Bangkok is one of the biggest cities in Asia, one of the busiest and probably most fascinating in the world, with countless options for sightseeing, culture, history, shopping and leisure.
Considering the large number of attractions and opportunities for recreation, it is difficult to give a time recommendation for a visit. A three-day minimum would give you a chance to touch all of the various aspects, whereas 5 days would let you explore the main treasures of the city in a more relaxed way.
Maybe start your visit with a cruise on Chao Phraya River to breathe in the atmosphere of Bangkok and get a first impression and overview of what will be waiting for you the coming days. Then visit some of the numerous wats, a floating market in the early morning hours and go on a shopping tour.
Highlights
- The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew are two of the top historical sites in Bangkok.
- Visit one of the floating markets that Bangkok is famous for and that have been made a setting for several movie scenes.
- Enjoy a cruise on Chao Phraya River, either by day or at night time.
- Go on a street food tour to explore Thailand's diverse and splendid cuisine.
- Get a souvenir for yourself or your loved ones from one of the nonpareil shopping malls.
10-Day Classic Thailand Tour:
Recommended Itinerary
1. The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
If you only have time for one thing in Bangkok, this is it. If you haven't visited the Grand Palace then you haven't seen Bangkok! The spectacular Grand Palace, with its incredibly intricate details, fills tourists from all over the world with awe.
Built in 1782 and being the home of the Thai king for 150 years as well as the royal court and the administrative seat of government, it's a famous landmark in Bangkok.
The whole scene is dominated by Wat Phra Kaew with its splendid colors and gold and surrounding spotless white walls. Pass the two yaks at the gate and find yourself in the different world of the kingdom of Siam: fairy tales, magnificent buildings and detailed mosaic works.
You will be doused in the sanctity and beauty of the proud salute to the creativity and craftsmanship of Thai people and learn plenty about the history and religion of Bangkok.
Maybe consider taking a guide to find out about the historical background of the manifold details of this site that remains the spiritual heart of the Thai Kingdom until this day.
Why you should visit: a royal court and an icon of Bangkok
Time needed: 2 hours
Entrance ticket: 500 baht
Tips for Visiting Temples in Thailand
The best time to visit is in the morning so as to avoid tourist groups.
What to wear: long sleeves and long trousers (or a long dress for women), and shoes that are easy to take off because you will be required to have bare feet to enter the temples.
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I have never hear of this company…
I have never hear of this company before , and after reading all these reviews ,I decided to give it a try . The professionalism and communicative skill received by one of the agent , Sharon of Asia Highlights , convince me that She was the right travel agent for my trip in Asia . Very quickly she communicated with me and got all the detail of my desire vacation . Sharon made me a great itinerary with great experiences that I am dreaming to experience and I am looking forward to it . Thanks Sharon for been so great and crafting me a dream vacation with great suggestions.
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orge alvarez,
May 2023
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Coco Yang worked tirelessly to…
From the moment I landed in Bangkok, Ms Noi Ying was there to welcome me and get me settled into my hotel. We enjoyed several days together touring Bangkok and Kanchanaburi. In Chiang Mai, Mr Ekachai took my son snd I on an amazing trip to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and to visit a community Lanna home, gardens and a hands-on cooking class preparing an authentic Thai meal. Lisa arranged a last-minute speedboat tour of 5 breathtaking islands in Phuket. From start to finish, the guides exceeded my expectations!! Thank you, Asia Highlight!! Debbie Woods
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Debbie Woods,
May 2023
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Sharon from Asia highlights has been…
Sharon from Asia highlights has been amazing. She offered her amazing ideas to other tours I wanted. We have planned the perfect 9 day itinerary to Thailand. She worked in my budget and was very flexible when I had to change my flights. Thank you sharon. Can’t wait for the trip.
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Heather Stern Wilensky,
Apr 2023
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Ms. Ning first review 4-2023
Ms. Albee Ning has been doing a great job accommodating my requests and itinerary changes. Remember the first itinerary is a rough draft and you may modify it to suit your tastes. Remember you can not do it all and see everything in 3 weeks. If the flight wasn't so long I would visit Southeast Asia more often. I will update my review in a few months. We don't leave for 9 more months. Asia Highlights is working well for me so far!
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Chiefray,
Apr 2023
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Perfect Trip To Thailand…
We had so much fun in Bangkok with Tanni and Tom as they kept laughing at all of our silly jokes. Paul, our guide and Chiang Mai was really thoughtful, fun and full of great information about the temples and sights. Thanks so much! Brian and Michelle
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Scott Orchard,
Mar 2023
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I highly recommend Asia Highlights
I highly recommend Asia Highlights. I worked with Alisa and she is fantastic! I was planning my honeymoon trip, and I changed the destination multiple times. Each time, Alisa provided me an updated itinerary with activities that matched my interests. Whether I had a small change to an activity, a question about one of the arrangements, or a change or destination, Alisa was helpful, thoughtful, and knowledgeable, providing me with updated options in an extremely timely manner. In the end, despite the fact that I changed my mind on location multiple times, I ended up booking a 17 day trip to Thailand for this upcoming November. I am extremely excited to experience everything that Alisa planned for us. I recommend Asia Highlights to everyone and look forward to using them again on any other trips to Asia in the future. Thank you Alisa and Asia Highlights!
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Britt Rosen,
Mar 2023
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Three weeks encompassing Vietnam
A special shoutout to our last guide in Bangkok - Ms. Ka-Noon who spoiled us with her kindness and then got us through check in and security for our flight home in record time at that huge Bangkok airport.
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Deby,
Feb 2023
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Over the last 5 years we've used Asia…
Over the last 5 years we've used Asia highlights twice. And both times we've had fantastic vacations. Would not want to do it any different when we travel to Asia from now on. Sharon was fantastic. She was a wonderful agent who helped us nail down our trip and make everything go as smooth as possible.
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Todd Atwell,
Feb 2023
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Family Trip to Thailand
Our trip to Thailand comprised three generations of the family , ten people and an age range of 4 to 70 so a potentially difficult brief.Our itinerary over two weeks involved four locations, and a number of different trips and tours.From out arrival at an extremely busy Bangkok airport Asia Highlights were terrific.In each location we were met by a smiling , knowledgeable and professional guide who simply made everything easy and stress free for everyone.Our transportation was clean and comfortable . Transport was always ready for us at the agreed time and the drivers were excellent.There were so many highlights enjoyed by all the age groups. The floating houses , railway market and elephant sanctuary were particular favourites.We had one minor glitch with the accommodation in Phuket which was immediately dealt with by Tip. I think we would have struggled to resolve the problem by ourselves.
So, thank you Asia Highlights , Cathy, Tip and tour guides Tanny, Sam and Lisa. It was a memorable holiday and we will be back.
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Roger Pyle,
Feb 2023
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Trip of a lifetime from Asia Highlights!
I recommend highly Asia Highlights as a travel company. Our travel consultant Albee took the time to connect with us during the planning process to make sure we were comfortable with our itinerary. When we arrived, we were met by our guide and all the details were attended to. They picked great hotels and tours. I often describe our trip as the trip of a lifetime! Would definitely use them again when we come back to Asia
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Nancy Parker,
Feb 2023
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Asia Highlights and Albee - highly recommended
Asia Highlights is very reliable agency and Albee is an amazing representative of the company. From the moment when we contacted her until our departure, the whole support we received was 6* level. She prepared our trip offer within few hours and afterwards she was extremely flexible to adjust as per our needs. In the period between the offer and the trip, Albee was always available for all our questions and supported us on the best possible way. During the trip she was again flexible to add new activities/transfers and this went on the smoothest possible way. Thank you, Albee and Asia Highlights. Definitely we will approach you again for our next Asian trip
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AZ,
Feb 2023
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5 STAR CUSTOMER SERVICE BY MONICA
Monica is a very sweet young lady who speaks excellent English via email/WhatsApp, and knows the importance of excellent customer service.
