It's hard to fall in love with Bangkok at first sight. Traffic, pollution or humidity, will make your first impression not the best, so with this list of essential places to visit in BangkokWe hope to help you prepare your trip through one of the most intense cities in the world.
As you begin to wander around, visit its markets and temples, taste your food and begin to understand your way of life, we are sure that you will gradually find the charm of your orderly chaos and you will end up wishing you had more time to get to know the city better.
We always recommend starting in Thailand if it is your first experience in Southeast Asia since the change with the West is not as brutal as in other countries and Bangkok is always the ideal place to start. Its mixture of tradition and modernity will make you feel the magic of Asia with the comforts of the West.
Based on the 6 days we spent in the city on our free trip to Thailand and the five days we spent in the city, on our last trip, during which we wrote this travel guide to Thailand, we have made a selection of those we believe, are the 10 essential places to visit in Bangkok. We start!
1. The Grand Palace of Bangkok
The Grand Palace, with its famous Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is the most famous and essential place what to visit in Bangkok. This extensive complex of buildings was the official residence of the King of Thailand from the 18th century until the middle of the 20th century.
The most important place within the complex is Wat Phra Kaew, also considered the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand, where inside is the Emerald Buddha statue. This small jade figure of about 45 centimeters is the main religious icon of the Thai people and although as we say it is very important, you can only see it from afar, since it is not close to visitors.
In addition to this temple the whole enclosure has buildings and statues that show in its details all the beauty of Thai art and that make it one of the essential visits in Bangkok.
Something to keep in mind is that when approaching the Palace several places can alert you that it is closed, proposing an alternative route. This is a scam, to take you to stores that get commission, so you must continue to the entrance without paying attention and following your path.
A good option if it is your first visit to the city and you want to know its history better is to book this private tour with a guide in Spanish.
Visiting hours: every day from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Bangkok Grand Palace
2. Bangkok markets
Touring and haggling in markets and markets is one of the best things to do in Bangkok. There are markets day and night, on the water or on the tracks of a train, flowers, clothes or food. Everything you can imagine you will find among any of their positions. Bangkok's most famous markets are:
- Chatuchak Market
Chatuchak is one of the largest markets in the world, with more than 8000 stores and is, how could it be otherwise, another of the must-see places in Bangkok. Walking through its narrow stalls and aisles you can invest a whole morning as it has absolutely everything.
Keep in mind that in all markets you have to bargain to the fullest, although as always, within consistency and above all, without getting to do or pretend, that the seller loses money.
In addition, it is convenient to review what you want to buy, since there are some that offer cheap products, but of poor quality or fakes.
Our experience in this market is that if you do not have much time, it is best to arrive early, because as the day progresses you can be overwhelmed by the large number of people who come daily.
The market is a bit far from the center, but it can be reached comfortably by subway by getting off at Chatuchak station.
Visiting hours: Friday from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Damnoen Saduak floating market
Although it is almost two hours by bus from Bangkok, the floating market of Damnoen Saduak is the most famous and also tourist in the city. In addition to everything it offers, one of the most striking things is that this colorful market is traversed in a traditional boat, from which you can buy all kinds of products: species, fruits, handicrafts or souvenirs, both in the stores of the shore or directly from other boats of street vendors.
It is advisable to arrive early to not see it saturated with boats. If you do not want to go by bus you can opt for the taxi, although if you decide on this option, it is best to set the price before to avoid surprises.
A more comfortable and safe option is to book a guided tour in Spanish that includes the Mae Klong market.
Visiting hours: every day from 07:00 to 14:00.
- Mae Klong Market
The Mae Klong market is one of the most amazing in the world when mounted on a running train track. Each time the horn sounds, the market is dismantled in a few minutes and mounted again after passing the train, giving this a unique vision of the market and its operation.
It can be reached by minivan from Bangkok's Mo Chit Bus Station in an hour or two, always depending on traffic.
Market hours: every day from 7:00 to 5:30.
Time of passage of the train: arrival at 8:30, 11:10, 14:30 and 17:40, departures at 6:20, 9:00, 11:30 and 15:30.
- Patpong night market
Located in the red zone of Silom, with a great night activity, the Patpong market is one of the most famous and busiest in Bangkok. Most of their products are fakes so you have to haggle a lot and pay little.
In addition to the attractiveness of the market, another of the reasons to be so touristy is the surrounding environment, which is famous for strip shows and clubs, so it should be taken into account if you travel with children.
Visiting hours: every day from 6 in the afternoon until midnight.
