Best things to do in Bangkok

Explore the famous complex of ornate buildings at The Grand Palace, a gem in the country's architectural and political heritage. Established in 1782, the palace grounds have been added to over the centuries with eclectically designed buildings, halls, and pavilions. The official home of Thai monarchs until the abolishment of the absolute monarchy in 1932, the site remains open to visitors, with its well-maintained grounds and monumental architecture providing great photo ops and an immersive cultural experience.

Visit Wat Pho, one of the six main Buddhist temples in Thailand. Admire the 46 m (151 ft) long Buddha statue and its memorable pose, and explore the wide range of temple buildings displaying rich and intricate religious designs and a history dating back to the 16th century. Vital to the spiritual and architectural heritage of the city and the country at large, the site houses the largest collection of Buddha depictions in Thailand. Said to be the first public university in the nation, the temple also has an illustrious educational history and still runs courses on traditional Thai massage and medicine.

Admire the grand and evocative design of Temple Of Dawn (Wat Arun), a towering Buddhist temple located in the heart of Bangkok. Established in the 1600s--but gaining its distinctive porcelain-clad prangs (spires) during the reign of King Rama II in the early 19th century--the temple represents an apex of religious architecture and is one of the best maintained of all buildings commissioned by the Thai monarchy. Open to the public as a place of worship and tourism, the site contains prized artifacts relating to the religious and royal history of Thailand.

Browse the day away at Chatuchak Weekend Market, a popular covered retail space in the city center. Attracting over 200,000 visitors on a typical weekend, the huge market offers 27 separate areas of stalls, with over 8,000 individual vendors plying their trade. From collectibles, souvenirs, and clothes, to fresh food, restaurants, and household appliance stores, the market contains a mind-boggling range of products. Its sheer scale will likely impress even those who have nothing on their shopping list.

Admire the artful curation of traditional Thai design at Jim Thompson House, a complex of buildings collected from across the country in the 1950s and 60s. The brainchild of American businessman Jim Thompson, this estate brings together classic architectural examples in one place and today offers an interesting introduction into traditional Thai arts and crafts, such as silk spinning. Relax under the verandas of the cool, rust-colored buildings, and admire the work of local craftspeople before enjoying a meal at the onsite restaurant.

Explore 6,000 colorful marine creatures at SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World, one of Bangkok's top tourist attractions. This well-designed aquarium offers a quiet break from the city bustle. For a closer view of underwater life, board a glass-bottom boat or take a stroll through a gigantic 180-degree glass tunnel. Other special activities include diving with rays and sharks, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at mysteries of the ocean at the nursery center. Kids will also love the 4D theater.

Find what you're looking for at Siam Paragon, a modern, upscale shopping mall in Bangkok--and one of the largest in Asia. Since opening in 2008, the center has become a place to be seen for locals and a place to see for tourists: the stylish displays and elite brands on offer here make for an attractive place of commerce and leisure, while modern flourishes neatly encapsulate the will for modernization in the region. With a multitude of shops, international and local restaurants, and a multiplex cinema, the mall offers different experiences for a wide set of visitors.

The diversity of events at Bangkok Art & Culture Centre (BACC) ensures its place among the top cultural things to do in the city. One of the most popular places to visit among tourists looking for a haven of creativity to immerse themselves in, the center offers a range of experiences that include live performances and events related to local dance, theater, music, photography, and design. The center's aim is to provide a place of friendly and recreational cultural exchange, which makes it an ideal getaway from the hectic buzz of the city.

A trip around the huge grounds of Safari World guarantees sights of a range of animals in a safari experience. You can use your own car or go on an official tour to see the creatures in expansive settings. This "zoo-plus" features a large marine environment, bird cages, and even the chance to feed giraffes. Note that there have been many reports of poor treatment of animals here.

Spend a while walking down the short and entertaining thoroughfare of Khaosan Road. Named in honor of its rice milling heritage ("khaosan" means milled rice), nowadays this relatively small stretch caters mainly to backpackers, with a range of accommodations, travel agents, and bars. Somewhere between a party street and a place to organize your onward journey, the road provides services and entertainment to an almost exclusively international crowd, with English spoken in every business. By day you can explore the plethora of souvenir shops and international cuisine, before the music and dancing begin at sunset.

Go on a journey through thousands of years of Thai history and culture at The National Museum Bangkok, a treasure chest housed inside the former palace of Siamese viceroys. Originally established in 1874 by King Rama V to showcase his father's private collection of artwork, the museum now ranks among the largest in Southeast Asia and displays various aspects of Thai heritage. You can admire everything from precious stones to ornamental clothes, and from prehistoric artifacts to royal thrones. In addition to the rich Thai collection, the museum displays objects from other parts of Southeast Asia and China, including weapons, sculptures, and musical instruments. Information in English and multilingual tours provide context for visitors without knowledge of the Thai language.

Visit Wat Saket, a hilltop Buddhist temple complex that has undergone several regal renovations over the years. In the 19th century, King Rama III tried to build an enormous chedi atop an artificial hill, only to find the soil was too soft to support its weight. His son had better luck with a more modest design, but it was King Rama V who completed the main complex standing today. The gold chedi juts out to cut an impressive silhouette atop the hill. Reaching the site involves climbing up 300 steps, so you may want to avoid the hottest time of day if possible. The views from the top--and the photos you'll take home with you--make the expenditure of energy more than worth it.

Visit the temple of Wat Maha That to see the famous Buddha head peering out from behind the roots of a majestic tree. Within the grounds of a historical park and World Heritage Site, this renowned temple includes excellent information panels throughout. You'll learn about the country's history and discover the architectural and spiritual influences the Kingdom of Siam has on contemporary Thai culture.

Witness the delicately modeled beauty of the world's largest gold seated Buddha at Temple of the Golden Buddha (Wat Traimit). Many of Asia's golden statues were once covered in plaster and stucco to disguise them from invading armies during times of conflict. The discovery of this magnificent golden Buddha was accidental: a team of people moving the object dropped it, its plaster casing cracked, and the golden figure shone out after many years in hiding. Visit the established Bangkok temple complex to admire the Buddha's clear, crisp form and learn of its fascinating origins.