Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand, and it lives up to its reputation. While the city is famous for its nightlife, there are several activities in Bangkok, that you can enjoy during the day. The stunning beaches, the alluring temples, the lip-smacking cuisines, massages, cruises, markets, you name it and the city has it. Bangkok has a lot to offer to its tourists and owns the strength to blow your mind.
12 Things To Do In Bangkok For A Vibrant And Vivacious Holiday
Bangkok is a city of love, fun and partying. There are several activities in Bangkok that will amaze you in every possible way. This city of nightlife will never fail to mesmerize you.
1. Fly Along With The Wind In Sky Train
Want to get around Bangkok fast? Sky Train is the answer to your question. It is amongst unusual things to do in Bangkok, because train rides are everywhere, and yet this will awe-inspire you like no other. This is the only way to get around anywhere in the city whilst keeping your cool. It is fast, cheap, and exciting. Sky Trains allow you to have a panoramic view of the city from a higher and different perspective. The trains run in two lines/ phases, one runs from the Silom line, west to South of Bangkok. In most of the instances you are elevated above the traffic, the route of the train has stations to almost all the tourist attractions and others as well. There are a total of 61 stations.
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Timings: Starts running from 6: 30 in the morning and are available till midnight.
Entry Fee: 118 Baht per person
2. Take Tours To The Townhouses With Khlong Tour
Khlong Tours will take you closer to how people actually live in Bangkok. Thonburi is the old capital of Thailand. Only narrow boats like longtail speed boats and flat bottom boats can navigate the Thongburi Kholngs. Khlong means canal. Khlong tours are basically canal tours in narrowboats where you can explore Khlong Mon, Klong Bangkok Noi, Royal Barges Museum, and Klong Bangkok Yai. The drivers of the boats know minimal English, regardless they know the routes, just ask them where you want to go and agree on the prices before sitting in the boats to avoid the after clashes.
Location: 66 Charoen Nakhon Rd. 32/1, Khlong San, Bangkok 10600, Thailand
Timings: Visitors are advised to consult the local authorities
Entry Fee: 750 Baht per person for 1 hour, 1000 Baht for 90 minutes, it may vary from season to season
3. Feel Luxury With The Dinner Cruise In Chao Phraya River
Dinner Cruise, check! Stunning sea, check! Alluring city view, check! This is the perfect way to spend a delicious night, on the verge of an adventurous cruise sail. Chao Phraya River at night is the most beautiful thing you will ever see, and the cruise here is amongst the best things to do in Bangkok at night. The Cruise takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes and travels up the river past Wat Arun, and Grand Palace to Rama VIII Bridge. The moment you board you get services of international standard.
The food menu is fixed, and the appetizers are a pretty selection of small bites, including blue flower-shaped chicken dumplings and crunchy chili concoctions wrapped in a leaf. Being on Cruise, getting a proper three course meal (appetizer, main course, desserts), splendid view, sound of the melody of Thai instruments, well that sums up the best evening. It is among the perfect adventure activities in Bangkok, but make sure you are not seasick. Enjoy a romantic and sizzling evening with your partner or family and friends.
Location: River City Shopping Complex, 23 Trok Rongnamkhaeng, Charoen Krung 30, Si Phaya Pier, Yota Road, Sampantawong, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
Timings: Starts at 8 PM and ends at 9: 45PM
Entry Fee: 780 Baht per person
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4. Visit The Famous China Town
Chinatown! Who has not heard of it? Famous in every part of the world, it is an adventure in Bangkok. Shopping here has a timeless quality to it and it offers a perfect antitode to the modern day mega malls, slowly springing up the areas in Bangkok. Let me warn you of a thing, you might get lost in the down alleyways, so always be alert of where you are heading to. But will it stop you from getting a closer look at the traditions and culture of the locals? Eh! No. Chinatown has the cheapest price for every product, with respect to all the other markets in Bangkok. You can shop at Sampeng Lane, Old Siam Plaza, Flashlight Market, Phahurat, and many other shops. You can also bargain here, and you must! China town offers you the best experience of nightlife in Thailand, taking you a step closer to the country’s culture.