These that we have told you are the best known in the city, but there are many other less touristy markets that are very worthwhile such as the Sampeng Market in Chinatown, the flower market on Chak Phet Road, the food market from Or Tor Kor, the amulets market near the Royal Palace, the Amphawa floating market or the Pratunam clothing market.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
3. Khao San Road
The small street of Khao San, located in the center of Bangkok and very popular among backpackers, is another of the places to visit in Bangkok. Many travelers land in Bangkok to travel for a while in Southeast Asia and this street with cheap hotels and hostels, is usually their first place of accommodation and their starting point.
It is worth going at sunset or at night, when there is more atmosphere, the terraces and bars begin to fill up and a multitude of street food and drink stalls are set up. Its great popularity has made many shops, massage shops, hotels, restaurants reach the nearby Rambutri street, thus expanding the initial area that was only maintained on Khao San Road.
Khao San Road, one of the places to visit in Bangkok
Recommended travel cardsRemember that in order not to pay commissions and always have the current change we recommend you use the N26 card to pay and the Bnext and Revolut cards to get money at the ATMs. They are the ones we use, They are free and will save you a lot.
You can find more information in this article about the best cards to travel without commissions.
4. Chao phraya
The Chao Phraya River, the most important in Thailand, in addition to splitting the city of Bangkok in two, formed a series of secondary canals, known as klongs.
A wooden boat ride through the canals is one of the best experiences you can have in the city, where during the trip you can see the way of life and the floating houses on the shore. We took a private boat, the cost is between 15 and 20 euros, in which in addition to sailing for a while on the Chao Phraya River we enjoy the vision of the narrowest and less traveled channels.
To navigate the great Chao Phraya River you have several options in addition to the small motorized boats, such as the public boat, which stops at the different docks or the ferry that crosses the river.
Another romantic way to explore the river is to book a dinner cruise, with which you can see the city and the illuminated temples from another perspective.
Klong in Chao Phraya
5. Wat Pho, one of the best places to visit in Bangkok
What Pho, with its great large Reclining Buddha 46 meters long and 15 meters high, is our favorite temple and one of the best places to visit in Bangkok. The statue covered with gold leaf, do not miss the decoration of the soles of the feet, occupies almost the entire temple grounds and is one of the visions that we are sure, you will not forget the city.
If you have some time, it is convenient to know that in the back of the statue you can do the alms ceremony, one of the Buddhist traditions.
In the complex there are also several buildings and statues of Buddha of great beauty and you can also get a massage at an affordable price in the center of traditional Thai medicine, so it is convenient to go ahead with time if you have in mind to do several of these activities in the site.
A good option to learn about the history of this temple and the Grand Palace is to book this visit with a guide in Spanish.
Visiting hours: every day from 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Wat pho
Our recommended hotel in Bangkok
The Navalai River Resort, located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River with good views, near the Royal Palace and with a ferry stop in front, was the place we stayed during the 6 days we were in Bangkok. With a very good quality / price ratio, good breakfast, free Wi-Fi and swimming pool, it is a very good choice.
6. Bangkok viewpoints
Bangkok is a city of contrasts, in which it is very common to see how traditional houses can have skyscrapers as neighbors. These tall buildings have become great viewpoints in the city, which have taken advantage of, locating bars and restaurants on their terraces, from which to enjoy unique views.
Going up at sunset in a skyscraper to watch the sunset and have dinner or have a drink while the city lights up, it has become one of the essentials.
The most famous viewpoints in Bangkok are:
- Mahanakhon
This new lookout point opened in 2016 has become one of the most essential attractions in the city. Located on the 78th floor at 314 meters high, the MahaNakhon Observatory impresses with its glass floor and 360-degree panoramic views of the city. In addition, the viewpoint has an architecture in the form of glass boxes producing a pixelated effect that leaves no one indifferent.
We recommend you book this ticket in advance so as not to run out of seats and release adrenaline while walking on a glass floor over 300 meters.
- Baiyoke Tower
During our visit to Bangkok, we took a day to have a drink and dine at the buffet of the Baiyoke Tower, one of the best-known Bangkok viewpoints. This skyscraper also has the tallest hotel in Southeast Asia, the Sky Hotel, from where you climb to its 84th floor, you will have 360-degree panoramic views of the entire city.
Keep in mind that the viewpoint opens from 10:00 to 02:00 in the morning, so it can be a perfect end of the day in your stay in the city.
You can book dinner here or just the entrance, so you don't miss one of the best views of Bangkok.
