If you’re a regular to our site, you know we’re all foodies here, and the best way to start our tour is to sample the best of the local cuisine! Bangkok is famed for cheap, delicious food stalls all along its myriad streets. There’s even a 73-year-old Michelin Star chef, Supinya Junsuta or Jay Fai, who (as seen on Netflix’s Street Food) personally cooks every dish at her stall on Maha Chai Road in Samran Rar, Phra. Nahkhon.

The Wang Lang Market on the Thonburi side of Chao Phraya River is both a shopping and foodie favourite with stalls, shophouses and restaurants serving authentic highlights, such as grilled squid, chicken or pork skewers, noodles with roast duck or red pork, grilled liver salads and spicy som tam. 

Yaowarat Street — or Bangkok’s Chinatown — is a hub of Thai-Chinese fusion delicacies. Barbecued seafood, peppery pork soup, pad Thai fried noodles, dim sum, crispy duck, and fruit desserts are just some of the freshly cooked street food keeping the area brimming with tasty aromas every day and night.

Saphan Taksin BTS sky-train station and Bang Rak area is an older part of Bangkok with decades-old restaurants and stalls, serving traditional dishes popular among locals. Just take a walk from the train station along Charoen Krung Road and Silom Road to discover its secrets! Notable gems include the braised pork knuckle at Charoen Saeng restaurant; roasted duck at Prachak Pet Jang restaurant; and across the street from them, the mango sticky rice at Boonsap Thai Dessert.

Many awesome food spots all over Bangkok are waiting to be discovered. Click here for more!

Formally known as San Taho Maha Phrom, this unique Hindu shrine of Lord Brahma the Great is one of the many testaments to Bangkok’s diverse cultural populace. Standing openly at the bustling street corner between Ploenchit and Ratchadamri Road, the shrine is believed to have granted many prayers and wishes to the faithful, and hosts classical Thai dance performances several times a day. Crowds of visitors make offerings to the golden sculpture of Brahma with incense sticks, floral garlands and fruits.

No Bangkok trip is truly complete without a visit to the Grand Palace. Built in 1782, it is the official ceremonial residence of the Thai monarchy, as well as the administrative centre of the Royal government. The vast, spectacular compound is like a small city in itself, and the intricate architecture represents the very pinnacle of Thai craftsmanship.

The Outer Court near the entrance houses the Wat Phra Kaew or Temple of the Emerald Buddha, with a revered image of Buddha in Lanna meditation carved from a single block of jade. Though no one is allowed to go near the statue, you can certainly admire it from afar and walk about the stunning temple grounds.

Two throne halls in the Central Court are also open to the public, but the Inner Court is completely barred. Even so, there’s plenty of incredible architecture to see. Just remember to dress respectfully according to the dress code.

Speaking of temples, there are over 31,000 of them in Thailand and more than 400 in Bangkok alone. Aside from the Wat Phra Kaew, there are at least 9 other outstanding temples near the Grand Palace. But our two absolute must-sees are Wat Pho and Wat Arun.

Wat Pho, Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is named after a monastery in India where Buddha supposedly lived at. It’s one of the oldest and largest temples in Bangkok. Home to a Buddha image 15 metres high, 43 metres long, and decorated with gold leaves and mother of pearl, it’s truly a sight to behold.

Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, is an icon of the Chao Phraya riverbank built in the 17th Century with a distinctive central Prang (Khmer-style tower) surrounded by four smaller towers. The temple is covered in ceramic tiles and colourful porcelain, with the entryway guarded by two giant mythical figures of Ramayana lore. Wat Arun gleams golden in the day, but it’s in the evening when the temple lights come on that will have you in awe.

Bangkok is also sometimes called “Venice of the East” thanks to the Chao Phraya River and its myriad canals. Every day, over 50,000 people ferry to and from along the river, a major mode of public transport and a fascinating tourist experience to see the city from a different perspective. Just try the hop-on-hop-off tour at Chao Phraya Tourist Boat.

Whether you’re after cheap goodies or high-end brands, Bangkok has you covered! Head over to Chatuchak Market for a weekend of affordable shopping, with over 8,000 stalls selling everything from clothes and souvenirs to furniture, toys, tools and foodstuff. Be prepared to spend a full day here. Watch your wallet despite the low prices; there are just way too many things to see and buy! 

For evening shopping, check out the friendly night markets, such as: the open-air bazaar of vintage goods, Rot Fai Market at Srinakarin Soi 51; the youthful and multi-coloured Neon Market of fashion, homeware and trinkets at Phetchaburi Road in Makkasan, Ratchathewi; and the part vintage bazaar, part local drinking spot, JJ Green Market, just up the road from Chatuchak.

Also, take a tour of the three most popular floating markets near Bangkok with everything you might find in Chatuchak, plus more: The Damnoen Saduak, famed for local produce; the Amphawa for seafood and unique local snacks; and the narrow Khlong Lat Mayom for even more authentic local fruits and food.

Want malls? Hop to the many shopping districts, including (but not limited to) Sukhumvit, Silom, Siam, Pratunam and Riverside, each with a variety of grand malls, markets, plazas and emporiums to explore.

After all the walking and shopping, enjoy a rejuvenating Thai massage nearby. Wherever you are, there are sure to be spas with traditional massage treatments, even at Chatuchak and Wat Pho.

Get your fill of art, culture and history at the many Bangkok museums.

For the finest contemporary works by renowned local artists, visit the MOCA Gallery near the Mo Chit BTS Skytrain Station in Chatuchak, a 5-storey museum with over 800 art pieces for you to explore and admire. 

The Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall is probably the most entertaining place to discover the story of Bangkok’s old town, the intricacies of royal customs, as well as street life in Bangkok— all through the guided tour of statues, films, music and touchscreen displays.

For an insight to the colourful history of Thai silk, visit the Jim Thompson House on the bank of the Saen Saeb Canal. It’s the former home of the late American businessman James H.W. Thompson, who revived the art of Thai silk in the 1950s.

There’s a lot to see, eat and experience in Bangkok beyond this list. So, discover even more at amazingthailand.com.au.

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