Bangkok Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, Where to Stay & Eat

Bangkok is truly one of the best cities in the world, up there with cultural heavyweights like New York, Tokyo, Paris and London, aka the it girls. It’s so much more than just a stopover when travelling around Thailand, and you’d be missing out if you didn’t spend at least a few days here before heading off on your island-hopping adventure.

Now, I’ll admit, my first 24 hours in Bangkok were overwhelming at first. The heat, the noise, the smells, the sounds! It can feel pretty intense, but once I adjusted to the pace of the city, I completely fell in love with it. Bangkok has so many different sides to it, from the energetic Khao San Road to moments of calm in temples and hidden rainforests. The locals are some of the kindest people you’ll meet, the food is bloody unreal, and there’s always something new to discover around every corner.

If you’ve been to Bangkok before, you know how easy it is to become addicted to the city. It’s no surprise that I’ve now been back to visit multiple times; once is never enough! It’s really a city of convenience, culture and cool. You’re never too far from a speakeasy bar, a Michelin-rated noodle shop or a mindblowingly good time.

In this guide, I’ll cover all the best things to do in Bangkok, from must-visit temples and iconic rooftop bars to the best foodie spots and fairytale-themed cafés. I’ve also included where to stay – because mind you, Bangkok is HUGE and location is truly everything – so you’ve got everything you need to plan your ultimate trip.

Start with Wat Arun, one of the most recognisable landmarks in Bangkok, sitting right on the Chao Phraya River. It’s especially beautiful in the morning light before the crowds arrive, so aim to visit at 8 am when it opens.

From there, most people head to Wat Pho, home to the giant reclining Buddha, and then on to The Grand Palace, which is easily the most famous (and busiest!) temple complex in the city.

My personal favourite temple was the nearby Wat Ratchabophit, which most tourists end up missing out on. It’s much quieter, free to enter, and in my opinion, one of the most beautiful temples in Bangkok, with its intricate details and jaw-dropping architecture.

Most templates require you to dress modestly to enter. So, ladies, make sure your shoulders and knees are covered. I always wear a loose linen top and a long, flowy maxi skirt when visiting temples. Some temples even hand out disposable clothes to cover up in, but don’t rely on this. 

The entrance fees to the main temples range between 200 – 500 THB per person (£4.50 – £11.30). Be on the lookout for common scams where people approach you outside the temple, claiming it’s closed for that day and offering you a cheap ride elsewhere. Just ignore them and head to the entrance.

One of the main reasons people visit (myself included) is to spot the famous monitor lizards. You’ll usually find them chilling along the edge of the park’s main lake in shaded areas, and while they are perfectly safe, they are HUGE.

I came across one that was pretty much as long as I am tall, which was somewhat unnerving but also very cool. Keep an eye out for other wildlife too, including herons, turtles and large fish in the water.

Another fun (and completely free) activity is hiring a pedal boat on the lake. And not just a regular boat either, there are boats in the shapes of bright yellow ducks and swans, which makes the experience super whimsical. You get around 20 minutes on the water, which is very generous and enough time to enjoy the views.

Just be aware there are weight limits: 75kg for a single rider or 150kg for two people, and yes, they do actually check this and will ask you to step on the scales, which was a shock to me, but here’s your heads up. Life jackets are provided too and must be worn while you’re out on the water.

The cruise departs from the pier in front of ICONSIAM, and as soon as you board, you’re shown to your table (I’d recommend sitting on the top deck if you can for the best views) while a traditional Thai dance performance gets things started. From there, you’ll glide past some of Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks, including Wat Arun and the Grand Palace, all lit up beautifully at night.

I was genuinely impressed with the food selection. There’s a wide range of hot Thai dishes like curries and Pad Thai, plus freshly grilled prawns and mussels, plus sushi, salads, and even some Western options for the picky eaters (every family has one!), with plenty of pastas and fried food.

Use my code KELSEYINLONDON for up to 10% off

We then watched the sunset from the rooftop bar, featuring a huge Hanuman sculpture (a Hindu god whose shape is half-monkey, half-human). Up here, we enjoyed signature cocktails from the bar and watched various cultural performances, including a traditional dance which told the legend of Hanuman.

