Bangkok is a fast-paced, sensory overload in a surprisingly enjoyable way – blending ornate temples, world-class food, and modern city life. From exploring iconic landmarks and buzzing markets to catching Muay Thai fights and over-indulging in unforgettable meals, our visit balanced culture, chaos, and comfort across three unforgettable days.
Things to Do
- Grand Palace & the Temple of the Emerald Buddha: Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha are as majestic as advertised. Even though some buildings are closed to the public, the ornate exteriors alone are worth the visit. It gets extremely crowded, but we still found it enjoyable – just aim to arrive close to opening if you can. (That advice applies to pretty much every major site in Bangkok.)
- Wat Pho & the Reclining Buddha: Located just next door, Wat Pho is home to the massive Reclining Buddha – the largest in Thailand. It’s so big that it’s nearly impossible to photograph properly, which honestly makes seeing it in person even better. The temple grounds themselves are also beautiful, so don’t just rush in and out – take some time to wander.
- Wat Arun: Across the river, Wat Arun stands out with its intricate detailing and iconic central tower. It’s one of the most recognizable landmarks in Bangkok and definitely worth the visit. Getting there is part of the experience too – the short ferry ride across the river offers great views of both the temples and the city skyline.
- Shopping at Markets: You can’t visit Thailand without doing some shopping. While we checked out a few indoor markets in the Pathum Wan area, the highlight was Chatuchak Weekend Market. It’s massive – part indoor, part outdoor – and feels like it goes on forever. There are great deals everywhere, whether you choose to barter or not. It’s worth doing a bit of research ahead of time to target specific stalls, and getting there early helps avoid the worst of the crowds. If you do negotiate, be respectful, aim for around 25% off, and don’t be afraid to walk away.
- Muay Thai at Rajadamnern: We added a Muay Thai fight night somewhat last-minute, and it ended up being one of the highlights of the trip. Rajadamnern Stadium hosts multiple matches in a single night, showcasing some seriously impressive athletes. The venue also does a great job introducing the history and rules of Muay Thai, including a surprisingly elaborate visual presentation projected onto the ceiling between fights. The arena is small enough that most seats offer a good view, but expect a bit of chaos and crowds when entering.
- Lumphini Park: For a break from the city, Lumphini Park is a great escape. It’s a large, green space right in the middle of Bangkok and perfect for a walk. The unexpected highlight? The number of massive Asian water monitor lizards roaming freely around the park, both in the water and along the paths. Not something you see every day – especially if you’re coming from the U.S.
Where to Eat
- Aunglo by Yangrak: Aunglo by Yangrak is a Bib Gourmand izakaya-style spot that ended up being one of our favorite meals in the city. The atmosphere is modern and lively, and we liked the ability to order dishes as we went (even if it got a bit smoky from the grilling). Standouts were the Moo Ping and the Chinese-style BBQ pork bowl.
- K. Panich: K. Panich served the best mango sticky rice we’ve ever had – no exaggeration. Another Bib Gourmand spot, it’s about as unassuming as it gets: you line up on the sidewalk, order at a street-facing counter, then get directed across the street to a small dining area where your food is brought out. Simple setup, incredible results. The mango was unbelievably fresh.
- Sae Phun: Sae Phun is a former Bib Gourmand restaurant, and we’re not entirely sure why it lost the designation – it still checks all the boxes for great food at great prices. The setting is casual with an indoor-outdoor feel, but you’re seated and served. We especially liked the Chicken Stew with Rice, Chicken Sausage, and Fried Egg, as well as the Egg Noodles with “Three Musketeers.”
- Mama Pook Noodles: We stumbled upon Mama Pook Noodles in the basement of a mall after some shopping, and it completely exceeded expectations. The Tom Yum pork noodle soup was perfectly balanced – spicy, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. It’s also incredibly affordable, and the quick service makes it an easy, go-to option if you’re nearby.
- Restaurant POTONG: If you’re looking to splurge, POTONG is a true experience. Ranked No. 15 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list for 2025, it delivers a multi-course meal that unfolds across several floors of a historic building in Chinatown – formerly the chef’s family pharmacy. The entire experience is thoughtfully designed, with the story of the chef’s heritage and the building’s history woven throughout the meal. Not every dish was a personal favorite compared to other 50 Best experiences we’ve had, but the execution and creativity were undeniable. Highlights included the black chicken with Chinese herbs, the 14-day aged duck, and the “ma dan” (jicama) course. That said, it’s very expensive relative to most dining options in Bangkok – so go in knowing it’s a serious splurge.
Other Tips & Tricks
- Where to Stay: Bangkok is massive, so there’s no shortage of places to stay. We used credit card benefits to book SO/ Bangkok and were very happy with the choice. The rooms are huge, the rooftop infinity pool has incredible views (but too cold of water), and the overall vibe feels modern and fun. It’s also conveniently located near a metro stop and Lumphini Park. One thing Bangkok does really well: luxury at a relatively affordable price. If you can, it’s worth splurging a bit – you’ll likely get a lot more value than you would in other major cities.
- Getting Around: Traffic in Bangkok is no joke. While we used Grab occasionally, it often wasn’t the most efficient option because of congestion. We found the metro system to be much more reliable, and it’s worth using whenever possible. We also took a ferry across the river when visiting temples, which was both practical and a nice way to see the city from a different perspective. One tip: plan your days by neighborhood to avoid spending too much time stuck in transit.
- Card vs Cash: Compared to other parts of Thailand, Bangkok is very card-friendly. We were able to use a credit card at most restaurants and attractions, with the main exceptions being markets and street food vendors. That said, it’s still smart to carry some cash for smaller purchases, tips, and places that don’t accept cards.
- Staying Safe: We felt very safe throughout our time in Bangkok. Like any major city, it’s worth taking some basic precautions – using rides instead of walking late at night, keeping bags secure in crowded areas like markets or on public transit, etc. Overall, though, we didn’t run into any issues and found it to be an easy city to navigate comfortably.
Happy traveling!
Kitrina & Jordan
