Bangkok is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with something to offer everyone. From its stunning temples and palaces to its bustling markets and world-class shopping, there is no shortage of things to see and do in the Thai capital.
If you’re planning a trip to Bangkok, here are five of the top things to do, including some local favorites:
1. Visit the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
The Grand Palace is one of Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks and a must-see for any visitor. This sprawling complex of palaces and temples was once the royal residence of the Siamese monarchy. Today it is one of Thailand’s most popular tourist attractions.
The most important building in the Grand Palace is Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. This temple is home to the Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most sacred religious object.
Guided tours are a great way to experience and learn about the culture and history of the Grand Palace complex.
2. Take a boat trip on the Chao Phraya River
The Chao Phraya River is the lifeblood of Bangkok and a great way to see the city from a different perspective. There are a variety of boat tours available, from budget-friendly public ferries to luxurious private cruises.
One popular boat tour is the Chao Phraya Express. This hop-on hop-off service takes you to all of the major attractions along the river, including the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun.
Another popular option is the dinner cruise. This type of cruise offers a more leisurely experience, with stunning views of the city skyline and a delicious Thai meal.
3. Explore the Chatuchak Weekend Market
Chatuchak Weekend Market is the largest market in Thailand and one of the largest in the world. This sprawling market is home to over 15,000 stalls selling everything from clothes and souvenirs to food and drinks.
Chatuchak Weekend Market is a great place to experience the hustle and bustle of Bangkok and to find some unique bargains. However, it can be a bit overwhelming, so it’s important to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water.
4. Visit Wat Pho
Wat Pho is one of Bangkok’s most impressive temples and is home to the iconic Reclining Buddha statue. This massive statue is 46 meters long and 15 meters high and is one of the largest Buddha statues in the world.
In addition to the Reclining Buddha, Wat Pho is also home to a number of other important temples and buildings. The temple is also a major center for Buddhist learning and meditation.
5. Eat at a local street food stall
Bangkok is known for its delicious and affordable street food. There are street food stalls all over the city, selling everything from pad thai and som tum to mango sticky rice and coconut ice cream.
If you’re looking for a truly authentic Thai dining experience, be sure to try some street food. You can find street food stalls all over the city. But some of the most popular areas include Khao San Road, Chinatown, and Ratchada Train Night Market. You can experience it all on a TukTuk night time street food tour.
Local Thai Things to Do
In addition to the above tourist attractions, here are a few things that local Thais like to do:
- Visit a local temple: Temples are an important part of Thai culture and many Thais visit temples regularly to pray and meditate.
- Take a cooking class: Thai food is world-renowned and there are many cooking schools in Bangkok where you can learn how to make your favorite Thai dishes.
- Go to a Thai massage: Thai massage is a popular way to relax and de-stress. There are many massage parlors in Bangkok where you can get a Thai massage for a reasonable price.
- Visit a local market: Markets are a great place to experience Thai culture and to find fresh produce, clothes, and souvenirs. Some popular markets include Chatuchak Weekend Market, Or Tor Kor Market, and Khlong Toei Market.
- Go to a concert or festival: Bangkok hosts a variety of concerts and festivals throughout the year. There is something for everyone, from Thai pop concerts to international music festivals.
No matter what your interests are, you’re sure to find something to do in Bangkok. With its rich culture, delicious food, and vibrant nightlife, Bangkok is a city that has something to offer everyone.
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