Five things to see and do in Bangkok

Bangkok is a big, busy, bustling metropolis that attracts millions of visitors from all over the world with its fascinating culture and vibrant city life. Contemporary Thailand meets ancient Buddhist traditions here, giving the city a unique character.

Whether you wish to explore the impressive temples, shop at markets and shopping centres, or visit the colourful street kitchens, Bangkok has something for you.

Below we have put together a list of five things to see and do in Bangkok.

1. Visit the royal Grand Palace

One of the crowning jewels of Bangkok is the lavish royal palace, the Grand Palace, which is more than 200 years old. The unique palace consists of several buildings with gold-plated roofs and surrounded by statues of warriors and demons.

The Grand Palace was home to the Thai royal family for more than 150 years, but is now only used by the king in connection with religious ceremonies and festivals. Inside the palace is the Wat Phra Kaew temple. It is Thailand’s most sacred place, and houses a world-famous Buddha statue, made of a single, huge piece of shining green jade.

2. Visit Bangkok’s jungle on two wheels

A lot of people don’t know that there are jungles in Bangkok. But Bangkok actually has several green pockets and lush jungle offering a verdant respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.

If you are looking for something fun and unusual to do in Bangkok, go on an exciting bike ride to Bangkok’s jungle and explore a side of the metropolis that few travellers get to experience. The tour takes place at a gentle pace, on a flat stretch along small roads and paths through villages, past temples and gardens.

Along the way, you cross a river by boat to get to the jungle, where you will discover a stunning landscape with banana palms, waterfalls and bamboo as thick as your thigh!

3. Savour the Thai cuisine

The Thai cuisine is one of the ultimate experiences in Bangkok, offering a wealth of tasty dishes, which need not necessarily be enjoyed in a restaurant.

Visit one of Bangkok’s countless street kitchens, which are found everywhere in the buzzing streets. It can be an entertaining and relaxed way to eat, and a great opportunity to meet the locals, who often eat at the markets or at the food stalls on the street.

4. Explore Bangkok’s markets

Whether you’re into shopping or not, Bangkok’s vibrant markets, which are found in many parts of the city, are well worth a visit. They sell everything from jewellery, bags and clothes to delicious Thai food for next to no money, and there is always a great atmosphere when haggling at the many stalls.

If you are looking for something to do in Bangkok on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, then visit the Chatuchak weekend market. The market, which has more than 15,000 different stalls, is one of the largest in Asia.

You can also experience the floating markets in Bangkok, where goods are sold on the river from small wooden canoes, which zigzag in between each other.

5. Sail along Bangkok’s canals

Experience Bangkok from the water on a boat trip on the klongs, as Bangkok’s canals are known.

An express boat departs from near the royal palace, which sails to the Nontaburi district, considered to be the “old” Bangkok, where you can visit a local market.

In the olden days, most of daily trade in Thailand took place on and along the canals, hence the nickname “the Venice of the East” given to the city by early European traders.

The canals in Bangkok remain an important part of everyday life for the local people to this dya. You soon experience local life from the water as you sail past postmen and traders.

Fancy a trip to Bangkok? Then take a look at our tours to Thailand here!

TourCompass – From tourist to traveller