- Highlights
- The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
- Wat Arun
- Visit Wat Pho
- Take a Cruise on the Chao Phraya River
- Stroll Through Chatuchak Weekend Market
- Go on a Street Food Tour
- Visit a Floating Market Near Bangkok
- For Backpackers: Go Wild on Khao San Road
- For Adults and Bachelors: Spend an Evening in Nana Plaza
- Take a Tuk Tuk Ride in Bangkok
- For Active Travelers: Climb Sathorn Unique Tower
- For High-End Travelers: Drink a Cocktail at Sky Bar
- Hidden Gem: Cycle Around Bangkok's Green Lung, Bang Krachao
- Get a Cute Fish Spa
- Visit a Siam Niramit Show
- Pick a Souvenir at the Shopping Malls
Bangkok is one of the biggest cities in Asia, one of the busiest and probably most fascinating in the world, with countless options for sightseeing, culture, history, shopping and leisure.
Considering the large number of attractions and opportunities for recreation, it is difficult to give a time recommendation for a visit. A three-day minimum would give you a chance to touch all of the various aspects, whereas 5 days would let you explore the main treasures of the city in a more relaxed way.
Maybe start your visit with a cruise on Chao Phraya River to breathe in the atmosphere of Bangkok and get a first impression and overview of what will be waiting for you the coming days. Then visit some of the numerous wats, a floating market in the early morning hours and go on a shopping tour.
Highlights
- The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew are two of the top historical sites in Bangkok.
- Visit one of the floating markets that Bangkok is famous for and that have been made a setting for several movie scenes.
- Enjoy a cruise on Chao Phraya River, either by day or at night time.
- Go on a street food tour to explore Thailand's diverse and splendid cuisine.
- Get a souvenir for yourself or your loved ones from one of the nonpareil shopping malls.
1. The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
If you only have time for one thing in Bangkok, this is it. If you haven't visited the Grand Palace then you haven't seen Bangkok! The spectacular Grand Palace, with its incredibly intricate details, fills tourists from all over the world with awe.
Built in 1782 and being the home of the Thai king for 150 years as well as the royal court and the administrative seat of government, it's a famous landmark in Bangkok.
The whole scene is dominated by Wat Phra Kaew with its splendid colors and gold and surrounding spotless white walls. Pass the two yaks at the gate and find yourself in the different world of the kingdom of Siam: fairy tales, magnificent buildings and detailed mosaic works.
You will be doused in the sanctity and beauty of the proud salute to the creativity and craftsmanship of Thai people and learn plenty about the history and religion of Bangkok.
Maybe consider taking a guide to find out about the historical background of the manifold details of this site that remains the spiritual heart of the Thai Kingdom until this day.
Why you should visit: a royal court and an icon of Bangkok
Time needed: 2 hours
Entrance ticket: 500 baht
Tips for Visiting Temples in Thailand
The best time to visit is in the morning so as to avoid tourist groups.
What to wear: long sleeves and long trousers (or a long dress for women), and shoes that are easy to take off because you will be required to have bare feet to enter the temples.
