Choose from 64 Fun Things to Do in Bangkok
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Bangrak
Hugging the Chao Phraya River and home to some of the city’s best hotels, restaurants, shopping, and nightlife, Bangkok’s Bangrak is a blend of international and local culture. Particularly famous for the commercial shopping district around Silom Road, Bangrak covers a huge area, although most locals usually consider it to be the area surrounding the river.
Aside from its shopping centers and high-rise hotels, Bangrak is home to a number of attractions, including the Bangkok Folk Museum, plus the religious sites of Wat Hua Lamphong and the famous Hindu temple, Sri Mahamariamman.
The area between the Saphan Taksin Skytrain station and the junction of Charoen Krung and Silom Road is well worth a stroll along. It’s a teeming melting pot of local life and home to a number of hawker food stalls serving delicious and traditional local cuisine.
Practical Info
Bangrak is served well by both Bangkok’s Skytrain and Metro lines. Skytrain stations include Sala Daeng, Chong Nonsi, Surasak, and Saphan Taksin. Metro stations include Lumphini, Silom, and Sam Yan. Bangrak can also be reached by river via the Chao Phraya Express Boat.
Address: Bang Rak, Bangkok, Thailand
From $ 50
Flow House Bangkok
The Flow House urban beach club concept involves packaging a slice of California surfer culture and serving it up to travelers as a one-stop destination for dining, shopping and, of course, surfing. Flow House opened its Bangkok location in 2012, with a FlowRider at its heart. The FlowRider projects a thin sheet of water over a hill-shaped surface to mimic the shape of a perfect ocean wave, allowing surfers to practice without having to rely on Mother Nature.
At Flow House Bangkok, Flowboarding is the sport of choice — an amalgamation of skateboarding, surfing, bodyboarding and snowboarding. Experienced boarders can practice new maneuvers while kids and newbies can learn a new skill. No matter your level, Flow House staff are always on standby to help out. Travelers can participate through session riding, lessons, competitions and special events, even the cautious traveler can enjoy the action while eating, drinking and hanging out.
Besides the FlowRider, Flow House Bangkok facilities include a kid’s pool, viewing deck, sun loungers, surf shop and Flow Bar, where you can purchase snacks, beers, cocktails and sodas.
Practical Info
Flow House Bangkok is located in A-Square near the intersection of Sukhumvhit and Rama 4.
Address: 120/1 Sukhumvit 26, Bangkok, Thailand
Hours: Open Mon - Fri: 10 am to midnight, Sat - Sun: 8 am to midnight
Admission: 750 baht per hour
From $ 19
Dream World
There’s a reason Bangkok’s Dream World is known by locals as “the world of happiness.” Travelers will find a variety of entertaining live performances, traditional cuisine and dozens of thrill-seeking amusement park rides just beyond the amusement park’s gates.
Nowhere else can visitors to Thailand slide down frozen hillsides aboard speeding sleds, raft across the Grand Canyon or fly 20 meters into the air on the thundering waves of a Hurricane. And these adrenaline pumping attractions are just part of what makes Dream World worth the visit. Families can wander through the chilly streets of the enchanting Snow Town or splash around in the little kids Water Fun area. Whether it’s an adventurous afternoon or an all-day family affair Dream World has travelers covered.
Practical Info
Dream World is accessible via the Rangsit highway and Changwattana Expressway. Travelers can also catch public bus number 538 to Dream World from Victory Monument.
Address: 62 Moo1, Rangsit-Ongkarak road, Pathumthani, Thailand
Admission: Varies
From $ 22
Amphawa Floating Market
Situated on a bustling canal lined with teak storefronts opening onto the water, Amphawa Floating Market comes alive each afternoon as Thai locals come to shop or grab a bite from one of many boats-cum-floating restaurants. While smaller than the more famous Damnoen Saduak, this floating market offers a more authentic experience.
