4 Must-Visit Places in Bangkok and Activities You Can’t Miss

Thailand is one of the most culturally and historically rich places you could ever visit, with thousands of years of history spanning numerous dynasties and kingdoms. It also holds the unique distinction of being the only country in the region to avoid European colonization, which has resulted in much of its historic culture remaining uncolored by Western influence.

It’d be impossible to see everything it has to even in a lifetime. But if you’d like to explore the culture and history of the city on a trip, there’s definitely a lot of must-visit places in Bangkok, its capital, and the surrounding vicinity. For a cultural experience you’ll never forget, plan your visit around these activities, and get some of the best that Thailand has to offer!

The majestic Chao Phraya River flows through the heart of Bangkok and empties into the Gulf of Thailand, offering a beautiful open view of the city’s skyline!

This vista highlights one of the most romantic activities you can embark on in Thailand, a Chao Phraya cruise. Bangkok’s beauty reveals itself as the sun descends beneath the horizon, while you and your loved one partake in fine dining set to live music and a variety of performers.

Book a sunset river cruise along the Chao Phraya and get an intimate experience unlike any other!

Ayutthaya was once the capital of the ancient Ayutthaya Kingdom. As such, it’s peppered with numerous historical sites of interest, including palaces and well-preserved ruins. A day trip from Bangkok to this historic city is a veritable time travel adventure.

One of the most impressive sights in Ayutthaya is the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, a complex of structures constructed in the 17th century by King Prasat Thong. The site has played host to many events in history, from royal weddings to the reception of foreign dignitaries and monarchs. It consists of remarkable structures such as the Wehart Chamrun, a two-storey palace built in the 1880s as a gift to King Chulalongkorn, and embellished with a Chinese-style throne. There’s also the Ho Withun Thasana, a beautiful lookout tower intended for royals to view the surrounding countryside.

Also present is the Ayutthaya Historical Park, one of Thailand’s many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Here, you can explore some of the most well-preserved ruins from the ancient city, offering a glimpse into life in the ancient kingdom.

Pay a visit to Ayutthaya and explore centuries of history in an afternoon.

Dubbed the “world’s largest outdoor museum,” the Ancient City is a cultural site that covers a sprawling 320 hectares. The park, founded by Thai millionaire Lek Viriyaphan, features 116 structures, composed of scale replicas and life-sized reconstructions of historically and culturally significant buildings, which were designed with the help of experts from the government in order to maximize historical accuracy.The grounds of the Ancient City itself represent a scaled-down version of the entire country, with its structures correctly placed geographically. 

Venture to the Ancient City and get a chance to literally walk through the history of Thailand!

The Erawan Museum, another product of Lek Viriyaphan’s cultural patronage, is a huge cultural site located in a 12-acre space in Samut Prakan Province. The three-storey structure is famous for the majestic three-headed elephant statue situated atop it, and plays hosts to a massive variety of priceless artifacts from Thai history. From religious antiques to pottery from ancient Chinese dynasties, each piece of the collection plays a role in the conversation of the country’s heritage.

If you’re looking to experience a multitude of cultural pieces that spans Asian history, drop by the Erawan Museum and you’ll find a treasure trove of authentic artifacts you’ll hardly find anywhere else.

This selection of activities is only a small part of what awaits you in Thailand—a sort of “greatest hits” playlist that acts as a preview for the country’s rich cultural heritage. On these tours and trips, you’ll find yourself traversing the Thai landscape as an explorer might have in centuries past, and diving into its unique history. You’ll also get to experience the beauty of Bangkok, a modern cultural melting pot itself, by the fading light of the sun above a resplendent river.

And if you’d like to experience all of these (and more!) without the hassle of lining up or reserving things yourself, don’t forget to book with Klook! Our tour packages allow you to make the most out of each activity, taking you on a guided journey through Thai culture.

If you're thinking of traveling from Bangkok to Pattaya or vice versa, then our Klook Bus City Transfer is your best bet! Enjoy a comfortable ride with the cleanest seats, a professional driver, and spacious storage for your bags. Just choose your preferred pick-up time then head on to the pick-up location. Once aboard, sit back and relax until you've reached your destination!