Bangkok Attractions: What to See on Your Own, Prices, Opening Hours and Map

The Grand Palace (Bangkok Grand Palace)

This palace complex, made up of many temples and palaces, is Bangkok's main religious site and the first capital attraction worth visiting. The palace complex was built in 1782 and serves not only as an actual royal residence but also as the location of numerous government offices. Of course, both the royal residence and the offices are off-limits to tourists, but the most beautiful and interesting part of the complex is open to visitors for a fee. Several palaces and throne halls used by the royal family to receive ambassadors and foreign delegations, as well as many temples and shrines, are open for visits. A full tour of the palace will take at least half a day. More about the Royal Palace of Bangkok and photos.

Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho)

Not far from the Grand Palace is the Temple of the Reclining Buddha – one of the oldest temples in the Kingdom and the largest in Bangkok, built in 1688-1703. Here you'll find the famous 46-meter gilded statue of the Reclining Buddha. The temple complex grounds have many chapels and pagodas. This is the largest and oldest temple in the capital, and at the same time the most famous among tourists, and one of Thailand's most recognizable symbols. Rarely does a feature film set in Bangkok go without shots from the temple. Despite its fame and tourist popularity, the temple is a must-visit, especially since it's practically next door to the Grand Palace. More about the Temple of the Reclining Buddha.

Temple of Dawn, Wat Arun (Wat Arun)

Opposite the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho), across the river, is the Temple of Dawn – Wat Arun. You can get there via the river ferry, which costs 4 baht. The piers are right next to the temples. Getting there by taxi is very expensive, you'd have to make a big detour over bridges. In the evening, when the 88-meter temple is illuminated by spotlights, it offers a wonderful view from the opposite bank of the river. It's probably the most picturesque temple in Thailand. More about the Temple of Dawn.

Temple of the Golden Buddha (Wat Trai Mit)

This unremarkable temple could have been just one of a thousand temples if it weren't for the world's largest golden statue of a seated Buddha. Thais say it's made entirely of gold, but no one has verified that. The statue weighs 5.5 tons and is over 3 meters tall. Buddha's pupils are black Thai sapphires, and the whites of the eyes are made of pearl. It's about 700 years old.

The complex consists of several temple buildings and even a museum, plus two more temples nearby: the Golden Dragon and the Lotus Temple. The museum has two floors and is dedicated to the history of the statue, while the lower floor tells the history of Bangkok's Chinatown, where the temple is located. More about the Temple of the Golden Buddha.

Bangkok National Museum

This is the largest museum in Bangkok and the country, and in our opinion, if you're going to visit any museum in Bangkok, this is the best one. It's a complex of several buildings, a temple and grounds where performances on Thai history and culture are sometimes held. The collection is very rich, and even a quick look at all the exhibits will take a couple of hours, while studying everything in detail and reading the labels will take a whole day. The National Museum is interesting even without a guide, but if you want, you can join a free tour in English, French or German, held several times a week. More about the Bangkok National Museum.

Jim Thompson House Museum (Jim Thompson House)

The Jim Thompson House Museum is one of the most famous and visited museums in Bangkok. Its theme can't be pinned down, since it mixes architecture, nature, history and culture.

In the old house of American businessman Jim Thompson, the setting from his lifetime has been recreated, with works of art on display. A small beautiful garden is laid out around the house. After buying a ticket you'll need to wait a bit (usually no more than 20 minutes) for the next group to gather, after which you'll be taken through the house and told in detail about its history and the businessman's life. Tours are available only in English and French. But without the guide's narration, visiting this place isn't interesting at all, and if you don't understand spoken English or French well, you won't get much pleasure from the house museum, so you can skip it. More about the Jim Thompson Museum.

King Power Mahana Khon Skyscraper Observation Deck

The observation deck of the King Power Mahana Khon skyscraper is a new attraction (opened in 2018) that has far surpassed the previously highest Bangkok observation deck at the Baiyoke Sky hotel skyscraper. It's taller (314 meters), more modern, with interactive entertainment, and much more expensive. Today it's the highest observation deck in Thailand. At the top, on the 74th floor, there's an enclosed observation deck with an interactive city map and marked attractions; from the 75th to 87th floor you'll go up a transparent escalator, and on the 87th floor there's the actual open observation deck and balconies with a glass floor. More about the King Power Mahana Khon skyscraper observation deck.

Baiyoke Sky 2 Tower Observation Deck (Baiyoke sky)

The Baiyoke Sky Tower observation deck, also known as Baiyoke II, is on the top floor of the Baiyoke Sky II hotel skyscraper. Until recently it was the tallest building in Thailand, the tallest hotel in Asia and the third tallest hotel in the world. Its height is 304 meters, 84 floors. But a few years ago it was "dethroned" in Bangkok by the King Power MahaNakhon skyscraper, which also has an observation deck. Nevertheless, Baiyoke Sky remains a very interesting and exciting place to visit, since it's very conveniently located in the heart of the city, and the cost of visiting is more than twice as low compared to the new MahaNakhon observation deck, with hardly less enjoyment. Plus, it's complemented by a nice bonus you'll get at the bar on the 83rd floor. More about the Baiyoke Sky Tower observation deck.

