Choose from 178 Fun Things to Do in Thailand
ShowingFilter 1-20 of 178 listings.
Ao Nang Beach
Luxury beach resorts with pampering garden pools and high-end add-ons attract a jet-set crowd to Ao Nang Beach on the Andaman Sea. Ao Nang is an ideal base for island-hopping trips, sea-kayaking adventures and day tours to local attractions like snake farms, pineapple plantations and hot springs.
Diving excursions head off from Ao Nang to nearby Raillay or further afield to Koh Phi Phi. The seafront promenade at Ao Nang is lined with souvenir shops, tailors and restaurants.
Practical Info
Ao Nang Beach is 22 kilometers (13.5 miles) west of Krabi. Ferries run from here to Koh Phi Phi, and minibuses run to Krabi.
Address: Highway 4203, Ao Nang 81000, Thailand
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 6
Asiatique The Riverfront
Asiatique The Riverfront is a large open-air mall situated in the once bustling international trade docks of the East Asiatic Company. It faces the Chao Phraya River and Charoen Krung Road and was opened in 2012 after an extensive renovation of the site.
Asiatique blends the traditional side of Bangkok with its rapidly growing modern side by combining a night bazaar and a swish, contemporary shopping mall. It features more than 1500 shops, stores, and boutiques and around 40 restaurants all within the same complex. It offers a good variety of shops, with a range of brands and independent outlets drawing a mixed crowd of locals and tourists.
Opening only in the evenings from 5pm, Asiatique also has a strong focus on entertainment in addition to retail therapy, with nightly shows including cabaret acts, Thai boxing, and screenings at its on-site 4D movie theater. There’s also the impressive Asiatique Sky attraction, which lays claim to being the highest ferris wheel in Thailand.
Practical Info
The most simple way to reach Asiatique The Riverfront is via boat. Take the BTS to Saphan Taksin and board the free service boat at the end of the pier. The journey takes just ten minutes and the boats run up until 11pm.
Address: 2194 Charoenkrung Road, Bangkok 10120, Thailand
Hours: Open daily 5pm-midnight
From $ 28
A-Maze Garden
Well-oriented travelers will love testing their directional skills amid the towering hedges of Puket’s A-Maze Garden. Situated just outside this popular coastal town, A-Maze Garden has become a destination for family fun and a unique alternative to the temples and beaches southern Thailand is known for. Travelers can wander (or race!) through the 1,000-square-meter labyrinth in search of a quick escape, or take their time navigating the twists and turns of this one-of-a-kind southeast Asian destination. It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon—or an entire day—on a visit to Phuket.
Practical Info
The A-Maze Garden is located behind the Upside Down House in Phuket off of Route 402. The maze is open daily from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and the entry fee is THB 150 for adults.
Address: Mueang Phuket District, Phuket, Thailand
Hours: Daily 10am-6pm
Admission: Adult: THB 150, Child Age 4-11: THB 100
From $ 5
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
Ang Thong National Marine Park
The 42 karst islets of Ang Thong National Marine Park (Mu Koh Ang Thong) in southern Thailand comprise a picturesque seascape spanning more than 95 square miles (246 square kilometers). These limestone pinnacles harbor secluded powdery beaches, sheer cliffs, and caves, and are home to myriad birds, monkeys, dolphins, and other wildlife.
The Basics
Ang Thong National Park is a popular destination for Thailand visitors seeking a little adventure and a lot of nature. Tropical and dry evergreen forests of the interior area house oriental pied hornbills, little herons, crab-eating monkeys, and bats. In the shallow waters, sometimes you can find dolphins, whales, and otters. It’s said that the park inspired the backpacker utopia of Alex Garland’s The Beach.
