For me, the capital of Thailand, with all its cool Bangkok sights, is just so much more than traffic chaos, noise and confusion. It's a shame that many travellers leave the city straight away for the south, where snow-white beaches and a turquoise sea await them. But a stay here is well worth it. You can experience and collect hundreds of adventures and impressions around every new corner. I love to stroll for hours through the colourful Chatuchak Weekend Market, leave my money in the luxurious Siam Paragon shopping mall, and try so much of the incredibly delicious Thai food until my stomach hurts!
The City of Angels simply has everything I could wish for in a diverse stay in a major Asian city. I would like to introduce you to my favourite Bangkok sights here and now.
Bangkok: A mega metropolis in Asia
Bangkok sights: 25 ideas & valuable tips
Wat Arun: the Temple of Dawn
You have probably seen the impressive silhouette of this really beautiful temple on many photos of Bangkok. For me, Wat Arun is something of a city landmark. You can admire it most beautifully in the soft morning light or in the warm light of the setting sun, which is then reflected impressively in the shiny, colourful ceramic shards with which Wat Arun is decorated all over. Another idea is to visit it at night, when it is atmospherically illuminated.
My tip: Wat Arun differs from the other temples in the city mainly because of its location directly on the river. A very good way to see it is during a boat trip on the Chao Phraya. This is also how the famous photos are taken. Of course, you can also visit it for real: Plan at least one hour for this. If you come very early in the morning, you can experience Wat Arun without the crowds!
How to get to Wat Arun
At the Saphan Taksin pier, you can take a boat directly to pier number 8. There, small shuttle boats will take you to the other side of the river and to Wat Arun for about 5 baht. The temple, which is over 70 metres high, is open daily from 8:30 am - 5:30 pm. Admission currently costs 100 baht, or about 2.80 euros (as of April 2019).
As with many other temples in Thailand, your shoulders and knees must be covered. If you don't have anything with you, you can also borrow a large scarf at the temple itself. Be sure to climb the central steps, because from up there you can see not only the Mae Nam Chao Phraya River winding through Bangkok, but also the Grand Palace and the golden Wat Pho on the other side of the river.
These two temples should also be on your itinerary: In Wat Pho you will find the famous 45-metre-long reclining, completely gold-plated Buddha, as well as a very good massage school where you can enjoy one of the best massages in Bangkok. The Grand Palace is Bangkok's main attraction and houses the Emerald Buddha, which is revered far beyond the country's borders.
Wat Arun is studded with countless shards of porcelain
Bangkok sights: the Lebua Sky Bar
The Lebua Sky Bar on the Lebua State Tower has become one of the most famous Bangkok sights, especially thanks to the Hollywood film Hangover 2. The indescribable view from a dizzying 260 metres above the sea of lights at night is always my absolute highlight in the City of Angels. Especially the moment when you step out of the glass door on the 63rd floor and have the wide staircase with this breathtaking view in front of you is simply incredible!
I was in the Lebua Sky Bar with two good friends who had booked their room in the Lebua Hotel below. Of course, I immediately had them show me around in detail: The view from the balconies on the upper floors is also really incomparable. I would definitely treat myself to a room like this on my next visit to Bangkok!
The wide stone staircase on the 63rd floor of the Lebua Sky Bar
The magnificent view from the rooms in the Lebua Hotel
How to get to the Lebua Sky Bar @ State Tower
The best way is to take the Skytrain to Saphan Taksin station. From there, it's a 10-minute walk to the Lebua State Tower. It's not hard to find, though: Just look up and try to spot the golden dome! The Lebua Sky Bar is open daily from 6 pm. If you also want to have dinner at the Sirocco restaurant there, you should definitely make a reservation in advance. Your hotel will also be happy to do this for you!
My tip: There is a strict dress code in the Lebua Sky Bar. If you are a woman, you only need to be dressed reasonably elegantly. For men, no trainers or shorts. But you don't have to wear a shirt, a normal shirt without flashy prints is enough. The prices for drinks start at around 10 - 15 euros, whereby it doesn't matter whether you order a Coke or a cocktail with alcohol. By the way, the Hangovertini is highly recommended!
This view: One of the most beautiful Bangkok sights
3 more highly recommended sky bars in Bangkok
Unfortunately, I have only ever visited the Lebua Sky Bar. However, I have asked around among the self-confessed Bangkok fans in my circle of friends in order to have a few more tips for you. We can recommend the following sky bars with a clear conscience, even if some of them are very expensive. It's often the magnificent view that you have to pay for. But hey, you're not in Bangkok every day, are you?