Location: Yaowarat Road, Bangkok
Timings: Opens at 7 AM and closes at 1 AM
Entry Fee: No entry fee, you will be charged only for the things you purchase.
Suggested Read: Shopping In Bangkok, Thailand: Must-Visit Markets To Buy The Best Souvenir
5. Shop At The Chatuchak Weekend Market
Don't feel like sitting in a room all day? Chatuchak Weekend Market has got your back. It has the charm to indulge your whole day and is amongst fun things to do in Bangkok. It is a popular market among wholesalers and traders, and today it has reached a landmark status as a must-visit place for visitors. Chatuchak Weekend Market houses over 8000 stalls, spread over an area of 14 hectares. On a typical day, the market welcomes about 2 lakh travelers.
Visiting the market can be a slightly overwhelming task, but it for sure, won't disappoint you. With a wide variety of products ranging from handicrafts, ceramics, and furniture to clothing and books, whatever you wish to buy is available in this weekend Market. On your visit to Bangkok, if you get a weekend make sure to squeeze this trip into your plan, as it a must-do in Bangkok, it is worth the bet.
Location: Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, Bangkok
Timings: On Friday, 6 PM till midnight; Saturday – Sunday, 9 AM to 6 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee, only have to pay for things you buy
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6. Be Amazed By The Reclining Buddha At Wat Pho
Wat Pho is a must-visit place on every traveler’s list. The reclining Buddha resides here. It is a 15 meter tall and 46 meter long statue of Lord Buddha, the feet alone, of the statue are measured to be over 5 meters. Wat Pho is the most iconic temple of Bangkok, and visiting it is one of the splendid things to do in Thailand. The whole statue is covered in gold leaves. Wat Pho complex is quite mesmerizing in itself, because of its brilliant architecture and detailed designs.
While visiting the temple you should remember to wear something respectful, which covers your shoulders and knees, for both men and women and kids as well. Bangkok is high on religion and thus takes it into consideration, you can wear whatever you feel like everywhere else. Apart, from this, it is one of the top things to do in Bangkok, and will definitely spellbound you, with its grandeur of the glittering statute and the interior designs.
Location: 2 Sanam Chai Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Timings: Open at 8 AM and closes at 6: 30 PM
Entry Fee: 100 Baht per person
7. Relax Your Body With The Spa Treatments
Thai massages and spas are known to the world, and this interesting activity is one, that you ought to indulge yourself in, as it one of the most beautiful and relaxing activities to do in Bangkok. You might have seen Thai massage parlors in your native areas as well, and well, you definitely would have heard of these, but nowhere in the world, can they match the authenticity and relaxation of spa centers in Bangkok, Thailand.
The experience during these massages will give you a new lease of life while making you feel invigorated and calm and giving you immense relaxation. There are several ways you can enjoy the spas. The soothing treatment can range from an oil massage to aromatherapy, with facial massages that will make your face glow and your skin rejuvenate radiantly. Certain hotels in Thailand, also provide this service, apart from the renowned centers.
Location:
- Myth Massage - 28/3 Soi Ruam Ruedi, Lumphini, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok 10330; Time - 12 PM to 12 AM
- Bhu Mhai Lifestyle Spa- Iconsiam, Room B105, Floor: B1, Khlong San, Bangkok 10600; Time – 10 AM to 10 PM
- Darin Beauty Salon and Massage Spa- 303 Rambutree Rd, Talad yod, Phranakorn, Bangkok, 10200; Time - 8 AM to 11:30 PM
- Baan Sabai Spa- Sukhumvit 26, Khlong Tan, Khlong Teoy, Bangkok, 10110; Time - 10 AM to 10 PM
Entry Fee: Prices start at 400 Baht per person, but can vary from center to center, and type of massage.
