In a nutshell
- Besides the famous sights, there are plenty of other exciting things to do in Bangkok! In this guide, we share the 9 top activities in Bangkok you won’t want to miss.
- One of the best activities in Bangkok is taking a tuk tuk ride through the city at night. Another unforgettable highlight is watching a Muay Thai match at Rajadamnern Stadium.
- Got an extra day with no plans? We’ve put together 4 amazing day trips from Bangkok. Our top pick: a visit to the famous floating markets.
Fun Things to Do in Bangkok
Only have a few hours in the city and wondering what to do? Here are 9 of the best activities in Bangkok that will make your Bangkok city trip unforgettable – whether you explore on your own or join a tour.
A Guided Tour of Bangkok
What to expect: A guided tour is one of the easiest ways to get a real feel for Bangkok. Options are endless: classic sightseeing, a fun bike ride across the river, sampling the city’s flavors on a food tour, or cruising along the canals by boat.
Is it worth it? Definitely! You’ll get insider tips from locals and see the city from a whole new angle. Guides take care of the details and share great stories along the way. You can choose between private and group tours.
Activity location: Across Bangkok, depending on the tour
Book a guided city tour with temples and the Royal Palace
Cooking Class
What to expect: Learn to prepare Thailand’s most famous dishes – from pad Thai and papaya salad to fragrant curries and mango sticky rice. Most classes include a (digital) recipe book so you can recreate them at home.
Is it worth it? Absolutely. We’ve joined cooking classes in Chiang Mai and Khao Lak and loved them. Since they were such great experiences, we’re convinced the classes in Bangkok are just as good – a fun and tasty way to dive deeper into Thai culture.
Activity location: Old Town, Sukhumvit, and Silom. You can pick a class close to your hotel in Bangkok.
Book a cooking class with market visit in the Old Town
Book a cooking class with market visit near Sukhumvit
Book a cooking class with market visit in Silom
Good to know: Many travelers follow the classic island route in the Gulf of Thailand instead of heading north. If you don’t manage to fit in a class here, you can also find great cooking schools on Koh Phangan – one of the most enjoyable things to do in Thailand.
Ride a Tuk Tuk
What to expect: Tuk tuks have been part of Bangkok life since the 1960s and are still one of the city’s icons. They’re much more thrilling than a regular taxi – with no doors, you’ll feel right in the middle of the action.
Is it worth it? Without a doubt! Riding a tuk tuk at least once is a top activity in Bangkok. It’s a blast, whether you use it for a short trip or join a longer tuk tuk tour that often combines sightseeing or food stops. Just remember to agree on the fare before hopping in.
Activity location: All over Bangkok
Book a guided evening tuk tuk tour
Shopping in Markets and Malls
What to expect: Bangkok is great for shopping—everywhere! At typical markets, on the roadside or in modern shopping centers. The cheapest places to buy clothes, jewelry, souvenirs and more are the markets. The shopping centers have higher prices, but you’ll also find many international brands that aren’t available at your home.
Is it worth it? Absolutely! If we weren’t always traveling with hand luggage, we would have shopped even more than we already do! We especially love the markets, like the Chatuchak Market. We’ve already bought clothes, beautiful scarves and lots of decorations there. Of the shopping centers, we really like Terminal 21.
Location of the activity: You can find markets all over Bangkok, most shopping centers are located around Sukhumvit Road
See Bangkok from Above
What to expect: Away from the historic old town, Bangkok shows off its modern side with soaring skyscrapers in areas like Sathorn, Silom, and Sukhumvit. From the top, you’ll get breathtaking views across the city.
Is it worth it? Definitely! One of the top activities in Bangkok is visiting the iconic Mahanakhon Tower. Standing 300 meters tall, it features Thailand’s highest observation deck and an exciting glass-floor skywalk. Not ideal if you’re scared of heights, but the view is unforgettable. If you’d rather keep your feet on solid ground, check out one of the city’s many rooftop bars – our next activity.
Activity location: Mahanakhon Tower in the Sathorn district
Book tickets for the Mahanakhon Tower Skywalk
Drinks at a Rooftop Bar
What to expect: Want to soak in the view a little longer – or see Bangkok sparkle at night? Head to one of the city’s many rooftop bars. For us, this is one of the best evening things to do in Bangkok.
Is it worth it? Absolutely! Watching the city light up after dark is magical. Many hotels have rooftop bars, but there are also plenty of independent spots. Just keep in mind that drinks here usually cost more than elsewhere in Thailand.
Our favorite rooftop bars in Bangkok:
- Red Sky Bar: Located on the 56th floor with floor-to-ceiling glass walls for panoramic views. Live jazz and a stylish restaurant just one floor below add to the experience.
- Vertigo Restaurant & Moon Bar: Make a reservation for the highest bar on our list. The 360-degree view from the 61st floor, great cocktails, and fine dining make it a must.
- Lebua Sky Bar & Sirocco Restaurant: Famous worldwide and featured in *The Hangover 2*. Stunning views, excellent Mediterranean cuisine, but expect premium prices.
- Breeze Bar: Sleek and modern design, with Asian-inspired dishes and standout cocktails like the Passion Fruit Mojito. Located in the same building as Lebua Sky Bar.
- Above Eleven Bar: More affordable than most, with a unique mix of Japanese and Peruvian dishes. Book ahead for the best seats along the glass walls.
- Three Sixty Lounge: A quieter choice with live jazz, soft lighting, and great views at sunset. More relaxed – and usually cheaper – than other bars.
