Don’t miss these five impressive spots in Bangkok

Thailand’s capital has plenty to offer, and was the world’s most visited city in 2025 and the year before, says the Top 100 City Destinations Index.

Last year, more than 30 million people came from abroad to explore the temples, palaces and waterways of this glittering metropolis.

Here’s what to see if you go.

The Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha

The magnificent Grand Palace complex is one of the country’s most important sights. Wat Phra Kaeo houses the famous Emerald Buddha – arguably Thailand’s most important national shrine. Incidentally, the figure is actually made of green jade. Just a few steps away lies the historic Wat Pho. The 46-metre golden reclining Buddha housed here is world-famous.

Temple of the Dawn

The imposing complex of Wat Arun rises directly beside the mighty Chao Phraya River. Especially at sunset, its porcelain-decorated towers glisten spectacularly above the water. The best way to get there is by small ferry or tourist boat. The sunset is magical when viewed from the water or from the opposite bank, as the temple gradually glows in golden light.

Skyline from Mahanakhon

If you want to experience Bangkok from high above, head to the viewing platform of the King Power Mahanakhon skyscraper. The building’s striking pixelated design was created by German architect Ole Scheeren.

At a height of over 300 metres, you get a spectacular panoramic view over the metropolis, which glitters in a sea of light after sunset. The glass skywalk, from which you can look straight down into the depths, is not for anyone afraid of heights.

Street food in Chinatown

The Yaowarat district is teeming with life: street stalls, neon lights and food stalls make the area one of the best places to sample Bangkok’s legendary street food. There are also trendy bars and cafés, most of them in charming Chinese shophouses. The “Ba hao” restaurant and the rooftop bar at the Wallflowers Cafe come highly recommended.

Boat trip through the khlongs

Catch a glimpse of Bangkok from a different perspective by taking a colourful long-tail boat through the canals, known as khlongs. Glide past stilt houses and small temples in this true “Venice of the East.”

If you are lucky, you may come across vendors selling fruit or noodle soup from small boats. Although many of the old khlongs were filled in or diverted during Bangkok’s transformation into a modern metropolis, there are said to be more than 1,600 remaining.