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25+ Best Attractions & Things to Do in Bangkok | Ultimate Travel Guide

25+ Must-See Attractions & Activities in Bangkok

Your Ultimate Guide to Bangkok’s Best Temples, Markets, Museums, Parks, Shopping, Nightlife, and popular things to do.

By Travel Guide Spot 🌏

Published: 2025-03-15 | Last Update: 2025-03-30

Bangkok is a city that really knows how to impress. With some of South East Asias finest attractions and an array of activities, It’s bursting with a lively mix of culture, history, as well as modern fun. You can take a relaxing boat ride on the Chao Phraya River at sunset, grab a drink at a rooftop bar with fantastic city views, or treat yourself to an original Thai massage. Foodies can explore the amazing street food scene or even take cooking classes. If history and scenic adventures is your thing, there are beautiful temples, grand palaces, and fascinating museums to see. For those into art or shopping, the plethora of markets and night bazaars are lively and full of surprises. Whether you want to relax and escape in a park or find hidden gems, it will be very difficult to get bored in Bangkok!

Things to Do | Activities in Bangkok

Cruise the Chao Phraya River

Take the water Chao Phraya Express Boat up and down the river for a scenic boat trip. It will all amount to less than 100B for a halve day! Start at the central pier, go to the end, and return. This is the general means of transport on the river and can get you to numerous places in this guide.

Chao Phraya River Sunset Cruise

  • For something special, book a sunset dinner cruise - options range from elegant longtail boats to lively party catamarans and the options cater for a large budget range. There are numerous companies that offer dinner cruises on boats as you float past Bangkok’s beautifully lit historic sites. You can easily book one of these cruises online.
  • On the boat, you’ll enjoy live music, an international buffet, a refreshing breeze, and amazing views of the city. The cruise lasts about two hours and it’s a great way to wrap up your four days in Bangkok.

Enjoy a Rooftop Bar

You can’t leave Bangkok without experiencing some the views of the skyline from a rooftop bar. There’s something special about having a drink high above the city, with the skyline of Bangkok and pehaps the Chao Phraya River lit up around you.

Bangkok has plenty of rooftop bars, each offering a different experience, from trendy spots to cozy hidden ones. You can sip on mojitos, try some unique Thai cocktails, or enjoy a classic martini while soaking in the views.

Experience the Eclectic Floating Markets

  1. Song Khlong Floating Market
    A Small and charming market with great local Thai food, desserts, and handicrafts for sale.

  2. Taling Chan Floating Market
    Very Popular local market for fresh seafood, live music, and a lively street food scene.

  3. Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market
    Less touristy market, an authentic vibe, and great for the famous boat noodles and local snacks.

  4. Wat Saphan Floating Market
    A hidden gem near the Wat Saphan temple, the market is known for traditional Thai street food.

  5. Pak Khlong Talat Flower Market
    This is Bangkok’s largest flower market, vibrant and busy - open 24/7.

  6. Khlong Bang Luang Floating Market
    A quaint market with old-school Thai charm, with easy access by the MRT. There are art galleries, live performances, workshops, and fantastic local food.

  7. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
    The most famous but touristy. Boat rides, fresh produce, street food and souvenirs.

  8. Amphawa Floating Market
    More local and less touristy than Damnoen Saduak, known for seafood, souvenirs, and the evening firefly tours.

  9. Maeklong Railway Market
    A very unique market on train tracks, famous for the vendors folding up their as trains pass.

Experience the Vibrant Night Markets

  1. Pratunam Night Market
    For budget-friendly fashion, souvenirs, and a lively tourist atmosphere near Baiyoke Sky Hotel.

  2. Chatuchak Friday’s Night Market
    For a less crowded, relaxed alternative to the daytime weekend market with open art stalls and some funky bars.

  3. Patpong Night Market
    For a mix of shopping and Bangkok’s red-light district vibes (although in a safe setting), souvenirs, clothing, and good street food.

  4. Jodd Fairs Ratchada Night Market
    For trendy food and drinks, and shopping in a novel, vibrant, social setting. Popular with locals and tourists.

  5. The One Ratchada Night Market
    For a larger night market with affordable drinks, live music, and a pre-nightlife atmosphere.

  6. Hua Mum Night Market
    For a more local-centric market experience - unique food, trendy shops, and a more laid-back vibe.

