Bangkok is loud, colourful, chaotic and completely addictive. In a single day you can visit centuries-old temples, cruise a river lined with palaces, eat incredible street food and finish with cocktails 60 floors up.
Most visitors spend 2 to 3 nights here, so we've ranked the experiences that matter most.
1. The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
Bangkok's most famous sight: a dazzling complex of golden spires and mosaics that was home to Thai kings for 150 years. Inside is Wat Phra Kaew, home to the revered Emerald Buddha.
Tip: Arrive at opening time. Shoulders and knees must be covered, and loose trousers or a sarong are fine. Ignore anyone outside claiming the palace is "closed today"; it's a well-known scam.
2. Wat Pho and the Reclining Buddha
A short walk from the Grand Palace, Wat Pho houses a 46-metre gold-plated Reclining Buddha. It's also the birthplace of traditional Thai massage, and you can book a massage at the temple's own school.
3. Wat Arun at sunset
The Temple of Dawn sits on the river's west bank and is decorated with colourful porcelain. Cross by ferry in the afternoon, then watch the sunset over it from a riverside bar on the opposite bank.
4. A Chao Phraya River cruise
The river is Bangkok's lifeline. Take the public orange-flag boat for a cheap, authentic ride, or book a dinner cruise to see the temples lit up at night. Both are wonderful.
5. Chinatown (Yaowarat) street food
After dark, Yaowarat Road fills with food stalls, neon signs and crowds. Try mango sticky rice, grilled corn, fresh fruit and dumplings. Vegetarians should look for the yellow "jay" flags, which mean vegan food. (More in our vegetarian food guide.)
6. Rooftop bars
Bangkok is famous for its sky bars. Lebua's Sky Bar (made famous by The Hangover Part II), Octave, Vertigo and ThreeSixty all offer spectacular views. Smart-casual dress is usually required.
7. Chatuchak Weekend Market
One of the world's biggest markets, with more than 10,000 stalls selling clothes, home décor, art, plants and food. Open on weekends. Go early to beat the heat and bring cash.
8. Shopping malls
For air-conditioned shopping, head to Siam Paragon and ICONSIAM for luxury brands, MBK and Platinum Fashion Mall for bargains, and Terminal 21, where each floor is themed on a different world city.
9. A floating market
Damnoen Saduak and Amphawa are the best known, both around 1.5 hours from the city. Damnoen Saduak is best early morning; Amphawa comes alive on weekend evenings. Combine with the Maeklong Railway Market, where vendors pull back their stalls as a train passes through.
10. Jim Thompson House
A beautiful teak home and garden that belonged to the American who revived the Thai silk industry. A peaceful break from the city, with an excellent silk shop.
11. Night markets
Jodd Fairs and the Train Night Market Srinakarin are the city's best, offering food stalls, live music, vintage clothes and souvenirs. A fun, inexpensive evening out.
12. Safari World
A family favourite: a drive-through safari park plus a marine park with dolphin and sea-lion shows. Great for children. Planning a family trip? See our Pattaya family guide, since many families combine both.
13. Lumpini Park
Bangkok's green heart. Join locals jogging at sunrise, rent a pedal boat, and spot the giant monitor lizards that live around the lake.
14. Muay Thai at Rajadamnern or Lumpinee
Watching Thailand's national sport live is an electric experience. The rituals before each fight are as fascinating as the bouts themselves.
15. A Thai cooking class
Learn to cook green curry, pad thai and tom yum, often starting with a market tour. Most schools are happy to make everything vegetarian.
Easy day trips from Bangkok
- Ayutthaya (1.5 hours): the former royal capital, with dramatic temple ruins and the famous Buddha head entwined in tree roots. A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Kanchanaburi (2.5 hours): the Bridge on the River Kwai, the Death Railway and the beautiful Erawan Falls.
- Pattaya (2 hours): beaches, Coral Island and family attractions, often added as a 2-night stay.
- Khao Yai National Park (3 hours): jungle, waterfalls, wildlife and vineyards.
Where to stay in Bangkok
- Riverside: best for sightseeing and views, with luxury hotels.
- Sukhumvit: best for restaurants, nightlife and Skytrain access.
- Siam: best for shopping and central location.
- Silom: good mix of business, nightlife and Lumpini Park.
Getting around
The BTS Skytrain and MRT metro are fast, cheap and air-conditioned. Use Grab for taxis. River boats are ideal for temples. Avoid tuk-tuks offering unusually cheap tours, as they often include shopping stops.
How many days do you need?
Two full days covers the highlights. Add a third for a floating market or a day trip to Ayutthaya. Then continue to the beaches: see our 7-day Thailand itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bangkok safe for tourists? Yes. Watch for common scams (gem shops, "closed" attractions, fixed-price tuk-tuks) and keep valuables secure in crowds.
What should I wear to temples? Cover shoulders and knees. Remove shoes before entering temple buildings.
Is Bangkok good for families? Very. Safari World, SEA LIFE Bangkok, KidZania and river cruises are all big hits with children.
Want a Bangkok stay planned around you? We'll arrange hotels, transfers and guided tours. Send an enquiry.