Best Things to Do in Bangkok (Tickets, Queues & Hidden Gems)

The ultimate list of things to do in Bangkok, from temples and markets to rooftop bars and local gems. Includes queue tips, ticket advice, and how to beat the crowds.

Quick Overview

Bangkok’s energy is unmatched, golden temples meet sky bars, canals, and sizzling street markets.
This guide cuts through the noise to give you the must-dos and a few less obvious finds, grouped by experience type.
Every stop links neatly into your Bangkok Itinerary: 3, 5 & 7 Days so you can plan smarter and move efficiently.

The Temple Triangle (Do It Early!)

The heart of Bangkok’s history, three incredible temples all within ferry distance.
Start at sunrise and move in this order to dodge the heat and crowds:

Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew

Open: 8:30 am–3:30 pm
Ticket: 500 THB (buy online or at the gate)
Dress code: shoulders and knees covered; no sleeveless tops or short shorts.
Tip: Arrive 15–20 minutes before opening, the queue builds fast.

Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha)

Open: 8:00 am–6:30 pm
Don’t miss: the traditional Thai massage school inside, one of the best in the country.

Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

Cross the river from Wat Pho ferry pier.
Best light: late afternoon when the spires glow gold.

💡 Cover all three on Day 1 of the Bangkok Itinerary.

Canal (Khlong) Tours & the Riverside

A slower, older version of Bangkok hides in the canals of Thonburi, think stilted wooden homes, floating gardens, and small temples.
Hire a long-tail boat (1–2 hrs, ~800–1,200 THB total) from Saphan Taksin or Tha Chang pier.

Don’t miss:

Artist’s House (Baan Silapin) – puppet shows & murals
Wat Paknam – massive green-glass stupa inside
Kudi Chin – Portuguese-Thai bakery & colourful houses

👉 Map all these in your Bangkok Itinerary (Day 4 add-ons).

Markets & Shopping

Chatuchak Weekend Market

When: Sat & Sun, 9 am–6 pm
Why: 15,000+ stalls selling everything from crafts to clothes
Eat nearby: Or Tor Kor Market next door

Talad Rot Fai (Train Market) Srinakarin

When: Thurs–Sun, 5 pm–midnight
Why: Vintage shops, live music, and street eats

Jodd Fairs (Central Rama 9)

When: Daily, 4 pm–midnight
Why: New-gen night market; cleaner and centrally located

ICONSIAM

Upscale riverside mall with a floating-market food zone, great for AC breaks and photo ops.

💡 Pair these with Day 2 or 3 of your itinerary.
👉 Full food details in What to Eat in Bangkok.

Museums, Art & Culture

Jim Thompson House: classic teak home + silk museum (150 THB)
BACC (Bangkok Art & Culture Centre): rotating free exhibitions
MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art): striking Thai modern art, 250 THB
Museum Siam: interactive Thai history; fun for families

💡 Combine with café-hopping in Ari or Silom, see Where to Stay in Bangkok.

Rooftop Views & Nightlife

Bangkok’s skyline glows at night, here’s where to see it best.

Rooftop	Location	Vibe
Octave	Sukhumvit (Marriott)	360° views, casual dress
Vertigo & Moon Bar	Banyan Tree (Silom)	Luxury, date-night spot
Tichuca	Thonglor	Trendy, neon canopy design
Above Riva	Riverside	Laid-back sunset bar

Tip: Arrive 5:30–6:00 pm for golden hour and avoid cover charges.
Dress: Smart casual; no flip-flops or singlets.

Parks & Green Escapes

Need a breather? Bangkok has green pockets worth visiting.

Lumpini Park: central lake with monitor lizards (early mornings are best).
Benjakitti Park: skyline reflection lake near Asok BTS, sunset photographers’ favourite.
Bang Kachao: “Bangkok’s Green Lung” rent a bike and explore elevated jungle paths.

💡 Do this on Day 3 or 5 of your Bangkok Itinerary for balance.

Hidden Gems (Beyond the Usual Stops)

Talad Noi: maze of street art, antique car parts, and riverside cafés.
Erawan Museum (Samut Prakan): three-headed elephant statue housing an ornate shrine.
Pak Khlong Talad: 24-hour flower market, best visited before dawn.
Bangkok’s Railway Cemetery Café: quirky coffee stop inside an abandoned train yard (Ari).

Rainy-Day Ideas

Cooking class: Learn to make pad thai & curry (Baipai Thai or Silom Cooking School).
Massage & spa day: Health Land (budget) or Perception Blind Massage (ethical).
Cinemas: Paragon Cineplex or Quartier CineArt (luxury recliners + Thai subtitles).

👉 Add these swaps to your itinerary’s wet-season plan in Best Time to Visit Bangkok.

Tickets & Queue Tips

Grand Palace: buy online from the official site, skip cash queues.
Wat Pho: tickets include free water.
ICONSIAM Ferries: free shuttle from Saphan Taksin pier (every 15 mins).
Chatuchak Market: arrive by 10 am; stalls close early by 5–6 pm.
Khlong Tours: always agree the price before boarding; one flat rate per boat, not per person.

Think about organising your own customisable private tour

Where This Fits in Your Trip

These activities align directly with your 3/5/7-day itinerary:

Days 1–2: Temples, markets, rooftops
Day 3: Parks, culture, night markets
Day 4–5: Canals, cafés, museums
Day 6–7: Out-of-city day trips (Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi)

👉 See full plan in Bangkok Itinerary: 3, 5 & 7 Days.

Useful Booking Resources For Your Trip

NordVPN – Stay secure on public Wi-Fi and access your home streaming/services abroad with fast, encrypted VPN connections.
Hostelworld – Budget-friendly hostels and social stays, perfect for backpackers and solo travellers looking to meet people.
Booking.com – Hotels, apartments, and guesthouses with tons of reviews and free-cancellation options on many stays.
GetYourGuide – Curated tours, tickets, and city experiences with flexible cancellation and mobile vouchers.
Airalo – Instant eSIMs for 200+ countries, land, scan, and get data without hunting for a local SIM card.
We Go Trip – Self-guided audio tours you can start anytime, explore cities and attractions at your own pace with app-based guides.
Viator – The biggest marketplace for tours and activities, skip-the-line tickets, day trips, and unique experiences worldwide.
12Go – Easy booking for buses, trains, and ferries across Asia, compare routes and lock in seats in advance.