What to Do in Bangkok Old Town?
The best things to do in Bangkok Old Town highlight the cityโs cultural heritage. Also known as Rattanakosin Island, the area was once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam. You can explore some of the most impressive and iconic landmarks in the country, including grand palaces, ancient monuments, and ornate temples.
While the Old Town is known as the cityโs historical centre, you can find many modern attractions throughout your visit. Shopping malls, riverfront restaurants, and lively bars are great alternatives to the districtโs traditional landmarks, resulting in a diverse sightseeing experience.
Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace
Wat Phra Kaew, the highlight of Bangkok Old Town, is an ornate temple within Bangkokโs Grand Palace complex. It dates back to the late 18th century and is widely known as one of the most important Buddhist temples in Thailand. Also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, it enshrines a 66-cm-tall jade statue of Buddha. The sculpture is dressed in gold robes, which are changed 3 times a year to coincide with the changing of the seasons.
The Grand Palace covers over 200,000 sqm, housing several notable monuments and halls, including the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall, the Royal Pantheon, and the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles. You can also find plenty of unique Buddha images and mythological figures throughout the complex.
Wat Pho
Wat Pho is one of the largest and oldest temple complexes in Bangkok. While originally built in the 16th century, it has undergone numerous renovations and additions over the years, resulting in a mix of architectural styles and influences.
A notable feature of Wat Pho is the massive reclining Buddha statue, a must-visit in Bangkok Old Town, which spans around 46 m in length. Built in 1832, the 15-m-high sculpture is decorated with intricate gold leaf and mother-of-pearl. You can also explore the many buildings and structures within the complex, including smaller Buddha statues, pagodas, and shrines.
National Museum Bangkok
The Bangkok National Museum is a great place to learn about valuable information from different periods of Thai history. The exhibits are displayed in several galleries, covering topics like Buddhism, Thai royalty, architecture, and traditional crafts.
One of the museumโs highlights is the extensive collection of Buddhist art and artefacts. Statues, manuscripts, and religious objects representing the different styles and periods of Buddhist art in Thailand can be found in the gallery. Another must-see is the Thai Royal Regalia Gallery, which displays the ornate costumes and accessories worn by Thai royalty during different periods.
Khaosan and Rambuttri Roads
Khaosan and Rambuttri Roads are found in the Banglamphu district of Bangkok Old Town, a historic area thatโs known for its vibrant street life and cultural attractions. Khaosan Road is arguably the more famous of the two, thanks to its backpacker-friendly nightlife scene and bustling street markets. Expect a variety of restaurants, bars, and guesthouses lining this street.
Rambuttri Road is known as Khaosan Roadโs quieter and more relaxed alternative. Similarly, you can find many boutique hotels, sidewalk cafes, and traditional Thai massage parlours. This road also hosts local street vendors selling traditional Thai crafts and souvenirs, as well as restaurants serving both local and international dishes.
Bang Lamphu and Phra Athit Road
Bang Lamphu is one of those places in Bangkok that manages to feel both lived-in and full of history. Itโs just north of the Grand Palace and easy to walk around. We usually end up there when we want something a bit more local, away from the big shopping malls and heavy traffic. Thereโs a mix of street markets, small temples, and old wooden houses that havenโt changed much in decades.
Phra Athit Road runs right along the river and has a different pace compared to nearby Khao San Road. Itโs got older buildings, some turned into cafes or art spaces, and itโs where we like to grab a drink with a view of the water. Thereโs a park at the end, Santichaiprakarn, where people hang out in the early evening. Nearby, the old Phra Sumen Fort still stands. Itโs not a huge attraction, but it reminds us how old the city really is. Ferries stop nearby, which makes it easy to move around without using the roads.
Loha Prasat
Loha Prasat is a unique and striking architectural landmark in Bangkokโs Old Town. Also called the Metal Castle, this 37-m-high temple dates back to the late 19th century. The multi-tiered structure is part of the Wat Ratchanaddaram temple complex, just 700 m northeast of Wat Saket.
The exterior of Loha Prasat comprises 37 spires, each representing one of the 37 virtues for achieving enlightenment in Buddhism. These spires are topped with bronze finials that sparkle in the sun. The templeโs interior is equally impressive, consisting of 5 concentric square levels. You can climb the metal walkways to the top of the temple, where panoramic views of Bangkokโs Old Town await you.
EAGLE NEST Rooftop Bar
Eagle Nest is one of those rooftops I keep going back to. Itโs not high up like many others in Bangkok, but the view is hard to beat. Located right on top of Sala Rattanakosin Hotel, the bar looks directly across the river to Wat Arun, and just behind you is Wat Pho. The view becomes quite special when the sun starts to set and the lights come on.
I usually come here after a walk through the old city or following a temple visit. Itโs a great way to wind down with a drink and a bit of quiet. The space is small โ just a few tables and a bar โ but thatโs part of the charm. Thereโs no loud music, no flashy design, just a peaceful view and a nice breeze from the river.
Wat Saket
Wat Saket (Golden Mount) dates back to the Ayutthaya period but was renovated during the reign of King Rama III. Its iconic feature is the golden chedi, a large dome-shaped structure enshrining a Buddha relic. The temple sits on a rather steep manmade hill, with around 318 steps leading to the top of the chedi. Itโs a great spot for panoramic views of Rattanakosin Island in Bangkok Old Town.
