Bangkok Things To Do

Sightseeing
Sightseeing is the major attraction in Bangkok, and, as well as soaking up the vibrant city scene, there are endless places to visit and tour. By far the most popular tourist sites are Wat Arun, the Grand Palace and Wat Phorem, although with over 400 temples in the city, there's plenty more Thai history and culture to experience, and a host of museums, monuments and public gardens to see.

 

Boat trips along the Chao Phraya River are a popular way to see the city, with the express boat and various tourist boats travelling up and down the river and stopping at most of the major attractions. Canal boat rides are also available, as are dinner cruises.  Check out the floating markets that are typical of Thailand.

 

High on the list for most visitors is a shopping spree on a holiday in Bangkok, with a huge range of both Western malls and colourful local markets in which to browse. Patpong Market is something of an institution, and remains a major tourist draw selling pretty much everything, whilst some of the other local markets may offer better prices. Visit one of the numerous city tailors for some custom clothing, or stock up on bargains, especially silks and cotton batiks, books, handbags and electronics.

 

Bangkok has become a major golfing destination, and is now home to a number of varied courses with excellent green fees - many highly-rated internationally. There are sports facilities such as swimming pools, tennis courts and gyms, many located in the various hotels, as well as ice rinks, go carting, bike rental and bowling alleys. Visitors looking for spectator sports can take in a Thai boxing match, or watch a horse race at one of the city's two tracks.

 

Lovers of Thai food won't be disappointed in Bangkok, as the city offers an enormous range of food to suit all tastes and budgets. Street food is everywhere, especially in the markets, and there are literally hundreds of restaurants and cafes serving everything from simple local food to upmarket international cuisine.

 

Bangkok truly offers something for everyone, from its legendary nightlife and famous go-go bars, to cinemas, concerts, cabaret shows and a thriving theatre scene. Visitors can choose from international bars, cocktail lounges and trendy clubs, as well as backpacker hang-outs and local bars.

 

From luxurious beauty treatments to the ancient art of Thai massage, the city offers plenty of opportunity for some relaxing pampering whilst on holiday, and generally at very competitive prices.

 

As well as the local temples, other city attractions include the Dusit Zoo, Chinatown, the local snake farm and Jim Thompson's House. Outside of Bangkok there are organised trips to sights such as the famous Floating Market, and the infamous bridge on the River Kwai. Beaches to visit include Koh Pha Ngan, Krabi or Phuket.