Most travelers experience Ang Thong on single-day guided tours from Koh Samui or Koh Phangan to Wua Talap Island and its famous Emerald Lake. These guided tours are the way to go, and most day trips include lunch, snorkeling gear, park admission fees, and hotel transfers. Tour boats are often multi-story, open-air, 40- to 50-person crafts, but small private speedboats or luxury yachts are also available. If you wanting to see what’s under the surface, opt for snorkeling, sea kayaking, or scuba diving tours.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Ang Thong National Marine Park is a must for nature lovers and adventure travelers.
- Choose between a group boat tour or a private excursion aboard a speedboat or luxury yacht.
- Full-day tours to Ang Thong from Koh Samui last upwards of eight hours.
- Don’t forget to bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a hat.
- Most tours provide water and snorkeling gear.
How to Get There
Ang Thong Marine Park is accessible only by boat. You can choose from a whole host of options, from big party boats to private boat charters.
When to Get There
The best months to visit the national park are between March and October, when the seas lie flat. The park closes completely during the height of the monsoons—between November and December each year. July and August tend to be the busiest months.
Sea Gypsies of the Ang Thong Islands
All but one of the 42 Ang Thong Islands are uninhabited. The one with a permanent community, Koh Paluay, is home to a traditional community of sea gypsies who still earn a living through traditional fishing methods.
Address: Th Chonwithi, Na Thon 84140, Thailand
Admission: Varies
From $ 43
Araksa Tea Plantation
Located atop a hill in the lush countryside that surrounds Chiang Mai, the Araksa Tea Plantation is one of the oldest plantations of its kind in Thailand. Specializing in producing high quality black Assam tea, Araksa's rich soil and high elevation make for ideal planting and conditions, allowing for the cultivation of quality tea leaves.
Open to the public to explore, a trip to the plantation will give you an insight into the origins of Thailand’s loved beverage. Stroll through the tea plants, help pick the leaves, learn the art of brewing the perfect cup, and, of course, sample some of the aromatic Assam tea for yourself.
During your behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of the tea plantation, you can also learn more about the history of tea-making in Thailand, from its traditions to the various production processes involved.
Practical Info
An Araksa Tea Plantation tour can be arranged with either a morning or afternoon departure.
Address: 75 Moo1 Bangchang, Mae Tang, Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand, Thailand
Admission: Varies
From $ 17
Ao Phang Nga National Park
Known for its limestone rock formations rising out of the turquoise Andaman Sea, the protected Ao Phang Nga National Marine Park covers a large swathe of water in southern Thailand. Many visitors come to the area to enjoy the scenery and take part in watersports.
The Basics
Ao Phang Nga National Marine Park was created by royal decree in 1981 to preserve area marine life. The park covers more than 40 islands in the Andaman Sea, including Khao Phing Kan, known as “James Bond Island” after its islet Ko Ta Pu appeared in the movie The Man With the Golden Gun. Diving, snorkeling, and kayaking are popular, as are island-hopping boat tours, which usually include swimming and snorkeling.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Boats and ferries visit Phang Nga Bay from Krabi, Phuket, and the Phi Phi islands.
- See multiple highlights in one day on an island-hopping boat tour.
- Many tours include lunch or other refreshments.
- Remember to wear suitable footwear if you’re planning to take part in watersports.
- Pack your sunscreen: the sun is strong here.
How to Get There
Ao Phang Nga National Park covers most of Phang Nga Bay in the Andaman Sea. Most people come by ferry or private boat from Krabi or Phuket, or they enjoy the islands as part of a pre-booked guided tour. The closest airport is Krabi.
When to Get There
To get the best of the weather, plan to visit Phang Nga from November to March. This part of Thailand is hot during April and May, and in the rainy season (late May to October), there are often heavy downpours.
See Ancient Rock Art in Phang Nga
A number of the limestone islands in Ao Phang Nga National Park have ancient wall paintings, some more than 3,000 years old. Khao Khian island is one of the best sites for viewing the cave paintings, which include depictions of humans, bats, boats, birds, fish, and elephants. While most drawings are monochrome, there are some done in color.