Golden Mount Temple, Wat Saket (Wat Saket Ratcha Wora Maha Wihan)

This Buddhist temple is known for its gilded pagoda built on a tall artificial hill called the Golden Mount. For a long time, before skyscrapers began to be built in Bangkok, the pagoda was the tallest structure in the city. At the top there's not only the pagoda but also an observation deck, from which you can take wonderful panoramic photos. The temple is highly revered among Buddhists, as it houses a particle of Buddha's ashes brought from India. Every November the temple hosts a grand festival, during which a huge procession climbs the hill. More about Wat Saket Temple and the Golden Mount.

Wat Suthat and the Giant Swing (Wat Suthat Thep Wararam and Giant Swing)

This temple, located in the very center of Bangkok, is one of the oldest. It's known for having one of the most beautiful and largest Viharns (sermon halls). Construction began in 1807 under King Rama I and was completed in 1847–1851 under King Rama III. At the base of the statue's pedestal is part of the ashes of King Rama VIII. In 2005 it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Right in front of the temple is the Giant Swing, which until 1932 was used in the Tri-yampawai ritual (the birth of a new world and an expression of gratitude to the god Shiva for the rice harvest). Young men would swing on the swing and had to grab a bag of money suspended at a height of about 25 meters.

Khao San Road

This is Bangkok's main tourist street, around which the capital's most popular tourist district has formed, with plenty of budget accommodation and developed tourist infrastructure for independent travelers. However, don't think it's a local "Arbat" for quiet strolls and souvenir shopping. Khao San Road is the noisiest and most party-oriented place in the capital, especially in the evenings. While during the day you can still stroll and shop here, in the evening forget about such walks, since it turns into the epicenter of tourist fun and debauchery, and so it goes every evening without days off or rest all year round. So visiting Bangkok and not going to Khao San Road at least one evening would be simply unforgivable. More about Khao San Road.

Vimanmek Mansion Palace Complex (Vimanmek Mansion)

Vimanmek Palace is a complex of a palace, a park and themed museums. The center of the whole complex is the three-story royal Vimanmek Mansion, built entirely of teak wood. Members of the royal family used to live in it, but it was located elsewhere, and was moved here later. Overall the complex is a very interesting place, worth visiting. Unlike the Grand Palace, where mostly beautiful temple buildings and religious shrines are presented, here you see the more down-to-earth, everyday life of the royal family members and their achievements. Unfortunately, in 2016 the complex was closed for reconstruction, and the reopening time is still unknown. More about the Vimanmek complex.

Democracy Monument (Democracy Monument)

Democracy Monument is a monument erected in 1939 in honor of the establishment of a constitutional monarchy by the King of Thailand in 1932. It's located on a traffic circle in central Bangkok and is the zero kilometer point, i.e. the distances of roads from the capital across the country are measured from it. It's very often used as a landmark for getting to this part of the city and to the Khao San area by taxi or bus. More about Democracy Monument.

Mahakan Fort (Mahakan Fort)

Mahakan Fort is a historic place, though there's not much to see here. You can stop by if you're strolling around the Golden Mount Temple, Democracy Monument, and other nearby attractions. The fort was built in the late 18th century as part of a fortress to protect the royal district of the city, now the historic district or Rattanakosin Island. In 2018 a small green park with benches was laid out nearby.

Phra Sumen Fort (Phra Sumen Fort)

Phra Sumen Fort is one of the architectural attractions in the historic part of Bangkok on Rattanakosin Island, a defensive structure built in 1783. Honestly, there's not much to do here, and you'll spend no more than 5-10 minutes looking at it. So it's not worth making a special trip from other parts of the city. But if you happen to be in this part of the city or are just strolling around the tourist Khao San Road area, and the fort is a stone's throw away, you can check it out. Also near the fort is the Bang Lamphu Museum, which you can visit together with the fort for just 30 baht. More about Phra Sumen Fort.

Flower Market (Pak Khlong Talat)

This is the largest flower market in Thailand. The stalls here are piled with the roses, lilies, chrysanthemums we're used to, exotic orchids and other unfamiliar flowers. Under the same roof there's also a vegetable market.

You can't say this place is a must-visit, but if you've already seen everything in Bangkok or want something unusual, it's worth stopping by. More about the Bangkok flower market.

Ancient Artillery Museum Park (Ancient Artillery Museum)

The Ancient Artillery Museum Park is a small park in front of the administrative building of Thailand's Ministry of Defense, where about a dozen various antique cannons used by the Thai army are displayed in the open air. It's not a park for relaxing, there are no benches here, but there are information plaques describing each gun. It's not worth going here specifically, but if you're strolling around the Grand Palace, you can take a walk through the park.

Phaya Thai Palace (Phaya Thai Palace)

Phaya Thai Palace is almost unknown to tourists, but it's a very important place for Thais. The thing is, the palace houses an exhibition dedicated to the life of the much-beloved King Rama IX Bhumibol Adulyadej. It tells his life story from birth to death. There are almost no exhibits or settings here, everything is very modest. But it has a special mesmerizing atmosphere: in the silence, Thais as if spellbound move from one information board to another, lovingly looking at photos and reading stories from the king's life. More about the palace.

