When we think of an exotic holiday getaway, Thailand always comes to mind. And what better way to start your trip than by visiting Bangkok, Thailand’s vibrant capital? It is said to be one of the most beautiful counties in the world.
The city stretches over 600 square miles and has a population of more than 8 million people. Even if you spend months exploring Bangkok, you wouldn’t even be stretching the surface. There are just too many places to discover, food to eat, people to meet and cultures to absorb.
But that doesn’t scare people away from visiting this beautiful city. In fact, Bangkok is actually among the top holiday destinations in the world. Whether you’re interested in the architecture, nightlife, street food or beaches, you will not leave disappointed.
Of course, you can feel quite lost if you don’t have a guide to show you around. So here’s a list of some of the best things to experience while you’re on your Bangkok holiday. We hope you’re taking notes because most of these places and activities are to die for.
22 Best Things to See and Do in Bangkok
● Floating Market
The floating market can seem a little too touristy. But it is still one of the best places in Bangkok to see. You can keep an eye out for Khlong Lat Mayom and Thaling Chan, the main floating markets in Bangkok.
● Tiger Temple
Are you a cat person? If yes, then you’re gonna love these big cats at the Tiger Temple in Kanchanaburi. Here, you can witness the peaceful relationship between the monks and the tigers they’ve raised as they interact with each other.
● Wat Phra Kaew and The Grand Palace
Wat Phra Kaew or The Temple of the Emerald Buddha represents the rich royal history and ancient architecture of Thailand. But that’s not all. The place is also surrounded by local street food stalls to enhance your Bangkok holiday.
● Wat Pho
Wat Pho is well-known as the home of the massive golden reclining Buddha. Plus the Thai Traditional Medical and Massage School is located on the grounds. It is one of the best places in Bangkok to get an authentic Thai massage.
● Tuk-Tuk Ride
You can also take the iconic Tuk-Tuk ride to get to the best places in Bangkok. This three-wheeled motor vehicle can easily navigate through the cramped lanes of the city and save you a lot of time.
● Sak Yant Tattoo
Are you an adventurer at heart? If yes, then you should definitely get a Sak tattoo. Unlike regular tattoos, you will get tattooed by a monk using a metal rod to perform the inking.
● Thai Village Cultural Show
The Thai Village Cultural Show is one of the best places in Bangkok to get an introduction to the rich Thai culture. The show happens at the Rose Garden and includes a Thai boxing match, sword fighting, traditional fingernail dance and more.
● Chinatown
After sunset, Chinatown turns into a dazzling concentration of street-side cuisines. The energy is at an all-time high as people walk around sampling great food for the most affordable prices.
● Chatuchak Weekend Market
The Chatuchak Weekend Market is one of the largest and best places in Bangkok to shop for souvenirs. Don’t forget to practice your bargaining skills to get the best deals.
● Lumpini Park
Lumpini Park offers a getaway from the bustle of city life in Bangkok. The park consists of an artificial lake and shady roads. You can also sign up for a boat ride and enjoy the quiet.
● Boat Noodles
Can you really say you’ve been on a Bangkok holiday if you haven’t tried their most famous dishes? The boat noodle alley at the Victory Monument will have you coming back for seconds.
● Wat Arun
Wat Arun is one of the most stunning temples in Bangkok. You can take a river taxi at Tier Pier and cross the river via ferry to get to this temple. It offers an exceptionally beautiful view at sunset.
● Khao San Road
This famous road is a crowd favourite among backpackers and locals alike. Khao San Road is often described as an entertainment capital within a capital due to the number of fun activities available.
● Oriental Spa
You cannot say you’ve been on a Bangkok holiday and you haven’t visited their world-famous spas. And their Thai massage is even more famous. It is a great experience as the environment is serene and the staff are thoroughly trained.
● Jim Thompson’s House
Jim Thompson was a WW2 veteran who settled in Thailand and became a popular name in the Thai silk industry. Today, his house is preserved as a museum to showcase his life, business and the history of Bangkok and the silk industry.
● Terminal 21 Shopping Mall
Every floor of Terminal 21 uniquely represents a different international city. Plus you can go for shopping in bangkok from a mix of local and international brands to bring souvenirs back home.
● Chao Phraya River Cruise
Known as the “river of kings”, the Chao Phraya River offers the best views of Bangkok’s temples and monuments. You can sign up for a ferry or boat tour to truly make your Bangkok holiday complete.
Bangkok National Museum
Treat yourself to a day of Bangkok’s compelling culture and history by visiting the Bangkok National Museum. Their highlights include a collection of musical instruments, royal funeral chariots and more.
● Muay Thai Match
Muay Thai is one of the most popular sports in Thailand, involving striking and clinching. There are usually 7-9 fights per night with each fight lasting around 25 minutes.
● Pad Thai
You’ve probably had pad thai in your own country. But what about authentic pad thai cooked in Bangkok? You can taste some of the best pad thai at the food stalls on Khao San Road.
● Skytrain Ride
The best way to enjoy your Bangkok holiday is to do what the locals do. The Skytrain covers Sukhumvit and Silom, the most important areas. You can either buy individual tickets or use a prepaid card to hop on the train and avoid the traffic.
● Siam Paragon
If you want a more modern taste of Bangkok, you can head over to Siam Paragon. It is one of the best places in Bangkok that offers restaurants, art galleries, concert halls and more.
Conclusion
Bangkok is a stunning and vibrant city full of wonders waiting to be explored. Plus everything is super affordable and convenient. But when you have so many options, it may be confusing to plan out a whole trip.
So go through this list and mark the best things you want to see or do in Bangkok now.
