10 Best Things To Do In Bangkok Thailand
Bangkok is an amazing travel destination thanks to its stunning temples, distinct culture, and delectable food. What to do in Bangkok, Thailand?
In this article, I share my favorite things to do in Bangkok and tips to make the most of your trip.
Cruise Chao Phraya River
Cruising the Chao Phraya River is one of the best things to do in Bangkok.
While everything is bright and clear during the day, the lights on both banks of the river make the nighttime scenery stunning in a fanciful shimmering manner. It’s also the best time for touring.
With the boat trip, you can learn about the history, the culture, and the impressive temples and pagodas that line the river’s banks here. The 76-meter-tall tower constructed from a shipwreck is the most notable.
You can book a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River here. You can enjoy a gourmet buffet dinner of international dishes while seeing Bangkok’s monuments illuminated at night.
See the floating market.
Situated across a 10 m wide canal, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is Thailand’s oldest and most distinctive traditional market.
The market is held early at 5 am with many boats carrying various goods from clothing, footwear, and everyday products to spices, fruits, vegetables, and dishes. You may enjoy the busy environment while viewing the floating market from above.
This place is undoubtedly busiest at eight in the morning when people arrive to visit, shop, and savor delicious cuisines on the river.
You can watch craftspeople make items out of teak. Additionally, don’t forget to stop by the gift shops to get special presents for your loved ones. Or stop at a boat selling tasty Thai dishes such as Som Tam and Pad Thai.
- Address: Damnoen Saduak district, Ratchaburi province, Thailand, 105km southwest of Bangkok.
- Opening hours: from 5:00 am daily.
Visit the Maeklong railway market.
If you want to experience the thrill of photographing, don’t hesitate to try Maeklong Railway Market.
Located near Maeklong train station, this 100m-long market is located along the railway. You can wait to catch the moment the train coming.
Explore Chinatown
You can experience both Chinese and Thai cultures by visiting Chinatown, one of the most vibrant areas in Bangkok.
As you stroll through Chinatown, you’ll come across the gigantic China Gate, which features intricate patterns.
It’s best to visit Chinatown after dark to explore this area truly. At night, the neighborhood is lit up with fanciful shimmering lights in ancient China’s typical red and yellow background.
The food court here, in particular, offers a variety of mouthwatering and eye-catching meals, including Peking duck, wonton noodles, and dumplings.
Visit Grand Palace
- Opening hours: 08:30 am to 3:30 pm
- Location: Na Phra Lan Road, Old City (Rattanakosin)
- Ticket price: 500 baht. One ticket includes entrance to Vimanmek Palace and Abhisek Dusit Temple Building.
- Book tour: You can book the Grand palace tour here.
The Grand Palace is one of Bangkok’s most interesting places to visit. Built in 1782, this complex housed the monarch, the Thai court, and the government’s administrative seats for 150 years.
More than 100 structures at the palace symbolize 200 years of royal history and innovative architectural design.
Even though it is primarily used ceremonially now, it continues to draw large crowds to the city and serve as a place of pilgrimage for devoted Buddhists.
Visit Emerald Buddha Temple
Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaeo) features a 2m tall monolithic jade Buddha image from the 15th century, showing the Buddha meditating.
The only person who is permitted to approach the Buddha statue is the Thai King. Three times a year, the King changes three different outfits for the Buddha statue to represent the three seasons: summer, winter, and rainy season. This ritual is carried out in a desire for good fortune and tranquility for the nation.
The Buddha picture is believed to bring peace and prosperity to the Royal Palace because legend holds that wherever the Buddha statue appears, prosperity and peace will follow.
The monks don’t have living quarters like in other temples. Instead, there are holy, ornate structures and statues.
Visit Wat Pho
Constructed in the 16th century during the reign of King Ayutthaya, Wat Pho has undergone numerous restorations. There are currently 91 chedis on the temple complex, including 71 small and 20 large towers.
The reclining Buddha statue, which is 46 m long and 15 m high, is one of over a thousand Buddha statues that belong to this temple. The statue’s entire body is encrusted with gold, and its eyes are made of jade. In particular, 108 auspicious scenes in Chinese and Indian designs are placed on the foot of the statue.
You will also find ancient magic tools, scriptures, bibliographies, frescoes, and more throughout the rows of chapels.
Don’t forget to find a traditional massage parlor and relax after seeing the temple.
Visit Wat Arun
One of Thailand’s most beautiful temples, Wat Arun, is situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.
The temple is renowned for its distinctive architecture, including towers 80 meters high, inlaid with Chinese porcelain on the roof and pedestals.
You can also admire the golden Buddha statue and the wall sculptures when entering the lobby.
You can get here by sky train from the center of Bangkok, then take a taxi to the temple. Another option is to take a ferry to the other side of the Chao Phraya River.
To enter the temple, men must wear a shirt with sleeves and long pants, while women wear a discreet skirt that exceeds the knee.
- Opening hours: from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
- Entrance fee: 50 baht.
Shop at Chatuchak
Chatuchak market is an excellent destination for shopping. The market offers a wide selection of clothes, footwear, and accessories at affordable prices.
Go shopping at Siam Center.
Another great place for shopping in Bangkok is Siam.
It’s one of the best commercial centers in Bangkok, including Siam Discovery, Siam Center, and Siam Paragon. You can find well-known brands like Charles & Keith, Givenchy, and Gucci here.
In addition to clothes, shoes, or accessories, Siam offers delicious dish cuisine with a variety of appealing food chains and Thai food such as Tomyum, Pad Thai, coconut ice cream, and durian sticky rice.
