Choose from 64 Fun Things to Do in Bangkok
ShowingFilter 41-60 of 64 listings.
Sukhumvit
Sukhumvit Road is the longest boulevard in Thailand (with the Skytrain running along most of its length), and the surrounding neighborhood has become the city’s makeshift international zone, with expats and well-off Thais living on the small side streets, called sois, that intersect it. It’s a neighborhood where choices are endless. Luxury hotels stand beside budget accommodations, and the food scene from five star to street stand is top notch.
What Sukhumvit lacks in tourist attractions it makes up for in its buzzing shopping and nightlife scene. By day air-conditioned shopping malls offer just about anything under the sun and sumptuous days spas promise relaxation. By night the neighborhood comes alive with some of Bangkok’s top nightclubs (and a few notorious red light districts).
Practical Info
When trying to navigate Sukhumvit, keep in mind that even-numbered sois are on the south side of the road, while odd-numbered ones are on the north side.
Address: Bangkok, Thailand
From $ 44
Skytrain
The kinetic city of Bangkok has plenty of transportation options. Whether it’s balancing aboard the back of a moto or relaxing in the air-conditioned comfort of a minibus with music blasting, this is a city that’s made to move. Travelers agree that the easiest, safest and cheapest way to traverse the city is aboard the Bangkok Skytrain. This elevated subway system allows visitors to take in the view and skip the traffic jams. More often referred to as “BTS,” the clean and convenient Skytrain fills up during rush hour, but tends to be easy to board all other times of day.
Practical Info
There are two BTS Skyline lines—the Silom Line runs west to south between the National Stadium and the Siam shopping area. The Sukhumvit Line runs north to east from Mo Chit to Bearing. Peak hours are between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Fares start at 15 baht for one stop.
Address: Bangkok, Thailand
Admission: 15 baht
From $ 41
Princess Mother Memorial Park
Work began on the Princess Mother Memorial Park in 1993, after King Bhumibol Adulyadej, in remembrance of his mother Srinagarindra, began plans to renovate the area around her childhood home in Thonburi.
Known by the Thai people as the Princess Mother, a museum within the park depicts stories of her life and a reconstruction of her old home. Two exhibition halls within the park are dedicated to the Princess Mother’s memorabilia and mementos. The first hall displays photographs chronicling her life, while the second hall contains items relating to her various projects, and even some of her personal belongings.
However, the majority of the park is dedicated to wide-open spaces, including a number of well-maintained gardens. There’s also a pavilion featuring a statue of the princess sheltered under a gazebo.
Practical Info
The Princess Mother Memorial Park is located within the Khlong San district of Bangkok, close to the banks of the Chao Phraya River. The easiest way to reach the park is to catch the Chaophraya River Express boat to the Memorial Bridge Pier. The park museum is open daily from 9am to 4pm and admission is free.
Address: Bangkok, Thailand
Hours: Daily from 9am to 4pm.
From $ 48
Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew)
The spectacularly ornamented Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Thailand. Located within the Grand Palace in Bangkok’s Old City, a site highlight is a sacred pre–15th-century statue of the Buddha in a seated meditation pose carved from a single block of jade.
The Basics
As one of Bangkok’s biggest tourist attractions, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is included in numerous sightseeing tours. Most tours include a guided visit of the Bangkok Grand Palace, as well as options to combine the temple with a River of Kings canal cruise or a visit to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market or Bangkok’s largest flower market. If you’re based in Hua Hin, you can see the temple and other city highlights on a day trip to Bangkok.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Emerald Buddha Temple is a must-see for spiritual travelers and first-time visitors to Bangkok.
- The temple maintains a strict dress code: shorts, short skirts, and sleeveless t-shirts are not permitted on the temple grounds.
- Be prepared to remove your shoes before entering the temple.
- While the lawn and gardens of Bangkok’s Grand Palace are accessible to wheelchair users, the temple interior is not due to a series of steps leading inside.
