Top 10 Things To Do In Bangkok

Sep 2

Bangkok | Travel Aimz | www.travelaimz.com

Bangkok is the Capital city of Thailand, and one of the most popular destinations to travel to in Asia. Welcoming over 22million international visitors every year. To help you plan your trip, we’ve outlined the top ten things to do in Bangkok on your travels.

1. Party on Khao-San road

First on our list of things to do in Bangkok is; Khao San Rd, THE backpacker street in Bangkok. Lined with bars and restaurants, and enough neon signs to light up my hometown, I promise won’t be lost for places to hang out here.

Order a beer tower - Yes it really is a tower. 3 litres of Singha or Chang for the price of 2 London pints. Do something crazy and have a taste of fried insects at the local stalls (baby scorpions & crickets are on the menu). You can even get a massage for just £5 or do a spot of shopping in the local market for novelty t-shirts or harem trousers.

Cost: Free

Opening Hours: 24/7

2. MBK shopping

MBK is probably Bangkok's most famous shopping mall, if not the whole of SE Asia’s. Located just a 10 min TukTuk ride from the infamous Khao-San Rd is an 8 story, modern shopping centre full of almost anything you could want. With 2,000 shops to choose from it’s super popular with locals and travellers, and is constantly buzzing with activity. MBK is also good for good quality ‘knock-offs’ like real leather Mulberry purses. You can also get plenty of electricals super cheap, but be sure to test them, and check the packaging before buying. Also, haggle it’s all part of the fun!

If you are at the start of your travels and looking to stock up your backpack with everything you need this is a great place to go. Alternatively, if you are heading home and looking for some cool gifts to go back with. MBK also has lots of cafes, a huge cinema and arcade to pass the time on a rainy day.

Cost: Free

Opening Hours: 11:00 - 20:00 Daily

3. Cooking class

If you are anything like me, you can’t imagine the world without Thai food! Massaman, Pad Thai, and Tom Yum soup.

Most classes will start with a trip to the morning market, to learn about the ingredients you will be using in your meals, and where they are sourced from. Most classes will offer a vegetarian option, or choice from a couple of dishes for each course so there is usually something for everyone.

Depending on your preference Thai cooking classes range from anything from 3hr - 8hrs and costs anything from £30 - £100. Check our Get Your Guide to see a variety of classes on offer.

Cost: £30-£100+

Opening Hours: Depends on class time

4. Bangkok’s floating markets

It is a truly unique experience buying snacks and goods from a wooden boat passing by.

Bangkok has 5 main floating markets nearby to choose from; Damnoen Saduak, Amphawa, Taling Chan, Khlong Lat Mayom and Bang Nam Pheung.

The best is probably Taling Chan, located just over 10km from the city centre. It is open from 8:00am-5:00pm Saturday and Sunday, so don’t worry if you don’t fancy getting up early after a heavy night on Khao-San Rd, the market will still be just as buzzing in the afternoon .

The market has a fair amount of floating stalls, as well as a large land based market attached. If you fancy a little more time on the water you can also opt for a longboat cruise through the adjacent canals.

Cost: Free

Opening Hours: 8:00 - 17:00 (Sat & Sun)

5. Grand Palace and Wat Prakaew

It’s time for a bit of Thai history at the Grand Palace. Bangkok's Grand Palace Wat Phra Kaew is a large Buddhist temple complex that was constructed in 1782. It offers some of the beautiful architecture Thailand has to offer. The complex has been home to A landscape of gold and every building constructed with intricate detail.

You really can’t travel Thailand without visiting the Grand Palace. It's an integral part of this city's history and on every list of the top things to do in Bangkok.

Cost: 500 Baht / £12

Opening Hours: 8:30 - 16:30 Daily

6. Wat Pho

Wat Pho was built the same year as the Grand Palace (1782), and is located just to the south. Originally one of Thailand's first public universities, and where locals used to come to study medicine and Thai massage. However, Wat Pho is now most famous for housing the largest Buddha statue in Thailand. Its 150 ft golden reclining Buddha built in 1848.

You won’t need more than 30 mins to an hour here, and could easily do Wat Pho and the grand palace on the same day. Consider heading here after the Grand Palace closes at 15:30 pm. You could even consider getting a 1 hr Thai massage for just 480 Baht (£12).

Cost: 100 baht / £2.50

Opening Hours: 8:00am-18:30pm daily

7. Lumphini Park

By far one of the most relaxing things to do in Bangkok, Lumphini Park spans 140 acres and is the ultimate place to escape the hustle and bustle of Bangkok. The park is located right in the centre of the city but feels a million miles away. A tranquil green space full of an abundance of trees, almost 3 km of walking trails and a man-made lake where you can rent boats and spend some time on the water. Best of all it’s a free thing to do in Bangkok when you are in need of some down time. The park is gated, but is open from 4:30am -9:00pm daily.

Cost: Free

Opening Hours: 4:30 - 21:00 Daily

8. Try some of Bangkok's Museums

Bangkok has loads of museums to choose from, spanning history, culture, an abundance of art and some unique science museums. The most popular are: Jim Thompson House Museum (Art), Museum Siam (History) and The National Museum (Art & History). All the museums cost 200 baht (£5) to enter, so it’s a super cheap way to learn about Thai history and culture when backpacking Bangkok.

If you are looking for something really unique to do in Bangkok try out the Siriraj Medical Museum. Where you’ll find lots of weird and wonderful things including, a baby cyclops, and the human boy stripped down to just it’s nerves. (MENTAL)

Cost: 200 Baht / £5

Opening Hours: Depends on the Museum

9. Sky Bar Bangkok

The Sky Bar Bangkok is located on the 63rd floor of the Lebua hotel and offers stunning panoramic views of Bangkok city. It was also made famous as one of the filming locations for The Hangover.

This is by far one of the best things to do in Bangkok at night. With live bands often performing on a raised platform and incredible views of the city at night, with lights spanning as far as the eye can see.

This is a luxury hotel and bar so there is a dress code and prices are slightly more expensive, but it’s definitely worth the trip. If you are on more of a budget just head up for a couple of drinks, and skip dinner. There’s no need to book either, you can just walk in.

Cost: Free entry (just the cost of food & drink)

Opening Hours: 16:00 - 1:00 Daily

10. Watch a Muay Thai Match

Muay Thai Boxing is the national sport of Thailand and originated hundreds of years ago and was used primarily by men in the military. It is often referred to as ‘The Art of 8 Limbs’, using 8 points of contact to use the entire body as a weapon.

This is a fantastic free thing to do in Bangkok - yes you heard me right...FREE. The Channel 7 Stadium in Bangkok hosts free Muay Thai matches at 2pm every Sunday. You may have to stand, or if you are lucky, get a seat on one of the benches, but it’s a great place to experience Muay Thai boxing in its rawest form.

Cost: Free

Opening Hours: Sunday at 14:00