Marble Temple (Wat Benchamabophit or Marble Temple)

This is one of the most beautiful temples in Bangkok. Although it's called the "Marble Temple," the literal translation of the name is "Temple of King Rama V," by whose order it was built in 1899. At the base of the temple's main Buddha statue, after the king's death, his ashes were sealed in. As the name suggests, most of the temple is built of marble, including that brought from Italy. The temple is also interesting because it's one of the newest, combining modern European style with traditional Thai architecture. More about the Marble Temple.

Wat Ratchanaddaram Temple (Wat Ratchanaddaram)

Wat Ratchanaddaram (also Ratchanadda) began construction in 1846 by order of King Rama III, but to this day construction is considered still unfinished, making it the longest ongoing construction project in Thailand – over 160 years. Inside there's a museum, which you can enter by leaving 20 baht in the donation box. But the most interesting thing is that from the museum you can go up to the very top. From there a stunning view of the surrounding area opens up. More about Wat Ratchanaddaram.

Wat Thepthidaram Temple (Wat Thepthidaram Woraviharn)

Wat Thepthidaram Woraviharn (or simply Thepthidaram Temple) is rarely visited by tourists, although it's located almost in the very heart of Bangkok on the Rattanakosin peninsula, surrounded by other popular temples and attractions. It houses special Buddha images. The first is a small statue of the White Buddha Phraphutthathewawirat, carved from a single piece of white stone, presumably marble. In another separate viharn there are 52 bronze gilded statues of Bhikkhunis, meaning female monks. Also on the temple grounds is a museum of the famous Thai poet Sunthon Phu, who was a monk at this monastery. More about Wat Thepthidaram.

Hindu Temple (Sri Maha Mariamman, also Wat Khaek, also Wat Kak)

Bangkok has only two Hindu temples, and this is the most beautiful of them. Built in the 1860s by immigrants from India, it's now one of the main places of worship for Bangkok's Indian community. You can visit it for free, but photographing inside without permission is not allowed. However, getting permission is easy – just leave a donation and ask one of the caretakers. More about Sri Maha Mariamman Temple.

Wat Bowonniwet Vihara Temple (Wat Bowonniwet Vihara)

Bowonniwet Vihara isn't particularly well known or visited by tourists, but it's one of Bangkok's most important temples and monasteries. Here, in a large golden stupa, a Buddha statue from around 1357 is kept, and here most members of the royal family spent their monkhood and training. But most importantly, the temple holds the remains of King Bhumibol Adulyadej Rama IX, who died in 2016. Nearby, in a separate building, is the monastery library and the abbot's museum. More about Wat Bowonniwet Vihara.

Wat Chana Songkhram Temple (Wat Chana Songkhram)

Wat Chana Songkhram or fully Wat Chana Songkhram Rachawora Mahawiharn is a royal temple and monastery, located practically next to the tourist Khao San Road. It was founded in the period when Bangkok wasn't yet the capital, and was originally called Wat Klang Na, meaning "temple in the middle of the rice field," which it was at the time. Its current name can be roughly translated as "victorious." It got it in honor of three great victories over the Burmese in 1785–1787. More about Wat Chana Songkhram.

Shrine of Penises or Fertility (Chao Mae Tuptim)

An interesting and unusual place to visit, though it doesn't have to be on the mandatory Bangkok walking program. You can visit it if you're somewhere nearby. Its charm is that it's a very rare and unique place, and few tourists go there. The Shrine of Penises, the Shrine of the Pregnant or the Shrine of Fertility is actually not a place to admire the male reproductive organ, but a place where people come to ask for offspring and fertility, or to pay tribute to the Goddess for help. More about the Shrine of Penises (fertility) Chao Mae Tuptim.

Erawan Shrine (Erawan Shrine)

This is one of the most important places of pilgrimage and worship in Bangkok, despite its unimpressive size. The shrine is a statue of the 4-faced Brahma, a Hindu deity. Every day a huge number of people come to this place, and dance shows and chanting are often held here. Tourists can freely come here, sit on the benches and observe the rituals, and if they wish, they can also light incense, make offerings of flowers, or bathe in sacred water. In short, this place is very atmospheric and interesting, definitely worth visiting, especially if you're staying in the Pratunam or Sukhumvit district. More about the Erawan Shrine.

Wat Liap Temple (Wat Liap)

Wat Ratchaburana Ratchaworawiharn or Wat Liap is a fairly large temple complex in central Bangkok near the Chinese district (Chinatown) and the flower market. It doesn't stand out for anything special except for an unusual green stupa in the Khmer architectural style, i.e. shaped like a corn cob. Another notable feature is the interior murals by a monk and talented artist named Krua In Khong.

The temple was built by an influential Chinese merchant in 1793 with the approval of King Rama I to store 162 important Buddha statues. During World War II the temple was almost completely destroyed and even removed from the list of official royal temples, but in 1960 it was restored again. More about Wat Liap Temple.