98.8% Positive Customer reviews among 10,000+
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Great Experience
WOW! I’ve traveled Asia some & I must say Sharon & Asia Highlights made this trip so much more enjoyable and easy More
Stephen Hollis,
Aug 2023
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Alisa has has been great to work with
Alisa with Asia Highlights has has been great to work with. Very friendly and responsive. More
Ana Rausch,
Aug 2023
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Using Sharon right now to book our…
Using Sharon right now to book our upcoming trip to Thailand. She has booked everything that we asked for. Has answered all of my inquiries, which has been many! Looking forward to having a great girls trip in Thailand More
Tracy,
Aug 2023
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Thailand, Singapore, Bali
In Thailand, Tanny and Nori(Suparp), were both incredible! They were both fun, funny, and full of knowledge and made sure we got the full experience. They went the extra mile and always made sure we had cold bottled water and towels to cleanse our hands. In Singapore, Nicole was an absolute gem. She was so kind and knowledgeable and guided us in the right direction to make our day as enjoyable as possible. She helped us choose a top notch local lunch and coffee spot in China Town and taught us so much about the country! In Bali, Emon was an absolute joy. He was very knowledgeable and kind and absolutely made sure we were feeling comfortable and was willing to be flexible with us. He was fun to converse with and made our time traveling between destinations so enjoyable! I cannot recommend Asia Highlights enough! Accommodations, travel arrangements and guided tours were all a breeze. More
Cassi Thunker,
Jul 2023
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Very supportive
Very supportive ! I have received eticket for Sky Lattern Festival very fast More
Chi?n Nguy?n Ng?c,
Jul 2023
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My experience in Chang Mai with Asia Highlights
I greatly enjoyed my experience with Asia Highlights for a trip I booked to Thailand.All of my interests were catered too. My guide in Chang Mai Gemma was excellent.I truly felt the soul of Thailand culture and Buddhism. More
Richard,
Jul 2023
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A pleasure to plan with
Well, this has been a painless and pleasurable process to find such a wonderful company. I had specific dates and places to be and Sharon worked with me diligently to refine the schedule and costs to suit my travel needs and budget. She informed me of a special tour on the dates I am to be in Thailand and I added that to my previous plans. More
Chris Williams,
Jul 2023
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Large multi-generational holiday in Thailand
The holiday was wonderful. Our guides, Mr Monchai (Bangkok), and Ms Tipagorn (Tippy) (Chiang Mai) were exceptional. Travelling in a large multigenerational group with many children requires patience and our guides truly understood that. Mr Monchai and Ms Tippy shared their extensive knowledge of the many wonderful places we visited, and were flexible to take us to additional places along the way based on discussions. While everyday was busy, having them greet us with patience and a smile truly made this a memorable holiday. The hotels we stayed at were equally wonderful and went above and beyond to celebrate not only my parents 50th anniversary but also celebrate 2 milestone birthdays that occurred. We will cherish this holiday for many years to come. We hope to use Asia Highlights again. More
CL,
Jul 2023
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I never used a travel agent in my life
I never used a travel agent in my life, but Sharon for Asia Highlights did a phenomenal job helping planning and coordination a family vacation. The best part of working with Sharon was that she maintained an open line of communication and provided answers to my question well within 12-24 hours. Additionally, Sharon was flexible and customized our vacation to my families needs. Overall great experience. More
Antione Barry,
Jul 2023
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Great company to plan a trip to Southeast Asia!
Sharon Haung has been wonderful to work with! Very patient and accommodating. Responds immediately given time change and is prepared, prompt, and professional. More
Debi Hinerfeld,
Jul 2023
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We took a 15 days trip (10 days Vietnam and 5 days Thailand …
It was an amazing experience the guides and drivers were there awaiting for us at each airoport for a transfer to the hotels also on time for all the tours all the guides were so lovely , very experienced and spoke very good English , one of the days on tour in Thailand I lost my phone in a temple in Bangkok mr chai went out of his way in a middle of thousands of visitors and managed to find an bring it back to me I found that amazing , also while on a trip I contacted Jason li out tour organizer few time via whatup and he replied and helped on the spot I recommend asiahilights 150% The quality of the service hotels the guides the drivers outstanding From start to finish ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT ???? More
SIMO el ghobar,
Jun 2023
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Wonderful Guides and Experience
Our large group arrived in Bangkok with Tanni as our guide. She was wonderful! An absolute joy to spend time with. She is knowledgeable, kind, and extremely funny. I don’t know what we would have done without her! After Bangkok, we traveled to Chang Mai, where Indy was our tour guide. She was a delight! She is kind, knowledgeable, and so patient. Our trip to Thailand was an adventure of a lifetime and these two women helped make it memorable. I would definitely use Asia Highlights for any future travel in Asia. More
Jessica Bennett,
Jun 2023
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Guide - Chai
We travelled from Vietnam to Bangkok and were blessed to have a guide named Chai. He was a superb guide and it is a pity we couldn't bottle him and take him home. He was very knowledgeable and an absolute gentleman. He could not have done enough to facilitate us and imparted so much knowledge about the Temples, Buddism and the History of Thailand in general. Not only did he give us a great overview of the past and current ways of living in Thailand but I also feel I came away a much better person having interacting with him. I will carry many of his teachings with me for the rest of my life and know that having met him was a very special blessing in my life. More
Customer,
Jun 2023
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Our guide Tanni was kind
Our guide Tanni was kind, knowledgeable, funny and beyond accommodating for our group. We felt like we'd made a friend and it enhanced our trip in the most positive way. Everything was coordinated perfectly which is not easy to do in a large traveling group. Excellent experience! More
Marissa Manson,
Jun 2023
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We are only on day 5 of our 15 day trip…
Our first stop so far was in Hanoi where our guide Trong was just so awesome! He shared about his culture and family life which showing us sites through a city tour. He was so funny making lots of jokes and always made sure we were having fun while learning about everything! He checked on us frequently even when we were no longer with him since we then went on a cruise in Halong Bay! Halong Bay and the cruise on Paradise Elegance went way above anything I expected. The scenery was breathtaking, the ship was so beautiful and clean with such fresh, good food! And I can’t sing enough praise for the staff who took care of us- especially Anna and Belle! They went above and beyond to make sure we enjoyed every aspect from eating meals with Anna to every other detail with Belle! I highly recommend Asian Highlights to help plan these extraordinary trips! This already has been a trip of a lifetime and we still have so much more to see all thanks to Cathy!! More
Diane Creitz,
Jun 2023
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Tanni for the win!
