The Top Five “Must Do” Activities in Bangkok
Bangkok really is that one-of-a-kind city which has something for everyone. Whether you want to study Thailand’s culture, relax with a massage, or see a kickboxing fight – Thailand’s capital is ready for you. Yet with so much to do it’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed when arriving in Bangkok. Here are the top five things you must do if you’re going to say you’ve ‘been to Bangkok’.
1) The Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha
The breathtaking architecture and detailed murals adorning the Grand Palace make this the number one “must do” in Bangkok. The home of the Thai king and his court from 1782 to the 1940’s, the palace is now open to visitors daily from 8:30AM to 3:30PM. Be sure to see the much-revered Temple of the Emerald Buddha which is also on the compound.
2) A Massage at Wat Po
Wat Po is one of Thailand’s oldest temples and home to the famous 150-foot long reclining Buddha statue with mother-of-pearl feet. Wat Po is also the birthplace of the traditional Thai massage. Be sure to walk over to the massage school and get a relaxing massage – one hour should cost about $10.
3) Go Shopping
Shopping is an experience unto itself in Bangkok and this city has plenty of places to satisfy your inner consumer. Chatuchak Weekend Market is the largest outdoor market in the world with over 15,000 stalls selling pots, pets, books, clothing, and more. After a busy day at Chatuchak take the SkyTrain up to Siam Square and enjoy the luxury labels of Siam Paragon, one of the largest shopping centers in Asia.
4) Ride Along the Chao Phraya River
The River of Kings, or the Chao Phraya River, is Bangkok’s lifeline providing transportation for major ships and locals alike. Ride with the locals from pier to pier or take a tour and see what life is like along the banks of the Chao Phraya. Tours are easily accessed by taking the SkyTrain to Saphan Taksin station and walking to the river. Look for the pearly towers of Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, from the water. It’s also fun to feed the Chao Phraya’s fish.
5) Cheer on a Kickboxing Match
Muay Thai, or Thai Kickboxing, has become popular throughout the world for it’s powerful kicks and lethal elbows. See the real deal at Lumpini Stadium or Ratchadamnoen Stadium – these venues alternate their fight nights so you can see a match any night of the week. Look for the band beside the ring playing traditional Thai instruments to the rhythm of the fight and cheer on with all the locals.
Comments and Responses
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Shopping in Bangkok is an absolute must! Those multi-story malls are simply mind-blowing – you’ll almost forget you’re in a developing country. You can find some great treasures at the Chatuchuk Weekend Market too.
One thing to be aware of is that the salespeople in malls can behave in a way that we Westerners would consider “pushy” – hovering over your shoulder (literally) and trying to “help you shop”. This mainly happened to me in women’s clothing shops. Just be aware that this is actually the norm in these places, so if this happens to you, just try to go with the flow and enjoy the experience for what it is! Perhaps you might even enjoy having your own personal shopping assistant. Due to the exchange rate, you’ll wind up with plenty of fabulous finds at discount prices.