The Basics
One of the best ways to explore the market and its surrounding canals is aboard traditional long-tail wooden boats. A typical cruise on the Mae Klong river (Mae Khlong river) and through the market takes visitors past several of the area’s Thai Buddhist temples, and can be combined with a visit to a local zoo, the nearby Maeklong Railway Market, or the chance to watch fireflies light up the riverbanks at dusk. The Amphawa Floating Market is a popular place not only for shopping, but for eating too, with waterside seating providing the ideal setting for a lazy lunch. Thai food such as dried pork, shrimp, shellfish, and crab are all prepared and cooked aboard the boats before being handed up to diners on the elevated banks on both sides of the river.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Amphawa Floating Market is a must-do for travelers looking to get off the beaten path.
- Don’t forget to bring cash in small denominations if you plan to shop or eat at the market.
- Visit the market on a half- or full-day tour from Hua Hin.
- Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and drinking water.
How to Get There
Minibuses run between Victory Monument in Bangkok and Amphawa throughout the day, but the most convenient way to visit is as part of a guided tour with return transportation included.
When to Get There
The Amphawa Floating Market is at its liveliest in the afternoon, beginning around 1pm. If you’d rather avoid the crowds, you can still get a sense of what the market is like in the morning, though not everything will be open.
Wat Bang Kung
Many visitors to the floating market overlook the area’s many interesting temples, most notably Wat Bang Kung. This Buddhist temple just a stone’s throw from the banks of the Mae Klong river (Mae Khlong river) sits ensconced within a banyan tree, making it particularly serene and photogenic. Some boat tours of the market also include a stop at the temple.
Address: Amphawa District, Samut Songkram, Amphawa 75110, Thailand
From $ 57
Alpine Golf Club
Designed by Ron Garl, famous for his work creating hilly courses from flat terrain in Florida, Bangkok’s Alpine Golf Club features a 7,100-yard, par 72 championship course set amid serene lakes and copses of trees. Rolling hills, thoughtfully placed bunkers and numerous water features make the course a challenge for players of all abilities. The course has twice hosted the Johnnie Walker Classic PGA tournament, once in 2000 and again in 2004.
Players who visit the Alpine Golf Club will find a fully stocked pro shop, golf carts, locker rooms with saunas and whirlpool tubs, a club house with a restaurant, coffee shop and a swimming pool.
Practical Info
Alpine Golf Club is located about 15 minutes from the Bangkok International Airport.
Address: 99 M.9 Bangkhan-Sathaneevithayu Road, Pathum Thani, Khlong Luang District 12120, Thailand
Admission: Green fee 2,000/3,600 baht weekdays/weekends
From $ 246
Golden Mount (Wat Saket)
The Golden Mount - or Wat Saket - was constructed by King Rama I shortly after the founding of Bangkok. Built just outside the original city walls and intended as a burial site, the mount has many thousands of bodies interned here - most of them dating from Rama II's rule when plague swept through the city.
Built on swampy ground, the hill was rebuilt by Rama III who added a chedi (stupa) which promptly collapsed due to the shifting foundations. Rama V built the golden chedi we see today on the rubble of the previous chedi. The golden chedi is rumored to contain some of Buddha's remains – including his teeth. Concrete walls were constructed during World War II to ensure the structure remains stable.
Built on swampy ground, the hill was rebuilt by Rama III who added a chedi (stupa) which promptly collapsed due to the shifting foundations. Rama V built the golden chedi we see today on the rubble of the previous chedi. The golden chedi is rumored to contain some of Buddha's remains – including his teeth. Concrete walls were constructed during World War II to ensure the structure remains stable.
The Golden Mount looks its best at night when it glows gold against the dark sky. It is worth visiting in the daytime too for fantastic views across the city.
Practical Info
If you are visiting Bangkok in the first week of November, you should visit the annual fair at the Golden Mount, which is lit with colored lanterns and wrapped in cloth. At this time, the entire compound turns into a giant fun fair .The Golden Mount is several blocks east of the Grand Palace in the Old City (Rattanakosin district). There is no straightforward public transport here and it is best to catch a taxi or tuk-tuk.
