We are well aware that there are dozens of impressive places in the Thai capital, making it very difficult to draw up a list of places to see in Bangkok, especially considering that every time we walk its streets, we discover new corners that could easily be added to this list.
But we are also aware that not everyone has many days to spend there, which would be ideal, so we have to take the plunge and present what we consider to be the essential places to visit in Bangkok, or at least what we would not want to miss if we only had one or two days in this iconic Southeast Asian city.
Any Westerner visiting Asia for the first time is usually amazed by the Buddhist temples, so different from the churches we’re used to seeing in Europe. Bangkok is no exception, boasting some of Thailand’s most iconic temples.
Although it’s not our personal favorite, the Grand Palace in Bangkok is a must-see for any visitor—not only for the architecture and design of the grounds, which alone are worth the visit, but also because it’s a place where you begin to understand the love and reverence Thai people have for their monarch, especially the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, father of the current king.
Given its importance and central location in Thailand’s capital, the number of tourists—both foreign and local—can be a drawback. But don’t worry, we’ll offer an alternative.
In our case, the temple we liked the most in Bangkok was Wat Arun, even though it was under renovation when we visited. Still, it’s spectacular, with fewer tourists, and although it’s called “the Temple of Dawn,” it’s equally stunning at sunset when viewed from across the Chao Phraya River.
You can also explore other impressive temples like Wat Pho, home to the largest reclining Buddha in Bangkok, or Wat Intharawihan, which features an immense standing Buddha. We’ll leave that choice to you.
Although we’ve recently switched to exploring other areas after years on the road, a classic must-see in Bangkok is the iconic backpacker hub: Khaosan Road, along with the adjacent Rambuttri.
Here you’ll find one of the highest concentrations of travelers in the world, surrounded by hundreds of shops, bars, alcohol, and tuk-tuks waiting to make a quick buck from first-time tourists.
If you’ve just landed in Thailand and want to be around fellow Westerners, this is the place to be. That said, in our opinion, it has lost a bit of its charm due to over-tourism and because it has turned into a somewhat artificial version of Thailand, entirely focused on tourists.
Still, it’s worth taking a stroll and getting lost in Rambuttri, which is slightly less crowded and quieter. Its narrower streets feel a bit more welcoming.
Sooner or later, you’ll end up riding in a tuk-tuk, so why not start in Thailand’s capital? A tuk-tuk is a motorized three-wheeler with the driver up front and space for two passengers in the back.
Add Bangkok’s “every-man-for-himself” driving style—common across Southeast Asia—and you’ve got to be okay with a bit of risk.
However, be cautious—scams are common around Khaosan: you might pay a very low fare to visit four or five places, only to be taken to tailors and jewelry stores where drivers earn commissions. If that’s not your thing, be clear about what you’re agreeing to—or consider booking one in advance.
This bustling district is one of the most chaotic places we’ve ever visited, and that’s precisely why we’ve included it on our list of places to see in Bangkok.
In the narrow alleyways of Chinatown, you’ll find endless market stalls selling shoes in bulk, a sea of jewelry shops, and countless food stalls offering Chinese cuisine (you’ll notice many menus with shark fin soup—please read up on the cruel practices involved in sourcing it before trying it).
If you want to explore with a guide, consider joining a walking tour:
One of the most pleasant and efficient ways to get around Bangkok is by boat on the Chao Phraya River, which cuts through the city from north to south and serves as a kind of aquatic highway for locals.
In fact, to reach places like Chinatown or other must-see attractions, you can hop on one of these river taxis.
There are also smaller boats that offer hour-long tours through the narrow canals—a lovely way to experience daily life in the city.
There are several markets worth visiting in Bangkok: the Amulet Market, Ratchadapisek Night Market, Pratunam, Saphan Phut, Pak Khlong… But the one we love most for its size and the sheer variety of things you can find is Chatuchak Market, the weekend market.
With over 15,000 stalls, it offers everything from handicrafts, flowers, clothing, accessories, and home decor to street food.
Yes, we know—you didn’t come to Thailand to shop. And besides, what are you going to squeeze into that tiny backpack that can barely hold a keychain? But whether it’s out of curiosity or to grab one last souvenir, don’t skip Chatuchak.
One of Thailand’s most iconic experiences is the Thai massage, so you really shouldn’t leave without trying one. Most likely, your first or last massage will be in Bangkok, since travelers usually enter or leave the country through its capital.
Rest assured, Thai massage parlors are everywhere—in tourist areas, shopping zones, and even quiet residential neighborhoods.
Dare to be “crushed” by skilled hands!
We’re not big fans of the sport, and despite spending lots of time in Thailand, we’ve never been tempted to attend a match. Still, Muay Thai, a form of boxing that’s practically a national symbol (especially abroad), does spark the interest of many tourists—and even inspires some to enroll in training schools.
Lumpinee and Rajadamnern are two of the most famous stadiums in the country. If you’re interested, you can get VIP tickets close to the ring.
Right in the heart of Bangkok, at the intersection of two busy avenues, lies Lumphini Park—a green space of nearly 60 hectares, where people go to walk, exercise, or simply unwind.
After checking off all the major sights in Bangkok, we suggest one last stop in this natural oasis, filled with open areas, shady trees, and several playgrounds. It’s a great place to escape the chaos, whether you feel like meditating, walking, or riding a scooter.
As you wander through the park, there’s a good chance you’ll spot one of the huge monitor lizards that roam around freely. They often take a dip in the water and swim about—much to the amazement of tourists.
This is non-negotiable. You can’t leave Bangkok without tasting some traditional Thai street food, like pad thai, from one of the countless food stalls scattered across the city. Hygiene might not match European standards, but we can confidently say it has improved significantly over the past decade.
And it’s not just about the food, you’ll also find a huge variety of fresh juices and fruit smoothies, perfect for cooling down and staying energized as you explore Bangkok, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
By the end of your trip, chances are you’ll be so in love with Thai cuisine that you’ll want to take a cooking class. Many schools in the city offer them, and you can also easily book one through local agencies, restaurants, or online using the link below:
