TOP 20 SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS NOT TO MISS IN BANGKOK!

Bangkok is an exciting and diverse destination, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re drawn to luxury malls or vibrant street markets, the city’s mix of old and new is sure to keep you engaged. For first-time visitors, it’s important to be cautious with tuk-tuk drivers and to negotiate prices in markets. One of the best ways to get oriented in the city is to take a guided tour, which allows you to discover local sights with the help of a knowledgeable guide. Here’s a rewrite of your detailed guide on the top things to do in Bangkok:

WAT PHO

Wat Pho, one of Bangkok’s oldest and largest temples, is famous for its grand reclining Buddha statue in gold. The temple’s intricate details and vibrant colors make it a must-visit in the city. Try to arrive early, around 8:00 AM, to avoid the crowds and enjoy the tranquility as the sun rises. This peaceful moment is truly magical and unforgettable.

THE GRAND PALACE

Home to Thailand’s most sacred site, the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, dating back to 1782, is a must-see. Be prepared for a strict dress code: long pants or a maxi dress, no exposed shoulders or cleavage, and closed shoes. If you’re not properly dressed, you can rent appropriate attire for a small fee.

For a deeper dive, consider joining a Bangkok Temple Tour to explore the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and more local markets.

FLOATING MARKETS

While primarily geared towards tourists, the floating markets in Bangkok still offer a colorful and sensory-rich experience. Damnoen Saduak, Amphawa, and Khlong Lat Mayom are among the most popular. Here, you’ll find vibrant flowers, fresh fruits, and delicious traditional dishes.

CHATUCHAK WEEKEND MARKET

Chatuchak is the largest market in Bangkok, featuring over 8,000 stalls. Over 200,000 visitors flock here every weekend, so arrive early to avoid the midday heat and crowds. It’s an adventure where you can shop to your heart’s content for unique finds at lower prices in the morning.

EXPLORE THE KHLONGS (CANALS)

For a more authentic Bangkok experience, take a boat ride through the khlongs (canals) to see stilted houses and old wooden townhouses. While river cruises are popular, a khlong tour gives you a glimpse into the daily life of local communities.

CHINATOWN

Chinatown in Bangkok is a food lover’s paradise, famous for its gold shops, vibrant fabric markets, and street food. Yaowarat Road is lined with gold vendors, and at night, the streets turn into a bustling food market. Be sure to try papaya salad and mango sticky rice.

ROOFTOP BARS

For stunning city views, visit one of Bangkok’s iconic rooftop bars. The Sky Bar at Lebua State Tower offers breathtaking views, made famous by the movie The Hangover II. If you’re feeling fancy, consider dining at Sirocco, the world’s highest rooftop restaurant.

ASIATIQUE THE RIVERFRONT

This open-air night market and shopping mall is perfect for a fun night out. With over 1,500 boutiques, 40 restaurants, and even a Ferris wheel, Asiatique offers something for everyone. Get there via boat for the quickest access.

KHAO SAN ROAD

A vibrant street catering to backpackers, Khao San Road is filled with budget accommodations, quirky bars, and street food vendors. Whether you’re sampling fried insects or grabbing a pizza, this chaotic yet fun strip is always buzzing.

STREET FOOD TOUR

Bangkok’s street food scene is legendary, and no trip is complete without sampling its diverse offerings. Join a small group food tour, led by a local chef, to explore hidden culinary gems in the backstreets of Old Bangkok.

WAT BEN (MARBLE TEMPLE)

Wat Ben is a stunning Buddhist temple known for its white marble imported from Italy. The clean, crisp contrast to the typical gold-and-orange temples makes it unique. Arrive early before visiting Wat Pho or the Grand Palace for a peaceful experience.

BANGKOK BIKE TOUR

Experience Bangkok on two wheels with a 4-hour bike tour through the city’s backroads, canals, and temples. Cycling allows you to explore a side of the city that you won’t see from the sky train or tuk-tuk.

PAK KLONG TALAD FLOWER MARKET

Pak Klong Talad is Bangkok’s largest flower market, open 24 hours. For the freshest blooms and a glimpse of local life, visit after midnight when boats bring in flowers. You’ll find far fewer tourists here, making it a hidden gem.

BANGKOK NATIONAL MUSEUM

Home to Thailand’s largest collection of historical artifacts, the Bangkok National Museum offers a fascinating look at the country’s rich heritage. Guided tours in English are available on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

UNICORN CAFÉ

For those who love all things pastel, glittery, and whimsical, the Unicorn Café is a must-see. The decor is dreamlike, and the food—think rainbow spaghetti and unicorn waffles—is fun and surprisingly delicious.

MAEKLONG RAILWAY MARKET

Just outside Bangkok, the Maeklong Railway Market is an exciting experience where vendors move their stalls off the tracks every time a train passes through. The market comes to life again moments after the train passes by.

WAT ARUN (TEMPLE OF DAWN)

Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun is best viewed at sunset when the temple lights up. Hop on a shuttle boat across the river for just a small fee, and relax at Arun Residence while waiting for the perfect sunset view.

COOKING CLASS

If you’re a fan of Thai cuisine, take a cooking class where you’ll learn how to make traditional dishes. Visit a local market to gather ingredients, then cook a multi-course meal in a fully-equipped kitchen.

LUMPINI PARK

Lumpini Park is an urban oasis where you can enjoy a relaxing picnic, rent paddleboats, or join a free aerobic class at sunset. It’s the perfect escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

GO SHOPPING

Bangkok is a shopping paradise, offering everything from street markets to luxury malls. Central World and Siam Center are among the best shopping destinations in the city, with a wide range of shops and boutiques to explore.

CONCLUSION

This city is a vast cultural hub filled with stunning landmarks and unforgettable experiences, from markets to temples and rooftop views. Whether you’re looking for history, adventure, or relaxation, Bangkok offers something for every type of traveler.

12 FULL SUN CONTAINER FLOWERS

Container flower arrangements are perfect for adding a splash of color to a sunny courtyard, balcony, or patio. When selecting plants, it’s essential to choose flowers with similar sun tolerance to keep your blooms vibrant and healthy, avoiding wilted or droopy flowers. Here are 12 stunning container flowers that thrive in full sun.

PETUNIA (PETUNIA × ATKINSIANA)

Petunias are beloved annuals that thrive in sunny spots, needing at least six hours of sunlight daily. Trailing varieties create a stunning cascading effect in hanging baskets, making them a favorite for container gardens. Sow petunia seeds in early spring for vibrant blooms all summer long. For a spectacular display, try varieties like Shock Wave Yellow or Super Cascade.

MILLION BELLS (CALIBRACHOA)

Million Bells resemble petunias but feature smaller, equally charming blooms. These low-maintenance annuals flourish in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, offering a long blooming season from spring until frost. Perfect for pots and hanging baskets, they’re a great choice for sunny spaces.

PORTULACA (PORTULACA GRANDIFLORA)

Portulaca, a drought-tolerant succulent, thrives in hot summers and arid conditions. Its blooms come in vivid shades of red, pink, yellow, orange, cream, and white, while its foliage retains moisture, reducing watering needs. Portulaca’s spreading growth makes it ideal for large containers.

ASTER

Asters are summer-blooming perennials that dazzle with their colorful flowers in pink, purple, red, and white. These plants can grow 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm) tall, making them a stunning choice for larger pots. While they prefer cool summers, they can adapt to warmer climates with afternoon shade.

MARIGOLD (TAGETES)

Marigolds are hardy, sun-loving annuals with bright yellow and orange blooms that flourish from spring to summer. Sow marigold seeds directly into the soil as the weather warms or start them indoors. Varieties like Sparky Mix and Crackerjack produce striking flowers for any garden.

SUNFLOWERS

Fast-growing sunflowers bloom within just 10 weeks, adding a cheerful touch to any space. While many varieties are too tall for pots, dwarf sunflowers are perfect for containers, thriving in full sun and blooming throughout summer.

GERANIUM

Geraniums are fragrant favorites for window boxes and containers. While they prefer full sun, a bit of afternoon shade in hot summers helps them thrive. Since geraniums are frost-sensitive, bring them indoors when the temperature drops.

ZINNIA (ZINNIA ELEGANS)

Zinnias are gorgeous annuals that love full sun and bring vibrant color to container gardens. Plant seeds in warm spring soil directly into the pot, as zinnias don’t transplant well. With proper care, they’ll reward you with stunning blooms.

CELOSIA (CELOSIA CRISTATA)

Known as Cockscomb, Celosia boasts bright, unique flowers in shades of red, yellow, orange, pink, and purple. Plant varieties like Chief Mix or Flamingo Mix in containers for eye-catching displays.

GERBERA DAISY (GERBERA JAMESONII)

Gerbera daisies bloom from spring to fall, offering vibrant colors like yellow, orange, and red. They thrive in warm, sunny spots and sandy soil, making them ideal for container planting in bright climates.

LANTANA (LANTANA CAMARA)

Lantana is versatile, growing as an annual or perennial depending on the climate. Its clusters of small, colorful flowers—ranging from pink and red to yellow and orange—look stunning in pots or trailing varieties in hanging baskets.

BEGONIA

Begonias are pollinator-friendly plants that attract bees and other beneficial insects. Their flowers bloom in shades of red, pink, yellow, or white from summer to fall. Begonias adapt well to both full sun and partial shade, making them perfect for containers and hanging baskets.