Address: Ratchadamnoen Klang and Boripihat Roads, Old City, Bangkok, Thailand
Hours: Open daily 8am - 9pm
Admission: ฿10 donation expected
From $ 23
Bang Pa-In Palace
The Bang Pa-In Palace is situated 60 kilometers from Bangkok and just a few kilometers from Ayutthaya. Originally built in the 17th century by King Prasat Thong of Ayutthaya, it was later destroyed by the Burmese and left abandoned for almost a century.
During the reign of King Mongkut (Rama IV) in the 1850s, part of the palace was restored, but most of the site seen today is down to his predecessor, King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), who restored and expanded the entire grounds. Today the palace is still used by the Thai royal family as a summer residence.
The iconic buildings scattered across the complex each feature their own unique architectural style. For example, the Wehat Chamroon Palace was built using traditional Chinese materials and designs, while the Aisawan Tippaya Asna Pavilion, set in the middle of a lake, is typically Thai. Other buildings are clearly European in architectural style.
Practical Info
If not on a day tour, visitors can reach Bang Pa-In by train from Hua Lamphong Station in Bangkok, or by catching one of the regular buses that departs from Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (Moh Chit). The Bang Pa-In Palace is open from 8:30am until 5pm, although the ticket office closes at 3:30pm. The entrance fee is currently 100 Baht.
Address: Highway 308 Ban Len, Bang Pa-In 13160, Thailand
Admission: 100 Baht
From $ 12
Baipai Thai Cooking School
The Baipai Thai Cooking School in Bangkok provides a unique approach to Thai cooking that differs to most other classes across Thailand. Using a hands-on teaching method, it offers a home-style learning environment and teaches dishes not usually covered by other cooking schools for tourists.
The main focus of the cooking here is on traditional Thai techniques and innovative use of ingredients, as well as style and presentation. Professional staff are on hand to guide students as they prepare, cook, (and consume!) the food they make.
Despite being taught by professionals, the Baipai Thai Cooking School is refreshingly laidback. A two-storey wooden house filled with plants, the building features an open-plan cooking area on the lower floor and a rustic dining room upstairs, making for a relaxed environment in which to learn.
Practical Info
The Baipai Thai Cooking School holds two classes per day – one in the morning and one in the afternoon. It’s located on Ngam Wongwan Road in the Chatuchak area of Bangkok.
Address: 8/91 Ngam Wongwan Road, Soi 54 Ladyao, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Admission: THB 2,200 per person
From $ 74
Central World Plaza
Central World Plaza, Bangkok’s largest shopping complex, comprises 5,920,000 square feet (550,000 square meters) of space with 500 shops, 50 restaurants and 21 movie theaters. The retail offerings include a mix of international and local designers and flagship specialty stores, all spread across eight floors. Popular tenants include H&M, Uniqlo, Toys R Us, Zara and Forever 21.
While most certainly a shopper’s paradise, Central World Plaza has plenty of non-retail attractions to boot. Visitors will find indoor and outdoor Activities Zones, an education center for kids, a food court and an ice skating rink.
Practical Info
To reach Central World Plaza, take the subway to Chit Lom Station or Siam Station and exit toward Sky Walk.
Address: 999/9 Ratchadamri Rd, Bangkok, Thailand
Hours: Open Mon- Sun 10 am-10 pm
From $ 33
Baiyoke Sky Tower
The Baiyoke Sky Tower rises ominously over the rest of the Bangkok skyline as the tallest skyscraper in the city. Also known as the Baiyoke Sky Hotel it is 85 stories high and houses 673 guest rooms in addition to several restaurants and observatories.