How to Get There
To reach the Emerald Buddha Temple, take the Silom Line to Saphan Taksin Station and leave through exit 2. From there, take a boat taxi to the Tha Chang Pier near the Grand Palace main entrance.
When to Get There
To avoid the biggest crowds, plan to visit first thing in the morning or after lunch, when most tour buses have departed. Sometimes the temple closes to the public when the Grand Palace is being used for state functions.
The Buddha’s Robes
Pay attention to the robes draped over the 26-inch (66-centimeter) Emerald Buddha perched high up on its gilded shrine. At the beginning of each season, the king changes the monastic robes to suit the season: hot, rainy, or cool.
Address: Na Phra Lan Road, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Hours: Daily 8:30am–3:30pm
Admission: 500 baht
From $ 8
Wat Mahathat
Wat Mahathat is located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, not far from Bangkok’s famous Grand Palace complex. Dating back to the eighteenth century, this ancient temple was later altered significantly after one of its monks, Prince Mongkut, became King Rama IV of Thailand.
Wat Mahathat serves as the center for the Mahanikai school of Buddhism, and as such is a hub for monastic learning for its members all across southeast Asia. This large and busy temple shares its grounds with monastic cells, schools, offices, and other buildings, and features a peaceful garden towards the back of its grounds.
Meditation classes are held here that welcome everyone, with many worshippers and other visitors attending these sessions before visiting the various viharns, shrines, chedis, and Buddha images within the temple’s sprawling complex.
Practical Info
The easiest way to reach Wat Mahathat is by boat. Hop on the Tha Chang ferry and alight at Chang Pier. There are several entrances but the one at Mahathat Road is the one most likely to be open. Within the temple, the International Buddhist Meditation Center offers daily meditation classes at 7am, 1pm, and 6pm, while the Meditation Study and Retreat Center also holds daily classes.
Address: 3 Thanon Maharat, Na Luk, krabi, Bangkok, Thailand
From $ 60
Siam Park City
Siam Park City is a large theme park located in the Khan Na Yao district of Bangkok. It opened in 1980, and although it underwent a complete renovation in 2007, certain areas may still seem a little old-fashioned to international visitors. However, some of its newer attractions are impressive, including the Vortex ride, which is one of just two of the world's largest suspended looping roller coasters.
With both an amusement park and a water park, Siam Park's amusement area is separated into four sub-zones that include X-Zone for adrenaline junkies; Fantasy World aimed at teenagers; Small World for the kids; and Family World for everyone to enjoy.
The water park features the world's largest wave pool, along with a spa area and various sized swimming pools. There are small, gentle slides for the younger kids, as well as a seven-story speed slide for thrill-seekers and older children.The park also has a wide range of facilities to keep visitors replenished throughout the day, including restaurants, food stalls and a convenience store.
Practical Info
Siam Park City is around a 45-minute taxi ride from central Bangkok, and the journey should cost approximately 200-500 baht.
Address: 203 Suan Sayam Road, Bangkok 10230, Thailand
Hours: Water Park: 10am-5pm / Amusement Park: 11am-6pm
Admission: Adult: $30 USD / Child: $25 USD
From $ 26
Phahurat Market
Phahurat Market is located in the Little India area of Bangkok in the Phra Nakhon district of the city, which has a large Sikh community. Just a stone’s throw from Chinatown, visiting the market and its surrounding areas means a discovery of smells, sights, sounds, and tastes—a true feast for the senses.
The market is so named due to the main road that connects it, where stall and shop owners sell all manner of Indian-style clothing, jewelry, and food amid a labyrinth of narrow alleyways. These crowded lanes are mainly filled with swaths of fabrics, as well as ready-to-wear items of clothing. The area also extends along Chakrawat Road and further along Sampeng Lane, where neighboring restaurants offer a range of Indian cuisine to choose from.
