Things to Do in Bangkok (2026): 40 Best Attractions, Experiences and Tips

Status note: Bangkok in autumn 2026

Floods. Floods are a problem in parts of Thailand this autumn, but the Bangkok most visitors see is not affected. On 17 October 2026 the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) counted 196,008 affected households in just three Bangkok districts, Lat Krabang, Nong Chok and Min Buri (16 subdistricts in all), and reported falling water levels. All three are in the far east of the city, well away from the old town, Chinatown, Siam, Silom and Sukhumvit. The one place to check is Safari World in Khlong Sam Wa: according to Thaiger, on 11 October the city kept disaster measures in place in Khlong Sam Wa and seven other eastern and northern districts while lifting them elsewhere.

Royal Barge Procession, 6 November 2026. The procession sailed on 6 November as part of the Royal Kathin ceremony at Wat Arun, after full-dress rehearsals on 21 and 28 October. From about 14:30 (per Time Out Bangkok), 52 royal barges crewed by more than 2,200 Royal Thai Navy personnel (per The Nation) travelled down the Chao Phraya from the Rama VIII Bridge area to Wat Arun, in a formation about 1,280 metres long. River boats and Wat Arun are back to their normal schedules.

Grand Palace closures. The palace closes or limits tickets for royal ceremonies. This year it has closed fully once (13–19 June 2026), and no regular palace tickets were sold on 13 October 2026. Check the official Royal Grand Palace website the day before you go. Don’t take the word of anyone on the street outside: “the palace is closed today” is Bangkok’s oldest scam (more below).

Entry rules. Under Interior Ministry notifications published in the Royal Gazette on 31 August 2026, visa-free tourist stays were reported cut to 30 days from 15 September 2026, and the number of eligible countries was reported to have fallen. Every foreign visitor must also file a free Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before arriving. The details are under Practical tips.

Top 10 things to do in Bangkok for first-timers

If this is your first time in Bangkok, these ten give you the best overview in two or three days:

1. Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew. The Emerald Buddha and the royal court, about ฿500.
2. Wat Pho. The 46-metre Reclining Buddha, and the temple where Thai massage is taught, ฿300.
3. Wat Arun. Climb the porcelain-covered prang, then watch sunset from the opposite bank.
4. Chao Phraya Tourist Boat. The most enjoyable way to travel between the riverside sights, with a ฿150 day pass.
5. Long-tail canal tour in Thonburi. Wooden houses and quiet canals, a very different city from the one you see in the centre. The shared long-tail canal tour past Wat Arun costs from $17; see our canal long-tail boat tour guide for the alternatives.
6. Chinatown (Yaowarat). Gold shops, temples and some of the best street food in Asia.
7. Chatuchak Weekend Market. Thousands of stalls on Saturdays and Sundays. See our Chatuchak guide.
8. Golden Mount (Wat Saket). A 360° view of the old city for about ฿100.
9. Jim Thompson House. Teak houses, silk and a mystery that has never been solved.
10. A floating market day trip. Damnoen Saduak plus the Maeklong Railway Market, on the Damnoen Saduak and Maeklong Railway Market tour from $24. Read our breakdown of that tour before you book.

All 40 things to do in Bangkok at a glance

Prices are the foreign-visitor rate in Thai baht, and hours are approximate (October 2026). Many temples have a lower or free rate for Thai nationals.

Temples and royal sites

Most people visit Bangkok for its temples, and they are worth the hype. All of them have a dress code: shoulders and knees covered, no see-through clothing, and shoes off inside the halls. Carry small notes, because most ticket counters take cash only.

1. Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew

• Where: Na Phra Lan Road, Rattanakosin. Take the boat to Tha Chang pier, or MRT Sanam Chai and walk about 15 minutes.
• Hours: ticket office about 08:30–15:30. The grounds stay open later.
• Price: about ฿500. This includes Wat Phra Kaew (the Emerald Buddha) and the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles.
• Dress code: the strictest in Bangkok. Shoulders and knees covered and no tight or see-through clothes. Sarongs are available at the entrance if you’re turned back.

This was the royal court for 150 years, and its gilded spires, murals of the Ramakien epic and the small but revered Emerald Buddha still impress. Go at 08:30 to beat the tour coaches and the heat, and allow two to three hours. Buy tickets only at the official office inside the gate. Tip: before you set out, check the official site for ceremony closures. In 2026 the palace has closed fully or partly several times.