  7. Indy Night Market
    For a hip, youth-oriented vibe market - indie fashion, live music, and very creative street food.

  8. Srinagarindra Train Night Market
    For a vintage scene market experience with antiques and antique cars on show, retro décor, and buzzing nightlife.

  9. Chang Chui Plane Night Market
    For a very artsy and creative space, featuring an old jet airliner centerpiece, live performances, and unique dining.

  10. Green Vintage Ratchayothin Night Market
    For a relaxed, more retro-style market with local street food, vintage clothing, and a warm, cozy, and nostalgic ambiance.

Experience Chinatown

Probably Bangkok’s most famous and definately oldest street food destination, Chinatown isn’t a traditional night market per say, it is one of Bangkok’s oldest districts! A bustling evening hotspot feeding and overwhelming all of one’s senses! It’s a must-visit for its vibrant atmosphere, top-tier street food, and diverse shopping options. While some consider it a night market, it’s best experienced as a standalone evening adventure. Getting lost? Then youre doing it right!

Chinatown buzzes with activity along Yaowarat Road. By day, Yaowarat road feels just like an open-air market with endless hidden alleys. By night, Chinatown transforms into a street food paradise that becomes illuminated by neon signs, Chinese lanterns and herbal stores. The Sampheng Market, in the middle of Yaowarat becomes even livelier during the Chinese New Year. But, beyond the food, Chinatown has shaped Bangkok’s nightlife and it’s history.

Experience an Authentic Thai Massage

Thailand is the original destination for a traditional Thai massage - whether you prefer gentle stretching, herbal compresses, or deep-tissue therapy The Thai massages are typically stronger massages combining acupressure and stretching. Options range from affordable street-side mini spas to the luxurious spas. You can easily find safe and clean massage places around the area. Remember that using Google reviews is great if you’re unsure of the standards of the massage parlour.

Take a Thai Cooking Class

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a complete beginner and if you want to dive into Thai cuisine, why not take a cooking class?, Bangkok’s cooking schools offer hands-on experiences for everyone. What’s great is, many of them allow you to start from the beginning: learning to navigate a local wet market by taking you there to gather fresh ingredients and teach you about the different fruits, veggies, herbs, and proteins used in Thai dishes. Then master the Thai flavors - they guide you in making traditional meals like fragrant curries and tasty soups. And now: take Thailand home with you.

Food Tour

Bangkok is a top foodie destination. A food tour is a great way to experience the food culture and sample the cuisine. Food tours around Bangkok are a fantastic way on getting insiders tips and unlocking those secret areas that would otherwise be hard to come by.

Watch a Muay Thai Fight

Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) is Thailand’s national sport. It started hundreds of years ago as one of the eight skills Thai men needed to master and was also part of army training. Unlike boxing, Muay Thai, known for its striking and powerful kicks uses elbows, legs, shins, and feet in addition to fists. Fighters wear traditional Mongkon headbands, which are sacred items given by trainers and often blessed by monks.

Catch a Muay Thai fight to see a piece of Thailand’s martial arts history. It’s thrilling to watch right in the heart of the city, with an electrifying atmosphere, live music and pre-match rituals. You can even see locals betting on the matches. A highlight of the night is definitely the Wai Kru Ram Muay, where fighters perform a ceremonial dance to honor their teachers and families.

Bangkok has two main stadiums for Muay Thai: Rajadamnern Boxing Stadium and Lumpinee Stadium, and they have events on different days:

  • Rajadamnern is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
  • Lumpinee is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Temples, Shrines & Palaces of Bangkok

Grand Palace

The Grand Palace, built in 1782, is like walking straight into Thai history. The kings used to live here, and even though they don’t anymore, it’s arguably still Bangkok’s most famous spot. King Rama I’st built it after moving the court in 1782 for better safety. Latter kings kept adding to it, making it the awe inspiring place it is today. There are stories like the mysterious death of King Rama VIII in 1946. And more recently it was used for King Rama IX’s big funeral held in 2017 as well as King Rama X’s crowning in 2019.

The palace Grounds are expansive, covering about 94.5 hectares, with more than 100 buildings that showcase the evolution of architecture over the last 200 years.

Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew)

This is Thailand’s holiest temple, built in 1782, is Thailand’s spiritual center and holds the Emerald Buddha. It’s important to Thai Buddhism and the monarchy. Inside, fierce yaksha statues guard the Emerald Buddha, a small but holy statue on a beautiful shrine and The King changes its robes with the seasons. It showed up in the 15th century in Chiang Rai, however no one knows exactly where it came from. The Ramakian Murals are cloister walls that contain 178 murals telling the Thai version of the Ramayana. You can visualise the story of Rama and Sita, and Hanuman’s heroics. Then finally see the Phra Mondop library, along with its pearl doors and silver floors, plus the Prasat Phra Thep Bidon and the Phra Si Ratana chedi.

Other notable spots include:

  • The Inner Palace: Where the king’s harem lived, and guarded by female warriors.
  • Borombhiman Hall: King Rama VI’s French-style home, although it is now only viewable from the outside.
  • Chakri Mahaprasat Hall: A symbol of Thai culture, and holding the ashes of the former kings.
  • Dusit Hall

Wat Pho

Wat Pho, or the the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is covered in gold leaf as well as mother-of-pearl. It’s a huge 46m long, 15m high statue of Buddha entering Nirvana and it’s the country’s biggest reclining Buddha statue. The complex contains four chapels hosting over 300 Buddha images. One can also find a courtyard containing Chinese statues and stupas that are decorated with ceramic flowers and tiles. Wat Pho also teaches Thai medicine and massage and is considered the first university of Thailand as Traditional Thai Medicine was first fomalized there. You can get a massage here, but be sure to sign up as soon as you arrive as the spots fill up quickly.

The main attraction is the 46m gold Reclining Buddha, which shows Buddha entering Nirvana. The feet are covered in mother-of-pearl with 108 symbols. In the back, one can drop coins in the 108 bronze bowls for good fortune. However, Wat Pho is expansive, the grounds are decorated with temples, courtyards, and gardens. Notable attractions include:

  • Thai Massage: Get an authentic Thai or foot massage here.
  • Massage Class: One can learn the art of Thai massage at the school.
  • Phra Ubosot: A beautiful building with striking decorations holding the second most honored Buddha image.
  • Royal Chedis: The four big stupas honoring the first four kings.
  • Bodhi Tree: A holy tree grown from cuttings from the Buddha’s original enlightenment tree.
  • Old Stone Carvings: See ancient Thai knowledge and history carved in stone. It’s a UNESCO site!
  • Stone Statues: Discover the statues of Marco Polo and Chinese warriors presented here that were brought through on ships.

For a full in-depth look into the temple and the palace, book a guided tour. A local guide can give a lot of insight and information about the history of the temple and palace, and of course answer many of your questions. Its highly recommended!

Wat Arun

Wat Arun, known as the Temple of Dawn, sits on the Chao Phraya River and is an all famous Bangkok sight. The name Arun comes from the Hindu god Aruna - linked to the rising sun. The temple’s surface reflects the morning and afternoon light. It has tall, majestic piers towering up into the sky. Then an 82m high Khmer-style tower in the middle of the temple allows you climb the stairs to see a fantastic view Bangkok and the Chao Phraya River. It has a tall spire and awe inspiring porcelain art with a fascinating history. It all started as a small shrine back in the 16th century. King Taksin arrived here as he fled the invaders in 1767 and made it part of his capital, renaming it to Wat Chaeng. Then in the early 1800s, King Rama II enlarged it, building the 82-meter-high spire, which King Rama III then finished.

  • Climb the Stairs: It’s definitely worth a climb for the stunning views of the river and Bangkok. You will also notice that the porcelain is intricately detailed.
  • Grounds: The temple has some more quaint riverside hangouts, quiet spots, and a library.
  • Ordination Hall: Inside there is a Buddha statue that King Rama II is said to have designed, plus there is some noteworthy paintings about Prince Siddhartha.

If you’d rather have a tour, there are walking tours that visit all the temples listed with detailed information.

Erawan Shrine

Built in 1956 to ward off bad luck during hotel construction, this shrine dedicated to the Hindu god Brahma is a significant spiritual site.

