Best Things To Do In Bangkok - What To See In Bangkok For Your First Bangkok Trip?

Check out the whole list of 20 things to do in Bangkok during your Thailand vacation to choose the best plan and destination for you.

When people think about Thailand, they automatically think of the most popular destination - Bangkok and many fun things to do in Bangkok. For a long time, the Golden Temple land's capital has captured many travellers with its famed landmarks, food, and bustling retail centre.

Thai culture emerged early and affected many distinctive traits of nearby ethnic groups, resulting in a Thailand with cultural affinities to Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar. Thailand has several temples since Buddhism is the country's symbol. The enormity of Bangkok might be intimidating for visitors, but keep exploring the city's ancient and new streets. Surprisingly, these traditions coexist with the contemporary megacity's soaring skyscrapers, world-class restaurants, and vast seasonal shopping malls.

Furthermore, nature favours Thailand with stunning landscapes that fascinate many tourists when visiting Thailand. Thailand also invests in a variety of projects to support the tourism business. Many people mistakenly think that Thailand is exclusively for worshipping Buddha in temples and pagodas coated with precious gold, but they are unaware that this country is also regarded as an Asian tourist paradise with distinct cultural elements.

Furthermore, when visiting Thailand, you can marvel at the one-of-a-kind and exquisite beauty that only Bangkok possesses and that does not exist anyplace else! As a result, the Thai tourism sector has made a considerable contribution to the Thai economy.

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Thailand's climate is separated into two different seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. There are numerous periods for you to visit Bangkok depending on your aims, such as shopping or visiting notable events or locations.

During the rainy season, which lasts from May to October, the temperature will be rather hot. From November through April is the dry season, when there is little rain and the weather is relatively chilly; this is also the period to take place. Thailand has a plethora of fantastic events.

Especially during major celebrations such as the Songkran Water Festival in April, the Loy Krathong Lantern Festival in November, or Christmas in Bangkok.

The best time for you to visit Bangkok is between November and February. 

There is practically no rain at this time of year, and the weather is pleasant and ideal for your trip activities and excursions. You will be able to avoid the crowds during peak times because the city is dry with minimal rain and the temperature is comfortable, as well as the lantern festival has passed and Christmas has not yet arrived.

Bangkok Transportation Tips

• Buses are a prominent kind of public transportation in Thailand, particularly in Bangkok. There are several bus lines with varied itineraries, the fare is quite low, only a few baht, and this is unquestionably the top option of visitors looking to save money on their travel. However, while picking a bus as a mode of transportation, you must be aware of the route and stops, as the bus is only announced in Thai, which is inconvenient.
• Trams are popular modes of transportation similar to buses, but they are more convenient, quicker, and more efficient. Many Thai citizens and visitors like to travel by tram. In Thailand, there are two types of trains: MRT (subway) and BTS Skytrain. These train systems operate from 6 a.m. to midnight, and the route runs through many tourist destinations, including a well-known shopping district, so this is another mode of transportation you can use when visiting Thailand.

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• There will be situations where public transportation, such as a bus or rail, will not be an option, in which case a cab will be the best option. Taking a cab will be more expensive, but it will be safer, and you will not be worried about getting lost. However, instead of haggling over the price, you could verify the route on a map ahead of time and ask the driver to switch on the metre device to compute the mileage.
• Tuk-tuks are a common mode of transportation in Thailand, and they are also a distinctive aspect of the country. This vehicle is best suited for short trips or trips to congested marketplaces. However, you should inquire about the fee from your starting point to your destination, as well as if you can pay for the ride in Advance.

20 Best Things To Do In Bangkok To Enjoy Every Moment In Thailand - What to See in Bangkok

Enjoy Thai Durian

Thailand, which is located in Southeast Asia and has a tropical monsoon environment appropriate for cultivating fruit trees, has long been known for exquisite fruits such as durian. The Thai durian is the most unique, having a flavour that cannot be found anywhere else.

The Baiyoke Sky Hotel in Bangkok is a great place for couples to date since it offers a panoramic view of the city at night. Furthermore, the durian buffet presented here entices aficionados of this fruit. The hours of operation are 10:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Every day, every 90 minutes, the food will be changed, and only a set number of people will be admitted each time, so if you are a durian addict, you should absolutely not miss this destination.

