If you're planning a family trip to Bangkok, this guide is for you.

Before visiting, I spent far too much time trying to work out which attractions were genuinely worth prioritising. Bangkok has hundreds of temples, markets, shopping centres, cruises, day trips and tours, but if you're travelling with kids, trying to see everything is a mistake.

Quick Answer: What Are the Best Things to Do in Bangkok With Kids?

If we were visiting Bangkok again tomorrow, these would be our priorities:

Must-Do Attractions

1. Chao Phraya River Hop-On Hop-Off Boat – Unlimited river transport and sightseeing combined into one of Bangkok's cheapest family activities.

2. Wat Pho – Home to Bangkok's famous giant Reclining Buddha and one of the easiest temples for children to enjoy.

3. Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew – Thailand's most famous royal and temple complex, packed with impressive architecture and history.

4. Ayutthaya Day Trip – Ancient temple ruins, tuk-tuk rides and floating markets just 90 minutes from Bangkok.

5. ICONSIAM – Bangkok's most impressive shopping, dining and riverside entertainment destination.

6. Bangkok River Dinner Cruise – Evening cruise past Bangkok's illuminated landmarks with dinner, drinks and entertainment.

Worth Considering

7. Chinatown & The Golden Buddha – Street food, markets and the world's largest solid gold Buddha statue.

8. Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) – One of Bangkok's most recognisable riverside temples and best viewed from the water.

9. Tuk-Tuk Ride – A classic Bangkok experience that quickly becomes an attraction in its own right.

10. Muay Thai Boxing – Thailand's national sport and a unique evening activity for older children.

Only If You Really Enjoy Temples

11. Wat Benchamabophit (The Marble Temple) – A beautiful, quieter temple that appeals most to visitors who particularly enjoy temple architecture.

Only If Bangkok Is Your Only Thailand Destination

12. Elephant Sanctuary Experience – Ethical elephant encounters available as day trips from Bangkok.

By the end of our Bangkok stay, Joshua, our 8 year old son, had definitely reached his limit when it came to temples and Buddhas. The key is balancing cultural attractions with boats, markets, food, shopping and activities that feel more interactive.

In this guide, I've ranked all 12 attractions based on our experience, including which I think are genuine must-dos, which are worth considering and which I'd only visit if they specifically match your family's interests.

If you're planning your first visit, start with Bangkok With Kids: A 3-Day Family Itinerary That Actually Works to see how all of these attractions fit together into a realistic family itinerary.

Just a quick note: some links throughout this guide are affiliate links. This doesn't affect the price you pay, and we only recommend hotels, tours and experiences we've used ourselves or would happily book again.

1. Chao Phraya River Hop-On Hop-Off Boat

What Is It?

The Chao Phraya Hop-On Hop-Off Boat is a river transport service that runs between many of Bangkok's most popular attractions. Instead of sitting in traffic, you can travel up and down the river, getting on and off at different piers throughout the day.

Many people view it as a sightseeing attraction, but after using it ourselves, I'd actually describe it as one of the most useful forms of transport in Bangkok.

Who Is It Best For?

• Families wanting to see multiple attractions in one day

• First-time visitors to Bangkok

• Families staying near the river

• Children who enjoy being on boats

• Visitors looking to avoid Bangkok traffic

Why We Loved It

This was one of the biggest surprises of our Bangkok trip. We started at ICONSIAM Pier, easily accessed via the Royal Orchid Sheraton's free river ferry, and used the boats as the backbone of our sightseeing day.

Along the way we visited Chinatown and the Golden Buddha, before switching to a tuk-tuk to reach Wat Pho and the Grand Palace. What I loved most was that the sightseeing never stopped.

For Joshua, the boats became part of the experience rather than simply a way to get around.

If you're wondering which piers are worth using, which attractions work best together and whether the boats are really cheaper than Grab, I've broken down our full experience in Bangkok Hop-On Hop-Off River Boat Review

If you're thinking about using the river boats during your Bangkok trip, it's worth taking a look at the latest route map, ticket options and operating times before you go, I have included a link here. We found it really helpful to see which piers were closest to the attractions we wanted to visit and quickly realised the boats could be both a transport option and an attraction in their own right.

2. Wat Pho (The Reclining Buddha)

What Is It?