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Trent,
Jan 2023
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We had an awesome experience with Asia Highlights
We started our trip in Bangkok, where Mr. Prassert our tour guide, met us. He was on time and the van was clean and well-maintained. Mr. Prassert was our guide for the 4 days we spent in Bangkok. He was helpful, kind, and willing to accommodate our pee and coffee breaks. The driver was safe and punctual.
Next, we went to Chiang Mai.Gemma exceeded every expectation we had for our tour of Chiang Mai! She had a great attitude that made exploring the city fun and exciting, as well as an abundance of knowledge and experience. She was always spot on with figuring out logistics and coming up with unique ideas that suited our interests and schedules. Gemma was incredibly generous with her time and even walked us to security at the airport to make sure we could carry all of our luggage. That’s just one example of how far out of her way she went to make our trip easier and more enjoyable. Gemma was sincerely interested in making every minute of our trip count. We’re very grateful to have met her and feel like we have found a friend in Gemma! Our driver in Chiang Mai was also great and very accommodating to our changes in schedules.
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Lois Paskow,
Dec 2022
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Thailand & Cambodia 2022
Albee went above and beyond to make our trip perfect. She rearranged flights due to a mistake of mine. She made sure we were still picked up and escorted to the airport. I felt comfortable and safe with all our reps. She did an excellent job and I highly recommend her booking your next trip. Thank you, Albee.
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Karen Brooks,
Dec 2022
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Perfect vacation thanks to Albee we…
I can’t say enough about how much we appreciate all the efforts, attention to details and immediate responses to all questions that Albee and her team provided. The Asia Highlights team deserves more stars than the maximum allowed because of continually going above and beyond all expectations. Thanks Albee for making our vacation through south east Asia absolutely perfect!!!
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Michael Sharp,
Dec 2022
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2023 Chiang Mai CAD Yipeng Festival
We got early bird ticket and Bella was assisting us through whatsapp. Easy, competitive price, front row tickets. Thanks Bella, for being patient explaining everything to me. Highly recommended.
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lily hartati,
Dec 2022
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Bella has been an outstanding customer service rep
Bella has been an outstanding customer service rep. She was responsive and knowledgeable. Buying tickets from their website was super easy and the whole process was straightforward. Highly recommended.
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Khai,
Nov 2022
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I was ever so grateful to have a point…
I was ever so grateful to have a point of contact while in a foreign country for the first time, alone, that helped me through the Ins and outs of getting to and from my destination. Albee was readily available which brought me much comfort and feeling of safety. If in this part of the world again, I will not hesitate to use your services..
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Omega,
Nov 2022
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Memorable Experience!!!
I booked tickets to the Chiang Mai Yi Peng Lantern Festival in Nov 2022. Bella was extremely responsive and helpful!!
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Bowen,
Nov 2022
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Personalized
It is the attention to detail and what we specifically wanted to see that made the reservation experience so exciting.
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Peter Bongiovanni,
Nov 2022
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2. Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn)
Locally known as Wat Chaeng, Wat Arun rests on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, almost directly opposite the temple called Wat Pho. It stands majestically on the riverfront and forms a stunning sunset view when it is glowing in the light with its unique, intricate mosaic inlay design and spires.
Why you should visit: an icon in Bangkok and a unique design
Time needed: 30-40 minutes
Entrance ticket: 100 baht
10-Day Best of Thailand with Koh Samui:
Recommended Itinerary
3. Visit Wat Pho (the Temple of the Reclining Buddha)
Wat Pho, or Wat Phra Chetuphon, is located opposite the Grand Palace, at a walking distance of about 10 minutes. It is Bangkok's oldest and largest temple complex, and another famous temple for you to cross off your to-do list if you are a first-time visitor. It houses a giant reclining Buddha that measures 46 meters in length and is covered in gold leaf.
Why you should visit: a famous landmark in Bangkok and a 46-meter-long golden Buddha
Bonus reason: Wat Pho has a traditional Thai massage school, which offers tourists a good foot massage after walking through the temple complex. It also offers week-long Thai massage courses.