Address: Phangnga, Thailand
Admission: Varies
From $ 27
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
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
Ao Luk
Located about 30 miles (50 kilometers) north of Krabi, Ao Luk provides visitors a playground of outdoor adventures. While Krabi might bring to mind images of idyllic beaches, Ao Luk is more about the jungle, especially within Than Bok Khorani National Park. Here, eco-tourists find abundant treks, waterfalls, caves, mangrove forests and the stunning (and swimmable) Bok Khorani pond. The park also contains a series of small islands popular for canoeing, snorkeling and diving.
An alternate way to explore the Ao Luk district is in the tree tops themselves. Tree Top Adventure Park, one of the area’s most popular attractions, takes visitors through the canopy from platform to platform by way of rope walks, zip lines, Tarzan swings, rope bridges and flying skateboards.
Practical Info
Buses traveling between Krabi and Phuket stop in Ao Luek.
Address: Ao Luek, Thailand
From $ 31
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
Bang Saen Aquarium (Institute of Marine Science)
The Bang Saen Aquarium / Institute of Marine Science is housed within Burapha University at Bang Saen Beach in Chonburi. The institute is divided into three sections; the marine science museum, the aquarium, and a research laboratory. The center exists both for research purposes and as a place for students and visitors to learn about marine science.
The museum is creatively arranged, featuring exhibitions on marine preservation and restoration, with information on ecology and examples of stuffed sea animals. As you might expect, the aquarium is the main place to view various live fish, with a tunnel revealing the big fish and a high tank showcasing swarms of smaller fish. It’s a modern aquarium with a real underwater environment divided into different ocean zones. Elsewhere, the laboratory is the main research center that allows the institute to make new discoveries about marine life.
A trip to the Bang Saen Aquarium can be combined with visiting other sights and attractions in the area on a half-day Pattaya discovery tour, including ‘Monkey Cliff’ plus Ang Sila, a small fishing community famous for its oyster farms and stonemason villages.
Insider’s Tip: Divers feed the giant groupers in the aquarium every day at 2:30pm, with an additional feeding time of 10:30am on weekends and public holidays.
Practical Info
If not arriving as part of an organized tour, you can reach Bang Saen Aquarium by hiring a motorbike or taxi and heading along Highway No.3 until you reach Bang Saen. The institute is within the Burapha University compound on Long Had Bang Sean Road.
Address: Long Had Bang Sean Road, Chonburi, Thailand
Hours: 8:30am-5pm, Tuesday to Sunday
Admission: Adult: 220 THB / Child: 120 THB
From $ 54
Art in Paradise
Art in Paradise is an interactive 3D art gallery in Chiang Mai. Visitors get to become a part of the art, interacting with paintings and installations to create various illusions and gain some unique photos opportunities in a family friendly environment.
From a ride on Aladdin's flying carpet to an exploration expedition of the deep blue sea, Art in Paradise encourages travelers to use their imaginations and tap into their inner child in order to create and complete the artworks on display. This three-story gallery has various zones to explore with different themes, including an ocean area, a zoo site, a classic art theme and Thai and Egyptian areas. There's also a small cafe and restaurant on the ground floor of the gallery.
Practical Info
Art in Paradise is located on Changklan Road in the south of Chiang Mai, next to the Shangri La Hotel and just a few kilometers east of the Ping River.
Address: 199/9 Changklan Road, Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand 50200, Thailand
Hours: 9am-9pm
Admission: Adult: 300 baht / Child: 200 baht
From $ 16
Ayutthaya
The ruined island city-state of Ayutthaya—the once great capital of the Kingdom of Siam toppled by the Burmese in the 18th century—is now a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lying at the confluence of three rivers north of Bangkok, Ayutthaya Historical Park protects magnificent crumbling stone temple spires, sun-worn Buddha statues, and other remnants of the three palaces, 400 temples, houses, and markets that thrived in Ayutthaya’s heyday.
