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Lively and fun. The two words I would use to describe my very first trip to Bangkok, Thailand. This city has something for everyone from museums and temples to shopping, markets, and incredible food, so you will never run out of things to do. I am already planning another trip back to Thailand as we speak (and that is how you know I loved my first experience). Whether you are visiting Bangkok for the first time or looking for new experiences on a return visit, keep reading for 7 must do experiences in Bangkok.

1. Visit the Grand Palace

The Grand Palace is a historic royal complex that once served as the official residence of the Kings of Thailand. It is definitely a site to visit, especially for first time visitors. It can get busy, so it is best to plan early.

• Ticket Cost (Foreign Visitors): 500 THB (about $16 USD)
• Average Visit Time: 2-3 hours
• Opening Hours:
  • Daily: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

2. Explore the Ancient City

Muang Boran, also known as the Ancient City, is the largest private outdoor museum, and let me tell you, it really is big! I even had to rent a golf cart to get around, and it still took us the entire day to explore. While this museum is located outside of Bangkok in Thai Ban Mai, it is still accessible by public transportation and Grab or taxi with a commute of about 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on traffic. The site features detailed replicas of Thailand’s most important temples, palaces, monuments, and traditional villages, which felt like traveling back in ancient Thailand.

• Ticket Cost (Foreign Visitors): 800 THB (about $25 USD) or book via Klook for about $32 USD (includes Ancient City tickets and join in transfers)
• Average Visit Time: Full day
• Opening Hours:
  • Daily: 9 AM – 7 PM

3. Check Out Jodd Fairs Night Market

If you love a little chaos and crowds mixed with shopping and food, I recommend going to a night market. Jodd Fairs Night Market is one to check out. There are plenty of street food options and local Thai cuisine to try, as well as shopping for everything from souvenirs to cute accessories.

• Ticket Cost (Foreign Visitors): Free to enter
• Average Visit Time: 1-3 hours
• Opening Hours:
  • Daily: 5 PM – 12 AM

4. Visit Wat Pho

Wat Pho is considered one of the oldest temples and is known for its massive Reclining Buddha. This temple visit felt very spiritual, and if you are visiting Thailand, it is definitely a great experience to visit at least one temple. Just make sure to dress appropriately, as it is a religious site.

• Ticket Cost (Foreign Visitors): 300 THB (about $9.50 USD)
• Average Visit Time: 1-2 hours
• Opening Hours:
  • Daily: 8 AM – 7:30 PM

5. Experience a Traditional Thai Massage

Exploring Bangkok (especially with all the 10K plus steps) will definitely leave you feeling foot soreness and body aches the next day. Luckily, Thailand is known for its traditional Thai massage, and you can find massage places in many areas. After doing some research, I went with One More Thai Massage and Spa and got their traditional Thai body massage with herbal compress for 120 minutes. It was a 10 out of 10 experience!

• Cost via Klook (for Thai traditional body massage with herbal compress, 120 minutes): about $45 USD (check the site for other options and prices)
• Average Visit Time: 1-2 hours
• Opening Hours:
  • Monday to Friday from 10 AM to 11 PM
  • Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 12 AM

6. Shop and Eat at ICONSIAM

Bangkok is known for many things, and shopping malls are definitely one of them. There are so many malls to explore, from local to luxury, and you could technically spend an entire week shopping if you are a shopaholic lol. I visited the iconic ICONSIAM and mainly went to check out SookSiam, located on the ground floor. SookSiam is designed to showcase Thailand’s culture through local street food, traditional desserts, handcrafted goods, and regional products from all over the country, all in one place. If you are looking for a spot that combines shopping and food, ICONSIAM is definitely worth checking out.

• Ticket Cost (Foreign Visitors): Free to enter
• Average Visit Time: 2-6 hours
• Opening Hours:
  • Daily: 10 AM – 10 PM

7. Spend Time at Wat Arun

One of the most stunning temples along the Chao Phraya River to visit in Bangkok is Wat Arun. Seeing the architecture online was already beautiful, and being able to see it in person was even more impressive. This is also another site where you should ensure you are wearing modest attire.

• Ticket Cost (Foreign Visitors): 200 THB (about $6 USD)
• Average Visit Time: 1-2 hours
• Opening Hours:
  • Daily: 8 AM – 6 PM