What to do in Bangkok

Activities, attractions and tours
Wat Arun

Bangkok Attractions

The capital of Thailand, and one of the biggest cities in the world, Bangkok is a city where anything goes. First impressions might be of a heaving metropolis with busy markets, traffic and congestion but dig a little deeper and you’ll find a beautiful and historic city where everyone can find something to entertain and delight. Unique nightlife, incredible street food, ancient temples - just three highlights of a city that comes with a big reputation and doesn’t fail to deliver.

Areas & Neighbourhoods in Bangkok

Silom - At night this is the city’s main party district, home to the infamous Patpong area among others, where there really is something for everyone.

Siam Square - The modern centre of Bangkok, head here if you’re looking for upmarket shopping malls with great prices. Check out the Ratchaprasong and Phloen Chit Road areas.

Dusit - The political hub of the country and where you’ll find plenty of leafy palaces and green gardens to explore. An area with its own distinct character.

Sukhumvit - Popular with expats because of the sheer number of high end restaurants and bars here. The nightlife is also great, with a naughty side too.

Rattanakosin - The ‘old Bangkok’, where you can stumble across many of the city’s best known sites - including the Grand Palace and Wat Pho.

Things to See in Bangkok

You can’t miss the ancient side of Bangkok during your stay. The Grand Palace and exquisite temples of Wat Arun and Wat Phra Kaew are must sees. If you’re looking for the best city views, check out the Wat Saket - a true city of gold. For some top shopping and a more modern view of the city, the districts around Siam Square are dotted with upmarket shopping options. Of course, this being Bangkok, you don’t really have to ‘see’ anything in the conventional sense. Just explore, take in the electric atmosphere, sample the incredible street food and discover a side of the city that suits your personality. With so much to see, why not explore all this with a tuk tuk tour.

Things to Do in Bangkok

Take plenty of holiday snaps as you wander round the magnificent Grand Palace and Wat Arun. Check out the floating market, where sellers load up and head out into the harbour to flog their goods to passing customers. These overloaded wooden boats are stocked high with brightly coloured fruits and vegetables, and it’s the best place to go to grab a quick noodle dish. Explore the busy Chinatown area, a chaotic but fun part of town, and wander round Wat Pho, the old part of the city to get a feel for the history of this incredible place. Take a boat out on the Chao Phraya River, exploring this maze of waterways for a different experience of the city.

You can also book top Bangkok hotels and great Bangkok package deals right here on Expedia.co.uk.


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Most fun & popular experiences in Bangkok


Popular places to visit

Explore areas of Bangkok

Sukhumvit

Sukhumvit

4/5(467 area reviews)

Street markets and sparkling malls, parks, nightlife districts and museums await at this bustling boulevard, which is one of Thailand’s longest roads.

Sukhumvit
Lumpini Park featuring a garden, a city and a lake or waterhole

Bangkok City Centre

3.5/5(34 area reviews)

Known for its stunning river views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Bangkok City Centre. Check out top attractions like Siam Paragon Mall and Khaosan Road, and jump on the metro at Hua Lamphong Station or National Stadium BTS Station to see more of the city.

Bangkok City Centre
Bangkok showing night scenes, a bridge and skyline

Siam

Enjoy the popular shops in Siam. Siam Paragon Mall is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Ratchadamri BTS Station or Siam BTS Station to see more of Bangkok.

Siam
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Asoke

Asoke is popular for its popular shops. Explore top sights like Terminal 21 Shopping Mall and Soi Cowboy, and you can get around town on the metro at Sukhumvit Station.

Asoke
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Silom

4.5/5(22 area reviews)

Known for its fantastic nightlife and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Silom. Check out top attractions like Silom Complex Shopping Mall and Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, and jump on the metro at Chong Nonsi BTS Station or Sala Daeng Station to see more of the city.

Silom
Wat Pho which includes interior views

Bangkok Riverside

Khaosan Road and ICONSIAM are a few top attractions in Bangkok Riverside. Hop around the city on the metro at Rama IX Bridge Station or Wat Dokmai Station and check out the area's fantastic nightlife, stunning river views and popular shops.

Bangkok Riverside

Day trip destinations from Bangkok