
BANGKOK CITY ATTRACTIONS
Bangkok City Travel Guide: 22 Top Attractions and Local Experiences
Bangkok is known locally as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, shortened simply as Krung Thep.
This city boasts magnificent temples like Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Arun, as well as the majestic Grand Palace.
Bangkok offers a wider array of transportation options compared to other cites. See the Bangkok transport map showing the local public transport lines.
You can explore the huge Chatuchak Weekend Market , cruise along the Chao Phraya River for dinner, or indulge in shopping at the many luxury malls such as ICONSIAM on the river front and the Siam Paragon located in the Siam shopping precinct.
Bangkok city disticts include Pratunam, Siam Square, Silom, Rattanakosin, Dusit, Phahonyothin, Thonburi, Yaowarat and Phahurat. Each one has its own distinct attractions and entertainment.
At night Bangkok transforms into a city of lights with rooftop bars, street food, night bazaars, and many entertainment hubs such as Khao San Road.
The weather is typically hot and humid throughout the year. Best time to visit is from November to February during the cooler dry season. It is advisable to wear sun protection when outside and drink plenty of water.
How To Get Around Bangkok
Getting around the city center and surrounding districts is quick and easy by tuk tuk, taxi using Grab, river boat, and the extensive overhead and subway rail services.
The Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS Skytrain) and the Metropolitan Rapid Transit (MRT) subway are the most efficient ways to get around the city, especially during peak hours when traffic congestion can be intense. The Skytrain rides above all the congestion below while the subway train travels beneath the streets. There are several interchange stations to transfer between rides that allow you to easily access most of Bangkok city.
The easiest way to get around shorter distances within one of Bangkok's local area districts is to take a tuk tuk tour that many drivers provide for the tourists. A half day or full day tour at a set price are the usual options. They know where to take you to see the temples, but be aware of scams where they take you to expensive shops instead.
There is also the limited route hop-on hop-off tuk-tuks service that go around the more famous attractions such as The Grand Temple.
For a more comfortable air conditioned ride, a taxi service or using a ride-hailing app like Grab for a private car would be ideal.
Another recommended option is to ride on the Chao Phraya River Tourist Express boats and regular boat services which provide access to Bangkoks' famous attractions like the Grand Palace and Wat Arun while offering stunning views of the city from the water.
Public transport Khlong river boats are also an option for a bit of excitement. These boat services are provided by the Khlong Saen Saep Boat Service and travel along the narrow canal of central Bangkok and up to the north east areas. They are used mainly for work commutes by locals. You should be steady and fast on your legs to use this type of service. Definately not suitable for the elderly or young children.
There is also the more expensive tourist Khlong long boat private tours.
Bus services are also widely available but working out what bus goes where and at what time can be a challenge and best left to the locals or experienced travelers to Bangkok. See the Travel Apps page for the ViaBus app that gives you live bus routes and times.
Motorbike taxis are a fast option for navigating the city's maze-like streets but are best suited for those comfortable with a thrilling ride.
See the many maps and transport information for Bangkok, here on Go Tour Thailand.
Best Places to Visit in Bangkok

Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo
The Grand Palace was built in 1782 and has historically been the residence of The Kings of Siam. Within the grounds of the Grand Palace is Thailand's most valued temple, Wat Phra Kaeo. This magnificent temple holds the venerated Emerald Buddha.
Wat Phra Chetuphon
A not to be missed temple to visit in Bangkok is Wat Phra Chetuphon which is also known as Wat Pho. The official name is Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn. This temple is famous for its huge 46 meter long reclining Buddha.

Wat Arun
Wat Arun is situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya river. Also known as the Temple Of Dawn with Its official name as Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan.
Wat Pathumwanaram
Wat Pathumwanaram is a hidden gem you can find in Bangkok City between the large shopping centers of Centralworld and Siam Square. Its official title is Wat Pathum Wanaram Ratcha Wora Viharn.


The Boat Temple
Wat Yannawa which is commonly known as the Boat Temple, sits on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. This unusual temple is easily reached with a short walk south of Central Pier.
Giant Swing & Wat Suthatthepwarawan
Surrounded by chinese style pagodas, this temple is commonly known as Wat Suthat and can be found directly opposite the giant red swing located on the main road outside the main temple entry.


Golden Mount Temple
Wat Saket in Bangkok is also commonly known as The Golden Mount Temple. You can walk up the outside and into the temple hall and also to the pagoda on the roof.
Marble Temple
Wat Benchamabophit Dusitwanaram Ratchaworawiharn is commonly known as The Marble Temple. There is also gardens and other temples just over the small red bridges that span the small canal beside this temple.

Chatuchak Weekend Market
Chatuchak Weekend Market is the largest in Thailand which is a very busy weekend market located north of Bangkok city near the end of the BTS Skytrain line at Mo Chit.
Erawan Shrine
Erawan Shrine is dedicated to the Hindu god Brahma. This shrine is located in the heart of Bangkok and attracts countless visitors who come to pray, make offerings, and watch traditional Thai dance performances.