Visit Patpong Night Market

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Patpong Night Market, one of Bangkok's greatest night markets, is noted for its bright, intense atmosphere and diverse selection of items such as tourist trinkets, t-shirts, pirated DVDs, and phoney fashion accessories. Small food vendors providing traditional Thai cuisine, delectable snacks and sweets, as well as several large international fast-food chains such as McDonald's and Burger King, may be found here.

One thing to keep in mind is that this market is located in Bangkok's red-light district, with clubs and bars bordering many of the streets, so pay attention to where you wish to go.

Visit Dusit Zoo

Dusit Zoo is Thailand's first and oldest zoo. Bangkok's oldest botanical park, located near the Royal Square, houses a collection of common African and Asian animals and attractive birds. Dusit Zoo is Thailand's oldest zoo, having been open for almost 60 years. There are over 1600 animals at the zoo, including monkeys, crocodiles, lions, tigers, penguins, and kangaroos. If your vacation includes youngsters, this is unquestionably a site your family should visit while in Bangkok.

Enjoying Dinner at Baiyoke Sky Restaurant

Buffet dining at Baiyoke Sky Bangkok is one of the interesting things to do in Bangkok Thailand that is not to be missed when visiting Bangkok; buffets with incredible variety, delectable, and delish menus are certain to be worth the journey.

Baiyoke Sky Restaurant, located in the city's most magnificent hotel, provides a great dining experience with exceptional service and breathtaking views over Bangkok. You will be immersed in the restaurant's lovely atmosphere while enjoying delectable cuisines such as seafood, Thai dishes, and foreign dishes cooked by several of Bangkok's greatest chefs. After dinner with your loved ones, take the elevator up to the Observation Deck and automated observation point on the hotel's 84th level for 360-degree views of the city.

View Bangkok From Above On The Mahanakhon Skywalk

If you're bored of shopping malls, come to the Mahanakhon Skywalk for a 360-degree panorama of Bangkok from a height of more than 300 metres.

The Mahanakhon Skywalk, located at the top of the King Power Mahanakhon skyscraper, is Thailand's tallest observation deck, towering 314 metres above the ground. The Mahanakhon Skywalk - located in the King Power Mahanakhon skyscraper – has piqued the interest of Thai youngsters and foreign tourists since its debut in 2018. 

Visitors can stroll on the translucent glass bridge more than 300 metres above the earth on one of the world's largest glass floors, measuring more than 63 square metres.

Take a journey to the top right before sunset to enjoy Bangkok's golden sunset, which has both indoor and outdoor observatories. Getting a drink at Bangkok's tallest sky bar and watching the sunset is one of the nicest experiences that each traveller to Thailand should have.

Experience The Culture Of Shopping At The Mall At Night At Asiatique The Riverfront

Thailand draws international travellers with its famed night markets, in addition to its gorgeous tourist spots.

Asiatique is a massive night market and a shopping centre with over 1500 stores and 40 restaurants under one roof, located on the banks of the famed Chao Phraya River. Asiatique the Riverfront Night Market has long been regarded as an outstanding tourist attraction for Bangkok visitors, and it is true that your vacation would be incomplete if you do not visit this market.

Asiatique The Riverfront is a grocery complex that combines a shopping supermarket and a night market, as well as a variety of entertainment options. There are many attractive boutiques and a diverse choice of Thai fashion brands, as well as discounts and low-cost items, so you're sure to discover something you enjoy as well as wonderful presents. Asiatique also has the well-known Calypso Cabaret, one of Bangkok's top ladyboy performances. You should visit Asiatique's various attractions before taking a night stroll down the promenade for breathtaking views of the Chao Phraya River!

Visiting Temples In Bangkok

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Thailand is regarded as a nation of golden pagodas, temples with gorgeous architecture, and Buddha statues that are works of art with a mysterious sanctity that always entices visitors. Bangkok, in particular, is the metropolis where the country's most beautiful, revered, and famous temples come together.

Because Thailand is renowned as the Land of the Golden Temple, the majority of the attractions are centred on distinctive temple designs. They are remarkable not only for their gigantic scale and distinctive architecture but also for the use of high-class materials such as gilding and gilding. 

