Bangkok is one of the most vibrant cities in the world, famous for its chaotic charm, world-class food, buzzing nightlife, ancient temples, and endless street culture. Travelers who arrive for the first time can easily feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of things to do, see, and taste. That’s why having a clear list of the top 10 must-do things when visiting Bangkok is extremely helpful for anyone who wants to maximize their trip.

In this guide, we’ll cover the most practical and authentic experiences that make Bangkok unforgettable. From essential survival tips like getting connected with a SIM card, to exploring the city freely with a motorbike rental, to diving deep into cultural and culinary adventures, this list will help you enjoy Bangkok like a seasoned traveler.

1. Get a Local SIM Card (Your First Essential Purchase)

Before you start sightseeing or exploring, the number one step every traveler should take is getting connected. A local SIM card ensures you have access to Google Maps, Grab (Thailand’s Uber), food delivery apps, and easy communication with locals or hotels.

Where to Buy a SIM Card

• Suvarnabhumi (BKK) or Don Mueang (DMK) Airports – Telecom companies like AIS, TrueMove H, and DTAC all have counters in the arrivals hall. You can purchase tourist SIM packages that include data, calls, and even international minutes. Prices usually range from 299–599 THB depending on data validity.
• 7-Eleven or Family Mart convenience stores – These shops are everywhere in Bangkok. You can buy a SIM for as little as 50 THB and then top up with a data package. This option is usually cheaper but requires a bit more setup (the cashier can assist).

Why a SIM is Essential

• Navigation – Bangkok’s streets can be confusing, and you’ll need Google Maps or Apple Maps constantly.
• Grab & Food Delivery – Many parts of the city don’t have traditional taxis nearby. Grab or Bolt apps require internet.
• Hotel & Apartment Check-In – Hosts often ask you to send your passport photo or confirm your arrival time.
• Emergencies – Having data ensures you’re never stranded.

💡 Tip: If you’re staying longer than two weeks, buy a regular prepaid SIM from 7-Eleven and top it up, rather than a short-term tourist SIM. You’ll save money and have more flexibility.

2. Rent Motorbike in Bangkok (The Easiest Way to Explore)

Bangkok is a city where mobility is everything. Traffic jams are legendary, and while the BTS Skytrain and MRT Subway are excellent, they don’t cover every corner. Taxis are cheap, but you’ll often waste time in gridlock. The best solution for freedom-loving travelers is to rent motorbike in Bangkok.

Why Rent a Motorbike?

• Freedom & Flexibility – No waiting for trains or being stuck in traffic.
• Cost-Effective – Daily rentals range from 150–300 THB, cheaper than taking multiple taxis.
• Hidden Gems – You can reach small local markets, hidden temples, and authentic neighborhoods that tourists never see.

Where to Rent a Motorbike in Bangkok

• Online platforms like RentLab allow you to book in advance, verify identity, and pick up at convenient location.
• Local shops in tourist areas like Sukhumvit, Khao San Road, and Silom. These often require passport deposits and cash payments.

Safety & Rules

• Always wear a helmet (fines are common).
• Thai police often set up checkpoints, so carry your international driver’s permit.
• Drive carefully—Bangkok traffic is chaotic but manageable once you adapt.

💡 Insider Tip: For long stays, monthly rentals are much cheaper. Many digital nomads and expats keep a bike for months at a time.

By renting a motorbike, you’ll transform your Bangkok trip. The city suddenly feels smaller, more accessible, and infinitely more adventurous.

3. Visit the Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew

No trip to Bangkok is complete without visiting the Grand Palace, the city’s most iconic landmark. Built in 1782, it served as the residence of the Kings of Siam for over 150 years. Inside the complex is Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand.

What to Expect

• Dazzling Architecture – Gold-plated stupas, intricate carvings, and colorful murals that reflect traditional Thai craftsmanship.
• The Emerald Buddha – A revered statue carved from a single block of jade, sitting high above the altar in Wat Phra Kaew.
• Royal History – The palace grounds include ceremonial halls, museums, and galleries showcasing Thai royal heritage.

Tips for Visiting

• Dress code is strict: long pants, covered shoulders, no ripped jeans. If you’re not properly dressed, you can rent clothes at the entrance.
• Arrive early (before 9 AM) to avoid tour bus crowds.
• Tickets cost around 500 THB for foreigners and include multiple palace areas.

💡 Insider Tip: Combine the Grand Palace visit with nearby Wat Pho (home of the Reclining Buddha) and Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn across the river) for a full cultural day.