14 of my closest friends and family descended upon Bangkok ready to see the town. Asia highlights and Tanni took us on a tour that changed our lives. We experienced so much everyday. Tanni was amazing! She did all the thinking for us, so we all could just be present and enjoy the moment. I can’t recommend this company, and especially Tanni enough. More
Megan McGlynn,
Jun 2023
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This isn't my first trip with Asia…
This isn't my first trip with Asia Highlights. They are great at helping me plan, working my requests into the itinerary, and booking it all. We travel with friends and just got back from a trip to Thailand and Vietnam. Albee did a great job with all the details and we had a wonderful time. We will use them for our next adventure! More
Katie Potesta,
Jun 2023
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Amazing service
Although we have not been our trip yet I wanted to still write a review based on customer service and the ease of booking. Alisa has been extremely prompt and responsive with planning our trip to Thailand. She has had great recommendations and guidance to add to our custom itinerary. Highly recommend using Asia highlights! -Alex More
Alex,
May 2023
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I have never hear of this company…
I have never hear of this company before , and after reading all these reviews ,I decided to give it a try . The professionalism and communicative skill received by one of the agent , Sharon of Asia Highlights , convince me that She was the right travel agent for my trip in Asia . Very quickly she communicated with me and got all the detail of my desire vacation . Sharon made me a great itinerary with great experiences that I am dreaming to experience and I am looking forward to it . Thanks Sharon for been so great and crafting me a dream vacation with great suggestions. More
orge alvarez,
May 2023
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Coco Yang worked tirelessly to…
From the moment I landed in Bangkok, Ms Noi Ying was there to welcome me and get me settled into my hotel. We enjoyed several days together touring Bangkok and Kanchanaburi. In Chiang Mai, Mr Ekachai took my son snd I on an amazing trip to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and to visit a community Lanna home, gardens and a hands-on cooking class preparing an authentic Thai meal. Lisa arranged a last-minute speedboat tour of 5 breathtaking islands in Phuket. From start to finish, the guides exceeded my expectations!! Thank you, Asia Highlight!! Debbie Woods More
Debbie Woods,
May 2023
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2. Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn)
Locally known as Wat Chaeng, Wat Arun rests on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, almost directly opposite the temple called Wat Pho. It stands majestically on the riverfront and forms a stunning sunset view when it is glowing in the light with its unique, intricate mosaic inlay design and spires.
Why you should visit: an icon in Bangkok and a unique design
Time needed: 30-40 minutes
Entrance ticket: 100 baht
10-Day Best of Thailand with Koh Samui:
3. Visit Wat Pho (the Temple of the Reclining Buddha)
Wat Pho, or Wat Phra Chetuphon, is located opposite the Grand Palace, at a walking distance of about 10 minutes. It is Bangkok's oldest and largest temple complex, and another famous temple for you to cross off your to-do list if you are a first-time visitor. It houses a giant reclining Buddha that measures 46 meters in length and is covered in gold leaf.
