11 Things to do in Bangkok

Bangkok is one of the most iconic cities in the world. It’s not just beaming with city lights but it’s rich in culture. Bangkok will indulge you in a lifetime of memories. From temples to tuk-tuk rides, night markets and river courses, Bangkok has so many things to do. Some people love Bangkok while others hate it. Which one will you be?

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Things to do in Bangkok

1. Admire Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha)

Wat Pho temple is a must-see for first-time visitors to Bangkok. It’s most famous for its 46 metres long golden reclining buddha. This reclining buddha lays in one of the largest temple complexes in Bangkok.

It’s a 10-minute walk from the Grand Palace, so you can easily visit both on the same day. Visiting hours: Daily from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm

❥Also Read: 5 Things to do in Hua Hin Thailand.

2. Visit the Iconic Grand Palace of Bangkok.

One of the most visited landmarks in Bangkok is the Grand Palace. A trip to Bangkok won’t be complete without a visit to the dazzling Grand Palace. It was built in 1782 and was home to the Thai king for 150 years.

The Grand Palace has a very strict dress code. You can only enter the temple grounds if you are properly dressed. Men must wear a shirt with sleeves and long pants. Women must also dress in long pants or skirts and a shirt that covers the shoulders. No see-through clothes or open toes. If you are wearing sandals or flip-flops you will have to put on socks.

Visiting hours: Daily from 08:30 am to 03:30 pm

3. Shop at Chatuchak Weekend Market

Chatuchak market is one of the largest markets in Bangkok. With the impressive 8,000 stalls over the 14-hectare property, this market gets more than 20,000 visitors in one weekend. Chatuchak market has everything you can ask for as the perfect shopping trip.

The market has several different sections which include clothes, souvenirs, jewellery, food stalls, antiques and so much more. You can get to Chatuchak market by taking the BTS Skytrain or MRT underground train. The station you want to get off at is Mo Chit station.

Visiting hours: Friday from 06:00 pm-midnight, Saturday –Sunday from 09:00 am to 06:00 pm.

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4. Wat Arun Bangkoks beauty

Wat Arun is one of the most beautiful temples in Bangkok. It’s built right next to the Chao Phraya river. Wat Arun is beautifully decorated with tiny pieces of coloured glass and Chinese porcelain.

The temple is also known as ‘the temple of dawn’. It’s absolutely beautiful during sunset but it can get crowded so on the other hand, visit early in the morning, especially if you want to avoid the crowds.

You can easily get to Wat Arun from the Saphan Taksin boat pier. You take a riverboat to Pier 8 and from there you can take a small shuttle boat from one side of the river to the other side. This is the more scenic trip or just take a meter taxi there.

Wat Arun temple is located just opposite Wat Pho.

Visiting Hours: Daily from 08:00 am to 05:30 pm.

5. China Town

China Town in Bangkok is a unique mix of the Chinese and Thai cultures. It’s the perfect place for people who enjoy beautiful temples, interesting street food and just everyday beautiful streets. You can spend hours here shopping at Chinese markets and indulging in delicious food.

❥Also Read: 10 Unique Things about Thai Locals You Might not Know

6. Watch Muay Thai

Muay Thai is Thai boxing and is Thailand’s national sport. In Muay Thai they use their fists, elbows, knees, and shins to hit their opponent.

Muay Thai fights can be seen all over the city of Bangkok but some of the best places to watch this boxing sport are New Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, Rajadamnern Boxing Stadium, Channel 7 Boxing Stadium and Bangkok Boxing Stadium.

7. Erawan Museum

Erawan Museum, just outside of Bangkok, isn’t your traditional museum. On top of the roof stand a 29-metre high 3-headed elephant statue.

The Erawan Museum covers 3 levels that represent the underworld, human earth, and heaven. The whole inside of the museum is covered in Benjarong ceramics, Chinese porcelain, Chakri Dynasty tea sets, jade ornaments, and Vietnamese vases.

The best way to get to the museum is to take the Skytrain to Pu Chao Station on the Sukhumvit Line. Visiting hours: Daily from 09:00 am to 07:00 pm.

8. Asiatique Weekend Market. The heart of Bangkok.

Asiatique riverfront market combines the 2 best shopping experiences: a mall and a night bazaar. If you need a break from all the shopping and need a place to rest your feet, the Asiatique night market has some of the most delicious restaurants in Bangkok. You can end off the night admiring the city lights from the riverfront.

The best way to get to the Asiatique market is via boat. You can take the BTS Skytrain to Saphan Taksin station and from there you can just hop onto a free shuttle boat that will take about 10 minutes to Asiatique. Visiting hours: Daily from 04:00 pm to midnight.

9. Ride a Tuk Tuk

Taking a tuk-tuk is everyone’s favourite way to get around Bangkok. You will find tuk-tuks all over the city. Before you get into a tuk-tuk we recommend that you speak to the driver and agree on a price that you feel comfortable paying.

Try to negotiate with the drivers since some might overcharge you. Try to avoid rush hour and we recommend taking tuk-tuks only for short trips since it can get expensive.

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10. Ride the Sky Train

The Bangkok BTS Skytrain is one of the best ways to get around Bangkok and personally it’s our favourite way to get around. The Skytrain has 52 stops all over the city. A new train arrives every 3-6 minutes between 06:30 am to midnight.

If you are planning on using the train only once or twice you can pay for individual trips at the train station or you can buy a one-day pass which allows you to ride the train as much as you want in one day for only 140 baht.

11. Boat Trip on Chao Phraya River

The Chao Phraya River is known as the river of kings. Some of Bangkok’s most iconic attractions sit on the bank of the Chao Phraya River. The 4 must-see attractions are Wat Pho, Grand Palace, Wat Arun and Wat Pra Kaew.

There are 4 different types of express boats that you can take for a cruise on the Chao Phraya River. Look for the boats with the yellow, orange and green flags on them, the other boats can be scams. A boat trip like this cost between 10-40 baht. You buy your ticket at the pier and then you keep the ticket with you to avoid additional costs.

Have a look at the timetable to see when boats on Chao Phraya River leave.

Bangkok Weather. When is the best time to go?

Best time to visit Bangkok

The best time to travel to Bangkok is from December to February. During this time of the year, there are mostly blue skies and low temperatures. At night the temperature can drop to below 20°C. You will easily be able to explore the city on foot.

Hottest Months in Bangkok.

The hottest months in Bangkok is from March to May. During this time of the year, temperatures can get as high as 40°C. Outdoor activities aren’t recommended during this time of the year unless you do them early morning or late afternoon.

Bangkok’s Low Season

Bangkok’s low season is from May to October, this is also the monsoon season in Thailand. You can expect rainy days in Bangkok, with a mixture of clear and overcast skies. Even though Bangkok has many indoor activities the most iconic place to visit in Bangkok is outside.