The most significant places to explore in Bangkok
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Bangkok is known for its many famous temples, but on this page, we focus on other important landmarks and museums around the city and even beyond. We’ve listed only a few major temples here, since there are too many to include and we already have a dedicated page about them. The places listed below are among the most popular destinations for visitors, including the Grand Palace, the Giant Swing, and the historic city areas of Rattanakosin and Thonburi.
Bangkok also has some excellent museums that help you understand the country’s history, art, and culture, such as the Bangkok National Museum, the Jim Thompson House, and a few smaller ones that are worth discovering. These landmarks are often close to each other, so it’s easy to combine a few in one trip. It’s always best to group your visits by area, especially with Bangkok’s traffic, which can be slow during the day.
Bangkok Science Museum and Planetarium
The Bangkok Science Museum and Planetarium (also called the Science Centre for Education) is one of those places that many people don’t know exist, even though it's been around for decades ... Read More
The Ancient – Muang Boran Museum
The Ancient City is an open-air museum just outside Bangkok in Samut Prakan. It’s not very far from the city, but it feels completely different—spacious, peaceful, and filled with impressive replicas of Thailand’s most important temples, monuments, and architectural landmarks ... Read More
Erawan Shrine
Erawan Shrine is one of the most famous religious landmarks in Bangkok, located in the busy Siam area near shopping malls and hotels. It houses a golden statue of Phra Phrom, the Thai representation of the Hindu god Brahma, and attracts both locals and tourists who come to pray for good fortune, success, and health. The shrine is always lively, with people offering flowers, incense, and wooden elephants as a sign of gratitude for granted wishes. Traditional Thai dancers often perform as part of these offerings, adding to the atmosphere. Despite being in the middle of a crowded area, the ... Read More
Princess Mother Memorial Park
The Princess Mother Memorial Park is a peaceful spot dedicated to the late Princess Srinagarindra, the mother of King Rama IX. Hidden on the Thonburi side of Bangkok, the park is a blend of serene gardens and small museum buildings ... Read More
Royal Barges National Museum
The Royal Barges National Museum in Bangkok offers a captivating glimpse into Thailand’s rich ceremonial traditions. These ornate vessels, dating back to the Ayuthaya era, are showcased when not in use for regal processions ... Read More
Museum Siam
Museum Siam in Bangkok Old Town offers an interactive and engaging way to learn about Thailand’s history and culture. It occupies a 19th-century building on Sanam Chai Road, which puts you within a 5-minute walk of Wat Pho ... Read More
Hua Lamphong Railway Station
Hua Lamphong Railway Station in Bangkok, officially known as Bangkok Railway Station, is one of the city’s iconic landmarks. Opened in 1916, this grand building is located in the heart of Bangkok and serves as a major transportation hub ... Read More
Lumphini Park in Bangkok
Lumphini Park is a 142-acre urban retreat that dates back to 1925. Surrounded by high-end buildings, shopping malls, hotels, and even rooftop bars, the park is a haven providing a peaceful escape from the hectic pace of daily life ... Read More
National Museum Bangkok
The National Museum of Bangkok is a captivating treasure trove of Thai art, history, and culture, located conveniently near the iconic Grand Palace and the bustling Khaosan Road ... Read More
Jesada Technik Museum in Nakhon Pathom
Jesada Technik Museum is in Nakhon Pathom, a bit far from Bangkok, but it's worth the trip if you are a classic car lover. The museum is privately owned by Jesada Deshsakulrith, a successful Thai businessperson who is a classic car lover. The museum shelters some five hundred beautifully restored vehicles, and the entrance is free! My curiosity was triggered when I found online a photo of the famous DMC De Lorean from Back to the Future blockbuster. I had to see it by myself. The museum was much bigger than I anticipated, featuring many old French, German and American ... Read More
Erawan Museum in Samut Prakan near Bangkok
Erawan Museum in Samut Prakan near Bangkok is a striking monument that is not to be confused with the famous Erawan Shrine in downtown Bangkok. This gigantic three-headed elephant, built on a pedestal, stands 44 metres above one side of the expressway ... Read More
Wat Pho – Temple of the reclining Buddha
Wat Pho, the temple of the reclining Buddha or Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan, is such an iconic landmark of Bangkok that it is on everyone's list of places to visit, even on a short trip ... Read More
Wat Arun, the temple of Dawn
Wat Arun, also known as the temple of Dawn, is a significant landmark of Bangkok, built before 1656. It's much more modest than Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace or Wat Pho and the Giant Reclining Buddha, but its iconic shape is better known in many ways ... Read More
Bangkok Forensic Museum at Siriraj Hospital
Bangkok Forensic Museum is not on people's top 10 list of things to see in Bangkok, at least not on a first trip, but it seems to rank high on people's 'Off the beaten track travel guide' ... Read More
The Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew
The Grand Palace of Bangkok and Wat Phra Kaew are the most famous landmarks in Bangkok, and they are often seen in many movies, a marvel of delicate and intricate craftwork, architecture, carving and painting ... Read More
Jim Thompson House Museum Bangkok
The Jim Thompson House is one of Bangkok's most famous attractions, and a great deal has been written about the house's history and the mysterious disappearance of Jim Thompson. The Jim Thompson Museum is a group of beautiful teakwood houses set in a green oasis in the heart of Siam, near Siam Paragon and MBK ... Read More