Our pick: the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun guided tour covers all three in about five hours, from about $23 (4.8/5 from more than 6,000 reviews). Check whether the temple fees are included in the option you pick.

2. Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)

• Where: directly south of the Grand Palace. MRT Sanam Chai, or Tha Tien pier.
• Hours: about 08:00–18:30. Price: ฿300.

The gold-leafed Reclining Buddha is 46 metres long, but the grounds are just as good: hundreds of Buddha images, mosaic chedis and quiet courtyards. Wat Pho is also the historic home of Thai massage. Tip: it’s much calmer after 15:00, when the tour groups have left for Wat Arun.

3. Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

• Where: Thonburi bank. Take the cross-river ferry from Tha Tien pier, which runs every 10–15 minutes.
• Hours: about 08:00–18:00. Price: about ฿200, cash only. There’s no advance booking.

Its central prang is covered in broken Chinese porcelain and is best seen up close in the soft morning light. Tip: go inside in the morning, then come back at sunset to photograph it from the opposite bank (see #22). Wat Arun and Wat Pho are both venues for the Bangkok Art Biennale, which opened on 29 October 2026.

4. Golden Mount (Wat Saket)

• Where: old town, near Phan Fa Lilat Bridge. Hours: about 07:30–17:30 (sources vary).
• Price: about ฿100 for foreigners, paid in cash at the foot of the stairs. Some older listings still show ฿50.

About 300 steps wind up past bells and small waterfalls to a golden chedi with one of the best views over old Bangkok. Tip: go in the late afternoon, when it’s cooler and the light is golden.

5. Wat Traimit (Golden Buddha)

• Where: western edge of Chinatown. MRT Hua Lamphong. Hours: about 08:00–17:00. The heritage exhibition is reported closed on Mondays.
• Price: ฿40–100. Some sources say ฿40 for the Buddha alone and ฿100 with the Yaowarat Chinatown Heritage Centre, while recent reviewers report paying ฿100.

The three-metre Buddha weighs about 5.5 tonnes of gold and was hidden under plaster until it cracked in 1955. Tip: use it as the starting point for a Chinatown walk.

6. Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple)

• Where: Dusit. Take a taxi or Grab. Hours: about 08:00–17:30.
• Price: ฿50–100. Recent reports lean towards ฿100.

Built from Italian Carrara marble and blending Thai and European styles, it’s one of the most elegant temples in the city and rarely crowded. Tip: the gallery of 52 Buddha images around the courtyard is the highlight.

7. Wat Suthat & the Giant Swing

• Where: old town, near Bangkok City Hall. MRT Sam Yot. Hours: from about 08:30. Closing times vary between sources, so arrive before 16:00.
• Price: ฿100 for the temple. The red Giant Swing stands in the street and is free to see.

Wat Suthat has some of the finest murals in Bangkok and a huge bronze Buddha. Tip: combine it with the Golden Mount and Loha Prasat on one walking loop.

8. Loha Prasat (Wat Ratchanatdaram)

• Hours: about 08:00–17:00. Price: free or about ฿20. Sources disagree, so bring small change.

This is the only “metal castle” of its kind in Bangkok: 37 iron spires over a maze of corridors you can climb for rooftop views. Tip: it’s a two-minute walk from the Golden Mount.

9. Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen

• Where: Thonburi. MRT Bang Phai. Hours: about 08:00–18:00. Price: free (donations welcome).

The 69-metre seated Buddha dominates the canal-side skyline. Inside the white stupa, the top floor has a glass stupa under a ceiling painted in green-and-gold cosmology. Tip: many long-tail canal tours stop here, which makes for an easy half day.

10. Erawan Shrine

• Where: Ratchaprasong intersection. BTS Chit Lom. Hours: about 06:00–22:00. Price: free.

This small Hindu shrine to Brahma is surrounded by malls and is constantly busy with worshippers, garlands, incense and paid dance troupes. Tip: watch respectfully from the edge, and avoid standing in front of people who are praying.

Museums and culture

11. Jim Thompson House

• Where: Soi Kasemsan 2, Rama I Road. BTS National Stadium.
• Hours: daily 10:00–17:00. Price: ฿250 for adults, ฿150 for ages 10–21 with ID, free for under-10s with an adult.

