What to do in Bangkok Thailand

Bangkok is one of the most visited cities in the world. With such a huge city and so many sites to see, planning your visit can be overwhelming. What to do, what to see, where to start in Bangkok. Below I outline my top 6 must-sees while visiting the largest city in Thailand. Read until the end to find out my 2 bonus suggestions!

1. Marble Temple or Wat Benchamabophit

While visiting Bangkok this is a must-see. This temple is stunning and was far less crowded than some of the others on this list. We visited early in the morning and there were only a handful of others there. The front of the temple is lovely but be sure to enter inside, this is where the true beauty is and where the famous pictures I am sure you’ve seen on Instagram are taken. The grounds are also lovely so be sure to take a stroll around the complex. Be sure to cover your shoulders and knees to enter the temple and wear shoes easy to remove as you must remove them to enter.

Grand Palace Bangkok Thailand — Grand Palace

2. The Grand Palace

This is the most famous spot in Bangkok so be prepared for crowds. We visited right at opening and it was still a madhouse, maybe better before closing. But don’t let the crowds scare you away from visiting because this place is stunning! Many jaw-dropping temples some covered in gold others with detailed tile and carving work. This is truly a can’t miss attraction. Definitely a must-see when in Bangkok. Again, remember to cover your knees and shoulders to visit.

3. Wat Arun

This is right across the river from the Grand Palace so it’s best to visit them one after the other by boat. Don’t be intimidated, just head to the dock and pay, a very little sum, to take the boat across. This temple is mostly white with the color in the details. You can climb this temple or enjoy it from the ground. Near the dock is a cute little coffee shop that is all outdoors where you can grab a cold, fresh coconut to cool off.

4. Floating Market

There are many floating markets throughout Bangkok. We visited Damnoen Saduak, this is one of the more popular ones. We did a private tour with Tour East Thailand. On the tour, we were driven to a boat dock and enjoyed a nice ride through the canal system of Bangkok before entering the market. The market itself is a crazy experience full of people, tourists, and locals selling goods. Be sure to try the coconut ice cream from a vendor at you float by. Another favorite of mine is mango sticky rice, I can eat it all day every day! If you see a souvenir you like be sure to barter but prices can be high here as all the buyers are tourists. I do recommend doing a private tour of the market as it will easily be overwhelming to do on your own.

Sky Bar Bangkok Thailand — Sky Bar Bangkok

5. Sky Bar at Labua Tower

Did you even go to Bangkok if you didn’t go to Sky Bar? Sky Bar is located in the Lebua Tower and the most famous rooftop bar in the world featured on The Hangover 2. The views are INCREDIBLE! The drinks are expensive but worth it for the view. I suggest arriving when they open so you can get a good spot for the sunset and pics. Be sure to google the opening time but when I was there it was 5 pm.

6. Ayutthaya

This is a day trip, about 1 hour north of Bangkok. The ruins are the former Capitol of Phra Nakhon Si in Thailand, Founded in 1351. It is estimated that by 1700 the city had one million inhabitants, making it one of the largest cities of the time. There are many ruin sites you can see including Wat Chai Watthanaram, Wat Phra Ram, Wat Ratchaburana, and Wat Phra Si Sanphet. You can either do a tour from Bangkok or rent a car and drive up, this is what we did. We arrived at Wat Chai Watthanaram at 730am and we were the only ones there. It can be difficult to find on your own but once you do there is plenty of parking.

Tip: while in the area, visit Chedi Phukhao Thong, a gorgeous white temple, pictured below.

Other suggestions:

Try a food tour! Bangkok is known as the street food capital of the world and a food tour is the best way to try samples of the delicious food. Secret Food Tours in one of my favorite around the world. https://www.secretfoodtours.com/sft/
Take in a fight! What better place to see Muay Thai than in Thailand?! We saw a fight at Rajadamnern Stadium, you can buy tickets online. https://rajadamnern.com/tickets/