Bangkok, the vibrant capital of Thailand, is a melting pot of culture, cuisine and contrasts. From golden temples and bustling street food markets to hidden rooftop bars and trendy hipster cafés, this metropolis has something for everyone. In this ultimate guide, we reveal the best sights, neighbourhoods and restaurants for your trip to Bangkok, along with some insider tips.
🕌 Top sights in Bangkok
1. Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew – Temple of the Emerald Buddha
The Grand Palace is the cultural heart of Bangkok and a masterpiece of Thai architecture. Since the 18th century, it has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam. This vast complex comprises ornately decorated buildings, temples, statues, and royal halls.
Its greatest treasure is Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. This jade statue, which is only about 66 cm high, is considered the most sacred religious object in Thailand. Depending on the season, the statue is dressed in one of three royal robes – a ritual that only the king himself is permitted to perform.
💡 What you should know:
- Opening hours: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm
- Admission: approx. 500 THB
- Photography is prohibited inside Wat Phra Kaew, except outside
- You will be overwhelmed; plan to spend at least two hours here
- Dress code: shoulders, chest and knees must be covered
2. Wat Pho – Temple of the Reclining Buddha
Just a few steps away from the Grand Palace lies Wat Pho, a tranquil oasis of deep spiritual significance. Here you will find the 46-metre-long Reclining Buddha, whose feet are adorned with mother-of-pearl inlays. This symbolises the attainment of nirvana.
But Wat Pho is much more than just a beautiful temple. It is also home to the oldest and most renowned school for traditional Thai massage. Founded in the 19th century, it was considered the medical centre of the time.
💡 What you should know:
- Opening hours: Daily from 8:00 am to 6:30 pm
- Admission: 200 THB (incl. drinking water)
3. Wat Arun – Temple of Dawn
Wat Arun, also known as Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan, is one of the most beautiful and iconic temples in Bangkok. It is particularly worth visiting at sunrise or sunset, when the warm light makes the porcelain mosaics glow.
The central prang (pagoda) is over 80 metres high and is adorned with thousands of Chinese porcelain tiles, which pay tribute to Bangkok’s 19th-century trade with China. The four smaller prangs represent the four continents. If you dare, you can climb the steep steps to be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the river.
💡 What you should know:
- Getting there: By ferry from Tha Tien Pier (Wat Pho side) or by car
- Opening hours: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Admission: 100 THB
- Insider tip: It’s worth visiting early in the morning
4. Khao San Road – The backpacker mile
Khao San Road is both famous and notorious. Once just a street with a few guesthouses, it is now world-famous. Here you will find a wild mix of bars, hostels, street food, foot massages, henna tattoos, dubious offers of fake travel documents and colourful chaos. This vibrant street is only about 400 metres long. You can buy anything here, from scorpions on a skewer to T-shirts bearing questionable slogans.
5. Chinatown (Yaowarat Road) – Street food, gold shops and cultural treasures
Bangkok’s Chinatown is one of the oldest and largest Chinese enclaves in the world. Founded in the 18th century, it is now bursting with life. Chinese pharmacies, gold shops and temples dominate the scene during the day, while the main street transforms into a hotspot for street food in the evening. Wander through the narrow alleys to discover hidden temples such as Wat Mangkon Kamalawat.
6. Chatuchak Weekend Market – A labyrinth for shopping fans
Spanning 1.1 km² and boasting over 15,000 stalls, Chatuchak Market is a world unto itself. Originally just a wholesale market, it has now become a popular destination for tourists, artists, and collectors alike. Here, you can find vintage fashion items, handmade decorative pieces, plants, pets, furniture, books, and art. And, of course, food – from exotic smoothies to fried insects.