Anyone can visit the public observatory on level 77. The view is amazing: you will see the various expressways and neighborhoods of Bangkok, the royal palace and the Chao Phraya River. During the day the view can be quite smoggy, so it's better to visit at night to see the city all lit up. For a classier experience head to the Roof Top Bar & Music Lounge and 360 degree revolving roof deck on the 83rd floor. The view is better but you'll either need to pay an admission fee or buy pricey drinks and dinner.
Anyone can visit the public observatory on level 77. The view is amazing: you will see the various expressways and neighborhoods of Bangkok, the royal palace and the Chao Phraya River. During the day the view can be quite smoggy, so it's better to visit at night to see the city all lit up. For a classier experience head to the Roof Top Bar & Music Lounge and 360 degree revolving roof deck on the 83rd floor. The view is better but you'll either need to pay an admission fee or buy pricey drinks and dinner.
Address: 222 Ratchaprarop Rd, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Hours: Open Mon-Fri: 10am - 10:30pm, Sat-Sun 9:30am - 10:30pm. Last ticket at 9:30pm.
Admission: From 10am - 6pm: 300 THB; From 6pm - 10:30pm: 400 THB
From $ 30
Giant Swing (Sao Ching Cha)
Arching in front of the sacred Wat Suthat in Bangkok, what is left of the Giant Swing (Sao Ching Cha) is a tall teak structure that once supported a giant seat used during Brahman festivals to honor the god Shiva. The landmark is often spotted on walking and biking tours through Bangkok.
During the festivities, participants would swing in arcs in an effort to reach a bag of gold suspended from a bamboo pole, an act that was believed to encourage a good harvest. A black-and-white photograph illustrating the ceremony can be found at Wat Suthat's ticket counter nearby.
Constructed toward the end of the 18th century by King Rama I, the swing was later damaged by lightning during the reign of Rama II. In 1920, it was renovated and moved to its current location in front of Wat Suthat. However, there were so many injuries and even accidental deaths that the ceremonies were discontinued for good by the end of the 1930s. In 2007, the Giant Swing was replaced with the current model, while the previous version was moved to the National Museum.
Practical Info
Wat Suthat and the Giant Swing are located to the east of the Grand Palace on the route that leads to the Golden Mount (Wat Saket).
Address: Thanon Bamrung Muang, Bangkok, Thailand
From $ 23
Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall
The 20th century Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall (or Ananta Samakom Throne Hall) in Bangkok is a less visited destination, but well worth it. Serving a museum and every now and then a state-house, the building is a two-storey marble strewn centerpiece located at the Royal Plaza in Dusit.
Designed using neo-classical renaissance style, the building was completed under the orders of King Rama V in 1915 with the help of two Italian architects. Beneath a large central dome the hall was used to house the first Thai Parliament after it was completed.
As a museum, the building now showcases several permanent exhibits featuring the works of national artists as well as handicrafts designed by students of the Chitralada Vocational Center. Guided tours are available on most days. Just be mindful that as a royal establishment, a strict dress code applies.
Designed using neo-classical renaissance style, the building was completed under the orders of King Rama V in 1915 with the help of two Italian architects. Beneath a large central dome the hall was used to house the first Thai Parliament after it was completed.
As a museum, the building now showcases several permanent exhibits featuring the works of national artists as well as handicrafts designed by students of the Chitralada Vocational Center. Guided tours are available on most days. Just be mindful that as a royal establishment, a strict dress code applies.
Address: Dusit, Bangkok 10300, Thailand
From $ 69
Bangkok National Museum
The main branch of the National Museums in Thailand, Bangkok's main public museum is also the largest museum in all of South East Asia. Spread out over acres of green grounds and multiple buildings, the museum is a showcase for Thai art and history. Although it used to be considered unorganized, dusty and forgotten, it's recently been renovated and updated and now features a vibrant collection of artifacts with clear English-language descriptions.
Inside you will find a truly enormous collection of treasures including paintings, sculptures, bronzes and prehistoric art from Thailand and other Asian countries. You will want to give yourself plenty of time to thoroughly cover the exhibits and may want to consider hiring a guide for a more targeted tour. Highlights include a replica funeral chariot hall, the Buddhaisawan chapel and the weapon galleries.
