Bangkok, Thailand’s capital is known for its contrast and diverse culture. The city that has such a famous and vibrant nightlife is also home to one of the most beautiful and grand palaces and shrines. With so many contrasting attractions, figuring out what will be ‘fun’ for you might get tricky.

Luckily Borderline Nomad has created the ultimate guide to fun things to do in Bangkok, Thailand with categories, so you plan for attractions and activities that are perfect for your travel style! Let’s start!

If you love cultural experiences

The best part about visiting a new country is to observe and embrace a new culture. Thailand offers the ultimate cultural experience to its travellers with beautiful ancient palaces and shrines. Let’s find out the best ones in Bangkok:

Grand Palace

Located in the heart of the city, the Grand Palace is a must-visit during your time in Bangkok. Built in the 18th century, this former residence of Thai kings is a breathtaking complex of golden spires and elaborate temples, showcasing Thai architecture at its finest. The Grand Palace complex is quite vast with many monuments, including the famous Emerald Buddha. The Grand Palace complex is so big that you can expect to spend at least 3 to 4 hours to see every monument.

Emerald Buddha

If you’re visiting the Grand Palace, you will also want to see the famous Emerald Buddha. This statue is considered a sacred relic of Thailand and is regarded as the country’s palladium. We recommend getting a tour of the Grand Palace complex to learn more about the temple’s rich history.

Wat Pho

Home to the famous Reclining Buddha, the Wat Pho temple is considered older than Bangkok itself! The 46-meter-long Buddha statue is an awe-inspiring sight, and it is difficult to get a photo of the entire statue at once. But the statue is not all, this temple also preserves and teaches Thai medicine and massage! We recommend dedicating at least an hour to explore the entire complex.

Wat Arun

Also known as the Temple of Dawn, this stunning riverside Buddhist temple is a photographer’s dream! Famous for its unique architectural style, this temple is situated on the bank of the Chao Phraya River offering a serene view during the sunset. So make sure to visit Wat Arun just before sunrise or during the golden hour to witness spectacular views of the temple!

Thonburi

Also known as old Bangkok, Thonburi’s peaceful canals and wooden houses on stilts offer a glimpse into Thais’ traditional way of life. The Thonburi district offers floating markets, street food, and art including The Artist’s House, where you can see numerous paintings and traditional Thai puppet shows. Be sure to dedicate at least 3 to 4 hours to explore Thonburi completely!

Bangkok National Museum

This museum houses Thailand’s largest collection of Thai art and antiquities, offering an immersion into Thailand’s rich cultural heritage. The museum hosts three exhibition galleries, each displaying a different aspect of history ranging from prehistoric artefacts to Thai history and decorative arts.

Songkran festival

Celebrated annually from 13th to 15th April, the Songkran festival marks the start of the Thai New Year, transforming Thailand into a massive water festival. Although the Songkran festival is celebrated throughout the nation, Bangkok is the place to experience the ultimate fun! Plan your Bangkok trip around these dates to witness the famous water fights!

Rajadamnern Muay Thai Stadium

The cultural exploration doesn’t end at statues and artworks, as you can experience Thailand’s ancient martial arts style in its most prestigious venue. Built in 1945, this stadium showcases Muay Thai competitions and traditional pre-fight rituals that exhibit Thai cultural heritage. Events are held almost every day, you can reserve your tickets here.

If you love nightlife

Bangkok is known for its diverse nightlife. With streets lined up with bars to luxurious rooftop locations, you are sure to have the perfect night out in the city. Let’s look at the best locations to embrace the Bangkok nightlife:

Khao San Road

Khao San Road is an iconic street in central Bangkok, known for its nightlife, bars and street food. This street became famous for being a backpacker’s/ budget traveller’s paradise in the 90s. And now, with thousands of tourists flooding Khao San road to experience its vibrant, party culture, Khao San Road has become one of the main things to experience in Bangkok!

Soi Nana

Want to visit one of the coolest areas in Bangkok? Visit Soi Nana, also known as Chinatown! Soi Nana is the place where modern meets the rich Thai-Chinese culture. With its hipster bars and coolest nightlife, Soi Nana is the current favorite bar-hopping destination in Bangkok!

Soi Cowboy

This 150-meter-long street is another destination that provides a lively atmosphere and neon-lit go-go bars in Bangkok. If you are looking for a pint of beer and a night of dancing, head to Soi Cowboy in Khlong Toei Nuea.

