CITY GUIDE
Bangkok travel guide: 10 iconic attractions
Golden temples, river life, giant markets and the best street food on earth. Here’s how to see Bangkok’s highlights without the stress.
Bangkok is where most trips to Thailand begin, and it rewards every minute you give it. In one day you can wander the gilded halls of the Grand Palace, ride a ferry past the Temple of Dawn, and finish with a bowl of noodles in Chinatown at midnight.
This guide covers the 10 sights we think every first-time visitor should know about, with entry prices, opening hours, how to get there and our honest tips. Below that you’ll find where to stay, how to get around and a simple 3-day plan.
On this page: Quick facts · Top 10 attractions · Nightlife · Shopping · Where to stay · Getting around · 3-day itinerary · FAQ
Quick facts
| Quick facts | |
|---|---|
| Best time to visit | November to February (cooler and dry) |
| How many days | 3 to 4 days for the highlights |
| Airports | Suvarnabhumi (BKK) for most international flights, Don Mueang (DMK) for budget airlines |
| Getting around | BTS Skytrain, MRT, river ferries, Grab taxis |
| Budget per day | About 1,500–3,000 THB for mid-range travel, excluding hotel |
| Dress code | Shoulders and knees covered at all temples |
Top 10 things to do in Bangkok
Ordered roughly by how many visitors rate them a must-see. The three big temples sit close together, so you can visit them in one morning.
1. The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
Built in 1782, the Grand Palace was home to Thai kings for 150 years and is still the country’s most important landmark. Inside the grounds is Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most sacred temple.
Expect glittering golden chedis, mythical guardian statues and long murals of the Ramakien, the Thai version of the Ramayana.
- Opening hours: Daily 8:30am–3:30pm (last tickets 3:30pm)
- Entry: About 500 THB for foreigners
- Getting there: Chao Phraya Express boat to Tha Chang pier, or Grab to the main gate on Na Phra Lan Road
Our tip: Arrive at opening time to beat the heat and the tour groups. Ignore anyone outside who says the palace is closed today; it’s a well-known scam.
2. Wat Pho, Temple of the Reclining Buddha
A 10-minute walk south of the palace, Wat Pho is home to a 46-metre gold-leaf Reclining Buddha with mother-of-pearl feet. It’s also the birthplace of traditional Thai massage, and its massage school still offers treatments on site.
- Opening hours: Daily 8:00am–6:30pm
- Entry: About 300 THB, including a bottle of water
- Getting there: Tha Tien pier, or walk from the Grand Palace
Our tip: Book a 30- or 60-minute massage at the temple’s school after your visit. It’s one of the best-value massages in the city.
3. Wat Arun, Temple of Dawn
On the west bank of the river, Wat Arun’s central spire is covered in pieces of colourful Chinese porcelain. Climb the steep steps for river views, then cross back at sunset to see it glow from the other side.
- Opening hours: Daily 8:00am–6:00pm
- Entry: About 200 THB
- Getting there: Cross-river ferry from Tha Tien pier (a few baht)
Our tip: The best photos of Wat Arun are taken from the rooftop bars and riverside cafés near Tha Tien at sunset.
4. Chatuchak Weekend Market
With more than 15,000 stalls, Chatuchak (JJ Market) is one of the largest markets in the world. You’ll find clothes, homeware, art, vintage finds, plants and plenty of food.
- Opening hours: Saturday and Sunday 9:00am–6:00pm
- Entry: Free
- Getting there: BTS Mo Chit or MRT Chatuchak Park
Our tip: Go early, wear comfy shoes, carry cash and pin the exit you came in by on your map. It’s easy to get lost.
5. Asiatique The Riverfront
An open-air night market in old riverside warehouses, with 1,500 shops, restaurants, a big Ferris wheel and shows. It’s more polished than other markets and a relaxed evening out.
- Opening hours: Daily from about 4:00pm to midnight
- Entry: Free (Ferris wheel extra)
- Getting there: Free shuttle boat from Sathorn pier (BTS Saphan Taksin)
6. Khao San Road
Bangkok’s famous backpacker street is loud, cheap and fun after dark, with bars, street food, massage shops and live music. Nearby Rambuttri Road is a quieter, leafier alternative.
- Best time: After 8:00pm
- Getting there: Grab or taxi; it’s about 15 minutes’ walk from the Grand Palace
Our tip: Agree prices before you order cocktail buckets or tuk-tuk rides.
7. Yaowarat (Chinatown)
At night, Yaowarat Road turns into one of the world’s great street-food streets. Try grilled seafood, crispy pork, dim sum, bird’s nest soup and mango desserts under the neon signs.
- Best time: 6:00pm–midnight (many stalls close on Mondays)
- Getting there: MRT Wat Mangkon
Our tip: Bring an empty stomach and share lots of small dishes so you can try more.
8. Chao Phraya river cruise
Seeing Bangkok from the water is a highlight. The cheapest way is the orange-flag Chao Phraya Express boat, which stops near the big temples. For a special night, book a dinner cruise and watch the temples light up.
- Express boat: About 16 THB per trip; tourist boat about 30 THB
- Dinner cruise: Usually 1,000–2,500 THB per person
9. Dream World
A family theme park north of the city, with roller coasters, a snow room, water rides and a fairy-tale castle. It’s a fun day out with kids.
- Opening hours: Usually 10:00am–5:00pm
- Getting there: Around 1 hour by car or Grab from central Bangkok
Our tip: Online tickets are often cheaper than buying at the gate.
