Top Things To Do in Bangkok

The capital city of Thailand, Bangkok is fascinating and exciting. Comprising many things to do, the city was once a small trading center and a port community. Geared up to meet the needs of modern times Bangkok now poses a new dimension and became the most visited travel destination. The city has all from ancient temples, intricate Royal palaces, exuberant shopping spaces, excellent Thai food, and thrilling sky rides. The floating market in Bangkok is a World-famous attraction. Whether you are looking for the best things to do in Bangkok nightlife or places to visit in Bangkok, the city never ceases to amaze.

Here is a comprehensive list of top things to do in Bangkok Thailand to make your tour epic:

1. Walk in Ocean at Siam Ocean Park:

Siam Ocean park is an aquatic wonderland. Largest in southeast Asia the aquarium is home to a very rare and large number of marine species. It is a major tourist attraction especially for Kids as the park provides entertainment while educating about the marine World. Giant Spider crabs, giant Pacific Octopus, Stingray sharks, African penguins, starfish, seahorses, frogs and jellyfish can be seen inside the aquarium. The sea World can be explored well by walking along the long underwater glass tunnel. Ocean walk on the ocean floor, glass-bottom boat ride, dive with sharks, and feed the penguins are other aquatic things to do in Bangkok that are carried out in the marine museum.

2. Explore the Floating markets:

Popularly known as ‘The Venice of the East‘ Bangkok’s floating markets are a beautiful reminiscence of the riverside community. Served the purpose of trade and transport long back, they are now a tourist attraction. The list of best-floating markets is endless and each reflects the Thai culture in an incredible way. Beautifully decorated long-tail boats laden with Thai stuff cramming the water canals give travelers an exciting shopping experience. Scrumptious local food, home-cooked delights, tropical fruits, sea-food and souvenirs are some of the highlights in the market. Damnoen Saduak, Amphawa market, Taling Chan, Khlong Lat Mayom, Bang Nam Pheung are few of the must-visit floating markets in Bangkok. Exploring floating markets is one of the top 10 things to do in Bangkok Thailand that you must add in your itinerary.

3. A Visit to the Grand Palace of Thailand:

Situated on the banks of Chao Phraya River and located in the heart of Rattanakosin Island, the Grand Palace has been the official residence of Kings of Thailand since 1782. A major architecture symbol of the Thai family, the palace continues to attract visitors from Worldwide for its exemplary construction and intricate design. Around the 20th century, the Kings stopped living at the palace but royal ceremonies and auspicious functions still take place inside the palace. The establishment is mainly divided into two zones, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Royal residence. The royal area comprises three courts. The outer court has several state offices, the Middle court hosts royal ceremonies and the Inner court is restricted for the entry of visitors. Wat Phra Kaew is a Temple that has a small revered Emerald Buddha that dates back to the 14th century. Changing the robes of Buddha according to the season by the King is an auspicious function that happens once a year.

4. Princess dinner cruise in Chao Phraya:

A dinner cruise is an amazing and glamorous way to spend the evening time with your loved ones and it must be added in Bangkok things to do. Glimpse the Thai way of living on the river banks, get fascinated by the twilight night sky and indulge in an authentic Thai buffet all while cruising on the river Chao Phraya. The Grand Chao Phraya cruise, Chao Phraya cruise and the Chao Phraya princess cruise are the dinner cruises available. Comprising two decks the lower one is a fully air-conditioned deck while the upper is an open-air deck. The dazzling decorations clearly depict a fusion of modern classical interiors in Thai style. A widespread international, as well as authentic Thai food, is served along with the tropical fruits and desserts. Guests can feast on the eclectic buffet while enjoying live music performances.

5. Visit Wat Pho – The temple of reclining Buddha:

Wat Pho is Bangkok’s oldest, largest and higher Royal grade temple complex. Built-in 1848 the temple is home to a magnificent 15 meters tall, 46 meters long reclining Buddha gilded in gold. The feet portion is 5 meters long and exquisitely decorated with 108 laksas, which are Buddhist characters that helped Buddha to attain perfection. The temple’s intricate architecture is of Ayutthaya style and temple town remains of Ayutthaya have been used in the construction. Four chapels inside the complex comprise 394 gilded Buddhas and recovered statues in sitting position on a lotus from different parts of the country. In the courtyard, there is a Bodhi tree, which is believed to be grown from the part of the tree where ‘Gautama‘ got enlightened as Buddha. Wat Phodharam is the first public university inside which teaches traditional medicine and Thai massage.

6. Shop at the Chatuchak weekend market:

With 8000 plus stalls, the Chatuchak market is the largest open-air market and a destination not to be missed while in Bangkok. The list to shop is endless and an entire day can be spent here while relishing on delectable food. The stalls are segregated into sections and a public information center about the items are displayed Chatuchak Park Office along with ATMs, foreign exchange booths. Schematic maps are available throughout providing information on the route as it is easy to get lost of the way in this huge market. Vintage clothes, fashion accessories, cosmetics, electronic goods, books, traditional handicrafts, furniture, home decor, pets and its accessories, plants and gardening tools, flowers, antiques, ceramics, artwork, antiques and much more collectibles are on sale in the market.

