Thailand is a land of wonder, religion, culture, history, and excitement. And perhaps there is no other city in Thailand that embodies these more than Bangkok. From majestic palaces, temples to beautiful parks to happening nightlife. Wherever you look, there is always something new to discover in Bangkok. To help you get around, we’ve listed the top 10 must visit tourist attractions in Bangkok that you simply can’t afford to miss. You may also want to find direct airline tickets to Thailand too!
1. Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn) & Chao Phraya River
Deemed as the most stunning temple in Bangkok, Wat Arun resides on the west (Thonburi) bank of the Chao Phraya River. The design of the temple differs from other temples in Bangkok. If you look close enough, you will realise that Wat Arun is partly made up of colourfully decorated spires. With the river within its composition, Wat Arun stands majestically over the water.
Address: West of Chao Praya River | Opening hours: 8:30am – 5:30pm | Getting there: Take the Skytrain to Saphan Taksin, exit to Central Pier 8. You need to take a riverboat for 3 baht to Tha Tien Pier | Temple Fee: 100 Baht
2. Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market
Everyone love floating markets – locals and tourists alike! Khlong Lat Mayom is one of the three floating markets located close to Bangkok. Nothing like the touristy Damnoen Saduak or the overly crowded Amphawa, it exude the charm and authenticity of a local floating market and you would probably one of the only foreigners around. Local market culture has deep roots in Thai daily life and eating out is fun, cheap and casual. Remember to try their famous boat noodles while you are there!
Address: 30/15 Moo 11 Talatnam Khlong Lat Mayom, Bang Ramat Road | Khwaeng Bang Ramat, Khet Taling Chan, Bangkok 10170, Thailand | Opening hours: 9:30am – 4:30pm (Sat & Sun Only) | Getting there: You can get a taxi from Wongwian Yai BTS station.
3. The Grand Palace
Built in the 1782, the shimmering, majestic Grand Palace is one of Bangkok’s most famous landmark. Built in 1782, the palace has functioned 150 years as the home of the Thai King and served as the Royal court and the administrative seat of government. Till today, it still continue to awe visitors with its gorgeous architecture and intricate details which is testament to the creativity and craftsmanship of Thai people.
Address: Na Phra Lan Road, Old City (Rattanakosin) | Opening hours: 8:30am – 3:30pm | Getting there: Get off at Saphan Thaksin Station and take boat from Sathron Central Boat Pier No. 9 | Fee: 400 Baht
4. Wat Pra Kaew
Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) is regarded as the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand. Located in the historic centre of Bangkok and within the grounds of the Grand Palace, it enshrines Phra Kaew Morakot (Emerald Buddha), the highly revered Buddha meticulously carved from a single block of jade.
Address: Na Phralan, Phra Nakorn (within The Grand Palace grounds) | Opening hours: 8:30am – 3:30pm | Getting there: Get off at Saphan Thaksin Station and take boat from Sathron Central Boat Pier No. 9 | Fee: 500 Baht
*As a sign of respect, shorts, short skirts, and sleeveless tops aren’t allowed. Sarongs are available for rent at the entrance, but it would better if you come appropriately dressed if you’re going to visit this temple.
5. Jim Thompson’s House
Sitting on the bank of the Saen Saeb Canal lies the elegant residential enclave of Jim Thompson – the Thai Silk King. Well-known for his passion and love in reviving the art of Thai silk, his home echoes his 30-year love affair with Southeast Asian art and cultural heritage. After he mysteriously disappeared in 1967, his abode was turned into a museum in memory of his dedication to Thai silk.
Address:Thanon Rama I, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10400, Thailand | Tel: +6602 216 7368 l Opening hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm | Getting there: Few minutes from the Soi Kasemsam 2 from the BTS National Stadium Station Exit 1 | Website: The Jim Thompson House l Facebook: jimthompsonhouse
6. Yaowarat (Chinatown)
Bangkok’s Chinatown is a must visit for food lovers who are into exotic street-side cuisine when night falls. You can also visit the place in the day to purchase staples, trade gold, or pay a visit to one of the Chinese temples. Oozing with market stalls, street-side restaurants and a dense concentration of gold shops, plan your visit during major festivals, like Chinese New Year for the ultimate experience. Dig in to cheap Chinese delicacies such as shark fin soup and bird nest while you are there!
Address: Mangkon Road, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100 | Getting there: Alight Saphan Taksin BTS, get to Sathorn Pier. Take a riverboat to Ratchawongse, Pier #5. It’s a short walk from Ratchawong to Chinatown.
7. Chatuchak Weekend Market
Chatuchak Weekend Market with its 35 acres area size and 27 sections consisting of 8,000 stores and merchandise will bring any seasoned shoppers to their knees – this is where you can literally shop till you drop. Over 200,000 visitors visit the market on a typical weekend to sift through the goods on offer. Veteran shoppers would agree that just about everything is on sale but not all at the best bargain rates. If you have just one weekend in Bangkok, squeeze in a day trip to Chatuchak Weekend Market and you will not be disappointed.
Address:Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok | Opening hours: 9:00am – 6:00pm (Sat & Sun) & 6pm – 12am Midnight (Fri) | Getting there: Alight BTS Mo Chit or MRT Chatuchak Park Station Exit 1
8. Rod Fai Night Market
Rot Fai Market (Train Market) in Bangkok is an authentic open-air bazaar selling an amazing spread of vintage collectables and memorabilia. With three sections to this huge market space, you will find many traders selling modern fashion and apparel more typical of other night markets in Bangkok as well as antique furniture to hippy fashion and one-off, hard to find items that really make Rot Fai Market superior to all other night markets in the city. For hardcore shoppers, check out our post on Best Bangkok Night Markets For The Perfect Shopaholic Holiday!
Address: Srinakarin Road Soi 51 (behind Seacon Square) l Opening Hours: 5pm – 12am Midnight (Thurs – Sun) l Getting there: Taxi from BTS On Nut
9. Soi Cowboy
Soi Cowboy can be said as an equivalent of Las Vegas and Nevada. Flashing neon lined the colourful streetscape comprised mainly of middle-aged expats, Japanese and western tourists, and a lot of scantily dressed girls. With cries of ‘helloooa, welcome!’ these ladies will try to lure you into their respective go-go bars. Entry is always free and drink prices are fixed but its not the place to be when you are with your girlfriend.
Address: Sukhumvit Road between Asoke Road (Soi 21) and Sukhumvit Soi 23 l Opening Hours: After 6pm to pass midnight l Getting there: Alight Asoke Station (Skytrain) or the Sukhumvit Station (MRT)
10. Khao San Road
Experience quintessential Bangkok at this bustling street where East Meets West. Better known as a backpacker street, you can find anything from sleek clubs to eccentric market stalls to eclectic food. Its irrepressible energy and carefree vibe makes it well worth a visit.
Getting there: Taxi from Victory Monument, Siam, or Silom BTS Station
There is much excitement and adventure in Bangkok. We hope our list will help you to get started to get around in this exciting and stunning city. Share with us your experience and favorite local spot if you’ve been to this awesome city.