The Moon Bar on the roof of the Banyan Tree Hotel. Very nice view with smart casual dress code. Take the MRT and get off at Lumphini station. From there you have to walk about 5-10 minutes to the Moon Bar.
The 360 Rooftop Bar on the roof of the Millennium Hilton Hotel. Here, too, the dress code is smart casual, so neither trainers nor flip-flops are allowed. Elegant is the motto. The 360 Bar is open daily from 5pm to 1am.
The Above Eleven Rooftop Bar on the roof of the Fraser Suites. The special feature here: They serve delicious Peruvian food! The 180 degree view from the 32nd floor over the mile of luxurious shopping malls like Siam Paragon & Co. convinces all along the line. The closest BTS station is Nana.
Are you also a big fan of sky bars in Asian metropolises? Similar to Bangkok, Singapore has a great selection of places where you can sip your cocktail in the airy heights. Check out this article: Singapore sightseeing - 17 tips you can't afford to miss
Higher still: the Mahanakhon Skywalk
One of the newest Bangkok attractions, and also the highest observation deck in all of Thailand, is the Mahanakhon Skywalk. From a dizzying height of 314 metres, the skyscrapers at your feet almost look like little Lego bricks. Up there in the lofty heights, there is not only a sky bar on the 78th floor, but also a platform with a glass floor that seems to float above the city. By no means is this something for the faint-hearted!
The City of Angels after dark
Shopping in Bangkok: the Chatuchak Weekend Market
Are you one of the lucky ones to be in Bangkok on a weekend? Then you shouldn't miss the legendary Chatuchak Weekend Market. Provided, of course, you like Asian markets. Big Asian markets. The area is really huge: to be precise, we are talking about 35 hectares with over 15,000 market stalls selling all kinds of things. On a normal weekend, over 200,000 visitors come to the Chatuchak Weekend Market. So be prepared for a lot of crowds and lots and lots of people.
The Chatuchak Weekend Market, which is also the largest market in Thailand, is divided into different areas. This fact makes it easier for you if you are here for the first time. There is a main walkway that goes around the whole area in a ring. From there, individual numbered paths lead off to the different areas.
You can buy clothes and accessories (new or second-hand), furnishings, furniture and decorative items, handicrafts and ceramics, electronics, books and souvenirs. There is also a section with live animals and plants. In between, you can refresh yourself at the numerous food and drink stalls. There are also freshly squeezed fruit juices and heavenly foot massages for aching feet!
My tip: Make sure you get a map when you arrive at the entrance, it makes navigation easier. The clock tower in the middle of the market square or the Skytrain station are also very helpful for orientation. Just find a reference point that suits you.
Bangkok sights: the Chatuchak Weekend Market
How to get to the Chatuchak Weekend Market
The quickest and easiest way to get to the Chatuchak Weekend Market is by Skytrain (BTS). Just get off at Mo Chit station and follow the crowds until you see the first stalls. In its full size, the market is only ever open on Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 6pm.
You can find even more cool markets in Bangkok at Nina's blog Reisehappen. She has also created a detailed guide with Bangkok tips.
My tip: Make sure you wear comfortable shoes and airy clothes. You will be walking a lot. It's really no fun if your feet hurt after just 2 hours. Airy clothes because it can get very hot and stuffy in the mostly covered areas. Also think about sunscreen and maybe a head covering for the outdoor areas. Always have a full water bottle with you and drink enough in the heat.
The Chatuchak Weekend Market is the largest market in Thailand.
Thai Food: one of the best cuisines in the world
For me, Thai food is one of the best cuisines in the world. It is also usually very healthy. In Bangkok, you can still find many authentic dishes that are not so much geared to the taste of tourists, as is the case in some beach resorts, for example. On every street corner, under every bridge, and on every branch of the river, you will stumble across cookshops that conjure up incredibly delicious delicacies. How about a street food tour, for example?
In a small group: Culinary tour in Bangkok's old town
Hot-as-hell curries, I could die for the red with prawns, sweet banana pancakes with coconut milk and chocolate sauce, or a fruity papaya salad: there's nothing you can't find in Bangkok. By the way, I would always prefer the smallest street-side cookshop to any restaurant! Even though many travellers have concerns about hygiene, I've really never had any problems. But of course, common sense never hurts. After all, you know your body best.
You want to know a bit more about Thai cuisine? Nina also has a comprehensive street food guide about Thai food. Be sure to check it out!
