The 17 top activities to enjoy in Bangkok, from street food adventures to serene monasteries

Bangkok embodies the essence of an Asian megacity. This sprawling urban landscape, home to 22% of Thailand's population, is dotted with shining golden wat (Buddhist temples), impressive skyscrapers, bustling markets, wide highways, and quaint village-style homes that illustrate Bangkok's remarkable evolution over the past five decades. There's undoubtedly a wealth of sights and experiences awaiting you!

For visitors, Bangkok is a sensory delight. The rich spices and intricate flavors of street food elevate the sense of taste to new heights. The eyes feast on the radiant spires and vibrant mosaics of the city's temples and monasteries, while the sounds of traffic, music, and Buddhist chanting fill the air. Even the sense of smell is engaged by the mix of traffic fumes, incense, jasmine flowers, and urban scents.

With so much to explore, careful planning is essential to make the most of your visit. Whether you're drawn by culture, history, food, or nightlife, here’s our curated list of the must-do activities in Bangkok.

Indulge in Bangkok's renowned street food

Bangkok boasts possibly the most vibrant street food scene in the world, offering an astonishing array of snacks and budget-friendly meals available at nearly every street corner. From Thai-style fried noodles and dumplings of every flavor to fiery curries with jasmine rice, sizzling meat skewers, fresh tropical fruits, and a wide selection of deep-fried treats, the options are limitless.

Every day, locals and tourists flock to the numerous stalls and carts that line Bangkok’s streets, as the aroma of sizzling woks fills the air with hints of lemongrass, chili, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal. Although some boroughs have recently enforced restrictions on informal food markets leading to the closure of many stalls, the vibrant street food culture persists, with night markets springing to life across the city starting around 5 PM. Mondays tend to be quieter, as many stalls close for the day.

Explore countless stalls at Chatuchak Weekend Market

Regarded as Asia’s largest open-air market, the expansive Chatuchak Weekend Market, also known as JJ Market, offers an unparalleled shopping adventure for those ready to spend some baht. The market features rows of pavilions, each filled with hundreds of shops organized into neat sections under shaded canopies, with each area dedicated to particular types of goods.

From clothing and footwear to kitchen supplies, glassware, handicrafts, antiques, health products, home decor, food items, gardening tools, and even live pets – you can find just about anything here. Make sure to set aside a significant portion of your day to truly enjoy this immensely popular market. ATMs and currency exchange services are available to support your spontaneous shopping.

As the name implies, Chatuchak is open exclusively on Saturdays and Sundays. On weekdays, the market is relatively quiet, though the nearby JJ Mall remains open throughout the week. You can reach the market easily via the BTS Skytrain to Mo Chit station, followed by a 500-meter walk (approximately a third of a mile).

Admire the elegant splendor of Wat Pho

Nestled among a stunning array of mosaic-clad stupas and prayer halls, the 16th-century shrine of Wat Pho houses a breathtaking 46m (151ft) statue of the Reclining Buddha, adorned with gold leaf and mother-of-pearl accents. This remarkable sculpture stands as one of Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks. Additionally, the monastery serves as the heart of Thai massage, offering treatments daily, complemented by its own massage school.

It’s no surprise that Wat Pho attracts hundreds of visitors each day, drawn to its awe-inspiring main Buddha statue or the tranquil shrines scattered throughout its expansive grounds. Take the time to enjoy some peaceful reflection in the quiet corridors and prayer halls before diving back into the lively chaos of the city.

Given the spiritual importance of Wat Pho, visitors are expected to dress modestly to enter the temple grounds. An entry fee of 200B applies for adults, which includes a complimentary bottle of water—especially refreshing on a hot day.

Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Chinatown

A photographer's delight, a foodie’s haven, a shopper’s dream, and a cultural treasure trove – that's Bangkok's Chinatown. Nestled in one of the city’s oldest districts, it’s a dazzling explosion of smoke-belching food stalls, gold-adorned jewelry shops, enchanting temples, bustling food markets, and charming family residences.

Strolling along the main street, Th Yaowarat, offers a sensory feast. The air is filled with the scents of burning incense, jasmine tea, and fried garlic oil, while the eyes are treated to a vibrant display of neon lights and decorative lanterns swaying overhead. No matter the hour, Chinatown is alive with a mix of locals and tourists.

During the Chinese New Year festivities in late January or early February, a carnival atmosphere fills the district, featuring vibrant dragon and lion dances alongside delicious food festivals. While Chinatown is an excellent spot for budget dining, keep in mind that most street food vendors operate only in the evenings and are closed on Mondays. At other times, you'll need to seek out a sit-down restaurant.

Experience the royal splendor of Wat Phra Kaew & the Grand Palace

Imposing and magnificent, the royal complex comprising Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace was established by past Thai monarchs as the heart of a capital city that would eventually expand far beyond its initial confines on Ko Ratanakosin, evolving into modern-day Bangkok.

