Bangkok is a city of vibrant contrasts—ornate temples and bustling markets, sleek malls and hidden art alleys—all wrapped in warm Thai hospitality. Whether you’re exploring riverside shrines or savoring street food in lively neighborhoods, these 13 experiences offer a perfect mix of tradition, flavor, and adventure. Here’s your updated, one-paragraph guide to Bangkok’s best.
Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun)
Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, is stunning at any time of day—but it truly shines in the early morning light. The central spire, decorated with colorful porcelain tiles, glows softly as the sun rises behind it. Climb the steep steps for panoramic views of the Chao Phraya River and the city skyline. It’s one of the most peaceful and photogenic spots in Bangkok.
Grand Palace (Wat Phra Kaew)
No trip to Bangkok is complete without visiting the Grand Palace, a dazzling display of Thai craftsmanship and history. The highlight is Wat Phra Kaew, home to the sacred Emerald Buddha, carved from a single piece of jade. The complex is massive, so allow a few hours to explore the throne halls, detailed murals, and golden chedis. It’s Bangkok at its most majestic—crowded, yes, but unforgettable.
The Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho)
Wat Pho is famous for its giant gold Reclining Buddha, but it’s also the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. The temple grounds are peaceful and beautifully landscaped, dotted with stupas and shaded benches. After admiring the 150-foot-long Buddha, stop in for a massage or wander the smaller chapels and courtyards. It’s a great spot to slow down and take in the spiritual side of the city.
Cruise the Chao Phraya River
Seeing Bangkok from the river gives you a whole new perspective. The Chao Phraya Express boat connects major attractions like the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Chinatown, while offering views of stilt houses and riverside temples. You can also hire a private longtail boat for a more relaxed, scenic ride through smaller canals. It’s a peaceful break from the city’s busy streets.
Sample Street Food on Yaowarat Road
Yaowarat Road in Chinatown transforms into a street food haven after dark. Vendors set up shop with sizzling woks and steaming pots, serving everything from dim sum to pad Thai and grilled seafood. The energy is electric, with neon signs lighting the way and the smell of spices filling the air. It’s one of the tastiest ways to experience Bangkok’s culinary scene.
Bangkok’s Floating Markets
Though it’s a bit of a drive from Bangkok, Damnoen Saduak is the most iconic floating market in Thailand. Colorful boats float along narrow canals, selling fresh fruits, hot noodles, and souvenirs right from the water. It’s a fun way to experience traditional Thai commerce in action. Go early in the morning to beat the crowds and see it at its most lively.
Jim Thompson House
The former home of American silk producer and art collector Jim Thompson, the complex is made up of various traditional Thai houses and structures that Thompson saved and had rebuilt on his property, each exquisitely maintained as they were when Thompson lived there. There is also an extensive collection of Southeast Asian art on display throughout the houses. Plus you’ll learn about the mystery surrounding Thompson’s disappearance. The house is open everyday (including public holidays) from 9am to 6pm.
Chinatown
Bangkok has a very vibrant Chinatown, mainly located along Yaowarat Road, but stretching arterial for many blocks. Expect to be awed by the maze of closely packed shops that carry everything you could imagine. It’s literally a cornucopia of “stuff”. During busy times, you can barely walk through the crowds, and in the evening, people descend on the main street to sample from the abundant street food. If you’re wanting to sample lots of street food in one location, this is a great place to do it, but don’t expect to find much there during lunch.
Khao San Road
Located about 1km north of the Grand Palace, Khao San Road is often referred to as “backpacker ghetto”. It’s the hub for backpackers staying in Bangkok, so it’s packed with hostels, cheap accommodations and restaurants, and plenty of rowdy bars.It’s one of the popular street food locations in Bangkok, and has a fantastic night market, so definitely go there with an appetite. At night, the street fills with music and the bars spill out into streets.
Eat All the Food
Bangkok is known as the street food capital of the world. Great food in Bangkok is plentiful and cheap. You could order a huge and amazing meal for less than $2. That’s why I always say there’s no need to visit restaurants when you’re in Bangkok. You’ll only spend more than necessary to eat the same food. If you’re looking for the best food with the most variety, check out one of these three areas: Victory Monument, Sukhumvit Soi 38, Ratchawat Market (and of course Chinatown).
Chao Phraya River
The main tributary that runs through the city, it’s very difficult to miss the Chao Phraya River and even if you don’t take a river cruise, you’ll likely find yourself on the tourist boat that chugs down the river, carrying tourists to the top temples of the city. It’s the most convenient form of transportation between the temples. But aside from a method of transportation, the Chao Phraya is a main focal point for the city, offering a unique perspective from day to night. Staying in a hotel overlooking the river is a great way to experience the city.
Chatuchuk Weekend Market
The Chatachuk Weekend market is one of the largest in the world. It is open on weekends from 6am to 6pm and draws a crowd of 200,000 visitors each day. The market spans 27 acres and features over 15,000 vendors selling everything from antiques and handicrafts to clothing and even pets. The best part about this market is that it is largest a locals market, with only 30% of the crowd being foreigners.
Sky Bars
The best way to get a bird’s eye view of Bangkok is to visit one of the rooftop bars that have sprung up around the city atop some of the high-end hotel towers. The trend was started by Moon Bar, located on the 61st floor of the Banyon Tree Hotel. There are many, including the Sky Bar on the 63rd floor of the Lebua State Tower (pictured above), Red Sky on the 55th floor of Centara Grand, or for a slightly cheaper, less clubby environment, try Cloud 47 on the top of the United Center office tower.
Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.