Bangkok Guide: Best places to see in 2-3 days
Bangkok, the vibrant capital of Thailand, is renowned for its stunning Buddhist architecture and lively street life. The city seamlessly blends the spirituality of its ancient temples with the energy of bustling markets filled with delicious food stalls and vibrant neighborhoods that contrast with modern skyscrapers and luxurious shopping malls.
While many of Bangkok’s most iconic attractions are clustered around the famous Khao San Road, the epicenter for backpackers and travelers, the city offers a wide variety of equally fascinating neighborhoods worth exploring on your first visit.
If you’re wondering what to see in Bangkok, this guide will help you answer that question, uncover the best places to visit, and the must-have experiences you can’t miss in this captivating Asian city.
Where to stay in Bangkok?
Khao San Road, the most famous street of Bangkok
Khao San Road is the backpacker hub of Bangkok and, as such, a bustling hotspot of activity. Located in the Banglamphu neighborhood, the oldest part of Bangkok, it’s an ideal area to stay because it’s close to nearly all the city’s major attractions. The street is packed with shops offering everything from clothing and electronics to custom-made suits, travel agencies, Thai massages, and street food stalls.
Around Khao San street you will find all kinds of hotels. From backpacker hostels for 4-5 euros a night in a dormitory to large hotels with a pool in the attic. If you want to stay in the same Khao San street, I recommend you this 3 hotels: Dang Derm Khaosan or Dang Derm in the Park and Khao San Palace.
All three have a rooftop with a pool and cost about 20 euros a night. If you don’t want to stay in the same street of Khao San because of the noise, you can stay in Ram Buttri street, the street parallel to Khao San and a little less busy than this one.
What to do and what to see in Bangkok?
1. Enjoy the view of the Golden Mountain (Wat Saket)
Very close to Khao San Road, you’ll find this beautiful temple perched atop a hill. It’s the perfect spot to admire the old quarter of Bangkok from above, with the city’s skyscrapers visible in the distance.
I was pleasantly surprised by the Golden Mount; it turned out to be one of the best temples I’ve discovered in Bangkok. Every time I return to the Thai capital, I make it a point to visit. It’s peaceful, stunning, and ideal for a moment of tranquility in this bustling city.
2. Visit the Temple of the Dawn (Wat Arun)
Right across the Chao Phraya River, you’ll also find the Temple of the Dawn (Wat Arun), arguably the most spectacular temple in Bangkok. The most striking feature of this temple is its Khmer-style spire, which stands 77 meters tall. Surrounding the central spire are four smaller prangs, each decorated similarly and representing the elements: water, earth, air, and fire.
The central tower is adorned with intricate mosaics made of porcelain and ceramic, which reflect sunlight to create a dazzling appearance. The details include figures of Hindu deities and guardians located on the terraces of the main spire. It is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and the entrance fee is 50 THB.
3. Visit the Temple of the Reclining Buddha
Another of Bangkok’s most famous and visited temples near Khao San Road is the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho). Built in the 17th century, its reclining Buddha statue measures 46 meters long and 15 meters high. Just the feet alone are 5 meters long and 3 meters wide. Covered in gold leaf, it is the largest Buddha statue in the country.
Inside the temple, there are over 90 chedis (or stupas) adorning the grounds, four of which are dedicated to the kings of the Chakri dynasty. Undoubtedly, this is one of those must-see places in Bangkok. The Reclining Buddha is located right next to the Grand Palace in the Phra Nakhon district of Bangkok. It is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM, and the entrance fee is 200 THB per person, which includes a free bottle of water.
4. Eating/Shopping in Bangkok’s Chinatown
Bangkok’s Chinatown, known as Yaowarat, is one of the city’s most famous and oldest neighborhoods—and even one of the oldest in the world, having been founded in the 18th century. Its vibrant atmosphere stems largely from the fact that nearly the entire neighborhood functions as a vast market, offering all kinds of Chinese products and a wide variety of cuisine, making it one of the liveliest places in Bangkok.
In Chinatown, you’ll find the Wat Mangkon Kamalawat Temple, also known as the Dragon Temple. It is the largest and most important Chinese temple in Bangkok, where visitors can participate in traditional rituals and admire its dragon-adorned architecture. Temples in the area typically open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, while the markets operate from early morning onwards.
5. Go to see the beautiful Wat Traimit
In Chinatown, we also find Wat Traimit: a beautiful and striking temple where the Great Golden Buddha, the most important solid gold statue in the world, is located. The statue is 3 meters high and weighs 5.5 tons.
The statue represents the Buddha in the position of “touching the earth”, a gesture associated with the moment of his enlightenment. This temple is a symbol of purity and prosperity in Thai Buddhism. Open daily from 8:00 to 17:00. Entrance to the temple is free, although the entrance to the Golden Buddha Museum costs 40 THB.
