10 Free Things to Do in Bangkok

Looking for free things to do in Bangkok, Thailand? You’ve come to the right place.

As a budget-conscious solo traveler, I always research free activities available in the city I’m visiting. While I do believe some experiences are worth the price tag, I also think there’s a lot to explore in a city at no cost.

I visited Bangkok in 2024 and I’m going to share with you some of the best free things I did!

If you’re planning a trip to Bangkok and don’t want to break the bank, you’ll want to check out some of the free things to do in Bangkok below. Before you jet off, make sure you also research the vaccines you need for Thailand.

Window Shop at Chatuchak Weekend Market

The Chatuchak Weekend Market is free to visit and is also one of the best things you should do in Bangkok. It is a huge market with more than 15,000 stalls. 

This was actually the first place I visited in Bangkok and let me tell you – what a way to jump into Bangkok culture!

If you’re okay with spending a little bit of money here, you can bargain at the Chatuchak Weekend Market. It’s a great place to find good deals on souvenirs and gifts. 

You can spend hours wandering through the maze of stalls and haggling with vendors. It can be pretty overwhelming, so it’s good to go with a friend or set a time limit for your duration there. 

To avoid the crowds (or rather, experience fewer crowds), try to go in the morning.

Address: 587, 10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Khwaeng Chatuchak, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Operating Hours:

• Saturday and Sunday: 9am to 6pm

Visit the Bangkok Art and Culture Center

Bangkok Art and Culture Center is a contemporary arts center in Bangkok, Thailand. This place has a modern and sleek building, and it’s filled to the brim with a ton of artwork.

Art, music, theater, film, design and cultural/educational events take place in its exhibition and performance spaces. 

The center also includes cafes, commercial art galleries, bookshops, craft shops and an art library. 

Address: 939 Rama I Rd, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Operating Hours:

• Monday: Closed
• Tuesday – Sunday: 10am – 8pm

Stroll Lumphini Park

When you need a break from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, Lumphini Park is a great breather. 

While Bangkok is a busy city, Lumphini Park is the best place to enjoy the outdoors. Locals come here for games, exercise and to hide from the sun.

Not to mention…you can spot some pretty large lizards here!

Address: Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Operating Hours:

• Daily: 4:30am – 10pm

Explore Chinatown

Chinatown in Bangkok is a bustling area with food stalls, shops and restaurants. It’s a food lover’s paradise.

The streets here are vibrant and perfect for window shopping. If you’re feeling sleepy, Chinatown will wake you up.

In addition, Chinatown has temples you can visit. If you’re looking to learn about Chinese culture during your time in Thailand, make sure you visit Chinatown. 

Address: PGR5+4W6 Yaowarat Road, Khwaeng Samphanthawong, Khet Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
Operating Hours:

• Daily: 24/7

Browse the Food at Khao San Road

Khao San Road is thought of as the backpacker’s hub of Thailand. It’s one of the best things to do in Bangkok – you cannot miss the intriguing food they have on the streets here.

I say “intriguing” for lack of a better word. Admittedly, some of the food they sell here feels like it’s just to impress tourists. I’m talking about the spiders, scorpions, insects and more. 

I’m not saying they don’t eat these things in Southeast Asia; however, I never saw a local at any of those stalls.

However, there is also a lot of great food to be had here! If you need to cool off, make sure to grab a mango shake. 

If you enjoy nightlife, Khao San Road really comes alive at night with neon lights, bars and clubs. 

Address: Talat Yot, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Operating Hours:

• Daily: 24/7

Pay a Visit to the Erawan Shrine

The Erawan Shrine, formally the Thao Maha Phrom Shrine, is one of the most sacred shrines in Bangkok.

It’s a statue of Phra Phrom, the Thai representation of Brahma, the Hindu god of creation. This is a popular spot for tourists and locals to pray for good luck.

The shrine is often filled with flowers and burning incense. 

It’s believed to bring good fortune, so come prepared with a wish!

Address: 494 Ratchadamri Rd, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Operating Hours:

• Daily: 6am – 10pm

Stroll Benjakitti Park

In addition to Lumphini Park, Benjakitti Park is a great place to escape the city. It’s a relaxing spot where you can rent a bike or just lie down in the grass.

Outdoor exercise is popular here, so if you were looking for a place to get a run in, Benjakitti Park may be your best bet.

It’s also a great place to see the sunset!

Address: Ratchadaphisek Rd, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Operating Hours:

• Daily: 4:30am – 9pm

Enjoy Live Music

There are a few places to enjoy live music in Bangkok, but the first spot that comes to mind is Khao San Road. This is because you can walk down the street and see numerous bands performing at night!

There are a lot of different kinds of bands playing all sorts of music, from traditional Thai music to modern pop.

Bars like Black Cabin Bar or Saxophone Bar are also great for enjoying live music in Bangkok. 

Live music at any of these locations is a great choice for free things to do in Bangkok.

Address: Multiple
Operating Hours:

• Multiple, depending on location

Watch the Sun Set Over Wat Arun

Wat Arun is one of the most famous temples in Bangkok. If you don’t want to spend the money to go inside to visit, you can still enjoy the building from outside.

If you choose this option, I highly recommend going in the evening so you can see the sun set over Wat Arun. The temple looks even more gorgeous (if possible) during this time.

Wat Arun is on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. At night, there are flood lights to light up the temple, making it the perfect spot to end a Bangkok night.

Address: 158 Thanon Wang Doem, Wat Arun, Bangkok Yai, Bangkok 10600, Thailand
Operating Hours:

• Daily: 8am – 6pm

Explore Asiatique Riverfront

This vibrant night market is also a great spot to end a Bangkok night. It’s a large open-air mall and occupies the former docks of the East Asiatic Company. 

There’s a lot to do here besides shopping, like Thailand’s largest Ferris wheel, a merry-go-round, a mystery house and a Calypso Show.

Asiatique Riverfront has something for everyone!

Address: 54 S Sathorn Rd, Yan Nawa, Sathon, Bangkok 10120, Thailand
Operating Hours:

• Daily: 11am – 12am

I hope this post has helped you find some fun, budget-friendly activities in Bangkok!

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