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Top things to do in Bangkok

Top things to do in Bangkok

Your Ultimate Guide to Bangkok’s top places to visit and the best things to do - Muay Thai, Markets, Night Markets, Rooftop Bars, The Skywalk, Nightlife, food and cooking classes, Thai massage and more!

By Travel Guide Spot 🌏

Published: March 15, 2025 - Last updated: April 22, 2025

Bangkok is a vibrant city that always seems to effortlessly blend ancient traditions with modern energy. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning again to uncover more, there’s something for every type of traveler—adults, couples, solo adventurers, and young adults alike. From merely cruising the Chao Phraya River, exploring colorful floating markets to sampling your way through the pulsating night markets, rooftop bars, street food in Yaowarat. Did we not mention watching a Muay Thai fight? We’ve also included some unique, non-touristy things that reveal the traditional side of Bangkok beyond the crowds.

Experience an Authentic Thai Massage

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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.

Food Tour

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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.

Best of Bangkok

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Want to cover the top 10 things to do in Bangkok but have a limited budget? We’ve discovered TAGTHAI—there is a hack! TAGTHAI in association with Amazing Thailand have put together this worldclass city pass which is in our opinion—the best value for money day pass to explore Bangkok’s most iconic palaces and temples, an array of restaurants to eat your heart out (even at the fancy spots), hit the massages at professional Thai massage venues and do the skywalk! This is all combined in to a rediculously low priced digital ticket if you consider what can be done with it.

TAGTHAi Bangkok

Day Pass with 30+ Benefits

Entry to all attractions, activities, and listed restaurants

Access to:

  • Mahanakhon SkyWalk
  • Ancient City
  • The Grand Palace & Emerald Buddha
  • Museum Siam
  • Chao Phraya Hop-On Hop-Off Boat
  • 7 selected high-end massage and spa venues
  • Over 15 Renowned local restaurants and cafes (including the Michelin restaurants)

❌ What’s Not Included

  • Tour guide
  • Transportation
Book City Pass

City Passes and Tuk-Tuk/Bicycle Tours

Section titled “City Passes and Tuk-Tuk/Bicycle Tours”

Bangkok By Night: Bicycle

A Bangkok-by-night Bicycle Tour

This guided night bike tour takes you through the vibrant backstreets, neon-lit neighborhoods, and peaceful riverside temples of Bangkok—all under the moonlight. An English-speaking local guide will lead you along the way, exploring both the buzz and the calm of the city after dark.

  • Cruise through Bangkok at night by bicycle with a friendly local guide
  • Enjoy a street food dinner in the heart of Chinatown (Yaowarat Road)
  • Ferry ride across the Chao Phraya River
  • Explore quiet temples and the hidden gems, away from the crowds
  • Visit the colorful 24h Flower Market
  • Discover the Talat Noi, and Thonburi communities, as well as historic Chinese shrines

Landmarks You’ll See:

  • Yaowarat Road (Chinatown)
  • Wat Phra Chetuphon (Wat Pho)
  • Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
Book Tour

Bangkok By Canal: Longtail Boat

A Bangkok-by-canal Old City Tour

A Bangkok Yai Local Canal Tour through the old part of Bangkok by longtail boat to get an insiders perspective on the old traditional side of the city. Here you will cruise the canals and experience how life used to be and still is in some parts of Bangkok.

  • Begin your journey at MRT Sanam Chai (Exit 1), just steps from Museum Siam.

  • Hop aboard a traditional long-tail boat to explore the gorgeous and scenic Bangkok Yai Canal.

Tour Highlights:

  • Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen. Visit this impressive temple to see the giant golden Buddha statue and take in the laid back surroundings.

  • Khlong Bang Luang & Khlong Mon. Cruise past charming traditional Thai houses built from teak, and soak in the everyday life of the locals along these historic canals.

  • The Artist’s House (Baan Silapin). Stop at this hidden gem where local art meets history. Browse locally made crafts, grab some delicious food, and feed the fish in the canal for a fun, interactive break.

Book Tour

Bangkok By Night: Tuk-Tuk

A Bangkok-by-night Tuk-Tuk Tour

Explore Bangkok by night with an English-speaking guide in a traditional tuk-tuk!

  • Visit the top attractions with fewer crowds: Wat Pho, Giant Swing, Wat Prayoon, Klong San Market
  • Experience the 24 hour Fresh Flower Market and savour its vibrant sights and scents (Fresh flowers are delivered in the evening)
  • Sample the local Thai street food, including noodles and an insiders surprise dessert spot
  • Fun, interesting and quirky facts and stories about Bangkok are shared along the way
Book Tour

Bangkok By Day: Bicycle

A Bangkok-by-day Bicycle Tour

Explore hidden streets of Old Bangkok, all with a local guide

  • Meet & Depart from the starting point
  • Ride through the small local lanes in Rattanakhosin
  • Stop at the Chow Sue Kong Shrine
  • Explore Chinatown and enjoy numerous street food tastings
  • Visit the vibrant Pak Khlong Talat Flower Market
  • Take a Ferry crossing over the Chao Phraya River
  • Ride the lush canal-side lanes
  • Pass by the Grand Palace, Wat Prayoon, Wat Kalayanamit, and the Giant Swing
  • Take a local ferry back, and return to the meeting point
Book Tour

Cruise the Chao Phraya River

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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.