Consecrated in 1782, this vast complex – which once served as the official residence of the Thai royal family – boasts numerous grand palaces, reception halls, temples, and courtyards, making it the city's most significant tourist attraction. The primary reason to visit, however, is the adjacent Wat Phra Kaew temple, home to Thailand’s most revered religious relic, the Emerald Buddha, crafted from jade and dating back to the 12th or 13th century.

The corridor walls surrounding Wat Phra Kaew’s courtyard are adorned with the famous Ramakian Murals, originally painted in the 18th century. These stunning scenes from the Ramakian (the Thai adaptation of the Indian epic Ramayana) have recently undergone restoration and showcase some of the finest religious artwork in the country.

Enjoy a sunset dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River

From subtly romantic to humorously kitschy, a dinner cruise on the winding waters of the Chao Phraya River can create some of the most unforgettable memories from your Bangkok visit.

Depending on your choice of boat – ranging from elegant teakwood vessels with fine dining to large catamarans featuring vibrant lights and lively entertainment – you'll experience either an intimate candlelit dinner prepared by a private chef or a lively floating party with upbeat music and a buffet for hundreds. Regardless of the style, it's an evening well spent, especially with the refreshing river breeze alleviating the heat of a Bangkok day.

These cruises are immensely popular among tourists, and boats, particularly the premium options, often sell out weeks ahead. It’s advisable to book a table before arriving in Bangkok to ensure you don’t miss out. Most dinner cruises depart from the eye-catching, antique-filled River City Mall, with pick-ups starting around 7pm.

Schedule a rejuvenating Thai massage

Combining ancient healing methods with natural ingredients designed to rejuvenate both mind and body, Thai massage is an essential experience in Bangkok. Known as the massage capital of the world, a vigorous session, especially after a long day of exploring, can feel utterly blissful.

From budget-friendly foot massages at roadside parlors to luxurious wellness packages at upscale spas, Thai massage offers a variety of therapeutic options. Some treatments feature aromatherapy oils or herbal compresses, while others focus on a blend of pressure techniques and stretching to ease tension and boost circulation.

Several reputable spa chains in Bangkok – including Health Land, Divana Massage & Spa, and Asia Herb Foundation – provide top-notch massages at competitive prices. However, they tend to fill up quickly, particularly on weekends, so it's advisable to book ahead.

Savor a wide array of Thai flavors at a night market

Bangkok’s famous night markets offer a perfect blend of guilt-free shopping, lively social gatherings, refreshing drinks served in buckets, and indulgent Thai cuisine from outdoor stalls.

The iconic Talat Rot Fai Srinakharin night market in Northern Bangkok guarantees one of the most rewarding nighttime adventures, while the trendy Artbox on Th Sukhumvit attracts a young, hip crowd with its artistic creations, smooth jazz, and a relaxed vibe.

In contrast, the notorious Patpong Night Market features a mix of souvenir shops, food vendors, massage spas, pubs with live music, and go-go bars offering various types of 'adult' entertainment. While it draws a crowd, it may not suit everyone's taste.

You'll discover night market food stalls popping up throughout the city from around 5pm most evenings, especially along the backpacker hotspot of Th Khao San (Khao San Rd). The underground MRT provides easy access to Talat Rot Fai Srinakharin, while the BTS Skytrain can take you close to both Artbox and Patpong Night Market.

Immerse yourself in history at the Jim Thompson House

Jim Thompson, the American entrepreneur and silk magnate, transformed his traditional Thai-style home by the canal between Banglamphu and Th Phetchaburi into a sanctuary for ancient Thai treasures and art. After his mysterious disappearance in 1967, his teak house was turned into a fascinating museum – one that many visitors wish they could call home.

Why? The rooms are filled with his remarkable art collection and personal items, including rare Chinese porcelain and invaluable artifacts from Burma, Cambodia, and Thailand, all set within a garden that resembles a miniature tropical jungle complete with lotus ponds. You can also purchase luxurious Jim Thompson silks on the premises.

Experience the diverse charm of Banglamphu

Undoubtedly the most enchanting area of Bangkok, Banglamphu was once an aristocratic haven. Once lined with the riverside mansions of diplomats, dignitaries, and minor royalty, the old quarter is now alive with backpackers enjoying leisure on famous Th Khao San, civil servants navigating between offices and eateries, and bohemian artists and students revitalizing historic shophouses.

Bustling street food vendors and traditional Thai restaurants provide plenty of choices for hungry visitors, while the area also features some of the finest live music in the city. Both day and night, the streets of Banglamphu are alive with diverse markets selling Thai souvenirs and knickknacks, alongside bars that spill into the streets and lively cocktail stands that keep the energy high until midnight, when alcohol sales are officially halted until the next day.