City Pillar Shrine, Lak Muang (Lak Muang)

Lak Muang, the City Pillar Shrine, or the temple pillar, is one of the sacred and iconic places for Bangkok residents. It's believed to be the first structure in Bangkok, and the city began to grow from this spot. In 1783, by decree of Rama I, a temple pillar and temple were installed here, and this marked the beginning of the city's construction. It's also the conventional geographic center of Bangkok, since distances are measured from here. More about Lak Muang Shrine.

Crocodile Temple (Wat Chakrawatrachawat Woramahawihan)

Wat Chakrawatrachawat Woramahawihan, also Wat Sam Pleum or simply Crocodile Temple, is one of the capital's most unusual temples. It doesn't shine with beauty or architecture, and is generally little known, but as is clear from the name, it's home to crocodiles – real, live ones. There are 4 reptiles living here, and every day around 5:00 PM the monks feed them. To be fair, besides the crocodiles there's plenty to see here, and it's also one of the capital's oldest temples. More about the Crocodile Temple.

Chinese Temple Mongkol (Wat Mangkon Kamalawat)

Wat Mangkon Kamalawat (also Wat Leng Noei Yi) is the largest and most important temple of Bangkok's Chinese community, which follows the Mahayana Buddhist branch. It was built in the early 19th century in a classic Chinese architectural style.

During religious and other holidays, colorful festivals are held here. It's not worth going here specifically to visit this temple, but if you're strolling through Chinatown, be sure to stop by, it'll be interesting. You can freely and without restrictions walk around the temple and enter any rooms. More about the Chinese temple.

Boat Temple, Wat Yannawa

This temple isn't very well known among the mass of tourists visiting Bangkok. But if you've been here more than once and want to see something new among the attractions, we can certainly recommend visiting this unusual temple. Its architectural feature is a viharn built in the shape of a snow-white Chinese junk, a sailing vessel from the 19th century. More about the boat temple.

Assumption Catholic Cathedral

This is Thailand's main Catholic church and the main church of the Bangkok archdiocese, an architectural monument. The cathedral twice received the Roman Pope within its walls in Thailand: Pope John Paul II in 1984 and Pope Francis in 2019. The original church building was built by order of French missionary Father Pascal in 1809, designed by a French architect who completed the cathedral's construction in 1821 during the reign of King Rama II. Around 1909 or 1910 the church underwent significant reconstruction, and was then rebuilt in Romanesque style. More about the Assumption Cathedral in Bangkok.

David Beckham Temple, Wat Pariwat Ratchasongkram

Wat Pariwat is one of Bangkok's most unusual temples, also known by the popular name "David Beckham Temple." It's definitely worth visiting if you've come to Thailand's capital more than once. If it's your first time here, you can skip it, especially since getting there without a taxi isn't so easy. Originally Wat Pariwat was just a small local temple, and it's not even known exactly when it was built. Only the approximate period is known – the Ayutthaya era, i.e. from the 14th to the 18th century. But at the end of the last century someone came up with the idea to decorate the temple's ubosot (the main structure in Thai temples, a kind of prayer hall) with images of famous people and fictional characters. So statues and frescoes of Che Guevara, Barack Obama, Einstein, Superman, Pinocchio, some character from Star Wars and much more appeared here. A special place was taken by the gilded statue of David Beckham, installed in 1998 in honor of the 16th FIFA World Cup. More about Wat Pariwat in Bangkok.

Wat Mahathat Temple (Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit)

This is one of Bangkok's most important and oldest temples, part of the top ten highest-level royal temples of Thailand, founded to house one of the Buddhist relics. It also houses the Vipassana meditation center. However, among tourists this temple is almost unknown and rarely visited by guests of the capital, although it's very conveniently located in the very heart of the city's historic district: not far from the Royal Palace and within walking distance of the tourist Khao San Road. Most likely, its low popularity is due to the fact that it's lost in the shadow of other more interesting and more architecturally refined temples in this area. More about Wat Mahathat.

Wat Ratchapradit Temple (Wat Ratchapradit Sathit Maha Simaram)

A tiny royal temple lost in a narrow alley a hundred meters from the Grand Palace. There are no queues or noisy tourist groups here – only silence, marble floors and frescoes depicting a solar eclipse, reminiscent of King Rama IV's journey. The temple was built in just seven months in 1864 by order of the monarch, and his ashes are kept inside. If you've already seen the main attractions and want to find a quiet place for a breather in the very center of the tourist area – it's worth stopping by. Admission is free, it's a 5-minute walk from the Grand Palace. More about Wat Ratchapradit and how to visit it.

Wat Ratchabophit Temple (Wat Ratchabophit Sathitmahasimaram)

King Rama V's personal temple, built in 1869, is one of the most underrated jewels of the historic center. There are no tourist crowds here, and European Gothic unexpectedly combines with Thai traditions: inside the main hall there are pointed arches and Italian decor, and the walls are covered with mosaics of five-color bencharong ceramics of such quality that it could be mistaken for a photograph. On the grounds there's an active royal cemetery with 34 burials of royal family members. More about Wat Ratchabophit and how to visit it.

