Things to Do in Bangkok

The Temple of Dawn or Wat Arun is easily the most beautiful temple in the city. Its beauty stems from the distinct architecture and its riverside location. Owing to its popularity and grandeur, the temple should be the top attraction in your things to do in Bangkok itinerary. While you can visit any time of the day, mornings and evenings are special here and will give you a glimpse into everyday life. 

The temple is nestled on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River and one can take a riverboat till Pier 8, from where you will have to get a shuttle boat to reach the other end of the river. Typically it takes travellers a couple of hours to explore the temple, but we suggest keeping aside three to four hours in your things to do in Bangkok itinerary. 

The spire of the prang is considered to be one of Bangkok’s most recognised landmarks and is almost 70 meters high. One can see the detailing on the spire if you step forward for a closer look. You can head up to the top for panoramic views of the city but the steep steps make for a tricky climb so if you are travelling with little ones, we’d suggest against it. 

The ordination hall is where you can admire a glistening statue of Lord Buddha as well as the many murals that decorate the walls. Wat Arun was renovated by King Taksin and earlier housed the stunning Emerald Buddha. The temple is a popular tourist attraction and is highly revered by locals as well. 

Most travellers reserve an evening in their things to do in Bangkok itinerary since the sunset from here is spectacular. But if you are looking for a few hours of peace in the chaotic city of Bangkok, we recommend heading here in the morning. There are a few shops at the entrance of the temple that sell cover-ups that you’ll have to purchase in case you aren’t dressed appropriately. 

Cost: A visit to the Temple of Dawn in your things to do in Bangkok itinerary will cost you between Rs.500 and Rs.2500.

There are a few monuments or structures which have played an integral part in this city’s history and shouldn’t be missed. That is how most travellers would describe the importance of the Grand Palace. A must in your things to do in Bangkok itinerary, the mesmerising Grand Palace served as the official royal residence for the monarchs of the Kingdom of Thailand for decades. 

The palace is home to Wat Phra Kaew or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which is regarded as one of the most sacred temples in Bangkok. The first glimpse of the grand palace confuses travellers and one assumes that it is a single structure. However, numerous buildings, lawns, courtyards and pavilion sets come together to complete this breathtaking complex. 

If you are a history buff, we strongly recommend keeping aside three to four hours in your things to do in Bangkok itinerary to explore the palace. Anything less than that, and you will have to come back for more. Besides a popular tourist attraction, the palace is used regularly for many royal functions and ceremonies. 

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha will take up most of your time so remember to keep aside about an hour in your things to do in Bangkok itinerary. The breathtaking statue of Lord Buddha, in a meditative position, is carved from a single block of jade. The robe of the Emerald Buddha is changed by the king, three times in a year, during a Thai ritual. Besides the king and the crown prince, nobody else is allowed to touch the statute. If you include an informative guided tour or an audio tour in your things to do in Bangkok itinerary, you will learn more about the history of the temple. 

The palace is also home to a museum which will offer you a glimpse into Thailand’s historical past. With relics, paintings and objects dating back to the 18th century, a tour of the museum should feature in your things to do in Bangkok itinerary if you are a history buff. Since the Grand Palace is one of the most sought after things to see in Bangkok, you may be chased by false ticket sellers and tour operators. The official ticket counter is outside the entrance of the Grand Palace and is where you should purchase your ticket. 

Cost: You can expect to spend between Rs.1100 and Rs.3000 if you want to include a visit to the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew in your things to do in Bangkok itinerary. This amount depends on the number of people. 

It’s often said that the real treasure of the city lies in Bangkok’s canals. A journey through the numerous canals in the city offers you a unique and memorable experience. While some tours take you back into history, others will show you a side of Bangkok you would have never thought of. So if you want to explore the quiet side of the glittering city, we recommend including a tour of the canals in your things to do in Bangkok itinerary. Among the most notable waterway tour, the Chao Phraya River cruise stands out for the numerous experiences it offers.

The Chao Phraya River, usually referred to as the River of Kings, is formed by four tributaries and is the primary waterway for central Thailand. On the banks of this historic river, you will see glimpses of untouched Bangkok. The banks of the river are also home to popular attractions including Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Arun and the Grand Palace, all of which should feature in your things to do in Bangkok itinerary. You can either choose a ferry cruise around the river or opt for guided tours which will take you to several tourist attractions. If you are in the mood to try something different, you can also opt for a night cruise to feature in your things to do in Bangkok itinerary. The cruise can be customised to include a romantic dinner or an evening filled with entertainment and cultural experiences.

There are many tour operators that organise cruises on the Chao Phraya River and you can choose one depending on your budget. The inclusions in your things to do in Bangkok itinerary will depend on your budget; luxury travellers can expect to have a memorable and enthralling evening. The cruise covers a distance of 21 kilometres and will take upto five hours. Taking you through popular markets and restaurants, this is one experience that you wouldn’t want to skip in your things to do in Bangkok itinerary. 

Cost: A cruise on the Chao Phraya River will cost you between Rs.2000 and Rs.6000 depending on the inclusions in your things to do in Bangkok itinerary.