- Sirocco
Famous for going out in the movie Hangover in Thailand, the Sirocco restaurant stands out for its spectacular outdoor terrace located above the Lebua at State Tower Hotel. The restaurant has prohibitive prices if you are going to have dinner, so if you do not want to leave your wallet, it is best to go for a drink in its famous bar, although you must keep in mind that you have to go well dressed, since they have tag code. The bar is open from 10 PM until 1 AM.
- Vertigo
The Vertigo bar and restaurant, on the 61st floor of the Banyan Tree Hotel, is another of the places to visit in Bangkok, especially if you like good views.
Located very close to Lumphini Park you will enjoy, from its outdoor terrace, incredible views of Bangkok, second only to the Sirocco.
The price of the restaurant is excessive, so if you do not want to spend a lot, as in the previous option, we recommend having a drink in its small bar, known as the Moon Bar.
The terrace opens from 5:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Bangkok at night
7. Wat Arun
The Wat Arun or Temple of Dawn, located on the shore of the Chao Phraya River, is one of the most essential places to visit in Bangkok. This Buddhist temple stands out for its prangs (towers) decorated with seashells and porcelain pieces, as well as the magnificent views of the river and the city from the top of its large central tower.
From the opposite shore, where the Grand Palace is located, or from some ship you will have a beautiful image of the temple with the Chao Phraya river while it is evening.
Visiting hours: every day from 08:00 to 17:30.
Wat arun
8. Chinatown
Chinatown is one of the most chaotic and authentic neighborhoods that still remain in Bangkok. This old neighborhood, with its two main streets Charoen Krung and Yaowarat Road, changes radically day and night, so it is interesting to go at different times of the day.
Before nightfall you can tour the bustling clothing market of Sampeng and visit the beautiful Wat Traimit or Temple of the Golden Buddha and at night focus the visit to the street food stalls that take over the neighborhood, the lights of the restaurants and the of the lighthouses of the tuktuks lighting the street.
Although it can be a bit stressful for the amount of people, it is worth missing a few hours in Chinatown and get to know this another world from Bangkok.
A good option to save time and see the city from another perspective is to book the Bangkok tourist bus.
Chinatown
9. Shopping Centers
Bangkok is one of the most popular cities in the world for shopping in which, in addition to the markets, you will have several shopping centers with all kinds of stores, where you will surely find what you are looking for.
Most shopping centers open at 10 in the morning and close at 10 at night, something to keep in mind if you want to visit any of them.
The most famous shopping centers in Bangkok are:
- MBK
It is the best known shopping center in Thailand, opened in 1985 and where with its 8 floors, which have more than 2000 stores and 150 restaurants, if you like shopping, you will be immensely happy.
The electronics and clothing stores stand out and in most of them you can haggle, something that depending on how it is developed, you can use to know if the items are originals or imitations.
- Siam Paragon
Located near the MBK, the Siam Paragon is the shopping center with the most expensive luxury stores and branded items in Bangkok. In addition to clothing stores you will find car dealerships such as Maserati and Lamborghini, the Siam Ocean World, the largest aquarium in Asia, or the Siam opera house.
Although you are not going to buy anything, the prices are fixed and do not haggle, it is worth approaching to see its spectacular showcases.
- Central World
Central World is the largest shopping center in Southeast Asia and the third largest in the world. Its 8 floors, including a hotel, are full of electronics stores, clothing and restaurants and prices are on average between the MBK and the Siam Paragon. You have to keep in mind that you don't haggle here, so if you like something, you'll have to take out your wallet.
- Pantip Plaza
The Pantip Plaza is a paradise for computer and electronics lovers. You can find all kinds of software, movies and music and according to the prices you can deduce if they are original or pirates.
In addition to hardware and all possible gadgets for the computer, they have photography and mobile products of all brands.
MBK
10. Jim Thompson's House
The Jim Thompson House, made of teak wood is one of the best examples of the traditional Thai style of architecture and one of the essential places to visit in Bangkok.
Jim Thompson was an American businessman much appreciated in the country for making Thai silk famous worldwide.
The mansion consists of 6 teak houses from Ayutthaya and built without using nails, which also highlights its beautiful garden, which shows that Jim was a great lover of the jungle and created his own paradise in the middle of Bangkok .
Visiting hours: every day from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Jim Thompson's House
If you have a free day in Bangkok and you are not going to make a route by public transport to the north, we recommend taking a trip to the ruins of the ancient city of Ayutthaya, one of the most impressive places to see in Thailand.
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You can buy your Holafly prepaid SIM card here with a 5% discount for being our reader.
If you feel like helping us complete the list of the 10 places to visit in Bangkok, add yours in the comments.