Wat Thong Thammachat Temple (Wat Thong Thammachat Worawihan)

An ancient third-class royal temple on the Thonburi side, in the Khlong San district, opposite Chinatown. The main reason to stop by is the murals inside the ubosot, created in the Rama III era, which is called the golden age of Thai temple painting. Besides scenes from Buddha's life, the artists wove the daily life of the Siamese of that era into the paintings: clothing, houses, everyday activities. There are almost no tourists here – only the shade of trees, silence and local cats. Admission is free, and along the way you can combine it with a stroll around ICONSIAM or the Khlong San area. More about Wat Thong Thammachat and how to visit it.

Museum of Siam

The Museum of Siam (Museum Siam), along with the Bangkok National Museum, is one of the most interesting and exhibit-rich in the country. It's not as big as the National Museum, and its theme is also different. While the National Museum's exhibition mostly tells about history, and its exhibits are historical artifacts, the Museum of Siam is more about culture, including modern. There are many modern, including interactive, exhibits, some of which are very funny. The key word of the exhibition is "Thainess," which can be roughly translated as "Being Thai" or "The Thai soul," i.e. it's assumed that after visiting you'll better understand the people of Thailand and learn why they are the way they are. More about the Museum of Siam.

Royal Barge Museum

Despite its specific nature, which may not appeal to every tourist, the National Museum of Royal Barges is considered one of the best in Bangkok. Here, in a hangar, there are about ten ritual royal barges, richly decorated with gilding and precious stones. Some of them are restored, and of course the real stones have been replaced with glass, but as guides tell, the originals really had precious and semi-precious stones. Some of the barges are new, built at the end of the last century. A visit will take 20-30 minutes. More about the museum.

Museum of Medicine (Siriraj Medical Museum)

Siriraj Medical Museum might have gone completely unnoticed by tourists visiting Bangkok if it weren't for one thing: it was named by Times magazine as the most unusual museum in the world. No wonder, since it has its "popular" name – the Museum of Death. Its exhibits are human organs shocking to an ordinary person, mummies, babies with mutations "preserved" in formalin, crime victims, terrifying old medical instruments, human parasites. In short, everything after which you won't want to eat anything for hours, or even days. So objectively weigh how strong your nerves are and whether you're too impressionable before heading here. More about the Museum of Medicine in Bangkok and photos.

Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall Museum

In the Dusit Palace royal complex, in the most prominent place, is the most beautiful palace – the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall. This is one of the best and most exhibit-rich museums in Bangkok. The palace is magnificent both outside and inside, decorated with precious woods and semi-precious stones. But most importantly, a rich collection of items related to the royal family is displayed here: expensive furniture, boat models, jewelry, dishes, works of art, etc. An audio guide is offered free for viewing, including in Russian, which tells in detail about each exhibit. More about the museum.

Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall Museum

This is a museum-exhibition for getting acquainted with the culture and history of Thailand. The exhibits are new and well-kept, everything is clean, there are detailed labels, modern interactive exhibits. The visit involves being accompanied by guides along one of several routes through the museum (as of 2026, there are two). For this, every 20 minutes a group of visitors gathers and, accompanied by guides, sets off along one of the routes of their choice. More about the museum.

King Rama VII Prajadhipok Museum

This museum isn't hyped and rarely appears in free guides and maps, but it's still worth tourists' attention. Of course, it's not necessary to go to it from the other end of the city, but if you find yourself nearby, it's worth stopping by. It's dedicated to the life of King Rama VII Prajadhipok, who ruled the country from 1926 to 1935. This historical period was one of the most eventful in the country's life, and that's what the museum's exhibition tells about. Among the exhibits are the king's personal belongings, documents, photographs. More about the museum.

Human Body Museum

The Human Body Museum is not a traditional museum for tourists, but as we might say, a departmental museum, since it's located on the grounds of a medical university and hospital. However, anyone can visit it.

The museum isn't for the faint-hearted, since its exhibits are human bodies and organs, located in two spacious and well-lit halls. Each exhibit is described in detail on an information plaque with diagrams in Thai and English. Overall, this museum is somewhat reminiscent of another Siriraj Medical Museum in Bangkok, but much more modest and simple. More about the museum.

Coin Museum (Coin Museum)

The Coin Museum exists with the support of Thailand's Ministry of Finance, and is sort of the official museum of the ministry. Here you'll learn the history of Thailand's money starting from ancient times, when peppers were used for payment. You'll see several rare coins, and you can watch a film. The exhibition is modern and interactive, but it's worth visiting only if you're into numismatics or just have absolutely nothing else to do in Bangkok. More about the Coin Museum.

Museum of Nontaburi (Museum of Nontaburi)

The Museum of Nontaburi is a rarely visited and very far from the city center museum of the city of the same name, which is part of Bangkok, i.e. in fact its district. You won't see anything special here, it's an ordinary provincial local history museum, but if you want to visit places little trodden by tourists, this is one of them. And don't be scared that the museum is very far from the center, in fact getting there is very easy and inexpensive by commuter boat on the Chao Phraya River.

