10 Amazing Things to Do in Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is the vibrant capital of Thailand that’s known for its bustling streets, ornate temples and lively nightlife. Officially known as Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, the city has a rich history that dates back to the 15th century when it was a small trading post during the Ayutthaya Kingdom. Today, Bangkok is a highly popular tourist destination, often being ranked as the most visited city in the world.

Here are 10 amazing things to do in Bangkok. Oh, and remember… What happens in Bangkok, stays in Bangkok!

10) Hang out on Khao San Road

Khao San Road is an iconic street in Bangkok that’s known for being a backpacker’s paradise. Originally the location of a rice market (“Khao San” in Thai means “milled rice”), the street began attracting budget travelers in the 1970s and 1980s. Today, it’s a bustling location that’s lined with budget hostels, guesthouses and street food vendors. It’s also an ideal location to practice your bargaining skills and do some budget shopping for clothes, accessories and souvenirs. And if you’re a party person, Khao San Road is a happening place to be with busy clubs, a vibrant night market and impressive street performances.

9) Take in Bangkok’s Amazing Skyline from a Rooftop Bar

Bangkok’s rooftop bars offer spectacular views of the city’s skyline, particularly during sunset and at night. With its mix of modern skyscrapers, the Chao Phraya River and temples that light up in the evenings, Bangkok’s skyline is one of the most photogenic in the world. Given Bangkok’s year-round warm weather, it’s a pleasant experience to take in stunning, panoramic views of the ‘Big Mango’ from with a delicious drink in hand.

Well known rooftop bars include:

• Sky Bar at Lebua State Tower: Situated on the 63rd floor at 820 feet and known for being featured in the movie The Hangover Part II.
• Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar: Offers 360 degree views of Bangkok with a restaurant located on the 45th floor of the Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit, and the Lounge & Bar located on the 48th-49th floors.
• Vertigo and Moon Bar at Banyan Tree: Located on the 61st floor of Banyan Tree Bangkok, it has the ‘Moon Walk’, a glass-paneled floor that provides views of the city below.

8) Get a Traditional Thai Massage

Traditional Thai massage, or Nuad Thai, has origins dating back over 2,500 years and is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. In the past every Thai village had a massage healer who would treat workers when they had aches and pains from working in the field.

Unlike Western massages, which focus on kneading muscles, Thai massage incorporates acupressure, deep stretches and yoga-like poses. Practitioners use their hands, elbows, knees and feet to manipulate the body with the intention of balancing energy pathways (Sen). The balancing of these pathways correspond to different physical and mental functions, and promote overall health.

Traditional Thai massage is a dry massage, so no oils are used, though some variations include herbal compresses or aromatic oils. You’ll be given loose, comfortable clothing to wear and you’ll be put through various movements that mimic yoga poses. Sessions tend to last between 60 to 120 minutes, and afterwards, expect to be feel relaxed and rejuvenated.

There are many places to get a traditional Thai massage from budget-friendly local parlors to luxurious spa retreats. Remember to look at reviews before making a choice and communicate preferences with your therapist as to whether you prefer a light, medium or strong massage.

7) Take a Boat Ride on the Chao Phraya River

The Chao Phraya River, known as the “River of Kings,” flows through the heart of Bangkok and has been an integral part of Bangkok’s development, culture and economy for centuries. A boat ride gives you a peaceful escape from Bangkok’s traffic-heavy streets while showcasing the city’s unique character that juxtaposes historical landmarks such as Wat Arun and Wat Pho with the urban modernity of skyscrapers and shopping malls.

It’s definitely worth taking a boat ride at night as Bangkok illuminates into a picturesque spectacle with the city’s lights pleasantly reflected in the calm waters of the Chao Phraya River. Not only can you relax and unwind as you observe the vast metropolis of Bangkok while cruising along the river, the experience can stimulate your imagination, knowing that the very place you’re at has been a historical trading hub that attracted merchants from India, China, Europe and the Middle East for centuries.

6) Explore Bangkok’s Unique Floating Markets

Visiting Bangkok’s floating markets is a great way to partake in a unique shopping experience as well as getting an insight into a traditional Thai way of life that dates back to when waterways were the main thoroughfares of the city. There’s an old-world charm, with vendors paddling wooden boats filled with fresh produce, souvenirs and street food.

At many floating markets, you can hire a boat and a rower to navigate the market for you. These boats usually accommodate 2-6 people. As you float through the market, you’ll pass by vendors in their boats. So when you see something you like, simply make eye contact or wave to the vendor to signal your interest, and they’ll paddle closer to you. And if you’re on a riverbank, the process is the same. Signal your interest and the vendor will paddle up to where you’re standing or sitting.

The most popular floating markets are:

• Damnoen Saduak Floating Market: Located about 100 km southwest of Bangkok, Damnoen Saduak is one of the most popular floating markets in Thailand.
• Amphawa Floating Market: Located about 90 km from Bangkok, Amphawa has a more local and laid-back atmosphere.
• Taling Chan Floating Market: Taling Chan is closer to Bangkok, about 12 km from the city centre. It’s smaller than Damnoen Saduak and Amphawa, but retains a relaxed and less touristy community-driven vibe.

