Bangkok Attractions - What to see and do in Bangkok

Bangkok is a firm favourite with many people, from Singaporeans itching for a weekend getaway, to Americans and Europeans wanting a taste of the Bangkok life, perhaps after watching The Hangover. However, besides affordable and tasty food/clothes, there are lots to discover in this city. One should explore The Grand Palace and its many museums to find out what Bangkok was like before it became a modern city. There are also numerous temples to delve into and understand each temple's uniqueness.

For those who wish to head to Bangkok, 4 days would be a good introduction to the city, and before you know it, you might fall in love with Bangkok and find yourself booking flights to the city every other month! Remember to check out the Google Map all the way below for our full list of attractions and food places you should head to while in Bangkok!

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For your convenience, refer to this list of attractions you should head to while in Bangkok!

1. Bangkok National Museum

​2. Chatuchak Weekend Market

3. Museum Siam

4. Rod Fai Night Market

5. The Grand Palace

6. Wat Arun

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1. Bangkok National Museum

Located near the Grand Palace, the Bangkok National Museum is the country’s main museum and has quite a few treasures to explore and analyse.

First opened by King Rama V in 1874, the buildings that house this museum used to be a palace housed within the royal grounds. It was after there was no more need for this Palace that the museum was set up here.

Bangkok National Museum

The museum has quite a few exhibition halls and one will do well to allocate at least 3 hours to spend here. It is also quite amazing to know that these buildings used to be a Palace complex, and royalty used to live here.

Check out the different Buddhist sculptures that play an important role in this country, and take your time to explore the different sections that detail Thailand’s history from the ancient period all the way to the modern era. Look out for the weapons, stones, and traditional clothes that were in common use once upon a time.

Precious artefacts at Bangkok National Museum

As you tour around the museum, look out for the funeral chariot hall. Housed in a building, it contains the different royal funeral chariots that were used to transport the bodies of the late Kings. Some chariots are really huge and in fact, require at least a few hundred people to pull them. Most chariots are covered with gold, and some have a long line of history behind it. These are really quite a sight to behold. Be prepared to be amazed by these traditional vehicles.

Ancient treasures at Bangkok National Museum

Address: Na Phra That Alley, Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand

Opening hours: Wednesdays to Sundays except for public holidays (9 am to 4 pm)

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2. Chatuchak Weekend Market

​Chatuchak needs no introduction, as all who flock to Bangkok will surely head over to this weekend market. Conveniently located by 3 train stations (Mo Chit BTS station, Chatuchak Park MRT station and Kamphaeng Phet MRT station), this makes it really easy for visitors to head over.

Décor above the crowd at Chatuchak Market

Chatuchak Market is so big that it apparently holds some 8,000 stalls, selling a variety of products and services. It sells such a wide range of goods that it is actually quite difficult to finish exploring everything in one day. The market is separated into 27 sections and among the products it sells, are ceramics, clothes, street food, antiques, and art! Of course, visitors must always put on their “bargaining” cap and negotiate for the best price. At the end of the day, purchase at a price you are comfortable with and move on. This is necessary since you may not be able to find your way back to the same stall again!

Local designers at Chatuchak

Chatuchak is also a good place to enjoy some street food, with different types of local cuisine and seafood for sale. Most food stalls look really good, and it can be tempting to stop at every stall to sample their food. If your stomach can handle it, why not?!

Remember to drink lots of water since Bangkok is a really warm and humid city. Lastly, remember to cater one full day just for Chatuchak. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!

Paella at Chatuchak

Address: Kamphaeng Phet Road, Lat Yao, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand

Opening hours: Saturday and Sunday (6 am to 6 pm)

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3. Museum Siam

​Museum Siam is located near Tha Tian Market, the harbour that one uses to travel to Wat Arun, and is quite an easy 15-minute walk to this museum.

​This is not your usual museum that simply displays the artefacts, but one that encourages visitors to participate and find out information for themselves! It is separated into different sections and has many interactive tools to engage visitors. It seeks to make use of these tools to help visitors better appreciate Thailand, and understand what Thailand is all about. Certainly, this makes Museum Siam a good place for families to hang out too.

Museum Siam

For example, rather than simply explaining the different types of local cuisine Thailand offers, plates are stacked on the wall, where you are required to place them on a table. Once on the table, the system explains to you the background to the dish and ingredients in it. You will be surprised to know just how many different dishes Thailand is known for!

Figure out Thai food at Museum Siam

You will get to find out the essential products local industries produce for the world, while the museum also seeks to explain what really makes a person Thai. For sure, you should check out this museum to understand just what Thailand is all about!

