Top 5 Things to Do in Bangkok
Bangkok dominates the travel scene in Asia. Each year about 20 million tourists from all over the world fly into Bangkok to eat, relax, sightsee and shop till they drop. Some stop by in Bangkok for a day or two before leaving for the beaches and islands in the south or to the cultural cities in North Thailand.
This city of 8 million people is easy to get to. It is
served by over 100 airlines and has
two major airports. Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) is only 14 miles from the city center. And Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) is 24 miles away.
Looking for an Asian destination to visit? If you haven’t been to Bangkok, now is the time. Here are the top 5 things to do in Bangkok:
1. Visit the temples
Bangkok has hundreds of wats, or temples, of all sizes and designs. Here is a list of 10 wats:
- Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn)
- Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
- Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) - located next to the Grand Palace
- Wat Benjamabhophit (Marble Temple)
- Wat Hua Lumphong
- Wat Saket
- Wat Traimit
- Wat Prayoon
- Wat Suthat
- Wat Mahatat
Note: Don’t wear shorts, short skirts, ripped jeans, tank tops, and inappropriate clothing when visiting these temples. Dress appropriately.
2. Indulge in local food
Bangkok is a ‘food heaven’- you have endless food options throughout the city. Your $5 will go a long way in Bangkok if you don’t mind eating in air-conditioned food courts and open-air food markets. These places offer classic dishes like pad thai (fried noodles), som tum (spicy green papaya salad) and sweet mango sticky rice at rock bottom prices.
To learn more about Thai food, go on a food tour or a Thai cooking class.
3. Visit the floating markets
Bangkok was once known as Venice of the East due to the canals and waterways. These days floating markets in Bangkok’s klongs (canals) are set up mainly for tourists. Some are close during the weekdays but most are open in the weekends. Floating markets showcase life in Bangkok before automobiles where vendors brought their goods from afar to trade.
A visit to one of the floating markets usually includes a ride on a long tail boat (manual or engine operated) along the canal with an opportunity to shop from the local vendors.
- Some of the popular floating markets include:
- Damnoen Saduak (64 miles from the city center)
- Amphawa (located close to Damnoen Saduak)
- Khlong Lat Mayom (about 7 miles from the city center)
- Taling Chan (located close to Khlong Lat Mayom)
- Bang Nam Pheung (12 miles from the city center)
4. Cruise on the Chao Phraya River
There are many ways to cruise on the Chao Phraya River. Join one of the many private guided river cruises. One of the cheapest ways is by river taxi. River taxis are divided into different categories - blue flag (tourist boats), yellow flag, orange flag, green flag and no flag.
For a short cruise for free, take the Asiatique shuttle boat from the Asiatique riverfront to Sathorn Pier - free for both directions. Hotels along the Chao Phraya River offer guests free shuttles from the hotels to Sathorn Pier too.
5. Go shopping
If you want to break away from the heat and humidity, visit one of the malls in Bangkok. While you are there, go shopping! We recommend:
- Platinum Fashion Mall - for wholesale clothing, shoes, bags and accessories
- Terminal 21 - for food and coffee
- MBK - for electronics, cameras, clothing, accessories, luggage, and stationery
- Siam Paragon - luxury goods and restaurants
- Emporium - food court, luxury goods, groceries and restaurants
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