Imagine the aromas of freshly cooked street food, the gorgeous palettes of color that line the streets, the cultural and religious places that exude beauty and peace, and the people with their welcoming smiles. That’s just a taste of what you’ll experience as a tourist in Bangkok. You could spend a lifetime in this city and never experience everything it has to offer.
There are plenty of things for you to do when you visit. Here are the top five most visited tourist spots in Bangkok to make the most out of your trip to the city.
The Grand Palace
If you could see only one thing on your trip, The Grand Palace is one of the most visited tourist spots in Bangkok and should be at the top of your list. It was once home to the kings of Thailand (Siam) and will take you at least a day to fully experience. The intricate details inside and out tell a story of the rich history of Siam and give you a glimpse of the local government and Buddhist traditions. The Grand Palace includes multiple buildings, so plan for a day or more to tour everything.
The Floating Markets
Take a tuk-tuk to the water to walk through one of the most unique markets on the earth. Bangkok is known for its floating markets where you can find all the flavors of Thailand. Enjoy freshly grown fruit, fresh-caught fish, or let one of our vendors cook up an amazing meal of mango and sweet sticky rice or savory pork satay from one of their boats. Damnoen Saduak is the perfect floating market for any tourist. It’s also one of the most visited because it’s the oldest in Bangkok. Do some shopping as well and find hand-crafted gifts to bring home from your trip.
Wat Arun
Temples are an important part of Thai religion and culture. Specialized artisans work tirelessly to complete some of the most beautiful works of art and architecture. Wat Arun, in particular, is known for its large size and place by the river. Wat means “temple” and Arun means “dawn”. This temple was named after the god of dawn and is lit up at night. This is one of the most visited tourist spots in Bangkok and one of the most visited temples in Thailand. Please remember to follow Thai traditions as you plan your trip to the temple.
Muay Thai at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium
Before heading to the bar at night, watch a Thai Boxing match at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium. Winning is the most important part of these contests and contestants train hard to ensure a good fight. Many people use these boxing matches as an opportunity to earn money through betting. However, at its core, Muay Thai is linked to respecting the king and spirituality. The best fighters spend years training and participate in hundreds of fights to get a chance to win championship titles.
Lumpini Park
Need a free place to rest your feet from all the walking around in Bangkok? Take in the lush landscape of Thailand in Lumpini Park. It’s like the Central Park of Bangkok providing shade, lakeside Tai Chi, relaxing boating options, and more. Take a stroll around the park with a friend or sit and watch people as they pass by. It’s a great place to relax and get away from the noise of the city.
Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles. When you get out and visit these incredible tourist spots, you’ll meet local Thai people who are sure to make your trip even better. Before you come, learn a few Thai phrases. Thai people love it when you try to use the language and even if you mess up, they are so gracious and helpful.