All of this, along with thorough and creative décor concepts, has produced a difference that tourists can't find anywhere else. As a result, one of the Thai tourist activities in Bangkok that you must do is visit various distinctive temples in Bangkok, such as the Grand Palace, Golden Mount, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and so on.

Visit the Chinatown in Bangkok

On Yaowarat Street in Samphanthawong District, Chinatown Bangkok, often known as Chinatown Bangkok, is located. There are numerous intriguing sites to see, as well as distinct food, for travellers to enjoy.

Living in Bangkok's Chinatown is usually a lot of fun and exciting. Chinatown  has a system of traditional stores and restaurants for visitors. Meanwhile, observe daily life and savour Chinese-style food. Visiting Bangkok's Chinatown at night is undoubtedly a fascinating cuisine tour for foodies.

Unlike the amusement parks discussed above, Yaowarat street takes you on a food trip. For all visitors, this can be viewed as a street food festival.

Dim sum, fried oysters with eggs, noodle soup, and a variety of fresh seafood are among the most popular meals in the area. On this trip, you should also enjoy the pastries and fresh fruit. A bottle of refreshing juice, coconut ice cream, or durian ice cream (Thailand's hallmark flavour) is guaranteed to be the ideal way to conclude your meal.

Visit the Royal Palace of Thailand (Phra Borom Maha Ratcha Wang – Grand Palace)

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Thailand's Royal Palace is a popular tourist attraction in Bangkok that everyone wants to see - one of the popular places to visit in Bangkok. The Royal Palace of Thailand offers many intriguing items for tourists to discover, in addition to its unique architecture.

The architecture of the Royal Palace area's pagodas and towers not only astounds tourists with its immense grandeur but also impresses them with its refinement in every detail. The structure serves to express the Thai royal family's nobility, and it serves as a proud emblem of Thailand for worldwide tourists. 

The palace's architecture is a combination of numerous civilisations, including China, France, and Italy, yet it retains the architecture of the ancient Thai people. Thailand's Royal Palace is encircled by a fence, symbolising the country's dual features of earthly and spiritual components.

When visiting Bangkok, travellers should not miss the Royal Palace of Thailand, where they can learn about Thai culture and architectural quintessence while also immersing themselves in a mystical and splendid spiritual realm.

When visiting the Royal Palace of Thailand, you are not permitted to wear short skirts, shorts, tank tops, or crop tops. Because the Royal Palace is a holy location for Thai people, this is considered taboo, and we must strictly adhere to this guideline. Furthermore, there is a service to lend trousers outside the Royal Palace; you just need to deposit 200 Baht to borrow, and when you return it, you will receive the whole deposit amount but no rental price.

Explore The Vibrant Khao San Road

The lively Khao San district is your next stop on the Bangkok sightseeing adventure. Despite the limited size of the neighbourhood, there are almost 500 large and small vendors serving street food, as well as hundreds of massage parlours, bars, and entertainment services. Khao San is a small street near Ratchadamnoen Avenue, which is the principal thoroughfare connecting the neighbourhood to Bangkok's historic temples and palaces. 

Although Khao San is a small town, it is a great spot to visit if you are self-sufficient because there are numerous inexpensive lodgings, pubs, and restaurants.

Because it is International Street, all activities take place in the evening, making it a very packed and vibrant environment with a multi-dimensional cultural area. You will get the opportunity to meet a large number of international visitors from all around the world.

If the hustle and bustle of Khao San are too much for you, go over to Soi Rambuttri Street, which is only a minute away. Soi Rambuttri is quite calm and comfortable, with plenty of restaurants, cafés, bookshops, and other unique shops.

Stroll Around Chang Chui Bangkok Aeroplane Night Market

If you still have plenty of time for your Bangkok schedule, you can explore the suburbs and neighbourhoods. There are a lot of new and unusual things in plan for you. And the Chang Chui Bangkok aircraft market is a popular tourist attraction.

Located on Sirindhorn Road in Bangkok's Bang Phlat District. The centrepiece of the market is an ancient mid-sized aeroplane, which draws a lot of interest. When you walk through the gate, you'll get the impression that this isn't a market, but rather a little park or an outdoor waste product exhibition.