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8. Learn To Make The Thai Cuisines With Cooking Lessons
One of the best things to do in Bangkok is trying the Thai cuisines, and so is to learn how to make them. Taking cooking lessons in Bangkok is a great activity for budding cooks. You get the opportunity to learn directly from professional chefs, they will teach you all about the flavors, ingredients, and techniques of cooking. There are different courses available, for a week, 15 days and more and price ranges accordingly. When you complete your cooking classes, you will get an apron and a certificate to take home with you. More often than not, cooking lessons include market visits, so you kill two birds with a single arrow, learn as well as visit the markets, the local markets are the best places to go in Thailand, to feel the local retreat.
Location:
- The Market Experience- 2nd Floor Yodpiman Flower Market, 225 Chakkraphet Rd, Wang Burapha Phirom, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand; Time - 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Chef LeeZ Thai Cooking Class – 4 488 Khlong Kum, Bueng Kum, Bangkok 10240, Thailand; Time - 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Baipai Thai Cooking School – 8/91 Ngam Wongwan Road, Soi 54 Ladyao, Chatuchak Bangkok 10900, Thailand; Time - 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- My Thai Cooking - 3778 Sukhumvit Rd, Khwaeng Bang Na, Bang Na, Bangkok 10260, Thailand; Time - 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Entry Fee: Consult the local authorities, as it varies from place to place.
Suggested Read: Best Cafes in Bangkok: Find Your Perfect Brew in the Diverse Cafes of Bangkok
9. Visit the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
The most popular Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is the living testament of Thailand’s traditional lifestyle that will transport you to a different world where people exchange cultural values at its best. Begin your Thai quest by visiting this traditional floating market in market early morning to gain insights on the bygone days of Bangkok by walking or taking a long-tail boat ride. Venture around the stalls sprawled all along the river and brimmed with ample varieties of fruits, farm-fresh vegetables, delicious authentic Thai flavors ranging from mini coconut pancakes to noodles served with meat broth which can be added to the list of things to do in Bangkok. Moreover, you can find apparel and other accessories at affordable rates, and you just need to brush up your bargaining skills to grab the best picks.
Location: Damnoen Saduak, Damnoen Saduak District, Ratchaburi 70130, Thailand
Timings: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
10. Take up Cycle Tours for an Enriching Experience
Experience the sereness of the city by taking up cycle tours to immerse yourself in the ideal blend of nature and culture. Bangkrachao, a tranquil and picturesque island on the Chao Phraya River is an ideal spot for cyclists to undertake cycle rides amid verdant landscapes by adoring the greens sprawling all around, making it a must-visit destination for the tourists. Bangkok’s outskirt areas will surprise you with the best natural scenes which will lure you for the next visit very soon. You can also enjoy cycling in the old neighborhood of Charoenkrung to spot on off-beat destinations and unpopular tourist attractions like local wet markets and ancient temples which are of great historical and cultural significance.
Location: Phra Pradaeng District, Samut Prakan, Thailand
Timings: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
11. A Daytrip to Ayutthaya and Admire the Archaeological Ruins
Tucked within the confluence of Chao Phraya & Pa Sak rivers on a majestic island, Ayutthaya is the abode of temples, Wats, and monasteries that brings Thailand’s rich culture to life. Dating back to the 14th century, Ayutthaya boasts its historical and archaeological sites, ranging from the significant landmark Wat Mahathat to the Ayutthaya Historical Park, considered the home to the ancient city's ruins. Among all the top things to do in Bangkok, never forget to visit the Ayutthaya Elephant Palace and Royal Kraal for amazing elephant rides and feeding elephants for an incredible experience. Ayutthaya is best known for the traditional markets Chao Phrom Market and Kong Khong markets endowed with rich Thai cultural scenes ranging from farm-fresh products, wholesome cooked Thai delicacies to the exquisitely designed Thai handicrafts.
