Things to do in Bangkok

Bangkok is an exciting and vibrant city that never seems to sleep. From its bustling streets and vibrant nightlife to its cultural and historical sites, there's always something to see and do in Bangkok. In this article, we've put together a list of the top 10 things to do in Bangkok to help you make the most of your visit.

 

1. Visit the Grand Palace

Visiting the Grand Palace is a must-do when in Bangkok. It's a stunning complex of temples, palaces, and halls, that was once the residence of the Kings of Thailand. The palace is located in the heart of the city and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Bangkok.

When you visit the Grand Palace, make sure to wear appropriate clothing - no shorts, sleeveless tops, or revealing clothes are allowed. You'll also need to remove your shoes before entering the temple buildings.

Inside the Grand Palace, you'll see the famous Emerald Buddha - a small statue of Buddha made from green jade. The temple buildings are adorned with intricate carvings and stunning murals, and the palace halls are decorated with gold and jewels.

You can also visit the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles, which is located within the Grand Palace complex. The museum houses a collection of traditional Thai textiles, including silk and cotton weavings, batiks, and embroidery.

Visiting the Grand Palace can be quite crowded, so it's best to arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds. You can easily spend a few hours exploring the palace and its surroundings, and it's a great way to learn more about Thai culture and history.

 

2. Explore Wat Phra Kaew

Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is located within the Grand Palace complex and is one of the most revered temples in Thailand. It houses the famous Emerald Buddha, a small statue of Buddha made from green jade.

The temple complex is beautifully decorated with intricate carvings, gold leaf, and colourful murals depicting stories from Buddhist mythology. The Emerald Buddha is housed in a grand shrine, and visitors are not allowed to take photos or touch the statue.

Visitors to Wat Phra Kaew should also take the time to explore the surrounding temples and buildings within the complex, such as the Phra Mondop - a library that houses sacred Buddhist scriptures, and the Royal Pantheon - a building that houses the statues of past Thai kings.

When visiting Wat Phra Kaew, remember to dress appropriately - no shorts, sleeveless tops, or revealing clothes are allowed. You'll also need to remove your shoes before entering the temple buildings.

Visiting Wat Phra Kaew can be quite busy, so it's best to arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds. A visit to Wat Phra Kaew is a great way to experience Thai culture and learn about Buddhism, and it's a must-visit attraction when in Bangkok.

 

3. Take a boat tour of the Chao Phraya River

Taking a boat tour of the Chao Phraya River is a great way to see Bangkok from a different perspective and experience the city's rich history and culture. The Chao Phraya River is a major waterway that flows through Bangkok, and it's lined with temples, markets, and historic landmarks.

There are several different types of boat tours available, ranging from simple long-tail boat rides to luxury dinner cruises. You can take a hop-on, hop-off boat tour to visit the different attractions along the river, or take a private tour to explore the less-touristy areas.

Some of the highlights of a boat tour of the Chao Phraya River include:

• The Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) - a stunning temple on the banks of the river with intricate, colourful spires.
• The Grand Palace - the former residence of the Kings of Thailand, which is now a popular tourist attraction.
• The Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) - is one of the most revered temples in Thailand, located within the Grand Palace complex.
• The floating markets - where vendors sell fresh fruits, vegetables, and other goods from their boats.

Taking a boat tour of the Chao Phraya River is a unique and enjoyable way to see Bangkok's sights and learn about its history and culture.

 

4. Shop at Chatuchak Weekend Market

The Chatuchak Weekend Market, also known as the JJ Market, is one of the largest outdoor markets in the world and is a must-visit destination for shoppers in Bangkok. The market covers over 35 acres and has over 15,000 stalls selling everything from clothing and accessories to antiques and souvenirs.

The market is open on Saturdays and Sundays, and it's best to arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds and the heat. The market is organized into different sections, such as clothing, home goods, and food, making it easy to navigate.

Some tips for shopping at Chatuchak Weekend Market:

• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, as you'll be doing a lot of walking.
• Bring cash, as many vendors do not accept credit cards.
• Bargain for a good price, as the initial price offered by vendors is usually higher than what they're willing to accept.
• Sample the street food - there are many stalls selling delicious snacks and meals.

Some of the highlights of the Chatuchak Weekend Market include:

• Clothing and accessories - there are stalls selling everything from trendy clothing to vintage items and accessories.
• Home goods - you can find unique and decorative items for your home, such as ceramics, handicrafts, and furniture.
• Plants and garden supplies - there is a large section of the market dedicated to plants and gardening supplies, including rare and exotic plants.
• Antiques and collectables - there are many vendors selling antique and vintage items, including furniture, art, and jewelry.

The Chatuchak Weekend Market is a fun and unique shopping experience that offers something for everyone, and it's a must-visit destination for shoppers in Bangkok.

 

5. Visit Wat Arun

Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, is a stunning Buddhist temple located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. The temple is one of the most iconic landmarks of the city, and it's known for its intricate and colorful design.

The temple is named after Aruna, the Hindu god of dawn, and it's especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset when the light reflects off the temple's surface. The temple has a central spire that rises over 70 meters high, and it's decorated with colourful pieces of glass and Chinese porcelain.

Visitors to Wat Arun can climb to the top of the central spire for a panoramic view of the river and the city. However, the climb can be steep and narrow, so it's not recommended for those who are afraid of heights or has mobility issues.

