Every "what to do in Bangkok" guide leads with the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Chatuchak Market. Those are great — but if you've been to Bangkok before, or you want something beyond the standard tourist circuit, the city has added a remarkable number of new attractions in 2025 and 2026. Here's a mix of the proven classics and the new openings worth knowing about.
The Essentials (If It's Your First Time)
The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
Still the single most impressive cultural site in Bangkok. The Emerald Buddha temple within the palace complex is stunning. Go early (it opens at 8:30 AM) to beat the tour groups. Dress code is strictly enforced — cover shoulders and knees.
Wat Arun at Sunset
Cross the river from the Grand Palace area by ferry (4 baht) and climb the central prang of the Temple of Dawn. The mosaics up close are remarkable, and the views from the top at sunset are the best in the old city.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Over 15,000 stalls across 35 acres. It's overwhelming, but that's the point. Go for the vintage clothing sections, the plant market, and the food stalls in Section 2. Saturday and Sunday only, and arrive before noon to avoid the worst crowds.
New Attractions Worth Your Time (2025-2026)
Bangkok Reflection
Opened September 2025 at One City Center (BTS Phloen Chit). An immersive mirror observatory spanning the 58th to 61st floors with 360-degree panoramic views, infinity mirror installations, and a sky bar. Bangkok's answer to NYC's SUMMIT One Vanderbilt. Book tickets in advance for sunset time slots.
Mahanakhon I-Tilt
The King Power Mahanakhon building added an outdoor tilting platform at 296 meters in May 2025. You stand on a platform that slowly tilts you over the edge of the building while strapped in. Not for the faint-hearted, but the views are unmatched.
Dib Bangkok
Thailand's first international contemporary art museum, opened December 2025 on Sukhumvit 40. Features works by major international artists including James Turrell. A serious art space in a city that was overdue for one.
Skyflyers at Asiatique
A 135-meter swing ride at Asiatique The Riverfront — the tallest in Asia-Pacific. Opened November 2025. Combine it with the Jurassic World experience (opened August 2025) at the same venue for a full evening of entertainment along the river.
Lumpini Park Hawker Centre
Bangkok's first Singapore-style hawker centre, opening in early 2026 beside Lumphini Park with 88 vendor stalls. A curated street food experience in a proper sit-down setting.
Neighbourhoods Worth Exploring
Talat Noi
A revitalized Chinese trading district between Chinatown and the river. Old shophouses converted into indie cafes and galleries, street art on every corner, hidden courtyards and shrines. Best explored on foot in the late afternoon.
Ari
Bangkok's hipster neighbourhood — tree-lined streets with independent coffee shops, brunch spots, vintage stores, and small galleries. Accessible via BTS Ari. Feels like a different city from the tourist areas.
Khlong Ong Ang Walking Street
On weekend evenings, the canal-side area in Chinatown becomes a pedestrian walking street with street food, craft vendors, live music, and coloured lights reflecting off the water. Local, atmospheric, and cheap.
Active and Social Experiences
Indoor Golf at LENGOLF
A golf simulator and bar at The Mercury Ville (BTS Chidlom). Hit balls on Bravo simulators imported from Korea, play virtual rounds on famous courses, and compete with friends — all in air-conditioned comfort with a full bar. No golf experience needed. Up to 5 people per bay, open until 11 PM. One of the more genuinely fun group activities in the city, and completely rain-proof. Book at booking.len.golf.
Muay Thai at Rajadamnern Stadium
Watch live fights at Bangkok's most prestigious Muay Thai venue, built in 1945. The atmosphere on fight night is electric — the energy from the crowd, the traditional music, and the skill of the fighters make it an unforgettable experience. Ringside tickets around 2,000 baht.
Cooking Classes
The best ones start at a local market, where you buy ingredients before heading to a kitchen to cook 3-4 dishes. Silom Thai Cooking School and Baipai Thai Cooking School are consistently well-reviewed. Budget 1,500-2,500 baht per person.
Food Experiences
Chinatown (Yaowarat) After Dark
Yaowarat Road at night is the best street food experience in Bangkok. The neon signs light up, the wok stations fire, and the choices are overwhelming in the best way. Must-try: seafood stalls on Yaowarat Road itself, pad thai at Thipsamai (nearby on Maha Chai Road), and mango sticky rice from any vendor.
Rooftop Bars
Lebua Sky Bar (63 floors, Chao Phraya views) is the most famous. Octave Rooftop at the Marriott Sukhumvit offers 360-degree views with a less touristy crowd. Ojo at the Waldorf Astoria is the newest high-end option. Arrive 30 minutes before sunset.
Getting Around
The BTS Skytrain and MRT subway cover most of central Bangkok efficiently. For riverside attractions, the Chao Phraya Express Boat is cheap and reliable. Use Grab (Southeast Asia's ride-hailing app) for anything the trains don't reach. Avoid taxis that refuse to use the meter — insist on it or switch to Grab.
For an activity that works in any weather, any time of day, and for any skill level, add LENGOLF to your Bangkok itinerary. Visit len.golf for details.