4. Explore Bangkok’s Street Food Paradise

Bangkok has been named the world’s best city for street food multiple times. From spicy noodles to grilled skewers, you can eat like a king for just a few baht. Street food is not only cheap, it’s an authentic way to taste the heart of Thailand.

Where to Go

• Yaowarat Road (Chinatown) – Famous for seafood, dim sum, and Thai-Chinese desserts. Best to visit at night when neon signs light up the street.
• Ratchada Train Night Market – A vibrant place with hundreds of stalls serving everything from Thai classics to international bites.
• Silom Road (Convent Alley) – Great for quick office-lunch style food stalls with authentic Thai flavors.

Dishes to Try

• Pad Thai – Stir-fried noodles with shrimp, peanuts, lime, and egg.
• Som Tum – Spicy green papaya salad, a favorite among locals.
• Moo Ping – Grilled pork skewers with sticky rice, the ultimate street snack.
• Mango Sticky Rice – A sweet treat with coconut milk, often served at night markets.

💡 Tip: Don’t be afraid of busy stalls with plastic chairs—they often serve the tastiest food. Locals vote with their feet.

5. Take a Chao Phraya River Cruise

The Chao Phraya River is Bangkok’s lifeline, and exploring it by boat gives you a whole new perspective of the city.

Types of Cruises

• Public Ferries – Cheap and practical (15–30 THB per ride). Perfect for hopping between temples and neighborhoods.
• Tourist Hop-On Hop-Off Boats – Around 150 THB for unlimited rides in one day, with English announcements.
• Dinner Cruises – More luxurious, with buffet or set dinner, live music, and stunning night views of the lit-up temples and skyscrapers.

Must-See from the River

• Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) – Beautiful both day and night.
• ICONSIAM – Bangkok’s luxury riverside mall, home to Michelin-star restaurants.
• The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew – Gorgeous views from the water.

💡 Insider Tip: If you’re short on time, take the orange-flag ferry from Sathorn Pier up to Tha Chang Pier—it’s the fastest way to see the highlights.

6. Visit Chatuchak Weekend Market

If shopping is on your Bangkok bucket list, the Chatuchak Weekend Market is non-negotiable. It’s one of the world’s largest open-air markets, with over 15,000 stalls spread across 35 acres.

What to Buy

• Clothes & Accessories – From trendy Thai brands to bargain basics.
• Souvenirs – Handicrafts, artwork, and home décor at fair prices.
• Street Food – Coconut ice cream, grilled squid, Thai iced tea.
• Plants & Pets – A quirky section selling everything from bonsai to exotic fish.

Tips for Visiting

• Open only on weekends (Sat–Sun, 9 AM – 6 PM).
• Bring cash, although many stalls now accept QR code payments.
• Wear light clothing—it gets hot and crowded.

💡 Insider Tip: Plan your visit in the morning before noon. By midday, the heat and crowds can be overwhelming.

7. Discover Rooftop Bars with Stunning Views

Bangkok is famous for its skyline, and the best way to enjoy it is from a rooftop bar. Whether you want a glamorous night out or a casual drink while overlooking the city lights, rooftop bars deliver unforgettable experiences.

Best Rooftop Bars in Bangkok

• Sky Bar at Lebua State Tower – Featured in The Hangover II, this is one of the highest open-air bars in the world. Expect jaw-dropping views and equally jaw-dropping prices.
• Octave Rooftop Bar (Marriott Sukhumvit) – A more relaxed vibe with 360-degree city views. Perfect for sunset cocktails.
• Above Eleven (Fraser Suites Sukhumvit) – Combines Peruvian-Japanese cuisine with a stylish rooftop setting.
• Vertigo & Moon Bar (Banyan Tree Hotel) – Sleek, romantic, and ideal for a special night out.

💡 Insider Tip: Dress codes are enforced (no flip-flops, shorts, or sleeveless shirts for men). Go early for happy hour discounts and to secure the best tables.

8. Explore Bangkok’s Hidden Temples

While the Grand Palace and Wat Arun get all the attention, Bangkok has dozens of lesser-known temples that offer tranquility, history, and fewer crowds.

Hidden Gems to Visit

• Wat Ratchanatdaram (Loha Prasat) – Known as the “Metal Castle,” this temple features 37 metal spires representing the virtues needed for enlightenment.
• Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple) – Built from Italian Carrara marble, it’s one of Bangkok’s most beautiful temples.
• Wat Kalayanamit – Located by the river, this temple has one of the largest sitting Buddhas in Thailand.
• Wat Prayoon – A UNESCO-awarded temple with a turtle pond and peaceful gardens.

