The ultimate guide of the best things to do while you’re in Bangkok, and the best thing about it most are free!
#1 visit wat phra and royal palace
#2 visit a night market and enjoy some street food
#3 visit the crazy market of Chatuchak and the near by park
#4 visit the floating villages & markets
#5 enjoy the bustling night life of Khao san road
#6 get lost wondering around Chinatown
#7 enjoy a cruise along the river.
#1 visit wat phra and royal palace
#2 visit a night market and enjoy some street food
#3 visit the crazy market of Chatuchak and the near by park
#4 visit the floating villages & markets
#5 enjoy the bustling night life of Khao san road
#6 get lost wondering around Chinatown
#7 enjoy a cruise along the river.
Wat Phra, Bangkok.
#1
You may often see these temples displayed as separate top things to do in Bangkok but We found that visiting the many famous temples of Bangkok is one of the best ways to fill a full day in Bangkok and will give you a wonderful insight into Thai life beyond the madness of Bangkok.
The two main Buddhist temples I believe are a must see are, Wat Arun and Wat Phra.
Wat Arun is the temple you will recognise from the post cards you’ve seen in tat shops all over Bangkok and is a stunning tower standing 79 metres tall and covered in brightly coloured tiles from head to toe.
Wat Phra is the home of the famous reclining Buddha. This is a must see and the pictures do not do it justice. It’s over 40 metres long and 15 metres high and is covered in gold leaf that makes it look incredible.
From here we would recommend a trip to the Grand Palace. Once the kings home the palace will keep you occupied for hours.
Be aware when visiting the above of the strict dress codes you’re expect to follow.
#2
Street food can be found everywhere in Thailand but Bangkok just might be the ultimate place when it comes to street food.
Thais will eat most of their meals out and on the go so you can find a variety of delicious authentic Thai food at cheap prices that are the same of locals and tourists.
Bangkok is home to Possibly the most famous street food vendor in the world,Jai Fai, although you don’t just need to visit her for great food. In fact you’ll probably struggle to visit her, she has a waiting list so unless your there super early you may miss out on your chance.
Incorporating street food into a great cheap night out was a favourite past time of ours and by visiting one of the famous night markets you can enjoy great cuisine and pair it with cheap beer and live music.
You may often see these temples displayed as separate top things to do in Bangkok but We found that visiting the many famous temples of Bangkok is one of the best ways to fill a full day in Bangkok and will give you a wonderful insight into Thai life beyond the madness of Bangkok.
The two main Buddhist temples I believe are a must see are, Wat Arun and Wat Phra.
Wat Arun is the temple you will recognise from the post cards you’ve seen in tat shops all over Bangkok and is a stunning tower standing 79 metres tall and covered in brightly coloured tiles from head to toe.
Wat Phra is the home of the famous reclining Buddha. This is a must see and the pictures do not do it justice. It’s over 40 metres long and 15 metres high and is covered in gold leaf that makes it look incredible.
From here we would recommend a trip to the Grand Palace. Once the kings home the palace will keep you occupied for hours.
Be aware when visiting the above of the strict dress codes you’re expect to follow.
#2
Street food can be found everywhere in Thailand but Bangkok just might be the ultimate place when it comes to street food.
Thais will eat most of their meals out and on the go so you can find a variety of delicious authentic Thai food at cheap prices that are the same of locals and tourists.
Bangkok is home to Possibly the most famous street food vendor in the world,Jai Fai, although you don’t just need to visit her for great food. In fact you’ll probably struggle to visit her, she has a waiting list so unless your there super early you may miss out on your chance.
Incorporating street food into a great cheap night out was a favourite past time of ours and by visiting one of the famous night markets you can enjoy great cuisine and pair it with cheap beer and live music.
Jai Fai, famous street food vendor, Bangkok. Click the image to see the show that made her famous.
#3
Chatuchak weekend market is an experience in itself, whatever you’re in the market for this place will have it. With over 8000 stalls situated in category style groups there does appear to be some and you will soon realise you have left the clothes section and have somehow stumbled into the pet section. It’s mind blowing how many stalls there are here and due to the amount of stalls selling relatively the same things as the others in their section you really can strike a bargain here.
Once you have done with the craziness of the market it is time to pick some food up from the vendors on the outer edge of Chatuchak park and have a impromptu picnic besides the beautiful lake inside. After walking just a few minutes into the park you can easily forget where you are and the organised chaos that is Bangkok.
#4
You have heard of the floating markets before and they do tend to get mentioned a lot as a must see when visiting Bangkok but I would like to start by mentioning how far away some of these markets are. The most famous market, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market which was made famous by a 007 film, isn’t located anywhere near central Bangkok and will require you to partake in a day trip that will start around 5 am. There are other smaller markets scattered around the outskirts of Bangkok that can make for a better visit, I would recommend Taling Chan Floating Market as it only 12km from downtown Bangkok.