💡 What you should know:
- Opening hours: Sat & Sun, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm (only a few shops are also open on Fridays)
- Note the section numbers: Fashion (2–6), Furniture (7–9), Food (23–27)
- There are maps at the entrance
7. Bang Sue Junction Market – Vintage paradise for fashion fans
If you love vintage looks, Y2K fashion, retro trainers or 1990s streetwear, Bang Sue Junction is a real insider tip. This small but exquisite indoor mall in northern Bangkok is considered a hotspot of the Thai second-hand scene. Fashionistas, collectors and trendsetters can browse countless shops stocking hand-picked items, including Levi’s jeans, band shirts, college jackets, K-pop fashion and designer treasures.
💡 What you should know:
- Opening hours: Daily 11:00 am – 8:00 pm (many shops are busier on weekends)
- Bring cash – many shops do not accept card payments
8. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market – Famous floating market
The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is probably the best-known and most photographed floating market in Thailand. Located about 100 km southwest of Bangkok, it offers a colourful spectacle of wooden boats, vendors in straw hats selling fresh fruit, grilled satay and coconut ice cream right on the water. Vendors steer their colourful boats through the narrow waterways while visitors shop from the shore or from rented boats.
The market originated in the late 19th century along the Khlong Damnoen Saduak, an artificial canal built by King Rama IV. Today, it is a popular tourist destination – lively, loud and very much geared towards visitors.
💡 What you should know:
- Location: Ratchaburi Province, approx. 1.5 – 2 hours from Bangkok (best reached by tour or taxi)
- Opening hours: Daily from approx. 7:00 am to 12:00 pm
- Admission: Free, but boat tours cost approx. 150–300 THB
- Note: Very touristy, real floating traders are in the minority
📍 Other neighbourhoods worth seeing in Bangkok
Siam & Sukhumvit – Shopping & modern city vibes
The heart of modern Bangkok: Here you will find huge malls such as MBK, Siam Paragon, CentralWorld and Terminal 21, which are perfect for shopping and cooling off.
Ari – The hip insider tip
This quiet, green and charming neighbourhood is full of Instagram-worthy cafés, concept stores and stylish restaurants. It is popular with expats and young Thais.
Thonburi – Authentic & traditional
Located to the west of the river, Thonburi offers tranquil khlongs (canals), floating markets and authentic temples away from the crowds.
🍽️ Bangkok Food Guide – Best Food & Street Food
Bangkok is one of the best cities in the world for food. Here is an overview of classic dishes, street food favourites, and restaurant recommendations.
Classic Thai dishes you must try:
- Pad Thai: Fried rice noodles with egg, bean sprouts and peanuts, often with prawns.
- Panang Curry: Aromatic curry, typically made with coconut milk.
- Som Tam: Spicy papaya salad with lime, chilli and fish sauce.
- Tom Yum Goong: Spicy prawn soup with lemongrass and galangal.
- Moo Ping: Grilled pork skewers with sweet marinade – perfect as a snack.
- Khao Niew Mamuang: Mango sticky rice – sweet, soft, coconutty.
- Guay Teow (noodle soup): With pork, beef or chicken, often available at food stalls.
Top restaurants & cafés in Bangkok
- Make Me Mango: A paradise for mango lovers – whether sticky rice, waffles or smoothies.
- K. Panich: Famous for mango sticky rice. Our top recommendation!
- Babyccino (Ari): Stylish café with good coffee, banana bread and a cosy vibe.
- 7-Eleven: Lava cake to go!
- Several Rooftop bars: Great views, good cocktails.
👉 Practical tips for your trip to Bangkok
- Transport: Use the BTS and MRT: fast, clean and cheap. Tuk-tuks are better for short distances.
- Best time to travel: November to February – pleasantly dry and not too hot.
- Temple dress code: Cover your shoulders and knees! Applies to all genders.
- Apps: Grab (taxi), Google Translate, Google Maps
Bangkok is an adventure. The city challenges and rewards all your senses. This guide offers the perfect mix of culture, cuisine, and modern lifestyle, making it ideal for both first-time visitors and seasoned Thailand travellers. Go with the flow, try everything and you’re guaranteed to come back!
