Bangkok tourist attractions often conjure images of massage parlors and clubs; however, this Thai capital offers much more. Here are some of the most iconic Bangkok attractions suitable for solo travelers, couples, families, and friends to enjoy during their trip to this vibrant city. Easily fly into Bangkok with Cahtay Pacific flights.
The Grand Palace is one of the top attractions in Bangkok and must be seen.
1. The Grand Palace
Are You Culture Vultures Exploring Thailand’s Rich History at The Grand Palace? Since 1782, this sprawling temple complex has been home to Thailand’s royal family and still hosts ceremonial events today. Known for its splendid designs and intricate patterns, The Grand Palace has long been popular among travellers.
Wat Phra Kaew, commonly referred to as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is one of Thailand’s most revered religious sites and features an exquisite statue of a reclining Buddha. Additionally, Grand Palace’s impressive interiors showcase traditional Thai designs mixed with more sophisticated pieces for an extraordinary experience. However, morning is the best time for visiting as its crowds can become quite intense quickly and difficulty getting around can ensue.
Phra Mondop, the Grand Palace library, is another must-see attraction. Boasting Ayuthaya-inspired golden architecture and boasting an eye-catching exterior design, Phra Mondop will turn heads as you admire its exterior beauty; inside, find important Buddhist scriptures.
Experience Cambodia and Thailand together by touring their respective ordination hall, which displays two Buddha images, Royal Pantheon (which houses a shrine dedicated to Emerald Buddha), ordination hall model of Angkor Wat, which depicts their shared heritage, as well as model of Angkor Wat itself – each one will make you want to go explore further!
Though there are many attractions at the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew and Inner Court are two popular ones that should not be missed. Allow at least two hours for exploration; there’s plenty to see and take photos of. Be mindful that Royal Palace may close for official ceremonies on certain days – please check online before planning your visit.
2. Suan Pakkad Palace
Suan Pakkad (translated into English as ‘the cabbage patch’) isn’t your average museum. This unique palace museum consists of 8 traditional Thai houses situated among exotic tropical gardens and serene ponds in its unique palace setting, filled to the ceiling with fine arts and antiques collected by Prince and Princess Chumbhot who converted their traditional private residence into a museum in 1952 out of generosity for all to share.
The Garden offers a welcome respite from the busy city that surrounds it. It features the Lacquer Pavilion, a 17th century masterpiece which was brought here from a monastery as a birthday present from Prince to Princess; House 2 features mother of pearl trays and containers once used by royalty as well as beautiful ornamental fans while House 3 features ancient Thai thrones; finally House 4 showcases an extensive Ban Chiang pottery collection as well as paintings that illustrate Siam before opening itself up to foreign influences.
There are many more intriguing artifacts and collections hidden throughout the museum, which you will have to experience yourself by booking a tour or visiting on your own. Staff members are friendly and accommodating so feel free to ask any questions and seek assistance when dealing with artifacts.
A guided tour will provide a deeper understanding of how and why each piece was collected, while Self-Guided Walking Tours of Bangkok can give you even more of an insider view – just download an app, follow directions and discover this vibrant city’s rich history!
3. Floating Markets
Floating markets are an integral part of Bangkok’s heritage. Once used by local farmers and vendors to transport goods between locations, nowadays these floating markets have become tourist attractions, providing visitors with a unique way of experiencing Thai culture. If you’re interested in experiencing these markets for yourself in Bangkok there are various tours available – check our Tour section.
Damnoen Saduak is one of Bangkok’s oldest and most beloved floating markets, located slightly further from its center but well worth the journey. You won’t find as many tourists here than other floating markets; here you’ll find fresh produce, food stalls, handicrafts, etc.
Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market in Bangkok offers another floating market experience, which feels more authentic. Situated along a riverbank, Khlong Lat Mayom offers street food as well as traditional Thai snacks for purchase.
Wat Takien floating market offers another less-crowded floating market experience in Bangkok. Established only recently in 2009 and located near a temple, this relatively recent floating market offers food and souvenir shopping as well as offering alms to Buddhist monks – it’s truly stunning to watch!
4. Jim Thompson House
Jim Thompson House in Bangkok is one of the premier tourist destinations, housing both his home and Asian art collection from American silk entrepreneur Jim Thompson who made waves throughout Thai history as an unusual figure. From being a spy, designer of fine silk clothing and collector of rare antiques – Thompson was truly fascinating character with an incredible life story to tell.
House is situated on Soi Kasemsan (2) Song off Rama I Road and only minutes away from National Stadium BTS station on Silom line.
As soon as you arrive, a guide will welcome and brief you on the house, explaining its construction. Its architecture blends Thai traditional elements with contemporary aesthetics; Jim bought and transported six teak houses from different parts of Thailand for this complex.
There is also a restaurant and gift shop on the property that sells beautiful silk garments and accessories at reasonable prices, but still boasting exceptional quality.
Beside visiting a house and museum, visitors can also stop by Baan Krua Nhua silk community at the river bank to watch how locals create traditional silk fabrics – an engaging activity which will allow them to appreciate these masterpieces more fully.
House is an essential stop for people interested in art and culture. However, in order to maximize your experience it is advisable to take part in a guided tour; weekends tend to be busier. Aside from guided tours there is also a self-guided option available allowing visitors to discover at their own pace.
5. Siam Ocean World
An ideal destination for the whole family, this is one of Bangkok’s premier attractions for animal viewing and safari rides! Plus it features a Marine Park as well as captivating live shows! Plus it is significantly cheaper than most zoos and animal sightseeing places in town!
Siam Paragon mall houses one of Asia’s largest aquariums – it houses hundreds of marine life species! Plus, you can watch fascinating animal shows live as well as enjoy delicious seafood cuisine! Don’t miss it if you love aquariums!
Experience feeding marine animals like never before at SEA Life Bangkok Ocean World! Manta Rays, Penguins and Otters all wait patiently for you. Don’t miss watching the incredible Leopard Whiprays perform incredible aerial antics as well.
Neohippie and yoga non-guru, avid traveller but only recently writing about his adventures. Enjoys traveling with his fur babies and looking for new adventures.
Wat Traimit is one of the city’s top sightseeing spots and one of the most revered Buddhist temples in Thailand, thanks to its iconic gold Buddha statue sculpted in Sukhothai style. Additionally, Wat Traimit boasts one of the world’s oldest Sukhothai style statues as its centerpiece.
Jim Thompson’s House in Bangkok is an offbeat attraction worth visiting, being the residence of an American businessman responsible for revitalizing Thailand’s silk industry post World War 2. Constructed out of six traditional Thai houses brought from Ayuthaya, visitors can see Jim’s collection of art and paintings here as well as take guided tours.