Time needed: 30-40 minutes
Entrance ticket: 100 baht
4. Take a Cruise on the Chao Phraya River
Taking a cruise on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok is a great way to see the city from a totally different perspective, not to mention it perfectly avoids the gridlocked traffic in the city.
You can hop on a taxi boat with the commuting locals or, like many tourists do, you can book a night cruise and savor the gala of lights on both sides of the Chao Phraya River while you enjoy fine dining and wine on board.
7-Day Bangkok and Chiang Mai in Yi Peng Festival:
Recommended Itinerary
5. Stroll Through Chatuchak Weekend Market
Chatuchak Weekend Market is one of the biggest markets in the world, with more than 15,000 shops and booths in 27 sections on 35 acres surface. A visit there is a must-do for any tourist to Bangkok and will never get boring.
You will find a wide range of products, from traditional Thai handicrafts, clothing and small accessories, to different kinds of art and paintings, at reasonable prices. It is the right place to find souvenirs. Bargaining, of course, is a big part of the experience. It is a heaven for shopaholics, and what you cannot find there, you will probably not find anywhere.
6. Go on a Street Food Tour
Bangkok has a handful of famous food streets that attract tourists and locals to linger there until late at night.
Just have a look around the streets to see bizarre-shaped snacks, fresh tropical fruit, strange insects, such as fried grasshoppers and spicy locusts, snakes, and even baby crocodiles. They have almost everything to surprise you - don't be afraid to try anything!
Take a food tour through Bang Rak District and discover some of Bangkok's small eateries. Taste curry puffs at a street food vendor; sip Thai iced tea or coffee at the Bang Rak Bazaar; bite into a sampling of tropical fruit at Bangkok's second-oldest wet market; and try Chinese herbal drinks at a local Chinese grocery shop.
Try fried and roasted chicken noodles, topped with egg, followed by one of the Thai sweet, tempting desserts. You have the choice between street vendors and sit-down restaurants whenever you like. A street food tour in Bangkok is an amazing experience that will not leave your appetite for culture and treats unappeased.
2-Week Thailand Getaway Tour for Couples:
Recommended Itinerary
7. Visit a Floating Market Near Bangkok
Visiting Bangkok's lively and colorful floating markets is a unique Thailand experience. A floating market is located on a river or canal and is a place where local boat vendors trade.
Their boats are piled high with tropical fruit, vegetables, flowers, ready-to-drink coconut juice, and local food cooked right on the boats. It's a good place to take some awesome photos to take home with you.
Must-read tip: Many floating markets in Bangkok focus more on satisfying tourists rather than local trade. If you wish to visit one, pick an authentic one, such as Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market.
Although it's very small with only about 10 boats floating around, it's genuine and not like other markets that are crammed with tourists.
The best time to visit is in the early morning when the locals start trading as everything on the boats is fresh.
8. For Backpackers: Go Wild on Khao San Road
Khao San Road, known as the backpacking center of the universe and described in the movie The Beach, which starred Leonardo DiCaprio, is now a famous must-see street for tourists and a haven for backpackers. The whole street is filled with bars, hostels, travel agents, clubs, restaurants, massage parlors, and tattoo shops.
Tip: If you are just there to get an idea of the scenery from The Beach movie and are not really a fan of backpacking, then don't stay there at night. This is because the hotel rooms are the same, if not worse, than the one Leonardo DiCaprio's character had in the movie and the whole street goes off the rooftops after midnight.
12-Day Thailand Family Holiday:
Recommended Itinerary
9. For Adults and Bachelors: Spend an Evening in Nana Plaza
No trip to Bangkok would be complete without taking a trip to Nana Plaza. Take a seat in any of the various bars in the plaza and just sit back and watch the girls ply their trade to many visiting tourists.
Tip: Just be aware of the "buy me a beer" tourist trap there. Learn more about How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Thailand.
10. Take a Tuk Tuk Ride in Bangkok
This one doesn't need much more of a description. Sitting in a colorful tuk tuk and chatting with the Thai driver about travel tips is the perfect way to dodge trucks, swerve along sidewalks, and avoid sitting in traffic in taxis.