The Phahurat Market is a popular and often crowded place, where visitors can wander around and soak up the atmosphere, stopping to haggle for some fine silks or to nibble on a delicious Indian snack from a street cart. This area is also home to the second-largest Sikh temple outside of India, with its huge golden dome dominating the skyline.
Practical Info
The Phahurat Market is situated behind Phahurat Road and is open daily from early in the morning until mid-afternoon. The easiest way to reach the market by public transport is to catch the Skytrain to Saphan Taksin station and then the take Chao Phraya Express Boat to Rajawongse Pier.
Address: Phahurat Road Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
From $ 20
Tha Kha Floating Market
The Tha Kha Floating Market offers a peaceful respite from the crowds of Bangkok and the throng of tourists attracted to the larger floating markets closer to the capital. The market takes place each weekend in a tranquil, rural setting amid the canals and fruit plantations of the Samut Songkhram province.
Among the rural scenes and local traditions, visitors to Tha Kha will find locals punting along the waterways in wooden boats filled with fragrant flowers, fresh fruits and vegetables, colorful spices, and dried fish. Despite being only 10 kilometers from the larger and more famous Amphawa Floating Market, this is a wholly relaxing affair, where you can get an insight into rural village life and drift along the sugar-palm-lined waterways with a friendly local guide.
Practical Info
The Tha Kha Floating Market can be easily reached by road by heading north out of Amphawa on Route 325. Boats, tuk tuks, and organized tours can also be arranged from Amphawa. The market is only open on weekend days, and the locals of Tha Kha rise early, with things wrapping up at around midday.
Address: Amphawa District, Samut Songkhram, Thailand
From $ 72
Khlong Saen Saep
Stretching from west to east across Bangkok, Khlong Saen Saeb is a canal that begins in the Old City near the Mahakan Fortress, and runs all the way to Chachoengsao Province. Boat services travel through places like Phayathai, Pratunam, Chidlom, and Thonglor, providing a fast and inexpensive way to visit these central areas while avoiding Bangkok's notorious traffic.
While bordering on dangerously busy during rush hour, taking a Khlong Saen Saep boat outside of these busy times is convenient for shopping and sightseeing, and is especially useful for getting to and from Siam Square and other key places in the city. There are various temples, markets, traditional wooden houses, and ornate bridges along the route, and it is possible to walk or cycle along the banks in many places.
The Khlong Saen Saep boats are known for their haphazard service, and are often even dangerous in terms of boarding and alighting in busy periods. In this sense, they are perhaps not suitable for families with small children. If you're looking to explore the daily life and key sights that teem around Bangkok's canals in a more relaxed manner, there are plenty of canal tours to choose from; set out on bikes along the banks of the waterways, hop onto a rice barge or small teak boat, or get out of the city altogether on a countryside canal adventure.
Practical Info
Tickets for the Khlong Saen Saep boats are purchased onboard, and range from 10 to 20 bahts, depending on the distance. (Try to have small change to make life easier for everyone.) There are two lines serving the route: the western line, terminating at Wat Saket near the Khao San Road, and the eastern line, which finishes at Wat Si Bunrueang.
Did You Know? The 18-kilometer Khlong Saen Saep route is served by 100 boats with 40-50 seats each. The service carries around 60,000 passengers per day.
Address: Khlong Saen Saep, Bangkok, Thailand
Hours: Weekdays: 5:30am-8:30pm / Weekends: 5:30am-7pm
Admission: 10-20 THB
From $ 83
Temple of the Golden Buddha (Wat Traimit)
Home to the world's largest gold Buddha statue, the Temple of the Golden Buddha (Wat Traimit) is a prominent stop on Bangkok’s temple trail. Measuring nine feet (three meters) tall and weighing more than five tons (4,535 kilograms), the Buddha attracts floods of visitors who come to marvel at its size and gleaming golden surface.