Inside you will find a truly enormous collection of treasures including paintings, sculptures, bronzes and prehistoric art from Thailand and other Asian countries. You will want to give yourself plenty of time to thoroughly cover the exhibits and may want to consider hiring a guide for a more targeted tour. Highlights include a replica funeral chariot hall, the Buddhaisawan chapel and the weapon galleries.
Address: 4 Thanon Na Phra That, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Hours: Open 9am - 4pm Wed-Sun, closed Mondays, Tuesdays, and national holidays.
From $ 10
Bangkok Cruise Port
Bangkok is one of Asia’s most exciting capital cities, and there’s plenty to keep visitors entertained while in port. Bangkok cruise port is a popular start or end destination for cruises to China, Singapore, and Southeast Asia, welcoming cruise liners from Viking, Windstar, and Silversea, among others.
The Basics
With so much to see and do in Bangkok, most cruise visitors opt for a shore excursion to make the most of their time. Tours typically focus on the highlights, including the Grand Palace, home to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha; temples, such as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha and the Temple of the Golden Buddha; or the gigantic Chatuchak Market, a great place to purchase souvenirs, handicrafts, clothes, and street food. Some tours also include lunch at a local restaurant or a scenic cruise around Bangkok’s canals.
Another popular choice for a shore excursion is a visit to the coastal town of Pattaya. The beach resort is just a 30-minute drive from Laem Chabang port.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Shore excursions typically include port pickup and drop-off.
- Laem Chabang port has food kiosks, gift shops, a massage spa, and a visitor information center.
- With transfer times taking around two hours, full-day shore excursions can last up to 12 hours.
How to Get to Bangkok from the Port of Laem Chabang and Klong Toey
Most cruise ships dock at Laem Chabang, about two hours south of Bangkok. Public transport options from Laem Chabang are limited, so it’s best to prearrange a private transfer or take a taxi. Smaller ships may dock at Klong Toey, located on the Chao Phraya River on the outskirts of the city. For ships docking at Klong Toey, free shuttles often bring passengers into Bangkok—an around 45-minute journey.
Port Information
The official language is Thai, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas. The local currency is the baht. Some shops may accept euros and US dollars, but be sure to check the exchange rate before agreeing on a price. ATMs are widely available and credit cards are generally accepted, although it’s best to carry some cash in smaller denominations, especially for taxis, tuk-tuks, and markets.
Address: Thailand
From $ 121
Bangkok Chinatown (Yaowarat)
With its heady smorgasbord of street food, gold merchants, wooden shophouses, and ancient Chinese temples, there’s never a dull moment in Bangkok’s Chinatown, also known as Yaowarat. Exploring the bustling sois (side streets) of the city’s oldest district is a must on any trip to the Thai capital.
The Basics
Bangkok Chinatown envelops the streets and alleys branching off Yaowarat Road, its main thoroughfare. Since the area transforms into a food street after dark, many visitors choose to explore it on a walking food tour. Those more interested in the history and heritage of Bangkok’s Chinese immigrants can opt for a daytime biking tour or walking tour to visit the area’s Buddhist temples and neighborhood markets.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bangkok Chinatown is a must-see for foodies and first-time visitors.
- Wear comfortable shoes and prepare to walk; there’s a lot to see in this busy neighborhood.
- Most Chinatown tours include a bit of shopping, eating, and temple visits.
- Walking and biking tours that include Chinatown typically last three to five hours.
How to Get There
The easiest way to reach Chinatown is by boat; alight at Ratchawong Pier and walk up Ratchawong Road until you get to Sampeng Lane or Yaowarat Road. You can also disembark at Harbor Department Pier or Memorial Bridge Pier. Alternatively, take the subway to Hua Lamphong Station on the eastern bank of the Phadung Krung Kasem Canal.