7. Visit the Temple of Dawn – Wat Arun:

Named after the Hindu God Aruna, the charioteer of Sun God, the temple Wat Arun is spectacular and the oldest in Thailand. Located on the western side of the Chao Phraya river the site is famous for its glazing ornate central spire. Built from one million ceramic tiles salvaged from British shipwreck, the porcelain pieces were intricately designed as flower petals and embedded in the ornate to glitter under Sun. The central spire is called as Prang and towers over 260 feet. Later added four other spires and Buddha statues completed the look of the shrine. Though the structure can be explored well in daylight it radiates and glows in the night with the well-lit lights. The central Prang is believed to symbolize Mount Meru, home of Gods in Hindu Cosmology. Three-tier rows surrounding the central tower symbolize demons for hell, monkeys for Earth, and angels for heaven.

8. Night shopping in Asiatique – The Riverfront:

Asiatique is an open-air mall that combines the shopping experience of a bazaar and mall. With over 1500 boutiques and 40 restaurants, this area is created by renovating an old traditional trade port from the 18th century. Located alongside the Chao Phraya river it has a spectacular Ferris wheel which is the central attraction. Space is split onto four districts. Chareonkrung houses thousands of stalls that sell everything souvenirs to handicrafts, jewelry and clothing. It also has the Calypso Cabaret show and Joe Louis Puppet Theatre. The Factory district has cutting edge fashion stores and gadget shops. The Waterfront District has fancy dining outlets where visitors can sit and enjoy the meal. They serve lip-smacking Thai, Korean, Italian foods and a large variety of seafood. A ride on the Ferris wheel is a thrilling activity here. The Town Square District has a large number of branded food outlets, cafes and a large sports bar. If you are a shopaholic person, then window shopping is one of the fun things to do in Bangkok at night.

9. The Jim Thompson House and Museum:

Jim Thompson was an officer turned entrepreneur who made a fortune by reviving the dying Thai Silk art. Known as the Silk King, Thompson highly interested in art and culture collected many valuables including historical Buddha statues, Thai paintings made of wood, cloth, paper and other antiques. Decided to build a house, museum and work area for his Silk craftsmen he came up with his beautiful, elegant canal-side home. Made up of six traditional teak houses in Thai style constructed without a single nail primarily from wood and other structures collected throughout Thailand during 1950 to 1960s. A spectacular and serene garden surrounds the house and the museum’s exhibits are worth a visit. A guided tour is preferred to know more about the place and its history thereby making it one of the top 10 things to do in Bangkok Thailand.

10. Watch Siam Niramit Show:

Astonishingly artistic creation and spectacular theater performance on the Guinness World record winning stage, Siam Niramit show is a not to miss in Thailand. With over 100 artists performing live, using above 500 different costumes and grand lavish design of the theater set the show is a visual retreat for the visitors. The most advanced simulating technology in the World is used to bring a realistic and inspiring experience. The enchanted ancient Kingdom of Siam is well replicated with realistic running rivers, rainfall, thunder, lightning, live elephant walking in the stage, traditional dances, grandeur festival along with the everyday work life of ancient Siam people which can be hardly seen today. The theater encompasses a pre-show and other activities. A replica of a traditional Thai village, dance performances in the outdoor, feed and ride on the elephant, Thai massage, and souvenir shops can be checked out before the theater performance. The guests can get a glimpse of Thai arts and cultural heritage by spending the evening here.

11. The unique Bangkok’s Chinatown:

Some parts of the World have Chinatown reflecting Chinese culture but in Bangkok its a whole new world that must be explored and experienced. From historic temples, scrumptious street food, alleys with lots of goods, colorful festivals to sky bar China town never disappoint to fascinate every minute spent here. Wat Traimit is a temple in the region, houses the World’s largest gold Buddha with a traditional arch decorated in Thai style. Sampeng Lane is great for shopping with many narrow alleys stuffed with lots of Chinese goods. It is the original high street where the Chinese settled first. China gate at the western entrance is intricately designed in the Thai-Chinese style and the best photo spot. Romaneenart park in the daytime is best for walking, jogging, and cycling. Yaowarat road at night transforms into a huge hub of street food. Dim sums, oyster omelets, freshly made noodles, seafood, exotic fruit cups, coconut and durian ice creams are a must-try here. Sky bar is a rotating restaurant that gives a 360-degree panoramic view of the city. An inexpensive drink and eclectic buffet of Thai, European, Japanese, Chinese cuisine are the highlights here.

12. Get pampered with Thai Spa:

Spa massages in Bangkok is popular and are a traditional medicinal practice that has been used for years. With a public university located in the heart of Bangkok to teach Ayurvedic massage no doubt, Bangkok is the epicenter of Thai massage. Apart from usual beauty treatments, there are exquisite therapies available in many of the centers. The practice of using plants, rare herbs, Moroccan rhassoul clay, mineral-rich onsen water, exotic oils, scrubs made of natural spices and fruits for the treatment involving mindfulness, yoga and meditation practices definitely allure the senses while providing relaxation. With various massage and spa centers sprawled in the city it’s hard to find the authentic one. Myth massage, Siam Kempinski spa, The oriental spa, Yunomori onsen and spa, Luxsa spa, Banyan Tree, Devarana Spa, Spa 1930, Bhawa spa, The Oasis spa are some of the award-winning and famous spa treatment centers that can be checked while in Bangkok.

What’s next waiting for you?

Comprising a long list of best places to visit, the best foods to eat and top things to do Bangkok at night is a city that truly fascinates, excites, and amuses in many ways. The capital city of Thailand must top the bucket-list in the travel itinerary and the journey never disappoints. Now you know what to do in Bangkok, go ahead and embark on your tour now!

About Author: Banupriya Nagarajan