The capital of Thailand, Bangkok is known for diverse things, be it food and nightlife or sacred temples and rich culture. A bustling city with numerous tourist attractions, this city has something to offer for every age traveler. There are so many things to see in Bangkok that you can easily spend three to four days only exploring the city.
Bangkok has a rich cultural heritage despite being one of the most technologically advanced and modern cities in Southeast Asia. When you visit this capital city, you can experience both sides of the city. The list of things to do in Bangkok is huge.
Listed the top 11 things to see and do in Bangkok:
1. Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew:
The Grand Palace far exceeds expectations for a palace. The rare artifacts are shielded from view by the white outer walls, but after paying the admission charge, guests are rewarded with views of the grounds’ magnificent temples and soaring spires. Wat Phra Kaew also referred to as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is another important site inside the palace gates. Inside, a little Buddha dressed in an ever-changing cloak of gold, emeralds, and other precious stones.
2. Khao San Road
This is one of the most popular things to do in Bangkok. Khao San Road is one is a kilometer-long street lined with dozens of pubs, food carts, chain restaurants, and some of the least expensive hotels and hostels. Throughout the day and night, backpackers congregate here to mix, mingle, and party while bartenders attract bystanders with happy hour specials. You can experience delicious street food, a vibrant atmosphere, and great nightlife here.
3. Wat Pho
It is difficult to behave naturally as you enter because nothing can truly prepare you for the jaw-dropping magnitude of the Reclining Buddha. The 46-meter-long (151-foot), 15-meter-high (49-foot), and reclining Buddha statue is surrounded by Wat Pho or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha. Although the statue dominates the temple grounds, there are also vibrant murals depicting more than 400 images of the Buddha and a traditional Thai massage school.
4. Wat Arun:
Wat Arun is also known as the Temple of the Dawn. This is a magnificent white temple that is located on the western banks of the Chao Phraya River in the former city of Thonburi. Wat Arun underwent renovations and was reopened to the public at the end of 2017. Five imposing prangs (towers) that can be seen from the river are part of the temple. They are covered in vivid porcelain and colorful ceramic tiles, many of which resemble pieces of vegetation. It’s better to visit this place when it opens to beat the crowds, like with most popular attractions. In fact, you will find serviced apartments in Bangkok nearby as well.
5. Chatuchak Weekend Market
The Chatuchak Weekend Market is one of the largest flea markets in the world. If you like shopping then this place is heaven for you. The market allows you to purchase (nearly) anything if you know how to look. This place is overwhelming, to say the least. If you don’t like crowds, go early in the morning when it’s less crowded. Plus, since the first sale of the day is supposed to bring luck, you might even get a better offer. Just keep in mind that every price is only a guideline, so bargain as much as you can.
6. Wat Traimit
One of the most famous things to see in Bangkok, Wat Traimit has located a short distance from Yaowarat Road in Chinatown’s southeast. The magnificent structure is also known as the Temple of the Golden Buddha. It houses a 5.5-ton Buddha statue made entirely of gold that was created in the Sukhothai style in the 14th century. Although the Buddha may be extremely valuable, the entrance charge is not.
7. Jim Thompson House Museum
Six traditional Thai teak homes make up the Jim Thompson House Museum. These were originally owned by the American businessman Jim Thompson, who is credited with popularising Thai silk around the world. Thai silk is obviously abundant, and the museum displays Thompson’s artifacts and one-of-a-kind works of art that he collected from many regions of Thailand. One of Thompson’s life’s most remarkable details is that he vanished in Malaysia in 1967 and was never discovered. The museum has a section that examines the numerous hypotheses surrounding this unresolved mystery.
8. Wat Suthat
The enormous red swing that is located just outside Wat Suthat’s entryway is possibly what makes it so famous. The 69-foot-tall (21-meter) teak wood swing was transported from the region of Phrae to Bangkok. Men threw themselves using the two side poles during an ancient Brahman ceremony in an effort to grab a bag of gold that hung at the top. This is one of the city’s oldest temples comes from the 19th century.
9. Bangkok National Museum
If you are an enthusiast of Thai art and culture, you can spend a lot of time admiring the treasures in the Bangkok National Museum. The museum houses one of the most alluring collections of Asian art in addition to Neolithic artifacts, religious pieces, and local crafts. On a guided tour of the collections, visitors can discover court customs and the area’s religious past, which still has an impact on artistic expression today.
10. Chao Phraya River Cruise
The Chao Phraya Riverside is one of the most picturesque areas of Bangkok. This place displays a continuously shifting panorama day and night. A riverboat trip on an old rice barge is a very unique way to experience the waterways. You may spend 2.5 hours touring the banks of Bangkok. Some of Bangkok’s oldest neighborhoods may be found between Wat Arun and Phra Sumeru Fortress, particularly Bangkok Noi with its lovely atmosphere of stilt homes bordering the intricate waterways.
11. Damnoen Saduak floating market
Damnoen Saduak is the first floating market in Bangkok. Despite its growing tourist population, it nevertheless provides a genuine experience. Think of dozens of wooden rowboats passing by that are each fully loaded with farm-fresh fruits, veggies, or flowers. Food carts are stocked with cauldrons and charcoal grills so that they may quickly prepare seafood skewers or bowls of boat noodles for customers. It is approximately 100 kilometers southwest of Bangkok.