Find out what makes one Thai at Museum Siam

Address: 4 Sanam Chai Rd, Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand

Opening hours: 10 am to 6 pm (Tuesdays to Sundays)

Entrance fee: 50 Baht for students; 100 Baht for Thais; 200 Baht for foreigners

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4. Rod Fai Night Market

​Rod Fai Market, also known as Train Market, is just one of many night markets in Bangkok but is one that visitors should definitely visit. It is so popular that a second location opened in Ratchada, which is conveniently located just behind Thailand Cultural Centre BTS station. For those who prefer a fuss-free experience that is easily accessible, one should check out the second location.

Entrance of Rod Fai Night Market

​As with most night markets, the usual stalls selling affordable clothes and food are aplenty. However, this market stands out for having an artsy feel, which seems quite targeted at the younger crowd. That is not to say older folks won’t enjoy, since the numerous food stalls will likely appease visitors of all ages. The only problem one may face is in determining what to eat!

Clothes for sale at Rod Fai Night Market

Most local foods are on sale, including your tom yam soup and chicken basil rice. Walk-in further and you will find a variety of foodstuff, from seafood to crepes. Take your time to choose a stall you like, and order the large prawns, squid, and crabs. Be sure to check out other unique stalls as well, including those that offer flavourful crepes, juices, sweet treats!

Seafood at Rod Fai Night Market

Being a night market that targets the young crowd, check out the fashion stalls where they sell clothes at reasonable prices. Bags, shoes, and dresses are all on offer. Prepare sufficient baht!

All types of earrings for sale at Rod Fai Night Market

Want something more exciting? Head to the many bars inside the market, where loud music and beers are on sale. Want to walk around? Bar hop your way across the market!

Address: Ratchadaphisek Rd, Khwaeng Din Daeng, Khet Din Daeng, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand

Opening hours: 5 pm to 1 am

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5. The Grand Palace

​The Grand Palace is arguably one of the most beautiful royal complexes in Southeast Asia. Really an entire compound of different buildings, it is quite a sight to behold. Built in 1782, it has been the official residence of the King of Thailand since.

Wat Phra Kaew

The palace is so large that there are really different attractions in the compound itself. While the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, commonly known as Wat Phra Kaew, is one of the most famous buildings and temples in Bangkok, visitors also come to admire Chakri Maha Prasat, which has European influences. Interestingly, this particular building was actually built in the late 1800s.

View of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha

To fully appreciate the grandeur of the complex that is the Grand Palace, one must take at least 3 to 4 hours to visit the grounds. It is important to note that the Grand Palace can be really crowded, often filled with tourists from all over the world. Thus, it might be wise to head here first thing in the morning, just so you can have some quiet time to admire the buildings before the crowd rushes in.

Numerous tourists in The Grand Palace

An often overlooked museum located within the Grand Palace is the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textile. Located near to the exit on the right side, visitors often walk past without realising the gem that is this museum. Newly set up in recent times, this museum was made possible only after Her Majesty Queen Sirikit requested it back in 2003. Dedicated to textile, it explains the importance of this industry in Thailand. It also shows how the Queen worked together with famous designer Pierre Balmain to design dresses for her. Through the collaboration, it allowed local artisans to be exposed to such a highly-skilled designer and also helped to boost the local textile industry.

Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles

As with many temples around the country, there is a dress code and it must be abided by. Shoulders must be covered while short shorts are not allowed. If in doubt, it may be better to dress more conservatively, just so you can enter the complex. Be sure to check out their website for more information (https://www.royalgrandpalace.th/th/visit/practical-information)!

​Address: Na Phra Lan Rd, Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand

Opening hours: 8.30 am to 3.30 pm

Entrance fee: Free for Thais; 500 Baht for the rest (inclusive of entrance to Queen Sirikit Museum of Textile)

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6. Wat Arun

​Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan, or more simply Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, is one of Bangkok’s most famous temples. Situated by the Chao Phraya River, the view of Wat Arun at sunset is simply stunning, where many across the river sit by the riverside restaurants and admire Wat Arun.

View of Wat Arun from across Chao Phraya River

This temple has been in existence for at least a few hundred years, and have undergone quite a few renovations. It used to be part of the palace grounds before the palace was shifted to the other side of the Chao Phraya river. It was last restored between 2013 and 2017, where efforts were made to present the temple in its original look.

Wat Arun

Whether you see Wat Arun in the day or at night, it will not disappoint. In the day, the temple showcases a shiny look with its restored porcelain, while well-lit lights flaunt Wat Arun in all its glory at night.

​Take note of the strict dress code, where your shoulders and knees must be covered before entering the temple. However, if you are afraid of the tropical weather in downtown Bangkok, be assured that there are sarongs to be rented by the temple entrance, so you can still wear shorts for the day!

View of Wat Arun as the sun sets

Address: 158 Thanon Wang Doem, Khwaeng Wat Arun, Khet Bangkok Yai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10600, Thailand

Opening hours: 8 am to 5.30 pm

Entrance fee: 50 Baht

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Google Maps: List of attractions and food places in Bangkok!

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