It’s always exciting to arrive in Thailand and most likely Bangkok will be the city you land in. You’ll check into your hotel, maybe have some sleep and then before you know it, it’s time to head out and explore the city.
But where should you go? Whether you are a solo Thailand traveler or heading out with friends, here are 10 must-do things in Bangkok for your first visit.
10 Things to do in Bangkok
Explore the Grand Palace
The Grand Palace is one of Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks and a must to see on your first visit. The Grand Palace was built in 1782 and served as the official residence of the Kings of Siam.
To get to The Grand Palace, I suggest taking the BTS Skytrain to Saphan Taksin station, then a Chao Phraya Express Boat to Tha Chang Pier. You can also take a taxi if you wish, but Bangkok traffic is pretty bad and always make sure the taxi driver is using the meter.
The cost for foreigners is 500 baht. The best time to visit would be in the morning. The Grand Palace is open daily from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
Keep in mind there is a dress code to adhere to. This involves no shorts, skirts above the knee, or sleeveless tops. If you forget to dress appropriately, no worry as you can rent clothing to cover up anything that does not meet the dress code right at the entrance.
Don’t forget your camera! There’s plenty of things to see at the Grand Palace and you’ll want to capture the incredible architecture.
Visit the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho)
Wat Pho is the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. The main attraction for tourists is a massive Buddha that is 46 meters long (151 feet) and 15 meters high or 49 feet.
Wat Pho is just a 13 minute walk from the Grand Palace so you could visit both of these on the same day if you’re up for it.
Wat Pho is a sprawling complex that includes four main chapels, 394 gilded Buddha images, 91 chedis (stupas), and multiple pavilions and halls. It’s one of the largest temple complexes in Bangkok.
Wat Pho opens at 8am and closes at 6pm. It’s advised to come early as it can get quite busy, especially with the tourist groups. There is a fee of 200 Thai Baht for foreigners. Like the Grand Palace there is a dress code here too where you need to cover your shoulders and knees, avoid sleeveless tops, shorts or revealing clothing.
The best way to get there is to take the underground MRT subway to Sanam Chai station. From there it’s just a 400 meter walk.
Cruise the Chao Phraya River
In quite a few destinations mentioned on this page, you can get to them by using a “taxi boat” or the “Tourist Express Boat” (recommended) to get there. Believe it or not, this method of transportation is actually another “must do” when in Bangkok.
When you take the tourist boat to your destination, a guide will be on the loudspeaker talking about all the landmarks that you’ll pass. You’ll even be able to see the Lebua State Tower, home of the scene from the movie The Hangover 2 and the famous Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn).
It’s very cheap to take the boat too and it will save you a lot of time over taking a taxi. So, if it makes sense to take the boat on the Chao Phraya River, do it.
Another option is to book at night cruise on the Chao Phraya River. It includes a full meal and entertainment and usually lasts a couple of hours. It’s a great experience and highly recommended.
Explore Chinatown (Yaowarat)
Chinatown, also known as Yaowarat, is a great place to visit for food, shopping and having a slightly different experience while in Bangkok. You can visit night or day depending on your schedule.
Through the many alley ways you’ll find plenty of food options and hidden markets selling everything from gold jewelry to traditional herbs.
A great way to get around Yaowarat is by TukTuk. You’ve probably seen these 3 wheeled vehicles decked out in vibrant colors. They are fun to get a ride on and you need to experience this at least once. Be sure to bargain with the TukTuk driver and never pay the initial rate they tell you. Don’t worry, they are used to bargaining prices just like with the vendors anywhere else.
Another place to visit in Yaowarat is Wat Traimit (Temple of the Golden Buddha). It houses the largest solid gold statue in the world, weighing 5.5 tons.
Admire Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
If you happen to take the tourist boat on the Chao Phraya River, one of the most striking landmarks is Wat Arun – Temple of Dawn. It’s located on the western bank of the Chao Phraya River and this stunning temple is a must-visit.
Many years ago you were able to climb up Wat Arun on the very steep stairs but I believe this is no longer an option. Still, it’s a great place to visit and is a favorite with tourists all over the world. Go early if you can, as it can get quite busy in the afternoons with tourists and tourist groups.
Visitors will also appreciate the temple’s serene atmosphere. It’s an ideal setting for reflection and photography, particularly for those interested in architectural beauty.