The Basics
Visits to the Temple of the Golden Buddha (Wat Traimit) are most often included on Bangkok temple tours that also stop at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha at the Grand Palace and the reclining Buddha statue at Wat Pho. Tours typically run about a half day, but full-day itineraries may also take you sightseeing in Bangkok or beyond, with explorations of floating markets and night markets, or a tuk-tuk or canal ride. Some tours include lunch in nearby Chinatown. See the temple as part of a private or small-group tour for more individualized commentary from the guide.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The temple is wheelchair-accessible and includes an elevator as an alternative to the staircases.
- Remember that Buddhist temples are functioning religious sites, so be sure to dress respectfully with covered shoulders. Pants or knee-length skirts are required to enter Thai temples.
- Admission to the temple is free, but there’s a small entrance fee for the museum located on the third floor.
How to Get There
Located on Traimit Road at the end of Yaowarat Road in Chinatown, the Temple of the Golden Buddha (Wat Traimit) is best reached from nearby Hua Lamphong Station, the main railway station in Bangkok. However, the easiest way to visit is with a guided tour that includes round-trip transportation from your hotel.
When to Get There
Due to the remarkable architecture and Golden Buddha statue, Wat Traimit is a popular attraction year-round, so booking your tour early is recommended. It’s best to arrive in the morning to beat the crowds as well as the potential for afternoon heat or rain.
Get a Peek at History
The centuries-old Golden Buddha, seated in a peaceful lotus position, is made of solid gold. Once hidden from invading Burmese armies by a covering of plaster, its gold cast wasn’t discovered until the 1950s. Pieces of the plaster that once formed its disguise can now be found in a display case at the onsite museum.
Address: Thanon Mittaphap Thai-China Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok, Thailand
From $ 10
Banglamphu
The Banglamphu district of Bangkok is located to the east of Ko Rattanakosin. Amid its bustling wet markets and old-style shophouses, the Bangkok of yesteryear is still alive and well in certain parts of this region.
At the heart of the old-fashioned neighborhoods and bustling streets, a 24-meter tall structure, the Democracy Monument, dominates the busy Ratchadamnoen Klang Road. Built to commemorate Thailand's 1932 revolution that led to the establishment of a constitutional monarchy, this was also the spot where many Thais were killed protesting against a military coup in 1992.
The surrounding Banglamphu area, which is also awash with temples, is well-known for one famous street in particular. Despite the nearby backstreets retaining an authentically Thai feel, not too far away is the world-famous backpacker haunt, Khao San Road. This is home to a lively travelers' scene, with a mass of budget accommodation, food and clothes stalls, and, of course, a range of bars and other nightlife spots.
Practical Info
Ordinary buses serve Ratchadamnoen Klang Road. The Phra Athit River Express pier is also situated in Banglamphu, about a five-minute walk northeast from Khao San Road.
Address: Banglamphu District, Bangkok, Thailand
From $ 65
Phra Sumen Fort
Built in 1783 by King Rama I to help defend against naval invasions, Phra Sumen Fort sits on the banks of a river within Santi Chai Prakan park. The white, octagonal brick-and-stucco tower is one of only two of Bangkok’s original 14 city watchtowers still standing. The fort was named after Mt. Meru (Phra Sumen in Thai) from Hindu-Buddhist mythology.
Locals and visitors alike come to the park to enjoy cool breezes, river views and even the occasional riverside aerobics class in the early evening.
Practical Info
The entrance to the fort itself is blocked, but it’s possible to view the structure from the outside and enjoy the surrounding park.
Address: Phra Athit Road, Bangkok, Thailand
Hours: 5am-9pm
From $ 74
SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World
SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World, formerly called Siam Ocean World, is one of Southeast Asia’s biggest aquariums, encompassing 110,000 square feet (10,200 square meters) of exhibit space and over a million gallons (5 million liters) of tanks. The aquarium is divided into several themed areas, including the innovative Shark Walk, where instead of passing through an acrylic tunnel, visitors walk above a tank where five species of sharks swim.