Bangkok has really delicious Thai street food.
Cycling to the Bangkok sights
Anyone who has ever been to Bangkok will just shake their head in disbelief at this idea. But in fact, it is wonderful and incredibly interesting to explore the city by bike. Of course, you shouldn't just go off on your own. There are now great individual tours in small groups, such as a culinary sunset bike tour through the Thonburi district.
You cycle on congested streets through narrow canyons, through green suburbs along idyllic canals and sometimes even through private-looking properties and garages! Definitely give it a try, it's a different and very special way to discover Bangkok!
My tip: If you don't dare to go on a bike tour through a city of millions, or simply don't feel like it, then a good alternative is to discover the city with the typical Thai tuk tuk. It's also great fun and is as much a part of Bangkok as ketchup is to French fries. Don't forget to negotiate a good price with the driver beforehand, or book the cool culinary night tuk tuk tour here!
Don't worry, the bike tours take place more outside of town
Chinatown and little Sampeng Lane
There is a Chinatown in almost every big metropolis. But the one in Bangkok really impressed me! It stretches from Ratchawong Pier to Charoen Krung Road. You rarely see such a hustle and bustle and colourful chaos. I took a tuk tuk to Chinatown and felt overwhelmed by the traffic and the countless bright advertisements with Chinese characters on them. I got the feeling that half of Chinatown is made up of gold dealers and shops selling all kinds of stuff. Be prepared for crowds, oppressive heat, indefinable smells and be patient!
Well-known and worth a visit in Chinatown is the small Sampeng Lane, a long and narrow alley that is packed to bursting with small shops, stalls and all sorts of other things. You must see this place with your own eyes! Sampeng Lane runs parallel to the main street, Yaowarat Street, making it easy to find.
My tip: The shops are open daily from 9am - 6pm. Here, for once, it's better if you come sometime in the early afternoon. That's when the crowds and traffic are at their greatest, which is what makes Chinatown worth experiencing. Maybe you'd like to go on a street food tour along Yaowarat Street? You can try all the specialities that Thai-Chinese cuisine has to offer in Bangkok, which you would never find on your own!
An experience: Chinatown by night
How to get to Chinatown and Yaowarat Street
The quickest way to get there is either by taxi or tuk tuk. Don't forget to negotiate a good price beforehand. A cool tip I got from a local was to explore Chinatown at night. So far, I've only driven through once by taxi at night, but even then I was absolutely flashed by the countless neon signs!
My tip: In the evening, mobile food stalls and cookshops are set up everywhere on the main street, and the entire Yaowarat Road turns into one big street food market!
Another cool tip: the Cocktail Bullis in Sukhumvit Soi 11.
The floating markets: Damnoen Saduak & Amphawa
If you are in Bangkok, you definitely have to visit a floating market. The atmosphere there by the river, with all the colourful boats, is still unique and special! The biggest floating market in the city, but unfortunately also the most touristy, is Damnoen Saduak. If you're not too put off by big tour buses, really many people and countless souvenir shops, you can still have a very beautiful and impressive experience there.
My tip: The Damnoen Saduak floating market is about an hour's drive outside Bangkok in the province of Ratchaburi. You can easily get there by taxi and don't necessarily have to book one of the many tours. Damnoen Saduak is open daily from 6am - 11am. You should be there as early as possible. Of course, it's best to get there before the big tourist buses arrive.
Bangkok sights: Amphawa & Railway Market
A real alternative to Damnoen Saduak is the floating market of Amphawa. This is a little smaller, but not quite as crowded. The beauty here in Amphawa is that you can watch the small wooden sales boats in an authentic setting in the channels of the Mea Klong River. They are all loaded to the top with ripe and juicy fruits, fresh vegetables, or, what makes a super nice photo motif, colourful flowers.
My favourite are the boats with the often ancient women frying fresh coconut cakes. Simply delicious! If you're a soup fan, there are also boats with steaming and delicious smelling noodle soup!
My tip: You can either start your trip to the Amphawa Floating Market by train or book an organised tour. In both cases, a combination with the cool Mae Klong Railway Market is a good idea, as it is exactly on the way from Bangkok to Amphawa. This is the famous market on the rails: As soon as the train arrives, the goods have to be removed from the track in seconds. What a spectacle!
