and visitors participate in amicable water fights on the streets during this water festival as a method of symbolizing the washing away of the bad luck from the previous year and the beginning of something new.
Loy Krathong is another well-known celebration that typically takes place in November. People congregate around rivers and canals during this festival to float “krathongs,” which are adorned lotus-shaped baskets, as a way to honour the water spirits and express wishes for the upcoming year.
In addition to these ancient festivals, Bangkok also offers contemporary events that draw performers and artists from all over the world, such as the Bangkok International Film Festival and the Bangkok Jazz Festival.
No matter what time of year you visit Bangkok, there will probably be a festival or event taking place that will allow you to fully experience the city’s rich culture, customs, and happy celebrations.
To book a ticket to a festival or event in Bangkok, click here or on the Ticketmaster banner below.