Meridian Dinner Cruise

You have a choice between Dinner and Sunset cruises, there is international buffet and sea food, live music, free-flow soft drinks, and coffee and tea, and many more features.

This is a load of fun with a group of friends.

Book Cruise

Saffron Luxurious Chao Phraya River Dinner Cruise

This is a luxurious fine dining cruise on the 38m Saffron Cruise on the Chao Phraya River. You will receive a welcome cocktail on the moon desk and there is the 4-course signature Thai set dinner with petit four is not only a feast, but also an experience.

This is a perfect date night idea!

Book Cruise

Experience the Eclectic Floating Markets

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  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.

Book Floating Market Tours

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

For an outing to the most well known floating market, book a Damnoen Saduak floating market tour.

  • Start with hotel pickup (tour includes a hotel pickup in Bankok)
  • Visit a coconut farm and visit the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.
  • Discover traditional life, sample the food, shop from the boat vendors, and return back after exploring.
  • For a very reasonable fee you can ask your guide about a paddle boat add-on.
  • An English-speaking guide assist you throughout the tour, ensuring you have a hassle-free experience.
Book Tour

Amphawa & Maeklong Railway Market

For an outing to a famous floating market as well as the famous “folding train” market, book an Amphawa Floating Market & Maeklong Railway Train Market tour.

  • Visit the Maeklong Train Market
  • watch vendors fold their stall as the trains pass.
  • Explore Wat Bang Kung temple wrapped in tree roots.
  • Then head to the Amphawa Floating Market for fantastic street food and a sunset cruise - if youre lucky, you might see the fireflies.
Book Tour

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market (Budget)

For a budget-friendly trip to the most well known floating market, book a Damnoen Saduak floating market tour.

  • Begin a the Pickup Point for and take a 6-hour tour from Bangkok to the Damnoen Saduak floating markets
  • Direct transport is provided. Each guest also receives a cool towel and a bottle of water.
  • Discover local vendors selling fresh produce, food, sweets, and souvenirs.
  • Get a glimpse of the daily traditional life in Thailand from the water.
  • This includes a paddle boat ride throughout the market - Enjoy a 30min paddle boat ride through the market canals.
  • An English-speaking guide will accompany you throughout the tour, ensuring a smooth experience.
Book Tour

Klong Lat Mayom Floating Market

Tip For a laid-back experience of old traditional Bangkok, far from the crowds and pace, book a Klong Lat Mayom Floating Market tour Close to the heart of Bankok!

  • Meet at the Democracy Monument or as otherwise planned
  • Explore the quaint Khlong Lat Mayom floating market
  • Go on a longtail boat ride along the canals past old neighborhoods with traditional teak houses
  • Visit a local temple as well as an orchid farm.
  • The Thai crispy pancakes, and the coconut dumplings with sweet coconut milk is a must.
  • Live guide with a boat ride, roundtrip transportation as well as food and drinks and admission fees are all included!
Book Tour

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

Experience the Vibrant Night Markets

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  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.

Enjoy a Rooftop Bar

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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.

Sirocco Restaurant – Bangkok's Sky-High Dining

Located on the 63rd floor of State Tower and is the world’s highest open-air restaurant with views of Bangkok and the Chao Phraya River.

  • Serves Mediterranean cuisine, fine wines, and signature cocktails

  • Featuring live jazz music in a top luxury setting

  • A perfect splurge for your partner!

Book Dinner

Vertigo Restaurant – Rooftop Dining at Banyan Tree Bangkok

Vertigo – Rooftop Dining at Banyan Tree Bangkok

  • Located atop the Banyan Tree Hotel

  • Offering stunning 360° panoramic views of Bangkok

  • The menu features a selection of global cuisine. Savour on fresh, well-crafted dishes in a very stylish open-air setting

Book Dinner

The Mahanakhon Skywalk

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No Bangkok bucket list is really complete without a visit to the city’s tallest building—It has an outdoor viewing deck at Level 78, located 314 meters above ground with panoramic views. But then, theres the Glass Tray Experience, where you walk on a glass-bottom platform 310 meters up! The indoor observation deck at levels 74–75, gives you luxury indoor views of Bangkok’s skyline.