Six antique teak houses were joined together by the American silk entrepreneur who disappeared in Malaysia in 1967. You can only see inside the house on a guided tour, which is included in the ticket. You can also book the Jim Thompson House ticket and tour ahead, from about $8 (4.9/5 from more than 40 reviews, a small sample). Tip: arrive before 11:00 for smaller tour groups, then walk to the BACC next door.

12. Museum Siam

• Where: Sanam Chai Road. Exit 1 of MRT Sanam Chai. Hours: Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00, closed Mondays.
• Price: ฿100 for adults. Some visitors have reported a separate ฿300 foreigner rate, so check at the door. Under-15s and over-60s are free.

It’s playful and interactive, and the best introduction to “Thainess” for families. Tip: it’s air-conditioned, so it’s a good place to escape the midday heat between temples.

13. Bangkok National Museum

• Where: next to Sanam Luang. Tha Chang pier. Hours: Wed–Sun about 08:30–16:00 (last tickets about 15:30). Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
• Price: ฿200–240. Sources disagree, and ฿240 looks more current.

This is the country’s main collection of royal regalia, Buddha images and ceremonial chariots. Tip: volunteer-led English tours run on some mornings. Check the National Museum Volunteers schedule.

14. Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC)

• Where: opposite MBK. BTS National Stadium. Hours: Tue–Sun about 10:00–20:00. Price: free.

A spiral gallery space with changing Thai and international exhibitions, plus small shops and cafés. It’s also a venue for the Bangkok Art Biennale (reported for 29 October 2026–28 February 2027). Tip: it’s open into the evening, so make it your last stop after Jim Thompson House.

15. MOCA Bangkok

• Where: Kamphaeng Phet 6 Road, Chatuchak district. Taxi or Grab is easiest.
• Hours: Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00. Price: ฿300 for adults and ฿120 for students (official FAQ).

The country’s biggest private collection of modern Thai art. Tip: allow half a day including the journey, as it isn’t close to a station.

16. Khon at Sala Chalermkrung

Khon is masked dance-drama based on the Ramakien. Its spectacular costumes are a great introduction to Thai classical arts, and the historic Sala Chalermkrung theatre on the edge of Chinatown is the place to see it. Performances there are currently daytime shows: three 25-minute performances, Monday to Friday, at about 13:00, 14:30 and 16:00, for ฿400 or included in the Grand Palace ticket. Check the theatre’s programme before you plan around it.

17. Muay Thai

Watching a fight card at Rajadamnern or Lumpinee stadium is one of the most memorable Bangkok experiences, even if you’re not a sports fan. At Rajadamnern, seats run from about ฿1,000 to ฿2,500 ringside and about ฿4,500 in the VIP lounge; Lumpinee’s ONE Friday Fights cost about ฿1,000–3,500. The Rajadamnern Stadium Muay Thai tickets start from about $31 and hold 4.9/5 from more than 16,000 reviews. Our Bangkok at night guide covers stadiums, seat types and timings.

18. Thai massage at Wat Pho

Wat Pho is regarded as the home of traditional Thai massage, and its school offers treatments inside and next to the temple grounds. Prices change, so check the board at the massage pavilion before you sit down. Tip: finish your temple morning with an hour-long massage before lunch.

19. Thai cooking class

A half-day class usually includes a market visit and four dishes, which might be pad thai, green curry, tom yum and mango sticky rice. Highly rated options include the House of Taste hands-on class and market tour in Sukhumvit, the Maliwan cooking class and the Tingly Thai half-day class, each from about $40–43 and rated 4.9/5 (see the tours table). Tip: book a morning class, because reviewers say afternoon market visits can feel quiet.

River and canals

20. Chao Phraya Tourist Boat

• Route: Sathorn pier (BTS Saphan Taksin) up to Phra Arthit (for Khao San), stopping at ICONSIAM, Tha Tien (Wat Pho/Wat Arun), Tha Chang (Grand Palace) and more.
• Hours: about 08:30–19:15, roughly every 30 minutes.
• Price: ฿40 for a single trip or ฿150 for a day pass.

The blue-flag boat comes with commentary and is the simplest way to link the river sights. The orange-flag commuter boats are cheaper, but they’re crowded and now run mainly at weekday peak times. Tip: the boat can stop or divert for royal ceremonies on the river (it did not run on 6 November 2026, the day of the Royal Barge Procession), so check the notices at the pier.

