Best things to do in Bangkok you won’t find anywhere else (2025 guide)

When people ask me about the best things to do in Bangkok, I always say the same thing: expect the unexpected. The city is a sensory overload in the best way—the smell of sizzling street food, the glitter of golden temples, the hum of tuk-tuks weaving through traffic. Every trip has shown me something new, but some experiences stand out because they can only happen here. These are six of my favourite uniquely Bangkok moments you won’t find anywhere else.

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1. Try Muay Thai

There are plenty of staged Muay Thai shows designed for tourists, but the best way to experience Thailand’s national sport is to try it yourself. Most gyms across the city welcome beginners for single-session classes, and the trainers have a knack for making you feel like a fighter even if you’ve never thrown a punch before. The first time I laced up gloves, I lasted ten minutes before dripping in sweat and gasping for breath, but I left feeling stronger and strangely proud. It’s one of the most fun, physical souvenirs you can take home—muscle aches included.

2. Explore Amphawa floating market

Bangkok has no shortage of floating markets, but Amphawa still feels special. Unlike the bigger, tourist-centric Damnoen Saduak, Amphawa is a weekend favourite for locals. The energy here is addictive: the smell of grilled prawns and squid, the chatter of families crowding along the water’s edge, the colourful long-tail boats gently rocking in the current. I wandered for hours, nibbling skewers of grilled seafood and cooling off with sweet iced coffee. It does get crowded, but that’s part of the experience—you’re stepping into the flow of Thai weekend life.

3. See a Bangkok drag show

Bangkok has always been known for its nightlife, and drag is part of its beating heart. I’ve been to the big venues like Calypso and Playhouse, where the productions are polished, fast-paced, and dazzling. I’ve also stumbled into smaller shows on rooftops and in basement bars, where performers banter with the audience and improvise between lip-syncs. No matter the scale, the talent is undeniable. It’s bold, hilarious, and oddly wholesome, with whole families clapping along. If you only plan one night out in Bangkok, make it a drag show—you’ll never forget it.

4. Visit the fertility shrine

Tucked behind the high-rise luxury of the Swissôtel is the Chao Mae Tuptim Shrine, better known as the fertility shrine. The small garden is filled with hundreds of carved wooden phalluses, left by visitors seeking blessings of luck, love, or children. It’s surreal and a little awkward to walk through at first, but also fascinating. Locals treat it with genuine respect, laying flowers and incense, while tourists can’t resist snapping photos. For me, it perfectly sums up Bangkok—unexpected, eccentric, and never afraid to surprise you.

5. Spot Bangkok’s odd buildings

Bangkok’s skyline is famous for its sleek towers and rooftop bars, but it’s the quirky architecture that always catches my eye. There’s the Elephant Tower, complete with tusks and eyes, the blocky Robot Building that looks straight out of a retro sci-fi movie, and the Giant Swing standing proudly in the middle of the old city. Then there’s the infamous Sathorn Ghost Tower, an abandoned skyscraper that looms over the city as a reminder of the 1997 financial crash. You can’t go inside anymore, but just seeing it lit up at night sends a shiver down your spine.

6. Take a day trip to the Bridge on the River Kwai

A couple of hours west of Bangkok, Kanchanaburi is home to the Bridge on the River Kwai. It’s part of the infamous Death Railway, built during World War II by prisoners of war under brutal conditions. Standing on the steel bridge, trains still rumbling across, it’s impossible not to feel the weight of history. The nearby museum and war cemetery add depth to the story, making the trip both emotional and educational. After days of Bangkok’s energy, this day trip gave me a different perspective—reminding me that travel isn’t only about fun, but also reflection.

Where to stay in Bangkok

Booking.com and Agoda.com are fantastic websites for finding accommodation in Bangkok. Below are a few options worth looking into:

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