Make sure that you dress modestly as you would in any temple in Thailand. If you forget, you’ll be able to rent (for cheap) clothing to cover up.
Jim Thompson House
The Jim Thompson House is a renowned museum located in the heart of Bangkok. It showcases traditional Thai architecture and art.
Jim Thompson was an American architect-turned-entrepreneur. He was responsible for reviving the Thailand’s silk industry in the mid 20th century.
The house was built by Thompson and features a collection of six authentic Thai teakwood homes, which Thompson had disassembled and reassembled in Bangkok in the 1950s.
The architecture maintains Thai architectural principles, with elevated structures, steep roofs, and intricately carved wooden features.
You can have a guided tour at Thompson house which lasts about 35 minutes. The cost is 200 Thai Baht and it’s open from 10AM to 6PM daily.
It’s easy to get to as well, just take the BTS Skytrain and get off at National Stadium. From there it’s a short walk away.
Khao San Road
If you’re looking for more of a laid-back and “backpacker” experience, then Khao San Road is a great option. It’s easy to get to, just hop on the tourist boat at the Saphan Taksin station (BTS) and then its about a 20 minute scenic ride. The tour guide on the boat will let you know when to get off.
Khao San Road can get pretty crazy at night, so if you’re into the party scene on a budget, I would go at night. However, if you’re not into partying, Khao San Road is pretty chill during the day and still worth a visit. There’s plenty of restaurants and shops to go to. If you’re looking for some souvenirs or T-shirts, then this place is a great option.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
If there is any market you want to visit while in Bangkok, the Chatuchak Weekend Market is one you don’t want to miss. It’s Bangkok’s largest but is only open on the weekend.
The market is like a giant maze with over 8000 shops. You can find anything from clothing, accessories, hand made crafts, scents, and more. They even have a few restaurants and coffee shops to relax in.
Items at this market are very inexpensive for the most part. So you can walk away with a lot of great bargains. Clothing is probably the most predominant item, so if you’re looking to fill your suitcase with a lot clothes, you can get it there.
To get to the market, the easiest way is with the BTS Skytrain. Just take it to Mo Chit station. Take exit 1 and from there it’s a short walk.
Enjoy Authentic Thai Cuisine
You’ll find Thai Food just about anywhere in Bangkok. From street food vendors to mom n’ pop shops to high end Thai Cuisine, Bangkok has it all.
Don’t be afraid to try Thai Street food. It’s delicious and normally costs no more than a couple of dollars. In my experience I have never gotten sick from Thai street food and the quality is comparable to that of higher priced restaurants.
Some of the dishes that you must try, whether it’s a street food vendor or at a restaurant are Pad Thai, Som Tam (spicy papaya salad loved by the Thai ladies), Pad Krapao (Stir fried basil with meat) Tom Yum (Spicy soup with a choice of meat) and Mango Sticky Rice – a must!
Speaking of food, if you want to try something very different, try Durian. It’s hard to describe the taste but people either love it or hate it. There seems to be no in-between. This fruit has a strong smell and for sure you are going to see signs in hotels and other establishments that read – “NO Durian”.
Experience Bangkok’s Vibrant Nightlife
Bangkok has an incredible nightlife scene that caters to just about everyone. From rooftop chill lounges overlooking the city to clubs that rock to the wee hours of the morning.
One thing you need to experience is the Bangkok skyline at night. You can do this from many rooftop bars that offer an incredible experience. Some of these are Sky Bar at Labua State Tower (where hangover 2 was filmed) to Vertigo and Moon bar and Octave Rooftop Lounge.
If nightclubs are more your thing, some of the popular clubs are Levels Club on Sukhumvit Soi 11, Route 66 (RCA Club) and Beam at Thonglor.
If you want to have red light experience, then you’ll want to check out either Nana Plaza, PatPong or Soi Cowboy.
Conclusion
So there you have it. If you don’t know what to do when in Bangkok, if you do these 10 things you will have an unforgettable experience. There’s so much to do in Bangkok even outside of this list. However, if it’s your first time, you can be guaranteed to have a memorable time at any one or all of these venues.
About Peter C.
Peter is a digital nomad who largely writes from Asia, Europe, and South America. Always following the "vibe," he sets up shop in hostels and AirBNB's and continues to entertain us with wild stories from life abroad. Ask him anything in our community forum. Make sure to download the AllWorld Travel Hacks FREE ebook.