21. Long-tail canal tour

A long-tail boat through the Thonburi khlongs shows you stilt houses, temples, orchid gardens and monitor lizards. It’s the side of Bangkok most people remember. A fair private boat costs about ฿1,200–2,500 for one to two hours, and shared tours start from about $17 per person: the long-tail canal tour with Wat Arun and Big Buddha views holds 4.5/5 from more than 5,600 reviews. Our canal long-tail boat tour guide covers prices, piers and how to avoid overcharging. Tip: agree the route, duration and total price before you set off.

22. Wat Arun at sunset

The best view of Wat Arun is free, from across the river. Head to the riverside around Tha Tien or Tha Maharaj, or to a bar terrace nearby, about 45 minutes before sunset. Once the lights come on you’re into Bangkok’s evening scene, which our Bangkok at night guide covers.

Markets

Bangkok’s markets are worth a trip in their own right. For the full ranking, see our best markets in Bangkok hub.

23. Chatuchak Weekend Market (and Chatuchak Park)

The famous weekend market has thousands of stalls selling clothes, ceramics, plants, vintage goods and food. Go at opening time to avoid the worst heat, then cool off in neighbouring Chatuchak Park. Our Chatuchak Weekend Market guide covers sections, hours and the current status of the Children’s Discovery Museum.

24. Or Tor Kor Market

Just across the road from Chatuchak, this covered market sells some of the best fruit, curries and prepared food in Thailand. Tip: come hungry on a weekday morning and pair it with MOCA.

25. Pak Khlong Talat (flower market)

Mountains of marigolds, orchids and jasmine garlands are traded around the clock near the river. Tip: come early in the morning or late at night for the busiest trading. Combine it with Wat Pho, a short walk away.

26. Floating markets

• In the city: Taling Chan and Khlong Lat Mayom are relaxed, local and weekend-only.
• Day trips: Damnoen Saduak is the postcard classic, best early in the morning, and Amphawa is an atmospheric weekend afternoon and evening market.
• Most people combine Damnoen Saduak with the Maeklong Railway Market, where trains pass through the stalls. The Damnoen Saduak and Maeklong Railway Market tour costs from $24 and holds 4.6/5 from more than 29,000 reviews; read our breakdown of the tour, or see every option in our floating markets guide.

27. Night markets

Bangkok’s evening markets get their own guide. See Bangkok night markets.

Neighbourhoods: where to go in Bangkok

28. Rattanakosin (old town)

The royal island of temples, museums and white colonial-era buildings. Walk from Wat Pho past Museum Siam to Tha Tien’s restored shophouses, then on to Sanam Luang and the Grand Palace walls. Tip: walk in the morning and spend the hot hours in museums.

29. Chinatown (Yaowarat)

The neon signs, gold shops and shrines of Yaowarat Road are most famous for food. Start at Wat Traimit, explore the Sampeng Lane wholesale alleys and Wat Mangkon Kamalawat, then eat. MRT Wat Mangkon puts you right in the middle.

30. Talat Noi

Just south of Chinatown, this old riverside quarter is full of auto-parts workshops, street art, the 19th-century So Heng Tai mansion and new cafés. Tip: come on a weekday, when the workshops are busy and the lanes feel more authentic.

31. Khao San Road & Banglamphu

The original backpacker strip is still lively, and the surrounding Banglamphu lanes have good cheap food and history. Our Khao San Road guide covers what’s worth doing and what isn’t, and has Jay Fai details for food lovers.

32. Bang Krachao

Bang Krachao is often called Bangkok’s “green lung”. It’s a loop of the river covered in mangroves and plantations, with elevated cycling paths and a weekend market. Take a cross-river boat from the Khlong Toei side (about ฿10–20) and hire a bike when you arrive (about ฿40–100). If you’d rather ride with a guide, the Bang Krachao jungle bike tour costs from about $40 and holds 4.7/5 from about 30 reviews, a small sample. Tip: avoid the midday heat and bring plenty of water.

33. Silom/Sathorn, Sukhumvit, Thonglor and Ari

• Silom/Sathorn: the business district, plus Lumphini Park and the SkyWalk.
• Sukhumvit: hotels, malls, Benjakitti Park and every cuisine.
• Thonglor: stylish cafés and restaurants.
• Ari: low-rise, leafy and full of independent coffee shops.

Choosing a base? Our where to stay guide compares the riverside, Khao San and Siam.

