Tourist Places To Visit In Bangkok

Bangkok is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. With thousands pouring into the capital of Thailand every month, there's never a dearth of good times to be had here. With an exciting nightlife, buzzing markets and an endless option of things to do and explore, Bangkok awaits for the eager and keen tourist. Here's a list of the top tourist places you must visit during your vacation in Bangkok, be it Ayutthaya City or Wat Pho, Wat Arun or Chatuchak. You are in for many treats!

Also known as the ‘Art In Paradise’, this one is quite a fascinating destination in Bangkok. People are often skeptical about 3D, but all that changes as soon as they witness the illusion first hand. The artwork displayed here implores visitors to join in and participate. It’s recommended to buy tickets online to avail heavy discounts and also to bring a friend along to take pictures and spend a few hours playing make-believe with you. 

Located under the Siam Paragon Mall, Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World is home to several species of aquatic creatures making it another star attraction of South East Asia. Tourists can choose the level of interaction they want to engage in – from feeding Penguins and Otters, petting Starfish, diving with Sharks to watching a large Grouper through a 270-degree glass tunnel – whatever suits them. Children are bound to be mesmerised by the ample varieties of interactive and educational shows hosted here.

An American born architect’s artistic ingenuity and his fixation with South East Asian culture caused him to go to great lengths to collect the most unique pieces of art, including wall hangings from Buddhist temples depicting the past and present lives of Buddha along with his spiritual journey to achieving enlightenment. Even the 6 authentic Thai teakwood houses comprising Jim Thompson’s residence were sent from Ayutthaya and Bangkok’s Ban Krua community. After a decade of Jim’s mysterious disappearance in 1967, his house was turned into a Museum, and his exquisite collection of artwork is still preserved as part of the art centre. Many architects today consider Jim Thompson, as being ahead of his times since the Museum’s architecture shows a harmonious blend of his western upbringing with the classic vibes of Bangkok. Today, Jim’s residence includes a restaurant, a café, and also a souvenirs boutique. 

This Buddhist temple is named after the Hindu God Aruna who is said to symbolise the rising Sun’s rays. The temple’s outer surface is known to refract the first rays of the Sun every morning, hence the alternative name ‘the Temple of the Dawn’. People often reach this place early in the morning – via a boat ride through the Chao Phraya River – so as to beat the crowd, catch the Sunrise and leave early before the climate turns too hot. As the Temple’s steps are too steep, elderly tourists and individuals with joint pains are advised to skip this destination.

A quick master class in local cuisines with experienced chefs, after hand picking your favourite ingredients in the local produce market is something a lot of tourists are opting for these days. Inventing recipes and customising local cuisine to suit one’s taste buds while the chef patiently answers all the endless strings of questions, is something no one gets to do every day. Located near the Khao San Road, the classes last for 4 hours and you can opt for either the morning or the afternoon session. 

The Chao Phraya river gives you the chance to witness the hustle-bustle of Bangkok away from the crowd. Snaking right through the center of Bangkok, the river is a perfect spot to spend the evening. You could take one of the many ferries or could hire a long boat with its own sailor. Else, you could even go for a dinner cruise if you are looking for something more elaborate. 

Built in traditional Thai architectural styles, the Dusit Palace is the largest teak wood palace in the world, built entirely out of wood. The palace served as the residence of King Rama V who used the place as a summer retreat. Come here for a breezy day. Explore the vast interiors, be in awe with the intricate details of the architecture and take a stroll in the lavish green gardens all around. 

When in Bangkok, do not miss the Siam Park City. It is a huge theme park built around 120 acres of land. Divided into five zones, Siam is open to tourists all year round. It is known for the largest wave pool there is in the whole world. From children to adults to older adults — there are rides here to entertain all!

Bangkok Safari World is believed to be the world’s biggest open zoo. What does an open zoo mean? It means a place where you can see animals living and roaming freely, as if they are in their natural habitat. Here there is a marine park as well as a drive through park for animal safaris. If you are around with kids, then do visit here for a fun day out. There is a possibility that lions and tigers will end up climbing all over your van, but it is an experience worth enjoying!

