Your Guide to the Best Places To See in Bangkok

Bangkok is an amazing city, filled with bustling city streets, colorful markets, and centuries of culture. A visit to Bangkok is always an unforgettable experience, and with so much to see and do, it can be hard to narrow down the best places to visit. Whether you’re looking for temples, markets, nightlife, or food, there’s something for everyone in Bangkok.

History and Culture

The city of Bangkok has a long and storied history, dating back to the Ayutthaya Kingdom in the 15th century. For hundreds of years, it was a center of trade and commerce, as well as a major port of call for ships travelling between India and China. The city was renamed Bangkok in the 18th century and has since grown into one of the largest cities in the world. Today, it’s a cultural hub, filled with historic temples, bustling markets, and vibrant nightlife.

Famous Sights

Bangkok is home to some of the most iconic sights in Thailand. The Grand Palace is one of the most famous landmarks in the city and is a must-visit for any traveler. The palace complex was built in the 18th century and is a stunning sight, with intricate architecture and glittering gold spires.

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is also a must-see, located just across from the Grand Palace. The temple houses an emerald Buddha statue that dates back to the 14th century and is considered one of the most important religious sights in Thailand.

For a truly unique experience, take a boat ride down the Chao Phraya River to view the city from a different perspective. Along the river are temples, ancient homes, and colorful markets that you won’t find anywhere else in Bangkok.

Markets and Shopping

Bangkok is known for its vibrant markets, where you can find anything from clothes to handmade souvenirs. The Chatuchak Weekend Market is one of the largest in the city and is open on weekends only. Here you’ll find over 15,000 stalls selling everything from clothes to art to jewelry.

The Patpong Night Market is also worth a visit. Located near the city’s Red Light District, this market is more of a nightlife hub than a shopping destination. Here you’ll find bars, clubs, and street performers all vying for your attention.

For a more upscale shopping experience, head to Siam Paragon or Central World shopping malls. Here you’ll find high-end stores selling designer clothes, jewelry, and accessories.

Nightlife

Bangkok is known for its vibrant nightlife scene and there’s no shortage of bars, clubs, and restaurants to explore. The Khaosan Road area is one of Bangkok’s most famous nightlife hubs, packed with bars and street performers. For an upscale experience, head to Sukhumvit Road or Silom Road where you’ll find high-end bars and clubs.

If you’re looking for something a bit more low-key, head to Thonglor or Ekkamai where you’ll find trendy bars and restaurants in a more relaxed atmosphere.

Food

No trip to Bangkok would be complete without sampling some of the city’s delicious cuisine. There are countless restaurants offering everything from traditional Thai dishes to international fare. The street food scene is also robust in Bangkok, so make sure to sample some of the delicious dishes sold at street stalls throughout the city.

Another must-try is khao soi, a coconut milk-based noodle soup that is popular throughout Thailand. Other popular dishes include pad thai, som tam (green papaya salad), and khanom krok (coconut pancakes).

Popular Tours

If you’re looking for an organized tour of Bangkok’s most famous sights, there are plenty of options from which to choose. One popular tour is the Grand Palace Tour, which takes visitors through the palace complex and offers up-close views of its stunning architecture. The tour also includes stops at some of Bangkok’s other famous sights like Wat Pho and Wat Arun. The tour lasts 3 hours and is led by an experienced guide who will provide you with plenty of information about Bangkok’s history and culture. Book a Grand Palace Tour here.

Another popular tour is the Bangkok Food Tour which guides visitors through some of Bangkok’s best food spots while providing an in-depth look into Thai cuisine. The tour includes stops at street stalls, traditional restaurants, and hidden gems that only locals know about. It lasts 4 hours and is led by an experienced guide who will provide you with plenty of tips about where to find the best food in Bangkok. Book a Bangkok Food Tour here.

Conclusion

Bangkok is an amazing city filled with culture, history, food, and nightlife. Whether you’re looking for temples, markets, or food tours, there’s something for everyone in Bangkok. Don’t forget to book a tour or two so you can get an up-close look at some of Bangkok’s most famous sights!