Bangkok is a traveller’s treasure where every day is a surprise. If Chinatown features in your things to do in Bangkok itinerary, then you can expect an unforgettable experience. Ideal for food lovers, street shoppers and photographers, Chinatown is certainly one of the enthralling things to see in Bangkok. 

Chinatown primarily represents the Chinese community but over time, the two cultures, Thai and Chinese, have fused together and now offer travellers a plethora of intriguing experiences. You can see traces of this fusion in the food, shopping streets, religious attractions and restaurants. A paradise for food lovers, you can expect to try unique renditions of Thai dishes including khao soi, homok talay, pad thai and gaeng daeng. 

Shopping enthusiasts must also look forward to the plethora of shopping options here. The streets are lined with shops selling souvenirs, jewellery, home decor and apparel. Sampeng Lane is among the most popular places for shopping here which you can include in your things to do in Bangkok itinerary. 

You can also include a visit to Wat Traimit in your things to do in Bangkok itinerary. The temple is home to the largest gold Buddha in the world and is among the most breathtaking sites in Bangkok. The statue is placed on an altar which is surrounded by traditional gold arches. While the site is visited by numerous visitors, it also sees a large number of locals.

Among other notable attractions in your things to do in Bangkok itinerary, you can include a visit to China Gate, Yowarat Road and Wat Mangkol Kamalawat.

Cost: A tour of Chinatown in your things to do in Bangkok itinerary will cost you between Rs.1000 and Rs.3000 depending on what you include.

A visit to the Bangkok National Museum is an incredible addition to your things to do in Bangkok itinerary. Ideal for history buffs, a visit to the museum is a great way to learn more about the city’s history and culture. It’s the largest museum in Southeast Asia and is home to numerous exhibits. Tracing Thailand’s enthralling history, the museum is divided into various sections which are dedicated to different time periods. The pavilion takes you back into the past with numerous exhibits while the Sivamokhaphiman Hall has exhibits from the Sukhothai to the Rattanakosin periods. You can see numerous paintings, sculptures, clothing, traditional musical instruments as well as weapons from across Southeast Asian in the Archaeological and Art History collection. If you want to know more about the origin of Buddhism in Thailand, you can take a look at the exhibits which are arranged according to a timeline. Of course, the best way to learn more about Buddhism in Thailand is through a guided tour that can be included in your things to do in Bangkok itinerary. If you are travelling on a budget, you can also opt for an audio tour. A complete tour of the museum can take anywhere between three and fours so we recommend keeping aside sufficient time in your things to do in Bangkok itinerary. It’s also important to note that photography is restricted inside the museum.

Cost: Including a tour of the Bangkok National Museum in your things to do in Bangkok itinerary can cost you between Rs.500 and Rs.1000. This amount will depend on the inclusions in your itinerary.

If you are a backpacker or a budget traveller, chances are that Khao San Road will be on your things to do in Bangkok itinerary. A certified haven for budget travellers, the street packs in more experiences than you can count. It’s astounding to see restaurants, shops, local eating joints, bars, cafes and massage parlours comfortably sharing space and offering travellers different experiences.

You can plan a visit here at any time of the day but most travellers recommend heading here in the evening. We also suggest keeping aside at least three to four hours in your things to do in Bangkok itinerary since there is much to keep you engrossed here. The most attractive thing about Khao San Road is that everything is reasonably priced and you can try a variety of experiences without burning a hole in your pocket. If you are planning to shop, we recommend using your bargaining skills. From jewellery, shoes, souvenirs, clothes to home decor, cosmetics, art and paintings – you can find almost everything here.

Khao San Road is also home to numerous bars and nightclubs for those who want to experience the nightlife in Bangkok. Promising a variety of experiences to add in your things to do in Bangkok itinerary, including karaoke nights, live performances, cabaret shows, the clubs promise a memorable evening in a reasonable budget. Khao San Road is also a huge attraction for food lovers. If you enjoy trying new dishes and aren’t afraid to challenge your taste buds, the food here will surprise you. There are numerous local stalls selling fried insects such as grasshoppers, spiders, bamboo worms and scorpions. If you are in the mood for a unique experience, you can take home a bag of fried, crispy and salted insects.

Cost: Including an evening in Khao San Road in your things to do in Bangkok itinerary will cost you between Rs.1000 and Rs.3000.

Touted as the world’s largest open-air museum in the world, Muang Boran or Ancient Siam is a sight to behold. The first glimpse of countless gardens and sculptures is absolutely breathtaking. If you enjoy history and photography then a visit here should be on your things to do in Bangkok itinerary. Away from the chaotic streets of Bangkok, this peaceful gallery of art and craft promises a rejuvenating day. The museum houses some of the most significant historical sites in Thailand including Sukhothai, Ayutthaya and Rattanakosin. One can also visit replicas of the Wihan at Wat Phrao, Northern Thai Village, and the Thai Hamlet. It’s best to include a guided tour of the museum in your things to do in Bangkok itinerary since this will significantly add to your experience. For an amateur, exploring the sites might be confusing. 

