10 Things To Do On A Layover In Bangkok, Thailand

Stopovers are a great way to discover a new destination without paying for additional flights (and there are plenty of airlines that offer free stopovers, too). So, why not explore the bustling city of Bangkok on a layover in Thailand?

Whether the layover is just 8 hours long, 48 hours in Bangkok, or travelers have three days to explore Thailand’s capital city, it’s worth getting outside the airport and finding out what this destination in Southeast Asia is all about.

Most international flights arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), and from the airport, it takes around 26 minutes via the City Line on the metro to get to downtown Bangkok. Once downtown, here are fun ideas for how to spend a layover in Bangkok.

10
Visit The Grand Palace

Travelers wondering what to do on a layover in Bangkok should visit the Grand Palace in Bangkok, one of the city’s most popular attractions. The palace was formerly the residence of the Kings of Siam and dates back to the 1780s.

Admission is free for Thai nationals, but there is a small entrance fee for foreigners.

• Address: Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
• Hours: 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM
• Cost: 500 baht (~$13) for foreigners

9
Spend Time Exploring Khao San Road

Walking on Khao San Road in Bangkok 

Khao San Road is essentially a rite of passage for backpackers exploring Southeast Asia. It’s a lively area for nightlife, and there are lots of affordable hostels in the area, too.

For someone with an overnight layover looking to party, this is a great spot.

• Address: Thanon Khao San, Khwaeng Talat Yot, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand
• Hours: Open 24 hours
• Cost: Free

8
Go To The Mall

A Young Man in Ripped Jeans Holding A Shopping Bag

Going to the mall isn’t just an errand in Bangkok; it’s a fun way for everyone to pass the time. Engage in local tradition by visiting a shopping center like Siam Center and stocking up on some essentials before the next flight.

Plus, malls in Bangkok tend to have air-conditioning, which is a welcomed retreat away from the hot and humid climate outside. There are also a few things travelers might want to buy in Bangkok if it’s their first time in the city.

• Address: 979 Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
• Hours: 10 AM to 10 PM
• Cost: Free

7
See Some Of The Best Views In Bangkok From The Mahanakhon Skywalk

Woman at the Mahanakhon Skywalk In Bangkok 

Bangkok’s skyline is impressive, especially at night when it dances with city lights. Visit the observatory (74th floor) or rooftop (78th floor) of the Kings Power Mahanakhon building to do the Skywalk on a layover.

This unforgettable view of Bangkok from 1,030 feet above is one of the top things to do in the city (pun intended).

• Address: 114 Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Rd, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
• Hours: 10 AM to 7 PM
• Cost: 880.00 baht (~$24.00)

6
Shop At The Chatuchak Weekend Market

A market in Bangkok, Thailand

Local markets are a great place to spend time on a layover because they provide a glimpse into life in the city.

The Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok is full of life every Wednesday to Sunday.

• Address: 587, 10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Khwaeng Chatuchak, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
• Hours: 7 AM to 6 PM Wednesday and Thursday, 6 PM to 12 PM on Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM Saturday and Sunday (closed Monday and Tuesday)
• Cost: Free

5
Stroll Through Lumpini Park

Lumpini Park in Bangkok, Thailand

Travelers who are looking for a way to stretch their legs and decompress between flights might want to take advantage of the green spaces in the city.

Visit one of Bangkok’s city parks, like Lumpini Park, for a relaxing stroll.

• Address: Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
• Hours: 4:30 AM to 10 PM
• Cost: Free

Related: Step Back In Time & Visit The Oldest Restaurants In Bangkok

4
Visit Wat Arun, The Temple Of Dawn

View of Wat Arun temple in Bangkok, Thailand

Wat Arun is easily one of the most popular tourist attractions in Bangkok.

This important temple in Thonburi sits on the banks of the Chao Phraya River and is named after the Hindu God Aruna, the God of Dawn.

• Address: 158 Thanon Wang Doem, Wat Arun, Bangkok Yai, Bangkok 10600, Thailand
• Hours: 8 AM to 6 PM
• Cost: 100 baht (~$2.73)

3
Grab A Bite At Tha Prachan

Foodies looking to refuel on their layover in Bangkok can make their way to Tha Prachan on Rattanakosin Island (time permitting).

This area has a pier that is full of great street food stalls for reasonable prices.

• Address: 83 Trok Sake, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
• Hours: Open 24 hours
• Cost: Free (to enter)

Related: 10 Reasons Why You Should Visit This Charming Region In Thailand

2
Loosen Up With A Thai Massage

A guest getting a relaxing massage at a resort spa

Travelers can relax and rejuvenate between flights by getting a Thai massage on their Bangkok layover.

There are lots of reputable places to get a traditional massage in the city. One More Thai Massage(Chit Lom) is a highly rated spot for this service in Bangkok.

• Address: 993 Phloen Chit Rd, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330
• Hours: 10 AM to 11:30 PM
• Cost: Varies

Related: This Is How Far You Can Get With $100 USD In Thailand

1
Tour A Floating Market In Bangkok

Floating markets, a great tour option in Bangkok 

Floating markets in Bangkok are an important part of the local life in the city, so travelers who have time on their layover should check one out.

A popular option is the Khlong Lat Mayom floating market in the Taling Chan District of Bangkok. Book a tour in advance to ensure a boat is available.

• Address: 30/1 หมู่ที่ 15 Bang Ramat Rd, Bang Ramat, Taling Chan, Bangkok 10170, Thailand
• Hours: Saturday and Sunday, 8 AM to 5 PM
• Cost: Free to enter; tour costs by boat vary