Bangkokian Museum (Bangkokian Museum)

The Bangkokian Museum is one of Bangkok's hidden gems worth visiting. It consists of two wooden houses on the grounds of a single estate that belonged to a family of Bangkok residents during World War II. The houses are surrounded by a garden, and the estate itself is fenced off, protecting the yard from the city's noise and bustle, and you can completely forget that this place is in the center of one of the world's noisiest megacities. Inside the houses, the setting corresponding to the time when the family lived here has been recreated, and many exhibits belonged to family members. More about the Bangkokian Museum.

Suan Pakkad House Museum (Suan Pakkad)

Originally it was a family residence, but in 1952 Prince Chumbhotpong Paripatra and his wife decided to open it to the people and formed a museum. In fact, it's an estate museum with well-kept green grounds, an old wooden house and even older buildings adjacent to it (8 houses in total). The oldest building is over 450 years old.

For some reason almost no tourists know this place, although you can say with confidence that it's no less interesting here than in the famous Jim Thompson House Museum. Inside there's a collection of works of art, furniture, household items, musical instruments, historical artifacts. More about the Suan Pakkad Museum.

Bangkok Art and Culture Centre Exhibition Center

This is the city's main venue for exhibiting works by local artists and designers. On the center's seven floors a huge number of works are displayed, from simple paintings to interactive installations, and the contents are constantly changing. So even if you were here a couple of years ago, you can visit again, you won't recognize much. Recommended for all creative people. More about the exhibition center.

Banglamphu Museum (Banglamphu Museum)

A small historical museum in Bangkok's old district, within walking distance of Khao San Road. There aren't many exhibits here, and they're modest in themselves – the museum's main value is the tour. The guide in English enthusiastically talks about the Banglamphu district, its residents and daily life, bringing even a small exhibition to life. The tour lasts about 30–40 minutes and is included in the ticket price (only 30 baht). If you've already seen the main attractions and want to get to know Bangkok from another side – it's worth stopping by, especially in combination with a walk to Phra Sumen Fort (5 minutes on foot). More about the Banglamphu Museum and how to visit it.

Muay Thai at Rajadamnern Stadium (Rajadamnern Muay Thai Stadium)

Rajadamnern Muay Thai Stadium is one of the best places in Bangkok and all of Thailand to see real muay thai fights. People come here even for a day from other cities, including Pattaya. Everything is staged not just as a sports competition, but as a magnificent show: music plays during short breaks between fights, light effects work, and the fighters themselves perform the ritual Wai Kru dance before the bout. Fights are held in different categories, including championship ones. If you want to catch championship fights, you need to follow the schedule on the official website and buy tickets in advance. In any case, it's better to buy tickets online in advance – it's cheaper. You can't bring food and drinks with you – everything is sold inside.

Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World Aquarium

Bangkok's Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World aquarium (formerly called Siam Ocean World) is the largest aquarium in Southeast Asia. It displays more than 30,000 sea creatures and plants from all over the underwater world, including extremely rare species. Many of them are practically impossible for ordinary tourists to encounter in natural conditions.

Besides just the inhabitants, there's also a whole complex of exhibitions and interactive entertainment: unusual types of aquariums, fish massage, interactive panels, a 4D cinema and much more. You can see how at certain times they feed big bloodthirsty sharks, ordinary fish, penguins and other inhabitants. For an additional fee you can go down yourself in scuba gear and swim with sharks, or observe the inhabitants from a boat with a transparent bottom.

Safari World Bangkok Zoo

Safari World is Asia's largest open zoo, located about 40 km from central Bangkok. The park is divided into two zones: Safari Park, which you drive through by bus or your own car among freely roaming giraffes, zebras, tigers and lions, and Marine Park – a classic zoo with dolphin, sea lion, elephant and orangutan shows. Everything is designed so that in one day you get both a safari and an entertainment program. It's best to arrive at opening to catch the morning lion feeding (9:45) and get good seats at the shows.

Dream World Bangkok Amusement Park

Dream World is a large amusement park in Pathum Thani province, about 20 kilometers north of central Bangkok. It's often called the "Thai Disneyland": the territory has more than 30 rides, from extreme coasters like Tornado and Hurricane to family carousels and water slides. A separate pride of the park is Snow Town, a zone with real snow and ice slides, which looks unusual for tropical Thailand. There are also models of the seven wonders of the world, a Hollywood Action show and a character parade on weekends. This is a decent option for families with children if you want to spend a day outside the city, but according to reviews from experienced visitors, it's somewhat dated. Food and drinks can't be brought in, everything is available inside, but prices are above average. It's best to arrive at opening to catch all the popular rides.

Adult Street Soi Cowboy

This is a small street in the Sukhumvit district, one of the most famous adult entertainment streets in Bangkok. Of course, this is far from a place worth going to see something interesting or beautiful, or just to stroll, i.e. it's not an attraction at all. But if you're looking for a place to have adult fun in the evening, it's one of the best options. It's packed with bars, Go Go clubs and other adult establishments. Moreover, you don't necessarily have to come here solely to end the evening in a room with a girl (or a boy, whatever you prefer). In fact, you can have a pretty good time here just over a mug of beer in a bar and enjoying chatting with other tourists, expats or successful Thais. More about Soi Cowboy.

