10 Best Things To Do In Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is one of the best places to live in Thailand. It is the center of lights, spice, and everything nice. Bangkok is always bubbling, as there is always activity during peak and off-peak times. There are many beautiful things to see in Bangkok.
Being home to over 8 million citizens, you will never walk alone. The city produces a beautiful range of people and cultures. Whether you prefer class and luxury, or you are on a budget, Bangkok certainly has a space for everyone.
To further aid your experience, our experts have compiled a list of the finest Bangkok attractions, including some of the must-dos in Bangkok.
1. Stop by Wat Pho to See the Buddha
Wat Pho houses one of the best Bangkok attractions, the Buddha. But this is unlike any other statue of Buddha you may have seen.
The fascinating thing about the Buddha at Wat Pho is that it's a whopping 150 feet high. What’s more about this amazing fact of the world? It is gold-plated, plus its feet are encrusted with pearls and symbols.
It is certainly one of the best places to visit in Bangkok, Thailand, and it leaves tourists in awe each time.
Besides this massive Buddha, there is also a Buddha gallery that holds almost 400 other golden Buddha statues. If you have been on Sicily vacation, you have probably seen the big fat Greek temples; this Buddha temple is also an archaeological treasure.
Wat Pho is an absolutely lovely place to visit on your next, or first, Bangkok vacation.
2. Go to the Famous Grand Palace
What is Bangkok tourism without a visit to the Grand Palace? This royal palace is undoubtedly one of the topmost things to see in Bangkok. The land for the palace was mapped in 1782 when Bangkok got the title of the nation's official capital.
This place is close in proximity to the Chao Phraya River. The building is covered by a wall almost 2 kilometers long. What's more? This building also has a collection of about 100 other buildings in it, including palaces and pavilions.
Thinking of the best things to do in Bangkok? You can never go wrong with a tour of the grand palace.
3. Explore the Chatuchak Market
One of the best Bangkok weekend activities is experiencing the hustle and bustle of the biggest market in Thailand, Chatuchak. The market is so large that every tourist is handed a map to help them navigate.
It is divided into partitions; some for clothes, shoes, gift items, and many others. If you enjoy long hours of shopping, this is one of the best places in Bangkok for you.
There is a section that offers the best Thai cruise ever. This is the perfect opportunity to give your taste buds a Bangkok tour. This market is usually crowded and can contain up to 200,000 people. If you want to avoid the crowd, you should plan your Bangkok vacation for an off-peak period.
If there is one thing you must do in Bangkok, add Chatuchak to your list of places to visit in Bangkok.
4. Go on a Boat Trip Along the Chao Phraya River
A boat trip is always soothing and beautiful; Bangkok tourism wouldn't be complete without one. A famous destination like Chao Phraya is one of the finest places in Bangkok.
Located not too far from the grand palace, your eyes will surely be fed with the most alluring blend of scenery. Taking a photo while on a boat cruise is certainly among the things to do in Bangkok.
5. Have a Tour of Bangkok's Museum
To view the biggest collection of Thai artifacts and relics, a tour of the National Museum of Bangkok is among the best things to do in Bangkok.
The museum was opened by the then King of Thailand, King Rama the Fifth. He established the museum to publicly display gifts given to him by his father.
There are several must-see attractions and relics to see in this museum. There is a collection of weapons from the ancient Chinese civilization, precious gems, textiles, and puppets.
6. Experience a Thai massage
You've probably heard about a Thai massage at some point. Well, it is certainly not overrated, and it is one of the best feelings you can ever experience.
There's no better place to get a Thai massage than in Thailand itself. A Thai massage is synonymous with one word: bliss. It is guaranteed to make you feel relaxed.
A Thai massage is undoubtedly a thing to do in Bangkok.
7. Navigate the Lumpini Park
Lumpini Park is domiciled on a vast expanse of land, and it is famously regarded to be among the top places to visit in Bangkok. It was named after the popular Buddha.
This park is an excellent distraction from Bangkok's ever-bubbling activities. The park provides a perfect spot for couples to relax and enjoy the scenery. Some older people also take advantage of the park to practice their Tai Chi skills.
The best time to see the park is morning or just after sunset. It has a beautiful view that keeps you in tune with nature.
8. Try Out Thai Cuisine at Chinatown
Chinatown is a regular occurrence in major cities worldwide, and Bangkok is not left out. From the traditional Chinese songs to the symbols on the gates, you can never mistake Chinatown for another.
It has a wide collection of restaurants that are guaranteed to leave you with a choice of where to eat. If you're a Chinese food lover, Chinatown is the best place in Bangkok to satisfy your cravings.
9. Try Out Street Food
There is street food, and there is Bangkok street food. This makes it no surprise that a large section of its population prefers to eat street food rather than cook at home.
The roads are always bustling with several local food vendors preparing and selling delicious food to indigenes and visitors. These vendors offer you the best food for your taste buds at an affordable price.
Pad Thai is probably one of the most popular dishes sold by these street vendors. There are also foods like squid and papaya salad.
One beautiful thing is that your food is cooked right in front of you, and you get to savor the hotness and rich taste right away. How cool is that?
10. Experience the Nighttime in Bangkok
As stated earlier, Bangkok never sleeps. There is no dull moment in the city. Nighttime is simply another time to enjoy and have a good time.
You will never get bored with its diverse range of nightclubs, cocktail and rooftop bars, and many other night parties. There are also many cowboy night shows on display all night long. In Bangkok, you work hard and play hard.
Conclusion
Bangkok is surely a lovely destination for your next vacation. You may even consider moving permanently to Bangkok if you wish to relocate. Because of its wide range of people and places, Bangkok is one of the best places to live in Asia.
Bangkok has it all, whether you’re looking to explore the history and culture or want to enjoy a good meal or some shopping. I hope this list of the best things to do on a Bangkok vacation helps you plan your next trip and make sure you don’t miss out on any of the fun.
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FAQ
1. What is Bangkok best known for?
Bangkok is famous for its bustling street markets, ornate temples, vibrant nightlife, and Thai cuisine. Iconic attractions include the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and its maze of canals, earning it the nickname “Venice of the East.”
2. What is the best time of year to visit Bangkok?
The best time to visit Bangkok is during the cool season (November-February) when the weather is more comfortable for exploring temples, markets, and outdoor attractions.
3. What are the must-visit temples in Bangkok?
Don’t miss the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), and Wat Pho, which houses the famous Reclining Buddha and is considered the birthplace of Thai massage.
4. What are some unique cultural experiences in Bangkok?
Take a traditional longtail boat tour through Bangkok’s canals (klongs), witness a Thai classical dance performance at the Erawan Shrine, or learn to cook Thai dishes at a local cooking class.
5. What is Bangkok’s nightlife scene like?
Bangkok’s nightlife is diverse, ranging from rooftop bars like Vertigo and Moon Bar at Banyan Tree Hotel to vibrant night markets like Patpong. For a more traditional experience, visit a Muay Thai fight or enjoy live jazz at the Saxophone Pub.
6. Are there any family-friendly attractions in Bangkok?
Yes! Families can visit SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World, one of the largest aquariums in Southeast Asia, or the Jim Thompson House, which combines culture with a lush garden setting.
