50 Things To Do In Bangkok, Thailand - A Complete Tourist Guide

Bangkok the capital of Thailand, is a vibrant city - where chaos meets charm! If you haven't been to Bangkok yet, please do so! It is a megacity with skyscrapers, posh cafes, mega malls yet a humble city with multitude of options for everyone to have fun. Here is a list of top 50 things you can do in Bangkok.

1. Chinatown:

   Crowded bustling streets, a hub for Thai-Chinese culture. Numerous street food stalls, souvenir shops, gold shops and others.

2. Asiatique The Riverfront:

   Outdoor market, posh riverfront restaurants and stalls, an iconic giant wheel on the banks of Chao Phraya river - but everything is expensive. Felt like a tourist trap!

3. Cabaret:

   Do not miss this! Cabaret in Bangkok is different than anywhere in the World. We highly recommend to spend one of your evenings at Calypso cabaret at Asiatique. The performances were comparable to any international event.

   
   

   

4. The Grand Palace:

   Very famous, a must visit if you are interested to know about Thailand's history, culture and royalty.

5. Iconsiam Mall:

   A shopping feast with several luxury brands and top Thai brands. Situated at the bank of Chao Phraya river, it has a traditional Thai market (air-conditioned). Watch out for unique shops, but avoid expensive shopping!

   
   

   

6. Chao Phraya River Cruise:

   Another must do activity! Touristy but sure to entertain you in one of your evenings. Buffet food isn't the best, but exploring the city through the cruise is charming. They entertain the tourists through the traditional Thai dance.

7. Wat Arun Temple:

   One of the famous landmarks of Bangkok, located at the bank of Chao Phraya. Famous for its striking architecture, porcelain decorations and the design. Overcrowded with people doing photoshoots in every corner.

   
   

   

8. Roof Top Bars:

   Another idea to have a date night at one of the roof top bars at many of the posh roof top bars in Bangkok. As expected, these are expensive but gives you expansive views of the megacity. Recommendations - Sky Bar Lebua, Vertigo and Moon Bar, Octave Roof Top Bar, Zoom Skybar.

9. Floating Market:

   There are a bunch of floating markets in and around Bangkok. Definitely worth visiting, to witness how they function. Damnoen Saduak floating market is good. Take the traditional boat rather than motor boat for the tour.

10. Maeklong Railway Market:

    Another famous market, where stalls are retracted from the tracks when the train arrives. Time your visit as there are only 5 trains in a day. Needs proper planning as it is quite far from Bangkok city.

    
    

    

11. Platinum Mall:

    Shopper's paradise! More than a thousand shops, under a single air-conditioned mall. Very cheap fashionable clothes, better than any other market in Bangkok or even Thailand.

12. Chatuchak Weekend Market:

    World's biggest open market with more than 15000 shops. Open only on weekends. Some shops are open on Friday evening as well, but mostly food stalls. Dedicate a complete day for Chatuchak (also called JJ Market).

13. Bed Cinema:

    A unique concept, where you can watch a movie on a cozy bed with unlimited supply of popcorn and snacks. Expensive but a one-time experience. Check out our experience.

14. Wat Sam Phran (Dragon Temple):

    Located outside Bangkok, but a peaceful temple. Very less crowd and a unique looking temple.

15. Chocolate Ville:

    A very fun place with full of Insta-worthy photo spots. Great place to spend an entire evening where you can witness numerous shows and parades. Great place for kids as well as adults.

16. Terminal 21 Rama 3 Mall:

    A mall famous for its toilets! Yes! All the toilets are based on different themes starting from Italy, Paris, Venice, Caribbean, Japan etc. In fact complete mall is based on numerous themes.

17. The Erawan Museum:

    A majestic large 3-headed elephant, which you can enter and pray. A very small museum, and 500THB entry is bit too much.

18. Unique Cafes:

    Bangkok is full of unique cafes. Some within the city and some around the city. Recommendations - After the Rain Cafe, Manpai Sainam, Bubble in the Forest Cafe, 747 Cafe, L7 Cafe, Condoms and Cabbages. Here is a quick shorts on the best cafes in Thailand.

    
    

    

19. Space and Time Cube:

    A place where art, science and technology comes together. An immersive experience with multiple themed rooms. Highly recommended!

20. Night Markets:

    Night markets are full of food and fun. There are numerous night markets across Bangkok, visit any of them and feel like a local. Great for cheap shopping and food. Recommendations - Pratunam Night Market, Train Night Market Srinagarindra, Jodd Fairs Ratchada, The One Ratchada, Liab Duan Night Market.

21. Miniature Cooking:

    An experience only for those who love miniatures, and have lots of patience. You get to cook miniature Thai dishes, and eat them. An expensive experience, suggested only for patient folks. Check out our experience here.

    
    

    

22. Tiger World:

    Get close up with real tigers, and take memorable pictures. Tiger World Bangkok (or Thailand), is one of the many tiger parks in Thailand. Located near Damnoen Saduak floating market. It is expensive, but completely worth for to boost your social media accounts.

23. Mahanakhom Skywalk:

    Enjoy the panoramic views from the 2nd tallest building in Bangkok. Visit the "I-Tilt" attraction, which is the world's first outdoor tilting thrill experience.

24. Muay Thai Boxing:

    Watch Muay Thai Boxing, a local favorite! Muay Thai is as famous as football in Brazil! It is thrilling and attracts several fighters from across the world. Watch the best of the fighters at Rajadamnern Muay Thai Stadium.

