The ninth-largest shopping complex in the world, Bangkok’s behemoth CentralWorld has roughly 500 stores, 50 dining outlets, cinemas, an ice rink, a fitness center, and even its own 5-star hotel. The mall measures around 5,920,000 square feet (550,000 square meters), divided into several zones for easier navigation.
This Bangkok monument commemorates the Siamese Revolution of 1932, the catalytic event that led Thailand to become a constitutional monarchy. At the center of the monument sits a sculpture of a manuscript box holding the Thai Constitution; it is guarded by four massive wings that represent the Thai air force, army, navy, and police.
One of Thailand’s most extraordinary structures, the 144-foot-tall (44-meter-tall) Erawan Museum features a 275-ton (250-metric-ton) copper statue of a 3-headed elephant. Inside, there’s a ceramic museum, a pavilion with art, and a replica heaven, all richly decorated. You can climb or ride the elevator right up to the elephant’s tusks.
Bangkok is a huge, congested city, but using the Skytrain makes getting around a breeze. Also called the BTS, it comprises two Skytrain lines that connect many points of interest throughout the Thai capital. Plus it’s air conditioned, clean, and affordable. Visitors to Bangkok would be well-served to travel by Skytrain at some point during their stay, if not making it a main means of transportation.
See hyper-realistic wax models of your favorite stars—plus a collection of local celebrities—at Madame Tussauds in Bangkok.
The Princess Mother is what Thais call Srinagarindra, the mother of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. She passed away in 1995, and the Princess Mother Memorial Park was opened in her memory by her son, the king, in 1997. It contains a wealth of information on the influential and well-loved woman, and travelers interested in learning more about Thai history and culture will enjoy visiting.
Lopburi is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, dating back to the Dvaravati period when it was known as Lavo. The influence of the Khmer Empire is particularly evident throughout the city, but it reached the peak of its commercial, cultural, and political importance in the 17th century, when King Narai made it his second capital.
In a country rich in traditional crafts and designs, Bangkok’s Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA provides a space for the display and celebration of contemporary art. It displays permanent and temporary exhibits, mostly from Thai artists but with some international artists on display too. MOCA is a must-visit for art lovers, and anyone interested in Thai culture, society, and history.
In a city dotted with golden Buddhist temples, Bangkok’s Hindu Sri Mariamman Temple is a colorful exception. It was founded in 1827 by Tamil immigrants from South India, and these days it’s the heart of the city’s Hindu community. Visit the temple to experience a different side of Bangkok’s religion and culture.
Thai kickboxing—or Muay Thai—is world-famous, and the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium (also spelled Lumpini) is one of the top places in the capital to see traditional matches. Expect to see some of Thailand’s best Muay Thai boxers in matches that are held three times a week.
Perched on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, Bang Rak is a bustling neighborhood alive with sights, smells, and sounds. Most famous for its street food, sleek shopping malls, high-rise hotels, and Hindu and Buddhist temples, the area encapsulates all of Bangkok’s best bits.
Dating from 1843, San Chao Pho Suea, or the Tiger God Shrine, is an important part of Bangkok’s rich Chinese heritage. One of the oldest and most famous temples in Bangkok, the shrine was originally constructed on Bamrung Muang Road during the reign of King Rama III but was later relocated to its current spot on Tanao Road by Rama IV.
Bangkok’s open-air Ancient City Museum (or the Muangboran Museum is a fun way to experience the most important of Thailand’s historic buildings and monuments…without actually experiencing them, that is. The park features more than 100 buildings spread over land formed in the shape of Thailand, all replicas of Thailand’s most important buildings, in miniature.
Bangkok’s Sky Bar is one of the highest rooftop bars in the world, and one of the most exclusive bars in the Thai capital. It’s located on the 63rd floor of the State Tower. For a special date, to celebrate an occasion, or just to enjoy a sophisticated evening with delicious drinks in an unforgettable location, the Sky Bar is a good option.
In the heart of Bangkok’s central commercial district, Siam Square is a haven for shoppers. It's an area rather than just a single square, full of malls selling designer products, narrow lanes with stalls vending low-cost goods, and everything in between. Whether or not you plan to shop, head here to experience contemporary Bangkok.