Wat Mahathat This riverside temple offers free daily meditation classes led by English-speaking instructors. Sessions last two to three hours, and extended meditation retreats are available for those who wish to deepen their practice. It is located on Ko Ratanakosin near the Chao Phraya River

Golden Mount

The Golden Mount, is an iconic Bangkok landmark with an interesting story. King Rama III wanted a towering stupa, but the ground was of course too soft to support it. Later, his successor built a smaller, gold stupa after planting trees to keep the hill stabilised. King Rama V then added a Buddha relic from India, making it a key religious spot. This historic temple, part of Wat Saket, boasts one of the best panoramic views of Bangkok. While the temple itself is free to enter, climbing to the summit costs a small entry fee. After visiting, ensure you venture through the Ban Baat district, where artisans handcraft alms bowls for monks, a tradition dating back to the 19th century.

  • Climb the stairs to get great city views. The chants you hear are Buddhist teachings.
  • Wat Saket is a beautiful temple with spectacular paintings, including scary scenes of the Buddhist hell.

Dusit Palace Park

Dusit Palace Park, planned by King Rama V after his 1897 trip to Europe, embodies European castle ideas with traditional Thai style. The park has noteworthy buildings and museums.

Highlights include:

  • Royal Thai Elephant Museum: It shows the history of Thailand’s white elephants. There’s even a large elephant statue that is considered sacred.
  • Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall: This was a throne hall back in 1904, it combines Victorian and Moorish designs, with craft displays.
  • Vimanmek Teak Mansion: It was built in 1910 and was the former home of King Rama V. It is full of his personal belongings and vintage art collections.
  • Ancient Cloth Museum: See royal silks and cottons here.

Sri Mariamman Temple

Bangkok’s Hindu heritage is on display at the Sri Mariamman Temple, an ornate South Indian-style sanctuary adorned with intricate carvings. Built in the 1860s, it remains an important religious site.

Wat Suthat

Wat Suthat is a top-ranking royal temple with detailed paintings of Buddha’s life. It features the massive, 8-meter-tall Phra Si Sakayamuni statue, which is Thailand’s biggest old bronze statue from the Sukhothai era.

  • The main chapel behind the sanctuary is the biggest in Thailand, and because notable Brahman priests were linked to this temple, it’s viewed as a key temple in Thai religion.
  • King Ananda Mahidol’s ashes are kept here.

Wat Benchamabophit

  • It’s called the Marble Temple since it’s made of Italian white marble.
  • Built in the 1800s, it’s known for its balanced design and beautiful balcony that has 52 Buddha statues.
  • This place is great for Thai Buddhist art. You might even see a local family praying, performing real rituals.

Museums

National Museum

The National Museum in Bangkok offers a look into Thai history and culture. It started as a palace in 1782 and was turned into a museum in 1874.

  • The Thai History Gallery showcases Buddha statues and artifacts from Thailand’s past, from the prehistoric times all the way to the Bangkok eras.
  • Some notable things to see are King Ramkhamhaeng’s stone pillar, King Taksin’s throne, and a film about King Rama VII.
  • The arts and ethnology section contain crafts, instruments, fabrics, and royal items, while the archaeology section covers the evolution of Thai art.
  • The Phutthaisawan Chapel has the Phra Phuttha Sihing Buddha, and the Chariot Hall contains the royal funeral chariots.
  • Address: 4 Soi Na Phra That, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
  • The Phra Chan Ferry Pier is the easiest access.

The Bangkokian Museum

Showcasing local history and providing a glimpse into 1930s Bangkok life.

  • Adress: 273 Saphan Yao Alley, Si Phraya, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand

  • Take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Si Phraya Pier for easy access.

  • The Bangkokian Museum is sort of hidden. It displays what life was like in Bangkok back in the early 1900s.

  • With its attractive mix of home history, furniture, and vintage items, it gives you a look at the city’s past.

  • The museum is spread out in three old wooden houses, each sharing a different piece of the story.

King Prajadhipok Museum

One can learn about Thailand’s last absolute monarch, Rama VII.

  • Address: 2 Lan Luang Rd, Ban Bat, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
  • Easily get there by taking the Khlong Saen Saep Express Boat to the Panfa Leelard Pier

The Bangkok Doll Factory & Museum

See handcrafted dolls inspired by Thai mythology and culture.

  • To get there, take a taxi/Grab/Boly from the BTS Phaya Thai station.

Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)

MOCA is a world-class contemporary art museum with a focus on Thai artists. This is the collection of Boonchai Bencharongkul, who has an immense passion for art. There are about 800 pieces from his collection that are exhibited in 20,000 square meters. For anyone who appreciates contemporary art, they won’t want to miss this.

  • Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM daily (closed Mondays)
  • There is a reasonable admission fee
  • Address: 499 Kamphaeng Phet 6 Rd, Lat Yao, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
  • One can access it via the Bang Khen Station on the Krung Thep Aphiwat - Rangsit (Dark Red Line) Then walk or a Grab/Bolt for the last leg.

Museum of Counterfeit Goods

Dedicated to Bangkok’s booming fake goods industry, this museum showcases an astonishing collection of fakes. You can take a tour on Mondays at 2:00 PM and Thursdays at 10:00 AM. Book at in advance.

Children’s Discovery Museum.

an interactive museum for kids that offers exhibits on science, engineering, and culture. The kids will love the Dino Detective Zone, where they can dig for fossils. The museum features an outdoor water play area, Ensure you pack sunscreen and swimming gear for the kids. It is also located near the Wachirabenchathat Park as well as Queen Sirikit Park, making it a perfect trip of the children.

  • Address: 810 Kamphaeng Phet 4 Rd, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
  • Its conveniently located right at the MR (Blue Line) Chatuchak Park Station.

The Erawan Museum

If you can spare a few extra days in Bangkok, and want to check out some interesting spots outside the city center, one must-see is the Erawan Museum, located just south of downtown. You’ll recognize it by the big three-headed elephant statue perched on top of a pink building.
The museum itself is pretty interesting, blending art, culture, and spirituality in a unique way. The gardens are nice for a stroll, and you can climb the beautiful staircase up to the elephant’s head. Don’t forget to snap some pics of the stunning stained glass ceiling inside!

  • Address: JHHQ+CH, Tambon Bang Muang Mai, Mueang Samut Prakan District, Samut Prakan 10270, Thailand
  • The most convenient route is on the BTS Green Line to Pu Chao station, then grab a taxi or a Grab/Bolt for the last stretch to the museum.

Art

The Artist’s House

This historic wooden house by Khlong Bang Luang canal in Thonburi is part gallery, part cultural space. It’s an art zone mixed with a cafe, all in a quaint old wooden house. Free Thai puppet shows take place daily at 2pm (except Wednesdays), and visitors can enjoy the peaceful canal-side setting.

  • Food is served only on weekends.
  • There’s a free Thai puppet show at 2:00 PM. It’s fun and not something you would see every day.
  • This is also the ideal area to experience what real Bangkok canal life used to be like, that is still preserved here today.

Discover Contemporary Art at Gallery VER One of Bangkok’s most cutting-edge art spaces, Gallery VER showcases bold and experimental works by local and international artists. Admission is free, and the on-site cafe often hosts talks and workshops.

Jim Thompson House

The former home of Jim Thompson, an American who worked as a spy as well as a silk merchant in Thailand during the 1950s and 1960s. This museum gives you a peek into his fascinating life. After serving his time in the military, he played an important and leading role in bringing Thailand’s silk industry back to life. He mysteriously vanished in the highlands of Malaysia in 1967. The theories range from him getting lost or killed while hiking to even the possibility of him staging his own disappearance. He lived in a traditional Thai house constructed from beautiful teak wood and surrounded by lush gardens right next to the Khlong Saen Saep. The museum showcases the traditional Thai teak houses as well as his personal collection. There are guided tours that offer an insight into his life and legacy, while the gift shop sells fine silk products.

The house is surrounded by lovely gardens, ponds, and tropical flowers, making it a nice spot to unwind in busy Bangkok. As you explore, you’ll learn about how silk is made and see Jim’s impressive collection of Southeast Asian art. Don’t forget to swing by the shop where you can find a variety of high-quality silk items, from scarves and ties to clothes and home decor.

  • Located at 1 Khwaeng Wang Mai, website jimthompsonhouse.org.
  • Open daily from 10am-5pm.
  • A reasonable admission fee applies which maintains the property and museum.

Bangkok Art and Culture Center

The Bangkok Art and Culture Center, opened in 2007, hosts art, music, theater, film, design, and cultural events. It also houses an art library, cafe, gallery, craft shop, and bookstore. This center offers a place to view local art. Check their website for event schedules.

