Things to Do in Songkran
44 curated spots from Songkran itineraries
Activities & Attractions
24 curated experiences
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
Explore the riverside temple’s steep prang and tropical gardens; enjoy jungle-like foliage along the river and climb partway up for views if comfortable.
1h 30m · $3-5
Benjakitti Forest Park
Walk the elevated boardwalks and lakeside paths through one of Bangkok’s best urban green spaces.
1h 30m · Free
Asiatique The Riverfront
Open-air night market and promenade with a Ferris wheel, river views, and some leafy corners; reachable via free shuttle boat from Saphan Taksin BTS.
2h 30m · Free entry (rides extra ~$5-10)
Bang Kachao (Green Lung of Bangkok)
Take a short boat across the river and rent bicycles to ride raised paths through mangroves, orchards, and tiny villages; rest at lakeside pavilions inside Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park.
3h · $5-10 (boat + bike rental)
Bangkok Art and Culture Centre
Browse contemporary Thai art, design, and photography in an air-conditioned break from the heat and water battles.
1h 30m · Free
Benchasiri Park
Compact park near EmQuartier and Emporium malls with trees, lake, and playground; a 5–10 minute walk from Usman Restaurant.
1h · Free
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Huge market with sections for clothes, plants, pets, and crafts; lots of greenery in the plant section gives a jungle-market feel.
2h 30m · Free (shopping extra)
Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew (Outer Grounds Focus)
Visit the Grand Palace complex and admire the ornate buildings and temple exteriors; dress modestly (covered shoulders and legs) and arrive early to avoid heat and crowds.
2h 30m · $15–18 entry
Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
Explore Bangkok’s most famous royal-and-religious complex, arriving early for a calmer experience before Songkran crowds build.
2h 30m · $15 or less
Grand Palace Area Walk
See the exterior grandeur, nearby streets, and historic heart of the city, then keep the pace light rather than trying to force too much into one block.
2h · $10-15 or Free depending on access
Lumphini Park
Walk under big trees, watch monitor lizards near the lakes, and enjoy a calmer side of Bangkok away from the festival rush.
1h 30m · Free
Lumpini Park Walk
Take a slow morning stroll among trees, ponds, and shaded paths before the day heats up.
1h · Free
Nang Loeng Market Area Walk
Stroll the old neighborhood streets and look for heritage shophouses, quiet back lanes, and local street life after the main rush.
1h · Free
Pak Khlong Talat Flower Market
Walk among bright garlands, orchids, and flower bundles in a lively, colorful market setting.
1h · Free
Pratunam Market Streets
Browse local fashion, small shops, and busy streets, then step away when Songkran splashes intensify.
1h 30m · Free
Sri Nakhon Khuean Khan Park & Botanical Garden
Walk or cycle around ponds, bird towers, and dense greenery; take photos on small bridges and under giant trees.
2h · Free
Sukhumvit Soi 11 Water Play
Join a livelier but still accessible Songkran street zone, then duck into nearby cafés or the BTS when you want a break.
2h · Free
Wat Pho
Explore the temple complex and reclining Buddha area, then move on before the heat and crowds peak.
1h 15m · $5-8
Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha Temple)
Home to the giant Reclining Buddha, shady courtyards, and chedi-filled gardens; short ferry ride across from Wat Arun.
1h 30m · $5-6
Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)
Explore the massive reclining Buddha, quiet cloisters, and lush courtyards; dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) and enjoy shaded corners for photos and quiet moments.
1h 30m · $6
Wat Pho and Temple Courtyards
See the Reclining Buddha and wander the shaded temple grounds, a peaceful contrast to the festival energy outside.
1h 30m · $6 or less
Wat Ratchanatdaram and Loha Prasat
See the rare metal-spired temple structure and wander nearby lanes for a more off-guidebook feel.
1h · $1-3
Wat Saket (Golden Mount)
Climb the gently winding stairs up the Golden Mount surrounded by trees and bells, then enjoy panoramic views of Old Bangkok and its temples.
1h 30m · $2 entry
Wat Saket and Golden Mount
Climb the temple hill for views over Bangkok, with enough greenery and bells to feel surprisingly tranquil.
