When people tell me they hate Bangkok and don’t find a lot of things to do there, I totally understand. It’s a love/hate city that most people aren’t a fan of on arrival.
In fact, when I first visited Bangkok in 2006, I despised the city and couldn’t wait to leave.
It wasn’t until I lived in Bangkok that I really fell in love with it.
Almost twenty years later, Bangkok is still one of my favorite cities in the world.
It just takes a little time to get to know and love.
Bangkok is not a city that opens itself up easily, and most people spend just a day or two here before leaving to go to the islands or the jungle.
That said, there are a lot of things to do and see in Bangkok. Cheap things, expensive things, unique things, and outdoor things. Bangkok has a bit of everything.
To help you plan your trip and make the most of your visit, below is my suggested itinerary for Bangkok. It will help you tackle this sprawling, hectic city in a way that gets you on and off the beaten track so you can peel back the onion that is Bangkok and discover why I love it so much.
Bangkok Itinerary
Day 1: Grand Palace, Khao San Road, & more!
Day 2: Floating Market, Muay Thai Fight, & more!
Day 3: Chatuchak Weekend Market, Lumpini Park, & more!
Day 4: Bangkok Art and Culture Center, National Museum, & more!
Other Things to See and Do: Museum of Siam, Lake Taco, & more!
Bangkok Itinerary: Day One
The Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun
The stunning exterior of the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand on a bright and sunny day
The first place you should visit in Bangkok is the Grand Palace (Royal Palace) and neighboring Wat Pho, home to the famous reclining Buddha and massage school. The Royal family doesn’t live in the palace (it’s only used for official state functions) and you can’t go into any of the buildings, but wandering the grounds and open temples is worth the visit. It’s beautiful and the craftsmanship in the architecture is amazing. Go first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds.
Afterward, wander down the street to Wat Pho and the famous reclining Buddha (as well as the famous Golden Buddha). It’s the largest reclining Buddha statue in the country at 46 meters (150 feet) long. The Wat Pho complex fills a city block so while seeing the statues doesn’t take long, you could spend a solid hour wandering the maze-like temple grounds.
Next, head across the river to Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn). This is a gorgeous Buddhist temple on the Chao Phraya River opposite the Grand Palace. It has one main spire and four small ones and is so iconic that it’s on Thai money. From the top of the main spire, you get to see sweeping views of the city. It’s my favorite temple in Bangkok.
If you want a deep-dive into the temple and palace, take a guided tour. You’ll learn about the history of each temple and the palace from an expert local guide who can answer all your questions and provide a much more nuanced experience.
Note: When visiting these places, be sure to wear clothes that cover your legs and shoulders; it’s considered disrespectful to wear revealing clothes. That means no short skirts, no tank tops, nothing that shows your stomach, and no ripped pants.
The Grand Palace is located on Na Phra Lan Road; royalgrandpalace.th/en/home. Open daily 8:30am-3:30pm. Admission is 500 THB.
Wat Pho is located on 2 Sanamchai Road, Grand Palace Subdistrict, +66 083-057-7100, watpho.com/en. Open daily from 8am–7:30pm. Admission is 300 THB.
Wat Arun is across the river at 158 Wang Doem Road, +66 2 891 2185. Open daily 8am–6pm. Admission is 200 THB.
Take a River Cruise
Cruise on the river in Bangkok, Thailand with a historic temple across the river in the background
Take a tour of the Chao Phraya River, a relaxing and beautiful experience that shouldn’t be skipped. Don’t take an overpriced tour, though (they cost over 2,000 THB). You can ride the water taxi up and down the river for around 35 THB. Start at the central pier, go to the end, and come back. Presto! Instant tour for a fraction of the price!
Tour More Temples
The gorgeous Wat Benchamabophit temple in Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok has a lot of beautiful temples. Hire a tuk-tuk driver to take you around for the day to see the temples. This is often the cheapest and most efficient way to see the temples throughout Bangkok. You can even split the cost with other travelers to save money.
My favorite temples are:
Wat Saket – The Golden Mount has an enormous, 100-meter-high, 500-meter wide chedi (mound-like structure containing Buddhist relics). This is one of my favorite temples in the city because of its beautiful golden temple and wonderful views of the city from its top. At the base of the mountain is an overgrown cemetery for 18th-century plague victims. Open daily 7am-7pm. Admission to the temple is free while the chedi costs 100 THB.
Wat Benchamabophit – This temple is pictured on the back of the 5-baht coin. The white marble used to contrast the building was imported directly from Italy, and there is a unique blend of both Thai and European architecture and design. In the courtyard, there are 53 Buddha images representing every mudra (gesture) and style from Thai history. This makes it a good place to visually see how Buddha has been represented in Thailand over time. Open daily 8am-5:30pm. Admission is 50 THB.
Just make sure your tuk-tuk driver doesn’t take you shopping along the way — drivers get kickbacks if they bring customers into certain shops. Ask your hotel/hostel staff for a reputable driver; they will likely know someone.
Visit Khao San Road
The lively, bustling, and crowded street of Khao San Road in Bangkok, Thailand at night
The backpacker capital of the world, this road (along with Soi Rambuttri) is a must visit! You’ll find endless bars, shops, street food, international restaurants, vendors, locals, and activities all day and all night. It’s also a popular spot on the weekend for Thais. I personally like the quieter Soi Rambuttri, but Khao San is an awesome place to sit outside and meet other travelers. It’s much more commercial than it used to be, but it’s still fun to explore!