Please note:
Negotiate the price before you take a tuk tuk ride and be aware that some drivers may detour to try and sell products to you.
You don't need to worry about the language barrier. The drivers know almost every place name in the city that tourists love to visit and they know the directions well. Read more about All You Need to Know about Tuk Tuks in Thailand.
5-Day Essential Bangkok Tour:
Recommended Itinerary
11. For Active Travelers: Climb Sathorn Unique Tower
Situated in the heart of Bangkok, Sathorn Unique Tower is a very famous unfinished skyscraper. Its construction was halted during the 1997 Asian financial crisis.
With just a small payment to the security guards at the bottom, Sathorn Unique Tower has now become a trendy building for urban explorers.
The view can be breathtaking when you reach the top and you can also see King Power Mahanakhon, which is currently the second highest building in Bangkok following ICONSIAM.
12. For High-End Travelers: Drink a Cocktail at Sky Bar
Sky Bar is the world's highest open-air bar and the hosting place for the Hollywood movie The Hangover Part II. This 360-degree sweeping view rooftop bar is situated on the 63rd floor of State Tower.
Its popularity has continued to soar each day since the movie was released and achieved great success. Tasting an exquisite cocktail at sunset and enjoying a commanding view of Bangkok, the City of Angels, is now on many tourists' to-do lists.
6-Day Bangkok and Chiang Mai Highlights Tour:
Recommended Itinerary
13. Hidden Gem: Cycle Around Bangkok's Green Lung, Bang Krachao
Bangkok's green lung, Bang Krachao, is a lush, smog-free oasis across the Chao Phraya River from Bangkok. It is protected by the government and is perfectly bike-friendly. It is an ideal place to get away from Bangkok's urban craziness. The green lung is not short of unique cafes and hotels either.
14. Get a Cute Fish Spa
One of the surprisingly relaxing things to do in Thailand is to have your feet nibbled by a group of tiny fish. It's an iconic thing to do in Thailand. Particularly in Bangkok, you can find venues with tanks of fish offering such services, such as massage parlors, spa shops, or other shops in the streets.
The fish will nibble away any impurities and dead skin from your feet as you soak them in a specially designed tank. It's quite fun and kids love this activity! Read more about the Best 10 Massage Parlors and Spas in Bangkok.
6-Day Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai Highlights Tour:
Recommended Itinerary
15. Visit a Siam Niramit Show
Attending a Siam Niramit Show is the perfect way to explore the art and culture of ancient Thailand, whilst spending a wonderful and entertaining evening. Watch one of the world's largest and most colorful stage productions.
More than 150 actors and dancers in glittering and aesthetic costumes, and breathtaking sceneries will take you into a long bygone world.
Let yourself be carried away into different periods in history and Thai beliefs, like the Law of Karma and the Mystical Forest of Himapaan, in a mind-blowing performance.
Take a look into Siam Niramit's replica Thai village and discover the original, rural Thai life or enjoy a traditional Thai massage in a tiny open-air house before the show starts.
16. Pick a Souvenir at the Shopping Malls
If you pay a visit to Bangkok, a shopping tour through one of the city's famous shopping malls is an activity you should not miss. If you want to pick a souvenir for yourself or for your family, find yourself a high-tech gadget or some latest fashion from Asia or around the world.
Bangkok's stunning and shiny malls are the right place to come to. And why not have dinner in one of the countless restaurants before, maybe, chilling out and watching a movie in one of the wide screen or luxury cinemas.
Among the large number of malls in Bangkok, we especially recommend Siam Paragon, the luxury mall with the Siam Ocean World aquarium and exotic cars on display. The Siam Center is outstanding for its unusual fashion from local designers, and Central World is Thailand's biggest mall, a more youthful shopping experience with fashion boutiques, bookstores and high-tech shops.
Plan Your Holiday with Asia Highlights
Let Asia Highlights help you plan your trip to Bangkok. They will create the dream trip for you, following your individual wish list for activities, with a tailor-made itinerary you will remember. Of course, we will take care, all activities will be arranged in the most convenient and coordinated sequence. If you have any questions, please contact us by email.