Why you should visit: a famous landmark in Bangkok and a 46-meter-long golden Buddha
Bonus reason: Wat Pho has a traditional Thai massage school, which offers tourists a good foot massage after walking through the temple complex. It also offers week-long Thai massage courses.
Time needed: 30-40 minutes
Entrance ticket: 100 baht
4. Take a Cruise on the Chao Phraya River
Taking a cruise on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok is a great way to see the city from a totally different perspective, not to mention it perfectly avoids the gridlocked traffic in the city.
You can hop on a taxi boat with the commuting locals or, like many tourists do, you can book a night cruise and savor the gala of lights on both sides of the Chao Phraya River while you enjoy fine dining and wine on board.
7-Day Bangkok and Chiang Mai in Yi Peng Festival:
5. Stroll Through Chatuchak Weekend Market
Chatuchak Weekend Market is one of the biggest markets in the world, with more than 15,000 shops and booths in 27 sections on 35 acres surface. A visit there is a must-do for any tourist to Bangkok and will never get boring.
You will find a wide range of products, from traditional Thai handicrafts, clothing and small accessories, to different kinds of art and paintings, at reasonable prices. It is the right place to find souvenirs. Bargaining, of course, is a big part of the experience. It is a heaven for shopaholics, and what you cannot find there, you will probably not find anywhere.
6. Go on a Street Food Tour
Bangkok has a handful of famous food streets that attract tourists and locals to linger there until late at night.
Just have a look around the streets to see bizarre-shaped snacks, fresh tropical fruit, strange insects, such as fried grasshoppers and spicy locusts, snakes, and even baby crocodiles. They have almost everything to surprise you - don't be afraid to try anything!
Take a food tour through Bang Rak District and discover some of Bangkok's small eateries. Taste curry puffs at a street food vendor; sip Thai iced tea or coffee at the Bang Rak Bazaar; bite into a sampling of tropical fruit at Bangkok's second-oldest wet market; and try Chinese herbal drinks at a local Chinese grocery shop.
Try fried and roasted chicken noodles, topped with egg, followed by one of the Thai sweet, tempting desserts. You have the choice between street vendors and sit-down restaurants whenever you like. A street food tour in Bangkok is an amazing experience that will not leave your appetite for culture and treats unappeased.
2-Week Thailand Getaway Tour for Couples:
7. Visit a Floating Market Near Bangkok
Visiting Bangkok's lively and colorful floating markets is a unique Thailand experience. A floating market is located on a river or canal and is a place where local boat vendors trade.
Their boats are piled high with tropical fruit, vegetables, flowers, ready-to-drink coconut juice, and local food cooked right on the boats. It's a good place to take some awesome photos to take home with you.
Must-read tip: Many floating markets in Bangkok focus more on satisfying tourists rather than local trade. If you wish to visit one, pick an authentic one, such as Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market.
Although it's very small with only about 10 boats floating around, it's genuine and not like other markets that are crammed with tourists.
The best time to visit is in the early morning when the locals start trading as everything on the boats is fresh.
8. For Backpackers: Go Wild on Khao San Road
Khao San Road, known as the backpacking center of the universe and described in the movie The Beach, which starred Leonardo DiCaprio, is now a famous must-see street for tourists and a haven for backpackers. The whole street is filled with bars, hostels, travel agents, clubs, restaurants, massage parlors, and tattoo shops.
Tip: If you are just there to get an idea of the scenery from The Beach movie and are not really a fan of backpacking, then don't stay there at night. This is because the hotel rooms are the same, if not worse, than the one Leonardo DiCaprio's character had in the movie and the whole street goes off the rooftops after midnight.
12-Day Thailand Family Holiday:
9. For Adults and Bachelors: Spend an Evening in Nana Plaza
No trip to Bangkok would be complete without taking a trip to Nana Plaza. Take a seat in any of the various bars in the plaza and just sit back and watch the girls ply their trade to many visiting tourists.
Tip: Just be aware of the "buy me a beer" tourist trap there. Learn more about How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Thailand.
10. Take a Tuk Tuk Ride in Bangkok
This one doesn't need much more of a description. Sitting in a colorful tuk tuk and chatting with the Thai driver about travel tips is the perfect way to dodge trucks, swerve along sidewalks, and avoid sitting in traffic in taxis.
