TOP 10 things you must see in Bangkok
Published: 22. October 2025 • Category: Asia

Bangkok is exactly the kind of city that you either love or need to give it a second chance. It is noisy, hot, chaotic… but also full of colors, flavors, and experiences you will never forget.

1 Grand Palace

2 Chinatown

3 Tichuca Rooftop Bar

4 Wat Pho

5 Lumphini Park

6 Chatuchak Weekend Market

7 Terminal 21

8 Khao San Road

9 Jodd Fairs

10 % Arabica Empire Tower

11 E-Book Thailand

12 More articles from Thailand

Modern shopping centers mix with traditional temples, luxurious rooftop bars with stalls where you can get Pad Thai for a few euros. If you’re heading to Bangkok and don’t know where to start, here are 10 places that we think are definitely worth visiting.

Our list of places combines culture, entertainment, shopping, and gastronomy.

Grand Palace

The Grand Palace was built in 1782 and is considered one of the most important monuments in Thailand. It is a large complex, which also includes the famous Wat Phra Kaew, located along the Chao Phraya River. It is currently used for various ceremonial events, as the Dusit Palace is home to the Thai royal family. The complex includes an emerald Buddha, whose clothing is changed three times a year to represent the changing seasons (summer, winter, and rainy season).

You will find many golden decorations, murals, and sculptures, as well as gardens with beautifully trimmed trees. Admission is the most expensive of all the temples in Bangkok at 500 THB, but it is definitely worth it. We recommend arriving early in the morning, both because of the crowds of tourists and because of the heat. And don’t forget to wear appropriate clothing, as entry is only permitted with your shoulders and knees covered.

Chinatown

Bangkok’s Chinatown is a completely different world in the middle of the city. If you love food, the atmosphere of night markets, and a healthy dose of chaos, then you have to experience this place for yourself. The narrow streets are lined with street stalls selling everything from legendary dim sum to exotic delicacies that you might not even want to know what they are. The air is filled with the aroma of spices, grilled meat, and sweet tea, while red lanterns, golden signs, and traditional Chinese temples flash before your eyes.

Chinatown isn’t just about food, it’s an experience for all the senses that will show you a different side of Bangkok. We recommend coming in the evening after dark, when the whole neighborhood is beautifully lit up.

Tichuca Rooftop Bar

There are so many rooftop bars in Bangkok that it’s really hard to find the best one. The selection factors may include, for example, location, entrance fee, or whether it is necessary to reserve a table in advance. Since we were staying in the Sukhumvit area and looking for something last minute without reservations or admission fees, we decided to visit Tichuca Rooftop Bar.

It is a bar with a unique design, reminiscent of a colorful octopus. at 46th floor, which offers a 360-degree view of the entire city of Bangkok. The bar is open every day from 5 p.m., and we recommend arriving as early as possible to secure a spot and enjoy the beautiful sunset.

Wat Pho

Wat Pho is one of the most iconic temples in Bangkok and a place you definitely shouldn’t miss. The main attraction is a huge statue of a reclining Buddha, which is 46 meters long and 15 meters high. However, the temple complex is much larger and less crowded than other tourist spots in the city, which is another reason why we liked it so much. Another advantage is that the entrance fee is lower here – 300 THB.

To visit it, you need to have your knees and shoulders covered. If you don’t have one, you’ll find many street vendors selling sarongs or iconic elephant pants before you enter. The temple is located near the aforementioned Grand Palace, so you can easily visit both in one day.

Lumphini Park

If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, Lumphini Park is the perfect place to relax. This spacious city park offers peaceful lakes, jogging trails, and picnic areas. The biggest surprise, however, are the huge lizards that roam freely here. They are not dangerous, but their size will definitely surprise you!

Lumphini is great for walking, boating, or just taking a break and soaking up the calmer atmosphere of Bangkok. The park is open daily from early morning until evening (usually from 4:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.), admission is free, and the best time to visit is early in the morning or late afternoon when the temperature is more pleasant. The easiest way to get here is by subway (MRT). The Lumphini stop is right at the park entrance.

