Things to do in Bangkok

Things to do in Bangkok

Diving into Bangkok is as as spicy an adventure as Gaeng Tai Pla. One minute you’re temple-hopping in gold-plated calm, the next you’re ordering midnight noodles from a busy-as cart. Skyscrapers share airspace with ancient spires, and champagne glasses on rooftop bars clink over pockets of jungle, and markets sell everything from mangoes to ‘genuine’ Levi’s. Whether you’re a first-timer or an honorary local, Bangkok knows how to serve it: sweet, hot and with extra sauce.

Unique Bangkok things you can’t do anywhere else

• Wat Arun Riverside Stroll: Bangkok’s most photogenic temple glows golden at sunset and dazzles up close with intricate mosaics. As a bonus, you can dress in traditional Thai costume for the perfect snap.
• Thai Cooking Class: Cook (and taste) your way through classics like green curry and mango sticky rice in Silom.
• Muay Thai Live Show or Stadium Match: Flying knees, roaring crowds and serious local pride. For the full-throttle version of Thailand’s national sport.
• Thai Bus Food Tour: Cruise Bangkok’s streets in a neon-lit double-decker while feasting on local faves. It’s dinner, sightseeing and retro vibes—all in one ride.
• Chatuchak Weekend Market wander: Even if you don’t buy, you’ll love the maze of weird and wonderful.

Best Bangkok attractions to see

• Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew Tour: Gold, glitter, and sacred vibes in Bangkok’s spiritual heart. Expect wow.
• Jim Thompson House Visit: Silk, scandal and lush gardens in the former home of Bangkok’s most stylish mystery man.
• Wat Pho Temple and Reclining Buddha: Forty-six metres of laid-back gold Buddha bliss. Also the birthplace of Thai massage.
• Erawan Shrine: A whirl of incense, garlands and traditional Thai dance in the middle of city buzz.
• Baiyoke Sky Hotel Observation Deck: Sweeping city views from one of Thailand’s tallest towers. Worth it for sunset or just to spot all those temple rooftops from above.

Best Bangkok day trips and tours

• Chao Phraya Boat Tour and Calypso Cabaret: Cruise Bangkok's riverfront then get razzle-dazzled by drag queens in sequins.
• Jodd Fairs Night Market Walking Tour: Foodie heaven meets fashion hunt in a neon-drenched open-air bazaar.
• Street Food Tour in Yaowarat (Chinatown): BBQ pork buns, sizzling seafood and dessert you can't name but will love.
• Bangkok Old Town Food Tour: Spoon through boat noodles, mango sticky rice and Chinatown dumplings with a local guide.
• Ayutthaya Day Trip: Explore ancient temple ruins, headless Buddhas and crumbling stupas in Thailand’s former capital. History, river views and tuk tuk rides in one.

Budgeting for things to do in Bangkok

Bangkok = budget-friendly brilliance. Many of the best bits like temple hopping or market trawling cost little or nothing. Paid activities on Traveloka range from around AU$20–$100. Think AU$26 for a palace tour, AU$50–$70 for cooking or food experiences, and a fancy rooftop tea for AU$120+. Transport is cheap (tuk tuks or BTS), and even dinner with views won’t break the bank.

Free things to do in Bangkok

• Khao San Road: Neon signs, pad Thai stalls and backpacker chaos. Love it or loathe it, it’s an icon.
• MBK Centre roam: Bargain stalls, noodle slurps and local buzz in Bangkok’s most famously chaotic mall.
• Siam Paragon window shopping: From Ferraris to fish tanks, this luxury mall is a vibe.
• Lumphini Park: Lakes, locals doing tai chi, and monitor lizards lurking by the path. Bangkok’s green heart and a perfect early-morning wander.
• Watching the Changing of the Guard at the Grand Palace: Marching soldiers, precision drills and a dose of regal tradition—free if you’re already nearby, and very photogenic.