Tallest Bar Crawl in Bangkok

Now that you know about the budget-friendly nightlife locations, let’s talk about one of the most famous and tallest bar crawl locations in Bangkok!

Located in The Standard Hotel, you get your own bar crawl passport, get it stamped at each bar and try their exquisite cocktails and snacks. In the end, enjoy your last drink at the highest rooftop bar in Bangkok and soak in the beautiful view of the city.

This experience is just one-of-a-kind and a must on your next Bangkok trip!

If you love art

The art scene in Bangkok is like no other! With up-and-coming local artists showcases to historic museums, make your Thailand trip full of art and inspiration.

Papaya Studio

Do you love vintage art and furniture? Then head to Papaya Studio! This massive store and showroom holds vintage designer furniture, decor, art and collectibles from all around the world. If you love beautiful, quirky things, you could spend hours in the studio! So make sure to visit Papaya, witness the vintage items and if possible, get something for yourself and your loved ones.

Calypso Theatre

The Calypso Theatre, located in Asiatique, is the perfect destination for performance art lovers. You will witness genres of music and dances by the talented performers that will keep you entertained and bedazzled the entire night.

The costumes, music and dance make it a must-visit!

Jim Thompson House

The Bangkok home to the late James H.W. Thompson (also known as Thai Silk King), is now a museum located in central Bangkok that holds a collection of Asian art and unique displays. The Jim Thompson Art Center also organises exhibitions, and conducts educational programs encouraging collaboration of local and international cultures.

About Jim Thompson: Jim Thompson was an American businessman and architect who resided in this property in Bangkok. He was known as the silk king of Thailand and held a beautiful art collection which is displayed to date in the Jim Thompson House.

Talad Noi Street Art

Talad Noi is a historic neighborhood in Bangkok, which is known for its ethnic Chinese community, old buildings and alleys filled with art and graffiti work. Perfect to explore on foot, you can witness the diverse ethnicities and religions along with beautiful cafes, shops and local art at Talad Noi.

100 Tonson Foundation

If you love contemporary art and galleries, make sure to be on the lookout for any exhibition or event happening at 100 Tonson Foundation. Thailand has a growing contemporary art scene so any art-lover out there, make sure to add this destination to your Thailand itinerary!

Warehouse 30

Have you ever visited an art gallery in a warehouse? Well, that changes in Bangkok! Visit Warehouse 30 for amazing art exhibitions, workshops, stores, food and more. The unique and coolest place in town requires a visit from you on your next Bangkok trip.

If you are a foodie

Thai cuisine is undeniably one of the best cuisines out there! Bangkok, a melting pot of cultures, elevates this experience by offering not only exceptional Thai dishes but also the best of international culinary delights, from Michelin-starred restaurants to authentic street food.

Chinatown

Bangkok’s Yaowarat Road is considered the world’s largest Chinatown, and perhaps the best spot for foodies looking to try authentic Chinese street food. The place has countless stalls selling dimsums, noodles, seafood, and some of the best desserts! The fried dumplings and Hong Kong-style fried noodles are a must-have, along with the Yaowarat Toasted Bun, which has a very generous amount of Nutella filling!

Half-century-old Soup

At Wattana Panich restaurant, you will find one of the world’s oldest soups, which has been kept simmering by 3 generations of the family, for over a half-century. People from around the world flock here to try their beef and goat soup, making it a tourist attraction in its own!

Blue Elephant Cooking School

If you’re interested in learning how to cook authentic Thai cuisine from the very best, then the Blue Elephant Cooking School is the spot for you! With an expert roster of chefs, you will learn to prepare 4-5 dishes in just half a day. You can attend the cooking classes as part of a group session, or through a private class for up to 12 people.

Supanniga Eating Room

With 3 restaurants in Bangkok, Supanniga Eating Room serves authentic Thai home cooking in a traditional Thong Lor setting. Featured in the Michelin guide, this restaurant specializes in dishes from eastern Thailand, with dishes like braised pork belly, fried Chinese cabbage, and Mango sticky rice, and the recipes coming from the owner’s grandmother!

K. Panich Sticky Rice

Another Michelin guide feature, K. Panich makes what many say is the city’s best mango sticky rice. Their secret? Super-thick coconut cream and perfectly ripe mangoes served with sticky rice. This tiny shop has been around for over 100 years, and is a must-try!