While the replicas can’t compare to the grandeur of the originals, it’s definitely worth a visit. Among the most notable sites, we recommend including Sanphet Prasat Palace, which was believed to be destroyed by the Burmese while conquering Ayutthaya and the popular temple of the Prang Sam Yot from Lopburi in your things to do in Bangkok itinerary. The floating market is among the most enthralling sites in the museum. The floating market is modelled on ancient waterways which were also known as Khlong and you must keep aside at least half an hour in your things to do in Bangkok itinerary to explore the area. If you are in the mood to try some local dishes, you can stop here for noodles and fresh chicken soup. The museum is located 30 kilometres from the city and is also an extremely popular site for cycling tours, picnics and romantic outings – especially after sunset. 

Cost: Including a visit to Ancient Siam in your things to do in Bangkok itinerary will cost you between Rs.1000 and Rs.3000 depending on your transportation and the number of people.

Shopping enthusiasts have only heard good things about the shopping scene in Bangkok and they couldn’t be closer to the truth. A shopping spree is a must-include in your things to do in Bangkok itinerary if you have a long shopping list. While most streets in Bangkok offer a plethora of goodies and are a delight for shoppers, Chatuchak Market stands out for its sheer size and variety. Touted as one of the largest markets in the world, it is home to more than 8,000 stalls. You can expect to find anything and everything here and if this is your first time here, it should surely be part of your things to do in Bangkok itinerary. From books, art, jewellery, apparel to antiques, food, shoes, home decor and stationery – you name it and Chatuchak has it. In fact, the ideal way to enjoy Chatuchak Market is by dedicating one entire day in your things to do in Bangkok itinerary. Owing to the size of the market, it will be difficult to remember stores and lanes so it’s best to invest in a map. Also, most shops sell the same merchandise so patience is key here. If you aren’t getting a good deal in one shop, we urge you to move ahead and try your luck elsewhere. 

If you are not an expert at bargaining, it’s best to come with a local so you can find the best deals. For those who want to take back antiques, we recommend trying a few shops before you shell out cash. There are a few shops that sell second-hand items and its recommended to ask the shopkeeper more about the products you are interested in. If you want to truly explore the maze of shopping streets here, we recommend keeping aside at least four to five hours in your things to do in Bangkok itinerary. 

If shopping doesn’t interest you, then the food here certainly will. Chatuchak Market is home to numerous restaurants and local eating joints which serve an assortment of Thai dishes. We highly recommend taking a break from your shopping spree and including a visit to one of the inviting restaurants in your things to do in Bangkok itinerary.

Cost: Exploring Chatuchak Market will cost you between Rs.1000 and Rs.5000 in your things to do in Bangkok itinerary.

Nothing can compare to the excitement that a Muay Thai fight guarantees. A traditional sport, Muay Thai is also known as ‘the art of eight limbs’. If you are an adventure enthusiast or are looking for an authentic Thai experience than you must keep aside sufficient time in your things to do in Bangkok itinerary. The world-famous sport is known for its discipline, rigorous training schedule and the excitement it generates. 

You can watch a Muay Thai fight in any of the stadiums in Bangkok but for the real action, we recommend a visit to Lumpini Stadium. There are numerous fights which are scheduled each day and you can either book tickets through your hotel or the stadium’s website. Owing to the popularity of the sport, tickets are mostly sold out and we recommend booking in advance if this is going to be part of your things to do in Bangkok itinerary. If your schedule allows it, we recommend heading to the stadium before the fight begins so that you can observe the unique traditions. Before a fight is set to commence, the fighters pay respect to their trainers, which is followed by a short warm-up activity.

Typically there are nine fights that take place each night. All fights have five rounds each which last for three minutes. The applause and cheering in the stadium increases with each round and your favourite player changes almost instantly with each win. If this is your first experience watching a Muay Thai fight, you might be taken aback by the loud cheer in the stadium. The locals take the sport seriously and you’ll be able to differentiate the loyalists from the newbies. It’s advisable not to take children for this activity since it can get quite intense. 

Cost: Including a Muay Thai fight in your things to do in Bangkok itinerary can cost you between Rs.1000 and Rs.5000 depending on the stadium, the popularity of the fight and the number of people.

The numerous connected waterways have given rise to settlements along the shores and the chaos of houses, shops and cafes offers an enthralling sight. And that’s why cycling is the best way to explore the vibrant city of Bangkok. Most travellers prefer exploring the city on a cruise but if you are in the mood to add something different to your trip, we highly recommend including a cycling tour in your things to do in Bangkok itinerary. If you aren’t in the mood to explore the city, you can also choose to include a cycling tour in your things to do in Bangkok which will take you through the settlements on the outskirts.

A tour of nearby villages and towns in your things to do in Bangkok itinerary promises lush greenery and abundant natural beauty. Taking you along orchards, quaint villages and small home-run restaurants, a cycling tour is as fulfilling as its challenging. The difference between the glittering skyscrapers and the quiet village-side is a delight to observe. If you want to include cycling in your things to do in Bangkok itinerary, we recommend keeping aside between four and five hours. Most tours also include lunch and an opportunity to interact with locals.

Cost: A cycling tour in your things to do in Bangkok itinerary can cost between Rs.2000 and Rs.5000 depending on the inclusions.

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