Bangkok is the capital (and the largest) city in the country of Thailand. Just three short decades ago, it was said to rival Venice, Italy, for the number of canals and tributaries that meandered through the region. These canals and tributaries were an important part of Thai culture because the Thai people would travel them by boat, doing everything from conducting business to farming. There are still many waterways and floating markets in Bangkok today, but the area is much more commercialized than it was 30 years ago. Highways and other roads have replaced many of the ancient canals in the name of progress. Today, Bangkok is home to just over nine million residents, spread out over 600 square miles of the city. Bangkok has a tropical climate, with average low and high temperatures ranging between 70°F and 90°F. The fall months in Bangkok tend to be the wettest, in terms of precipitation.
Bangkok is a tourist hotbed for many reasons. Most importantly because it acts as the gateway to other areas of Thailand. Millions of tourists pass through the Bangkok gateway each year on their way to interior points, and most of those tourists are taking the time to see Bangkok as well. A percentage of Bangkok tourists are first-timers, but just as many – if not more – are returning tourists who visit the city year after year. We’re going to look at some of the more popular tourist places to visit in Bangkok to see which ones are making tourists return time and again.
1. Grand Palace
- Built in the mid-1700s, was the Thai monarchy’s residence for 150 years.
- Home to the Emerald Buddha, carved from solid emerald.
- Visitors must dress modestly and no cameras allowed inside.
- Complex includes temples and grand halls.
- One of Bangkok’s most popular tourist spots.
The Grand Palace is actually a compound of several palaces and was home to the Bangkok monarchy for 150 years after being built in the mid-1700s. The Grand Palace is also home to the Emerald Buddha, which was carved from a solid block of real emerald in the 15th century. Sorry, nobody can touch it and no cameras are allowed inside the palace.
2. Floating Market
- Vendors sell goods from boats along the canals.
- Reflects Thailand’s traditional water-based commerce.
- Damnoen Saduak is a famous market.
- Still an insight into traditional Thai lifestyle.
- A cultural and scenic experience for visitors.
Imagine the biggest farmer’s market you’ve ever seen. Now imagine all those vendors peddling their wares from rowboats instead of street-side stands. Floating markets were once a way of life in Thailand, before the world became so commercialized.
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3. Khao San Road
- Known as “backpacker’s paradise”.
- Full of street markets, bars, and cheap accommodations.
- Famous for nightlife and vibrant atmosphere.
- Great place for street food and local experiences.
- Attracts tourists from around the world.
Khao San Road is part entertainment district, part open-air market, and part street party. This is where you can really sink your teeth into all that is Bangkok. There’s always something to do on Khao San Road, whether you’re looking for a bite to eat, a club to mingle in, or a few shops to browse. You’ll find it all – and more – right here.
4. Siam Ocean World
- Located in Siam Paragon Mall, one of the largest aquariums.
- Home to 30,000 species of marine life.
- Offers interactive experiences like dolphin swimming.
- Features glass tunnels for walking through aquatic exhibits.
- Now known as SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World.
Visitors to the glamorous downtown malls may never know that an entire man-made ocean lies beneath them. Siam Ocean World is an underground aquarium in the basement of a shopping mall that houses 30,000 species of aquatic life. Visitors to the aquarium can feed the sea life, swim with the dolphins, peruse massive glass tunnels, or take a trip via a glass-bottomed boat. Who knew the underground of Bangkok was just as happening as the street level?
5. Siam Paragon
- One of Bangkok’s largest shopping malls.
- Includes luxury brands, restaurants, and entertainment.
- Houses a multiplex cinema and SEA LIFE aquarium.
- Offers everything from fashion to electronics.
- Central to Bangkok’s shopping and entertainment district.
Siam Paragon is a sprawling, modern complex comprised of several stories in one building. It’s sort of like a city within a city. There’s shopping, spas, world-class restaurants, theaters, a bowling alley, a kids’ playground, schools and educational venues, hotels, banks, and conference venues. There’s even a supermarket! All of these wonderful venues in just one location makes Siam Paragon one of the hottest tourist draws in all of Thailand.
6. Spa Athenee
- Offers blood-type-specific treatments.
- Combines aromatic oils and personalized therapies.
- Located in the Athenee Hotel for a luxury experience.
- A unique wellness offering not found elsewhere.
- Focuses on relaxation and rejuvenation.
