Quick Highlights of Bangkok: 9 Must-Do Activities for a Short Visit
What to Do in Bangkok on a Brief Visit?
On a short visit to Bangkok, you’ll want to make sure you don’t miss any of the best things to see and do to get an overall feel for the city. The selection below has a good mix of cultural and leisure activities, each of which is recommended for a quick adventure.
As any seasoned visitor would tell you, Bangkok is “an all-out attack on the senses.” The bustling city is a combination of weird and wonderful sights, sounds, and smells. We find it fascinating and we’re sure you will too. Have a look at the places in Bangkok just waiting to be discovered during a brief visit to the Thai capital.
1. Grand Palace and Wat Prakeaw
Grand gateway to Thailand’s heritage
Good for: Families, History, Photo
At the Grand Palace and Wat Prakeaw, take in the stunning architecture and intricate details. Built in 1782, the Grand Palace was once home to the Thai King and the Royal Court, and you can still feel the grandeur and history as you explore its gilded spires and elaborate murals.
At the heart of the complex is Wat Prakaew, where the Emerald Buddha waits to inspire you. Carved from a single block of jade in the 15th century, this revered statue draws visitors from around the world. Stand before it to experience a sense of awe and devotion that has captivated generations. Read more
Location: Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Open: Daily from 8.30 am to 3.30 pm
Grand Palace and Wat Prakeaw
2. Khlong tour
Life along canals and waterways
Good for: History, Photo
A Khlong tour gives you a real sense of how people in Bangkok used to live, among stilted shacks, old wooden townhouses, and dilapidated lean-tos lining the waterways. As you cruise along the canals of Thonburi, you’ll see the city from a different perspective, noticing details that are easy to miss from the busy streets.
Even today, quite a few people still live on the banks of these canals, maintaining a lifestyle shaped by the water. Experience daily life along the khlongs and glimpse a traditional side of Bangkok that endures amid the modern city. Read more
Khlong tour
3. Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn)
Shimmering elegance along the Chao Phraya
Good for: Budget, History, Photo
Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn) rises majestically along the Chao Phraya River, its towering spires forming one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic silhouettes. Built during the first half of the 19th century, this Khmer-style stupa is breathtaking up close, revealing intricate floral patterns made from colorful glazed porcelain. Every detail reflects the artistry and devotion of its creators.
Beyond its beauty, Wat Arun symbolizes the birth of the Rattanakosin Period and the founding of Bangkok as the new capital after Ayutthaya’s fall. Step ashore and explore this historic temple to experience its grandeur and capture unforgettable views for yourself. Read more
Location: 158 Thanon Wang Doem, Wat Arun, Bangkok Yai, Bangkok 10600, Thailand
Open: Daily from 8 am to 6 pm
Phone: +66 (0)2 891 2185
Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn)
4. Chinatown Market
A feast for the senses
Good for: Shoppers, Food
Chinatown Market in Bangkok offers a vibrant experience for food lovers. At this bustling old market, you’ll find some of the city’s best-tasting and most reasonably priced savory snacks and elaborate meals.
From the unusual, like bird’s nest soup, to the spectacular, like roasted Peking duck, you’ll find a range of delightful dishes. The colorful stalls and sizzling woks create a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach. Wander through the market and let your senses be fully captivated by its flavors and energy. Read more
Chinatown Market
5. Cocktails at a Bangkok rooftop bar
Sunsets and signature cocktails
Good for: Couples, Nightlife, Photo
Cocktails at a Bangkok rooftop bar offer an unforgettable way to experience the city’s skyline. Long gone are the days of chilling out in a hotel lounge after sunset. Hit the rooftop of the iconic State Tower’s Sirocco or the Banyan Tree’s Vertigo and Moon bar and claim your first-class ticket to one of the most amazing sunset vistas Bangkok has to offer.
From a height, the bustle of downtown feels like a distant hum. Sip your drink and enjoy the glittering skyline and romantic backdrop. Read more
Cocktails at a Bangkok rooftop bar
6. Asiatique: The Riverfront
Vibrant waterfront fun
Good for: Food, Nightlife, Shoppers
Asiatique: The Riverfront has successfully combined two of the most popular shopping experiences in the city: a night bazaar and a mall. 10 minutes downriver from the Saphan Taksin BTS Skytrain Station, this former international trade port offers plenty of boutiques and restaurants within a huge replica warehouse complex. There’s also a Ferris wheel and fairground rides.
Spending an evening here is always a pleasure. You’ll have good fun browsing the boutiques, picking up gifts or something for yourself. For even more entertainment, catch one of the shows performed here nightly.
Location: 2194 Charoenkrung Road, Wat Phrayakrai District Bangkor Laem, Bangkok 10120, Thailand
Open: Daily from 11 am to midnight
Phone: +66 (0)92 246 0812
Asiatique: The Riverfront
7. Soi Rambuttri
Bustling lanes full of character
Good for: Food, Nightlife
Parallel to Khao San Road, Soi Rambuttri gives you a taste of how Bangkok used to look before all the skyscrapers arrived. The street is lined with leafy banyan trees that shade the sidewalks, creating a relaxed and charming atmosphere. Walking here, you can enjoy a slower pace and admire the low-rise buildings and traditional architecture that hint at the area’s history.
The vibe leans more toward local life than tourist hustle, even though many travelers choose to stay here rather than the Khao San Road. Explore the cafes, small shops, and street-side eateries, and soak in the authentic charm that makes Soi Rambuttri a refreshing escape in the heart of the city. Read more
Location: Chana Songkhram, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Soi Rambuttri
8. Dinner cruise
An evening of captivating views and cuisine
Good for: Couples, Food, Nightlife
A dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River lets you experience Bangkok in a whole new light. As the sky shifts from tawny gold to deep twilight, the city’s pace seems to slow, and the river takes on a magical, reflective beauty.
Step aboard a restored teakwood boat or a luxurious yacht and watch the skyline unfold before you. From the iconic spires of Wat Arun to the industrial lines of Saphan Bhut and the graceful curves of the Grand Palace, the view is breathtaking. Enjoy the romance of the river as the city lights shimmer around you. Read more
Dinner cruise
9. Partying in Bangkok’s club districts
Dynamic beats after dark
Good for: Couples, Nightlife
Partying in Bangkok’s club districts offers an electrifying nightlife experience that ranks among the best in the world. The city has evolved far beyond its early days of go-go bars and small clubs, transforming into a vibrant scene where music, lights, and energy collide.
Neighborhoods like Khao San, RCA, Sukhumvit 11, and Thonglor have become hotspots after sundown, attracting both locals and international visitors. Enjoy energetic nights as world-class DJs spin their latest mixes, bars stay buzzing into the early hours, and the city pulses with an unforgettable rhythm. Read more
Partying in Bangkok's club districts
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