20 Must-Visit Attractions in Bangkok

Coming in at a whopping 2.5 kilometers in length, the trail at Lumphini Park may be too long for visitors to tackle in one go. That said, this park provides visitors with a number of things to see and do. In addition to jogging or cycling the path, the park is home to a number of sporadic aerobic classes that visitors can jump in on. Paddle boats can be rented by those who want to take to the water for the day and slowly explore the lake which sits at the park’s core. Chinese-inspired gazebos, sunbathing monitor lizards, a concert in the park; visitors never know what they are going to stumble on upon visiting this massive green space in the heart of the city.

Overwhelming, loud, crowded: these are just a few words that could be used to describe the massive Chatuchak Weekend Market. That said, this is one attraction visitors to Bangkok on the weekends surely cannot miss out on. It is one of the largest markets in Asia, and hosts thousands of vendors and stalls to prove it. Rare art pieces, northern handicrafts, genitalia-shaped soap: you name the souvenir, Chatuchak is bound to have it. The best time to visit is in the morning. It is not as hot and vendors are more likely to give shoppers a deal, as the first sale of the day is meant to bring good luck. Be sure to barter, as well.

Yaowarat Road is the main street that cuts through Bangkok’s thriving Chinatown. It was built in 1891 and is about 1.5 kilometers in length. It is here visitors will find some of the most delicious street food after the sun goes down – the majority of vendors do not seem to come out with their delicious eats until after dark. If visitors are unsure as to where the best food is, just follow the crowd: where there are many people, there is sure to be delicious food. A large Chinese community has made their homes on the eastern banks of the Chao Phraya River in 1782 but moved to where Yaowarat Road is now after King Rama I relocated the capital.

The Jim Thompson House Museum is made up of six traditional Thai teak homes. These homes used to belong to Jim Thompson, an American entrepreneur who made Thai silk famous around the world. He was originally an architect before venturing to the Land of Smiles, and his house is decorated with unique pieces of art he collected around Thailand. Not everyone agreed with how he chose to build his house, which is now one of the top museums in Thailand. His mysterious disappearance in the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia has continued to baffle and intrigue many who visit his home, as visitors will learn about the theories as to why it was he went missing in the first place.

Rod Fai Night Market

Vibrant covered vendors are jammed packed in the area behind the Esplanade Shopping Mall, making up the new train market in Bangkok. It’s original predecessor, though filled with its own unique finds, is hard to reach and leaves many visitors venturing elsewhere to get their market fix while in the capital. Rod Fai Train Market off Ratcadaphisek Road, however, offers the same cool vibe as the original and is easier to get to. Delicious eats, antique souvenirs, hipster clothing, and trendy bars are just a few of the things visitors can expect to find at this unique night bazaar.

Rod Fai Night Market, Huai Khwang, Bangkok 10310

The Patpong Night Market is certainly the most notorious of all the markets in the capital, with strippers and go-go bars adjacent to the plethora of goods and souvenirs found here. It is one of the most popular markets located in Silom, an area which seems to be threatening Sukhumvit as it attracts more and more visitors and locals alike to its thriving streets. Amid the overabundance of Thai souvenir favorites, like cheap t-shirts and shot glasses, are some seemingly more interesting finds that are not necessarily kid-friendly.

Bangkok National Museum

The Bangkok National Museum is one of the most comprehensive and informative ones on all things Thai. From culture to art to history and more, this is a one-stop museum for all things Thailand. It is located near the Grand Palace and was built in 1782. Its original purpose was not that of a museum but a palace for Prince Wang Na. It was later turned into a museum in 1884 by King Rama V. Visitors can admire the Thai architecture or the relics kept inside the stunning structure. There is a ฿200 entrance fee into the museum.

Bangkok National Museum, 4 Na Phra That Alley, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, +66 02 224 1333

Religious relics can be found along the many streets of Bangkok, and one of the most stunning of them all is the Erawan Shrine. It sits at one of the biggest and busiest intersections in the heart of the city. Built in 1956, Thais and tourists alike flock to the shimmering Brahman shrine to take photographs, watch a traditional Thai dance, and more.

Located along the murky banks of the Chao Phraya river is Asiatique the Riverfront, one of the trendiest and most unique markets in town. The best way to reach this market is via boat, making the journey here a bit more exciting. Unlike many of Bangkok’s top markets, visitors will not find counterfeit goods or an overwhelming onslaught of vendors and stalls. This market is cleaner, more organized, and is chock full with fashionable finds. One of the highlights of Asiatique is the 200-foot-tall Ferris wheel. Equipped with 42 gondolas, this is a great way to see the city and river from incredible heights.