Wat Pho is one of Bangkok's most famous temples and home to the enormous Reclining Buddha, which measures around 46 metres long and is covered in gold leaf. It's one of the city's most visited attractions and often forms part of a sightseeing day alongside the Grand Palace.

Who Is It Best For?

Families who:

• Want to experience a traditional Thai temple

• Are visiting Bangkok for the first time

• Have children who might struggle with multiple temple visits

Why We Loved It

If you're only going to visit one temple in Bangkok, this would probably be my recommendation.

The giant Buddha immediately captures children's attention because it's something they can instantly appreciate without needing to understand the history behind it.

Joshua was impressed from the moment we walked inside. Unlike some temple visits where children can lose interest quickly, Wat Pho feels different because the main attraction is so obvious and memorable.

We also found it easy to combine with the Grand Palace, making it one of the simplest sightseeing mornings of our trip.

3.Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew

What Is It?

The Grand Palace was once the official residence of the Thai royal family and remains Bangkok's most famous attraction. Inside the grounds you'll also find Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), Thailand's most important temple.

Who Is It Best For?

• Families wanting to see Bangkok's most famous landmark

• Visitors interested in Thai history

• Families with school-age children and teenagers

• First-time visitors to Thailand

Why We Loved It

This was probably my favourite attraction in Bangkok. The photos don't really prepare you for the scale of it. Everywhere you look there are gold buildings, intricate decorations and details that make the entire site feel different from anywhere else we visited.

Joshua enjoyed exploring the grounds but, like most children, was more interested in looking around than understanding the historical significance. For families visiting Bangkok for the first time, I'd still consider this an essential attraction.

4. Ayutthaya Day Trip

What Is It?

Ayutthaya is Thailand's former capital and one of the country's most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Located around 90 minutes from Bangkok, it's home to ancient temple ruins, giant Buddha statues and one of the easiest family day trips in Thailand.

Who Is It Best For?

• Families with school-age children or teenagers

• Families wanting a day beyond Bangkok

• Visitors interested in history and culture

• Families comfortable with a day trip

Why We Loved It

This exceeded my expectations more than any other attraction on this list. I worried Joshua would find it boring. Instead, the combination of temple ruins, tuk-tuk rides and the Floating Market worked brilliantly.

His highlight was actually feeding the giant carp at the Floating Market, while mine was seeing the Buddha head wrapped within the roots of a tree at Wat Mahathat.

We travelled independently, hired a tuk-tuk and completed everything we wanted to see by early afternoon.

If you're debating between a tour or doing it yourself, I compare both approaches in Ayutthaya With Kids: DIY Day Trip or Guided Tour? Which Is Better?

If you'd rather somebody else organise the logistics, it's worth looking at the current Ayutthaya tour options before you visit.

5. ICONSIAM

What Is It?

ICONSIAM is Bangkok's flagship shopping, dining and entertainment complex on the Chao Phraya River. Think shopping centre, food hall, riverside attraction and evening entertainment venue rolled into one.

Who Is It Best For?

• Families looking to escape the heat

• Food-loving families

• Evening visitors

• Families staying near the river

Why We Loved It

This became one of Joshua's favourite places in Bangkok, and not because of the shopping.

The real highlight for us was the incredible food hall on the lower floor, which feels more like a destination than part of a shopping centre. Designed to resemble a traditional floating market, it's filled with market-style food stalls, local snacks, desserts and themed displays that make it feel like a sightseeing attraction in its own right.

We found ourselves spending far longer there than planned, simply wandering around, trying different foods and soaking up the atmosphere. For families, it's also a great place to introduce children to Thai food because there is so much choice and plenty of familiar options if they're less adventurous eaters.

ICONSIAM was also one of our favourite places to escape the Bangkok heat. After several hours of temple sightseeing, stepping into the air conditioning, grabbing a cold drink and taking a break from the crowds was often exactly what we needed.

The atmosphere changes again in the evening. The riverside area comes alive with lights, entertainment and fantastic views across the Chao Phraya River. We often found ourselves lingering longer than expected, watching the boats go by and enjoying the more relaxed pace compared to central Bangkok.

Another reason we enjoyed it so much was how easy it was to visit. Staying at the Royal Orchid Sheraton meant we could simply jump on the hotel's complimentary ferry boat and be at ICONSIAM within minutes. Rather than treating it as a one-off attraction, it became somewhere we returned to several times during our stay.