    
    

    

25. Lumphini Park:

    A relaxing free open space, a rare oasis in the concrete jungle. Enjoy a peaceful picnic and rent a boat.

26. Madame Tussauds:

    Impressive set of wax statues sure to mesmerize you! Located in Siam Discovery, it is a great spot to spend a couple of hours, out of the mall chaos.

27. Underwater Sea Life Bangkok:

    Similar to many aquariums in the world. Situated in Siam Paragon, is a great place for kids. If you have never seen penguins, then witness them here. Though we discourage visiting it, as it promotes capturing the creatures as exhibits.

28. Jurassic World:

    Another fun place, kids would love. Even adults would enjoy it, as it would transport you in the world of Jurassic Park. It is conveniently located at the Asiatique.

29. LV Museum:

    Visit this small luxury museum to witness the story of LV. Best thing is, it is absolutely free to visit, and at the end of the halls, you get a free random gift (which are pretty useless)..

30. Ancient City:

    Ancient city is an open museum, with hundreds of replicas of famous structures from across Thailand. Located a bit off Bangkok, is a massive place. Recommended only if you don't have anything to do in Bangkok.

31. Ayutthaya:

    Ayutthaya was the capital of the Kingdom of Siam. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, spread with ancient ruins. A must visit for those interested in understanding Thailand's history. Opt for train from Bangkok, as it is bit too far.

32. Pratunam Market:

    Another famous street shopping destination. It as chaotic, full of shops and people. Known for wholesale shops and clothes sold for throw away prices.

33. Jim Thompson House Museum:

    Recommended only for art lovers. A museum dedicated to the American businessman James Harrison Wilson Thompson and his art collections. His house was converted into a museum after his sudden disappearance in Malaysia in 1967.

34. Thai Massage:

    Thai massage is famous across the world for all the wrong reasons. But it isn't the real picture. Yes, Thailand has thousands of massage centers, but most of them are the REAL massage shops. It is sure to relax you, after a tiring day.

35. Tuk Tuk Ride:

    Tuk Tuk is Bangkok's pride! They are very common on roads, but often expensive. Tuk Tuk riders are often considered as scammers, but you are sure to enjoy the ride, when you zoom past through the traffic in a flashy disco lit Tuk Tuk.

36. Street food:

    One of the most famous places in the world, known for its street food. it is full of surprises! do try the street food at Chinatown, Ratchawat Market or any of the hundreds of street markets spread across Bangkok. Please note, there are also several food joints selling halal food only.

37. Boat tour in Canal:

    Do you know Bangkok was called as the Venice of the West, because of the network of canals that run within the city! A not so famous, but enjoyable experience! Take canal boats and admire the beauty of the city.

38. Visit Hidden Bars:

    If you love treasure hunts and alcohol, then this is for you! In Bangkok there are several bars which are hidden. They are not visible in plain-sight, but hidden behind vending machines, ATM machines, lockers or don't know where! Recommendations - Find the Locker Room, Find the Photobooth, Havana Social, Teens of Thailand, Buph Phe Bar.

39. Drag Queen Bar:

    Ruled by drag queens, there are several bars, sure to full your evening with fun. They are absolute entertainers, who do not ask for much but respect. Recommendation - The Stranger Bar.

    
    

    

40. Nightlife at Khao San Road:

    Not a family friendly place. Full of wild bars, cafes and restaurants. Very crowded at night, recommended only if your want to explore the wild side of Thailand.

41. Safari World:

    A place that children would enjoy. A mix of zoo and a park, offers safari rides and many more activities involving animals and humans.

42. Siam Premium Outlets:

    Located a bit off the city center. It is popular among tourists and locals, who want to buy branded clothes, shoes or accessories at cheaper prices. Recommended only if you want luxury goods and branded stuff.

43. Siam Amazing Park:

    A full day amusement park with great rides. Downside is, it is a bit far away from the city center. The most convenient but expensive mode of transport is the cab.

44. National Museum:

    We have stopped visiting museums. But if you want, do visit the National Museum. It is the biggest of museums in Thailand filled with artefacts. Recommended if you want to learn about Thailand's history and culture.

45. Shopping Malls:

    Bangkok's shopping malls are massive and awesome! Do visit the CentralOne, MBK Centre, Siam Paragon, Fashion Island and others. We have already mentioned Iconsiam, Terminal 21 and Platinum Fashion Mall in our list, which are unmissable.

46. Chao Phraya Fireworks:

    Held only during special occasions, a truly mesmerizing experience! There is no fixed calendar, we were lucky to witness it once, which was an unforgettable experience.

47. Experience the BTS:

    Bangkok's Mass Transit System is the most convenient and fastest mode of transport to navigate within the city. Do take a ride in it, to experience how the locals commute. It is cheaper than cabs and the best way to beat the crazy Bangkok traffic.

48. Try Mango Sticky Rice:

    Mango Sticky Rice has a special mention in this list, and that's for a reason! A simple yet delicious dish - which is considered as a dessert in Thailand. No matter what Thai food you eat or not, do not miss this!

49. 7-Eleven:

    Another special mention is 7-Eleven. There are thousands of 7-Eleven convenience stores across Thailand, located almost in every street. These are called as convenience stores, for a reason! It is a local favorite, sure to come to your rescue for your daily needs.

50. Talat Noi Art Street:

    Street art is love! Talat Noi Street is filled with wall paintings and open art installations. Surely, a great place to take those Insta-worthy pictures.