10 Things To Do in Bangkok
Bangkok is one of the planet’s premier destinations. People come here for many reasons including for business, to experience the sights and the smells, and also just to have a lot of fun. Many others will also find themselves spending an evening or two in Bangkok as a platform from which they visit other parts of the country.
No matter what the reason you are in Bangkok: You will find that there is plenty to do. Whether you wish to immerse yourself in the Thai culture or party like you’ve not partied before, Bangkok will have what you are looking for. We have highlighted just a few of the things to do in Bangkok to help make sure your stay is a memorable one.
1. Emerald Buddha
Wat Phra Kaeo, which translates as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is a site of utmost importance for many Thais. As the name suggests, the temple houses the Emerald Buddha, which is a figurine standing around 26 inches tall and is made of jasper or jade. While visitors will get a chance to see the Buddha, the temple itself is a sight to behold. The temple is also on the site of the grand palace which was the official residence of the Thai monarchy, and parts of the palace are open to visitors. Nearby you will also find the famous Khao-San road, which was once a backpacker haven but is now moving more up-market.
2. Nightlife
People come to Thailand for many reasons, and the wild nightlife is among the biggest draws of all. The city is well known for its more decadent pleasures but there is something for everybody to enjoy. From go-go bars to upmarket rooftop cocktail bars, everybody will be able to have a good time.
The city is also very cosmopolitan and you will find something that suits you no matter where in the world you come from. Restaurants serve food from all over the world, ranging from budget meals to high-end gourmet treats. Also, make sure to take in a Ladyboy cabaret for something you will not find anywhere else.
3. Street Food
Thai food is popular all over the world. The blend of herbs and spices fills the air, making your mouth water as you pass by in the street. Of course, Thailand is the place to find authentic Thai food and you will find dishes that you had never imagined existed. If you are in Bangkok, make sure to try as much of the street food as you can.
Eating out on the street as the Thai’s do is not just a meal but also an experience in itself. You will be able to find tour guides that can take you to the very best spots and recommend which of the countless treats you should try.
4. Tuk Tuk
The tuk-tuk is one of the city’s most iconic symbols and is so called because of the tuk tuk sound that their two-stroke engines produce. Tuk tuk drivers offer a taxi-like service, willing to take you to just about anywhere in the city. The tuk-tuk is dirty, noisy, and leaves you exposed to the pollution on Bangkok’s streets.
It is also an opportunity that should not be missed. You will find this open-aired, three-wheeled, motorized rickshaws dotted all around the city, particularly around tourist areas. A ride in one of these gives you the opportunity to see the city streets closer than you would usually be able to.
5. Floating Markets
A lot of visitors won’t notice this about the city, but Bangkok is interlaced with khlongs (canals) that serve as a primary form of transport for a lot of people. It is for this very reason that the city is also known as the Venice of the East. You can use the canals to get around, although it can be quite daunting to begin with. In the past, the canals were essential arteries that helped to transport people around the city.
A lot of people even used to take to the canals to visit the floating markets, some of which still exist today. You get to cruise around the floating markets at your own leisure, with traders occasionally coming up to you to offer you their wares.
6. Jim Thompson House
Thailand is well known for having a thriving silk industry, with Thai silk products in demand all over the world. The industry was flagging in the past, however, only to be revitalized in the 50s and 60s by an American entrepreneur by the name of Jim Thompson. Jim’s house in Bangkok is now open as a somewhat fascinating museum.
Jim Thompson built his astonishing mansion of the banks of the Bangkrua canal, and he started to fill it with works of art from around the region, amassing an impressive collection which is on view in the museum today. The museum also gives a glimpse into the fascinating life of Jim himself, who once worked for an American intelligence agency.
7. Water Parks
Bangkok can get very hot and humid and visitors can struggle with conditions even during the low-season when the weather is relatively cool. The good news is that there are plenty of opportunities to cool down, including in the heart of the city itself. Bangkok is home to some enormous shopping malls and, on the rooves of some of these malls, you will find waterparks.
With a variety of pools, slides, and other attractions for people of all ages, they are a great way to cool off and get away from the hectic nature of Bangkok at street level. Once finished, grab a bite to eat in one of the malls’ many restaurants or maybe do a spot of shopping.
8. JJ Market
Bangkok is a shopper’s paradise, so make sure to bring your credit cards because you are going to need them. If you are coming to the city to pick up bargains then you must head to Chatuchak Weekend Market. Known by the locals as JJ, it is not any market. Indeed, JJ is the largest weekend market on the whole planet. JJ has more than 15,000 stalls selling everything you can think of and a lot that you had never imagined existed.
It is hot and it is hard work but for serious bargain hunters, it is paradise. JJ is also within walking distance from the city’s sky train network, making it easy to access.
9. Upmarket Shopping
In addition to being a paradise for bargain hunters, Bangkok is also a haven for people that prefer to spend their money on the finer things of life. New and modern malls like Siam Paragon, CentralWorld, and EmQuartier give shoppers the chance to browse for high-quality products from around the world. In addition to the shopping opportunities, a trip to one of the cities upmarket malls is a trip in itself.
You will find gourmet food courts offering a range of fine cuisines from across the globe. If it is tech that you are looking for, there is no better place than Pantip Plaza, which is dedicated to the latest gadgets and other hardware.
10. River Cruise
Bangkok is dissected by the Chao Phraya River, which translated into English as The River of Kings. Visitors might have the need to cross the river occasionally, whether by boat or across a bridge, but you can also take the opportunity to make more of what the river has to offer. When the sun has gone down, why not take a river cruise along the river?
Here, you get to enjoy the city when it is lit up at night, making for some stunning views. The cruises also offer onboard entertainment and food, and they make for an ideal way to start the evening before moving onto to something livelier.