When to Get There
To get the most comprehensive Chinatown experience, plan to visit by day and after dark. Plan to arrive hungry at night, when the street-food stalls are in full swing. The neighborhood is at its most vibrant during major Chinese festivals, especially Chinese New Year (January or February).
Must-Try Foods in Chinatown
Food is one of the major reasons for a visit to Chinatown. Seafood restaurants here serve some of the freshest crabs and prawns in the city, while street-food vendors cook up grilled squid, Thai toast, kway chap (a peppery noodle soup), pad thai, and bird’s nest soup.
Address: Thanon Yaowarat, Samphanthawong, Bangkok, Thailand
Admission: Free
From $ 11
Dusit Palace
Visiting Dusit Palace (Phra Ratcha Wang Dusit) is a very different experience from visiting the nearby Grand Palace. Built by King Rama V in 1903, it was meant to be a direct contrast to the traditional yet cramped Grand Palace. As the first Thai king to visit Europe, Rama modeled his palace after the spacious leafy royal residences he observed there, which comes through in the western architecture and layout.
Over 100 years later the complex is still the seat of power today, and there are many residences, organizations and political buildings spread around the grounds. The main highlight for visitors is the Vimanmek Mansion: King Rama V's former home and the largest teakwood residence in the world. There are also over a dozen museums on the grounds including several photography museums, a pottery-salvaged-from-shipwrecks museum and an ancient clock museum.
Over 100 years later the complex is still the seat of power today, and there are many residences, organizations and political buildings spread around the grounds. The main highlight for visitors is the Vimanmek Mansion: King Rama V's former home and the largest teakwood residence in the world. There are also over a dozen museums on the grounds including several photography museums, a pottery-salvaged-from-shipwrecks museum and an ancient clock museum.
Address: Vajira Hospital 295 Ratchasima Rd, Dusit, Bangkok 10300, Thailand
Admission: About 100 THB
From $ 69
Bridge on the River Kwai
Thailand’s Kanchanaburi province is home to the famous Bridge on the River Kwai and the beginning of the Thai-Burma Death Railway, both poignant reminders of the thousands of POWs and forced laborers who lost their lives during World War II.
Made famous by the 1957 David Lean movie of the same name, the building of the bridge in 1943 was one part of a huge Japanese wartime project to link Thai and Burmese railway lines and create a direct route from Bangkok.
Due to illness, starvation and neglect, thousands of people lost their lives building the bridge and railway – you can visit the graves of nearly 7,000 POWs at the nearby Kanchanaburi War Cemetery. Parts of the original bridge are now displayed in the War Museum here. You can walk along the restored railway bridge on foot or take a train specifically for tourists.
Practical Info
The Bridge on the River Kwai is in Kanchanaburi about 80 miles (130 km) west of Bangkok. Tours often depart directly from Kanchanaburi or from Bangkok Noi Railway Station.
Address: Kanchanaburi, Thailand
Hours: Open daily
From $ 27
Ancient City Museum
This 320-acre outdoor museum filled with lush gardens and historic structures showcases the art, architecture and culture of Thailand’s rich and diverse heritage. In a single stop, travelers can explore replicas of the nation’s most iconic buildings, including 116 pavilions, temples, floating markets and shrines all laid out to scale in their accurate geographic positions.
Visitors should plan to wander through the garden of stupas, which showcases the significance of Buddhism on local traditions, as well as the Garden of the Gods, where Hindu deities are on display. While structures housed in the Ancient City Museum are no substitute for the real thing, they certainly provide travelers on a tight schedule with a taste of what Thai life, culture and art is like.
Practical Info
The Ancient City Museum is open daily from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. in Samut Prakan—about an hour away from downtown Bangkok. It is accessible via private taxi or using the BTS Skytrain to On-Nut Station and hiring a taxi from there.