Potong

If you are visiting Yaowarat Road aka Bangkok’s Chinatown and want to experience some innovative Thai-Chinese cuisine in a fine-dining setting, then Potong is the place to go. Having a Michelin star, this restaurant offers modern interpretations of various Thai dishes, including Pad Thai, and a 20-dish tasting menu. While the dishes are expensive, the taste and the experience make it absolutely worth it for the foodies!

If you love shopping

Bangkok is a paradise for shoppers! You can find everything from high-end boutiques to budget shops. Let’s look at the best shopping options in the city:

Asiatique The Riverfront

If you cannot decide what to do in the evening, head to this destination for an ultimate night market experience! Asiaqtique Riverfront, one of the popular shopping destination, is an open-air mall that offers shopping, dining and events with scenic river views.

With over 1500 shops you can buy souvenirs, clothes, accessories and beauty products for yourself and your loved ones.

Chatuchak Weekend Market

With over 15,000 stores, you will grab the best finds at Chatuchak Weekend Market! Being the world’s largest weekend market, you will find everything from clothing, accessories and delicious local food to vintage finds, one-of-a-kind souvenirs and beautiful home decor. For the best experience, make sure to visit on Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

Pak Khlong Talat

If you like all things aesthetic, Pak Khlong Talat Flower Market is worth a few hours of your Bangkok trip. This 24-hour flower market is ranked 4th best flower market in the world and is the best to discover the unique flowers, fruits and vegetables available in Thailand.

Platinum Fashion Mall

Home to 2000 stores, Platinum Fashion Mall is the ultimate destination for budget shoppers! You can find everything from wholesale clothing and accessories for affordable prices to unique boutique finds here. So make sure to add this mall to your itinerary.

Iconsiam

This one’s for the luxury shoppers! With hundreds of luxury boutiques and brands, Bangkok knows how to do luxury the right way. Iconsiam offers the perfect blend of luxury, culture and entertainment to visitors, with its high-end clothing, accessories, restaurants and an indoor floating market. Even if you are not buying anything, its still worth it to visit Icon Siam!

If you love wellness and relaxation

Thai massage, also known as Nuad Thai, is an integral part of Thai culture and healthcare. If you are visiting Thailand, you need to experience traditional Thai massage by the best-trained therapists. Let’s discuss a few options for the ultimate relaxation!

Wat Pho Thai Massage School

If you want to learn or simply get a Thai massage, visit Wat Pho Thai Massage School! Known as the place where Thai massage was born, Wat Pho Thai Massage School offers a range of courses, from advanced to short 30-hour courses, and also provides massage services to the public. It’s located within the Wat Pho temple complex in Bangkok, Thailand.

So if you are tired of walking in the complex, do visit the school for a relaxing massage.

Budget-friendly Spa

While Wat Pho is a must-visit for its historical significance, it might not always be the most budget-friendly option for a regular massage. If you are looking for budget-friendly spa options, you should consider local massage shops, chain massage shops or street-side services. While the street-side massage shops might be the cheapest among the options, be aware of safety and hygiene during the service.

High-end Spa

If you are looking for a luxurious spa experience on your trip to Bangkok, the best option would be to opt for a 5-star hotel spa. You will receive top-notch service from expert massage therapists. A few highly rated luxury spas are Anantara Spa, Loft Thai Spa and Divana Scentuara Spa.

Note: If you are looking for spa deals, you can check out GoWabi. The platform provides deals on spas and other wellness therapies.

If you love adventure

Bangkok offers everything, including ultimate thrilling destinations and experiences! Let’s look at the most famous ones:

Dream World Amusement Park

Often referred to as ‘Bangkok’s Disneyland’, Dream World Bangkok is a premier adventure destination in Thailand and has over 40 different thrill rides. The most famous rides here are Sky Coaster – a hanging roller coaster and Grand Canyon – a thrilling bumpy water ride. The thrilling rides are not the only thing Dream World offers, as there are various other attractions including large gardens and several pools spread across the 63 acres of fun!

Bangkok Tandem Skydiving

For the ultimate adventure that provides an adrenaline rush like no other, you need to give a shot at tandem skydiving where you jump from around 10,000ft with a skydiving professional. Once you jump, you will get a breathtaking view of the ocean, Bangkok and Pattaya altogether. So are you daring enough to try this?