6. Getting around Bangkok by ferry for less than one euro
If you’re staying near Khao San Road, just next to it you can catch a ferry that stops at various neighborhoods in Bangkok. The exact location to board the ferry is Phra Arthit Pier, where ferries depart every half hour, and you can purchase tickets directly at the pier.
Whenever I’m in Bangkok, I make it a point to hop on one of these ferries. I use it to admire Wat Arun from the river, take a stroll through Chinatown, and then finish the day by taking the ferry back to Lumpini Park. Here’s an overview of the main types of ferries in Bangkok:
| Ferry Type | Description | Price (THB) |
|---|
| No Flag | Stops at all piers, ideal for locals and tourists who want to explore. | From 10 THB per trip |
| Orange Flag | More frequent and faster service, stopping at major tourist piers. | Around 15 THB per trip |
| Yellow Flag | Express service for longer trips, mainly used by locals. | Around 20-30 THB per trip |
| Blue Flag | Tourist ferries with English-speaking guides (more expensive). | Around 50-60 THB per trip or 200 THB for a day pass |
| Local Ferry | Small ferries crossing the river between specific points, very cheap. | From 5 THB per trip |
| Longtail Boat | Private hire boats for personalized river and canal tours. | 1,000-2,000 THB per ride (depending on the route) |
7. Walk around the Lumpini Park
Lumpini Park is the most famous park in Bangkok, located in the city’s commercial center. It’s a green space surrounded by skyscrapers and shopping malls. Both Thais and foreigners come here to take a walk or exercise. The park features an artificial lake where you can rent boats for a leisurely ride. A fun fact: it’s common to see monitor lizards about a meter long strolling across the grass and near the lake.
The park is named after the birthplace of Buddha in Nepal, Lumbini. On weekends, especially during the high season, free outdoor concerts and other cultural events are often held. The park is open daily from 4:30 AM to 9:00 PM.
8. Shopping at the JJ Market (Chatuchak Market)
It is the largest street market in all of Thailand, with between 8,000 and 15,000 stalls, covering an area of 14,000 m². Located in the northern part of Bangkok, it’s quite far from the old town.
However, it’s definitely worth a visit, especially if it’s your last days in the city and you want to buy clothing, crafts, antiques, souvenirs, and delicious Thai treats. The market is only open on weekends, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
9. Visit a Snake Farm
On one of my first trips to Bangkok, we visited a Snake Farm, and it turned out to be much more amazing than I expected. The official name of the place is Snake Farm (Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute). It is located a bit outside the city center, but the visit was definitely worth it. The entrance fee is 200 baht per person.
We saw cobras, pythons, and all kinds of snakes I couldn’t even classify. They even let us take a photo with a giant python. We were the last ones to take the photo, and the python, already a bit tired, started hissing and giving us a bad look—it was quite a tense moment. Here’s a link where you can find a video and more information about the Snake Farm.
10. Party in Thailand
10.1 Backpacker Party on Khao San Road
At night, Khao San Road becomes the heart of Bangkok’s backpacker party scene. The street is packed with bars, clubs, and live music, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Here, you’ll find:
- Bars playing electronic music and reggaeton.
- Open-air clubs with affordable drinks.
- Street performers and vendors selling oxygen balloons.
- Ram Buttri, the parallel street, offers a more relaxed atmosphere with live music.
10.2 Party at Royal City Avenue (RCA)
For those looking for a more upscale party experience, Royal City Avenue (RCA) is the best choice. This area is famous for its large clubs and a more local crowd. Here, you’ll find:
- A more stylish atmosphere with parties lasting until the early morning.
- Exclusive clubs featuring international DJs.
- Nightclubs where groups often share bottles at their tables.
10.3 Precautions and Tips for Bangkok’s Nightlife
- Avoid scams: Be cautious with “ping pong shows” and bars that overcharge tourists.
- Ladyboys and street vendors: Common on Khao San Road—always be respectful and use common sense.
- Safe transportation: Use taxis with meters or apps like Grab to avoid inflated prices.
- Legal marijuana, but consume with caution: While cannabis is legal in Thailand, be careful. Edibles, such as cookies, can be very strong. It’s best to consume in moderation.
Next Destination: Trip from Bangkok to Chiang Mai by train
Many people, after exploring Bangkok, head directly to the north of Thailand to visit the city of Chiang Mai. During my first trip to Thailand with friends, after two nights in Bangkok, we took the 10-hour train to Chiang Mai, the city of temples.
In the next post, I will share our experience visiting its temples and the mountain villages of Thailand. Alternatively, if you prefer to visit the incredible beaches of the country, you can head south to Phuket, or to the Gulf of Thailand, where you’ll find Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, and Koh Samui.
I hope this post about What to see in Bangkok has been helpful and that you enjoy this incredible city. Feel free to comment, rate, and/or share before you leave. Subscribe if you’d like to receive updates about travel. If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, you may also find our list of Travel Tips for Thailand useful.
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