  • Address: 939 Rama I Rd, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
  • Getting there: Very easy access from the BTS Silom Line National Stadium Station or The BTS Sukhumvit Line Siam Station
  • Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
  • Entry: Free, but event costs vary. See the BACC website for details

City Parks

Lumphini Park

This is Bankok’s largest park, named after Buddha’s birthplace, it is perfect for a nature escape right in the heart of the city. King Rama VI opened it in 1925. Here one can escape the city’s chaos in this green sanctuary away from the crowds and congestion in Bangkok’s largest green space. Lumphini Park offers an urban retreat with its shaded walkways, serene lakes, wooded areas, and monitor lizards. It’s best to go early, not only is it cooler, but you’ll also see tai chi practitioners, and locals jogging, attending aerobics classes, and even practicing dance moves. Late evening is also a good time - for cooler temperatures where you will find locals relaxing or cycling.

Wandering around Lumpini Park feels pretty special. It’s peaceful and lush, even though you’re right in the middle of the city surrounded by tall buildings. Check out the big fish ponds and keep an eye out for large monitor lizards swimming by. Grab a coffee from one of the many cafes around the park.

  • Check out the Chinese-style clock tower in the southeast corner.
  • King Rama VI’s statue is at the southwest entrance.
  • You can rent paddleboats, use the playgrounds, or hit the outdoor gym.

If you’re up for a bit more movement, head to the northeast corner of the park where you’ll find the Lumpini-Benchakitti Park Walkway, also known as the Green Mile. This 2-kilometer path connects Lumpini Park to the newer Benjakitti Forest Park.

Benjakiti Park

One city block east of Lumphini Park, conveniently connected by the Green Mile you will find Benjakiti Park. This is a 20.8-hectare park with a 2km track around a lake, and the perfect spot for cycling, (cheap bike rentals available from 8am to 7pm) jogging, or just taking in the beautiful city escape. The park is also home to the Benjakiti Forest Park Museum.

Saranrom Royal Garden

This Victorian-era park near Wat Pho was initially a royal residence under King Rama IV. Now it’s a public garden, but it surely retains its European-style charm.

Rama IX National Park

This is Bangkok’s largest park. Its foculpoint is the gold and white Ratchamangkhala Pavilion. It features expansive lawns and botanical gardens, and is mostly frequented by locals. Located 15km from downtown.

Wachirabenchathat Park

Also known as Suan Rot Fai (Railway Park), It is a spacious green retreat, with cycling paths, manicured gardens, shaded areas, and family-friendly attractions like White Road Theme Park. It’s a great spot for jogging, cycling, or unwinding after a visit to Chatuchak Weekend Market. There is a driving range for golfers and a gym. Ensure you visit the butterfly garden, and the 50-meter Bird Wave Bridge. It is located near Chatuchak Weekend Market and also connects to Queen Sirikit Park and Chatuchak Park, offering plenty to explore. Late afternoon is the best time to visit as locals gather for sports and leisure.

Si Nakhon Kheun Khan Park

Situated in Bang Krachao, Thailands “Green Lung”, this park is ideal for walking, cycling, experiencing quint Thai traditional life, and bird-watching. it offers a lush escape with a serene lake and an observation tower. Get there via the BTS to Bang Na, followed by a taxi, then a ferry ride.

Top Markets & Shopping

Amulet Market

Located near Wat Pho, the Amulet Market is a fascinating spot to observe locals trading Buddhist talismans. Collectors scrutinize tiny charms with magnifying glasses, hunting for rare finds with spiritual significance.

Khlong Toey Market

If your trip doesn’t line up with Saturday, check out Khlong Toei Market. It’s one of the last true markets in Bangkok and gives you a real local vibe. Khlong Toei Market is a great place to see what a genuine Thai market is like. You’ll walk past stalls filled with fresh fruits and veggies, live frogs, tons of dried fish, and stacks of eggs, not to mention the really fresh chicken.

Asiatique

Asiatique is located at an old international trade port and is now a big warehouse complex with shops and restaurants. For a mix of shopping, dining, and riverside fun for the whole family, Asiatique is a fantasic choice. This open-air mall by the Chao Phraya River offers everything from trendy clothes to handmade crafts and souvenirs. However, it’s more than just shopping!
You can take a ride on the Asiatique Sky ferris wheel for some breathtaking views of the city. It’s the tallest ferris wheel in Bangkok, standing at 60m giving you a fantastic perspective of the skyline. There’s also a merry-go-round as well as a haunted house ride, making it a great spot for families.
When you’re ready to eat, you can choose from over 40 restaurants serving a wide variety of dishes from around the world, to traditional Thai. Even if one doesn’t buy anything, it’s still a great place to take a leisurely evening stroll.

