Best Things To Do In Bangkok
Bangkok is the most visited city in the world, and this title has not been given to it by chance. The city is packed with enough attractions and culture to satisfy every tourist. You want to visit incredible temples covered in gold? Check. You want to try some of the most amazing Thai food? Check. You want to immerse yourself into one of the most vibrant places in South-East Asia? Check! Bangkok has everything you could want or imagine. Here is a list of the best things to do while in the city.
- Visit the Incredible Royal Palace
- Marvel at the Lying Buddha in Wat Pho
- See Wat Arun at sunset
- Walk up Wat Saket (the golden mount)
- Eat at Khao San road
- Visit the Golden Buddha temple
- Roam through Chinatown
- Shop at Chatuchak market
- Boat to a floating market
- Visit the Jim Thompson house
- Visit Erawan Shrine
- Go for a walk in Lumpini Park
- Shop in Bangkok’s endless malls
Visit the Incredible Royal Palace
The royal palace is by far the most visited landmarks in the city, and for good reason. Build 1782 by Rama I and continuously upgraded over the next few centuries, it showcases some of the most beautiful buildings in the world. The centre piece of the palace is the emerald Buddha, the most important Buddha image in Thailand. I recommend sitting down for a few minutes on the temple floor and absorbing the atmosphere surrounding you. Touring the temple grounds should take you 2 or 3 hours; this should give plenty of time to see everything the palace has to offer. Do not forget to respect the site during your visit, wearing appropriate clothing (knees & shoulders covered) and taking your shoes off before entering any temple. Being a tourist hotspot, the palace is also prone to scams outside its walls: make sure to stay alert. (Entry fee: 500 baht pp [2023])
Marvel at the Lying Buddha in Wat Pho
Wat Pho houses one of the most famous portrayals of Buddha in the world: the reclining Buddha. With a total length of 44 meters, its feet alone are bigger than an elephant! The sheer size of this statue is enough to impress anybody and alone makes the entrance fee worth it. The rest of the temple complex has, however, a lot to offer too and you should dedicate some time to walking around the various buildings and pagodas. 1 to 2 hours should be enough to see everything. Just like the royal palace, be sure to dress appropriately. (Entry fee: 200 baht pp [2023])
See Wat Arun at sunset
From Wat Pho, walk past Tha Tian Market and embark the short ferry to the other side of the river (price: 5 baht pp [2023]). This will take you directly to Wat Arun. The centrepiece of the complex is the beautifully ornate pagoda. Wondering around the pagoda’s three levels and the other buildings surrounding it should take you around an hour. If you fancy dressing up in traditional Thai clothing to take pictures in, there are lots of rental shops located outside the complex; this was being done by lots of tourists when I was there. Try to visit the temple in the late afternoon: when you cross back over the river, you can view the sun setting behind it. (Entry fee: 100 baht pp [2023])
Walk up Wat Saket (the golden mount)
Wat Saket, located about a 30-minute walk east from the royal palace, is a little temple perched on top of a small hill in the middle of the city. The hill is actually “accidentally” artificial. It is made up of the ruins of a mud-and-brick temple dating back to the early 19th century which collapsed under its own weight. The ruins gradually became a mound and the current temple was built atop. Take a stroll up the gentle stairs and you’ll eventually reach the top terrace, where you’ll get a great view of the city. (Entry fee: 100 baht pp [2023])
Eat at Khao San road
If you are backpacking through Thailand, you are most likely already staying near Khao San Road. If not, make sure to pass by for lunch or dinner as it is one of the best areas to have a bite to eat. Among the amazing Thai restaurants, you will also come across loads of food stalls which, if you’re brave enough, will sell you scorpions, worms, crickets or grasshoppers! If, however, you don’t fancy the amazing nutritional value insects have to offer, you will most definitely find another stall that caters to your needs. Khao San Road is also a hotspot for travel, offering bus travel to most big Thai cities as well as international routes to Cambodia, Laos, Malysia etc.
Visit the Golden Buddha temple
The golden Buddha temple, located on the south side of Chinatown, houses (you guessed it) a golden Buddha statue. The difference however with this one is that the statue is made of pure gold, 5.5 tonnes of it! And you can tell: it’s shininess will put any other statue to shame. Definitely worth a detour. (Entry fee: 40 baht pp [2023])
Roam through Chinatown
Chinatown is definitely an area of Bangkok you do not want to miss. One of the biggest Chinese quarters in the world, its street market stalls are never ending and offer anything and everything you might want to buy. Its street food alone is worth the trip but while you’re there you might as well pop into its many temples and walk down its bustling narrow streets to soak up an atmosphere your eyes, nose and ears will remember forever.
Shop at Chatuchak market
Are you in search of more choice when visiting Thai markets? Chatuchak Weekend Market will spoil you. Being one of the biggest markets in the world, it holds a modest ten thousand stores. That should be enough to make anybody understand how truly gigantic it is. I made the unfortunate decision to only visit it while waiting for a train at the nearby Krung Thep Aphiwat which only gave me a limited time at the market. I would advise giving yourself a good few hours to meander the endless stores.
Boat to a floating market
Had enough of walking around markets? Why not boat around markets! Bangkok’s floating markets are world-renowned and well worth your time. Most of them are not located in central Bangkok, however getting there is pretty easy as you can just grab a boat for the city centre which provides the fastest and cheapest route to them.
Visit the Jim Thompson house
The Jim Thompson House is a museum located along the bank of one of Bangkok’s canals which houses the art collection of American businessman and architect Jim Thompson. It’s beautiful wooden Thai-style houses are surrounded by beautifully kept gardens and offer a small island of tranquillity in the middle of Bangkok’s never-ending commotion. I would recommend getting there by walking along the banks of the canal where you can witness ferries speeding round the canal corners with immense precision. You could even board one to make the journey quicker.
Visit Erawan Shrine
The Erawan shrine is a Hindu shrine located at the foot of Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel. It was erected in 1956 to worship Phra Phrom and ask the god expel the obstacles that were creating lots of mishaps during the first few weeks of the hotel’s opening. The golden statue is pretty much always busy; worshipers lay orange flower wreaths at its feet and performers dancing to traditional music. Visiting it does not require a detour: it is located in Bangkok’s commercial heart. Make sure to stop by if you are in the area shopping!
Go for a walk in Lumpini Park
Every city has its park. New York’s Central Park, London’s Hyde Park, Barcelona’s Park Güell… for Bangkok its Lumpini Park. With Bangkok’s gigantic skyscrapers looming overhead, it offers a rare escape from the hustle and bustle of the city which locals use to exercise daily, meditate, meet with friends etc.
Shop in Bangkok’s endless malls
If you are in search of a more modern shopping experience over the traditional markets, Bangkok delivers. Head over to the Pathum Wan District where you will be surrounded by shopping centre galore.
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