Bangkok is among the most beautiful cities to visit. It’s full of life, a sprawling metropolis, and just packed with places to go. However, there’s only so much you can do with a limited amount of time. If you’re confused about what you’re supposed to do in Bangkok, here’s a list for you to follow while planning your Bangkok trip. It includes scenic locations, amusement locations, great food, and everything in between.
Without further ado, here are the top 10 places to visit in Bangkok:
10) The Grand Palace
If there’s one historical location to visit in Bangkok, it has to be the Grand Palace. Beyond its association with Thai royalty and historical association, the Grand Palace is simply a fantastic piece of architecture. Built in 1782, the palace is still used for certain ceremonies and also to accommodate visiting heads of state. While you will not be asked to stay the night there, you can still visit it at any time during the day. However, you will need to dress modestly while visiting the Grand Palace. Make sure to cover your arms and legs, if you aren’t well dressed at the entrance you will be asked to rent a sarong.
9) Wat Pho
Wat Pho comes up next, continuing our historical theme. It’s located right next to the Grand Palace and is the oldest palace in all of Thailand. Build by King Rama I, the Wat Pho has historically been viewed as a place of healing. The pharmacy built there was the biggest at the time in Thailand and was later turned into a university by King Rama III. You can still access Wat Pho’s restorative abilities, with Thai and foot massages offered there every day. However, what makes Wat Pho truly iconic is the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, where the eponymous statue sits 45 meters long and 15 meters in height.
8) Wat Arun
We’re still in historical places with Wat Arun. The massive military complex dates back to the ancient battles between Burma and the former Siam. There’s a lot of historical precedence to Wat Arun, which you will learn about in detail if you visit the place and hire the services of a guide. Known as the Temple of the Dawn, it offers an incomparable sunset view if you climb to the top of the Temple. The rooftop view overlooks the Chao Paraya River and gives you one of the most unforgettable sights of Bangkok.
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7) Watching Muay Thai
Muay Thai fights are still something that you have to experience on your trip to Bangkok. The ancient Thai martial arts are still practiced as fervently as they were centuries ago and fights are regularly held for the public. While you should definitely abstain from participating in the fights, watching them makes for an unbelievably thrilling experience. The New Lumpinee Boxing Stadium is one place you can visit for watching Muay Thai, but you will have plenty of options to explore in Bangkok and around Thailand.
In my entire life, I have never watched a real fight, and in Bangkok, it was my very first time. It was an exhilarating experience, from the fighting to the audience betting on who would win. I was thrilled to see a KO. This is an experience that should not be missed if you are in Bangkok or in Thailand.
6) The Chatuchak Market
The Chatuchak Market is a very famous market among tourists and locals alike. The market has more than 15,000 stalls inside and offers everything you will come to associate with Thailand besides the locations. When it comes to Bangkok, this market is one of the places that you should definitely visit. You can purchase clothes, footwear, luggage, jewelry, bags, paper lamps, religious icons, and pet supplies.
Additionally, what makes the market all the more fun is the delicious street food that you can find throughout Chatuchak Market. I really liked the sticky mango rice they sell; it’s one of the best that I tried in Thailand.
Also, please take note that this market is only open on the weekends, Saturday and Sunday, from 9 a.m. till 6 p.m.
5) Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
If a bustling market with tons of people and thousands of stalls isn’t your cup of tea, there’s the far more scenic option in Damnoen Saduak – aka the floating market. Located in Ratchaburi, just an hour or so away from Bangkok, the floating market has stalls on the water which you can go to on small boats. You might not get the most memorable souvenirs there, but it is an unforgettable experience nonetheless.
4) Khao San Road
In a testament to just how diverse Bangkok is, we are moving from a floating market to a backpacker district that’s a must-visit for foreign travelers. Packed with clothing stalls, guesthouses, clothing stalls, and travelers from all around the world, it’s a melting pot of ideas and cultures in the midst of wonderful food and all of the majestic colors that Bangkok has come to represent. You have to visit it at least once, but you will probably end up going back day after day.
3) Lumpini Park
The sprawling metropolis that is Bangkok sometimes makes you forget the beautiful nature that surrounds it. However, there’s one spot inside Bangkok that reminds you of Thailand’s natural riches, and that is Lumpini Park.
This is a wonderful park for running and having picnics. You can also rent a boat on the lake or just relax under the Chinese pagoda, the trees, or on the grass and take a break from the surrounding concrete jungle. Just make sure you don’t visit it while there’s a massive protest going on.
2) Terminal 21
A trip to Bangkok would be incomplete without some shopping. While the city has several fantastic markets, there is nothing comparable to the experience of going to Terminal 21, Bangkok’s nine-storey super mall. Located on one of the most well-recognized shopping streets in the entire world, Terminal 21 puts you in the company of designer brands, boutique shops, international cuisine, a gourmet supermarket, and much more. It’s the perfect spot to visit to round off your visit to Bangkok and make it an experience you will never forget.
Though the most iconic feature of this mall is that every floor has a different theme, representing different countries. This is one of the malls in Bangkok that you must visit.
1) River Cruise
The Chao Paraya River is the beating heart of Bangkok. Known as the River of Kings, it takes you across some of the most beautiful temples and historical monuments that the city has to offer. Taking a cruise on the river helps you see all of these locations in a better, more-enlightening light. It’s your perfect way of getting through all of Bangkok in the span of a few hours.
Depending on the boat you choose, a dinner cruise can go anywhere from 2 to 4 hours. I would highly recommend it. I took the Grand Pearl cruise twice when I was in Bangkok, and if you have the budget and the time, it’s something you should do. On the ship, there is a dinner buffet with live entertainment. You can decide whether to sit inside or outside, as well as on which floor.