Address: 296/1,Sukhumvit Rd, Samut Prakan, Thailand
Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: 400 baht
From $ 42
Grand Palace
Bangkok’s glittering Grand Palace is one of the most popular attractions in the Thai capital. Built in 1782, this sprawling 54-acre (21.8-hectare) complex served as the royal court and administrative seat of Thailand for 150 years. Today, while it continues to host royal Thai functions, the palace also impresses swathes of visitors with its intricate golden-spired architecture and cultural history.
The Basics
The complex grounds, right off the Chao Phraya River, feature several visitable buildings and courtyards. Popular sites within the palace walls are the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew); Phra Maha Monthian, where ceremonies of the court still take place; the throne room in Dusit Hall (only two of three throne halls are open to the public); a museum covering the palace’s history; and the buildings of the former royal residences. Though the palace is no longer used as a royal residence, the inner court remains closed to the public. In-depth day tours with private guides explain the art, traditions, and architecture of the Grand Palace.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A strict dress code applies for entry: long pants or skirts, shirts with sleeves (no bare shoulders), and socks—even with sandals. If you come unprepared, a booth near the entrance may offer extra cover-ups with a deposit.
- Most half-day Bangkok tours couple a visit to the Grand Palace with other top activities like canal cruises or stops at the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho), or Wat Arun.
- The grounds feature a cafe and three restrooms.
When to Get There
The Grand Palace is open daily from 8:30am to 3:30pm. The temples can get crowded and, with the requisite dress code, can also get quite hot. To beat the heat and the crowds, visit in the early morning on weekdays during the peak tourist (but cooler, drier) months of November to February, or in the rainy season (July through October).
How to Get There
The Grand Palace is sandwiched between the Chao Phraya River, Sanam Luang Park, and Wat Pho in the government district of downtown Bangkok. To get there, take the Chao Phraya Express to the Tha Chang Pier. Alternatively, take a taxi or tuk tuk from the city center—although Bangkok’s notoriously heavy traffic is very likely to slow you down.
Making the Most of Your Grand Palace Visit
There are many sites to see within the Grand Palace. If you arrive early, head straight to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, to the left of the entrance, before crowds form. If you visit later in the day, head to the right past the ticket booth to see the palace and formal halls before circling back around by Buddha Ratana Starn Hall and Sidhala Phirom Hall, behind the Emerald Buddha complex. Take your time exploring the chedi (Thai Buddhist stupa-like monument) and naga (multiheaded snakes) along the temple’s exterior.
Address: Na Phra Lan Road, Bangkok, Thailand
Hours: Daily 8:30am–3:30pm
Admission: 500 THB
From $ 8
Bangkok NANTA Theatre
The Bangkok NANTA Theatre stages unique NANTA shows, a non-verbal comedy musical that originated in Korea. Nanta literally means 'to strike relentlessly' in Korean, and this instrumental performance, with a kitchen as its backdrop, uses everything from knives and other utensils to traditional water drums to create a show like no other.
Audiences are taken on an action-packed adventure where performing chefs dazzle and impress, using nonstop percussion, acrobatic cooking styles, and hilarious facial expressions to convey their story.
NANTA made its international debut at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 1999, where it received the best performance award. Since then, the show has been entertaining audiences worldwide, from cities in Europe to those across Asia, and beyond. The show also made history when it became the first Asian production to open its very own large-scale theater in New York.
Practical Info
The Bangkok NANTA Theatre is located in the RCA Plaza, close to the Petchaburi Road. Nightly performances start at 8pm, with a running time of 90 minutes. Round-trip hotel transport is often included in tours. Alternatively, the venue can be reached by taxi, although be sure to leave enough time as traffic in Bangkok can be exceptionally busy.
Address: 31/6 RCA Plaza Building, Floor 1, Soi Soonwijai, Pharam 9 Road, Bangkok, Thailand
Hours: Shows at 8pm daily (closed every first of the month)
Admission: Royal seat: THB 1300; Standard seat: THB 1100
From $ 14