The major focus at Chang Chui, popularly known as the Bangkok Airplane Market, is recycling. This moniker refers to the fact that there is a repurposed Airbus aeroplane in the market's core location. Many unusual pieces of art, including sculptures fashioned from junk, can be seen in Chang Chui. It's difficult not to taste a specialty food at Chang Chui aircraft market: bug snacks.

Drop By The Maeklong Railway Market

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Bangkok - Thailand, dubbed Southeast Asia's shopping paradise, fascinates visitors not only with its vast commercial hubs but also with a series of unusual marketplaces. The Maeklong Railway Market is one of them, a bustling flea market that you should not miss if you get the chance to visit this country of golden temples.

This is a unique market in Bangkok, as it is permitted to operate near railway tracks. Maeklong, like any other popular market, sells a wide range of goods. The hour when the train passes is, nevertheless, the most attractive difference of this flea market. When the train approaches, the market merchants will drop their parachutes, letting the products be moved away from the tracks. The train then proceeded to pass past as if nothing had occurred. 

When the train vanished, the market owners continued to sell their wares, repeating the process many times a day. Thai tourists will be able to locate a wide range of things and will be delighted by the hustle and colour.

Visit Safari World Bangkok

Safari World is a lovely tropical forest place 12 kilometres from Bangkok, a vast open park with many intriguing items. Safari World Park, which first welcomed guests on February 17, 1988, covers almost 70 hectares and is home to more than 75 species of mammals, 300 different types of birds from Europe, Africa, and Asia, as well as the usual creatures found across the world.

Safari World Bangkok is an open zoo and park where humans and animals can swap places. Instead of walking, visitors will be transported around the zoo by tram.

Visitors can travel to the World Marine Aquarium after viewing the open-air Safari Park area. This is a place where you can raise normal aquatic animals like dolphins and sea lions... Visitors at World Marine can experience one-of-a-kind entertainment events with a variety of animals. The dolphin show is usually entertaining and features some of the most stunning acts.

Visiting Safari takes practically a day and is extremely exhausting due to travel, so you can mix it with resort activities like eating dinner on the Chao Phraya River or visiting night markets and street cuisine in Bangkok to re-energise.

Watch The Sunrise And Sunset over Bangkok

Early in the morning, you get up at 5:30 a.m. and go for a walk along the street, taking in the cold, fresh air while waiting to see the dawn. Unlike the hectic atmosphere of nightlife in the nights, Bangkok in the morning appears to be in another universe, gorgeous and oddly serene.

At the end of the day, when the sun's faint rays are ready to fade, you'll be able to view the sunset, which never ceases to enchant people. The best place to see the sunset in Bangkok is on the 84th level of Baiyoke Tower, at the top of Sky Bar. Alternatively, view the dawn from the banks of the Chao Phraya River, directly across from Wat Arun, the sunrise temple.

Relax With A Traditional Thai Massage

It is not difficult for you to come across traditional Thai massage shops popping up everywhere in Bangkok. When you visit Thailand, you will just need to invest a modest amount of money to have a professional massage and relax your body. There are several massage sites across Thailand's capital, including the immensely popular Bangkok spas, where you can further treat yourself.

The Oriental Spa is a high-end spa in Bangkok's opulent Mandarin Oriental hotel. This spa service chain currently has locations all over the globe. Especially in Bangkok, where you can relax and unwind after a day of shopping at one of the city's major malls. This is also one of the top spas in Bangkok since it features on lists of the best spas in the world on a regular basis.

Take A Boat Tour Of The City And Visit The Floating Markets

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The floating markets are one of Thailand's most lively cultural characteristics, not just in the capital Bangkok - and it’s definitely one of the best places to visit in Bangkok.

Bangkok's canals lead to the Chao Phraya River, where you can see temples and bustling streets on both sides of the river. The fact that you might also come across numerous attractive floating marketplaces on your river ride makes it difficult to ignore this.

The crowds and variety of things on these floating markets will amaze you, and the near proximity of the residences on both banks of the river will make you feel like you're in a movie. there. Furthermore,  you should get aboard a boat at Taling Chan or Amphawa for a platter of fresh shrimp and a view of the commotion; it's fantastic.

