Things To Do In Bangkok

Almost all of our Thailand trips begin in Bangkok. A truly remarkable city, Bangkok is rich in fascinating culture, bustling streets, colourful markets and not to mention delicious Thai food. So, if you’re planning a trip to this exciting city during your Thailand trip, then take a look at a few of our suggestions on things to do in Bangkok;

Street food in Bangkok

Eating out in Bangkok

Places of interest in Bangkok

Shopping in Bangkok

At Thailand Travel Plan, we offer travellers the opportunity to get a taste of the real Thailand. If you're thinking of planning a Thailand trip, take a look at our bite-sized Thailand Tours or alternatively, check out our ready-made Thailand holidays.

Things to do in Bangkok: Street Food

We found the best mango shakes in Banghlampu at the New Siam Guesthouse. From Khao San Road, simply set off in the direction of Thanon Phra Athit, go past the temple, down to the River Chao Praya and walk along the riverside. The Guesthouse is on Soi Chana Songkhram- and the mango shakes are most definitely worth the walk.

You can get a really good coffee (not instant) and tasty western-style bread on a very narrow lane running parallel to Khao San Road. The lane is just past the cafe where the tuk-tuk drivers congregate on the gravel outside. Go into the lane, which then widens out a bit. On the left you’ll see the terrace- Joe's Guesthouse. They do fantastic cappuccinos if you're craving some caffeine. You can also buy bread on the corner near the New Siam Guesthouse on Soi Chana Songkhram.

Things to do in Bangkok - Floating markets

Things to do in Bangkok - Enjoy local food

Things to do in Bangkok: Eating Out

While in Bangkok, try the ‘Pad Thai’ (egg) noodles and spring rolls, with delicious sweet and sour chilli saucefrom the little stalls on and around Khao San Road. The Singha Beer also comes highly recommended and a small beer costs around 80 baht (£1.20), the other Thai beer is called 'Chang beer' and is a little cheaper.

If you're looking for a reasonably priced meal, then you could head to Khao San Road, or alternatively, opt for a great Chinese in Chinatown. For a taste of luxury, try a wonderful meal in Bangkok on an evening dinner cruise. There are plenty of operators, several of which are named in the Lonely Planet guide. We would recommend making a reservation in advance.

Things to do in Bangkok: Places of Interest

The Royal Palace: This incredible temple complex is only a 5 minute walk from Khao San Road and is a tourist must-see attraction. It really is worth the visit - unusual, beautiful and hugely humbling. If you go early in the morning, you can beat both the heat and the tourist rush. The complex opens at 8:30am. Entrance costs approx 200 baht per person.
Lumpini Park: This is Bangkok's biggest park, a little less humid than the city- a little oasis amid this hectic metropolis. Why not take a pedalo around the lake and see if you can spot turtles. In the early hours of the morning, many Thais practise Tai Chi here- a amazing sight to start your day. February to April is kite-flying season, which is also pretty spectacular to watch.
Snake farm: This farm is run by the Red Cross. It opens from 8:30am to 11:30am and again from 1 pm to 4pm, but at the weekend they sometimes only open in the morning. The farm milks the snakes for venom, which is a fascinating process and you’ll be surprised at the huge amount each snakes stores.

Things to do in Bangkok - The grand palace

Things to do in Bangkok - Explore Wat Arun

Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn): While visiting Bangkok during your Thailand trip, you can take the river express to get to Wat Arun- this is a cheap and cheerful way of getting around. Step aboard and someone will be along to collect your 8 baht. The back of the boat is reserved only for monks. There are also ferries that only go directly across to the other bank. Make sure you board the right one!
Muay Thai (Thai boxing) tournament: There are two boxing stadiums in Bangkok- Lumpini Stadium and Rachadamnoen Stadium. The best fights usually takes place on a Tuesday or Thursday, and the cheap seats provide a good view. Avoid the human crush of the ‘betting area’.
Massage at Wat Po: This is THE place to get your Thai massage in Bangkok. You'll be a guinea pig for a massage student... such a tough life. You'll keep your clothes on, and sometimes you may have to wait a little for your turn. It's a great experience and would be a real highlight of any Thailand holiday.

Things to do in Bangkok: Shopping

During your Thailand holiday, don't forget to add a shopping trip or two to your list of things to do in Bangkok. Here, you're expected to haggle at all of the stalls in the street market. Start with half the asking price. If you want to have a little fun, you can bluff by starting to walk away - if the seller doesn't call you back you'll know that your opening bid was too low.

Khao San Road: This legendary road is ideal for your shirts, sandals and souvenirs. It is a long street, lined with stalls and restaurants on both sides. You have the feeling that you're walking down a boulevard.
Pat Pong nightmarket: This the most famous neighbourhood in Bangkok, and you should go least once in the evening. This is where you'll find everything from fake Rolex watches to imitation Gucci sunglasses. The market itself lies in the middle of the red light district- but it's not dangerous. We found prices here very high compared to other markets, so haggle hard.

Things to do in Bangkok - Getting around

Things to do in Bangkok - Time to explore

Shopping in Bangkok

Siam Square: This is the heart of the business centre full of western brands such Hard Rock Cafe and McDonalds. You'll find many expats in this area. This is a good place to be if you fancy going to the cinema (just stand up for the national anthem). All the big superstores can be found here as well, with all sorts of software and DVDs at incredibly cheap prices. Chatuchak weekend market: This market is located next to Chatuchak Skytrain station and is well worth a visit. It is very busy, with a huge variety of stalls. You can find clothes, shoes, sandals, food, T-shirts, and pets (dogs, rare birds, fish, and even snakes?!?). The market only tkes place on Saturday and Sundays.
Chinatown: Though there are so many things to do in Bangkok, Chinatown is definitely a place worth visiting. Full of enticing smells and weird and wonderful trinkets to buy, you can really soak up the atmosphere as you loose yourself in its busy, bustling streets.