Bangkok Old Town - Things to Do

While many people associate Bangkok with words like loud, chaotic and modern, a completely different world awaits visitors in the west of the city. Bangkok’s Old Town, also called Rattanakosin Island, is the complete opposite of the modern city. Here you can still find a more traditional side of Thailand, away from high-rises and shopping malls.

20 Tips for a Visit to Bangkok’s Old Town

But it is especially the Old Town that offers many Bangkok things to do. From royal palaces and hidden alleys to fascinating temples and, above all, a lot of history. If you want to get to know Thailand’s cultural side, then you should not skip Bangkok’s Old Town. In this article, we show you our best tips and highlights with famous sights and insider spots, from hustle and bustle to quiet corners. Everything you need to know for a visit to the Old Town.

Accommodation in Bangkok – Our Hotel Tip

The Ayathorn Bangkok is located in the historic Phra Nakhon district. It offers a central location with several sights close by, such as Loha Prasat, Wat Saket, and the Democracy Monument. The rooms come with air conditioning, TV, safe, minibar, free Wi-Fi and a kettle, and some even have a balcony with city view. There is also a breakfast buffet, a fitness room, and a lovely swimming pool for a refreshing dip.

You can find more hotels in Bangkok Old Town or directly on the popular Khao San Road here.

1. Wat Phra Kaeo and the Grand Palace

Hardly any place in Bangkok is as impressive and steeped in history as the Grand Palace with the adjoining Wat Phra Kaeo, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. In our opinion, it is a piece of Thailand’s history that every visitor should see. The Grand Palace was built at the end of the 18th century under King Rama I when Bangkok became the new capital.

Today there are dozens of elaborately decorated halls, pavilions, chedis, and galleries. All of them are impressive and adorned with many details from the history of Thailand or the life of Buddha. The actual palace is now only used for state ceremonies.

The highlight is without a doubt Wat Phra Kaeo with the revered Emerald Buddha. This is a small statue made of green jade that stands in the main temple, so to speak. Thais come here to pray and to admire it. Photos of it are not allowed. But even apart from that, the entire complex is really worth a visit and you should plan 1-2 hours. It is open daily from 8.30 AM to 3.30 PM, and the entrance fee is 500 baht per person. You can find even more information in our detailed article about the Wat Phra Kaeo and the Grand Palace.

Important: Pay attention to appropriate clothing. Shoulders and knees must be covered. Otherwise, you can also borrow something on-site so that you are still allowed to enter the Grand Palace.

2. Wat Pho

Another highlight in Bangkok’s Old Town that you must not miss is Wat Pho. Most people know it as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. The impressive feature here is the 46-meter-long golden statue of the reclining Buddha. It symbolizes Buddha’s entry into Nirvana. But this temple building is far from everything there is to discover.

Throughout the grounds there are many more buildings, statues, and huge chedis that are truly fascinating. So take your time to explore the whole area. On-site you will also find shops for drinks or a small snack in between. The entrance fee is now 300 baht per person, and it is open daily from 8.00 AM to 6.30 PM.

Tip: In the northern part of the temple complex, you will find the old, famous massage school of Wat Pho. There you can treat yourself to a traditional Thai massage, as many Thais come here to learn the art of massage. The price is about 250 baht.

3. Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre

Right in the middle of Bangkok’s Old Town, just a few minutes from the Grand Palace, you can experience real culture at Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre. The theater is one of the oldest in the country and was opened back in 1933. While it was once a cinema, it now hosts performances of Thailand’s classic Khon masked theater.

The performances are a mix of dance, music, acting, and elaborate costumes, accompanied by traditional live music. Stories from the Ramayana epic are told. You do not have to speak Thai and will still understand the story thanks to the wonderful performances. In the evening at 7.30 PM there is a main show, but during the day at 1.00 PM, 2.30 PM and 4.00 PM there are short 30-minute performances that already give you a fantastic insight.

Info: If you visit the Grand Palace (see point 1), the ticket already includes admission to the short performances there. There is even a free shuttle bus that takes you to and from the Sala Chalermkrung Royal Theatre.

4. Saranrom Park

Also nearby is the very relaxing Saranrom Park. A small oasis between all the temples and shrines and the usually many tourists, including buses and tuk tuks. The park once belonged to the palace of the same name and was laid out in the 19th century as a royal garden. Today it is a public park where locals come to seek shade under the trees, eat, or simply enjoy some peace and quiet.

