11 Fun Things To Do In Bangkok

Like so many other major capital cities, Bangkok invariably never falls asleep and is always a hive of activity.

Since people work around the clock in their various occupations, there is still something going on, wherever you look.

Bangkok is known not only for being the capital of Thailand but also for the wealth of things that visitors can see beyond the mass traffic. Bangkok is a mind-blowing, alluring, and astonishing city to visit.

Bangkok Thailand Tourist Spots

With eight million residents living in the city, you’ll meet every single change in life, from the very poor to the super-rich, who all assemble in one city, and each of them easily making Bangkok their home.

Read on to see what to do in Bangkok, and the best places every traveler ought to encounter.

Top Things to Do in Bangkok

1. Check in on the Reclining Buddha

Visiting Wat Pho is necessary for everybody traveling to Bangkok. It is here that you visit the home of the Reclining Buddha.

Its dimensions are mind-boggling, where it stands fifteen meters high and forty-six meters long. Its feet measure over five meters alone.

If its size was not impressive enough, the entire statue is covered with a golden leaf. Step up closer to get an incredible glimpse of the statue.

There is more to see, and there are 108 bowls around the temple. On entering, you can buy coins that you add to the pots.

Although this may be a myth, adding them is meant to lead you to perfection, just as the Buddha did when he conducted 108 actions on his way to perfection.

Grand Palace, Bangkok

2. Visit the Bangkok Grand Palace

You can’t move to another city without taking the time to visit the Grand Palace, Bangkok, Bangkok still sees this complex as its spiritual heart.
The palace was built back in 1782 and was the seat of the King of Thailand, the royal court, and administrative seat of government for 150 years.

A trip around the palace can last many hours, as it has more than 214,000 square meters to cover.

The palace complex consists of Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha), which houses a small but famous and highly respected Emerald Buddha.

Be aware of potential cheating outside the palace and follow a strict dress code before entering. Each visitor must add this to his or her list of things to see in Bangkok.

3. Shop Till You Drop at Chatuchak

Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok is probably one of the largest markets in the world.

Chatuchak is the home to more than 8,000 market stalls spanning more than 14 hectares. During a typical weekend, the stalls attract more than 200,000 visitors a day.

For first-timers, you will find a simple navigation system to help you navigate around the market.

The main thoroughfare runs around the entire market and then branches off into several alleys called Soi 1, Soi 2, Soi 3, etc.

There is everything for sale: clothing, handicrafts, food and drink, art, antiques, and much more.

Chao Phraya River

4. Sail Down the Chao Phraya River

The Chao Phraya intertwines with the city as it slices its way through. The canals it feeds later became famous, earning Bangkok the nickname Venice of the East.

The Chao Phraya River is the lifeblood of Bangkok and often called the River of Kings. It is still one of the primary forms of transport around the metropolis.

Taking a trip allows you unique views of condominiums, temples, kids playing at the riverside, and glimpses of the many floating markets.

You can find five public boat operators, which travel along a 21 km route and are identified by colored flags.

All in all, there are 34 piers, yet not everyone stops at these. For boat trips, you can select around nine piers that allow you time to hop on and hop off as you explore.

5. Modern Day Shopping

Siam Paragon is one of the most popular shopping malls in Bangkok. It houses plenty of international fashion brands, the largest aquarium in Southeast Asia, a 16-screen Cinema complex, and a broad range of places to eat and drink.

You can stroll around the 250 plus stores in the logical layout. Each of the floors is separated into different needs, so all you are looking for will be grouped.

While it may not be the cultural visit you thought, it does make a change and allows you to get out of the sticky heat if it becomes too much.

Depending on the time of the year you visit, you may catch one of the large sales that are on. You will find it one of the most fun things to do in Bangkok because of all the extras the mall adds.

Wat Arun

6. Wat Arun

It does not take too long to visit the temple of Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of the Dawn. Be sure to visit at sunset as they light up the temple for some great photo opportunities.

The early morning though is the quiet time before crowds begin arriving. The temple is considered one of the most beautiful anywhere in Thailand. From anywhere in the gardens, you can see the 70-meter spire reaching up toward the sky.

It is possible to climb the steep steps in the central prang, and once at the top, you have great views of the surrounding cityscape of Bangkok.

7. Take a Stroll in Lumpini

For a change, you can take a stroll or jog around the greenest location deep in the middle of Bangkok, Thailand.

Lumpini Park is among the largest and covers 500,000 square meters. You will find it crammed with countless varieties of flora and fauna.

Any member of the family can enjoy a spell here, just like the local Thais. You can see the Tai Chi classes, people lounging by the lakes or spending some time on the paddle boats, playgrounds, or even working out in the outdoor gym.

On weekends, you can find live music, or you can dance to the tunes of the free aerobic sessions.

8. Enjoy Some Local Street Food

Street food in Bangkok offers convenient, tasty, and inexpensive meals, and it is one of the easiest ways to experience the local culture. Everywhere in the city, food stalls are abundant, with a high number in busy areas.

Traditional Thai street food comes in numerous guises. It can be a modest cart on the side of the road. A gathering of stalls in the local market or traditional eatery that has tables filling the sidewalk.

Come nightfall, the principal street food place in Bangkok is Yaowarat, which is the main area in Bangkok’s Chinatown.

Around Khao San Road and its neighboring sister street Soi Rambuttri. You can also find more food options, where they serve everything from fried rice to carts selling fried insects.

Floating Markets

9. Floating Markets

To get a sense of the local life, you can travel a few miles outside Bangkok to Khlong Lat. Here, you can find one of the best examples of a floating market there is.

Not only can passersby on their boats buy food for home, but there are also countless small boats, where they prepare meals for customers. It is this where you can join in with the highlight of the river shopping experience.

10. Kickboxing

Watching kickboxing in Bangkok, Thailand, offers two stadiums, so there is no better place to experience the national sport. While accessible on TV, watching live Muay Thai is one experience you will never forget.

The Rajadamnern Stadium is the number one spot to watch local supporters lose their minds as they are immersed in the action. If you want to place a bet, then there are often bookies walking around taking bets.

Both locations are easy to get to, and all it needs is to hop on a tuk-tuk and tell them you want to watch kickboxing.

11. Pay a Visit to Khao San

Khao San Road is one of the more famous streets in all of Bangkok. It is the number one spot for a party atmosphere.

Even for travelers, who do not wish to venture into the bars it can be one of the top things to do in Bangkok for any traveler.

There is no other place like this, and even if outside the city center, there are still lots of people watching opportunities available.

For many, it may be too full-on, yet Khao San needs experiencing at least once because there is no other location as famous or as much of a revelation.

It is very different from the sedate culture-filled activities the city offers, and you would not believe how close they are to all the party action going on.

Read more Bangkok Travel Guides

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11 Fun Things To Do In Bangkok

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