Wat Saket also hosts a bell tower and a prayer hall, plus a museum that displays a collection of artefacts and historical items about the temple and Buddhism. Note that the temple gets especially busy in November during the Loy Krathong festival.
Old Flower Market (Pak Khlong Talat)
The Old Flower Market (Pak Khlong Talat) is a picturesque sight in the old town. The marketplace hosts dozens of vendors selling just about everything, from fresh-cut flowers and potted plants to traditional garlands and flower arrangements.
Located near Saphan Phut (Memorial Bridge), the market is usually busy in the early morning when fresh shipments of flowers arrive from nearby farms and wholesalers. While exploring the picturesque streets, you can also find food stalls and shops selling traditional Thai snacks and souvenirs, making it a great place to explore Bangkokโs Old Town.
Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit Temple
Wat Mahathat Yuwaratrangsarit, a Buddhist temple in Bangkokโs Old Town, is one of the cityโs ten royal temples of the highest class. Originally named Wat Salak, it was built during the Ayutthaya period and later became a focal point for royal ceremonies and funerals due to its strategic location between the Grand Palace and the Front Palace.
Renovated and elevated in status by Thai kings over the centuries, it was renamed Wat Mahathat in 1803 and received its current name in 1996. The temple is also home to a Vipassana Meditation Centre, adding to its cultural and spiritual significance.
Tha Maharaj
Tha Maharaj is an open-air retail complex in Bangkok Old Town overlooking the Chao Phraya River. Its ground floor hosts several restaurants and cafes that serve both Thai and international cuisine. The outdoor seating area provides a breezy atmosphere for taking in the beautiful views of the river.
Head to the upper levels of The Maharaj to browse Thai-brand boutiques that offer stylish clothing and accessories. If youโre interested in bringing souvenirs back home, this shopping mall in Bangkok Old Town has a variety of speciality stores selling handmade crafts and unique trinkets. End the day at its rooftop garden, adorned with lush greenery, a pond, and seating areas to enjoy and immerse in Bangkok Old Town.
Museum Siam
Museum Siam in Bangkok Old Town offers an interactive and engaging way to learn about Thailandโs history and culture. It occupies a 19th-century building on Sanam Chai Road, which puts you within a 5-minute walk of Wat Pho. The museumโs exhibits cover a wide range of topics, including the Thai monarchy, cultural traditions and daily life.
You can explore the museum at your own pace, with audio guides and interactive displays providing additional information and context. One of the standout features of Museum Siam is the โTime Tunnelโ exhibit, which uses virtual reality to transport you back in time. This allows you to explore key moments in Thai history in a fully immersive way.
Wat Suthat (Giant Swing)
Wat Suthat (Giant Swing) is a famous Buddhist temple dating back to the late 18th century. Itโs mostly known for its towering red teak swing standing at 21 m. Due to its towering height, it can be seen from other areas in Bangkok Old Town. Originally used in a Brahminic ritual to celebrate the rice harvest, the swing was later incorporated into Buddhist ceremonies. Itโs adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures of mythical creatures, and its impressive height makes for spectacular photoshoots.
Wat Suthat is also home to impressive structures, such as a large assembly hall with beautiful murals depicting the life of Buddha and a golden pagoda that houses various Buddhist relics.
Wat Ratchabophit
Wat Ratchabophit Sathit Maha Simaram is one of those temples in Bangkok that surprised me. Tucked away near the Grand Palace, it was built in 1869 by King Rama V, and what makes it stand out is how it seamlessly blends classic Thai design with a touch of European style inside. The temple is quite small, but the whole place feels very peaceful and tidy, making it perfect for a light stroll.
If you visit Wat Ratchabophit, make sure to check out the main chedi โ itโs one of the most striking parts of the temple. Around the base, there are small Buddha statues in different poses. The chedi is right in the centre of the temple, giving the whole place a calm and balanced feel. Do note that the main chedi is usually closed off to the public and is only accessed by authorised access and monks; however, you may be lucky on that specific day that itโs open, so itโs worth taking a look.
Ta Thian Market
Ta Thian Market is a sizable community marketplace on Rattanakosin Island, right next to Wat Pho. It offers a unique shopping experience, thanks to its largely local clientele. Most of the vendors sell dried salted seafood wholesale and retail, but you can also find fresh produce, antiques, and daily necessities.
As these stalls are found along the marketโs narrow alleys and streets, expect to bump shoulders with locals shopping for groceries. Like most markets in Bangkok, Ta Thian Market is a great place to sample street food, such as pad thai, grilled seafood, and meat skewers, all of which are available at reasonable prices.
Tha Phra Chan
Tha Pra Chan is a historic pier on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. Named after a bronze bell that once hung in a nearby temple, this important transportation hub serves as a gateway to many notable attractions in Bangkok Old Town, including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and Wat Pho. You can easily board a ferry across the river to explore the opposite riverbank.
The area surrounding Tha Pra Chan is a bustling area with plenty of local vendors selling food, drinks, amulets and souvenirs. The pier is also a popular spot for locals to fish and unwind by the water, especially during Bangkokโs cooler months.
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