Modern Bangkok, parks and views

34. Mahanakhon SkyWalk

• Where: King Power Mahanakhon, Silom. Linked to BTS Chong Nonsi.
• Hours: 10:00–19:00, last entry 18:30.
• Price: standard adult tickets are about ฿1,000 by day and ฿1,200 for the sunset slot, and online platforms often undercut gate prices.

The glass-floored rooftop at 314 metres is the highest observation deck in Thailand. The Mahanakhon SkyWalk entry ticket costs from about $41 and holds 4.6/5 from more than 4,900 reviews. Tip: book the sunset slot on a clear day. In haze it isn’t worth the money; go to a rooftop bar instead (see Bangkok at night).

35. ICONSIAM

A huge riverside mall with SookSiam, an indoor “floating market” food hall. Its free river-front water show runs at 19:00, 20:00 and 21:00. Tip: arrive by the free shuttle boat from Sathorn pier.

36. Siam Paragon & SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World

• Where: basement levels of Siam Paragon. BTS Siam.
• Hours: 10:00–20:00, last entry 19:00.
• Price: about ฿1,000–1,090 walk-up. Online tickets are usually cheaper.

It has 11 themed zones with sharks, penguins and a glass-bottom boat. Tip: book the SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World entry ticket online (4.6/5 from more than 350 reviews). It’s the best rainy-day option in the centre.

37. Lumphini Park

• Where: MRT Lumphini/Silom, BTS Sala Daeng. Price: free.

There’s tai chi at dawn, a jogging loop and pedal boats, and large water monitor lizards that are perfectly at home here. Tip: go before 08:00 or after 16:30.

38. Benjakitti Forest Park

• Where: next to the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre. Price: free.

Raised walkways wind over restored wetland with the Sukhumvit skyline behind. It’s great at sunset and links to Lumphini by the “Green Mile” elevated walkway.

Food experiences

40. Street food, Michelin stalls and food tours

Bangkok’s street food is one of the best things to do in the city.

• Chinatown is the centre of it: noodles, roast duck, dim sum, mango sticky rice.
• Old-town shophouses: look for Michelin Bib Gourmand plaques.
• Jay Fai: Bangkok’s famous crab-omelette stall has a Michelin star. It opens Wednesday to Saturday, and the queues are legendary (details in our Khao San Road guide).
• Pad thai: the old-town shophouses near the Golden Mount and the stalls of Chinatown both serve it, and our Bangkok night markets guide lists where to eat after dark.

A food tour is the easiest first step. The Michelin Guide street food tour by tuk-tuk costs from $45 and holds 4.5/5 from about 1,500 reviews. Tip: follow the queues of locals, and don’t worry about plastic stools. Stalls with high turnover are usually the freshest.

Bangkok with kids

Bangkok is easier with kids than its reputation suggests. Malls are air-conditioned playgrounds, and many sights are free for small children.

• SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World (#36). The easiest half day.
• Safari World (Khlong Sam Wa). A drive-through safari park plus Marine Park shows, open about 09:00–16:30/17:00. Combo tickets are reported at about ฿1,500 at the gate and about ฿950–1,200 online, and children under 100 cm go free. Check road access first: Thaiger reported that on 11 October 2026 Khlong Sam Wa was one of eight districts where city flood-disaster measures remained in place.
• Lumphini Park (#37). Lizard-spotting and pedal boats.
• Museum Siam (#12). Hands-on exhibits, and free for under-15s.
• Children’s Discovery Museum (near Chatuchak). See our Chatuchak guide for its status.
• Dream World amusement park (north of the city). The Dream World entrance ticket costs from about $29 and holds 4.5/5 from almost 90 reviews; check the park’s own site for ride closures.
• KidZania Bangkok at Siam Paragon is permanently closed (it shut in 2021), even though some booking sites still list it.

