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Bangkok is not a city I’d leave to chance. We learned quickly how fast time disappears once you add heat, traffic, and queues into the mix. This list is my “do it again” version: the highlights I’d prioritise, without packing the days so tight you’re done by mid-afternoon.
We visited Bangkok as a couple, and we packed a lot into a short time. These are the must-visit places in Bangkok I’d recommend if you want the highlights without burning out.
One thing that made Bangkok easier for us was how we got around. We used the Chao Phraya River ferries whenever we could. They’re cheap, practical, and they double as sightseeing. For everything else, we mostly relied on Grab and took a taxi when Grab wasn’t available.
If I had to pick only three experiences, it would be Wat Arun, a floating market day trip, and the view from Vertigo Restaurant and Moon Bar. Fair warning, the view is incredible, but I was definitely nervous as I have a fear of heights.
Use this post in one of two ways: keep it easy with 3 to 4 stops per day or treat it like a menu of things to do in Bangkok and choose what suits you.
If it’s your first time in Bangkok, this is the big one. The Grand Palace is busy and a bit full-on, but it’s also jaw-dropping. There’s so much to take in that you naturally slow down. You end up stopping all the time. Not because you’re tired, but because you’ve just noticed another rooftop, mural, or gold detail you missed a moment ago.
My tip: go early to beat the heat and the crowd.
This is one of the busiest spots in Bangkok, so keep your phone and wallet zipped up and close to you. Compare the Market analysed traveller reviews and ranked the Grand Palace as the #1 attraction in their dataset for mentions of scams and pickpockets, so this is the place to be extra switched on.
This one surprised me. The Reclining Buddha is so enormous it’s genuinely hard to take it in, and even harder to fit into one photo. Because the walkway runs right alongside it, there isn’t much room to move, so it can feel cramped when it’s busy.
My tip: go earlier in the day if you can, and take your time. When it’s crowded, it’s easy to feel rushed, but this is one of those sights that’s worth slowing down for.
Wat Traimit is an easy one to underestimate until you’re standing in front of it. The Golden Buddha is the star. But don’t rush it. Look up and around, and you’ll see there’s more to admire than the statue.
My tip: don’t just stare at the Buddha and move on. Take a minute to look up and around. The ceiling, the vases, and the extra artwork are part of what makes it feel special.
This turned out to be one of our favourite Bangkok experiences, and it wasn’t even planned. We didn’t plan this at all. We stumbled across a longtail boat, hopped on, and suddenly, Bangkok looked different. Houses sit right on the water, people go about their day along the canals, and vendors even sell from boats as you pass.
My tip: if you want to see the less “touristy” side of Bangkok, do a canal ride. It gives you a peek into the lives of residents who call the canals home. It’s a great reset from temples and traffic.
Asiatique is an easy place to have dinner, wander, and enjoy a bit of entertainment all in one place. We strolled the shops and stalls, grabbed food, and then finished the evening with the Muay Thai show, which is part show, part real fight night. It’s touristy, yes, but it’s also a lot of fun.
My tip: go later in the afternoon and stay into the evening. It’s more enjoyable once the sun drops and the lights come on.
If you’ve never been to a floating market, it’s worth doing at least once. We did this as a half-day trip from Bangkok, and it was exactly what I hoped for: boats, food, and a lively sort of chaos on the water.
My tip: pick a tour that gives you time to walk around the land markets as well as be on the water. That instant of looking down from a bridge and seeing the boats moving below is one of the best ways to take it all in.
Dinner at Vertigo Restaurant and drinks at Moon Bar is the perfect night out. The view is unreal, the type that makes you go quiet for a second when you step out. Just know there’s a little “test” before you even arrive. The restaurant and bar are on level 61, but the elevator only takes you to level 60. From there, you climb a set of outside stairs with glass handrails, and if you’re even slightly nervous with heights, you’ll feel it. I, not so elegantly, slid my way up the wall, making people go around me.
My tip: go close to sunset if you can. Seeing the city change as the light fades is magic. Also, if heights aren’t your thing, ask for a table that’s not right on the edge.
You can wander for hours without getting bored in Chinatown. It’s busy, loud, and a bit chaotic, but in a fun way. There’s always something going on: food stalls, markets, and little alleys to explore.
My tip: don’t eat before you go, and don’t over-plan it. Take your time wandering and grabbing food as you walk around.
Wat Arun was my favourite temple in Bangkok. Make sure you look at the details: the tilework is incredible. You keep spotting new patterns every time you move.
My tip: if you can, aim for later in the day. Watching Wat Arun as the light changes is special. And if you want a brilliant sunset view, head to the viewing platform on the other side of the river. It’s a great spot to watch the sun drop behind Wat Arun and see it glow.
If Wat Arun is on your list, I’ve also got a guide to visiting Wat Arun.
This was one of our favourite ways to get around Bangkok. The Chao Phraya River ferries are practical and inexpensive, and they also double as sightseeing. You get a breeze off the water and a front-row view of temples and daily life along the banks. It feels like a river cruise, without the river-cruise price tag.
My tip: use the ferries for sightseeing, not simply as a means of transport. It’s a cheaper way to see Bangkok from the river than doing a river cruise.
Bangkok has a way of making you feel like you should do everything. You don’t have to. If I had to pick only three experiences to repeat, it would be:
If you’re building your days from this list, keep it reasonable. Three to four stops a day is plenty in the heat, especially if you’re mixing temples with markets and evenings out.
And if Wat Arun is on your list, I’ve put together a guide to help you plan the visit, including the best time to go and what to expect.
Hi, I’m Lisa Bundesen - the voice behind The Middle Age Wanderer. I’m a retired chartered accountant turned passionate traveller and photographer. Alongside my husband Darren (and with our two fur babies waiting at home in Australia), we explore the world one adventure at a time.
I’ve travelled to over 35 countries, and I created this blog to inspire fellow travellers in their 50s, 60s, and beyond to embrace adventure. Whether it’s hiking ancient trails, diving into new cultures, or sipping wine in scenic places, I believe life after 50 is the perfect time to explore more.
Here, you’ll find honest travel advice, destination guides, and real stories to help you travel smarter and with more confidence - because age is not a barrier, it’s an invitation.
Hi, I’m Lisa, a 50+ retired chartered accountant. My husband, Darren, and I explore the world every opportunity we get. Staying fit is key to our adventures, from hiking the Inca Trail to scuba diving. We call Australia home but travel overseas often, always eager to discover new cultures, bustling cities, cuisines, nature and wildlife.
We would love you to join us on our journeys and hope that our adventures give you encouragement to explore this amazing world.
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