Particularly beautiful are the small waterways, bridges, and pavilions, which give the park an almost romantic atmosphere. Along the way you can also see some old buildings and monuments or, if you like, do some exercise. There is a jogging track and public fitness equipment.

Saranrom Park is open daily from 5.00 AM to 8.00 PM. So if you want to take a short break while sightseeing in Bangkok’s Old Town, this is the perfect place.

5. Wat Ratchabophit

A very little-known and often overlooked temple among tourists is Wat Ratchabophit. It was built in 1869 and has something quite special. The temple exudes a great sense of calm and, in addition to the usual decorations, the main focus here is on the 43-meter-high golden chedi in the middle.

Four main halls are surrounding the chedi, each containing a statue of Buddha. The central ubosot is inspired by elements of European churches, but blends very harmoniously into the rest of the temple grounds. In the western part of the complex, you will also find a cemetery where princes and princesses are laid to rest in impressive mausoleums. In other words, a royal cemetery.

Wat Ratchabophit is open every day from 6.00 AM to about 6.00 PM, and there is no entrance fee here. It is definitely very peaceful on-site, and during our visit there were only a handful of other visitors on the temple grounds. So you can explore the temple in complete tranquility and enjoy the atmosphere. With a bit of luck, you might even have it all to yourself.

6. Wat Suthat and the Giant Swing

One of the oldest royal temples in Bangkok’s Old Town is Wat Suthat. Its full name is Wat Suthat Thep Wararam Ratchaworamahawihan and it is particularly well known for its iconic giant swing. Construction of the temple took a full four decades. Inside the temple you can discover impressive murals about the life of Buddha. Another highlight is the central Buddha figure, Phra Si Sakyamuni. All around you will find 28 other pagodas, each representing one of the Buddhas. It is open daily from 8.30 AM to 9.00 PM. The entrance fee is 100 baht.

In the square in front of the temple stands the 21-meter-high red Giant Swing, called Sao Chingcha in Thai. It is a remnant from the 18th century, when ceremonies were held here in which brave men would swing up to catch bags of coins with their teeth. Since 1935, the ritual has been discontinued for safety reasons. Nevertheless, the giant swing still attracts many visitors for a quick stop and is a very popular photo spot.

7. Bangkok City Pillar Shrine

Directly opposite the Grand Palace is a place that is often overlooked by visitors, yet it is of central importance to Bangkok. This is where you will find the City Pillar Shrine, or Lak Mueang in Thai, which exists in every Thai city. This modest yet highly revered shrine is considered the symbolic birthplace of the city and was erected back in 1782 by King Rama I when he made Bangkok the new capital.

You can visit the shrine every day from 6.30 AM to 6.00 PM free of charge. It combines well with a visit to the Grand Palace. Inside stands a holy wooden pillar that is said to bring the city good fortune, protection and stability. Around it you will find small altars, statues of deities and intricately decorated details. Thais mostly come here to pray, make offerings or have a wish granted. A beautiful but very short visit.

8. Sanam Luang

Opposite the Grand Palace lies another historic place in Bangkok, Sanam Luang. At first glance it looks simply like a large lawn, but the place has great significance, especially for Thais. For centuries, Sanam Luang has been used for important royal occasions, from coronations to royal cremations.

Today, major festivals, religious ceremonies and celebrations for the king’s birthday still take place there. When no events are being held, however, Sanam Luang can feel a bit empty and out of place in the middle of Bangkok’s Old Town. So for many, Sanam Luang is just a place to pass through, but we can still recommend a visit at sunrise or sunset. From here you can see the golden spires of Wat Phra Kaeo and take beautiful photos.

9. National Museum

If you want to learn more about the history of the Grand Palace and Thailand, it is worth visiting the National Museum, which is very close to Sanam Luang. The historic building was even once part of the vice king’s palace.

From Wednesday to Sunday, you can visit the museum from 9.00 AM to 4.00 PM. Admission costs 200 baht. In the museum you can take a journey through Thai history, from prehistoric finds and magnificent Buddha statues to royal carriages and numerous works of art. English-language tours are also offered, often even free of charge. So if you are interested in deeper knowledge of Thai history, you should not skip the National Museum.

10. Wat Mahannapharam Worawihan

Just a few steps from Democracy Monument and the Giant Swing, you will find Wat Mahannapharam Worawihan. The temple is unknown to many tourists and is therefore often overlooked. It stands out with its simple white architecture and exudes a great sense of calm.