When visiting these floating markets, negotiating prices is common, but remember to keep it respectful and to bargain gently. Also most vendors don’t accept cards, so remember to take some cash with you.

5) Shop at Chatuchak Weekend Market

Chatuchak Weekend Market, locally called JJ Market, is one of the largest and most famous markets in the world, with over 15,000 stalls spread across 35 acres and 27 sections. Given the sheer size of the market, you’ll find a huge variety of items on offer.

From books and antiques to clothing and accessories, there’s pretty much something for everyone. It’s also a great place to soak up the bustling Bangkok atmosphere as you indulge in delicious Thai street food and enjoy lively street performances.

As with Bangkok’s floating markets, polite bargaining is expected at Chatuchak. And while ATMs are available, they can get busy, so it’s worth bringing cash beforehand.

4) See the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho

Wat Pho is one of Thailand’s oldest and largest temples, dating back to the 16th century during the Ayutthaya period. Officially known as Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan, it’s a large temple complex that spans 80,000 square meters showcasing the aesthetics of traditional Thai temple design with Indian and Chinese influences.

You’ll see multiple stupas, courtyards and pavilions with intricate carvings, mosaics and sculptures. The Epigraphic Archives of Wat Pho are 1,431 stone inscriptions made between 1831 and 1841, serving as a repository of Thai knowledge on subjects such as astronomy, medicine, religious teachings and art. King Rama III commissioned these inscriptions at Wat Pho to make the knowledge of the time accessible to the public and ensure its preservation. Today, the The Epigraphic Archives of Wat Pho is recognised by UNESCO as part of its Memory of the World Program.

Wat Pho is also considered the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. There’s a Thai Traditional Medical and Massage School where visitors can get a traditional Thai massage as well as take certified training courses at the school.

3) Admire Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn)

Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, is a stunning temple renowned for its beautiful architecture and rich history, dating back to the Ayutthaya period (17th century). The temple’s main attraction is its 82 metre-high central prang, which visitors can climb up to get an incredible view of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Pho and the Bangkok skyline. A blend of Thai, Khmer and Chinese architectural styles, the prang is decorated with colourful porcelain, seashells and mythological sculptures. Wat Arun is particularly popular to visit during sunset when golden rays light up its intricate details. And at night, its illumination creates a spectacular reflection in the Chao Phraya River.

2) Savour delicious street food in Chinatown (Yaowarat)

Bangkok’s Chinatown, also known as Yaowarat, is one of the city’s most vibrant and bustling neighbourhoods. Founded in the late 18th century, it grew to become a centre of commerce and trade, and today is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Bangkok.

In Chinatown, you’ll find beautiful Chinese temples, its famous gold market, and shops selling traditional Chinese tea, herbs and handicrafts. The main thoroughfare is Yaowarat Road, which comes to life at night with its lively crowds, neon signs and numerous food stalls.

Yaowarat Road is a street food paradise and a great place to enjoy authentic Thai-Chinese cuisine. If you haven’t had it yet, Pad Thai is a must-try. One of Thailand’s most famous dishes, it’s a stir-fried rice noodle dish made with thin rice noodles, tofu, eggs, vegetables, and a protein of choice such as chicken or shrimp.

Pad Thai is flavoured with a unique sauce that’s a blend of various ingredients including tamarind, fish sauce and palm sugar, and is garnished with crushed peanuts, bean sprouts and lime wedges. If you want to have it as a vegetarian dish, the protein can either be left out or more tofu added, and fish sauce can be substituted with soy sauce.

For dessert, try Mango Sticky Rice, a dish made from steamed glutinous rice mixed with sweetened coconut milk and served with ripe, juicy mangoes. And if you’re after a drink, Thai Iced Tea is a great choice. Also known as Cha Yen, Thai Iced Tea is a blend of strong-brewed black tea sweetened with sugar and condensed milk, and is served over ice. As you explore Yaowarat Road, you’ll notice Thai Iced Tea with its distinctive orange colour and creamy swirls.

1) Explore the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew

The Grand Palace is an ensemble of halls, pavilions, temples, courtyards, gardens and ceremonial spaces spread over 218,000 square metres in the heart of Bangkok. It was built in 1782 by King Rama I as the royal residence and administrative centre of Bangkok, when it was decided to move the capital city to the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River.

The Grand Palace features a fusion of traditional Thai Rattanakosin-style architecture, which gained prominence during the late 18th century, along with Chinese and Western influences. Throughout the complex there are intricate carvings, mosaics and murals alongside buildings gilded with gold leaf that creates a particularly vibrant effect in the sunlight.

The most sacred site within the Grand Palace is Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The centrepiece is the Emerald Buddha (Phra Kaew Morakot), a 66 cm revered figurine carved from a single block of jade that dates back to the 15th century and is believed to have traveled through Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia before reaching Bangkok in 1784.

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