I feel like Bangkok is never explored to its full potential by travellers. I’ve travelled to Bangkok for the 3rd time last year, and I’m always running out of time to see everything I’ve planned to. It’s not only a vibrant metropolis with terrible traffic and thousand of years history, it’s also a cultural hub with great museums, cafés and shopping, too.
And can we ever forget the food? From street food to Michelin stars, is anyone capable of having a bad meal in Thailand?
Anyhow, here’s my favourite picks that I think make any Bangkok trip worth it!
1. An Unexpectedly Incredible Museum
This is going to sound weird, but you really need to see the Royal Barge Museum. And no, it’s not gondollas or dinky boats. These barges are basically working sculptures.
Displayed in a huge warehouse, these barges have been retired since the 50th year anniversary of the king Rama IX in 1996. Don’t worry though, they still look pristine. They are simply too fragile for use.
Well worth the detour across the river, and also not very touristy so you’ll have plenty of space for your visit.
2. The Bangkok Emblem
I saved this for second, because I think the first museum gets passed over a lot while Wat Arun is on everyone’s list. This is only to reinstate the fact that you need to see Wat Arun in person. And by boat. And by any means, really.
This temple is built in porcelain, in the Khmer style. The site has been consecrated as a religious site since the Ayutthaya Kingdom (14th Century), Wat Arun itself was built in the 17th century and completed in the early 19th century.
A symbol of Bangkok itself, what would be your excuse to miss it?
3. A Royal Temple
This temple was built after King Rama V visited Europe and decided to modernise Bangkok. He dug the large boulevards of the Dusit neighbourhood, but it was one of his brother that built the Wat Benchamapophit in 1899.
All built in Carrera marble, the temple mixes European and Thai styles seamlessly. Don’t miss the different styles buddhas exhibited inside the temples, as well as the stained glass windows.
It’s really a one of a kind building that you have to see!
4. The Reclining Buddha
This gigantic Buddha statue, 46m long and 15m high, represents Buddha on his death bed. It’s actually made of bricks and plaster, then covered in gold leaves.
It’s an extraordinary work of art. Spend some time in the gallery, observing all the details. On the feet of the Buddha are inscribed in mother-of-pearl the 108 lakshanas, which are the symbols that represents the Buddha.
The Wat Pho complex is right by the Royal Quarter, so can be visited in the same day, to have a full day understanding Thai culture. It can also be seen by the river, but you really need to see the Buddha for yourself.
5. The Royal Quarter
This is a must do activity, of course. The whole of the royal quarter in Bangkok is huge, and best approached by the river rather than land.
The residence of the kings and queens of Thailand has been in use since the late 18th century until the end of World War II. There’s a lot of different buildings to explore, but the grandest is definitely the temple complex, Wat Phra Kaew. Make sure to be respectful and wear trousers and long sleeves to be allowed in.
The Emerald Buddha is housed in the Ubosot area. It’s acutally much smaller than you’d expect, at 66cm of height, and also not made of emerald but jade.
It is the most venerated statue of Thailand and housed in an 11m high altar.
Three times a year, the king comes to change the Buddha’s clothes in a religious ceremony. It’s worth checking if it’s happening during your trip, but then beware of the crowds because they’ll be huge.
6. The Royal Courtroom
Built in late 18th century, it’s a perfect example of Thai style architecture from the period. It is meant to resemble the Mount Meru, which is the centre of the universe in Thai mythology.
When it was still in use, this served as the king’s court room to receive, but also the place where state funeral took place. The king or queen’s body could lie in state for a hundred days so the people could pay their respects.
The building also houses the mother-of-pearl throne that dates back to King Rama the First, who built the structure. A really great add-on to visiting the royal quarter.
Don’t forget to visit the Aphon Phimok Prasat as well. This beautiful wooden pavillion used to be the king’s changing room before entering the court room.
There’s very intricate mosaic to admire inside and of course the Thai style of wooden pagoda feels at its peak here.
7. The Museum not to Miss
The National Museum is the largest museum of Thailand. Their equivalent of the Louvre or the British Museum. You wouldn’t visit Paris and skip the Louvres, would you? So you have to pay a visit to the National Museum!
It was founded in 1874, using the grounds of a palace previously used for the heirs of the Thai kingdom, so you can imagine how grand it is. It covers Thai history from prehistory to modern history. You’ll learn everything from the ancient cities of Ayutthaya to the reigns of the kings of the 20th century.
There’s a very interesting building, called the “red building” that replicates the personal appartments of one of the sisters of Rama the First. It’s all built in teck, in a complete replica of the traditional buildings of the Thai kingdom then.
It’s filled with objects of daily life and gives a great insight into Thai traditions and culture.
The museum sprawls a few buildings so I’d definitely dedicate at least a half day to this visit.
8. A TRUE Hidden Gem
I always search high and low for activities to do in a city I haven’t visited yet, and I can tell you, I have never heard of anyone talking about the Jim Thompson museum. I do hate the term “hidden gem,” but this beautiful house really feels like it’s not touristy and out of the beaten paths, so for once, I’m allowing myself to call it a hidden gem.
Jim Thompson was an American OSS agent during War World II that worked to liberate Thailand from the Japanese invaders.
He fell in love with Thai culture and dedicate his life to revamp and establish a proper industry for Thai silk. He was also a collector of Asian fine arts. After he mysteriously disappeared in Malaysia in the early 1960s, his house was turned into a museum.
The house is beautiful and I really recommend booking the guided tour and then treating yourself to a silk scarf made just a few streets over by Thai artisans!
9. Bonus Round
Have you really been to Bangkok if you haven’t cruised around the Chao Phraya River?
You can see all the sights from the water, with none of the traffic. I’d recommend doing it at sunset for the best pictures of the skies and the lights that get turned on as you travel down. Some hotels offer a river tour or you can book it through GetYourGuide here or here.
What’s your favourite activity to do while travelling? Do you skip the big cities to head right to the beach? Let me know below!
If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, check out my 2-weeks itinerary guide here. Happy researching!
