Visit the Grand Palace
No Bangkok itinerary is complete without seeing the Grand Palace. This glittering complex of royal halls and sacred temples is where Thai history, myth, and architecture collide in full color. Go early to beat the crowds and heat—it gets intense by late morning.
Tip: Wear long pants and covered shoulders; temple guards take dress code seriously.
Cruise Through Bangkok’s Canals (Khlongs)
Hop on a longtail boat and drift through the city’s quieter side. The khlongs of Thonburi offer a peek into a slower, more traditional rhythm of life—wooden houses, smiling locals, and floating monks. It’s a sharp contrast to Bangkok’s chaos and part of its soul.
Tip: Book a ride through a local guide, not the flashy tourist booths.
Wander Around Chatuchak Weekend Market
A maze of over 15,000 stalls, Chatuchak is part market, part sensory overload. You’ll find vintage Levi’s, handmade ceramics, grilled pork skewers, and probably a few things you didn’t know you needed. It’s loud, chaotic, and totally worth the sweat.
Tip: Go in the morning with small bills and comfy shoes—you’ll thank yourself later.
Climb Wat Arun at Sunset
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) isn’t just for sunrise lovers. Climb the steep central prang during golden hour and watch the Chao Phraya River shimmer below. It’s one of the top things to do in Bangkok that’s both beautiful and surprisingly quiet.
Tip: Skip midday visits—sunset light is magical, and it’s less crowded too.
Eat at a Streetside Som Tum Stall
Forget fancy restaurants—real flavor lives on the sidewalk. Try som tum (spicy green papaya salad) made to order in a metal mortar by an auntie who’s probably been doing it for 20 years. Add grilled chicken and sticky rice for the full experience.
Tip: Start with “mai phet” (not spicy) unless you want your face on fire.
Sip a Cocktail on a Rooftop Bar
Bangkok’s skyline is best savored from above. Rooftop bars—whether posh or more laid-back—offer unreal views and a moment of calm above the traffic madness. Watch the sun melt into the haze with a cold drink in hand.
Tip: Some bars have a dress code—closed shoes and no tank tops, even if it’s 35°C.
Explore Bang Krachao, Bangkok’s “Green Lung”
Bang Krachao is a hidden island of jungle and bike paths floating just across the river from downtown. Rent a bike and explore temples, stilt homes, and mangrove walkways. It feels miles away from skyscrapers and tuk-tuks.
Tip: Visit on a weekend for the local floating market—but bring cash and mosquito repellent.
My Personal Recommendation:
If you’re asking me what to do in Bangkok that really sticks—I’d say spend a lazy afternoon drifting through the khlongs. It’s quiet, humble, and feels like stepping into another time. No crowds, no rush—just real life unfolding slowly, beautifully. Sometimes that’s the Bangkok worth remembering.