Asiatique also has other entertainment options:

  • The Calypso Cabaret Show is hosted nearby

  • A puppet theater

  • A Muay Thai show

  • Address: Wat Phraya Krai, Bang Kho Laem, Bangkok 10120, Thailand

  • The easiest and also most scenic means of getting there is via the Wat Rat Singkhon Pier on the Chao Phraya River Express Boat

  • Open: Daily 11:00 am to midnight

If you have extra time, think about the Calypso Ladyboy Show:

This cabaret show presents all the glitz and glamour as one would expect. Other cabaret show choices are the Playhouse Cabaret and Golden Dome Cabaret

  • Location: 2194 Charoenkrung 72-76 Road, Warehouse #3, calypsocabaret.com.
  • Showtimes: 7:45 pm and 9:45 pm.

Chatuchak Weekend Market

If it’s the weekend, and the markets are your thing, then don’t miss the Chatuchak Weekend Market! This is one of the world’s largest markets - spread over 14 hectares, Chatuchak is an adventure in itself. You can spend hours getting lost here. With over 15,000 stalls, it is certainly worth a visit, but it gets quite crowded. Covering 35 acres with around 15,000 stalls to delight! You’ll find everything from vintage fashion, art, antiques, traditional Thai cookware and street food.

It might look a bit chaotic at first, but the market is pretty organized and easy to get around. Just keep in mind, it could take you a few hours to see everything if you want to take your time. You’ll find all sorts of stuff at Chatuchak. Vendors have everything from handicrafts and souvenirs to antiques, shoes, accessories, clothing (both genuine designer items and replicas), electronics, bags, kitchen supplies. and even pets. Some shops do have fixed prices, but it’s always worth trying to bargain.

When you get hungry from all the shopping, you won’t have a problem finding food. It’s the perfect place to grab mouthwatering street food like pad thai, spring rolls and other fantastic traditional Thai dishes so arrive hungry! They do have an indoor area that’s air-conditioned where you can cool off since it’s mostly outdoors. The market is popular with locals and tourists alike.

  • Hours: Friday 6pm to midnight; Saturday and Sunday 9am to 6pm
  • Free entry
  • Address: Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Chatuchak, Bangkok
  • It’s both easy and convenient to get to by means of public transport, Get there via the MRT Blue Line and stop at the Chatuchak Park Station

Papaya antique store

This massive antique store feels more like a museum of retro treasures. it’s a treasure trove of vintage collectibles, vintage furniture and movie memorabilia, Papaya is a feast for the eyes, even if most items are priced as high-end collector’s pieces.

Tip Just don’t expect bargain prices - treat it like a museum visit. Nearby, Wat Lat Phao offers an intriguing collection of Buddha statues and is worth a visit.

Srinagarindra Train Night Market (Talad Rot Fai Srinakarin)

This retro-style Bangkok night market (Talad Rot Fai Srinakarin) is a must-see for anyone new to Bangkok. Vintage train carriages and bright lights giving it a unique feel, it’s great if you want something interesting and different from the usual tourist spots. Talad Rot Fai Srinakarin feels special as it mixes the old and new with a lively but timeless atmosphere. Although it appears small from the outside, it’s huge once you’re in. With tons of shops and places to eat, people come for shopping, eating, hanging out, admiring one of the biggest collections of vintage cars and just relaxing. This market isn’t about normal souvenirs. It’s retro-themed, with:

  • Vintage items such as art, arrays of antiques, clothes, and collectibles.
  • Retro classic cars such as restored VW vans and old trucks.
  • Food trucks, Tattoo parlours and barber shops.
  • Also the modern items like clothes, shoes, and electronics. The sellers are easy going, they don’t haggle you and the prices are quite decent. If you love food, you’ll love this market as well.

There’s also the Jodd Fairs Night Market in the Rama 9 area, where you can enjoy all your favorite night market foods, shop for trendy clothes and accessories, and chill in the large seating area with live performances.