Discover Bangkok’s Treasures
There is so much to see and do in the huge city of Bangkok. But even with only a couple of days there you can still get out and about to see the main attractions that draw people to Bangkok. Don’t expect to get anywhere though in a hurry as the roads are chockablock full. There is the Skytrain, and of course, tuk-tuks, or use the Grab app to call a taxi, but walking works just as well.
So you have the token temples, museums, galleries and huge department stores to check out.
Try also;
Lumpini Park - a huge green space in the middle of Bangkok - visit at sunset and join in the free aerobic classes, which can be fun to watch also if you are not in the mood for joining in
Grand Palace - be prepared to be amazed
Chatuchak Weekend Markets - the largest markets in Thailand. Also known as the JJ markets. Opens from Friday night through to Sunday each week
Chitralada Royal Villa and Vimanmek Museum (huge mansion) - both within Dusit Palace
Bangkok National Museum - an incredible building
Bangkok Art and Cultural Centre - worth visiting for the art and the building
The Jim Thompson House is worth a visit - they give a tour and the background, it is interesting if you have time. Beautiful garden
Be mindful to have your shoulders and knees covered and be respectful at all times when visiting the temples;
Wat Arun - definitely a must-see. Catch the dodgy boat across the river just in time for sunset
Wat Saket - has the Golden Mount
Wat Pho - the Temple of the Reclining Buddha - its 46 metres long!
Wat Phra Kaew- the Temple of the Emerald Buddha
If you are looking for some night time entertainment, make sure to check the loud and out there Khao San Road. It is a bit of fun and shock value. This is where you buy fried cockroaches and spiders as a dare for your friends to eat.
Don’t be scared to try the street food. It is cooked fresh in front of you for a cheap price. We had the most delicious pad thai ever! Or the 7-Elevens have cheese toasties you take from the shelf and can get toasted in-store. Great for a sneaky midnight snack.
We also organised a day trip to see the Amphawa Floating Markets and Maeklong Railway Markets which is on the actual train line and you get to see the vendors quickly pack up their store as the train arrives. It is a long day as it is a bit of a drive out to get there, especially through the Bangkok traffic but it is really cool to see and experience.
You can also do a cycling tour around Bangkok. They offer a half-day, a five-hour ride or one through the countryside. It is a great way to see the sights of Bangkok that you may not usually see. We had friends do it with the ABC Amazing Bangkok Cyclist and they loved it. We ran short of time but would love to do it if we return to Bangkok one day.
Make sure to check out the secret food court at the International Airport when you are leaving. You will find the Airport Street Food court tucked away on the bottom floor. You buy tokens at the entry, then buy your food by spending your tokens. It is something different to try out. We loved the options and the food was great.
Have you been to Bangkok? What do you recommend for others to check out? We would love it if you joined the conversation and left a comment below.