One of Southeast Asia’s biggest aquariums, SEA LIFE® Bangkok Ocean World is home to more than 400 marine and freshwater species, from tropical fish to otters. Visitors can explore the interactive themed areas, including a Shark Walk and penguin-filled Antarctic zone, and enjoy family-friendly marine activities and 4D movies.
Siam Park City, a large theme park and water park located in the Khan Na Yao district of Bangkok, may seem a little old-fashioned to international visitors. However, some of its newer attractions are impressive, including the Vortex ride, which is one of just two of the world's largest suspended looping roller coasters.
Bangkok’s Dream World is a family-friendly attraction that is popular with locals and sees very few international visitors. The amusement park offers a variety of entertaining live performances, dozens of thrilling rides, and lots of places to try traditional Thai cuisine.
The Sampeng Market, in the Chinatown area of Bangkok, is one of the city’s busiest and most vibrant local markets. Although it can be crowded, it’s a must-visit destination for travelers who like their shopping to have local character. It’s an especially good place to buy things wholesale or in bulk, so should be a priority when you’re shopping for souvenirs and gifts.
The Bangkok NANTA Theatre stages NANTA shows, a non-verbal comedy musical that originated in South Korea. Nanta means 'to strike relentlessly' in Korean, and this instrumental performance, which uses a kitchen as a backdrop, uses everything from knives to traditional water drums to create a raucous show.
Often considered one of the best shopping malls in the world, ICONSIAM (Icon Siam Mall) is home to more than 7,000 stores, covering everything from high fashion and homeware to herbal remedies. It’s perched on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, and you can enjoy sweeping views of the Bangkok body of water from one of the many bars and restaurants on its upper decks.
Floating markets are a popular attraction for travelers to Thailand, and the Tha Kha Floating Market is a less touristy, more local option that’s great for avoiding the crowds. It’s smaller than some others and is an especially good place to buy cooked food as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. It’s a fun half-day trip destination from central Bangkok and will give you a taste of the Thai countryside without going too far.
Ko Kret is an artificially constructed island about 10 miles (17 kilometers) north of central Bangkok that’s totally encircled by the Chao Phraya River. It’s a popular weekend day trip for Bangkok residents, who come mainly for the food, but there are also other sights and attractions to check out any day of the week.
Soi Cowboy Street is a vibrant nightlife hub in Bangkok that’s famous for its go-go bars, lively atmosphere, and appearance in the movie The Hangover Part II. Named after a retired American airman—T.G. “Cowboy” Edwards, who opened the first bar here in the 1970s—it’s now a bustling street lined with around 40 bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
A surfing hotspot in Thailand’s landlocked capital, Flow House Bangkok is an urban beach club that defies nature by creating ocean waves. As well as attracting surfers and bodyboarders with the FlowRider®, the club is a one-stop destination for drinking, dining, and even soaking up panoramic views of Bangkok.
The Baipai Thai Cooking School in Bangkok provides a unique approach to Thai cooking that differs from most other classes across Thailand. Using a hands-on teaching method, it offers a home-style learning environment and teaches dishes not usually covered by other cooking schools for tourists.
The 18th-century Wat Mahathat is one of Bangkok’s royal temples, and one of the most important in the city. It’s a center of Mahanikai Buddhism, one of Thailand’s major Buddhist schools, and houses Thailand’s first Buddhist University. Vipassana meditation classes are held here, so it’s a popular place with both locals and travelers, and there are many buildings to check out.
The 2,000-store-strong Platinum Fashion Mall is an enormous wholesale shopping mall in central Bangkok. Savvy shoppers come here for retail shopping, too, as you don’t have to buy in bulk quantities. Wearable fashion is well-represented here, but you can also find souvenirs, technology, and more. With sharp bargaining skills, you’ll be able to find a few deals as well.
Terminal 21 in Bangkok offers a unique shopping experience in an airport–inspired mall. Floors are dedicated to different destinations, staff wear flight attendant uniforms, and there are arrival and departure areas. Shoppers can explore more than 600 stores from Tokyo and Istanbul to Rome and San Francisco, visit the on-site cinema, or indulge in international cuisine at the food court.
Siam Paragon is one of Bangkok's largest shopping malls, featuring international high-end fashion brands, a sprawling aquarium, a 16-screen cinema, and a diverse selection of eateries. Shoppers can spend a full day here exploring around 250 shops, as well as family-friendly attractions like SEA LIFE® Bangkok Ocean World and Madame Tussauds Bangkok.
