Discover and have a quick browse through Top things to do in Bangkok
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Bangkok - the very name of Thailand's capital evokes images of magnificent temples, delectable street food and, of course, exciting nightlife. One of the most visited cities in the world, and a popular jump-off for the rest of the Asia-Pacific region, Bangkok is always an adventure. Whether you're coming with a backpack and a tight budget, or an eye for the luxurious, it's all here for you.
But where are the best places to visit? Well, the list is exhaustive - 10 recommendations of top things to do simply aren't enough to showcase all that the city has to offer. But we have picked our very favourites - so here are our top 10 things to do in Bangkok.
Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho)
Located opposite the immense magnificence of the Grand Palace - which we'll come to later - Wat Pho is one of the oldest temples in Bangkok, probably its most famous, and almost certainly its most eye-catching and one of the top things to do in Bangkok.
The temple is particularly revered in Thailand, due to its royal historical connections, collection of gold and marble artefacts, and its history of public education. However for tourists, it’s unquestionably the golden reclining Buddha that makes Wat Pho so popular. Lying over 150 ft (46m) in length in the surrounds of the palace's breath-taking architecture, it’s surely a must-see for a bit of Bangkok cultural immersion.
Chao Phraya River Cruise
Step away from the wonderful busyness of the city, put your feet up and meander along the Chao Phraya. The major river in Thailand runs through Bangkok, and is home to water taxis, ferries and even river food vendors. But should you want to relax and see the city from a different perspective, we highly recommend jumping on a river cruise.
There are numerous ways and places to book a cruise along the river, from a simple hop-on, hop-off taxi journey to a full-blown luxury experience. Be sure to book ahead of time to get the experience that suits you.
The Jim Thompson House
A fascinating tourist experience lies at the Jim Thompson House - a comparatively unassuming building that boasts one of the country's best artefact collections. Indeed, the story of the eponymous businessman who lived here is extraordinary in itself, but we'll leave that for now…
The house now serves as a museum and hosts some truly stunning pieces, not just from Thailand but Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and China too. We recommend taking a guided tour to truly appreciate the Jim Thompson House's mystique.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Known as the largest and most diverse market of its type, the Chatuchak Weekend Market is a real sight to behold - regardless of your fondness level towards retail therapy. Over 200,000 visitors per weekend can’t be wrong…
Opened in 1942, the market sells pretty much anything you could imagine, from furniture to food to football shirts. There's a whole lot more besides, with a scarcely believable 15,000 stalls across 27 sections. Head down Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road anytime between 06:00 and 18:00 to absorb all of the hustle and bustle.
Grand Palace
One of the most popular - and not to mention spectacular - attractions in Bangkok is the simply breath-taking Grand Palace. Construction began way back in 1782 and it served as the administrative seat of Thailand for over 150 years, with the palace sprawled across 54-acres (21.8-hectares) of land.
Tours of the Grand Palace are recommended, so you can truly absorb the fascinating Siamese history and drink in the exquisite architecture. The scripture crypt, the throne room, and the sacred Temple of the Emerald Buddha - you simply must visit.
Muay Thai Boxing
No list of Bangkok tourist attractions would be complete without highlighting one of Bangkok's - indeed, one of Thailand's - most popular sports. Muay Thai boxing, in a stadium with enthusiastic locals cheering a national pastime, is a sight to behold and one of the top things to do in Bangkok.
There are 2 locations within Bangkok's city limits that host Muay Thai several times a week - the Rajadamnern Stadium and Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, located east and north of the city centre respectively. Get online and book a VIP experience to really treat yourself…
Rooftop Dining at Banyan Tree Hotel
Who doesn't love dining at altitude? And with the vistas of historic Bangkok around you - we could think of nothing better.
There are several notable establishments in the city that lay claim to rooftop, or just generally high-up, dining - but we heartily recommend heading to the 5-star Banyan Tree hotel, located on the South Sathon Road in the city centre. Vertigo (63rd floor), Bai Yun (60th floor) and Saffron (59th floor) all offer exquisite dining options for the rooftop-loving connoisseur.
Taling Chan Floating Market
From the highest levels of the city to the lowest. If street food is your thing, then we recommend getting a tuk-tuk and heading around 6 km west of the city centre to Taling Chan Floating Market, on the banks of the Chak Phra.
Boats are tied up and sellers offer some delicious local food, as well as seasonal fruit and veg. Take note: the floating market is only open on Saturday and Sunday, so be sure to put it in your Bangkok trip itinerary.
The Khao San Road
Arguably the most iconic street in the whole of Thailand. The Khao San Road - for the linguists, that's 'milled rice' in English, hinting at its history as a major rice market - is the hangout for backpackers and thrill-seekers, with budget accommodation and bars in abundance.
The central Bangkok hotspot is an absolute must for souvenir-seekers too, with artwork, handicrafts, clothes, and other trinkets all sold along the 1,345 ft (410m) road. There's a lot more to experience here, too - we say, make sure you have baht in hand and extra room in your suitcase.
Bangkok National Museum
Want to learn more about the history of Thailand? We hope so - it's not all partying and boats in the city. With that in mind, be sure to head to the Phra Nakhon District, home of the Bangkok National Museum.
Displaying artefacts and artwork from as far back as the Neolithic era, the galleries host as many historical wonders as you could wish for - including King Ram Khamhaeng's Inscription, recognised by UNESCO's 'Memory of the World Programme' for its significance.