The Ultimate Bangkok Bucket List

Your Bangkok bucket list is exciting to assemble as the bustling city has so much to offer for people of all ages and travel styles. From the incredible food, to the affordable markets, wild nightlife, and the jaw-dropping historical architecture, it’s no wonder the city attracts millions of visitors each year. You can opt to explore many of the beautiful temples around the city, search the city for the best curries and Pad Thai, relax in a spa with a Thai massage, shop til you drop at one of the night markets, or visit the chaotic home of the backpackers – Khao San Road!

Whether you are staying in the city for a couple days or for a week or more, be sure to add these items to your bucket list!

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Shop Till You Drop at Chatuchak Weekend Market

The markets around Thailand are quite interesting, and are definitely a must add to your Bangkok bucket list. In Bangkok, the most notable market is definitely the Chatuchak Weekend Market. There are over 15,000 stalls, selling various handmade products, high quality knockoffs, food items, and so much more! It is definitely the spot to go if you want to do all of your shopping at once.

Visit Wat Pho and Admire the Reclining Buddha

Wat Pho, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is a colourful temple complex located in the Phra Nakhon District. The complex is home is over one thousand images of Buddha, including the 46 meter long reclining Buddha statue. There are several structures with colourful and intrinsic designs, Chinese guardian statues, and incredible golden Buddhas throughout the complex.

This is definitely a popular tourist spot due to the beauty and the history, so be sure to arrive early to avoid crowds!

Visit the Grand Palace

The most famous landmark in Bangkok is definitely the Grand Palace. It was the home of the Thai King for around 150 years. The complex features many beautiful buildings, including the beautiful Wat Phra Kaew, home to the famous Emerald Buddha. The dress code here is very strict, so be sure you dress appropriately to enter (see my tips for temple attire in this post). Be sure to avoid early to avoid the crowds!

Grab a Drink on Khao San Road

This short street in Bangkok is known worldwide as the backpacker ghetto. It features cheap hostels, restaurants, shops, and plenty of bars. It is definitely a great place to grab a drink and watch the sea of young backpackers navigate the streets after a bit too much to drink! If you’re looking to meet fellow travellers or checkout the Bangkok party scene, this is definitely the spot.

Take a 1/2 Day Trip to Visit Wat Samphran

A cheap Grab drive away is the Sam Phran District, home to Wat Samphran, also known as the Dragon Temple. Wat Samphran is one of my top temples I’ve ever seen, hands down. The temple boasts a 17-story giant, cylindrical, pink building, with an enormous dragon wrapped around it.

The best part about this temple (aside from its beauty of course) was that there were no other tourists there when I was. This, however, led to locals lining up to take photos with me, and left an audience watching me pose for photos!

Take a Tuk-Tuk Ride

Oh, tuk-tuks – the famous three-wheeled bike type vehicles that serve as taxis in cities in Thailand. Definitely an adventure that should be on your Bangkok bucket list! You’ll see many tuk-tuks throughout the city, offering a good way to travel short distances at a price similar to that of metered taxis. It is definitely a fun ride with your hair blowing in the open-air vehicle as the driver zips (probably too quickly) through traffic. Be sure to bring your haggling skills as the drivers are bound to suggest higher prices if you look like a tourist!

Go on a Day Trip to Ayutthaya

The historic city of Ayutthaya located within a day-trip’s distance from Bangkok. Here, you can tour the Historical Park and admire the ancient architecture of the dozens of temples in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dating back to 1350, the site is filled with fascinating history and archaeology. A great add to your Bangkok bucket list if you are in the city for a few days!

Relax with a Thai Massage

Whether you opt for a cheap street side massage or head to a massage shop, you’re in for a relaxing experience. The Thai women are small, but can they ever give a firm massage! Most shops offer a variety of services from traditional Thai massages, to oil massages, and more. There’s no need to worry about booking appointments at most places as they take walk-ins. Definitely be sure to tip your masseuse!

Try Unique Food at the Street Food Stalls

There’s no shortage of unique food to try on the streets in Bangkok! You will see shops selling varieties of insects, crocodile, raw ant eggs, chicken feet, and so much more. If you’re less daring, there are plenty of stalls around the city selling buttery corn, crepes, noodles, coconut ice cream, and more delicious items. I’d recommend heading to a night market on an empty stomach and trying a variety of food there!

Watch a Muay Thai Fight

You’re bound to see people promoting Muay Thai fights around the streets in Bangkok! Muay Thai originated in Thailand (go figure by the name!) and the fights are quite the events in Thailand. If you’re even more adventurous, opt to take a class where you can learn Muay Thai yourself!

Visit the Stunning Wat Arun

Wat Arun, meaning Temple of Dawn, is an ancient temple located in the Bangkok Yai District. The intricacy of the design around the temple is mesmerizing, with designs of ancient Chinese soldiers and animals encrusted in the porcelain. The temple was constructed before 1656 CE, during the Ayutthaya Period, and is one of Thailand’s most important religious sites.

Visit a Floating Market

The floating markets around Thailand are really interesting to visit. There are shops on boats along the water featuring food items, souvenirs, and handmade goods. The best known floating market, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, is located outside of the city but is definitely worth the visit. It appeared in a James Bond movie in 1974!

Enjoy a Drink at a Rooftop Bar

The city is filled with rooftop bars that have stunning views of the city. Having a drink while admiring the lit up city is a great way to end a long day of exploring.

Check out my other Thailand posts!

1. 10 Must-See Temples in Bangkok
2. Tips for Your First Trip to Thailand
3. Top Vegetarian Friendly Spots in Chiang Mai
4. 6 Must-See Temples in Chiang Mai

What is on your Bangkok bucket list? Let me know in the comments!

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