If you're considering a riverside stay, I've shared more about the location, ferry connections and why it worked so well for our family in Royal Orchid Sheraton Bangkok Review

6. Bangkok River Dinner Cruise

What Is It?

An evening cruise along the Chao Phraya River combining sightseeing, dinner and entertainment. Most cruises pass Bangkok's major riverside landmarks, including Wat Arun and the Grand Palace.

Who Is It Best For?

• Families wanting an easy evening activity

• Visitors staying near the river

• Families looking for Bangkok views after dark

Why We Loved It

This was one of the most unexpectedly enjoyable experiences of our trip.

The idea actually came from Joshua, who kept spotting the illuminated cruise boats sailing past our hotel each evening and decided he wanted to go on one. It wasn't originally on our itinerary, but it ended up becoming one of our favourite nights in Bangkok.

The food was perfectly fine, but it wasn't the best meal we had in Thailand. The entertainment was fun, but it wasn't really the reason we booked it either.

What made the evening special was seeing Bangkok from the water after dark. Cruising past landmarks such as Wat Arun, the riverside temples and the illuminated skyline gave us a completely different perspective on places we'd already visited during the day.

It was also surprisingly relaxing after several busy sightseeing days. Instead of rushing between attractions, we could simply sit back, enjoy the views and watch the city drift by.

And yes, the unlimited ice cream definitely helped win Joshua over too.

I've shared our full experience in Bangkok River Dinner Cruise With Kids

If it sounds like your kind of evening, it's worth comparing the different cruise options because they vary significantly in style and price, this is the exact one we used and recommend.

7. Chinatown & The Golden Buddha

What Is It?

Chinatown is one of Bangkok's most vibrant neighbourhoods, famous for its street food, markets, gold shops and bustling atmosphere.

Located at the edge of Chinatown is Wat Traimit, home to the Golden Buddha, the world's largest solid gold Buddha statue weighing more than five tonnes.

The two attractions pair perfectly together and can easily be visited in a couple of hours.

Who Is It Best For?

• Families who enjoy food and markets

• Families looking for a different side of Bangkok

• Visitors already using the river boats

• Families who want a quick temple stop rather than a large temple complex

Why We Loved It

What I liked most was how different it felt from the rest of Bangkok.

After spending time around temples and riverside attractions, Chinatown felt busy, chaotic and full of energy. There always seemed to be something happening, whether it was market stalls, interesting shops or food vendors cooking on the street.

The Golden Buddha itself is an easy stop because the main attraction is immediately obvious. Children don't need to spend hours exploring or learning the history to appreciate the fact they're looking at a giant solid gold statue.

For us, this worked particularly well as part of a river boat day. We got off at Ratchawong Pier, walked through Chinatown to visit the Golden Buddha and then continued our sightseeing from there.

If you're already planning to use the river boats, Chinatown is one of the easiest areas to add to your route and offers a completely different experience from Bangkok's major temples.

8. Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)

What Is It?

Wat Arun is one of Bangkok's most recognisable landmarks. Located directly on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, it is famous for its central spire decorated with colourful porcelain and intricate details. It's arguably the most photographed temple in Bangkok.

Who Is It Best For?

• Families wanting iconic Bangkok photos

• First-time visitors

• Families using the river boats

• Visitors looking for a shorter temple experience

Why We Loved It

The temple looks spectacular from the water and became one of the highlights of several of our boat journeys. Seeing it rise above the riverbank is one of those classic Bangkok views that appears in almost every travel guide.

The temple itself is beautiful, and because of its location it feels quite different from many of Bangkok's other famous religious sites. That said, if your family is only visiting a couple of temples, I'd personally prioritise Wat Pho and the Grand Palace first.

Wat Arun is definitely worth considering, but I wouldn't say it's essential if you've already had your fill of temples.

9. Take a Tuk-Tuk Ride

What Is It?

A tuk-tuk is Bangkok's iconic three-wheeled taxi and one of the city's most recognisable forms of transport. They've become a symbol of Thailand and are often just as memorable as the attractions themselves.

Who Is It Best For?

• First-time visitors

• Families with school-age children

• Anyone wanting a classic Bangkok experience

Why We Loved It

This wasn't really an attraction. But it quickly became one. Joshua loved every tuk-tuk ride we took. Something as simple as travelling between two attractions suddenly became exciting because it felt different from being in a normal taxi.