Inside you will find, for example, Buddha statues from the Ayutthaya and Sukhothai periods. There is really a piece of history here. Another special feature of the temple is that the first public school in Thailand was founded here in 1884. You can visit the temple every day from 8.00 AM to 5.00 PM free of charge. Perfect for a short stop while strolling through Bangkok’s Old Town.

11. Democracy Monument

On Ratchadamnoen Boulevard, where you will also find Loha Prasat (see next point), Democracy Monument rises on a kind of traffic island. It is one of Bangkok’s most important political landmarks and was built in 1939. It commemorates the revolution of 1932, which turned Thailand into a constitutional monarchy.

At the center of the monument stands a golden box that symbolically holds the country’s constitution. It is surrounded by four tall wings representing the nation’s armed forces: army, navy, air force, and police. Democracy Monument was designed by an Italian architect. It is especially popular to visit in the early morning hours or at sunset, when the monument shines in golden light.

12. Loha Prasat

In Wat Ratchanatdaram stands the famous Loha Prasat stupa. For many years it gave the temple the nickname Iron Palace because it had 37 black metal spires. These have now been gilded and create a different, but no less impressive, appearance. King Rama III had the temple built as early as 1846, but it was only from the renovation in 2014 that the black spires were covered in gold.

The name Loha Prasat roughly means “metal monastery”, which is of course no longer accurate but is still kept as the name. The temple grounds are very quiet and radiate a real sense of peace. You can climb Loha Prasat almost to the top via stairways. There are small winding corridors, meditation rooms, and many statues to discover.

At the very top you will finally find a small golden relic and a panoramic view over the rooftops of Bangkok’s Old Town. For us it is a real highlight among the temples in the Old Town, and a visit combines perfectly with Wat Saket (see next point). It is open daily from 8.00 AM to 5.00 PM, and you should leave a donation of at least 20 baht as an entrance fee at the entrance.

13. Wat Saket

High above, 80 meters over Bangkok, a golden chedi sits on an artificial hill above the Old Town. It is the highlight of Wat Saket, also known as the Golden Mount temple. To reach the chedi, you have to climb about 344 steps and can discover a lot along the way. Statues of Buddha, small waterfalls, prayer bells, and a beautifully maintained garden.

The atmosphere here is very calm and accompanied by prayers that sound from the speakers. Once at the top, you can admire the golden chedi and enjoy the view over the rooftops of Bangkok’s Old Town all the way to the distant skyline. There is also said to be a relic of Buddha inside this chedi, which comes from Sri Lanka.

You can visit Wat Saket daily from 7.30 AM to 7.00 PM. The entrance fee is 100 baht per person. Take your time, as the entire complex, not just the hill, is worth exploring, and there are many more things to discover.

14. Eagle Nest Rooftop Bar

A little hidden in a small alley, very close to Tha Tien Pier, you will find Eagle Nest Rooftop Bar on the 5th floor of Sala Arun. Maybe not a secret tip anymore, but still a very beautiful spot, especially for sunset. Right in front of you is the Chao Phraya River and the illuminated Wat Arun.

There are no reservations for seats and the atmosphere is very relaxed, almost like a family. Do not expect a huge menu here, as there is some finger food or Thai snacks, cocktails, beer and other drinks on offer, starting from 60 baht. It is open daily from around 5.00 PM to 10.00 PM. On weekends it usually closes later. A great place to start your evening in Bangkok’s Old Town.

15. Phra Sumen Fort

One of the last remaining forts in Bangkok is Phra Sumen Fort, which was built in 1783. It is located in Santichaiprakan Park, right on the Chao Phraya near Phra Arthit Pier. A piece of Bangkok’s history that is often simply overlooked. Originally, it was there to protect Bangkok’s Old Town.

Phra Sumen Fort was once one of a network of 14 forts built under King Rama I. It is not necessarily a big must-see, but if you walk from Phra Arthit Pier towards Khao San Road or to Wat Intharawihan (see next point), you will most likely pass by here. The surrounding park is also very beautiful and invites you to linger, a bit removed from the hustle and bustle of the big city.

16. Wat Intharawihan

A little more hidden and a short walk from Phra Arthit Pier or Khao San Road, you will find Wat Intharawihan. It is particularly well known for the 32-meter-high golden Buddha statue called Luang Pho To or Phra Si Ariyamettrai. The gigantic statue was built between 1867 and 1927 and covered with glass mosaics.