Adult Street Patpong

This is the legendary adult entertainment street, from which the development of Bangkok's sex industry began in the middle of the last century. It consists of several streets with adult entertainment and bars with girls and boys. Most of them are concentrated in the alley Soi Patpong 2. There's also Soi Jaruwan street, where establishments for lovers of ladyboys and boys are located, and Soi Thaniya street with very expensive night establishments for straight men. Besides the night establishments, this area is known for its tourist night market on Soi Patpong 1, where you can buy all sorts of cheap goods from clothes, bags, souvenirs and fakes. More about Soi Patpong.

Nana Plaza

Nana Plaza is a three-story entertainment complex in the Sukhumvit area, considered one of Bangkok's most famous nightlife spots alongside Patpong and Soi Cowboy. Inside there are several dozen bars and clubs open late into the night. It's not a place for a family holiday and not an attraction in the classic sense – people come here for the atmosphere and adult entertainment. If you're just curious, you can go inside and walk through the floors, no one will force you to stay. But keep in mind: bags may be checked at the entrance, and the staff of the establishments inside are overly eager to call out to passersby. Drink prices are above the city average, especially in the popular bars. We think Nana Plaza is more of an experience than a recommendation, but it's worth knowing it exists if you're strolling around Sukhumvit in the evening.

R-Walk or Ratchaprasong Skywalk Promenade

The R-Walk or Ratchaprasong Skywalk promenade is a network of concrete pedestrian walkways in the Pratunam and Siam districts in the very center of Bangkok, located above the roads and streets of this area for moving around and strolling. In case you don't know yet, the Pratunam district is Bangkok's main shopping district, modern and noisy, built up with skyscrapers and huge malls. This is where such malls as CentralwOrl, MBK, Gaysorn Plaza, Siam Paragon, the big Big C hypermarket, and a huge number of street markets are located. In short, if you're going anywhere in Bangkok for shopping, this is definitely the best place. Besides the shopping centers, R-Walk is interesting because 8 important city shrines are located along it. Among them the famous Erawan, as well as the shrines of Ganesha, Lakshmi and others. More about R-Walk or Ratchaprasong Skywalk.

Yodpiman River Walk Waterfront

Yodpiman River walk is a small tourist recreation area, something like a pedestrian street or waterfront with a couple of restaurants and cafes, and an excellent view of the Chao Phraya River. It's little known, and you rarely see foreigners here, but if you really have nothing to do in Bangkok, you can stop by and have dinner in one of the restaurants overlooking the boats sailing along the river and the other bank lit up with lights. There are probably no other such quiet and romantic places in Bangkok. More about the Yodpiman waterfront.

Asiatique Waterfront and Ferris Wheel (Asiatique Riverfront and Asiatique Sky)

Asiatique Riverfront is a recreation, entertainment and shopping area on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in the Riverside district. There's also a small amusement park with Thailand's tallest Ferris wheel, Asiatique Sky, 60 meters high (about 20 floors), from which great views of the city and river open up. Like many other similar places in Bangkok, Asiatique was conceived as an area where guests and residents of the city can go to take a break from the city's bustle in a calm setting, eat in one of the local restaurants, do some shopping and have some fun. More about Asiatique and the Ferris wheel.

Amulet Market (Amulet Market)

Bangkok has many places where you can buy amulets, but the largest and most interesting of them is the amulet market next to the Grand Palace and opposite Wat Mahathat on Maha Rat street. It's a unique place, and we recommend visiting it if possible. And it's definitely worth coming here if it's not your first time in Bangkok. Here you can not just stroll among rows of amazing handicrafts and souvenirs that smell of religion, mysticism and antiquity, but also buy yourself an amulet (if you believe) or a souvenir (if you don't). By the way, amulets here are very inexpensive, prices start from 20 baht. More about the amulet market.

Chatuchak Market

This is a place that can be classified not only as shopping but also as one of the capital's attractions or entertainment worth visiting by tourists. Of course, to be honest, you shouldn't try to necessarily get to the market on your first trip to Bangkok, but it's better to see the temples and palaces of the city first. But if you're coming here not for the first time, Chatuchak is worth visiting and can definitely surprise you. Moreover, you don't necessarily have to go to Chatuchak specifically for shopping, you can just stroll between the market rows. After all, by some estimates it's the largest urban market in the whole world! So it will surprise and delight even sophisticated tourists and seasoned travelers. More about Chatuchak market.

Snake Farm

The snake farm at the Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute is not at all the kind of place tourists are taken to in Pattaya or Phuket. Here they don't do tricks with reptiles to then sell tourists medicines and cosmetics. There are no rituals of drinking snake blood and eating its liver either. Here reptiles are bred for medical purposes, carefully cared for, and all of this is happily told to visitors. You can get acquainted with different types of snakes, read information about them, and watch a documentary in English about ways of handling these venomous creatures, safety measures, and first aid methods. More about the Bangkok snake farm.