We used tuk-tuks several times throughout our trip, particularly when attractions weren't directly connected by the river boat. The combination of river boat, walking and occasional tuk-tuk turned out to be one of our favourite ways to explore Bangkok.

I wouldn't recommend using tuk-tuks for every journey because they can quickly become expensive compared to Grab, but every family should probably do it at least once.

10. Muay Thai Boxing

What Is It?

Muay Thai is Thailand's national sport and one of the country's most famous cultural traditions. Professional fights take place regularly across Bangkok and range from major stadium events to smaller tourist-friendly shows.

Who Is It Best For?

• Teenagers

• Families with older children

• Sports fans

• Visitors looking for an evening activity beyond temples and markets

If this sounds like something your family would enjoy, it's worth checking the current fight schedules and family-friendly show options before your trip.

11. Wat Benchamabophit (The Marble Temple)

What Is It?

Often known as the Marble Temple, Wat Benchamabophit is one of Bangkok's most elegant and photogenic temples. Built using Italian marble, it's known for its peaceful atmosphere, attractive gardens and impressive architecture.

Who Is It Best For?

• Visitors who love temples

• Photography enthusiasts

• Families looking for a quieter attraction

• Repeat Bangkok visitors

12. Elephant Sanctuary Experience

What Is It?

A number of elephant sanctuary experiences operate as day trips from Bangkok, allowing visitors to spend time with rescued elephants, learn about their care and support conservation efforts.

Who Is It Best For?

• Animal-loving families

• Families visiting only Bangkok

• Visitors who aren't travelling to Chiang Mai or Phuket

Why We Loved It

For many families, spending time with elephants becomes one of the highlights of a Thailand trip. The opportunity to see these animals up close is incredibly memorable and often remains one of the strongest memories children take home.

That said, I personally wouldn't prioritise it in Bangkok if you're already planning to visit Chiang Mai or Phuket. Both destinations generally offer more extensive elephant sanctuary experiences and a wider choice of ethical operators.

If Bangkok is your only destination in Thailand, an elephant sanctuary day trip is absolutely worth considering. If you're including northern or southern Thailand in your itinerary, I'd save the experience for those destinations and use your Bangkok time to focus on attractions that are unique to the city.

Final Verdict: Which Bangkok Attractions Are Actually Worth Your Time?

If we returned to Bangkok tomorrow, our priorities would be very clear.

The attractions that genuinely stood out were the ones that offered something unique or combined several experiences into one. For us, that was the Chao Phraya River Boat, Ayutthaya, ICONSIAM, the Bangkok River Dinner Cruise, Wat Pho and the Grand Palace.

Those were the experiences that Joshua still talked about afterwards, and they're the attractions we'd confidently recommend to most families visiting Bangkok for the first time.

What surprised me most was that it wasn't necessarily the biggest or most famous attractions that worked best. Some of our favourite memories came from simple things like riding the river boats, feeding fish at Ayutthaya's Floating Market, wandering around ICONSIAM's food hall or watching Bangkok's skyline drift by from a dinner cruise.

The biggest mistake I think families make is trying to see too many temples.

Bangkok has some incredible temples, but after a while even the most impressive Buddha statues start to blur together, particularly for children. If I was planning the trip again, I'd happily visit Wat Pho and the Grand Palace, maybe add Wat Arun, and then spend the rest of my time exploring other parts of the city.

That's ultimately what makes Bangkok such a good family destination.

You can mix culture, history, food, shopping, river transport, markets and day trips into one itinerary without ever feeling like you're doing the same thing twice.

If you only have a few days in the city, focus on a handful of great experiences rather than trying to tick every attraction off a list. For our family, that approach made Bangkok far more enjoyable and much less exhausting.

And don't forget to leave time for the unexpected favourites. Sometimes the attraction your child remembers most isn't the famous temple or landmark—it's feeding giant fish, riding a ferry boat, eating ice cream on a dinner cruise or spending an hour in a hotel pool.

Those ended up being some of Joshua's favourite memories too.

plan your TRIP TO thailand

If you’re planning your family trip to Bangkok these guides will help you pull everything together:

About Plan Family Escapes

We’re a UK-based family sharing real, experience-led travel guides based on trips we’ve taken with our school-age son Joshua across destinations like Lapland, Turkey and India.

Everything we share is based on what we’ve personally experienced — with honest advice on what actually works when travelling with kids, focusing on making family travel easier, more comfortable and genuinely enjoyable.