Free things to do in Bangkok

Plenty of good things to do in Bangkok cost nothing:

• Wat Paknam’s giant Buddha and glass stupa (#9)
• The Erawan Shrine (#10)
• The BACC galleries (#14)
• Lumphini Park and Benjakitti Forest Park (#37, #38)
• Wat Arun at sunset from the east bank (#22)
• Pak Khlong Talat flower market (#25)
• Chinatown, Talat Noi and old-town walks (#28–30)
• Chatuchak, Or Tor Kor and the evening markets (just bring snack money)
• The ICONSIAM water show (#35)
• The Giant Swing (outside Wat Suthat) and Loha Prasat (free or about ฿20)

Day trips from Bangkok

39. Ayutthaya

The UNESCO-listed former capital is about 80 km north. Tree-wrapped Buddha heads and ruined prangs make it the best history day trip, and the train makes a DIY day cheap (about ฿500–800 including temple tickets). With a guide, the Ayutthaya temples tour with lunch costs from $33 and holds 4.7/5 from more than 12,000 reviews. Read our Ayutthaya day trip guide.

Other day trips in Bangkok’s orbit:

• Damnoen Saduak plus the Maeklong Railway Market: our main pick for first-timers. See the tour breakdown.
• Amphawa on a weekend afternoon.
• Everything else in our day trips from Bangkok hub.

Sample 1-, 2- and 3-day Bangkok plans

These are outlines, so check each sight’s opening days before you fix the order.

Day 1: royal Bangkok and the river

• 08:30: Grand Palace
• 11:30: Wat Pho, plus a massage
• Lunch near Tha Tien
• 14:30: ferry to Wat Arun
• 16:00: Chao Phraya Tourist Boat or a long-tail canal tour
• Sunset: back on the east bank facing Wat Arun
• Dinner: Chinatown

Day 2: markets, culture and views

• Weekend: Chatuchak and Or Tor Kor in the morning. Weekdays: Or Tor Kor and MOCA.
• Afternoon: Jim Thompson House, then the BACC
• Evening: Mahanakhon SkyWalk at sunset

Day 3: out of town

Choose Damnoen Saduak plus the Maeklong Railway Market (our floating market itinerary has the timings), or Ayutthaya. Back in the city, finish with a cooking class or a food tour.

With more time: add the old-town temple loop (Golden Mount, Loha Prasat, Wat Suthat), Wat Paknam by canal, Talat Noi, Bang Krachao and a Muay Thai night.

Tours and tickets: top-rated options compared

Affiliate disclosure: some links below are affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We don’t run tours ourselves, and we only list options we’ve checked.

Prices are “from” prices on GetYourGuide when we checked in November 2026, converted to US dollars and rounded. They change with date, group size and exchange rates, and the ratings are the platform’s own.

Our picks:

• Budget first-timers: the 5-hour small-group temple tour.
• Families: the private temple tour, which saves heat and walking.
• Food lovers: the Chinatown tuk-tuk food tour plus a morning cooking class.

Seasonal events in Bangkok

• Royal Barge Procession: 6 November 2026. The procession sailed on 6 November, after full-dress rehearsals on 21 and 28 October. It’s a rare event (the previous one was in 2019).
• Loy Krathong: Tuesday 24 November 2026. The festival falls on the full moon of the twelfth lunar month; a few listings give 25 November, so check local event pages closer to the date. Riverside piers, parks such as Lumphini and Benjakitti, and ICONSIAM are popular places to float a krathong.
• Vijit Chao Phraya light festival. Riverside illuminations. TAT lists it as 13 November–13 December 2026, while The Nation reports 12 November–12 December.
• Bangkok Art Biennale: reported for 29 October 2026–28 February 2027 at venues including Wat Arun, Wat Pho, Museum Siam and the BACC.
• Red Cross Fair: the next edition is reported for 18–31 January 2027 at Lumphini Park, with free entry, about 11:00–22:00.
• Songkran: 13–15 April. Thai New Year’s citywide water fight. It’s great fun, but waterproof your phone.

November–February is the cool, dry season, although PM2.5 haze can affect views. For the floating markets month by month, see the best time to visit a floating market.

Practical tips for visiting Bangkok

Entry: TDAC and visas. Every foreign national needs to submit the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card at the official immigration website (tdac.immigration.go.th) within the three days before arrival. That includes children. Use only the official site, because fake versions charge fees. Since 15 September 2026, visa-free tourist stays have been reported as 30 days rather than 60, with fewer eligible countries, so check the rule for your passport with the Thai embassy or Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Getting around.

• BTS Skytrain: still uses the Rabbit card or single tickets. Contactless bank cards aren’t accepted on the BTS yet.
• MRT (Blue, Purple, Yellow and Pink lines): since 1 June 2026 you can tap a contactless Visa, Mastercard or UnionPay card at the gates. The old MRT stored-value cards no longer work on the Blue and Purple lines.
• Airport Rail Link: also takes contactless cards.
• Best setup: carry one Rabbit card plus one contactless bank card.
• River: boats are the fastest way around the old town.
• Grab and Bolt: show fixed fares up front and avoid haggling.
• Taxis: insist on the meter.