If you love luxury travel

Bangkok is no stranger to luxury and all the fine things in the world. Here are a few things you can add to your itinerary to add some luxury to your trip:

Siam Paragon

Siam Paragon is a shopping mall complex where you can find high-end brands like Hermes, Cartier and Miu Miu with showrooms of Porsche, Jaguar and other luxury car brands. You will also find gourmet restaurants and markets at the mall. So if you like all things fancy, make Siam Paragon part of your itinerary!

Park Hyatt Bangkok

Treat yourself with a stay at Park Hyatt, Bangkok! Park Hyatt Bangkok is a luxury 5-star hotel situated in the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. It is known for its exceptional service, elegant design and its connectivity to Central Embassy, a luxury shopping mall. The hotel boasts luxurious guestrooms and suites with city views, a 40-meter saltwater pool, a tranquil spa, 24-hour fitness center and other world-class amenities.

Shangri-La Bangkok

Another hotel to experience ultimate luxury is Shangri-La Bangkok! This upscale 5-star riverfront hotel is located on the riverfront and features 9 restaurants and bars, tennis courts, a spa, and 2 outdoor pools. The hotel offers luxurious accommodations and a range of top-notch amenities, giving its guests the essence of Thai luxury.

Haoma

Haoma Bangkok is a Michelin-starred Indian restaurant in Bangkok, known for its innovative, delicious food and its commitment to sustainability. It offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere, perfect for romantic dinners and small gatherings. The restaurant features a set menu that takes diners on a gastronomic journey through India’s diverse culinary landscape, with ingredients sourced locally.

If you love unique experiences

Last but not the least, let’s look at the unique experiences that you can only experience in the vibrant city of Bangkok!

Chao Phraya River Cruise

The Chao Phraya River Cruise is the best way to witness the dazzling views of Bangkok during the evening. Offered by multiple providers in various price ranges, the 2-3 hour cruise generally offers a buffet along with live music performances. You can join in on the fun through a shared cruise, or enjoy in a more intimate setting through private cruises!

If you are looking to book a river cruise, check out White Orchid River Cruise.

Floating Market

Floating markets in and around Bangkok offer a glimpse into the vibrant and unique culture of Thailand. You can get on a boat and find a variety of local produce, food, handicrafts and souvenirs. There are many floating markets around Bangkok, each offers something unique. The most famous ones are Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Taling Chan Floating Market.

MahaNakhon

MahaNakhon is a striking 77-story skyscraper in Bangkok which is distinctively known for its ‘pixelated’ design. While watching this stunning skyscraper is an activity in itself, but that’s not all! You can visit the MahaNakhon Skywalk, an observatory deck offering panoramic views of the beautiful city of Bangkok. The observatory also features a glass-floored area, would you dare to step on it?

Cabbages and Condoms

This is about as quirky as Bangkok can get, and we love it. Cabbages and Condoms is a condom-themed restaurant featuring various artworks using condoms and birth control pills, including a life-size Santa Claus figure. Apart from the artwork, the food is decent as well, making it worth visiting to experience something truly unique!

Asiatique Sky

The Asiatique Sky Ferris wheel stands tall in central Bangkok along the riverside, offering stunning views over the Chao Phraya River and the city skyline. Best visited at sunset, you can watch the city lights start to twinkle as the sunlight dims. As the Ferris wheel is located right next to the Asiatique night market, you can spend the rest of the evening shopping and dining after the ride.

Sathorn Unique Tower

Also known as the Ghost Tower, this 49-storey building has been abandoned for 25+ years, with its construction being halted during the 1997 Asian financial crisis. While entering the property’s premises is restricted, it is still a unique sight to behold from the outside as this building now dons large advertisement banners.

Wat Pariwat Temple or ‘David Beckham Temple’

The Wat Pariwat temple is known for its quirky modern touches that intersect with traditional Thai temple architecture. This temple is famous for having a tiny David Beckham figure carved into its main altar, earning it the nickname ‘David Beckham Temple’. As the temple intends to spark the imagination of the younger generation, you will find other unexpected figures from pop culture, including Batman, Superman, and Pikachu!

So this was our guide to fun things you can do and experience in Bangkok! Did we miss any? Let us know by commenting here or on our Pinterest page!