Top 10 Things to do in Bangkok

By Trip.com

October 14, 2022

Discover and have a quick browse through Top things to do in Bangkok

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Bangkok - the very name of Thailand's capital evokes images of magnificent temples, delectable street food and, of course, exciting nightlife. One of the most visited cities in the world, and a popular jump-off for the rest of the Asia-Pacific region, Bangkok is always an adventure. Whether you're coming with a backpack and a tight budget, or an eye for the luxurious, it's all here for you.

But where are the best places to visit? Well, the list is exhaustive - 10 recommendations of top things to do simply aren't enough to showcase all that the city has to offer. But we have picked our very favourites - so here are our top 10 things to do in Bangkok.

Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho)

Located opposite the immense magnificence of the Grand Palace - which we'll come to later - Wat Pho is one of the oldest temples in Bangkok, probably its most famous, and almost certainly its most eye-catching and one of the top things to do in Bangkok.

The temple is particularly revered in Thailand, due to its royal historical connections, collection of gold and marble artefacts, and its history of public education. However for tourists, it’s unquestionably the golden reclining Buddha that makes Wat Pho so popular. Lying over 150 ft (46m) in length in the surrounds of the palace's breath-taking architecture, it’s surely a must-see for a bit of Bangkok cultural immersion.

Chao Phraya River Cruise

Step away from the wonderful busyness of the city, put your feet up and meander along the Chao Phraya. The major river in Thailand runs through Bangkok, and is home to water taxis, ferries and even river food vendors. But should you want to relax and see the city from a different perspective, we highly recommend jumping on a river cruise.

There are numerous ways and places to book a cruise along the river, from a simple hop-on, hop-off taxi journey to a full-blown luxury experience. Be sure to book ahead of time to get the experience that suits you.

The Jim Thompson House

A fascinating tourist experience lies at the Jim Thompson House - a comparatively unassuming building that boasts one of the country's best artefact collections. Indeed, the story of the eponymous businessman who lived here is extraordinary in itself, but we'll leave that for now…

The house now serves as a museum and hosts some truly stunning pieces, not just from Thailand but Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and China too. We recommend taking a guided tour to truly appreciate the Jim Thompson House's mystique.

Chatuchak Weekend Market

Known as the largest and most diverse market of its type, the Chatuchak Weekend Market is a real sight to behold - regardless of your fondness level towards retail therapy. Over 200,000 visitors per weekend can’t be wrong…

Opened in 1942, the market sells pretty much anything you could imagine, from furniture to food to football shirts. There's a whole lot more besides, with a scarcely believable 15,000 stalls across 27 sections. Head down Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road anytime between 06:00 and 18:00 to absorb all of the hustle and bustle.

Grand Palace

One of the most popular - and not to mention spectacular - attractions in Bangkok is the simply breath-taking Grand Palace. Construction began way back in 1782 and it served as the administrative seat of Thailand for over 150 years, with the palace sprawled across 54-acres (21.8-hectares) of land.

Tours of the Grand Palace are recommended, so you can truly absorb the fascinating Siamese history and drink in the exquisite architecture. The scripture crypt, the throne room, and the sacred Temple of the Emerald Buddha - you simply must visit.

Muay Thai Boxing

No list of Bangkok tourist attractions would be complete without highlighting one of Bangkok's - indeed, one of Thailand's - most popular sports. Muay Thai boxing, in a stadium with enthusiastic locals cheering a national pastime, is a sight to behold and one of the top things to do in Bangkok.

There are 2 locations within Bangkok's city limits that host Muay Thai several times a week - the Rajadamnern Stadium and Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, located east and north of the city centre respectively. Get online and book a VIP experience to really treat yourself…

Rooftop Dining at Banyan Tree Hotel

Who doesn't love dining at altitude? And with the vistas of historic Bangkok around you - we could think of nothing better.

There are several notable establishments in the city that lay claim to rooftop, or just generally high-up, dining - but we heartily recommend heading to the 5-star Banyan Tree hotel, located on the South Sathon Road in the city centre. Vertigo (63rd floor), Bai Yun (60th floor) and Saffron (59th floor) all offer exquisite dining options for the rooftop-loving connoisseur.

Taling Chan Floating Market

From the highest levels of the city to the lowest. If street food is your thing, then we recommend getting a tuk-tuk and heading around 6 km west of the city centre to Taling Chan Floating Market, on the banks of the Chak Phra.

Boats are tied up and sellers offer some delicious local food, as well as seasonal fruit and veg. Take note: the floating market is only open on Saturday and Sunday, so be sure to put it in your Bangkok trip itinerary.