Popular aquatic residents include a colony of African penguins at Rocky Shore, an array of colorful and often bizarre seahorses at Seahorse Kingdom, short clawed otters in the Tropical Rainforest and a host of mesmerizing jellies. For an additional fee, guests can participate in feeding boat rides, behind-the-scenes tours, 4D cinema screenings and shark tank dives.
Practical Info
SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World is open seven days a week, including public holidays. The aquarium is located with Siam Paragon shopping center.
Address: B1-B2 Floor, Siam Paragon, 991 Rama 1 Road, Bangkok, Thailand
Hours: Daily
Admission: Adults 990 Baht, Children 3-11 790 Baht
From $ 18
Wat Suthat
Wat Suthat is one of the oldest and most revered temples in Bangkok. It is one of just six temples in Thailand classified as the “highest grade of the first class royal temples.” It houses an eight-meter tall bronze Buddha statue seated in the Mara position, as well as some intricate wall murals that depict the life of the Buddha.
However, Wat Suthat is perhaps best known for the giant red swing (or Sao Ching Chaa) that sits in front of it. The huge 20-meter-tall swing, which is made from teak wood, was built at the end of the 18th century when it was used as part of an annual religious ceremony.
Inside the temple, magnificent wall murals portray the stories of the Buddha, while others depict scenes of daily life in the Rattanakosin era. Along with those found in Bangkok’s Grand Palace, these murals are considered some of the best and most extensive in the whole of Thailand.
Practical Info
Wat Suthat is locatedon Bamrung Muang Road in the old city, opposite Bangkok City Hall. The temple is open from 8:30am to 9pm daily and there is a small admission fee of 20 Baht to enter.
Address: Bangkok, Thailand
Hours: 8:30am to 9pm daily
Admission: 20 Baht
From $ 38
Sampeng Market
Perhaps the most popular of Bangkok’s street markets, Sampeng Market—known by locals at Yaowarat—is an energetic and eclectic space in the city’s Chinatown neighborhood that’s jam packed with food, fabric, jewelry and other random items. Locals flock to crowded stalls in search of wholesale items, while tourists can be found sampling spicy dishes and combing through collections of t-shirts, handbags, jewelry and artwork. Travelers are encouraged to barter for lower prices, although most items are tough to find cheaper. Those who prefer a more typical shopping experience can head to nearby Terminal 21, a well-known shopping mall with fewer crowds and standard international offerings.
Practical Info
Travelers can access Sampeng Market by taking a riverboat to Ratchawong Pier and walking about five minutes inland to Sampeng Lane in the Samphanthawong District. The market is open daily from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. It tends to be more crowded on weekends.
Address: Samphanthawong, Bangkok, Thailand
From $ 20
Wat Kalayanamit
Wat Kalayanamit is an elaborate Bangkok temple that sits on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. It’s located near the mouth of the Bangkok Yai Canal, although any time spent on this part of the river means you’re unlikely to miss it; the temple’s giant ochre-roofed viharn tends to stand out and demand attention.
While Kalayanamit’s viharn can be said to be traditionally Thai in architectural style, the temple’s other buildings and pavilions have a distinct Chinese influence. This is because Wat Kalayanamit was built in the first half of the 19th century when China was seen as the ideal counterbalance to the growing European influences in southeast Asia. As such, Chinese architecture, sculptures, and other decorative artefacts became increasingly popular.
Inside the huge viharn, an equally huge Buddha statue almost fills the entire prayer hall, while the walls are painted with scenes from the time of the temple's construction. Located next to the viharn, a bell tower houses the largest bronze bell in Thailand.
Practical Info
Due to Wat Kalayanamit’s location, the best way to reach the temple is by boat. The Chaophraya River Express goes to Ratchinee, where a cross-river ferry makes the trip to the pier located next to the temple entrance.
