21 Best Things To Do in Bangkok Old Town

The dazzling, spectacular Grand Palace is a must-see when visiting Bangkok. Built in 1782 and the home of the Thai King, the Royal court and the administrative seat of government for 150 years, the Grand Palace of Bangkok is a grand old dame indeed. It continues to have visitors in awe with its beautiful architecture and intricate detail.

A strict dress code applies. After all, the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha it contains is Thailand's most sacred site. Remember, long pants and shirts with sleeves (no tank tops) for men and no see-through clothes or bare shoulders for women. Also, no bare feet (put on socks when wearing sandals or flip-flops).

Wat Pho (the Temple of the Reclining Buddha) is a must-do for any first-time visitor in Bangkok. Also known as Wat Phra Chetuphon, the temple is located behind the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and is one of the largest temple complexes in the city. The centrepiece here is the giant reclining Buddha that measures 46 metres long and is covered in gold leaf.

Wat Pho is an easy 10-minute walk from the Grand Palace, and it’s recommended to visit Wat Pho second – even though the golden Buddha here is just as popular, many people don’t take the time to wander around the rest of the complex so the experience tends to be far more relaxing.

The popular book The Beach famously described Khao San Road in Bangkok as ‘the centre of the backpacking universe’. Judging by the truth-seeking travellers who converge here to shop, exchange tales and prepare for their next stint on the backpacker trail, it's a phrase that sums it up pretty much perfectly.

Packed into a 1-km-long strip are countless budget guesthouses and mid-range hotels, internet cafés, swanky bars and clubs, restaurants, massage parlours, travel agents, bookshops, market stalls, tattoo shops and much, much more.

The Museum of Siam is a museum in Bangkok Old City that’s set inside a very large neoclassical house. Even so, it’s definitely not the usual display of historical artefacts and dusty mannequins you'd expect to find in such an antique building. In the reception area, wooden stairs, ceramic tiles and old-fashioned columns contrast with resolutely modern art and advanced technology.

The 2 elements blend with great harmony as designers use every possible way to challenge the traditional expectations you might have of a museum. From room to room, you’ll be transported through all things Thai, from the very beginning of Ayutthaya to the daily life and highlights of Thai history, wars, Buddhism and finally the rapid entry into the modern world.

Loha Prasat Temple was built in 1846 at the request of King Nangklao (Rama III) and was inspired by 2 other similar temples found in India and Sri Lanka. The temple structure is 36 metres tall and supports 37 metal spires, representing the 37 virtues toward enlightenment.

The temple is erected in a very unusual way, with multiple concentric square levels built on geometrically aligned pillars. A relic of Lord Buddha is kept at the highest level. Don't miss the large white temples of Wat Ratchanaddaram surrounding Loha Prasat itself and admire the golden seated Buddha and the beautiful murals pairings and door carvings. Check out the popular amulet and statues market behind Loha Prasat, too.

In the grounds of the 18th-century Wang Na Palace, Bangkok National Museum houses the largest collection of Thai art and artefacts in the country. It's definitely worth a visit, especially if visiting nearby Wat Phra Kaew or the Grand Palace.

Opened by King Rama V to exhibit the antiques and gifts bestowed on him by his father, the museum once held a reputation for being an ill-organised gathering of dusty relics. But now, with exhibits arranged into 3 areas consistent with Thai history and good English-language descriptions available, it’s a great spot for learning about Thai arts while exploring Bangkok Old City.

Wat Saket, popularly known as the Golden Mount or Phu Khao Thong, is a low hill crowned with a gleaming gold chedi. Within, the 58-metre chedi houses a Buddha relic and welcomes worshippers all year round. The temple also hosts an annual temple fair in November, which lasts a week during Loy Krathong (also known as the Festival of Lights).

During the festival period, the massive stupa is draped in a bright-red cloth, with a candlelit procession to the top of the Golden Mount marking the start of the week-long celebration. Colourful lanterns and decorative flags as well as food vendors, fairground games and rides bring Wat Saket to life. At the top of the hill, you’ll be surrounded by a wall of bells and panoramas of Bangkok Old Town.

Bangkok Flower Market (Pak Khlong Talad) is the biggest wholesale and retail fresh flower market in Bangkok. The market has all kinds of popular flowers and flora-related items, including roses, forget-me-nots, orchids, lilies and more. Most of them are sold in packs of 50 or 100 flowers in each, and prices are amazingly cheap. Part of the Old City, Bangkok Flower market is located on Chak Phet Road near Saphan Phut (Memorial Bridge).

Chang Chui Bangkok Plane Night Market offers a nice selection of shopping and dining options, combined with modern, urban and often wacky art pieces, much of it made from recycled and scrap materials. The concept behind the night market is that ‘nothing is useless’ and we’re confident you’ll be deeply impressed by what the artists have managed to create.