Mae Klong Railway Market: Woe when the train comes
Bangkok sights: the Khaosan Road
On my first visit to Bangkok, I didn't really want to visit Khaosan Road. You might know the street from the movie Hangover 2 and have a certain image of this crazy place in your head: party without end and everything full of tourists. At least that's how I felt. But when I visited the city a second time, I decided to give Khaosan Road a chance. Luckily!
Here you find a huge open-air market for all kinds of goods and services. You can do, buy, eat and experience almost everything. There is delicious Thai food in the numerous restaurants, refreshing cocktails in cool bars and street food without end: for example Pad Thai, mango with sticky rice and mega good banana pancakes. Khaosan Road is undoubtedly super touristy and definitely not everyone's cup of tea, but it's best to see for yourself!
My tip: If you want to try the fried insects that are so famous for Thailand, you are most likely to find them on Khaosan Road. Here you can find grasshoppers with chilli sauce, mealworms in soy sauce and even roasted scorpions on a stick!
The evening hustle and bustle of Khaosan Road
How about a foot massage on Khaosan Road?
Chao Phraya: A boat trip on the royal river
The Mae Nam Chao Phraya meanders lazily through the entire city. Next to the Mekong, it is the largest and most important river in Thailand. There is hardly any other way to experience and explore Bangkok as authentically as during a boat tour on the King's River.
In the past, Bangkok really only had these waterways, the Chao Phraya and the so-called Klongs, the side arms on which all the city's inhabitants got around in small wooden boats. The water taxis that take you from one pier to the next cost only a few baht: Get in, sit back and relax, and enjoy the great atmosphere on the water. There is now even a Hop-On Hop-Off boat that takes you to and from 9 different piers.
My tip: Depending on the time of day, you can catch some great views from the water and take some very nice photos. For example, from the river you have the best view of Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn. You'll also chug past luxury hotels and lively markets. You can also only get to the recommendable Asiatique Riverfront night market by boat. The atmosphere is at its best in the evening, when you can admire the city skyline at sunset!
Bangkok sights: the Asiatique Riverfront Market
The night market is open daily from 4 pm to midnight.
Bangkok Thailand: charter a longtail boat
If you fancy a non-touristy and private boat trip on the Chao Phraya, you can easily charter a small longtail boat at almost any pier. You have to pay the captain about 20 euros to take you on a one-hour trip to the small side arms of the royal river.
In the smaller klongs, with a bit of luck, you will still find authentic life on the water. Just as it must have been in the past. You will see children playing by the river and their mothers taking care of the laundry or the food. There are also small floating markets at various points, which are well worth a visit. Just ask your boat guide for tips or tell him what you would like to see!
Lumphini Park: Bangkok's green lung
A visit to Lumphini Park, the largest park in Bangkok, is the perfect complement to a busy day of shopping and sightseeing. Lumphini Park is located in the middle of the city. From the lawns you have a great view of the Bangkok skyline. Maybe you'd like to go jogging or practice Tai Chi?
If you come very early in the morning, preferably between 6 and 7 a.m., you can watch many Thai and Chinese people doing their daily early-morning sports programme. And in fact, just join in, the Thais are very happy about every new participant! There is also free use of fitness equipment in the fresh air and a pretty lake where you can go pedal boating. In the evenings, the locals always have a big workout where everyone is welcome to join in!
How to get to Lumphini Park
It's easy to get to Lumphini Park by tuk tuk or by Skytrain. The station to get off is Rajadamri Road. From there, it's only a few metres on foot to Lumphini Park.
So, those were some of my favourite Bangkok sights, including lots of tips. Have you ever been to the city on the Chao Phraya River? What are your favourite things to do in Bangkok and what other tips do you have? I look forward to your comments on my travel blog!
Read also the other travel tips about Thailand on my travel blog
Ranong Thailand: Why you should definitely visit this authentic region
Khao Lak Thailand: 13 authentic tips and beautiful places to visit
Tiger Cave Temple Krabi: Of monkeys, tigers and endless steps
Chumphon Thailand: The insider tip for authentic living in the south
A very special tour in Northern Thailand
Phang Nga Thailand: Intoxicating, enriching, moving
As soon as the subject of Bangkok comes up, I always think of the film Hangover 2. I love the humour and have probably seen it six or seven times. Absolutely perfect to get in the mood before a trip to Bangkok. If you like the movie, then of course you have to visit the Skybar on top of Lebua Tower!
This street food guide for Bangkok and the rest of Thailand makes foodie hearts beat faster. So if, like me, you're a huge fan of the delicious food at the tiny street food stalls, then this guide should definitely be in your suitcase or backpack!
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