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The 15 things to do in Bangkok

Are you planning to visit Bangkok? Discover our selection of places not to be missed during a trip to the Thai capital!

What to do in Bangkok, this huge city of over 1500 km2 with 10 million inhabitants? We sometimes blame it Cité des anges being too polluted, noisy and sulphurous, or even dizzy. But everyone agrees that it is impossible to get bored in this cosmopolitan capital, with multiple facets. With over 20 million visitors a year, Bangkok is the world's most touristic city! And one thing is certain, the vibrant Thai capital leaves no one indifferent.

In this Asian city with Western influences, the modern one is close to the traditional, and the great gastronomy is as popular as street food. But we do not always know where to give head between its skyscraper forest, its majestic temples and its groubling streets of life. Are you wondering if you can see absolutely? With this top of the 15 essential things to do in Bangkok, be sure not to miss anything during your stay!

1. The Royal Palace and Wat Phra Kaew

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Photo credit: Shutterstock / TWStock

It is inconceivable to visit Bangkok without visiting the Royal Palace, also called the Grand Palais. Built in 1782 by King Rama I on the right bank of Chao Phraya, it is a high place of Thai political and spiritual life. Its architecture is eclectic, like the kings who followed it, and its gardens perfectly maintained. The Royal Palace consists of the throne room, a museum, the former royal residence, and one of the most important temples in Thailand, the Wat Phra Kaew.

Wat Phra Kaew is a sumptuous and colorful temple that owes its fame to the Emerald Buddha it houses. Sculpted in jade and dressed in a gold suit, this sacred statue is the emblem of the Chakri dynasty. This temple alone is worth visiting!

As elsewhere in Thailand, note that a decent outfit is required to access the temple!

2. The Wat Pho

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Photo credit: Shutterstock / cowardlion

Not far from the Royal Palace is the Wat Pho, another must-see in Bangkok! If the construction of the current temple began in 1788, it was restored several times.

The Wat Pho deserves its place in your list of Buddhist temples to visit in Bangkok. First of all, there is an impressive statue of Buddha lying, covered with gold leaves. 45 meters long and 15 meters tall, it is one of the largest statues of Buddha in the country. But Wat Pho is also renowned for its Thai massage school and traditional medicine. It is also possible to take courses, or simply enjoy a good Thai massage.

3. The river of Chao Phraya

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Photo credit: Shutterstock / S-F

Chao Phraya and its canals, which cross Bangkok from north to south, earned him the nickname Venice of the East . Considered as the main artery of the capital, it is borrowed every day by a multitude of boats. Because of this, Chao Phraya is a major axis of trade, but also of transport: when these boats are not used to carry goods, they are used to move. This is an excellent alternative to visit Bangkok, without the city’s tumult, and to reach its main attractions!

4. Chinatown and Little India

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Photo credit: Shutterstock / artapartment

Although very different, the lively districts of Chinatown and Phahurat of Bangkok are both worth a visit. You will be pleased to stroll through the main avenues of Chinatown, Yaowarat and Charoen Krung, and admire their colorful temples. A tour to the market of Sampeng Lane, which connects the two districts, will allow you to imbue yourself with its unique atmosphere. Finally, you can be tempted by the Chinese or Indian culinary specialities of one of the street cooking stands!

5. A Thai massage

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Photo credit: Shutterstock / Bhakpong

What better place than the Thai capital to offer a Thai massage? More than just a practice, massage is a true ancestral tradition in Thailand. It acts in depth to free the body and the mind from all tension. After a series of intense pressures and tonic stretches, blood circulation is stimulated, soothed muscles and unlocked energies. There’s nothing like enjoying a Thai massage after spending the day visiting Bangkok!

6. Jim Thompson's house

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Photo credit: Shutterstock / cowardlion

This teak house is today a museum dedicated to American businessman and art lovers Jim Thompson. He played a major role in the Thai silk industry, in decline in the mid-20th century. Based on Thai Silk Company Limited, Jim Thompson contributed to the development of this industry abroad.

In the 1950s, he built this beautiful house of Thai architecture, surrounded by a lush tropical garden. It now houses its collections of former Asian art objects and personal effects. The one we surname the King of Thai Silk was also a secret agent. He mysteriously disappeared in Malaysia in 1967.

7. Khaosan Road

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Photo credit: Shutterstock / TONG4130

For those who wish to discover the sulphurous Bangkok, a passage to Khaosan Road is required. It is one of the mythical streets of the Thai capital and attracts backpackers all over the world. In this neighborhood, accommodations are economical and there is a party atmosphere from night to night. We go mainly to have fun, meet, and eat delicious street food at a derisory price. We love or hate, but Khaosan Road undoubtedly has its place in the unmissable things to do in Bangkok!

8. Trade centres

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Photo credit: Shutterstock / David Bokuchava

Shopping enthusiasts will certainly find their happiness in one of the many complexes in the city. Whether you are looking for clothes, computer equipment, souvenirs, fast food or even a cinema, everything is there! There are for all tastes and scholarships. Here are some of the shopping centers to do in Bangkok:

  • The MBK center
  • Terminal 21
  • The Emporium
  • The Siam Paragon
  • Central World
  • The Pantip Plaza
  • The icon Siam
  • Platinium
  • ...

9. The market of Chatuchak

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Photo credit: Shutterstock / David Bokuchava

Are you planning to visit Bangkok for a weekend? Don't miss Chatuchak, the largest market in the country! There are nearly 15,000 merchants and food stands in its narrow and lively aisles. Here we walk, negotiate and find absolutely everything that sells in Thailand, at very affordable prices. Despite the high frequency, the Chatuchak market remains the best place to do good business in the capital.

