Thailand

Things to do in Bangkok

Bangkok splits neatly in two: the riverside old town around Rattanakosin, with the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun, and the modern city along the Skytrain lines. Street food is the real draw, from Yaowarat in Chinatown at night to market stalls, and the Chao Phraya river and the Thonburi canals are the easiest way to move between the sights.

  • Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun
  • Chinatown street food by tuk-tuk
  • Long-tail boat on the Thonburi canals
  • Ayutthaya day trip

Experiences in Bangkok

Food toursTaste the city the way locals eat it, stall by stall and bar by bar.Walking toursThe fastest way to understand a city on day one, with a local guide.Day tripsFull-day excursions to the places worth leaving the city for.Bike toursCover more ground at human speed: guided rides and bike rentals.Boat toursSee the city or the coast from the water, from short cruises to full-day sailing.Cooking classesLearn two or three local dishes and eat what you cook.

Top-rated experiences in Bangkok

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Highlights

  • Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun
  • Chinatown street food by tuk-tuk
  • Long-tail boat on the Thonburi canals
  • Ayutthaya day trip
  • Thai cooking class with market visit
  • Bang Krachao bike tour

Best time to visit

November to February is the cool, dry season and the most comfortable time. March to May is very hot, and the rainy season from June to October brings heavy afternoon downpours rather than all-day rain.

Getting around

Use the BTS Skytrain and MRT for the modern city and Chao Phraya Express boats for the old town; Grab is the simplest way to book cars and motorbike taxis. From Suvarnabhumi Airport the Airport Rail Link reaches Phaya Thai in about 30 minutes; Don Mueang is served by the SRT Red Line and buses.

Local tips

  • The Grand Palace requires covered shoulders and knees, and it opens daily at 8:30, so arrive at opening to beat the tour groups.
  • Ignore anyone outside a temple who says it is closed today and offers a tuk-tuk tour instead; it is a well-known gem shop scam.
  • Many of the best street food stalls in Chinatown only open in the evening, and some close on Mondays.

Day trips from Bangkok

  • Ayutthaya
  • Damnoen Saduak floating market
  • Maeklong railway market
  • Kanchanaburi
Day trips →

Frequently asked questions

What are the top things to do in Bangkok?

The most booked experiences in Bangkok are Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun, Chinatown street food by tuk-tuk, Long-tail boat on the Thonburi canals and Ayutthaya day trip.

When is the best time to visit Bangkok?

November to February is the cool, dry season and the most comfortable time. March to May is very hot, and the rainy season from June to October brings heavy afternoon downpours rather than all-day rain.

How do I get around Bangkok?

Use the BTS Skytrain and MRT for the modern city and Chao Phraya Express boats for the old town; Grab is the simplest way to book cars and motorbike taxis. From Suvarnabhumi Airport the Airport Rail Link reaches Phaya Thai in about 30 minutes; Don Mueang is served by the SRT Red Line and buses.

Do I need to book tours in Bangkok in advance?

For headline sights and small-group tours, yes: popular slots sell out in high season. Most partners offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

How many days do I need in Bangkok?

Two to three full days cover the main sights, plus one day for each day trip you want to add.

Nearby destinations

Singapore1427 km awayKyoto4246 km awayTokyo4599 km awayDubai4885 km away