Dress code. Cover shoulders and knees at temples. Carry a light scarf or sarong and wear slip-on shoes.

Scams to know.

• “The Grand Palace is closed today”: the classic opener. It leads to a cheap tuk-tuk “tour” that ends at a gem shop or tailor. Walk to the official gate and check for yourself.
• Gem scams: never buy gems you’re told you can resell at home for a profit.
• Boats: agree long-tail prices in advance.

Heat and health. Midday temperatures are often in the low to mid-30s °C. Plan outdoor sightseeing for before 11:00 and after 15:30, drink plenty of water, and use malls and museums to cool off.

Money. Thai ATMs typically charge foreign cards ฿220 per withdrawal, although AEON machines are often reported at around ฿150, so take out larger amounts less often. Most temples and markets want cash, while malls, Grab and the MRT take cards.

SIM and eSIM. Tourist SIMs are sold in airport arrivals halls, and eSIMs can be set up before you fly. Either way, you’ll want data for Grab and maps.

Alcohol. Shops sell alcohol 11:00–24:00. There’s no alcohol on some Buddhist holy days.

Emergencies. Call the Tourist Police on 1155. They speak English and the line runs 24/7.

Frequently asked questions

What are the top things to do in Bangkok?

The top things to do in Bangkok are the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, a Chao Phraya boat ride, a long-tail canal tour, Chinatown street food, Chatuchak Weekend Market, the Golden Mount, Jim Thompson House and a floating market day trip. Together they cover Bangkok’s highlights for a first visit.

How many days do you need in Bangkok?

Three days is the sweet spot for a first visit: one for the temples and river, one for markets, museums and views, and one for a day trip. Two days covers the essentials. With five days you can add Ayutthaya, the old-town temple loop and quieter neighbourhoods such as Ari and Talat Noi.

What are the best free things to do in Bangkok?

Wat Paknam’s giant Buddha, the Erawan Shrine, the BACC, Lumphini and Benjakitti parks, the flower market, Chinatown and Talat Noi walks, the ICONSIAM water show and the view of Wat Arun at sunset from the east bank are all free.

How much is the Grand Palace, and what is the dress code?

Foreign visitors pay about ฿500, which includes Wat Phra Kaew and the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles. The ticket office is open about 08:30–15:30. Cover your shoulders and knees, and avoid tight, ripped or see-through clothing. Check the official site for ceremony closures before you go.

What is the best area to stay in Bangkok?

For first-timers, the riverside (for sights and boats), Siam (for transport) or Sukhumvit around Asok (for food and nightlife) work best. Silom suits business and park lovers, and Banglamphu suits budget travellers. If you’re joining an early floating market tour, see our where to stay guide.

What are the best things to do in Bangkok with kids?

SEA LIFE Ocean World, Safari World, Lumphini Park’s lizards and pedal boats, Museum Siam, boat rides on the Chao Phraya and the Wat Arun climb are all good with children. Note that KidZania Bangkok has permanently closed.

When is the best time to visit Bangkok?

November to February brings the most comfortable weather and big festivals such as Loy Krathong. March to May is very hot, and June to October is the rainy season with lower prices. For the markets, see the best time to visit a floating market.

Is Bangkok safe for tourists?

Yes, Bangkok is generally safe. The main risks are scams, traffic and the heat rather than violent crime. Ignore strangers who say sights are closed, use Grab or metered taxis, keep valuables zipped away in crowds and save the Tourist Police number, 1155.

How do I get around Bangkok?

Use the BTS (with a Rabbit card) and the MRT (tap a contactless bank card) for most of the city. Use the Chao Phraya boats for the old town and Grab for door-to-door trips. Avoid road travel at rush hour where you can.

What is the best day trip from Bangkok?

For first-timers, it’s Damnoen Saduak Floating Market combined with the Maeklong Railway Market; compare options on our tour page. History lovers should choose Ayutthaya. More ideas are in our day trips hub.

Ready to book?

Check dates for the small-group temple tour in the box near the top of this page, or compare the floating market mornings on the Damnoen Saduak tours page and see live availability.