Landmarks and the river
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| The Grand Palace | The palace of Thailand's kings, with its ornate golden buildings and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. | ฿500; shoulders and knees covered; from 8:30 am, last ticket 3:30 pm |
| A Chao Phraya river cruise | A boat trip past the city's sights on both banks of the river. | From Sathorn pier |
| The Mahanakhon SkyWalk | Thailand's highest observation deck at 314 metres, with a glass floor. | Silom, 10 am to 7 pm |
| The floating market | Boats selling fruit and food along the canals, at Damnoen Saduak market. | About 2 hours west of Bangkok; best in the morning |
| Wat Arun | The Temple of Dawn with its porcelain-decorated spire on the riverbank, loveliest at sunset. | ฿200; 8 am to 6 pm |
| Wat Pho and the Reclining Buddha | A gilded reclining Buddha 46 metres long, and the famous school of Thai massage. | ฿300; next to the Grand Palace |
Markets and malls
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Chatuchak market | One of the world's largest weekend markets, with thousands of stalls. | Saturday and Sunday 9 am to 6 pm; Friday night for wholesale |
| Pratunam market | Clothes and shoes at wholesale prices, cheaper still when you buy three pieces or more. | Pratunam; shops from about 10 am |
| ICONSIAM | A giant mall on the river, with an indoor floating market and Thai restaurants. | On the Chao Phraya river |
| Siam Paragon and CentralWorld | Central Bangkok's best-known malls for brands and restaurants. | Siam area |
| Asiatique The Riverfront | An evening market on the river with a Ferris wheel and restaurants. | South Bangkok, evenings |
For the family
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Safari World | An open zoo you drive through, and a marine park with shows. | North-east Bangkok |
| Dream World | A theme park with family rides and an indoor snow town. | North Bangkok |
| Sea Life Bangkok | An aquarium with a glass tunnel and sharks. | Beneath Siam Paragon |
A day trip
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Erawan Falls | Seven tiers of waterfalls and turquoise pools in the forest. | Kanchanaburi, about 3 hours from Bangkok |
| Historic Ayutthaya | The old capital of the Siamese kingdom, with the ruins of its temples and towers, on the World Heritage list. | About 1.5 hours north of Bangkok |
Tips before you go
- Saudi passport holders enter Thailand visa-free for 30 days since 15 September 2026, filling in the TDAC digital arrival card before travel.
- The BTS Skytrain and the metro beat the car in Bangkok's traffic.
- The Grand Palace refuses short clothing, so wear something that covers your shoulders and knees.
Hotels in Bangkok
Flights to Bangkok
More places nearby
Visa
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Bangkok?
The Grand Palace, Wat Arun and Wat Pho, the Chao Phraya river, Chatuchak and Pratunam markets, ICONSIAM and Siam Paragon, Safari World and Dream World.
When is Chatuchak market open?
Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm, and Friday night for wholesale clothing.
How much is the Grand Palace?
฿500 for foreign visitors; free for children under 120 cm.
Are there direct flights to Bangkok?
Yes, Saudia and Riyadh Air from Riyadh.
Planning your trip to Thailand? Read Travel to Thailand from Saudi Arabia.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.