No, spas and spa treatments aren’t rarities. In fact, many tourists indulge in them wherever they travel. However, Spa Athenee offers a service that no other spa in the world does – spa treatments tailored toward specific blood types. How do they do that? With oils and aromatic creams and lotions combined with “the essence of the individual.” Does that mean blood? We aren’t sure.
7. Snake Farm at Thai Red Cross Institute
- Harvests venom to create life-saving anti-venom.
- Home to many poisonous snake species.
- Provides educational tours on snake safety.
- Plays a key role in snakebite treatment across Thailand.
- Part of the Thai Red Cross Institute.
Although it sounds a little gross, this snake farm actually does more good than harm. It’s where workers harvest venom to create anti-venom, which is used to treat snakebite victims around the country.
8. Thai Massage
- Traditional therapeutic massage combining acupressure and stretching.
- Offered in many spas across Bangkok.
- Known worldwide for its stress-relief and healing benefits.
- Learn techniques at massage schools.
- Part of Thailand’s cultural heritage.
Traditional Thai massages are highly sought after in spas around the world. What better place to treat yourself to a traditional Thai massage than in Thailand? Not only that, there are many instruction schools that will train you in the fine art of Thai massage so you can take it with you wherever you go.
9. Thai Cooking Schools
- Learn to cook traditional Thai dishes like Pad Thai and Green Curry.
- Classes include market visits for fresh ingredients.
- Great for food lovers who want to take Thai cuisine home.
- Taught in English for international tourists.
- A unique way to experience Thai culture.
Thai food is just as, if not more, popular as Thai massage. Of course, you can eat all the Thai food you can stand while in Bangkok, but if you want to take more home with you than a doggy bag, you can attend one of the many cooking schools in the area to learn to prepare the delicious meals yourself.
10. Calypso Cabaret – Ladyboy Show
- Famous for its ladyboy performances.
- Features glamorous costumes, singing, and dancing.
- A top nightlife attraction in Bangkok.
- Performers are known for their incredible talent.
- A must-see for an unforgettable cultural experience.
If you’re in the mood for some high glitz and glamour entertainment – complete with beautiful performers in gorgeous costumes in ritzy surroundings – a visit to the Calypso Cabaret should be on your To-Do List. The entertainers in this venue sing and dance their hearts out in such a way that you’ll completely forget they are actually transvestite female impersonators.
11. Erawan Shrine
- Home to the four-faced Buddha.
- Visitors bring flowers and incense for blessings.
- Located in the heart of Bangkok’s shopping district.
- A popular site for prayers and offerings.
- Attracts thousands of daily visitors.
The Erawan Shrine sees thousands of visitors each day. They come to ask favors of the four-faced Buddha housed there and then return to offer him tokens of appreciation when he answers their calls for help. Flowers and incense are what most visitors bring to seek his favor. These can be purchased inside the shrine. Beware of the street vendors out front selling the same merchandise as the shrine sells, but at several times the cost.
12. Chinatown
- One of Bangkok’s oldest neighborhoods.
- Famous for street food, gold shops, and markets.
- Hosts vibrant Chinese festivals.
- Known for a multicultural atmosphere.
- A hub for local shopping and traditional goods.
The Chinese converged on Bangkok in the 1700s and settled in the area of town that now bears their name. Today, Chinatown in Bangkok is like one big Chinese street party. It’s a bustling area where something is always going on. Street vendors, theaters, markets, and various celebrations draw thousands of tourists to the area. Chinatown also has the highest number of gold dealers in the city.
13. Jim Thompson House
- The home of Jim Thompson, who revived the Thai silk industry.
- A museum showcasing traditional Thai art and architecture.
- Set in lush gardens with teak wood construction.
- Mysterious disappearance of Thompson in 1967.
- A glimpse into Thai silk heritage.
Jim Thompson is the American credited with starting the Thai silk industry after WWII. His home is a look back into his life as well as a museum of sorts for a variety of Thai artwork and artifacts related to the silk industry.
Before You Go:
- There are a lot of temples, shrines, and holy places in Bangkok which are also major tourist draws. Bare skin is frowned upon in these places, so be sure you are covered before you visit them.
- The general rule in Bangkok is “Behave.” Public displays of affection or emotion (shouting, showing anger, etc.) are not acceptable in public. Neither is picking your teeth.
- Traffic in Bangkok is crazy, at best – deadly, at worst. Be very vigilant of other drivers. Motorbikes are a common hazard even for pedestrians because they are known to speed and take more dangerous chances than automobile drivers do.
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