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My Bangkok Top 20 – Things to Do in the City of Angels

My Bangkok Top 20 – Things to Do in the City of Angels

Bangkok Top 20 Things to Do in the City of Angels Grand Palace Details Decor

The City of Angels has many things to offer – for any budget, interest, travel style. It is a challenge to narrow it down to a list of only 20. But here they are, my top things to do in Bangkok.

1. Temple hopping – Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Wat Benchamabophit – the Marble Temple – and Wat Traimit – the Golden Buddha Temple

2. High tea at the Authors’ Lounge at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel

Bangkok Top 20 Things to Do in the City of Angels Mandarin Oriental Hotel Authors Lounge
The Oriental Hotel was Thailand’s first hotel in the late 19th century. Today, it is the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and the high tea is in this beautiful old part of the building called the Authors’ Lounge.

3. Visit the local markets – e.g. Chatuchak weekend market or the Tuesday/Thursday market in Sukhumvit Soi 23

4. Take a river cruise

5. Dine by the river, maybe even with a view of Wat Arun

6. Explore Bangkok as it used to be before the real estate boom – off the skyscrapers in the area around Charoen Krung

Bangkok Top 20 Things to Do in the City of Angels Heritage Houses
Heritage houses in off Charoen Krung Road near the river

7. Visit the Jim Thompson House

8. Eat mango with sticky rice

9. Explore the coffee scene in Thonglor and Ekkamai

10. Look for the monitor lizards in Lumpini Park

Bangkok Top 20 Things to Do in the City of Angels Lizzard
This was not at Lumpini Park but near China Town. You have to look closely: there is a giant monitor lizard chilling in the water. Can you find it?

11. Explore Bangkok’s street art

12. Relax, relax, relax and go for a massage

13. Take a tuk-tuk

14. Learn how to make chocolate pralines at Chocolab

Bangkok Top 20 Things to Do in the City of Angels Chocolate Making Class So Sofitel Chocolab
Learn how to make your own chocolate pralines – and also enjoy the delicious desserts at Chocolab (So Sofitel Sathorn)

15. Eat Pad Thai, Khao Soi, minced chicken with Thai basil (Gai Pad Krapow) and chicken with cashew nuts (Gai Pad Med Ma Muang)

16. Have a drink at one of the rooftop bars and enjoy the sunset view

17. Fusion Thai food at Issaya Siamese Club set in a beautiful heritage house

Bangkok Top 20 Things to Do in the City of Angels Issaya Siamese Club Restaurant
One of the most beautiful dining locations of Bangkok: the Issaya Siamese Club

18. Go on a day trip to the old capital Ayutthaya

19. Visit the Grand Palace (Yes, obvious recommendation. But I still think it is worth a visit.)

20. Discover the different kinds of spirit houses and the hidden gardens

Bangkok Top 20 Things to Do in the City of Angels Private Garden
Yes, this is also Bangkok! Pay attention when you explore residential areas and get a glimpse into those beautiful private gardens. This one is in Ekkamai.

More about Bangkok

Bangkok Ultimate Travel Guide

See Also
Poros Island Greece Guide Boat Sunset

Top 20 Things to Do in Bangkok

Jim Thompson House

Bangkok Street Art

Bangkok Off the Beaten Paths – Lizard-Spotting in Lumphini Park

Itinerary for Bangkok in 2 Days

Best Coffee Places in Thong Lo and Ekkamai

Chocolate Making Class at Chocolab

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport Guide

More about Thailand

Phuket Guide – All You Need to Know for Your Perfect Beach Holiday

Chiang Mai Ultimate Guide


All information as of the date of publishing/updating. We cannot accept responsibility for the correctness or completeness of the data, or for ensuring that it is up to date. All recommendations are based on the personal experience of Elisabeth Steiger, no fees were received by the recommended places above.

View Comments (2)
  • Thailand is definitely on my list and I would love to visit Bangkok one day. It will be interesting to see the old heritage buildings as well as the the shiny modern architecture.

    • Thank you, Ameeta for your comment! As you say, the juxtaposition of old and new is really interesting and in general, it is a city with plenty of options to explore. I hope you can make it soon!

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