Location: Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Thailand
12. A Walkthrough Jim Thompson House Museum
Located in the heart of the vibrant city, Bangkok, the Jim Thompson House Museum is the home to Bangkok and Asian art collection of the late American businessman and architect James H.W. Thompson, also known as the “Thai Silk King”. The museum features a huge collection of historical Buddhist statues and ancient Thai paintings made of wood, cloth, and paper that portrays the life of Buddha and his voyage towards enlightenment. This iconic Thai teakwood house will amaze you with the rich collection of Asian antiques and glamorous Thai silk that every Thai takes pride in. Starting from decorative wall hangings of Buddha to the signature dining table featured in in the dining room designed from Chinese mahjong tables, you will be awestruck by the exquisite blend of traditional design and innovation.
Location: 6 Kasem San 2 Alley, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: 200 Baht
Bangkok, rather the traffic-jam capital of the planet, is the one place where you can find everything, from beaches, malls, and cruises to water sports, local markets, temples, and the luscious cuisines. There are many things to do in Bangkok that will make your staycation a hella interesting and fun. Thailand’s capital is renowned for its carefree nature, yet so loving. Even a month feels less when it comes to exploring the city, as there is so much to do. So, what is the delay for? Book your flights to Bangkok now!
FAQs
3 days is not ideal for a full-fledged Bangkok tour, but if you want to cover only major highlights of the city, 3 days is enough for Bangkok. You can spend 1 full day by visiting the grand temples, carry out some outdoor adventure activities on the 2nd day, and take a signature Thai massage, devour the local Thai street food, and go shopping on the 3rd day.
Bangkok is mostly famous for its vibrant nightlife, historical and cultural landmarks including the traditional floating markets, ancient temples, Wats, and monasteries, delicious street food, and shopping. Starting from the glorious Grand Palace and temples like Wat Arun, Wat Pho to the bustling streets of Chatuchak Weekend Market, Bangkok has much more to offer for the visitors.
These are a few things that should buy from Chatuchak Weekend Market: -
- Home decorations
- Buddhist art
- Lamps
- Kitchenware
- Soap
- Clothing items and accessories
- Bags, pouches, and purses
Bangkok is famous for its nightlife and carefree scene. The nightlife has grown bigger over the years. Now, you can enjoy, night bars, clubs, rooftop bars, hip cocktail bars, and much more.
Pat Tai is the famous dish of Bangkok, well overall Thailand. It is a street staple dish of Bangkok. It takes the form of rice noodles stir-fried with dried and/or fresh shrimp, bean sprouts, tofu, egg, and seasonings, and is traditionally served with lime halves and a few stalks of Chinese chives, and a sliced banana flower.
Bangkok is a tourist hub and caters to a lot of places that you can visit, and that will awestruck you in every bit. The best places to visit in Bangkok are: -
- Grand Palace And Wat Prakeaw
- Wat Pho
- Chinatown
- Sky Bar Bangkok
- Chatuchak Weekend Market
- Wat Arun (The Temple Of Dawn)
- Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
- Jim Thompson's House
The best time to visit Bangkok is between November to March. During this span, the temperature is ideal with heat and humidity at their lowest. Although always be prepared, as the temperature can rise any day of the year, regardless of what season it is.
Bangkok is a lively and the best place to stay in Thailand. Some best and popular hotels in Bangkok are: -
- Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel
- Banyan Tree Bangkok
- The Peninsula Bangkok
- St Regis Bangkok
- Waldorf Astoria Bangkok
- Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
- Park Hyatt Bangkok
- The Siam Hotel
The must experience in Bangkok is exploring the historic landmarks ranging from residence of the King of Siam, the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew Temple Wat Arun, Temple of Dawn to the shopping experience at traditional floating markets where you can find exotic products to buy. Moreover, you shouldn’t miss out on the phenomenal culinary experience at Damnoen Saduak market.
Bangkok is one of the best destinations for shopping starting from the luxurious malls to the local traditional floating markets and street stalls. The best things to buy in Bangkok are Thai Silk, Spa and Aroma Products, Thai Antiques, Thai food, herbal medicines, coconut healers, handicrafts, etc.