Chatuchak weekend market is an experience in itself, whatever you’re in the market for this place will have it. With over 8000 stalls situated in category style groups there does appear to be some and you will soon realise you have left the clothes section and have somehow stumbled into the pet section. It’s mind blowing how many stalls there are here and due to the amount of stalls selling relatively the same things as the others in their section you really can strike a bargain here.
Once you have done with the craziness of the market it is time to pick some food up from the vendors on the outer edge of Chatuchak park and have a impromptu picnic besides the beautiful lake inside. After walking just a few minutes into the park you can easily forget where you are and the organised chaos that is Bangkok.
#4
You have heard of the floating markets before and they do tend to get mentioned a lot as a must see when visiting Bangkok but I would like to start by mentioning how far away some of these markets are. The most famous market, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market which was made famous by a 007 film, isn’t located anywhere near central Bangkok and will require you to partake in a day trip that will start around 5 am. There are other smaller markets scattered around the outskirts of Bangkok that can make for a better visit, I would recommend Taling Chan Floating Market as it only 12km from downtown Bangkok.
Chatuchak park, Bangkok
#5
Often referred to as the centre of the backpacking universe Khao San Road here you will find bustling bars, cheap street vendors and people from every continent on the globe.
At night this street turns into a walking street packed that’s packed with food, bars and like minded backpackers. You can buy cocktail buckets from the street and just wander around people watching or choose one of the many bars were you will find live music and other activities going on until the early hours. With competition high you can always find cheap food and drink hoping from happy hour to happy hour.
Personally I find Khao san road to be a little too much and the constant hassling from bar reps to get a little irritating but if you’re in Bangkok I do believe you have to dip your toes at least once.
#6
Every major city in the world has its very own China town but Bangkok’s is among the best I’ve visited. You will instantly know you are there when you’re greeted by the Chinese ceremonial gates and the recognisable script shining in red and gold. Around Chinatown you will find some of the most tasty unique Chinese food anywhere out of China which is available from one of the many street stalls and vendors scattered along the curbs. While you wander around you will stumble upon many beautiful Chinese Buddhist temples so I recommend making sure you are dressed accordingly so you can be respectful while you visit.
Chinatown bangkok is home to nearly 200 gold shops and is often referred to as the golden road.
#7
After a few days in Bangkok you may be ready for a trip that isn’t full of hustle and bustle that’s why I recommend taking a river cruise down the Chao Phraya. Taking a boat trip down the river is absolutely fascinating, you will float past the high rise hotels and fancy condominiums that has made Bangkok the busy metropolis it is today as well as wooden shacks and local children playing in the water in other parts that reminds you Bangkok is more then the tourist hot spot it’s known for . There’s designated stops where you can get off and explore the city when you’re ready.
Bangkok is probably our second favourite city we’ve ever visited (New York is a tough one to beat). We arrived late at night after a 17 hour flight and quite honestly hated it, if your in the same boat, get some rest and stick it out because your mind will be blown by how incredible this city actually is.
Often referred to as the centre of the backpacking universe Khao San Road here you will find bustling bars, cheap street vendors and people from every continent on the globe.
At night this street turns into a walking street packed that’s packed with food, bars and like minded backpackers. You can buy cocktail buckets from the street and just wander around people watching or choose one of the many bars were you will find live music and other activities going on until the early hours. With competition high you can always find cheap food and drink hoping from happy hour to happy hour.
Personally I find Khao san road to be a little too much and the constant hassling from bar reps to get a little irritating but if you’re in Bangkok I do believe you have to dip your toes at least once.
#6
Every major city in the world has its very own China town but Bangkok’s is among the best I’ve visited. You will instantly know you are there when you’re greeted by the Chinese ceremonial gates and the recognisable script shining in red and gold. Around Chinatown you will find some of the most tasty unique Chinese food anywhere out of China which is available from one of the many street stalls and vendors scattered along the curbs. While you wander around you will stumble upon many beautiful Chinese Buddhist temples so I recommend making sure you are dressed accordingly so you can be respectful while you visit.
Chinatown bangkok is home to nearly 200 gold shops and is often referred to as the golden road.
#7
After a few days in Bangkok you may be ready for a trip that isn’t full of hustle and bustle that’s why I recommend taking a river cruise down the Chao Phraya. Taking a boat trip down the river is absolutely fascinating, you will float past the high rise hotels and fancy condominiums that has made Bangkok the busy metropolis it is today as well as wooden shacks and local children playing in the water in other parts that reminds you Bangkok is more then the tourist hot spot it’s known for . There’s designated stops where you can get off and explore the city when you’re ready.
Bangkok is probably our second favourite city we’ve ever visited (New York is a tough one to beat). We arrived late at night after a 17 hour flight and quite honestly hated it, if your in the same boat, get some rest and stick it out because your mind will be blown by how incredible this city actually is.
Art box, Bangkok