Bangkok Butterfly Garden
The Bangkok Butterfly Garden and Insectarium is nestled within Rot Fai Park, located north of Bangkok city next to Chatuchak Weekend Market.
This conservatory has a lush tropical garden habitat filled with flowering plants, ferns, small waterfalls and hundreds of colorful butterflies.
Asiatique The Riverfront
You can visit Asiatique The Riverfront in the evening after seeing the other attractions.
This large mall is situated south of Central Pier. All other tourist piers are north of Central Pier. The large promenade of Asiatique stretches along the river front with hundreds of shops and many restaurants inside this complex.


Siam Amazing Park
Siam Park is the largest amusement and water park in Asia, also known as Siam City Park and Suan Siam. You can enjoy the many exciting theme worlds in this family friendly park.
The easiest way to get there is by taxi or Grab, especially from central Bangkok. If you want to use public transport, the most practical rail option is to go to MRT Pink Line Nopparat Station, then walk about 13 minutes or take a short taxi/motorbike ride to the entrance. Nearby bus options also stop close to the park.
Ocean World Bangkok
Ocean World, also known as Sea Life Bangkok is the biggest aquarium in Southeast Asia offering families an underwater world experience with the excitement of modern light and sound technology.


Bangkok Snake Farm
Located in the grounds of Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute is the Bangkok snake farm where live venomous snakes venom is extracted to produce anti-venom serum for those people who are unfortunate to be bitten by snakes.
Khaosan Road
Khaosan Road is one of Bangkok's most famous streets.
The street is lined with budget hostels, guesthouses, street food vendors, bars, and quirky shops.
At night Khaosan Road transforms into a vibrant nightlife scene filled with music, people dancing, performers, street artists, and food stalls.
Bars and nightclubs line the streets with open-air seating where you can enjoy the festive atmosphere.


Bangkok Chinatown
Yaowarat Road is where you can find the centre of Chinatown.
Yaowarat Road Market is famous for its vibrant street food scene. It also transforms into a night market in the evenings.
Alongside delicious food stalls, you can find a range of goods, including jewelry, souvenirs, Chinese herbs, and more.
Top Things to Do in Bangkok
Chao Phraya River
Regular ferry services on the Chao Phraya river start at Central Peir with the Chao Phraya Express Boat Service.
These services are used by locals to go to work and by tourists.
Private tours are available on long boats where you can also ride the Khlong canals that divert off the Chao Phraya.
Bangkok Famous Attractions
Take the Chao Phraya Tourist Boats to see the Bangkok Famous Attractions that are easily accessible from various piers along the river.
You have a choice between the Catamaran 1,2,3 or the Monohull Boat 4,5.


Khlong River Touring
Traverse the many canals that part off the Chao Phraya river in a fast and colorful longboat or traditional teak boat. Thai style food vendors, floating markets, and amazing attractions are usually included in a guided tour.
I don't recommend hiring a canal tour directly from any street vendor as you may end up paying way too much and not get what you expect. If you use a recognised booking company such as klook.com or getyourguide.com and search for a bangkok canal tour, then you can make a safer decision based on reviews and have some recourse if something goes wrong.
Your hotel may also have tour booking options available.
Always take water with you as it may not be supplied by the tour operator, and use sun protection.
Skytrain Adventures
Bangkok's Mass Transit System extends roughly north to south and then east on the Sukhumvit line. The Silom line runs through the center of Bangkok and then in a southerly direction and winds around to eventually end up to the west. Both lines interchange at the very busy Siam station which is the major shopping area in Bangkok. The Bangkok MRT train subway line skirts around Bangkok.
With a cheap full day train pass you can explore around Bangkok very easily, just avoid the morning and evening peak hour commuters going to work or school. Stop off at any station and hop back on again at your leisure.
There is the Silom Line nearby attractions self tour and the Sukhumvit Line nearby attractions self tour.
You can download a free Bangkok transport map with all the different ways to get around the city.


Bangkok River Dinner Cruise
A Chao Phraya River dinner cruise is one of Bangkok’s most relaxing ways to experience the city, combining sightseeing, dining, and culture into a single evening.
Cruise options range from elegant luxury boats with fine dining to lively boats with entertainment and open decks for photography. Dinner cruises typically last around two hours and are especially popular at sunset or after dark when bangkok's temples and skyline come alive with lights.
You can enjoy a set menu or a generous buffet which usually includes local fresh seafood, Thai favorites, and western style dishes. Live music or traditional Thai performances are often included as entertainment.
Hotels usually have booking options available for vendors dinner cruises or you could use a recognised booking company such as klook.com or getyourguide.com and search for a bangkok dinner cruise. You will have various price options to choose, make a safer decision based on reviews, and have some recourse if something goes wrong.