- Long Table Bar: Technically not on a rooftop, but the city views are still great. Known for its Thai fusion food and creative drinks like the Bangkok Cosmopolitan.
Good to know: Most rooftop bars have a dress code, so pack closed shoes and a smart shirt or summer dress for a night out in Bangkok.
Watch a Muay Thai Boxing Match
What to expect: Want an evening activity with some serious energy? Then head to a Muay Thai match. This traditional martial art is Thailand’s national sport. You’ll find official competitions as well as smaller events aimed at visitors, but either way, the atmosphere is electric.
Is it worth it? Definitely. We once watched a match on Koh Phi Phi and were amazed by the speed and skill of the fighters. Catching a fight at the historic Rajadamnern Stadium in Bangkok – often called the Madison Square Garden of Muay Thai – is on another level. Bouts take place almost daily.
Activity location: Rajadamnern Stadium in Bangkok’s old town
Book tickets for a Muay Thai fight at Rajadamnern Stadium
Try a Muay Thai Training Session
What to expect: Love the idea of Muay Thai and want to give it a try? Book a one-on-one taster class. You’ll be introduced to the basics of Thailand’s national sport, including kicks, punches, knees, elbows, and defensive moves – all taught by a pro.
Is it worth it? Absolutely! This is one of the most active things to do in Bangkok. It’s a great workout and a fun way to experience a key part of Thai culture. No prior experience is needed, just the willingness to sweat and have fun.
Activity location: Any Fitfac Muay Thai gym close to your hotel
Book a private Muay Thai lesson
See the Calypso Cabaret Show
What to expect: The Calypso Cabaret is one of the most entertaining evening activities in Bangkok. Expect lively singing, dancing, and dazzling costumes. Many of the performers are Thailand’s famous ladyboys, who light up the stage with charm and humor.
Is it worth it? Yes! We saw a cabaret show on Koh Tao and were impressed by the energy, humor, and courage of the artists. The shows last about 50 minutes and are fun, lighthearted, and a unique slice of Thai culture.
Activity location: Asiatique The Riverfront, just north of the old town
Book tickets for the Calypso Cabaret Show
The Best Day Trips from Bangkok
Got a bit more time and want to explore beyond the city? Here are 4 of the best day trips from Bangkok to discover Thailand’s history, culture, and landscapes.
Day Trip to Ayutthaya
What to expect: Located about 70 kilometers north of Bangkok, Ayutthaya is home to some of the country’s most impressive temples. While tourists flock here for the ruins, the town itself is deeply important in Thai history and Buddhism, offering real insight into the nation’s spiritual past.
Is it worth it? Absolutely, if you’re interested in temples and history. We wouldn’t travel to Thailand just for Ayutthaya, but as a day trip from Bangkok or a stopover en route to Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai, it’s an excellent choice.
Duration: 1–2 days
Book a day trip to Ayutthaya from Bangkok
Day Trip to the Floating Markets
What to expect: One of the most popular day trips from Bangkok is a visit to the floating markets. Here you’ll see vendors selling fruits, snacks, and souvenirs directly from small wooden boats. While the experience today is more of a tourist attraction than an authentic trading hub, it’s still one of the top activities in Bangkok and a fun way to see local life on the water. During peak travel season, expect it to be lively and crowded.
Is it worth it? Yes – despite the touristy vibe, the floating markets are worth a visit. You’ll get a glimpse of what traditional river trade once looked like, and many families here still rely on it for their income. Plus, the food and local products are delicious. Most tours also include a stop at the famous Maeklong Train Market, which makes the trip even more memorable.
Duration of the excursion: 7 hours
Book a tour to the Damnoen Saduak floating market
Kanchanaburi
What to expect: Kanchanaburi is still under the radar for many travelers, but it’s one of the most interesting places near Bangkok. The city is best known for the Death Railway, a train line built during World War II by prisoners of war and forced laborers under brutal conditions. Visiting Kanchanaburi gives you the chance to learn more about this chapter of history while exploring the region’s natural beauty.
Is it worth it? Absolutely. The railway is both a piece of living history and a moving memorial. Parts of the line are still in use, and a visit offers a deep insight into Thailand’s past. On a guided tour, you won’t just see the tracks but also key sights along the way. Most tours also include a stop at Erawan National Park, which is home to one of the most stunning waterfalls in Thailand.
Duration of the excursion: 13 to 14 hours
Book a guided day trip from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi
Day Trip to Pattaya and Koh Larn
What to expect: Pattaya is a well-known beach resort about 150 kilometers southeast of Bangkok. On this trip, you’ll take a boat to the small island of Koh Larn, where you can swim, snorkel, and relax on the white sand beaches for a few hours. Later, the tour continues to the Sanctuary of Truth, a massive wooden temple that is still under construction and carved entirely by hand.
Is it worth it? If you don’t have time to visit the southern islands or beaches in Thailand, this is one of the best day trips from Bangkok to get a taste of the seaside. Koh Larn’s beaches are beautiful, and the Sanctuary of Truth is an impressive sight. While Pattaya itself is not our favorite destination, the mix of beach time and culture makes this trip worthwhile.
Duration of the excursion: Around 10 hours
Book a day trip from Bangkok to Pattaya and Koh Larn
Are you heading further afield in Thailand after Bangkok? Then check out our hotel tips on Koh Phangan, the best accommodation on Phuket or the most beautiful resorts in Khao Lak. Depending on where you want to go next!