The Khao San Road

Arguably the most iconic street in the whole of Thailand. The Khao San Road - for the linguists, that's 'milled rice' in English, hinting at its history as a major rice market - is the hangout for backpackers and thrill-seekers, with budget accommodation and bars in abundance.

The central Bangkok hotspot is an absolute must for souvenir-seekers too, with artwork, handicrafts, clothes, and other trinkets all sold along the 1,345 ft (410m) road. There's a lot more to experience here, too - we say, make sure you have baht in hand and extra room in your suitcase.

Bangkok National Museum

Want to learn more about the history of Thailand? We hope so - it's not all partying and boats in the city. With that in mind, be sure to head to the Phra Nakhon District, home of the Bangkok National Museum.

Displaying artefacts and artwork from as far back as the Neolithic era, the galleries host as many historical wonders as you could wish for - including King Ram Khamhaeng's Inscription, recognised by UNESCO's 'Memory of the World Programme' for its significance.

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Hotels for Your Journey in Bangkok

5 star

Twin Towers Hotel

8.5/10Very Good4256 Reviews

Siam Bangkok|2.01km from city centre

I stayed for three nights, and it was super convenient to get around, whether by Bolt, Muvmi, or train. There's a 7-Eleven downstairs and an ATM, plus a pool on the upper floor. The night market is also within walking distance. The light-colored renovation of the elevator lobby and the room interiors, including both hard and soft furnishings, was a great success. The air conditioning in both the public areas and the rooms was incredibly powerful; it got a bit chilly if you turned it up too high. The breakfast was quite abundant, good enough to eat for two consecutive days without getting bored. The only minor issue was the low water pressure for both the sink and shower in the bathroom; otherwise, everything was great.

From€26

Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Bangkok Menam Riverside

8.8/10Very Good2491 Reviews

Riverside Bangkok|2.99km from city centre

I was quite hesitant about this hotel after reading the reviews, but after staying there, I can say its location is excellent, right by the river. The biggest selling point is definitely the riverside access, especially the free shuttle boat. This shuttle can take you to S-pier, which connects to all the major blue and orange line attractions. Taking the metro isn't the most convenient option, but you can also get to S-pier and transfer there. From my window, I could see the Ferris wheel, and there's a night market right downstairs. However, the shuttle service ends at 9 PM, which is a big drawback, as it's about a 5-minute walk from there. Also, if you're close to the river at night, you might hear the rumble of boats in the middle of the night. While the hotel facilities are a bit old, they're not dirty. I loved the bed – it was incredibly soft and comfortable; I honestly didn't want to get up! The beds are huge. Even though they're single beds, two pushed together are bigger than beds in China, easily sleeping three people. I skipped the hotel breakfast as I'd already spent a lot of money these past few days. In the afternoon, there's hot coffee in the lobby, which is a nice touch (though it's the only one). They also have iced water, chrysanthemum tea, and roselle tea, plus some biscuits. In the mornings, there are croissants and hot coffee that you can take with you. It's like a simple meal, and it's not bad at all. One of the front desk staff speaks Chinese, so communication wasn't an issue. The hotel requires a deposit, as it's a major international brand. The bottled water in the room is complimentary and NSF certified, so feel free to drink up. The razor provided was quite good, and the water pressure in the shower was strong. From 9:30 PM to 10:00 PM, there's a singer performing in the lobby, which you can discreetly listen to. There's also legitimate massage available outside. If you get hungry at night, there's a 7-Eleven and some street food stalls about 50 to 100 meters away. I wouldn't say the food is amazing or terrible, but you can try the oyster omelet. As for the swimming pool, it's actually quite nice, being on the first floor and very spacious. If your main goal is to explore along the river, this hotel is perfect. However, if you're looking to frequent places like Nana, this location might not be ideal.

From€58

Hotel Muse Bangkok, Autograph Collection (Marriott International)

8.7/10Very Good606 Reviews

Wireless／Chidlom Bangkok|2.5km from city centre

From the moment you step into the lobby, Hotel Muse Bangkok impresses with its 1920s-inspired design and elegant vintage charm. The décor feels like stepping into a glamorous era. Pros: 📍 Location: Situated on Langsuan Road, this hotel is in a central and convenient part of Bangkok, just a short walk from the Chidlom BTS station and within easy reach of shopping hotspots like CentralWorld and Siam. It’s well placed for exploring the city’s highlights, whether you’re hopping on the BTS or strolling to nearby malls and restaurants. 🛏 Room & Comfort: The rooms are stylish and spacious, harmonizing classic design with modern comforts. 🍽 Dining & Atmosphere: Hotel Muse offers several dining experiences, including a rooftop bar with skyline views and cocktails that capture the speakeasy vibe. 🌆 Facilities: The rooftop pool and fitness center are lovely perks, perfect for unwinding after a day out in the city. The rooftop speakeasy lounge, in particular, is a favorite spot for evening drinks and vibes. Cons: 📌 What to Know Before You Go: • The hotel’s dramatic lighting and vintage motif might feel too dark or heavy for travelers like me who prefer bright, modern interiors.

