Bangkok has a reputation for being loud and chaotic, but underneath that surface lies a rich culture and heritage you don’t want to miss. These are the top cultural attractions to visit in Bangkok.
The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
Every journey into Thai culture starts here. The Grand Palace, built in 1782, was once home to the Thai royal family and remains one of the country’s most important landmarks. Inside its golden walls lies Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, a sacred figure carved from a single block of jade. Make sure to dress respectfully, as it’s a religious site: cover your shoulders and knees.
The moment you step inside, you know this is not your typical temple; ornate murals and mirrored pillars make the heat and the crowds bearable. Go early in the morning if you want to avoid the heat, though; it’s also when the light bounces off the gilded tiles.
Afterwards, you can take a break along the nearby Chao Phraya River and watch the long-tail boats, a token of the city’s past.
Erawan Shrine
A cultural experience doesn’t always require a tedious trip somewhere. Erawan Shrine offers an intimate look at Bangkok’s spiritual side, right in the middle of the city where modern conventions thrive.
The shrine, dedicated to the Hindu god Brahma, stands at a busy intersection near CentralWorld Mall. Despite the traffic, the air carries a calm and serene energy. Locals come here to light incense, offer garlands of marigolds, and watch traditional Thai dancers perform daily blessings.
If you’re looking for accommodation nearby, you’ll find plenty of options. PARKROYAL Suites Bangkok, known for offering some of the best hotel suites in Bangkok and its proximity to attractions, is located only a few minutes from Erawan Shrine.
Wat Pho
Just a short walk from the Grand Palace is Wat Pho. It’s one of Bangkok’s oldest temples and home to the majestic Reclining Buddha – it’s not every day you see a 46-metre-long statue covered in gold leaf, with intricate mother-of-pearl patterns on its feet.
While on the surface, it’s as grand as it can get, Wat Pho also happens to be birthplace of traditional Thai massage. Locals and visitors alike come here to learn, and the on-site massage school is a beautiful way to experience centuries of healing culture.
Book a massage before leaving, but keep in mind that massages here are a bit more expensive than other massage parlours around the city.
Wat Arun
Across the river, Wat Arun rises against the sky, all white and tall – it’s hard to miss. Its spire is decorated with fragments of coloured glass and Chinese porcelain, which sparkle in the sunlight.
Its name, Wat Arun, means the Temple of Dawn, but it’s at its most beautiful in the evening, especially at sunset when the sky turns gold and pink.
You can climb part of the spire for panoramic views of the river and skyline – it’s steep, but the views will make you forget all the leg pain. From up there, you’ll see the old city and new city come together beautifully.
Jim Thompson House
It’s time to take a break from temples and visit a museum. Jim Thompson House is a small museum near the Siam district. It was once home to an American architect-turned-silk-entrepreneur who revived the Thai silk industry back in the 1950s. He went missing, leaving no trace whatsoever, which is what makes this museum even more fascinating.
The house itself – six traditional teak structures surrounded by lush greenery – feels like opening the door to a completely different world. Inside, you’ll find Buddhist art, ceramics, paintings, and, of course, exquisite Thai silk.
Bangkok Art and Culture Centre
To see a contemporary counterpoint to the city’s ancient temples, visit the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre. The space hosts rotating exhibitions by Thai and international artists. There are also design shops and cafés.
If you’ve had your fill of Bangkok’s old-world grandeur, this is where you can see the city’s more contemporary side. It’s also air-conditioned – something you’ll appreciate in Bangkok’s heat.
Lumphini Park
You wouldn’t expect to find a green space in the middle of Bangkok, but it’s a city of unexpected pleasures, and right in the centre you’ll find Lumphini Park. This is where locals come to breathe fresh air and relax.
Some come to jog, while others sit back and watch the lake. You can also rent a pedal boat and grab an iced tea from a vendor. The park reveals a greener, gentler side of the city and is therefore a must-visit.