Why Visit Lesser-Known Temples?

• Avoid the tourist rush and experience a more authentic spiritual atmosphere.
• Many temples are free or charge a very small entry fee.
• You’ll find hidden photo spots without the crowds.

💡 Tip: Always remove shoes before entering temple halls and dress respectfully. Shoulders and knees should be covered.

9. Experience Nightlife in Khao San Road & RCA

Bangkok’s nightlife is legendary, offering everything from backpacker parties to high-end nightclubs. Two areas stand out for different vibes:

Khao San Road (Backpacker Paradise)

• Street lined with bars, clubs, and street performers.
• Cheap drinks, live music, and a buzzing international crowd.
• Great for solo travelers who want to meet people.

RCA (Royal City Avenue)

• Bangkok’s official nightlife zone, home to huge clubs and live music venues.
• Route 66 and Onyx are popular with both Thais and expats.
• Dress code applies, and drinks are pricier than Khao San, but the music and atmosphere are world-class.

💡 Insider Tip: For something unique, check out Thonglor and Ekkamai areas—these neighborhoods are filled with speakeasies, craft beer bars, and trendy lounges that locals love.

10. End Your Trip with a Traditional Thai Massage & Spa Day

After days of exploring temples, battling traffic, and walking through busy markets, there’s no better way to recharge than with a traditional Thai massage. This ancient healing practice has been part of Thai culture for over 2,500 years and is a must-do experience in Bangkok.

What to Expect

• Thai Massage – A full-body treatment that combines stretching, pressure points, and yoga-like movements. Unlike oil massages, it’s done on a mat while you wear loose clothing. Expect therapists to use hands, elbows, knees, and sometimes even their feet.
• Foot Massage – Popular for tired travelers after long days of walking. Usually lasts 30–60 minutes and costs around 200–300 THB.
• Oil & Aromatherapy Massage – For those who prefer a more relaxing experience, oil massages use essential oils and gentle strokes.

Best Places to Try in Bangkok

• Wat Pho Massage School – The birthplace of Thai massage, located inside the Wat Pho temple complex.
• Health Land Spa & Massage – A reputable chain with professional services and mid-range pricing.
• Perception Blind Massage – A unique social enterprise where visually impaired therapists provide treatments.
• Luxury Hotel Spas – For a more high-end experience, five-star hotels like Banyan Tree and Mandarin Oriental offer world-class spa facilities.

💡 Insider Tip: Even budget-friendly massage shops in Bangkok are excellent. Just look for busy places filled with locals—that’s usually the best sign.

Wrapping It All Up: Bangkok Awaits

Bangkok is a city that never sleeps, never stops, and never ceases to amaze. From the practical essentials like buying a SIM card and finding your way around on two wheels, to immersing yourself in centuries-old temples, tasting unforgettable street food, shopping at chaotic markets, and ending the day with rooftop cocktails or a soothing massage—the Thai capital offers experiences that satisfy every type of traveler.

The beauty of Bangkok is in its contrasts. You can spend the morning exploring gilded palaces, the afternoon sipping coffee in hipster cafes, and the evening dancing in neon-lit clubs. You can eat street food for under a dollar or dine in Michelin-starred restaurants with skyline views. You can navigate the city by boat, by train, or with total independence when you rent motorbike in Bangkok.

Every visitor leaves with their own unique story. Some fall in love with the culture, others with the chaos, and many with the freedom this city gives you to design your own adventure.

Final Travel Tips for Bangkok

• Cash vs. Card – Cash is still king at street stalls and markets. ATMs are everywhere, but withdrawal fees apply.
• Transport – Use Grab or Bolt for hassle-free rides. For long-term freedom, renting a motorbike is the best investment in convenience.
• Weather – Hot year-round, with the rainy season from May to October. Carry a small umbrella or rain poncho.
• Respect the Culture – Always be polite, smile, and remember that temples are sacred spaces.
• Stay Hydrated – Bangkok’s heat is intense; carry bottled water at all times.

Conclusion

Bangkok isn’t just a stopover city—it’s a destination that deserves time and attention. Whether you’re a backpacker on a budget, a digital nomad setting up for months, or a luxury traveler seeking five-star experiences, Bangkok has something for you.

By following this Top 10 Must-Do Things in Bangkok list, you’ll strike the perfect balance between practicality, culture, food, nightlife, and relaxation. From that very first SIM card purchase to the final spa session, every experience builds a story worth remembering.

So pack your bags, charge your phone, and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime. Bangkok is waiting to surprise you at every corner.