Bangkok, the city that never sleeps, is a top global tourist destination and is celebrated for its exceptional shopping scenes, mouthwatering gastronomical culture, vibrant nightlife, and majestic Theravada Temples. This bustling metropolis offers an endless array of activities and attractions to suit every visitor’s preferences. To assist you in embarking on an unforgettable adventure in Bangkok, Lub d has compiled a list of the most distinctive experiences (sprinkled with some must-see attractions and activities you should not miss) this big city offers. Let’s explore the following recommendations for an extraordinary time in the Thai capital with us!
1. Explore the Grand Palace: A Glimpse of Thailand’s Majestic Heritage
The Grand Palace complex founded in 1782 comprises royal halls, government offices, and the famous Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Spanning 218,000 square meters, you will get to immerse yourself in the opulent grandeur of the Grand Palace, a magnificent complex that served as the official residence of the Kings of Siam in the historical period. Don’t miss the sacred Wat Phra Kaew, home to Thailand’s Emerald Buddha. Prepare to be captivated by these majestic walls’ rich history and cultural significance.
However, since many tourists from all walks of life wish to see this historical landmark, scams preying on travelers’ innocence are inevitable, yet surely could be avoidable. Just in case you want to be extra cautious around the Grand Palace, here are some useful tips for the common scams. Fighting the Scammers: 7 Tips on How to Avoid Common Scams and Tricks in Bangkok
2. Take a Boat Tour Along the Chao Phraya River: A Serene Journey through Bangkok’s Heart
Spending some of your time during the day to take a tour along the Chao Phraya River, the lifeblood of Bangkok is highly recommended. To access the Chao Phraya River, you can reach conveniently by BTS Skytrain and alight at Saphan Taskin station on the Silom line. Exiting from gate 2, proceed towards either the Central Pier or the Sathorn Pier. These piers serve as the starting point for embarking on your Chao Phraya River expedition.
Many notable attractions in Bangkok can be found along the renowned Chao Phraya River such as Grand Palace and Wat Arun. In the 18th century, when the city became the capital of Thailand, the historic Rattanakosin district emerged, featuring prominent landmarks like the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, constructed elegantly on the picturesque river banks.
From Sathorn pier, you can travel to many must-go destinations such as ICONSIAM which can be commuted without charge by the shopping mall’s shuttle boat, Santa Cruz Portuguese Catholic church, visit Koh Kret Pottery Village and Brewery, and many other destinations that can reach by river boats.
3. Take a Thai Food Tour… in a Tuk-Tuk!
Ditch the regular taxi, and let’s go on a gastronomic adventure in a Tuk-Tuk — a speedy 3-wheel vehicle with neon lights and sometimes blasting music! Trust us, it is one of the most exciting ways to get around the city and will make your food tour much more fun! It might seem like one of those unusual things to do but every Thai person surely has taken a Tuk-Tuk ride once in their life.
After you reach the busy area of Chinatown, you will get to embark on a culinary adventure in this bustling neighborhood teeming with vibrant colors, neon signs, and Thai-Chinese street food stalls where you can find so many dishes from fresh tiger prawns to shaved ice dessert to cool you down. Famous and tastiness-guaranteed restaurants in Chinatown include T & K Seafood for the fresh seafood, Hua Seng Hong for authentic dim sum, Guay Jab Ouan Pochana for the Michelin Star street food, and Krua Pon Lamai for the authentic local famous sizzling fried oyster pancake.
4. Experience Floating Markets: A Journey Back in Time
Escape the city’s bustling streets and venture to one of Bangkok’s enchanting floating markets, where traditional wooden boats laden with fresh fruits, vegetables, and local crafts ply the canals. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, bargaining with friendly vendors and sampling the delectable street food offerings.
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, one of the most popular floating markets, is a colorful tapestry of sights, sounds, and flavors that transport you to a bygone era. Explore the labyrinthine canals of Amphawa Floating Market, known for its lively evening atmosphere and fresh seafood delicacies. These floating markets offer a unique glimpse into Thailand’s rich cultural heritage and provide an unforgettable experience.
5. Unwind in Lush Green Spaces: Oasis of Serenity
Escape the urban jungle and find solace in Bangkok’s serene green spaces. Lumpini Park, the city’s largest park, offers a tranquil retreat amidst the bustling metropolis. We also recommend you check out Benchakitti Park where there is a bridge that connects to Lumpini Park. You can take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque pathways, rent a bike to ride around the park or join a group for Tai Chi or yoga sessions in which many things are going on in the area.
To get to Lumpini Park, you can take MRT directly to the park at the Lumpini MRT station. For Benchakitti Park, you can get there within easy walking distance from Sukhumvit MRT and Asoke BTS station.
6. Embrace the Nightlife: From Rooftop Bars to Night Markets
When the sun sets, Bangkok comes alive with a vibrant nightlife that caters to all tastes. Rise above the city’s skyline and indulge in the breathtaking views from the rooftop bars. Sip on a signature cocktail while marveling at the sparkling city lights below. For a more traditional experience, visit the night markets across the city. There are so many nightlife scenes for you to choose based on your preferences.
If you want to sip good cocktails with the city views on the rooftop, check out Escape Bangkok, Octave, and Tichuca Rooftop Bar for stunning views and great vibes. If you’re looking for a full-on night out at the clubs, Sukhumvit Soi 11, RCA and Thonglor Soi 10 are the areas packed with nightclubs and bars for you to choose from based on your liking.
