Bangkok
Save39 hand-picked places in 10 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.
Only have a day? See a ready-made day plan ↓10 places on the map
Top 10
- 1
Dazzling former royal residence with the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
- Tip: Go early
- Tip: Dress code
1 tip
- Beware scammers claiming it is closed
📷 Photos
- 2
Home to the giant Reclining Buddha and Thai massage school.
- Tip: Late afternoon
2 tips
- Get a massage on site
- Pair with Wat Arun by ferry
📷 Photos
- 3
Temple of Dawn with a towering porcelain-clad prang.
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Climb the prang steps
- Best sunset view from across the river
- Rent a traditional dress
📷 Photos
- 4
Giant weekend market with thousands of stalls.
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Bring cash
📷 Photos
- 5
Traditional teak houses once home to the Thai silk king.
3 tips
- Guided tours included
- No photos inside
- Cafe on site
📷 Photos
- 6
Central park famed for monitor lizards and morning tai chi.
3 tips
- Go at dawn or dusk
- Free entry
- Rent a paddle boat
📷 Photos
- 7
Street-food mecca and neon-lit Chinatown.
3 tips
- Come after 6pm
- Try roast duck and seafood
- Hit Wat Traimit for the golden Buddha
📷 Photos
- 8
Backpacker hub of bars, hostels and street food.
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Busiest at night
- Watch for tuk-tuk scams
- Good for cheap souvenirs
📷 Photos
- 9
Hilltop temple with 360-degree views of old Bangkok.
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Climb 344 steps
- Visit at sunset
- Small entrance fee
📷 Photos
- 10
Rooftop deck with a glass-floor skywalk over the city.
- Tip: Sunset
- Tip: Book ahead
2 tips
- Go before sunset
- Bring ID for tickets
📷 Photos
Take this map with you
Opens Google Maps with these places, ready to save to your own list.
Before you go: Bangkok tips
Transportation
- Ride the BTS and MRT: Bangkok's Skytrain and subway beat the traffic; a Rabbit card works on the BTS and contactless bank cards on the MRT.
- Take the river boats: Chao Phraya Express boats are a scenic, cheap way to reach the Grand Palace, Wat Arun and the old town.
- Use Grab or Bolt: Ride-hailing apps give upfront prices and avoid taxi drivers who refuse the meter.
Security
- Ignore the closed palace scam: Strangers saying the Grand Palace is closed today often steer you to tuk-tuk rides and gem shops.
- Agree tuk-tuk fares first: Tuk-tuks rarely have meters; settle the price before you ride and decline shopping stopovers.
- Mind traffic and pavements: Motorbikes may ride on pavements and ignore crossings; look both ways every time.
Saving
- Eat street food: Hawker stalls and food courts serve pad kra pao, khao man gai and noodle soups for very little.
- Drink tap-filtered water: Refill bottles at coin-operated water machines found in many neighbourhoods.
- Withdraw less often: Thai ATMs charge a fixed fee per foreign card withdrawal, so take out larger amounts at once.
Weather/Clothing
- Plan for heat year-round: Bangkok is hot and humid all year, hottest in March to May; wear light, breathable fabrics.
- Carry an umbrella in rainy season: May to October brings heavy afternoon storms and occasional street flooding.
- Pack temple clothing: Covered shoulders and knees are required at temples like Wat Pho; carry a scarf or light trousers.
Cultural
- Respect the monarchy: Criticism of the royal family is illegal; stand for the royal anthem before cinema screenings.
- Mind your head and feet: The head is sacred and feet are lowly; do not touch heads or point feet at people or Buddha images.
- Greet with a wai: Pressing palms together with a slight bow is the traditional greeting; return one when offered.
Local Hacks
- Visit temples early: Arrive at the Grand Palace and Wat Pho right at opening to beat heat and tour groups.
- Shop at Chatuchak on weekends: The huge weekend market has everything; go in the morning before it gets hot.
- Escape to Bang Krachao: Rent a bike in this green area across the river, often called Bangkok's green lung.
1-day itineraries in Bangkok
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.