Please note:
Negotiate the price before you take a tuk tuk ride and be aware that some drivers may detour to try and sell products to you.
You don't need to worry about the language barrier. The drivers know almost every place name in the city that tourists love to visit and they know the directions well. Read more about All You Need to Know about Tuk Tuks in Thailand.
11. For Active Travelers: Climb Sathorn Unique Tower
Situated in the heart of Bangkok, Sathorn Unique Tower is a very famous unfinished skyscraper. Its construction was halted during the 1997 Asian financial crisis.
With just a small payment to the security guards at the bottom, Sathorn Unique Tower has now become a trendy building for urban explorers.
The view can be breathtaking when you reach the top and you can also see King Power Mahanakhon, which is currently the second highest building in Bangkok following ICONSIAM.
12. For High-End Travelers: Drink a Cocktail at Sky Bar
Sky Bar is the world's highest open-air bar and the hosting place for the Hollywood movie The Hangover Part II. This 360-degree sweeping view rooftop bar is situated on the 63rd floor of State Tower.
Its popularity has continued to soar each day since the movie was released and achieved great success. Tasting an exquisite cocktail at sunset and enjoying a commanding view of Bangkok, the City of Angels, is now on many tourists' to-do lists.
6-Day Bangkok and Chiang Mai Highlights Tour:
13. Hidden Gem: Cycle Around Bangkok's Green Lung, Bang Krachao
Bangkok's green lung, Bang Krachao, is a lush, smog-free oasis across the Chao Phraya River from Bangkok. It is protected by the government and is perfectly bike-friendly. It is an ideal place to get away from Bangkok's urban craziness. The green lung is not short of unique cafes and hotels either.
14. Get a Cute Fish Spa
One of the surprisingly relaxing things to do in Thailand is to have your feet nibbled by a group of tiny fish. It's an iconic thing to do in Thailand. Particularly in Bangkok, you can find venues with tanks of fish offering such services, such as massage parlors, spa shops, or other shops in the streets.
The fish will nibble away any impurities and dead skin from your feet as you soak them in a specially designed tank. It's quite fun and kids love this activity! Read more about the Best 10 Massage Parlors and Spas in Bangkok.
6-Day Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai Highlights Tour:
15. Visit a Siam Niramit Show
Attending a Siam Niramit Show is the perfect way to explore the art and culture of ancient Thailand, whilst spending a wonderful and entertaining evening. Watch one of the world's largest and most colorful stage productions.
More than 150 actors and dancers in glittering and aesthetic costumes, and breathtaking sceneries will take you into a long bygone world.
Let yourself be carried away into different periods in history and Thai beliefs, like the Law of Karma and the Mystical Forest of Himapaan, in a mind-blowing performance.
Take a look into Siam Niramit's replica Thai village and discover the original, rural Thai life or enjoy a traditional Thai massage in a tiny open-air house before the show starts.
16. Pick a Souvenir at the Shopping Malls
If you pay a visit to Bangkok, a shopping tour through one of the city's famous shopping malls is an activity you should not miss. If you want to pick a souvenir for yourself or for your family, find yourself a high-tech gadget or some latest fashion from Asia or around the world.
Bangkok's stunning and shiny malls are the right place to come to. And why not have dinner in one of the countless restaurants before, maybe, chilling out and watching a movie in one of the wide screen or luxury cinemas.
Among the large number of malls in Bangkok, we especially recommend Siam Paragon, the luxury mall with the Siam Ocean World aquarium and exotic cars on display. The Siam Center is outstanding for its unusual fashion from local designers, and Central World is Thailand's biggest mall, a more youthful shopping experience with fashion boutiques, bookstores and high-tech shops.
Plan Your Holiday with Asia Highlights
Let Asia Highlights help you plan your trip to Bangkok. They will create the dream trip for you, following your individual wish list for activities, with a tailor-made itinerary you will remember. Of course, we will take care, all activities will be arranged in the most convenient and coordinated sequence. If you have any questions, please contact us by email.
Why Travel with Asia Highlights (98.8% positive customer reviews among 10,000+)
- Unique experiences tailored to your interests: Enjoy a premium trip that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions.
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- Experienced and knowledgeable guides: Your guides will be local and love to work for travelers' smiles.
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