With everything this unique capital has to offer, it can be hard to decide what things to do in Bangkok and what not to do, especially if you’re short on time.
Cruise the ‘Venice of the East’
Visitors to Bangkok often describe a cruise down the Chao Phraya River as a highlight of their trip, and it’s easy to see why. Whether you want to see Bangkok’s famous temples, visit the ancient capital of Ayutthaya, or just sit back and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the river, a cruise is the perfect way to spend an afternoon or two.
Get arty
Bangkok has a small but vibrant art scene, and galleries tend to support local artists, so gallery hopping is great way to get a feel for local culture. There is not a single ‘art district’ – galleries tend to be found all over the city – but the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre is a good place to start. Located at the Pathumwan Intersection, opposite the MBK centre, this creative space houses a range of artists, musicians and performers.
Get some threads
No list of things to do in Bangkok would be complete without a visit to one its many haberdasheries. Popular in the tourist hotspots, they offer bespoke suits and dresses at a fraction of UK prices. And don’t be too suspicious of the bargain prices, most outlets are professional and use good-quality material. One word of advice though – avoid the 24 hour service outlets, take your time and insist on two fittings over several days.
Visit the markets
Bangkok is famous for its sprawling markets, offering everything you could ever want, plus a lot of stuff you never would. Of all the markets in the city, Chatuchak Weekend Market is the most breathtaking. Covering 35 acres and housing over 8,000 stalls, this is one of the biggest in the world. Be sure to get your bearings before you venture in, and bring a map along, as everything can start to look very similar once you’re inside. Having said that, some people enjoy just getting lost in the sights and sounds of this unique place.
Visit the Grand Palace
Probably Bangkok’s most famous attraction, and certainly its most spectacular, the Grand Palace is a must for any visitor. Built in 1782, it was the home of Thai Kings for 150 years and although it no longer houses royalty, the complex remains the spiritual heart of Thailand. As well as the Grand Palace, the complex encompasses several impressive buildings, including Wat Phra Kaew – home of the famous Emerald Buddha.
More Things To Do in Bangkok
Get sporty
Bangkok is home to several boxing stadiums, showcasing the best in traditional Thai Boxing. It is a sport steeped in history, with fighters carrying out traditional rituals before each fight. But once the formalities are out of the way it can get pretty brutal, so this is not for the faint hearted. If you’re still interested, the Lumpini Boxing Stadium and the Ratchadamnoen Boxing Stadium are the best places to see it.
Relax with Buddha
Wat Pho is the largest temple in Bangkok and home to the reclining Buddha – a huge statue measuring 46 metres and covered in gold leaf. Located in the Old City, Wat Pho is half a mile south of the Grand Palace. While you’re there, why not get a traditional Thai massage. Unlike most other forms of massage, this tends to be invigorating, rather than relaxing, and incorporates yoga-style postures to relieve stress. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
Eat on the street
Kerbside food vendors may sound like a recipe for disaster, but it is a way of life for Thai locals, and something you have to try in Bangkok. You’ll find street stalls in most busy areas or around markets, offering a cheap and traditional alternative to a restaurant meal. To figure out what’s what, take a look at the ingredients they are using, and if you’re still unsure, just ask.
Take a break from the fumes
There aren’t many of them in the city, but Bangkok’s parks offer peace and tranquillity in what can be an overwhelming place. Lumpini park is the oldest in Bangkok, and is a haven of lush green and calm lakes. And there’s plenty to do here too: you can hire out a peddle-boat, play a bit of tennis, or just take a picnic and have a nap in the comfy grass.
Get flowery at the market
If you’re not put from ever visiting a market again after the intense Chatuchak Market, take a walk over to Pak Klong Talad – the wholesale flower market near the Memorial Bridge. While you’re probably not going to need a bundle of 50 to 100 roses while you’re in Bangkok, it’s worth going to see the gloomy streets transformed into a kaleidoscope of bright, blooming colours. And the smells aren’t bad either.
For more things to do in Bangkok, plus everything else you could want to know about travelling with your family to Thailand, check out our Thailand Travel Guide.