Address: Thailand
From $ 34
Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho)
One of the oldest, largest and most revered temple complexes in Bangkok, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) is a must-see for all visitors to the Thai capital. The central attraction of the temple complex is its namesake statue, the gold-leaf-covered reclining Buddha, but don't let it distract you from the site's other treasures, including its 95 pagodas, carved narrative panels, and opulent main altar.
The Basics
The gigantic golden Buddha statue is the largest in Thailand, measuring 151 feet (46 meters) long and 50 feet (15 meters) tall. The Buddha's feet alone are 16 feet (five meters) tall, both exquisitely decorated and inlaid with mother-of-pearl. A walk along the length of the entire statue is a treat in and of itself, but visitors would be remiss if they didn't enter the temple and explore the whole Wat Pho compound, which is full of artwork and Buddha images. The oldest temple in Thailand, the complex also remains a hub of knowledge for traditional Thai medicine and Thai massage, and travelers can even book a massage appointment here.
The Basics
The gigantic golden Buddha statue is the largest in Thailand, measuring 151 feet (46 meters) long and 50 feet (15 meters) tall. The Buddha's feet alone are 16 feet (five meters) tall, both exquisitely decorated and inlaid with mother-of-pearl. A walk along the length of the entire statue is a treat in and of itself, but visitors would be remiss if they didn't enter the temple and explore the whole Wat Pho compound, which is full of artwork and Buddha images. The oldest temple in Thailand, the complex also remains a hub of knowledge for traditional Thai medicine and Thai massage, and travelers can even book a massage appointment here.
A key Bangkok attraction, the temple is included in most city and temple tours of the capital, frequently grouped with visits to Bangkok temples such as Wat Arun, Wat Traimit (home to a solid gold Buddha statue), the Gem Gallery, and Chinatown, among other combinations for half-day tours. For a memorable way to visit this and other important sights in the city, join a tour guide for a sunset or night bike tour; hop on a tuk tuk for a fun-filled sightseeing adventure; or board a longtail boat to arrive via the Chao Phraya River.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get to the Temple of the Reclining Buddha
The sprawling grounds of Wat Pho have two walled compounds divided by Soi Chetuphon. The reclining Buddha and famous Thai massage school can be found on the northern side, while the temple's monastic facilities are located in the southern compound. The easiest way to access the temple is by boat: take the Chao Phraya River Express to the Tha Thien pier. The temple is located next to the Grand Palace and behind the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew).
- The temple is most often visited on half-day sightseeing tours of Bangkok.
- The site is not easily accessed by wheelchair.
- Dress conservatively—visitors shouldn't wear shorts or low-cut tops, and women must cover their arms.
The sprawling grounds of Wat Pho have two walled compounds divided by Soi Chetuphon. The reclining Buddha and famous Thai massage school can be found on the northern side, while the temple's monastic facilities are located in the southern compound. The easiest way to access the temple is by boat: take the Chao Phraya River Express to the Tha Thien pier. The temple is located next to the Grand Palace and behind the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew).
When to Get There
Visit during the morning or evening to beat the heat and crowds of the middle of the day.
Address: Sanamchai Road, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Hours: Daily 8am–5pm
Admission: 100 THB
From $ 10
Royal Barges National Museum
Thailand is full of royal palaces and striking religious temples. But one of Bangkok’s most memorable highlights is the Royal Barges National Museum. This popular destination houses a fleet of ornately decorated, sleek and slender ships that were once the main mode of transportation for the royal family.
Travelers can examine the religious symbols that decorate the king’s personal barge and get up close with to the hand-carved Buddhas and pristine dugouts of these unique vessels. The largest ship stretches from 45 meters in length and takes 50 men to propel it through the city’s winding water channels. Travelers who visit in October and November may even get to see the boats set sail during the famous cloth-giving ceremony.
