Bangkok walking route: Grand Palace to Wat Arun and 21 stops

Explore Bangkok's 21 most iconic landmarks across 1,193 km, from the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew to ancient temples like Wat Arun and Wat Pho. The route covers vibrant markets including Chatuchak Weekend Market, Maeklong Railway Market, and floating markets, plus cultural sites, shopping districts, and day trips to Ayutthaya.

Mode
Places
Start
Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
End
Bangkok Chinatown
Stops
21
Video author
travmap
Updated

Stops on this route

  1. Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew — Begin your Bangkok adventure exploring the Grand Palace and its adjacent temple.
  2. Wat Pho and the Reclining Buddha — Ancient Buddhist temple housing a 46-meter gold-plated reclining Buddha statue, representing one of Thailand's most iconic religious monuments and artistic masterpieces.
  3. Longtail Boat Ride on Chao Phraya River — A quintessential Bangkok experience offering unique views of the city from the water.
  4. Chatuchak Weekend Market — One of the world's largest markets offering an endless variety of goods.
  5. Jim Thompson House — A beautiful house museum, once home to American silk magnate Jim Thompson.
  6. Bangkok Flower Market — A vibrant, 24-hour market overflowing with colorful flowers and fragrant aromas.
  7. Chinatown Exploration
  8. Wat Arun - Temple of Dawn — Known as the Temple of Dawn, famous for its stunning riverside location and decorative spires.
  9. Bangkok Art and Culture Center — A modern venue showcasing contemporary art and cultural exhibitions.
  10. Terminal 21 Shopping Mall — A unique shopping mall with each floor themed after a different world city.
  11. Day Trip to Ayutthaya — Former royal capital featuring atmospheric ruins of temples, palaces, and fortifications spanning four centuries of Thai civilization near Bangkok.
  12. Maeklong Railway Market — An unusual market known as the 'umbrella pulldown market,' located about an hour outside Bangkok.
  13. Asiatique the Riverfront — A vibrant night market and entertainment complex by the river.
  14. Bang Krachao Green Lung
  15. Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market — A less touristy floating market offering a more authentic experience.
  16. Sampeng Market — Located in Chinatown, a bustling wholesale market that is a maze of shops and stalls.
  17. Lumpini Park — Often regarded as the 'Green Lung' of Bangkok, a serene oasis rich in greenery.
  18. Wat Mahathat and Amulet Market — Historic temple with an adjacent amulet market filled with vendors selling Buddhist amulets.
  19. MahaNakhon Tallest Building Finale — Tallest skyscraper in Thailand featuring an observation deck with 360-degree views of Bangkok's skyline, modern architecture, and shopping venues.
  20. Khao San Road Street Food Scene — The heart of Bangkok's street food scene with diverse culinary offerings.
  21. Bangkok Chinatown — A sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells in Bangkok's historic Chinese quarter.

Useful for your trip

Transport
Take a longtail boat ride on the Chao Phraya River for unique views of the city, passing historical landmarks and vibrant riverside communities.
Transport
Experience a tuk-tuk ride through Bangkok's bustling streets in the city's iconic three-wheeled taxis to absorb the vibrant energy.
Food
Taste street food at Khao San Road, offering Thai culinary delights from classic Pad Thai to fried insects in a lively atmosphere.
Food
Participate in a Thai cooking class which often includes market visits and hands-on guidance on preparing classic Thai dishes.
Tip
Visit the Maeklong Railway Market located about an hour outside Bangkok. Vendors retract awnings several times daily as trains pass through the active railway track.
Tip
Explore Lumpini Park, Bangkok's largest public park covering over 500,000 square meters, where you can rent boats, cycle, jog, or observe monitor lizards by the lake.
Tip
Visit the Bangkok Flower Market, a vibrant 24-hour market overflowing with colorful flowers and fragrant aromas where you can observe local florists at work.
Tip
Climb to the top of Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) for panoramic views of the river and cityscape from a stunning riverside location.
Tip
Visit Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market, a less touristy option offering authentic local foods, fresh fruits, and canal boat exploration.
Save money
Shop at Sampeng Market in Chinatown, a wholesale market perfect for bargain hunters selling fabrics, clothing, toys, and household items.
Tip
Visit Bang Krachao (The Green Lung), a large lush area within city limits perfect for cycling and walking to escape urban bustle.
Timing
Visit Lumpini Park early morning or late afternoon when people practice Tai Chi, yoga, or aerobics, and the park hosts outdoor concerts especially in winter months.

Video on this route

BANGKOK, THAILAND Travel Guide - 50 Things To Do

More routes nearby

Map