The Khaosan Road is a backpacker’s delight. It is home to a lot many value-for-money and cheap items. From massage parlours to shopping arcades, pubs to cafes to hostels and restaurants — a traveller on budget can find anything here. The nightlife of Khaosan Road is also very happening, and hence the hub of youngsters. And the best part? It’s open all day and night.

How can you miss a cabaret when in Thailand? 

The Calypso Cabaret Show is a one of its kind performance, glamourised by bright glitzy lights, amazing upbeat music and a hip vibe. A troop of 70 amazing dancers strut on the stage and take you by surprise. With their impressive costumes and dance moves, you will have a great night. The performance is followed by a traditional Thai dinner buffet, but that cost is optional on your ticket.

Bangkok’s floating market is the best place to visit if you want to see the unique morning life of the city, or photograph their culture, or just buy some fresh produce. They have traditional Thai boats that float in main streams around the city, namely — Amphawa, DamnoenSaduak, Khlong Lat Mayom and Taling Chan. You can pick up vegetables, fresh fruits, flowers, drink coconut water or fresh juices too. There are also some floating kitchens nowadays that prepare street food live and serve you on your boat. It is advised to bargain, but not go overboard.

The largest sleeping Buddha in Gankok is found at Wat Pho. This place is known as one of the earliest cultural and educational hubs of the city. You can visit the 8 hectare campus and monastery, view the images of Buddha and tour the temple grounds. Thai massage and medicine are also taught here in these grounds.

Bangkok’s Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew is an architectural delight. Its stunning elegance is displayed in the Royal Court of the Thai king, where the Thai government also sits. The Grand palace’s walls are adorned with Thai state departments and war ministry, adding a steely strength to its decor. The structure is more than 150 years old and still quite beautiful. And inside this Grand Palace is a temple of Emerald Buddha, also known as Wat Phra Kaew.

If you were looking for a theme park in Bangkok then this is it. The Dream World Amusement Park is perfect for a family day out, indulging in rides, enjoying the sites and attractions as well as shopping at souvenir shops. There is a Snow Town here that allows you to ski too. And when you have had enough of the activities, you can pack yourself into a restaurant and gorge on some good food. Dream World Amusement Park is also famous for shows like Hollywood Action, 4d Adventure and Animal show.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ayutthaya City is a magnificent representation of the Thai culture. It is abuzz with Buddhist culture, shrines, monasteries and temples. Statues of Buddha populate the small town, while archaeological sites open up the treasure trove of history. For sightseeing, visit the Royal Palace, Wat Phm Si Sanphet and Wat Phra Mahathat.

Hard Rock Café of Bangkok is one special place. It is not unique, as this chain is famous worldwide. But here the building is huge, with its old school chick rock club, dining rooms and a classic aura that throws you back to the 30s and 40s. The food here is also complementing the setting — from fries and burgers to steaks and beers, it’s classic American fare. Rock music is played, creating a cool vibe. Hence if you are into exploring the nightlife of Bangkok, then do visit.

Chatuchak is a wide, huge open market place that is set up every weekend in Bangkok’s Phahonyothin area. The location is so huge that there are multiple gates and exits, and a high chance of getting lost! But the wares sold here are so funky and cool that they have earned Chatuchak its reputation. From clothes to bedsheets, gadgets to cheap accessories, knickknacks to bags and shoes, everything is sold here. But you will need legs of steel to navigate all the different alleyways of the covered market.

Chatuchak is open Saturday-Sunday, between 9 and 6. 

Now malls are nothing new for most people, but when in Bangkok, you obviously want the best mall to shop. MBK is one of the best. With over 2000 plus shops, boutiques and chains, this centre is huge. You can get electronics, furniture, homeware, handbags, clothes and more. Brands as well as first copies are available. The food court is also generously made, with all kinds of fast food chains — McDonalds and KFS and Starbucks.