  • Take the Hydraulic powered glass lift: A thrilling ride up to the rooftop via a stunning glass elevator
  • SkyRides VR Experience: Choose between “CityFlier” or “Mountain” and enjoy a fun virtual reality journey
  • Peak Observation Point is the highest accessible point of the tower with spiral stairs and glass conduit views

On-site Facilities Include:

  • Photo Spots & Multimedia Displays
  • Restaurants & Cafes with skyline views
  • Souvenir Shop
  • Restrooms & seating areas for comfort
  • Location & Access
    • Address: 114 Narathiwas Road, Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok
    • Nearest BTS Station: Chong Nonsi Sation (connected via the skywalk)

✅ Open every day, including weekends and public holidays

Opening Hours

  • Daily: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Last Admission: 6:30 PM

📅 Best Time to Visit

  • Sunset or night for breathtaking city views
  • Weekdays after opening for fewer crowds

🚗 How to Get There

  • BTS SkyTrain: Take the Silom Line to Chong Nonsi Station (direct access via skywalk)

It is a great experience for families, couples, and photographers. Remember, no sleeveless tops or shorts, Don’t miss the Glass Tray photo spot for a unique and memorable picture. The parking is limited, so public transport is advised. Taxis or ride-hailing apps like InDrive are recommended if traveling in a group.

The Skywalk is Wheelchair accessible

Mahanakhon SkyWalk Observation Deck

  • Access to the Indoor Observation Deck (74th Floor)
  • Access to the Rooftop & Glass SkyWalk (78th Floor)
    • Walk on the glass viewing platform 314m up
  • Entry to the Mahanakhon SkyVerse (4th Floor)
  • Free digital photo (with the Sunset ticket)
  • Soft drink at the 74th floor (with the Drink package)
Book Tour

Experience Chinatown

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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.

Chinatown Bangkok: Private Walking Tour + Food & Drinks

Get an English/Thai speaking guide for an incredible insiders trip to the best parts of Chinatown

  • Live guide
  • Admission to all attractions
  • Food and drinks
  • Travel insurance

The trip highlights are:

  • Charoen Chai District: Here, one will explore the joss paper market, the largest for worship materials
  • Ban Kao Lao Rueng: Visit a historic house turned into a local museum
  • Wat Traimit: You will see the famous golden Buddha statue
  • Odeon Circle: Snap a photo here at Chinatown’s iconic gateway
  • Tien Fah Chinese Shrine: Where you will visit Thailand’s first Chinese shrine and learn about traditional wishes for good luck
  • The Chinatown Street Food Market: End the tour with a bang with a tasting of authentic local street food
Book Tour

Watch a Muay Thai Fight

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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.

Rajadamnern Muay Thai Stadium Ticket

Rajadamnern Muay Thai Stadium Experience Witness Thailand’s electrifying national sport at the most legendary Muay Thai venue. The Rajadamnern Stadium has been the heart of Muay Thai now for over 80 years. Here you can watch elite fighters perform the incredible high-speed, high-impact clashes, all showcasing the “Art of 8 Limbs” in a modern arena that is steeped in tradition.

With this pass, you can choose one of the following ticket options (as selected):

  • Grandstand 2nd Class
  • Club Class
  • Ringside Ticket
  • A VIP Option includes Free-flow beer & popcorn

Meeting Point & Ticket Info

  • Rajadamnern Stadium
  • Address 8 Thanon Ratchadamnoen Nok, 10100, Bangkok
  • You can pick up your tickets at the Counters 5 and 6 before 7:30 pm

How to Get There

  • BTS: Get off at Ratchathewi or the Victory Monument, then take an Indrive
  • MRT: Get off at Sam Yot station, then use Indrive
  • Bus: Take the bus routes #157, #509, #201, #503
  • Boat: Get off at the Talad Bobae Pier or the Panfa Leelard Pier
Book Ticket

Take a Thai Cooking Class

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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.

Blue Elephant Thai Cooking Class

Learn to cook mouthwatering Thai cuisine at one of Bangkok’s most prestigious culinary schools, the Blue Elephant.

  • Approx. 3–4 hours
  • English-speaking guide

✅ What’s Included

  • An expert-led Thai cooking class
  • Morning market visit (Morning classes only) where you learn how to navigate a Thai Market
  • A hands-on cooking class of 4 Thai dishes and vegetarian options are available
  • Get a Blue Elephant apron souvenir
  • Get a reusable shopping bag with Blue Elephant products

🍛 Why Take This Class?

  • Learn to cook authentic Thai dishes from scratch
  • Visit a local Bangkok market for your fresh ingredients
  • Learn from top-class chefs at a world-renowned Thai restaurant
  • Finally, you can enjoy your creations in a restaurant setting after the class
Book Cooking Class

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Go to Asiatique

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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 spend a leisurely evening

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.