1h 30m · $1-3Restaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Yana Restaurant
Choose halal-friendly Thai and Southeast Asian breakfast dishes, such as fried rice, chicken noodle soups, or omelets.
45m · $5-15 per person
Al-Rahaman Restaurant (Bang Rak)
Halal Indian and Thai restaurant near the river; order chicken tikka, dhal, naan, and prawn curry for a filling meal before or after ICONSIAM (short taxi or boat ride away).
1h · $8-15 per person
Baan Tassanee Thai Cuisine Halal
Order halal pad krapow chicken, green curry, fried rice, or noodle dishes made without alcohol.
1h · $8-20 per person
Busaba Halal Restaurant
Halal Thai restaurant chain offering curries, fried rice, tom yum, and grilled dishes; choose a branch near your riverside area.
1h 15m · $7-12 per person
Farida Fatornee Halal Restaurant
Well-known halal Thai-Muslim restaurant offering oxtail soup, beef noodles, biryani, and stir-fries.
1h 15m · $6-10 per person
Krua Muslim Restaurant (Halal)
Local halal Thai restaurant serving chicken rice, soups, fried chicken, and Thai omelets.
45m · $4-8 per person
Saman Islam (Halal Boat Noodles)
Halal noodle shop inside Chatuchak Market serving beef and chicken boat noodles, rice dishes, and iced drinks; opens late morning, so treat as brunch.
1h · $4-8 per personSaman Islam (Halal)
Halal Thai restaurant inside the Chatuchak Weekend Market and with branches near old town; choose pad thai, fried rice with seafood, and papaya salad (ask for no fish sauce if needed).
1h · $6-12 per person
Saneh Jaan
Choose seafood, chicken, or beef dishes that can be prepared without pork or alcohol-based ingredients; the setting is refined and romantic.
1h 30m · $25-45 per person
Sara Restaurant (Halal)
Halal-certified restaurant near Pratunam offering Thai and international breakfasts like halal chicken rice soup, omelets, paratha, and fruit.
1h · $6-10 per person
Savoey Restaurant Tha Maharaj (Halal Menu Items)
Riverside restaurant at Tha Maharaj with some clearly marked halal seafood and fish options; choose grilled fish, steamed fish with lime, stir-fried vegetables, and plain rice—avoid non-halal meats.
1h 15m · $15-25 per person
Sinthorn Steak House Ramintra (Halal)
Large halal Thai–Malay buffet with grilled meats and seafood in a garden-like setting; focus on grilled chicken, beef, seafood, and stir-fried vegetables from the halal sections.
1h 30m · $15-25 per person
Sophia Restaurant (Halal)
Large halal Thai restaurant with a garden-feel interior; order pad see ew with beef, fried fish, and spicy Southern Thai curries from the clearly halal menu.
1h · $8-15 per person
The Gardens of Dinsor Palace
Restaurant in a lush garden with peacocks and trees; choose seafood, vegetarian dishes, and mocktails only—confirm no alcohol or pork in your selections and request separate utensils if needed.
1h 30m · $18-30 per person
Usman Muslim Restaurant
Fully halal Southern Thai and Malay-style dishes; order green curry with chicken, tom yum seafood, pad thai with prawns, and roti for sharing.
1h 15m · $10-18 per personUsman Thai Muslim Food
Order halal beef, chicken, or seafood Thai dishes; this is a safe place for classic curries, rice plates, and stir-fries.
1h · $7-15 per person
Usman Thai Muslim Food (Halal)
Cozy halal Thai restaurant with lots of green plants; order massaman curry, stir-fried morning glory, and mango sticky rice from the halal Thai menu.
1h 15m · $8-16 per personUsman Thai Muslim Restaurant
Fully halal Thai restaurant serving green curry with chicken, pad kra pao, fried rice, and creamy tom yum, plus juices.
1h · $7-12 per person
Yana Restaurant (Halal, MBK Center)
Halal-certified restaurant inside MBK mall serving Thai dishes (pad Thai, curries), burgers, and grilled chicken.
1h · $8-12 per person
Yana Restaurant (Halal)
Halal-certified Thai and international dishes inside MBK Center; order tom yum soup, green curry with jasmine rice, and grilled seafood from the clearly marked halal menu.
1h · $10-18 per person