Chatuchak Weekend Market

If you want to experience the true atmosphere of Bangkok and pick up some interesting souvenirs, clothing, or local specialties, Chatuchak Weekend Market is a place you shouldn’t miss. This market is one of the largest markets in the world, with more than 15,000 stalls. From vintage items, handmade decorations, clothing, and furniture to live animals (yes, they have those too!). Be prepared for crowds, a lively atmosphere, and bargaining, as prices are often negotiable.

There are also great food stalls here. We recommend stopping here to try the Peking duck soup. The market is only open on weekends, Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., so plan your visit for these days. There is no fee for entering the market. The easiest way to get here is by subway (MRT) or train; the Chatuchak Park or Mo Chit stops are right at the market entrance.

Terminal 21

Modern shopping centers are another dominant feature of Bangkok. We fell in love with the Terminal 21 shopping center, which is completely different from the others, as it literally makes you feel like you are traveling around the world. Each floor belongs to a specific country, which is reflected not only in the design of the floor, but also in the shops and restaurants you will find there. Among other things, the transitions between floors are designed in the style of airport terminals. You will find floors such as Tokyo, Istanbul, San Francisco, along with an iconic bridge in the center of the shopping mall, and Hollywood.

Khao San Road

Khao San Road is a place you will either love or is enough to see once in your lifetime. It is one of the most famous streets in Bangkok and has been attracting travelers from all over the world for years. You can expect a mix of bars, street food, shops selling everything imaginable (and unimaginable), cheap massages, and a wild atmosphere that really comes alive after dark.

If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, Rambuttri Road is just a few steps away and offers a similar vibe, but without the noise and crowds. It is ideal for an evening dinner by lantern light or a drink in a bar with pleasant music.

Khao San Road is easily accessible by taxi, tuk-tuk, or bus, but the nearest metro/MRT station is a little further away, so we recommend planning your trip in advance (e.g., by combining a river boat ride with a short walk).

Jodd Fairs

As we mentioned earlier, Bangkok offers a wide variety of street food, where you can enjoy the best Thai specialties for just a few euros. However, if you are looking for a more modern market, we have a solution for you. Jodd’s Fair will win you over with its great atmosphere and beautiful surroundings. There are also outdoor bars with live music, and its location among skyscrapers gives it a completely different atmosphere.

The market is open from 5 p.m. to midnight. During your visit, you will see many restaurants offering huge pork bones or ribs with meat that people eat with their hands. We recommend trying it, it’s completely different from the meat we’re used to at home.

% Arabica Empire Tower

And the cherry on top is Bangkok’s greatest hidden gem. We probably don’t need to tell you that there are many unique cafés offering excellent coffee selections. Whether you are looking for a café with a garden or a place where you can play with four-legged friends while enjoying your coffee, you will find everything here.

However, we were looking for a place where we could enjoy great coffee with a beautiful view. Many people visit Mahanakhon Skywalk, located on the 78th floor, which attracts hundreds of tourists every day. However, be prepared for high admission fees (approx. €30 per person) and crowds of people. But we have an alternative for you! Right across from this famous viewpoint is the Empire Tower, where you will find a café called %Arabica on the 55th floor. It is a well-known chain of cafés with several locations throughout Thailand. There is no entrance fee, so you can enjoy the same beautiful views of the entire city with a great cup of coffee in your hand. You simply must visit this place!

E-Book Thailand

Bangkok is a city of contrasts, experiences, and surprises. A place where you can spend a day wandering through markets, discovering ancient temples, sampling street food, and enjoying an evening drink with a view of the skyscrapers. These 10 tips are just a fraction of what this city has to offer, and perhaps it is in those unplanned moments that you will find your most beautiful memories.

If you are looking for more inspiration for Bangkok or other areas in Thailand, we recommend checking out our e-book, where you will find practical tips, proven itineraries, recommendations for food, accommodation, and lots of other useful advice from our own travels. It will help you plan your trip so that you can experience the best and completely stress-free. The e-book can be found here.

In our e-book you will find everything in one place:

Tips and tricks to enjoy your holiday in Thailand to the fullest and save money
Over 440 places to visit (including Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi, Koh Samui, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Koh Chang, Koh Kood, Khao Sok, Khao Lak, Similan Islands and Bangkok)
Tips on restaurants, hotels and excursions in each area
Direct contacts to tour operators from Phuket or Krabi
11 perfect itineraries for different lengths of stay
Google map with all locations