What is Bangkok Known For? 5 Famous Features

Whatever you might say about Bangkok, you can never say that it’s boring. Love it or hate it, just coming here is its own kind of adventure. Whether you’re here for the food, the culture, or something a bit more risqué, it is full of strangeness and excitement. We’ve compiled a list of what Bangkok is best known for, not necessarily through any fault of its own. This list is presented in descending order.

Table of Contents

1. Nightlife and Adult Entertainment

A vibrant street scene in Bangkok's red-light district, illuminated by neon signs and string lights. — **“Soi Cowboy” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Wry2010**

Let’s be honest. Whether it’s because of influences like The Hangover Part II, the Vietnam War, or some other set of circumstances, Bangkok’s nightlife and adult entertainment are a part of history. Some of the most notorious adult entertainment areas are Nana Plaza, Soi Cowboy, and Patpong. For regular nightlife, there are too many places to list, but a few of the most popular are Khao San Road, Sukhumvit, and RCA.

2. Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew

Tourists visiting the Grand Palace in Bangkok, showcasing its intricate architecture and ornate decorations under a partly cloudy sky. — **“Bangkok’s Grand Palace” (CC BY 2.0) by radkuch.13**

The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) are typically the first stop of any tourist in Bangkok. The architecture is otherworldly, and there is a lot of history if you’re interested in it. The crowds can be overwhelming, but most people who visit Bangkok have been here at least once.

3. Food, Night Markets, Shopping

A bustling street scene in Bangkok's Chinatown with vendors, shoppers, and traffic. — **“Thailand 2015 – Bangkok” (CC BY 2.0) by Evoflash**

Bangkok’s street food scene is legendary. From Pad Thai at roadside stalls to bizarre foods like alligators and scorpions, there’s no shortage of options. Markets like Chatuchak offer everything from snacks to exotic pets.

4. Backpackers and Khao San Road

Tourists walking along the bustling Khao San Road in Bangkok, with tuk-tuks and various shops in the background. — **“Bangkok, Khao San Road” (CC BY 2.0) by travelourplanet.com**

Khao San Road has been a backpacker Mecca since The Beach at the very least. It’s an iconic part of Bangkok, littered with hostels, sloppy nightlife, and lots of tattoos and elephant pants.

5. Traffic

A monk in traditional orange robes looks over a congested traffic scene in Bangkok from a pedestrian bridge. — **“Bangkok Traffic #3” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by alisdare1**

Unfortunately, Bangkok’s traffic is infamous, and for good reason. Bangkok was listed as having the 11th worst traffic in the world in 2019.

The Bottom Line

A visit to Bangkok is not likely to go without a strong impression. Whether navigating its chaotic streets, indulging in strange foods on the street, or drinking until dawn, Bangkok is a city both strange and exciting. Love it or hate it, you’ll have something to remember. This city’s mix of nightlife, history, food, backpacker culture, and, unfortunately, infamous traffic, encapsulates what Bangkok is known for.