Vibrant colors, temples, martial arts, food and much more. These are some of the things that come to mind when we think of Southeast Asia. Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is no exception. It has everything travelers expect to see in a traditional Asian city. It also has everything tourists expect from a densely populated western city. The intersection of the two makes Bangkok special. Here's a list of 25 things to do in Bangkok.
Bangkok is central to food. Vendors and stalls line the streets, ready to prepare and serve everything from Pad Thai, Kao Niew Ma Muang (sticky rice, sliced mango and coconut cream syrup), squid to green Thai curry. It is a dining paradise and offers a culinary experience like no other.
Inspired by Europe, based in Bangkok. Within the palace walls, there is a museum and a variety of cultural artifacts, spread over more than 80 rooms. For a first look at the lifestyle of Thai royalty, this is the place to go.
At Chatuchak Market, you can buy pets, clothes, souvenirs, and just about anything. It is one of the most impressive markets in the world. There are thousands of stalls spread over almost 12 hectares of land, attracting nearly 1.5 million people every month. This should be on everyone's list of things to do in Bangkok. Show up early.
Bangkok has more than a fair share of gold. That said, Wat Saket, otherwise known as the Temple of the Golden Mount, is no less remarkable. Climb the winding steps for a bird's-eye view of what the locals call the City of Angels.
This shopping complex contains shops, restaurants, an art gallery, exhibition space, an opera concert hall and the Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World aquarium. With so many things to do inside, it's easy to see why this is Thailand's sixth largest mall. For a different yet equally enjoyable shopping experience, try the open-air mall Asiatique The Riverfront. It also doubles as a night bazaar and is always fun.
With bilingual Thai and Mandarin Chinese signage, authentic East Asian cuisine, and rivaling the rest of Bangkok for the number of street food stalls per square meter, Chinatown in one of the world's most popular cities is the second best thing to do in China. to be. Day or night, the Chinese culture is alive.
Not a fan of mopeds? Try the SkyTrain instead. Enjoy the view of the city at high speed. Beat the heat. Also avoid traffic. The SkyTrain is the ideal way to see Bangkok. It runs from early in the morning until almost midnight.
Note: The SkyTrain can be very busy during peak times.
For fans of skyscrapers, great views and haunted buildings, the Sathorn Unique Tower, also known as the Bangkok Ghost Tower, is a must-see. Unfinished after the Asian financial crisis in 1997, the 49-storey complex is an ominous giant in Bangkok. For a small fee you can find your way to the top. The view is worth it.
Bangkok is known for Buddhism, nightlife, warm smiles and more. Unfortunately, Thailand's capital is also known for its heavy traffic. Motorcycle taxis are the solution. They are immediately available and move relatively easily and quickly through traffic.
Canadians have hockey. Europe has football. Thailand has Muay Thai, also known as “the art of eight limbs”. It is Thailand's favorite sport, and for good reason. Sign up for a training session to experience it in person or watch from the stands as Thailand's fiercest athletes compete. It will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience.
Fun fact:The New Year is celebrated on different dates around the world. In Thailand, the celebration is mid-April. It is accentuated by a two-day Buddhist festival that turns Bangkok into a water fight paradise. It's called Songkran and it might just be the best time of year to be in Thailand.
The islands in Thailand are known for their Half Moon and Full Moon parties. The vibrant nightlife of Bangkok should not be overshadowed. Bars, lounges, clubs and everything in between are easy to find, whatever kind of fun you have in mind.
Outside of temples, it can sometimes be difficult to find some quiet time away from the crowds and noise. Lumpini Park is the solution. It is large, has a lot of space, playgrounds and an artificial lake. Go for a jog or sit down in this green oasis.
It is one of the best things to do in Bangkok. Home to the most infamous backpacker destination in the world, Khao San Road, Banglamphu is more than a backpacker-friendly place to spend a night. Dine and relax in trendy restaurants and bars. Stay in unique accommodations. Meet Thai people and foreigners. See the laid-back side of Bangkok that many overlook.
Hint: for a better idea of what Bangkok used to be like, visit Soi Rambuttri. The word “Soi” refers to smaller side streets that deviate from the main streets (thanon).
Spread across several classic elevated Thai houses, this complex was once home to one of the most important art collectors in Thai history, Princess Chumbhot. The houses are surrounded by immaculate greenery and birds of a few different breeds.
No trip to Bangkok is complete without a Thai massage. There are Thai people and massage parlors all over the world, but there is no better place to get a Thai massage than in Thailand. Take a moment to relax and enjoy the finer things in life. It provides an unforgettable experience.
Budget travelers looking for interesting things to do should visit the Bangkok National Museum on one of the free guided tours. There are three history or art history exhibits at any given time in different buildings in this complex.
Due to its unique location and infrastructure, boats and ferries are a normal part of transportation in Bangkok. The Chao Phraya River makes its way through the city, providing daily passage for thousands of local residents. Try the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Tour, the Ayutthaya Day Tour or a Dinner Cruise. See Bangkok differently.
Puppetry has been part of many Asian cultures for centuries. The stories are fascinating. The music is great. The dedication and attention to detail required to bring these shows to life is a true work of art. Spend an evening watching master puppeteers at work in Bangkok. It is poetry in motion.
One of Bangkok's most visited temples, Wat Pho has the (golden) Reclining Buddha. It measures 690 square meters and represents Buddha during his dying days. In addition to an enormous variety of Buddha statues, Thailand's first center for public education is also located here. As for temples, visiting Wat Pho is one of the coolest things to do in Bangkok.
It is absolutely stunning to see. It houses the Grand Palace, formerly home to the ruler of Thailand. Over two centuries of history, royalty and architecture in one place. Tourists short on time should prioritize a visit to Wat Phra Kaew.
Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, is one of the most recognizable Buddhist temples in Bangkok and Southeast Asia as a whole. Its floral designs, radiant vibrant colors and riverside location are some of the reasons tourists flock to see it every day.
Note: this is one of the few temples that visitors can climb.
Jim Thompson is known for three things:his unique art collection, his success as a businessman in the silk industry and his sudden disappearance. His house (now a museum) provides insight into all three. This can be the highlight of any art or fashion lover's trip to Bangkok.
Wat Traimit contains a 3-meter high, 5.5-ton golden Buddha made of real gold. In addition, the temple is almost 700 years old and features a small informative exhibition and a historical museum.
There is much to say about the Wat Suthat. The most obvious observation is that it is beautiful and immense. As if its size wasn't impressive enough, it is several centuries old, a royal temple and one of the 10 highest ranked temples in Bangkok.