Amphawa is less congested than Damnoen Saduak floating market, allowing tourists to slowly stroll among the lovely canals, observe the rural surroundings, and select a suitable memento.

Visit the Jim Thompson House Museum

The Jim Thompson House Museum is located on Bangkok's magnificent Rama I Road. Because of the harmonising beauty of East and West, as well as a pretty extensive collection of past owners, this is one of the most distinctive museums.

Mr Jim Thompson, an American with a long history of devotion to our nation via a unique fondness, now owns House 6/1 Soi Kasemsan, also known as the Jim Thompson Museum. The house was constructed in 1958 and completed in 1959 on the Saen Saeb canal.

Visitors will be impressed by the look of the home under the shade of the surrounding trees, with the magnificent decorating straight from the entry to the foyer, the distinctive architecture in a traditional Thai house, and a unique experience. The beginning for Jim Thompson to highlight the combined East-West style spread throughout the house.

Enjoy A Show At Siam Niramit

Siam Niramit in Bangkok is a world-class art exhibition that many people come to see when they visit Thailand. This performance is held at the Siam Niramit Theatre, which has a seating capacity of over 2,000 people.

Siam Niramit, with its accurate representation of the country's historical, spiritual, and cultural legacy, is an enjoyable leisure activity for understanding Thai cultures. 

Enjoy a wonderful Thai supper before the concert and marvel at the astounding performances of hundreds of dancers, musicians, beautiful goats, and elephants. Siam Niramit is performed on the world's largest stage, as recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records, and includes everything from lifelike villages, dancers and acrobats suspended from the ceiling, cutting-edge light and sound systems, and a stage that transforms into a river at the end of the show.

Chao Phraya River Cruise

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A cruise on the Chao Phraya River and a night out in Bangkok are always on the agenda of any visitor to Thailand. Because of their amazing splendour, the boats are always packed.

The Chao Phraya River excellently reflects old and modern Bangkok, surrounded by modest huts, grand temples and churches, and sophisticated luxury hotel structures. After dinner, live bands will play calming evening saxophone melodies and 80s and 90s music, like Donna Summer and ABBA songs, as you take in breathtaking views of history from the dining table, including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Royal Palace. Aside from stunning live music performances, you will be able to enjoy a range of excellent meals, as well as the cool ambience and beautiful backdrop of Bangkok.

Shopping at ICONSIAM

IconSiam is Bangkok's largest and newest retail mall and complex. IconSiam mall has over 500 stores, 100 restaurants, an indoor floating market, Thailand's first Apple Store, Takashimaya, an art-house theatre, a gorgeous riverfront park, and other amenities.

Bangkok is a shopaholic's heaven, and ICONSIAM is without a doubt one of the largest and nicest malls in your shopping arsenal.

Outside the IconSiam retail mall is a park called Riverside Park (River Park). You won't want to miss the opportunity to photograph the magnificent panorama of the Chao Phraya River and enjoy the shows at the fountain here. There are various colourful 3D, 4D  performances to appreciate at the longest fountain in Southeast Asia, reaching more than 400m along the river.

Covid Travel Advice to Bangkok City

Thailand has been open to tourists since February 1 and is now implementing a Test & Go program for international travellers, so you can travel to Thailand right now. Visitors must have a Thailand Pass, which can be obtained by visiting the Thailand Pass website, selecting Non-Thai, selecting Test & Go, and then submitting a portrait photo, immunisation certificate scanned copy of insurance and hotel booking certificate. Specific requirements include the following:

• Have received at least two doses of vaccination, with the second dosage at least 14 days old. One-shot is required for those who have been sick and recovered from the condition. Children under the age of 18 do not require two doses of the vaccination.
• Travel insurance with a minimum payout of $50,000 that covers the cost of Covid-19 therapy.
• All visitors to Thailand must stay in an accommodation that has an Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration (SHA) Plus certificate.
• Book and pay for Thailand's SHA+/AQ standard accommodation at least two nights in advance, with PCR testing at the hotel on the first and fifth nights (two nights do not need the same hotel).  If you need to travel for more than five days, you should arrange what you will do on the fifth day of your vacation to facilitate the second test.

Vy Nguyen

>> Check out: Travel to Thailand Now - Thailand Travel Guide 2022