Exploring Bangkok, the Amazing Capital City of Thailand
If there’s one city in the world that will make you fall in love with adventure & traveling all over again, then this is definitely it. Bangkok is a large metropolis and the fabulous capital of Thailand. The dichotomy of peace and chaos are portrayed by its intricate temples and rowdy nightlife scene. Bangkok is also a haven for foodies and backpackers on a budget. With 3 to 4 days you can experience most of the city’s iconic highlights. Here’s our top 10 best things to do while visiting Bangkok!
10. China Town
I know what you’re thinking, I didn’t come to Thailand to see China things. Except this China Town is the largest in the world, complete with its own ambiance only the city of Bangkok could provide. Take a walk through the bustling streets for the top tier street food Thailand is renowned for. From eccentric flavors being grilled before your eyes to anything imaginable on a stick, China Town is the premier street food experience every traveler came searching for.
9. Jim Thompson House & Museum
Okay last perceptively un-Thai thing on this list. First of all who the hell is Jim Thompson and what makes it a Bangkok worthy stop? He was an American Businessman who revitalized the Thai silk industry and then mysteriously disappeared without a trace. It’s less of a house and more of a vintage Teak mansion soaked in history and intrigue. Join a guided tour to immerse yourself in the incredible architecture and the history of Thailand’s post-war cultural revival.
8. Bar Hop on the Khao San Road
It’s no secret Bangkok is known for some of the craziest nightlife in the world, and a night out on the Khoa San Road is the epitome of liberating indulgence. This buzzing strip is home to open-air bars, neon buckets of cocktails, live DJs, and the kind of people-watching you can’t unsee. Despite the questionable smells and characters you’ll come across, the drinks are cheap, the food is cheaper, and the atmosphere is a degenerate college party vibe. Come with zero expectations and leave with a story or two (and hopefully your dignity).
7. King Power Mahanakhon Sky Deck
While the city is filled with countless skyscrapers, the King Power Mahanakhon rises above them all. Towering over 314 meters into the heavens and offering 360° panoramic views, the Sky Deck is the tallest observation tower in Bangkok. It also has a vertigo-inducing glass floor that would put Chicago to shame. After admiring one of the sickest sunsets of your life, head into the lower floors for an immersive digital art experience.
6. Chao Praya Dinner Cruise
Bangkok is known as the Venice of the East due to its vast network of watery canals that divide the city. The undulating Chao Praya River splits the city with iconic monuments lined across on each side. If you’re ready for a break from the unhinged debauchery, sign up for a dinner cruise that glides you along a path of glittering temples and lit-up bridges. We went on an epic night cruise that included live performances and a buffet of Thai and international cuisine.
5. Wat Arun Temple
Continuing the adoration of marvelous monuments we arrive at Bangkok’s most iconic landmark, Wat Arun aka the Temple of Dawn. Despite looking arguably better at night, the sacred area is always a majestic site to behold regardless of the time of day. Ironically, it looks best during sunset but the jetlag is so bad it has distorted our perception of time so we won’t judge. The spires can be seen from across the river and add to Thailand’s intricate temple aesthetic. You can also ride the water taxi straight across to the magnificent Grand Palace, the other most iconic site in the country.
4. ICONSIAM Mall
Wait this isn’t Dubai what are we doing wasting time in a mall? I initially had the same reaction and glad I avoided making the mistake of skipping it. The ICONSIAM is an elegant shopping complex that rivals the best in the world. Aside from escaping Thailand’s brutal heat with immaculate air conditioning, the mall offers 7 floors of luxury department goods while retaining its cultural authenticity. At the bottom floor you’ll find an exotic market with high sanitary standards and delectable street food prepared right in front of you. On the top floor you’ll find high quality restaurants and possibly the best Pad Thai in the world at Thipsamai. I’m glad not visiting ICONSIAM won’t be a regret I’ll have in Thailand. They also offer a colorful fountain show outside, but everything is underwhelming compared to the Dubai Fountain.
3. Do a Muy Thai Boxing Lesson
Most travelers try to avoid conflict at all costs when visiting a new country. But you are different. You’re an adventurous soul in search of the most thrilling travel experiences in the world. And that is why You are here. So listen when I tell you that the best way to experience Thailand’s national sport is to live through it . Sign up for a Muy Thai Boxing lesson to learn the basics of this traditional martial art in a safe environment alongside experts. Plus you get some cool (if not comically short) shorts. After mastering the art of eight limbs, check out a live match for an intense night of entertainment.
2. Wat Pho
Bangkok has no shortage of temples and Wat Pho is one of the most popular in Thailand. This Buddhist temple is only a few minutes south of the Grand Palace and holds the most relatable and possibly most famous statue in the region. A giant golden reclining Buddha stretches 46 meters along the room, raising questions of how they got it inside in the first place. For a small fee you can dump coins in bunch of bronze bowls lined up behind the statue (as seen on The amazing Race) for good fortune. It also happens to be the birth place of the Thai massage, another pleasureful yet painful experience to enjoy on you trip.
1. The Grand Palace
Now it’s time for the number one place to visit in all of Thailand, The Grand Palace! This regal complex of temples unsurprisingly lives up to its name, covering an area of over 2.4 million sq ft. The Grand Palace is an opulent labyrinth of golden spires, mirrored mosaics, and royal halls that hold within the infamous Wat Phra Kaew, a temple home to the sacred Emerald Buddha. This tiny green statue has a complicated history of war, extortion, and forgetfulness, originating all the way in Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand. Sign up for a tour for more insights into the fascinating history of Bangkok’s prized monuments here. The palace grounds are huge, so be sure to spend at least 3hrs exploring this ethereal sanctuary.
A Few More of the Best Things to do in Bangkok
Obviously there’s way too much to do in the city in just one visit so here are a few more honorable mentions if you happen to have extra time in Bangkok:
- Ayutthaya Historical Park – This once famous capital has unbelievable ancients ruins and is a good full day trip from Bangkok.
- Drink from a Rooftop Bar – The best way to appreciate that starry skyline is from one of the many rooftop bars downtown. Sip a signature cocktail at Vertigo, Octave, or Tichuca Rooftop bar for a good start to a night out. Even though the iconic Sky Bar at Lebua was in the Hangover II movie, skip it because their prices are ridiculous.
- Chatuchak Weekend Market – With over 15,000 individual stalls, Chatuchak is the world’s largest weekend market where you can find souvenirs, clothing, and anything else imaginable.
- The Floating Market – Step back in time with a visit to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, where vendors paddle along narrow canals selling everything from grilled river prawns to coconut ice cream. Its a bit far from the city center but worth it if you have extra time. Sign up for this tour to visit this and the infamous Maeklong Train Market in a jam packed day.
By now, I’ve either convinced you to book a trip to Bangkok yesterday or avoid it at all costs. Either way the charm of the city is undeniable despite being a little chaotic. Experiencing Bangkok is a must for all budget travelers, foodies, and backpackers at some point in your life. The marvelous temples, delicious food, and crazy bar scene is reason enough to add it to the top of your bucket list. For more information on entry requirements and what scams to avoid in Thailand, check out this guide. Stay tuned for more adventures in Thailand! Thanks for reading and keep leveling up!
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