Lumpini Park (Lumpini park)

For a hundred years, Bangkok's most popular and largest park has been Lumpini Park. Its area is more than 57 hectares. On this green territory there are two lakes where you can go boating; jogging and cycling/rollerblading paths; fountains; monuments; sports grounds; a swimming pool; a stage for events. Large monitor lizards live here, and turtles and fish live in the pond. More about Lumpini Park.

Benchakitti Park (Benchakitti Park)

Benchakitti Park is relatively new: it was founded in 1992, and officially opened only in 2004. And that, by the way, is noticeable, since in some parts of the park landscaping work is still ongoing. Nevertheless, if you've already been to Lumpini Park and seen all the interesting places in Bangkok, you can come for a walk here too. There's a large lake with fountains, a jogging path around the perimeter, benches for relaxing and beautiful views of Bangkok's skyscrapers. There are sports grounds, bike and catamaran rentals for riding on the lake, a free toilet, and for walking through the green part of the park special path-bridges are made that pass over canals and lawns. There's also the building of the old tobacco factory of the Tobacco Authority of Thailand, which used to own this land, and it houses a free exhibition of antique tobacco machines. And during holidays and festivals the park becomes a venue for festive events. More about Benchakitti Park.

Baan Khrua

A historic neighborhood in the very center of Bangkok, where among skyscrapers and BTS elevated tracks a corner of the old city has survived, with wooden houses, narrow winding streets and the Darul Aman Mosque. Descendants of Vietnamese and Cambodian settlers live here, preserving their way of life since the 19th century. The place isn't part of standard tourist routes – no tours come here and there are no crowds. It's worth a look if you've already seen the main attractions and want to see the real Bangkok. The Jim Thompson House Museum is nearby – convenient to combine. More about Baan Khrua and how to visit it.

Muang Boran Historical Park, Muang Boran (Ancient city Mueang Boran)

The Ancient City of Muang Boran is a huge cultural and historical park displaying more than a hundred copies of Thailand's historical structures (the originals of many of which have already been destroyed), some of which are built life-size. There are copies and models of even entire villages, as well as real houses moved here from the provinces. We highly recommend this place for a visit, but for that you need to set aside a whole day. The park's territory is large, so at the entrance you can take a free bicycle, or an electric car for a small fee. Audio guides are provided free at the ticket offices, including in Russian. Be sure to bring sun protection (sunscreen, umbrella, cap) and water. More about Muang Boran.

Maha Chai Fish Market and Village (Maha Chai)

Maha Chai village (Mahachai) is a one-day attraction, and it's most often visited as a self-guided day trip or an organized tour from Bangkok. Maha Chai is one of Thailand's largest fishing centers and is known for its wholesale fish market. Besides the market, here you can immerse yourself in the life of real provincial Thailand, not yet spoiled by tourists. You can stroll around the village, see its temples, cross by ferry to the other side of the Tha Chin River, which divides the village. And you should definitely eat your fill of the freshest seafood, just unloaded from fishing boats. More about Maha Chai village.

Mae Klong Railway Market (Mae Klong)

Mae Klong village and market are located 80 kilometers from Bangkok in Samut Songkhram Province. It's a great place for a day trip from Bangkok to spots little known to tourists, to see a unique tourist attraction on one hand, and an everyday phenomenon for Thais on the other. Here is the railway market, where vendors with their goods and stalls sit right on the railway tracks. It's called deadly dangerous, though in fact, objectively, trains appear here only 4 times a day strictly on schedule. Nevertheless, by the time the train arrives, a huge number of tourists with cameras and photo cameras gather to capture this attraction. More about Mae Klong.

National Science Museum (National Science Museum, NSM)

A huge science and education complex 50 km from central Bangkok, where physics and chemistry come alive before your eyes. A single ticket covers three museums: science, IT and nature. Most exhibits are interactive – you can touch them, operate them and try them out for yourself. It's definitely worth a trip with kids, but be prepared that exploring it will take a whole day, and on weekdays it's noisy because of school field trips. You can only get there by taxi or rental car. More about the National Science Museum and how to visit it.

Dragon Temple Wat Sam Phran

The Dragon Temple Sam Phran is one of the most unusual temples in the capital, and possibly in all of Thailand. The thing is, this temple complex consists not only of traditional temple buildings, the Ubosot (the usual temple building with a multi-tiered roof). On its grounds, next to the main ubosot, an 80-meter or 17-story pink cylindrical tower has been erected, which is wrapped around by a giant dragon. The Dragon Temple isn't an ancient temple, it was officially opened in 1985. Of course, it was built using modern technologies, and they even provided an elevator in the building, but it doesn't work, so you'll have to climb on foot. Only the first floor is open to visitors, but honestly, you won't see anything remarkable there. But the most interesting thing is that you can enter the dragon's body and climb to the very top to the observation deck, from which a panoramic view of this outlying district of Bangkok opens up. More about the Dragon Temple in Bangkok.