The huge shell of a retired Tristar airliner is the real head-turner at Chang Chui, but as you explore the grounds you’ll find loads more sculptures and urban art pieces. It seems every walkway leads to something interesting. This feature makes this one of the best night markets in Bangkok.

Circled by perpetual swarms of traffic, the Democracy Monument on Ratchadamnoen Road is a large, western-style symbol of Thailand's adoption of democracy and liberty. Field Marshall Plaek Pibulsonggram commissioned it to commemorate the June 1932 military coup that led to the country's first democratic constitution in place of absolute rule. It was designed by Italian-born Thai citizen Corrado Feroci (who later adopted the Thai name Silpha Bhirasi).

The monument is rich with symbolism relating to the constitution's birth date of 24th June 1932.  In its centre is a pedestal, inside of which is a copy of the original 1932 constitution. The 4 surrounding wing-like structures are 24 metres high, representing the date the constitution was signed. Each symbolises one of the 4 branches of the Thai armed forces that guard it.

The National Gallery in Bangkok is housed in what used to be the Royal Mint and the main collection focuses on national artists from the 17th century onward. Without a great knowledge of Thai art, getting a good understanding of the permanent collection can be difficult. But the temporary and modern exhibitions in the gardens and special collections building are worth checking out.

You can easily find Bangkok National Gallery just 5 minutes from Khao San Road and the northern end of Sanam Luang. A taxi is the best way to get there, although you can take the Chao Phraya Express Boat to Phra Athit Pier (N13), then walk back towards Phra Pin Klao Bridge, turn left at Chao Fah Road and continue walking for about 15 minutes. The museum is on your left.

Sanam Luang (the Royal Field), also known as Thung Pra Meru (Royal Cremation Ground) has been around for over 200 years. It was originally used for royal cremations (hence the name) up until the reign of King Rama III when the king decreed that all cremations should be held outside the old city walls.

Surrounded by famous attractions such as the Grand Palace, Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the National Gallery, Sanam Luang is a gathering ground for various activities throughout the year. Take part in the kite flying festival around March or have a family picnic on a breezy late afternoon while watching an exciting game of sepak takraw (Asian football). You can also feed the pigeons, or even have your fortune told!

Part of Rambuttri runs parallel to Khao San but, despite being located so close by, these 2 streets are like different worlds. Rambuttri gives you a taste of how Bangkok used to look before all the skyscrapers arrived. Leafy banyan trees shade the pavements and the vibe sways more towards local than backpacker.

You can usually walk the entire horseshoe-shaped road in half an hour, passing a great mix of guesthouses, restaurants, bars and street food stalls. Most of the shops are similar to those you’d find elsewhere in the area, selling the usual T-shirts, books and other tourist trinkets.

Wat Arun, locally known as Wat Chaeng, is situated on the west (Thonburi) bank of the Chao Phraya River. It’s believed that after fighting his way out of Ayutthaya, which was besieged by a Burmese army at the time, King Taksin arrived at this temple just as dawn was breaking. That’s why it’s also called The Temple of Dawn.

Dawn just happens to be the quietest time to visit, before the crowds. But despite its name, it’s most breathtaking at sunset when it’s all lit up. The imposing prang (spire) by the Chao Phraya rises over 70 metres high, beautifully decorated with tiny pieces of coloured glass and Chinese porcelain placed delicately in intricate patterns.

Wat Mahathat is the headquarters of Thailand's largest monastic order and Vipassana Meditation centre. It’s an important centre for the study of Buddhism and meditation. Although most programmes are in Thai, there are some in English and the temple has become a popular place to learn Vipassana Meditation (Insight Meditation).

Classes are held daily at certain intervals and the time needed for practise will vary with each individual English-speaking monk assisting. The temple was originally built to house a relic of the Buddha and is one of the oldest temples in Bangkok. You can also have your fortune told inside the wat (temple).

Wat Phra Kaew or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (officially known as Wat Phra Sri Rattana Satsadaram) is regarded as the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand. Located in the historic centre of Bangkok, within the grounds of the Grand Palace, it enshrines Phra Kaew Morakot (the Emerald Buddha), the highly revered Buddha image meticulously carved from a single block of jade.

Mind the dress code when visiting Wat Phra Kaew: no short pants or short skirts and no sleeveless T-shirts. Sarongs are available for rent at the entrance, but it’s better to dress appropriately before going to avoid the queue.

Wat Suthat, best known for the towering red swing that stands at its entrance, is one of the oldest and most impressive temples in Bangkok. It features an elegant chapel with sweeping roof, magnificent wall murals and exquisite hand-carved teakwood door panels.

The temple’s construction was commissioned by King Rama I (1782-1809) to shelter the 13th-century bronze Buddha image transported by boat from Sukhothai. It was finally completed during King Rama III’s reign (1824-1851). Located in the Old City area, just east of the Royal Field, you can easily combine a visit to Wat Suthat with Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Grand Palace and Wat Pho.