You also have the option of getting dressed up in a traditional Thai costume at Siam Costumes. If you follow me on Instagram, you know I usually just wear plain neutrals; however, I absolutely loved getting dressed up in a bright pink outfit, with lots of sparkling jewels and accessories. I truly felt like a Thai princess for the evening, thanks to the fabulous team of stylists and makeup artists.

Use my code KELSEYINLONDON for up to 10% off

Use my code KELSEYINLONDON for up to 10% off

The tour is chef-designed and runs in small groups (max 8 people), which is more personal, and you’ll leave making new friends. You’ll try a mix of classic dishes like crispy pork, rich noodle soups and dumplings, alongside a few lesser-known local favourites you probably wouldn’t order on your own.

I really appreciated having a guide who actually knows where to go. Yaowarat can feel a bit chaotic if it’s your first time, and it’s very easy to end up at average spots just because they look busy. On this food tour, you’re taken to places that have been properly vetted, including long-standing family-run stalls and hidden gems tucked down side streets you’d never find otherwise.

Just note that, like most temples in Thailand, there’s a dress code, so make sure your shoulders and knees are covered. I always carry a light shawl with me in Bangkok for moments like this. I recommend visiting Erawan Museum when it opens at 9 am, well before the group tour crowds arrive and before the midday heat reaches its peak.

What I love about Bangkok’s rooftop scene is how varied it is. You’ve got everything from ultra-glam spots with cover charges to more relaxed rooftops where you can sip a cocktail in a linen set and not feel like you need to remortgage your house for it.

Some bars lean more towards live jazz music and chilled drinks, while others turn into full-on party spots as the night goes on, so you can easily tailor your evening depending on your mood and who you’re travelling with. It’s easy to hop between a few in one night if you plan it right; just make a note of the dress codes so you don’t get turned away at the door. I also recommend taking your passport out with you, as some bars only accept it as a valid ID to enter, and a driver’s license alone won’t suffice.

There are iconic rooftop bars like Sky Bar at Lebua (yes, the one from The Hangover) and Tichuca, alongside refined spots like Nobu Rooftop and Sanctuary, each offering a slightly different take on Bangkok’s skyline scene. If you’re after something livelier, Tulum Sky Bar and Lamaya bring more of a party atmosphere, with DJs, performances and a crowd that tends to stay well into the night.

Here’s my full guide on the best rooftop bars in Bangkok.

My favourite find was Pink Pussy Palace, which had only opened a few months before I visited but already had such a good selection of vintage and locally designed pieces spread across two floors. I also recommend checking out Road Of Cinnamon for quirky souvenirs, Khongsuay for vintage finds, Oyster and Things for cute homewares, and Garcon dept Songwat for clothes and accessories.

There are also loads of great coffee spots dotted along the street. I had a banging flat white from Local Boys Coffee Co and also picked up some roasted beans from Terroir.BKK – an absolute must-visit if you’re into your coffee.

And if you’ve got a sweet tooth, you have to try the ice cream from :island. It’s served in a cone dusted in this bright mango-coloured powder and topped with tiny daisy flowers, definitely the most aesthetically pleasing ice cream I’ve ever eaten.

The temple stands at 80 metres tall across 17 floors, which is said to symbolise the age Buddha reached before his death. What makes it even more unique is that you can actually walk up through the dragon’s body via a winding tunnel that spirals all the way to the top. 

Wat Sam Phran was built in 1985 by a monk named Phra Ajarn Sam Phran, and while it’s not as historically old as some of Bangkok’s more famous temples, it has developed a bit of a cult following thanks to its striking (and Instagrammable) design.

There’s also a giant Buddha statue here too, peaceful gardens and smaller temple buildings to explore around the grounds. There’s no official entry fee, but a 50 THB (£1.15) donation is appreciated, so make sure to bring cash with you.

Just a quick note: when I visited, the temple exterior was a dusty pink, but it’s since been repainted a deep coral red, so don’t be surprised if it looks slightly different in real life compared to photos I’ve shared above.

Recommended post

Phuket Travel Guide

READ NOW

Escape the buzz of Bangkok and head to Phuket for sun, sea, and adventure. This guide covers everything you need to know — stunning beaches, island-hopping tours, night markets, and the best places to eat, drink, and stay.