Bangkok Bucket List – 13 Best Things To Do in Bangkok

This Bangkok bucket list includes all of the best things to do in Bangkok, including the most unique things to do in Bangkok & the best places to eat.

After living in Bangkok, Thailand for 4 years, we decided to finally share this Bangkok bucket list. The city is a vibrant, busy place to explore and you will never run out of things to do in the Big Mango.

Avoid visiting in the Summer, as this is monsoon season and these Bangkok attractions can be hard to see during the rain! The best time to visit Bangkok for sightseeing, is from December to February, this is when the weather is much cooler and you can get around the city without overheating.

Bangkok Bucket List

Wat Pho

Visiting Wat Pho is a must-see that needs to be on your Bangkok bucket list. Home to the reclining Buddha, this is a gorgeous temple complex with detailed, decorated structures and rows and rows of golden Buddhas.

This is easily one of my favorite temples to explore in Bangkok and we recommend heading here in the afternoon to avoid the morning tour groups.

The Grand Palace

The Grand Palace is an iconic attraction in the city, which needs to be on your Bangkok bucket list. How to visit the Grand Palace can be easy if you know when to go. Either first thing in the morning, getting to the palace for opening time, or in the late afternoon, when the tour groups has dispersed.

Klong tour 

Joining a klong tour in Bangkok allows you to explore the historic waterways of the city offering a unique and enriching experience. This tour usually starts from the major piers like Sathorn and starts to go through the narrow canals to explore the local areas and other amazing attractions. The duration of this tour varies depending on which package exactly you choose.

There are several options to choose from, either a couple of hours tour by a private longtail boat, or a half day tour which allows you to explore further. 

If you book the 2 hours tour, it’s always recommended to combine it with other attractions such as Bangkok temples to explore the most you can throughout one day in Bangkok.

Wat Arun

Wat Arun, known as the Temple of Dawn, stands out with its colorful porcelain decorations and riverside location.

Wat Arun is a famous landmark of Bangkok, situated in the Chao Phraya River, which needs to be on your Bangkok bucket list. Admire the incredible detailing and texture of the temple itself and capture the view from the top.

Just make sure to wear comfortable shoes for the steep climb to the top and hold onto the rope!

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Bangkok and its surrounding provinces are home to many beautiful and vibrant markets. Some of these markets are iconic and have a historical significance, and some others are new but also worth visiting. 

The most famous Market near Bangkok is Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Here you can explore the Traditional way of shopping of Thai people by Taking a small paddle boat and exploring the narrow canals. The area is also full of fruit farms, especially Coconut, therefore, you can also have the opportunity to explore one of them and see how locals use the coconut to manufacture other products such as Soaps, Shampoos and snacks.

Amphawa Market

If you have already decided to visit Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, then you should not miss another iconic market located within the same area.

Amphawa Market is another traditional market, located only 15 minutes away from Damnoen Saduak. The best time to visit this market is during the Sunset or the evening as it becomes more vibrant. You can take a private longtail boat in the canals around Amphawa to see the fireflies in the dark. 

Maeklong Railway Market

By visiting Maeklong Railway market, you will see how local sellers put their merchandise on the railway and quickly collect them when the train passes by. It’s a very popular destination for tourists interested in exploring local culture and Thai markets.

Chatuchak Market

All of the above listed markets are located outside of Bangkok, about 1 hour drive from the City Center. If you are interested in visiting other vibrant and interesting markets within the city, you should consider visiting Chatuchak Market, the largest Flea Market in Thailand, and Rod Fai market, where you can find amazing Vintage and classic products.

The markets are a big reason to visit Thailand, so make sure to try that local street food and get shopping!

Safari World and Marine Park 

If you are traveling with your family, spending a day at Safari world and Marine Park during your stay in Bangkok will be a great experience. Safari world is considered as an open zoo where you can take a Caged Vehicle and drive through the Park. During the drive, you will encounter many animals including tigers, Zebras and Giraffes. 

There are several activities that can be done at the park that children love including taking Photos with the Orangutan, Feeding the Giraffes and many other activities. 

The park is also arranging daily animal shows that are very interesting for the Children and very popular among Tourists. These shows include: The Cowboy Show, Orangutan Show, Dolphin show, Birds Show, and Elephants Show. 

Visiting this attraction is not only amazing for children but also for Adults looking for entertainment and a good Theme Park to explore in the heart of the city.

Wat Saket

Wat Saket is a little further out from the centre of Bangkok but worth a visit for the view. Climb the 318 steps to the top (which sounds a lot but actually the stairs aren’t too steep).

Once you reach the top you can admire the Buddhist temple and shrine, along with the undisturbed view of Bangkok.

Day trip to Kanchanaburi 

Kanchanaburi is a province located around 2 to 3 hours drive from Bangkok (Depending on the exact destination in the Province). This Place is home to many landmarks and sightseeing that can be explored throughout a Full day tour from Bangkok. 

First of all, you should be visiting the historical landmarks of Kanchanaburi including the death railway, the bridge over the river Kwai and the Kanchanaburi Cemetery. These attractions reflect the Historical importance of the region during world war two and the project that the Japanese empire was trying to build to facilitate the movement of the soldiers and weapons in the region. 

It’s highly recommended to visit Kanchanaburi with a good experienced English Speaking Guide to understand the History clearly. 

Another great thing that should not be missed when visiting Kanchanaburi is Erawan Waterfall. This waterfall is considered as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Thailand and Southeast Asia. It consists of Seven different tiers and tourists can enjoy swimming in the natural pools created around the waterfall in the heart of nature. 

Visit Ayutthaya 

Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of the Siamese Kingdom, boasts a rich history and cultural heritage. Founded in 1350 by King U Thong, it’s renowned for its historical temples.

Besides temples, Ayutthaya offers attractions like the Ayutthaya Historical Park, Elephant Palace, and Chao Sam Phraya National Museum. Travelers can explore Ayutthaya by bicycle, Tuk Tuk, boat tours, walking tours, motorbike, guided tours, elephant rides, trishaw rides, local transportation, or self-guided exploration. 

Practical tips include wearing comfortable clothing, sun protection, insect repellent, staying hydrated, carrying cash, important documents, and a mobile phone. Visitors should also bring a camera and maintain a respectful attitude towards cultural heritage. The distance from Bangkok to Ayutthaya is approximately 80 kilometers, taking 1 to 1.5 hours by car. 

Visit Khao Yai National Park 

Khao Yai national park is one of the best places in Thailand for wildlife watching. This amazing place is located just a couple of hours away from Bangkok, and is one of the most popular day trips for those looking for Nature and wildlife expeditions. 

During your visit to Khao Yai National Park, you will have the opportunity to see beautiful animals including Wild elephants, Monkeys, gibbons, Gaur, Deers and more. 

In addition to the wildlife, the natural beauty of the jungle will impress you. You will have the chance to explore beautiful waterfalls such as Haew Suwat and Haew Narok Waterfalls.

Best places to visit in Bangkok

Beyond Bangkok

Finished exploring Bangkok? Why not travel from Bangkok to Pattaya to enjoy a fantastic nightlife and beach scene, or head to Hua Hin, a more family oriented area in the country.

Better still, fly down to Phuket to experience the impressive James Bond Island, or enjoy the sun, sea and sand of Krabi.