7. Delve into Art and Culture: Galleries and Museums
For those who love to dive into the local culture of any destination they are visiting, Bangkok is the ultimate city to do so. With the diverse range of galleries and museums that exhibit a captivating blend of traditional and contemporary artworks, you will get to see the cultural aspect of Thailand by visiting these recommended museums.
One must-visit destination is the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, a vibrant hub that celebrates local artists. Here, you can fully engage yourself in thought-provoking exhibitions, live performances, and interactive workshops that stimulate creativity.
For a deeper understanding of Thailand’s silk industry and the man behind its revival, explore the Jim Thompson House Museum, offering a fascinating glimpse into his life and legacy.
Delve into the rich tapestry of Thai history by venturing to the National Museum, housing a vast collection of artifacts that narrate the country’s captivating past. If you want to know more about other remarkable museums in Bangkok, we have a list of museums that you should check out while you’re in Bangkok. Read more about these 6 cool museums in Bangkok.
8. Pamper Yourself with Thai Massage and Spa Treatments
No visit to Bangkok is complete without indulging in the rejuvenating power of traditional Thai massage and spa treatments. Unwind in a tranquil spa sanctuary where skilled therapists will melt away your stress and revitalize your body and mind. There are many renowned branches of massage and spa shops that are operated professionally. You will get to be blown away by the therapeutic benefits of Thai massage that will leave you feeling refreshed and energized, and we guarantee that you will want to come back for more.
9. Wander Through the Pak Khlong Flower Market
This place might go under your radar but we recommend you should visit for the unique experience. Pak Khlong flower market or commonly known among the locals as Pak Khlong Talat, situated in Bangkok’s historic old city near the Chao Phraya River, is the largest fresh flower market in Bangkok. With its narrow lanes and numerous stalls, this vibrant market can feel like an enchanting labyrinth with various species of flowers being sold along with its adjacent bustling marketplace where vendors offer an array of fresh vegetables, fruits, and aromatic herbs. The market opens 24/7 with most active hours beginning around midnight.
You’ll get to see not only the tremendous arrays of flowers and fresh vegetables, but you get to experience and learn about the way of the locals. The location of the market is also unique, with the backdrop of the captivating Rattanakosin historical district, a stone’s throw away from iconic attractions such as the Grand Palace and Wat Pho, Pak Khlong Talat offers the vibrant and scenic atmosphere for your perfect night stroll.
To reach here, you can hop on the express boat and stop by the Yodpiman Riverwalk pier (N6/1). For those near an MRT subway station, take MRT to Sanam Chai station, followed by a brief five-minute walk along Sanam Chai Road and walk until you reach Chakkraphet Road.
10. Day Trip To The Maeklong Railway Market
Established in 1905, the renowned Maeklong Railway Market has become an iconic attraction in Samut Songkhram province, nestled along the beautiful Gulf of Thailand. The local community has long relied on fishing as a primary source of livelihood, and the market serves as a vital platform for the sale of their fresh catches. Despite the introduction of a railway system, strategically constructed to facilitate the distribution of their seafood to various provinces, including the capital city, the vibrant market persevered, with the railway tracks seamlessly cutting through its bustling lanes.
The Maeklong Railway Market attracts attention primarily for its unique feature of a train passing through the market where the retailers and the shoppers have to give way for the train to go through. Still, the market does not only sell its unique feature, but it is also notable for being one of Thailand’s largest hubs for fresh seafood. Most of the products sold at the market consist of Thai authentic desserts, fresh meat, seafood, vegetables, fruits, and drinks. This combination makes the market the ultimate authentic destination to visit in Bangkok.
11. Catch the River Monster in The Lake
We got a niche activity specifically for those who love fishing! Discover a unique and thrilling activity in Bangkok that appeals to fishing enthusiasts. Immerse yourself in the thrill of catching all giant exotic species primarily from Southeast Asia, including the Mekong Catfish, Siamese carp, Amazon Redtail Catfish, and Arapaima, at numerous picturesque lakes scattered throughout the city. This underrated experience guarantees loads of excitement and enjoyment.
For the convenience of Western tourists, most lakes provide expert guides and all the necessary fishing equipment to assist beginners. Prepare yourself for the opportunity to reel in fish ranging from 20 to 180 kilograms! Pricing varies depending on the chosen location, with some places offering a rod rental for as low as 3 USD (100 THB), while others may range from 112-170 USD (4,000-6,000 THB).
12. Workout by Wakeboarding in Bangkok
Explore the thrilling world of wakeboarding, an exceptional outdoor activity in Bangkok that often goes unnoticed by travelers. Embark on an exhilarating water sport suitable for individuals of all ages, making it an addictive hobby that keeps you coming back for more. Discover an array of prominent wakeboarding parks situated in and around the city, with our top recommendations being Zanook, Thai Wake Park, and Taco Lake. Experience the adrenaline rush and excitement of wakeboarding in these renowned locations.
Lub d Bangkok Siam strategically situated in the vibrant center of Bangkok, offers unparalleled convenience for embarking on your city tour while enjoying utmost comfort. At Lub d budget hotel, you can choose between cozy dorm rooms and private accommodations, ensuring a pleasant stay in one of the most inviting dorm hotels. The hotel’s architecture exudes a trendy “Gen Z” vibe, featuring Instagram-worthy spots and other captivating features.
Situated in the heart of the bustling shopping district, our hotel provides easy access to not only retail therapy in Siam Square and MBK but also a wealth of museums and other key attractions, all within reach via convenient public transportation.