10. The Wat Arun

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Photo credit: Shutterstock / SOUTHERNTraveler

Are you wondering what to do in Bangkok? Then cross the Chao Phraya to visit Wat Arun, located on the banks of the river (right)! This Buddhist temple draws the gaze and marks the spirits with its central prang of 82 meters high. Wat Arun was built during the Ayutthaya period, on the site of an ancient temple, then renamed the Temple of the Dawn. Its central pyramid is the ideal place to contemplate the sun rise, or lie down. Although the show is as nice to look on the other side of the shore, when Wat Arun is lit.

11. The National Museum

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Photo credit: Shutterstock / Nataliia Sokolovska

By visiting the Bangkok National Museum, you will access the largest collection of Thai art and ancient objects in the country. It is also a good introduction to the history of Thailand, from prehistory to the early twentieth century. Founded in 1874 by King Rama V, it consists of galleries, but also of a temple and pavilions. Treasures, jewels, sculptures, weapons and instruments from all over South-East Asia are exhibited. Among the masterpieces of the museum are the heads of Buddha in terracotta of the Dvaravati period, or one of the Wheels of the Law.

12. Thai boxing

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Photo credit: Shutterstock / feelphoto

Boxing is an ancestral martial practice in Thailand and is an integral part of its culture. Whether you're passionate about combat sports or just curious, attending a Thai boxing game is a must-see thing to do in Bangkok! The two main stages of the capital are the Ratchadamnoen Stadium and the Lumpini Stadium .

Attention: This activity is not recommended to sensitive souls and/or children of low age!

13. The rooftops

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Photo credit: Shutterstock / Shanti Hesse

To take height and enjoy a breathtaking view of the city, a rooftop is always a good idea! Bangkok has a multitude of skyscrapers, whose roofs have been built in a pool, bar or restaurant. Typically very classy, they allow to enjoy the sweet Thai evenings on the terrace, a cocktail in hand, above the illuminated city. If you decide to please yourself, here is a non-exhaustive list of the best rooftops Bangkok:

  • The Baiyoke II Tower
  • The Cloud 47
  • The Blue Sky Bar
  • The Sky Bar
  • Le Vertigo and Moon Bar
  • The Mahanakhon SkyWalk
  • Octave Rooftop
  • Above Eleven
  • Park Society
  • Red Sky
  • ...

14. Lumpini Park

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Photo credit: Shutterstock / newroadboy

Visiting Bangkok can be as exciting as it is. Then, strolling through one of its parks is the best way to escape the frenzy of the city, without getting too far away.

Named from the birthplace of the Buddha in Nepal, Lumpini Park is one of the green lungs of the capital. It includes a large artificial lake, beautiful lawns and shaded paths, which temporarily filter traffic bulking. You can rent pedal boats, attend concerts or watch geckos and varans that populate the park.

15. The street kitchen

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Photo credit: Shutterstock / Yulia Grigoryeva

Bangkok is considered the capital of street kitchen rightly. Certainly, gastronomic restaurants at the top of the city's most beautiful towers are multiplying. But you just have to walk around the street to enjoy yourself with delicious culinary specialties, for some baht. Thai pad, doughnuts, mango sticky rice, jumped noodles... We eat everything at all times! The hardest will be to resist, because stands of street food hide at every street corner of the Thai capital.

How to get to Bangkok?

From France

Thailand is a destination very popular with French tourists. There are more and more flights between France and Bangkok, and less and less expensive: it is not uncommon to find tickets less than 600€ per round trip. The average flight duration of Paris-Bangkok is 11.15 a.m. To gauge prices, visit our partner's website Ulysses , you will find the cheapest flights according to your departure dates.

On site

On site, you can travel by taxi or by car tuk-tuk . Otherwise, public transport is well developed in the Thai capital. There are numerous bus lines, an airline (BTS) and an underground metro (MRT). In addition, a special line connects the airport to the city centre (Airport Rail Link). The Chao Praya Express and the various shuttles will allow you to move on the river.

Where to stay in Bangkok?

Bangkok is a huge city, and its hotel offering is very wide and varied. Depending on your desires and your program, it may be more or less sensible to stay in a neighbourhood rather than another. Khaosan is ideal to stay in the heart of festive Bangkok, while Thonburi , on the right bank of the Chao Phraya River, is more authentic. The district Sukhumvit , he is animated in the evening and more peaceful in the day. Siam and Pratunam in the city centre are home to the largest shopping centres in the capital. To stay close to the station Hua Lamphong , Chinatown is a prime area, unless you prefer the surroundings of Lumpini Park and its greenery?

To make the best choice, do not hesitate to consult our article “ In which quarter house in Bangkok? ”, before booking your accommodation on a Compare hotels or Airbnb!

Alexander Parker

Alexander Parker

I'm Alexander Parker, an adventurer captivated by the world's beauty. Life's journey is my ultimate inspiration, brimming with breathtaking moments, from hiking through pristine wilderness to immersing myself in vibrant cultures. Each destination has its unique story, and I'm here to share those stories with you. Through my narratives, I aim to ignite your wanderlust, offering insights, tips, and the sheer thrill of exploration. Let's embark on this incredible odyssey together, unveiling the world's hidden treasures and crafting cherished memories that define our shared journey.

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