April 10th, 2024 | By: Grace Kim
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Home to one of the friendliest cities in the world, Bangkok is known for it’s vibrant culture, incredible street food, famous shopping mall, and breathtaking architecture. There’s no question as to why Bangkok continues to rank as the most visited city in Southeast Asia, as you’ll find tourists turn into expats and travelers who come back on a continual basis.
I solo traveled to Bangkok when the world was recovering from the biggest global shutdown in history and I just so happened to be one of the lucky ones allowed to enter Thailand with a Thailand Pass.
During my time in Thailand, I spent a little over a month exploring all of what Bangkok ha to offer. Locals have even said that I’ve seen more of Bangkok than they ever have during my short time there. Everyday, I went out, explored, and captured so much content that by the time I left, I was confidently able to say that I’ve seen the best of Bangkok.
A month and a half is al long time but if you only have a few days to explore, what are the absolute must go-to places to see during your visit?
7 Places to Visit in Bangkok
There are so many unforgettable places to visit in Bangkok that will truly “wow” your visit but if you’re limited on time, these are 7 important places to visit, whether you’re visiting solo or with others.
1. Ancient City
Thailand is full of some of the world’s most beautiful temples that visiting Ancient City, also known as Muang Boran, should be on top of your list. From the moment I arrived in Thailand, one of the first places I visited was Ancient City, and for good reason.
Although Ancient City is about a 40 minute taxi drive away, it was my favorite place to visit in all of Bangkok. A lot of people questioned why Ancient City was one of the first places I wanted to visit, but you’ll understand once you get there. The temples and architecture are some of the most unique and truly were the most unforgettable. This visit truly set the tone of my Thailand visit as the gardens and ponds will truly make you feel like you’re going back to ancient Thailand times.
Even if you’re traveling in a group or with family, there are very informative, guided tours that will educate you on Thailands most iconic landmarks and architectural wonders at Ancient City.
2. Asiatique Pier
Located right along the Chao Phraya River is where you’ll find a vibrant hub of shopping, dining, and entertainment. Browse through Asiatique Pier’s local boutique shops that offer everything from fashion, souvenirs, and local delicacies to take back home. My favorite was visiting during sunset as it was a calm and the most prefect way to end the day.
Asiatique Pier at the Riverfront is perfect for couples and families, as there is a lot of outdoor seating and a small amusement park with a carousel. Even more, if you want to complete your trip even more, book a Princess Dinner Cruise to relax and end off your night.
3. Giant Swing
If you’re a travel photographer and want to capture all the beautiful architecture of Bangkok, visiting the Giant Swing is a must. Located in Old Bangkok, The Giant Swing was originally a part of an annual Hindu ceremony that marked the beginning of Earth until lightning struck and damaged it back in 1784.
Photographing the Giant Swing during blue hour was my favorite as it was relatively quiet and there were not too many tourists. Swing by the Giant Swing (no pun intended) and glimpse at it’s architecture that resembles Bangkok’s faith and traditions, making it a must visit spot in Bangkok.
4. Wat Pho
Did you know that Bangkok has over 40,000 temples in the city and only 30,000 of them are in use? It’s almost impossible to visit all 40,000 temples during your Thailand trip but if I had to choose one, visiting Wat Pho is a must. Home to the Reclining Buddha, Wat Pho is a sanctuary for locals as it invites visitors to learn more about their inner peace and religious Thai practices.
Entrance fee into Wat Pho costs 200 Thai Baht person (~$5.55 USD) and it is open daily between 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM. Make sure to visit as early as possible because it will get busy, especially during peak season.
5. Lumphini Park
Whether you need a break from the bustling city or you’re simply looking for a place to run in the morning, visiting Lumphini Park is a must. Spanning over 500 acres, this is where you’ll find Bangkok’s most serene nature. Spend an afternoon enjoying a picnic or admire the locals practicing tai chi. And during your visit, be aware of lizards near the water. During my visit, I spotted a couple while photographing the park and made sure I didn’t get too close.
6. Wat Arun
Admire the beautiful Wat Arun, a temple that stands as a symbol to Thailand’s rich architecture. Wat Arun nestles along the Chao Phraya River as it glistens over Bangkok’s skyline. From going on a ferry ride or admiring it from across the river, there are a couple of ways to experience the stunning views of Wat Arun.
- Entrance fee into Wat Arun is 100 Thai Baht (~$2.75 USD)
- A ferry ride across the Chao Phraya River is 4 Thai Baht (~$0.10 USD)
- Rooftop views from Eagle Nest Bar
7. Chinatown
Get ready to indulge in delicious food and cultural treasures at Bangkok’s Chinatown. Wander through hidden alleyways, try mouthwatering street food, and soak in the vibrant nightlife. Bangkok’s Chinatown is the largest Chinatown in the world as the streets are bustling at night. Experience the best of Bangkok’s markets, try out all the food, and sizzle your way to shops and restaurants to complete your Bangkok gastronomic adventures.
Overall Thoughts
From exploring the ancient wonders to eating the most mouthwatering food, it could take a lifetime to explore all of what Bangkok has to offer. So whether you only have a day or two to explore all of Bangkok, these are my top 7 recommended places to visit that will solidify your visit. Bangkok is filled with some of Thailand’s most iconic landmarks that will only leave you with a profound appreciation for the city’s beauty and charm. Yes, there will always be more to see and more to do but after solo traveling in Bangkok for a month and a half, these were some of my most memorable places to visit.
Where was your favorite place to visit in Bangkok?
Save These Pins When Planning Your Trip to Bangkok!