The Basics
Ayutthaya’s ruined temples and statues—interspersed around and within the present-day town—are easily visited on foot or by bike, though biking is by far the most popular option. Many half- and full-day walking, biking, and bus tours visit Ayutthaya, and you can even book a full-day bike tour departing from Bangkok. Most tours visit the following top sights: Wat Phutthaisawan, St Joseph’s Church, and the Ayutthaya Historical Park’s Wat Phra Sri Sanphet (the model for the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok), Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit (home of Thailand’s largest bronze Buddha), Wat Mahathat (featuring the famous Buddha head wrapped in tree roots), and Wat Chaiwatthanaram. Sites farther afield, such as the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace are sometimes also included on tours.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is an entrance fee to enter the Ayutthaya Historical Park.
- Most visitors spend at least a half-day exploring the vast, 715-acre (289-hectare) city site.
- If biking, note that traffic lights are missing from some intersections—be sure to look both ways, and always assume cars and trucks have the right of way.
- The ruined temples are still considered sacred. To be respectful, wear long pants or skirts, show no bare shoulders, and always remove shoes before entering a temple building.
How to Get There
Ayutthaya is 47 miles (76 kilometers) north of Bangkok, about an hour’s drive from downtown. Ayutthaya Historical Park, home to four of the most popular temples as well as the Royal Palace at Wiharn Phra Mongkol Bophit, is located in the center of the present-day city. Other archaeological sites are sprinkled around the island of Ayutthaya.
When to Get There
November to February, when Ayutthaya is cool and dry, is the best time to visit—though it’s also Thailand’s busiest. If you can, come during Loi Krathong, a November Thai holiday that involves ornate hanging lanterns, markets, music, and cultural performances spread over three days. No matter the time of year, visit in early morning to beat the crowds and maximize your time.
Ancient Artifacts in Ayutthaya
The Chao Sam Phraya National Museum houses almost all of the remaining artifacts uncovered during archaeological excavations of the former kingdom. This is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the area and the people who lived here centuries ago.
Address: Phra Nakhon Sri Ayutthaya, Thailand
Hours: Open daily
From $ 12
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
Ao Thalane (Thalane Bay)
Krabi is famous for its towering limestone cliffs, idyllic beaches and peaceful mangrove forests, and Ao Thalane (Thalane Bay) represents one of the most beautiful mangrove forests in all of Thailand. On this stretch of coast 12 miles (20 kilometers) from Krabi Town, dense mangroves shroud the karsts and cliffs, hiding caves, small inlets and secluded lagoons.
The best way to explore Ao Thalane is with paddle in hand. Shaded by the canopy, kayaking through the winding network of mangrove roots gets visitors close to nature, where it’s possible to spot kingfishers, crab-eating Macaques, river otters, herons, monkeys, monitor lizards and snakes. It’s an ideal place to escape the bustle of Ao Nang or Krabi for a day spent surrounded by only the sounds of nature.
Practical Info
Generally, mid-tide is the best time for kayaking in Ao Thalane, as it will be possible to explore more areas. Low tide, however, offers better access to caves and better chances to see the critters living on the muddy banks.
Address: Khao Thong Subdistrict, Krabi, Thailand
From $ 34
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
Ban Mae Sa Mai Village
One of the most fascinating and enriching aspects of traveling to Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand is the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of some of the local hill tribes. The Hmong, believed to be the first inhabitants of the Yellow River Valley in China, are today one of the most successful tribes in Thailand, and Ban Mae Sa Mai Village is one of the most accessible Hmong villages from Chiang Mai.
Only reachable via four-wheel vehicles, the mountain village is somewhat of a step back in time, as local residents often don their traditional garb and demonstrate to visitors what day to day life is like in a Hmong village. Since the village is frequented by tourists, the village houses a few shops selling Hmong handicrafts.
Practical Info
While it’s possible to visit Ban Mae Sa Mai Village on a day trip from Chiang Mai, it’s also possible to stay in the night in the area to give you more time to explore the village and surrounding forests.
Address: Thailand
From $ 49
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 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