When visiting Wat Arun, remember to dress appropriately - no shorts, sleeveless tops, or revealing clothes are allowed. You'll also need to remove your shoes before entering the temple buildings.

Wat Arun is located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, and you can reach it by taking a ferry or a water taxi from the other side of the river. It's a great way to experience Bangkok's river culture and see the city's landmarks from a different perspective.

Visiting Wat Arun is a great way to experience Thai culture and see one of Bangkok's most iconic landmarks. The temple's intricate design and beautiful location make it a must-visit destination for travellers to Bangkok.

 

6. Explore Chinatown

Chinatown is a vibrant neighbourhood in Bangkok that offers a unique blend of Thai and Chinese cultures. The neighbourhood is known for its bustling markets, street food, and historic architecture.

Some of the highlights of exploring Chinatown in Bangkok include:

• Yaowarat Road - the main street of Chinatown, which is lined with shops, restaurants, and markets. It's especially lively at night when the street is illuminated by colourful neon signs.

• Street food - Chinatown is famous for its street food, which includes dishes like dim sum, roasted duck, and seafood. Some of the best food stalls can be found along Yaowarat Road and in the alleys that branch off of it.

• Markets - there are several markets in Chinatown that sell everything from clothing and accessories to fresh produce and exotic herbs. The Sampeng Market is a popular destination for bargain hunters, while the Thieves Market is known for its antiques and collectables.

• Temples - there are several temples in Chinatown that are worth visiting, including Wat Mangkon Kamalawat and Wat Leng Noei Yi.

• Chinese New Year - Chinatown is especially lively during Chinese New Year, which usually falls in January or February. The neighbourhood is decorated with red lanterns and other festive decorations, and there are dragon dances and other cultural events.

Exploring Chinatown is a great way to experience the multicultural heritage of Bangkok and sample some of the city's best street food. Whether you're looking for souvenirs, a delicious meal, or a glimpse into the local culture, Chinatown has something to offer.

 

7. Take a cooking class

8. Visit the Jim Thompson House

The Jim Thompson House is a beautiful museum in Bangkok that is dedicated to the life and legacy of Jim Thompson, an American entrepreneur who is credited with revitalizing the Thai silk industry in the 1950s and 1960s. The museum is located in a traditional Thai house that Thompson purchased in the 1950s and renovated with the help of local artisans.

Visitors to the Jim Thompson House can take a guided tour of the house, which includes the living quarters, art collection, and silk industry displays. The house is decorated with a mix of Thai and Western styles, and it's surrounded by a lush garden that includes several traditional Thai houses that have been reconstructed on the property.

The museum also features a gift shop that sells Thai silk products and other handicrafts, as well as a restaurant that serves traditional Thai cuisine.

The Jim Thompson House is located in the Siam neighbourhood, which is a popular area for shopping and sightseeing. The museum is open daily, and guided tours are available in several languages. It's a great way to learn about the life and legacy of Jim Thompson, as well as to experience traditional Thai architecture and design.

 

9. Relax in Lumphini Park

Lumphini Park is a large public park located in the heart of Bangkok that offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The park is named after the birthplace of the Buddha in Nepal and covers an area of over 140 acres.

Visitors to Lumphini Park can enjoy a variety of activities, including:

• Walking and jogging - the park has several paths that are perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling. The park is a popular destination for locals who come to exercise in the early morning and evening hours.

• Boating - the park has a large lake where visitors can rent a paddleboat or rowboat and explore the water. The lake is surrounded by lush greenery and is home to several species of birds and fish.

• Relaxing - there are several quiet spots in the park where visitors can relax and enjoy the scenery. The park has several benches and pavilions, as well as a large grassy area that's perfect for picnics or lounging.

• Tai chi and yoga - the park is a popular destination for tai chi and yoga enthusiasts, and there are several groups that gather in the park to practice.

• Events - the park hosts several events throughout the year, including concerts, festivals, and sporting events.

 

10. Enjoy the nightlife

Bangkok has a vibrant nightlife scene with something for everyone, from trendy rooftop bars to underground clubs and everything in between. Some popular areas for nightlife in Bangkok include:

• Khao San Road: This lively street in the Old City is a popular destination for backpackers and budget travelers. It's lined with bars, restaurants, and street food stalls, and it's known for its lively atmosphere and cheap drinks.

• Sukhumvit Road: This major thoroughfare is home to some of the city's best nightclubs, rooftop bars, and trendy restaurants. It's a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and it's easily accessible by public transportation.

• Thonglor: This upscale neighborhood is known for its trendy bars, lounges, and clubs. It's popular with young professionals and expats, and it's a great place to experience Bangkok's sophisticated side.

• Silom: This neighborhood is home to the famous Patpong night market, as well as several popular bars and clubs. It's a popular destination for LGBTQ+ travelers, and it's known for its lively and diverse nightlife scene.

 

Some popular nightlife spots in Bangkok include:

• Sky Bar at Lebua State Tower: This rooftop bar offers stunning views of the city skyline and is famous for its appearance in the movie "The Hangover Part II."

• Levels Club & Lounge: This popular club in Sukhumvit is known for its high-energy dance floor and international DJ lineup.

• Maggie Choo's: This speakeasy-style bar in Silom is housed in a former Chinese brothel and features live music and a sultry atmosphere.

• Tropic City: This tiki bar in Charoenkrung is known for its creative cocktails and tropical decor.