10. Safari World
A drive-through safari park plus a marine park with animal shows. Families love it, though some visitors prefer to skip the shows for animal-welfare reasons.
- Opening hours: Daily 9:00am–5:00pm
- Getting there: About 45–60 minutes by car from central Bangkok
Prices and opening hours were checked in 2025–26 and change often. Please confirm with the official site before you go. Some links on this site may be affiliate links; see our Affiliate Disclosure.
Nightlife in Bangkok
Bangkok is one of Asia’s best cities for a night out, from glamorous rooftop bars to sweaty dance clubs and live jazz. Most places get busy after 10:00pm.
Sky Bar at Lebua
Silom, State Tower (63rd floor)
The famous open-air rooftop bar from The Hangover Part II, with jaw-dropping views of the river and city lights.
Good to know: Smart dress code (no shorts or flip-flops). Cocktails are expensive, so come for one drink at sunset.
Octave Rooftop Bar
Thong Lo, Marriott Sukhumvit 57 (45th–49th floors)
A 360-degree rooftop over the Sukhumvit skyline, with DJs and a more relaxed feel than Sky Bar.
Good to know: Easy walk from BTS Thong Lo.
Tichuca Rooftop Bar
Ekkamai, T-One Building
A jungle-themed rooftop with a giant glowing jellyfish-like tree. Very popular for photos.
Good to know: Book ahead or arrive early at weekends.
RCA (Royal City Avenue)
Rama 9 area
A strip of big clubs such as Route 66 and Onyx, popular with young Thais and visitors. Expect hip-hop, EDM and Thai pop.
Good to know: Bring your passport; ID checks are strict.
Saxophone Pub
Victory Monument
A Bangkok institution for live jazz, blues and reggae every night since 1987. Friendly and unpretentious.
Good to know: Music starts around 7:30pm.
Sukhumvit Soi 11
Nana, Sukhumvit
A lively street of bars, restaurants and clubs that suits most tastes, close to BTS Nana.
Shopping in Bangkok
Bangkok’s shopping runs from luxury malls to markets where a T-shirt costs 100 THB. Malls open around 10:00am to 10:00pm.
Siam Paragon
Siam, BTS Siam
Luxury brands, a huge food hall and the Sea Life aquarium, all under one roof.
CentralWorld
Ratchaprasong, BTS Chit Lom
One of the biggest malls in Southeast Asia, with mid-range fashion, electronics and lots of restaurants.
Terminal 21
Asok, BTS Asok / MRT Sukhumvit
Each floor is themed on a world city, from Tokyo to San Francisco. The Pier 21 food court is one of the cheapest in town.
Good to know: Try the food court on the 5th floor.
Platinum Fashion Mall
Pratunam
Thousands of small clothing shops at wholesale prices. Buy three or more to get a discount.
Jodd Fairs
Rama 9, MRT Phra Ram 9
A popular night market with street food, bars and fashion stalls, open every evening.
Good to know: Try the famous giant pork bone soup, ‘leng saeb’.
ICONSIAM and SookSiam
Riverside, Khlong San
A riverside mega-mall with an indoor floating market selling food and crafts from all over Thailand.
Good to know: Take the free shuttle boat from Sathorn pier.
Where to stay in Bangkok
Bangkok is huge, so where you stay changes your trip. These are the best areas for first-timers:
| Area | Best for | Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Sukhumvit (Asok, Nana, Thong Lo) | Nightlife, restaurants, easy BTS access | Mid-range to luxury |
| Riverside (Charoen Krung, Sathorn) | Views, luxury hotels, easy river boats to the temples | Upper mid-range to luxury |
| Old Town (Rattanakosin, Banglamphu) | Walking distance to the temples and Khao San | Budget to mid-range |
| Siam | Shopping malls, central BTS hub | Mid-range |
Getting around
- BTS Skytrain and MRT: fast, air-conditioned and cheap. Most rides cost 17–60 THB. Tap in with a contactless bank card on many lines.
- River boats: the best way to reach the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun.
- Grab and Bolt: apps for taxis and motorbike taxis with fixed prices. Easier than haggling.
- Tuk-tuks: fun for short trips, but agree the price first and never accept a cheap ‘tour’ that stops at shops.
A simple 3-day Bangkok itinerary
| Day | Daytime | Evening |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, lunch near Tha Tien, Wat Pho and a massage, sunset at Wat Arun | Dinner in Chinatown |
| Day 2 | Chatuchak (weekend) or a floating market tour, afternoon at a mall in Siam | Rooftop bar or Asiatique |
| Day 3 | Day trip to Ayutthaya, or a long-tail boat tour through the Thonburi canals | Khao San Road or a dinner cruise |
Have more time? Add a day trip to Ayutthaya or head to the beach in Pattaya, 2 hours away.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need in Bangkok?
Three to four days is enough to see the major temples, a market or two and some nightlife, with time for a day trip.
What should I wear to the Grand Palace?
Long trousers or a long skirt and a top that covers your shoulders. No ripped jeans, see-through clothes or sleeveless tops. You can buy or borrow cover-ups nearby.
Is Bangkok safe for tourists?
Yes, Bangkok is generally safe. The most common problems are scams: fake ‘temple closed’ warnings, gem shop tours and taxis that won’t use the meter. Use Grab and walk away from anyone overly helpful.
What’s the best way to get from the airport to the city?
From Suvarnabhumi, the Airport Rail Link to Phaya Thai takes about 30 minutes and is cheap. A Grab or metered taxi costs around 300–500 THB plus tolls, depending on traffic.