From€93

Grande Centre Point Hotel Ratchadamri Bangkok

9.2/10Great2684 Reviews

Siam Bangkok|2.39km from city centre

Every time I visit Bangkok, I stay at this hotel. Its location is absolutely superb, right next to the Erawan Shrine. It's just a 5 to 10-minute walk to both the Erawan Shrine and Central World. The standard rooms are quite spacious, and this time I got upgraded to a suite, which was fantastic! If you walk in the other direction from the hotel, you'll find a great street with some more upscale and chic dining options.

From€80

Pullman Bangkok King Power

9/10Great1803 Reviews

Siam Bangkok|3.73km from city centre

There's a King Power Duty-Free shop right next door. Walking towards the BTS on the main street, you'll find three 7-Elevens. If you turn right, there's a self-service laundry a few minutes away. The BTS isn't far, making it convenient to connect to the airport line. It's just three stops to Siam station. The room isn't particularly spacious, and the sealed windows can make it feel a bit stuffy. The air conditioning is noisy, and the curtains let in light along the edges no matter how you pull them. There's a gym and a swimming pool, and the breakfast buffet is plentiful. Compared to other hotels, their Chinese New Year price increase wasn't too bad. The elevator doors close too quickly – I got caught twice and saw someone else get caught once!

From€86

Business travel

Prince Palace Hotel Bangkok

8.4/10Very Good1543 Reviews

Khaosan Road Bangkok|3.03km from city centre

This hotel, despite being a bit old, offers excellent service and great value for money. Check-in was very fast. Parking can be a bit tricky, as the turns are quite narrow on each level. We parked on the 7th, 8th, or 9th floor and took the elevator to the 11th floor for check-in. The front desk staff were very welcoming, and the breakfast was decent. There's also a 7-Eleven right downstairs. If you're really particular about new facilities, I'd suggest choosing a big-name brand, but for the price in Bangkok, I think this place is fantastic.

From€35

Hilton Garden Inn Bangkok Silom

8.2/10Very Good2300 Reviews

Silom/Sathorn Bangkok|0.82km from city centre

My stay here was truly exceptional. The room was spotlessly clean and tidy, with every corner meticulously maintained. From the moment I walked in, I felt comfortable and at ease. The front desk and staff were all incredibly warm and attentive, providing thoughtful and professional service. Any requests I had were promptly addressed, which made me feel very welcome. Overall, the environment was comfortable, the service was excellent, and it offered great value for money. I would definitely choose this hotel again for my next visit and highly recommend it.

From€42

Ambassador Hotel Bangkok

8.3/10Very Good1842 Reviews

Sukhumvit Bangkok|3.87km from city centre

My trip to Thailand was wonderful, and the hotel's location was very convenient. However, the hygiene conditions were truly concerning, something I've never experienced before. I discovered the issues late at night and called the front desk to explain. The person actually asked me, ”Didn't anyone clean your room today?” Seriously, whose job is that? Are you asking me? How am I supposed to know? Anyway, the tip I left on the pillow was gone, so I just assumed someone had cleaned the room. The staff who changed the sheets was polite, but three or four sets had different dirty spots. They eventually explained it was washing machine marks. But then I have to ask, are the marks on the sheets also from the washing machine? And what about the holes in the duvet cover? In the end, I just gave up. Dirty is dirty, I'll just wear my pajamas and deal with it. They said it was too late to report to the manager that night and that the manager would contact me the next day. But the next day, I had to be the one to go to the front desk. They said the manager was in a meeting and asked when I would be available. I'm on vacation! Who has time to wait around for you? Finally, it was check-out time, and they asked if I still wanted to talk to the manager. So, should I just miss my flight and skip going to the airport? Will you reimburse me for a missed flight? Their way of handling problems was incredibly frustrating. My trip was originally very happy, and Thailand is beautiful, but this hotel completely ruined my mood. On the bright side, I have to give credit where it's due: the fire safety was excellent. Someone smoked in their room, and the alarm went off. I ran out in the middle of the night thinking there was a fire. It did affect my sleep a bit, but at least the alarm worked well.

From€46

Mandarin Hotel Managed by Centre Point

9.1/10Great1929 Reviews

Silom/Sathorn Bangkok|0.67km from city centre

Another repeated stay because of its ideal location where it is close to the MRT (along the blue line where we enjoy visiting the historic precincts served by the line) and Samyan Mitrtown (especially when we need to shop for last minute Thai snacks at Big C and After You) . Also, our fave eateries like T spoon and Chula 50 are close by. The hotel staff is warm and welcoming. The male housekeeper is very thorough and ensures our room is tidied by the time we had our breakfast. Room was cozy and it’s nice they provide capsule coffee, instant cup noodles and soft drinks within the room. Will be back again.