A highlight is also the view from the head of the statue, which you can reach via stairs. Up there you will most likely be alone, as not many people go up. The temple was originally founded in the Ayutthaya era and later renovated under King Rama I and his successor, before Somdej Toh, one of the temple’s most famous abbots, initiated the construction of the giant statue. It is open daily from 8.30 AM to 8.00 PM. The entrance fee is 40 baht.

17. Wat Benchamabophit

A little off the classic tourist paths, in the Dusit district, a bit north of Bangkok’s Old Town, you will find one of the most elegant Bangkok temples, Wat Benchamabophit. It is also widely known as the Marble Temple. Here, shiny white marble meets Thai architecture, creating a really beautiful mix.

Under King Rama V, the temple was built at the end of the 19th century. Inside the main building you will find a gilded Buddha statue and 52 more statues in the gallery in the courtyard. These represent the different phases in Buddha’s life, so each statue has a different posture. The entrance fee is 50 baht and it is open daily from 6.00 AM to 6.00 PM. The temple is still an active monastery today and if you are there at the right time of day, you can even see the monks during their daily rituals.

Tip: The best way to get there is by taxi, tuk tuk or the Chao Phraya Express Boat plus a 20-minute walk.

18. Khao San Road

Khao San Road is probably one of Bangkok’s most famous streets and attracts travelers from all over the world every year. Hostels, restaurants and bars line up here alongside street food stalls and tattoo studios. The short street in the Banglamphu district has long been more than just a backpacker meeting point, it is an integral part of the modern Bangkok experience.

During the day it is usually very quiet and not much is going on. As evening falls, vendors set up their stalls, tourists fill the street and the bars welcome their first guests. The later it gets, the more vibrant life on Khao San Road becomes. Whether you just stroll through, chill on a rooftop terrace or throw yourself right into the nightlife of Bangkok’s Old Town, you definitely won’t get bored here.

19. Bangkok View Rooftop Bar

A highlight on Khao San Road is Bangkok View Rooftop Bar. A hideaway in the middle of the backpacker hustle and bustle. The bar is simple and laid-back. Basic tables, casual seating and no dress code. Here you will meet relaxed travelers who stop by for a cold drink after a long day of sightseeing. The prices are fair, so you do not have to spend a fortune on local beers, cocktails or snacks.

You do not have a view of Bangkok’s skyline here, but you do overlook Khao San Road with its neon lights, street vendors and many visitors. A fascinating view and a great place to start the evening. Bangkok View Rooftop Bar opens at 6.00 PM and closes around 2.00 AM. It is not one of the luxurious high-class sky bars in Bangkok, but a bar with charm that you can visit without any reservation or planning.

20. Soi Rambuttri

The next street after Khao San Road is no less popular. Soi Rambuttri is, however, not quite as loud and a little calmer, with cafés, restaurants, massages and some street stalls in the evening. You could say it is a mix of relaxed backpacker vibe and local flair. During the day it is very quiet, but in the evening the bars and restaurants fill with many visitors and some even have a bit of live music.

Soi Rambuttri stretches along both sides of the street, unlike Khao San Road, and is therefore quite a bit longer. At the end there is a small alley that serves as a shortcut for visitors to Phra Arthit Pier. Less loud but more atmospheric, we like Soi Rambuttri a bit better than Khao San Road. There is always something going on here too, but it is cozier and more relaxed.

Bangkok: Tours and Tickets

Do you prefer to travel with a guide who knows the area very well? Then we recommend a guided tour with a local. This way you can get to know the old town of Bangkok in a completely different way. GetYourGuide offers a wide selection of exciting tours for things to do in Bangkok’s Old Town.

How to Get to Bangkok

Traveling to Bangkok is relatively easy, as there are direct flights and stopovers from all the surrounding countries, as well as from Europe or the Emirates. Flights from neighboring countries arrive at Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) and flights from Europe etc. arrive at Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK).

Cheap flights to Bangkok can be found at Skyscanner for example. There you can compare the prices by days, see the flight duration and stopovers. Everything is very clear and absolutely recommended for a first comparison.

If you are traveling to Bangkok from other cities in Thailand or from neighboring countries such as Cambodia, then there are more possibilities. In addition to the airplane you can choose long-distance buses and trains (within Thailand) to Bangkok. Prices and times can be found at our partner 12go.asia.

Have you ever been to Bangkok? Do you have any other things to do for Bangkok’s old town? We look forward to hearing from you in the comments.