Practical Info
The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. It is accessible via motorcycle taxi or the Tha Saphan Phra Pin Klao ferry. It is located at Khlong Bangkok Noi and admission is 100 baht per person with additional fees for cameras and video.
Address: Khlong Bangkok Noi, Bangkok, Thailand
Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: 100 baht
From $ 20
Temple of the Dawn (Wat Arun)
Easily one of Bangkok’s most visually striking landmarks, the Temple of the Dawn (Wat Arun) towers over the Chao Phraya River. Its colorfully decorated spires are the star features—the temple’s central prang stands 260 feet (79 meters) tall and is intricately decorated with tiny pieces of colored glass and Chinese porcelain.
The Basics
Named for the Hindu god Aruna who is said to emulate the rising sun, this Buddhist temple was built in the era of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, an ancient Siamese city-state. It’s now one of Thailand’s top landmarks, attracting visitors who come to wander the complex and its interior and those who clamber up the steep steps to enjoy unparalleled vistas of Bangkok’s skyline and the winding Chao Phraya River.
With its location on the river’s western bank, Wat Arun is best enjoyed from a canal cruise. Opt for a half-day longtail boat tour to see the temple along with top Bangkok attractions such as Chinatown, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), the Grand Palace, and the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho). To see Temple of the Dawn lit up with the sunset’s golden glow, choose a dinner cruise; to view the temple from land, join a bike or tuk-tuk tour of the city.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Wat Arun is an important place of worship, so be sure to dress appropriately for your visit. Modest clothing (covered shoulders and long pants or a skirt) is a must. Cover-ups can be rented near the temple’s entrance.
- Entering the complex requires a small fee.
- Remember to bring sun protection and comfortable shoes for scaling the steps.
- Be prepared to wait your turn to climb the central spire (prang) and make way for visitors heading back down. The experience is not well suited for those scared of heights or visitors with limited mobility.
How to Get There
The Temple of Dawn is located on the Chao Phraya River’s west bank, across from the Grand Palace. The easiest way to reach the temple is by water taxi from Tha Tien Pier, near Wat Pho. By road from the city center, head to the west side of the Chao Phraya River by way of the Phra Pin-klao Bridge, then follow the waterway south on Arum Amarin Road.
When to Get There
It’s possible to see the temple at dawn, but the central prang and wider temple complex typically opens at 8:30am. Opt for a sunrise visit to explore the exterior and beat the crowds (and the heat).
Exploring the Temple’s Interior Spaces
While the temple’s intricate exterior details are an obvious draw, its interior is also full of wonder. Don’t miss the incense-scented Ordination Hall and its prominently seated golden Buddha, the towering mosaic-lined chambers of the secluded Prayer Hall, or the human-sized Buddha’s footprint.
Address: 158 Wang Doem Road, Bangkok, Thailand
Hours: 8am–5:30pm
Admission: 30 Baht
From $ 19
Siam Niramit
Tthe 2,000 seat Siam Niramit, or the Enchanted Kingdom, is a state-of-the art theater yielding one of the largest stage productions in the world. The show is a captivating 80-minute adventure through the history and culture of Thailand in high-flying fashion, with live elephants, acrobatics, pyrotechnics and stunts—all performed by a troupe made up of thousands of performers adorned in great costumes.
Great for the whole family, tour packages start at $50 per person and include dinner at one of the theaters restaurants—which offers buffet lines of local cuisine.
Aside from the show and dinner, the theater’s facilities also contains a number of other attractions as well, including outdoor performances, souvenir shops, a traditional Thai massage parlor and even an opportunity to enjoy a few rides.
Great for the whole family, tour packages start at $50 per person and include dinner at one of the theaters restaurants—which offers buffet lines of local cuisine.
Aside from the show and dinner, the theater’s facilities also contains a number of other attractions as well, including outdoor performances, souvenir shops, a traditional Thai massage parlor and even an opportunity to enjoy a few rides.
Address: Huai Khwang, Bangkok 10310, Thailand
From $ 45