Immerse yourself in a shopping spree in Bangkok

Even the staunchest critics of consumerism might find themselves tempted in Bangkok. One moment, they advocate for a life free of material goods, and the next, they're captivated by the abundant street goods and plotting a course to the nearest night market to fill their bags with Thai silks, handmade crafts, and trendy fashions.

In this shopping-centric city, malls connect to form an almost unbroken retail strip, with sidewalks serving as additional space for vendors without a fixed location. Alongside prominent international brands, Bangkok is well-known for its bespoke tailoring and a burgeoning fashion scene.

Kick off your retail journey at megamalls like Siam Paragon, centralwOrld, MBK Center, and Emquartier. After shopping, unwind with a cocktail at a rooftop bar offering stunning city views—consider Red Sky at the Centara Grand, Moon Bar at Banyan Tree Sathorn, or Brewski at the Radisson Blu Plaza near Th Sukhumvit, all excellent choices.

Navigate the waters of the Chao Phraya River

The Chao Phraya River, Bangkok's primary waterway, buzzes with life. Massive freighters are towed by determined tugboats, river ferries dart across the waves, and children dive joyfully into the muddy waters by the jetties and stilted homes.

You can enjoy calming river views from the banks (especially from Ko Ratanakosin or Thonburi), but it's even better to venture onto the water in a chartered long-tail boat or aboard the Chao Phraya Express Boat. No matter your viewpoint, as the sun sets, casting silhouettes of temples and palaces against brilliant hues of red and gold, Bangkok transforms into a scene of stunning beauty and tranquility.

Master the art of making green curry at a Thai cooking school

Don’t let a satisfied stomach be your only keepsake from Thailand’s culinary delights. Instead, enhance your culinary skills and dinner-party menus by mastering the vibrant dishes of the kingdom at a Thai cooking school.

Bangkok's cooking schools offer everything from formal classes for aspiring chefs to casual home cooking sessions for the timid. Participants always enjoy the experience, from exploring a wet market to experimenting with ingredients, tasting their creations, and returning home with new culinary skills.

Step into the nostalgic world of Papaya

What started as a personal hobby for the reserved owner of Papaya has evolved into an astonishing collection of vintage items from the 19th and 20th centuries, filling a vast exhibition space off Th Lat Phrao in northern Bangkok.

From art-deco furniture and 1960s beer advertisements to superhero statues, Piaggio scooters, typewriters, movie projectors, love seats, TVs, VHS players, wall clocks, mannequins, and lampshades—the inventory is endless. Although many pieces are technically for sale, the owner sets exorbitant prices to preserve his collection, making it more of a museum of recent history.

Experience the SkyWalk at King Power Mahanakhon

Boasting a stunning 360° view of Bangkok, this dual-level observation deck is situated atop King Power Mahanakhon, currently the tallest building in Thailand. Stepping onto the exhilarating SkyWalk—a glass-floored balcony suspended 78 floors and 310m (1017ft) in the air—is a thrilling experience. Afterward, you can relax with a refreshing drink at the open-air bar one level higher. For a more subdued visit, the indoor observatory on the 74th floor offers beautiful views at a lower price.

Root for the athletes at a thrilling Thai boxing match.

In the dynamic martial art of moo·ay tai (also known as Muay Thai), almost anything goes. If you enjoy the intensity of full-contact sports, attending a Thai boxing event is highly recommended for its excitement, vibrant music, ceremonial start, and lively betting atmosphere.

The finest fighters showcase their skills at Bangkok's two premier boxing venues. Established on royal grounds after WWII, the art-deco Rajadamnern Stadium is the city's first boxing arena, offering a more formal vibe. The other prominent venue, Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, has relocated from its original neighborhood to a modern facility north of the city. Ticket prices vary based on seating, but we recommend opting for 2nd- or 3rd-class seats to fully immerse yourself in the vibrant fan atmosphere.

Dive into the lively chaos of Th Khao San.

Th Khao San, famously known as Khao San Road, is truly one of a kind. It serves as an international hub for independent travelers embarking on their Southeast Asian adventures or enjoying one last celebration before returning to the comforts of home. Its distinctiveness is perhaps best captured by one question: where else, aside from airports, can you share every inch of space with people from so many different countries at once?

As you stroll down this bustling street lined with market stalls, you'll encounter a diverse mix of people—from first-time backpackers indulging in banana pancakes to 75-year-old grandparents enjoying G&Ts, alongside hippies, hipsters, nerds, glamazons, package tourists, global nomads, weekend adventurers, gap-year explorers, and travelers of all kinds.

Th Khao San stands as a symbol of the independent travel era, where once bedbug-ridden guesthouses have evolved into boutique hotels, and shabby TV bars showcasing pirated films have been replaced by trendy design bars filled with stylish flashpackers. No trip to Bangkok is truly complete without a stroll down this iconic street.