From€43

Zircon Hotel

8.1/10Very Good841 Reviews

Suvarnabhumi Airport/Bang Na Bangkok|12.89km from city centre

I was on a business trip by myself and looked for a hotel close to the airport. I arrived past midnight, but the staff were still very friendly. There's a 7-Eleven and a Lotus's supermarket right across the street.

From€14

Breakfast

Vince Hotel Pratunam

9/10Great2505 Reviews

Pratunam Market Bangkok|3.2km from city centre

We enjoyed our stay here, the room is spacious and cleaned everyday. The buggy is a plus service as its about 15 to 20 minutes walk to the main streets. The breakfast buffet had varieties but some days are better than others. We stayed here for 5 days but it would have been better if we were able to avail of the free massage and traditional photo session. When we arrived, tried to make an appointment but they were already fully booked for the week so thats a waste of free amenities. The free dinner was mostly spicy food so didnt enjoy that. Overall, we will stay here again next visit to Bangkok.

From€51

Ibis Styles Bangkok Sukhumvit Phra Khanong

8.6/10Very Good3003 Reviews

Sukhumvit Bangkok|7.78km from city centre

The hotel is beautiful. However everything didn’t quite measure up to my expectations. When I went online to book it and looked at the details of the hotel it said they offered a shuttle but when I asked about a Shuttle, they seemed confused about what I was inquiring about. Also, it asked for the details of why I was staying as if they were going to accommodate me in someway, I put that it was my birthday, but there was nothing in the room nor did they reference it at check-in. Once again the room was beautiful. It looks very nice. However it was not clean. The refrigerator was dirty and it had hair in it. The trash cans were clearly dirty, I had to call to have the fridge cleaned multiple times. The first time housekeeping came and simply used a dry rag to dust the refrigerator, but did not clean it. The second time I waited in the room and explained to her that I wanted it to be actually cleaned, remove the dirt and hair and use some cleaner. A pro and con they do have drink specials. Buy one get one free happy hour every day however, the drinks don’t appear to have any liquor in them. I had a Mai Tai and a piña colada and it was like drinking juice, nasty juice. 😑 What I did like was of course that it is definitely aesthetically pleasing. They also have a laundry room and they do give you change at the Front desk so that was nice. Also, it was closer to the mall and restaurants than the last place I stayed at so that was good and it wasn’t as far from the airport.

From€35

Oakwood Studios Sukhumvit Bangkok

8.6/10Very Good1015 Reviews

Sukhumvit Bangkok|5.68km from city centre

10 Mins walking distance to BTS Thong Lo. The room is great. The staffs also ok. The foods just ok. We stayed for foew days and overall are ok. There is a complimentary Tuktuk also to the BTS. So it's great.

From€52

Mercure Bangkok Sukhumvit 11

8.9/10Very Good912 Reviews

Sukhumvit Bangkok|3.93km from city centre

Amazing hotel with a very good spread of breakfast at the Lily Fu restaurant. The Privilege Lounge is a bit small but the food served during happy hours is great. Staff are fabulous as always. Room is very spacious.

From€69

Amara Bangkok Hotel

9/10Great728 Reviews

Silom/Sathorn Bangkok|0.33km from city centre

Service: Not as great considering it was a 5 star-hotel. When I arrived at 10pm, no doorkeeper to help you with your luggage, the front door of the hotel was even closed (but unlocked). My check-in receptionist wasn't the friendliest, no welcome greeting, hard to smile, but got his job done well eg explained abt check out timing, bfast timing, wifi etc. But could use more welcoming energy as a frontdesk. No room service - no one helped you with your luggage. If you order grab, you have to pick it up at the lobby yourself, despite booking a Club room. Club lounge was okay. Didn't feel exclusive and no one checked the guests that come in and out. Rooms: ALOT of the amneties were broken. The switch of the hairdryer was broken. The switch of the bathroom curtain was non functional. You have to pull using the string manually. The sliding door of the bathroom could not stay shut. It kept sliding open buy itself. The bed and pillows were great. The view was amazing. Location: It's abt 10mins walk to Patpong Night Market. And quite in the middle between Sala Daeng BTS and Chong Nonsi. Quite a bit of a walk. Rooftop pool was good. Breakfast: Out of the 3 night-stay, I only went once. It was very mediocre. Alot of pork items and not much options. All in all, an okay experience for a 5 star-stay for the 7th time I've been to Bangkok.

From€79

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