Bangkok is the capital of Thailand. This is a city where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with vibrant modern life. You’ll find ornate temples standing alongside towering shopping malls. creating a unique and dynamic atmosphere. The city is known for being safe and easy to navigate, perfect for a first time backpacking. There is plenty to do and explore in Bangkok. From historical sites to delicious street food and lively nightlife, you can easily spend a full week immersing yourself in all that the city has to offer. Here’s a list of 10 must-try activities to help you make the most of your time in this exciting city.
What to do in Bangkok?
1. Wat Pho
Wat Pho is one of Bangkok’s largest and oldest temples. The temple comples dates back to the 7th century and spans an area of more than 80.000 square meteres! What Pho is most most famous for the enormous golden reclining Buddha statue that is 46 meters long, but with over 1000 Buddha statues spread over the temple complex, there is much more to see and explore.
2. Khao San road
Khao San Road is probably the most famous and infamous street in all of Thailand. The street is known for it’s crazy nightlife: full of bars that seem to compete with each other who can play their music the loudests, street vendors selling spiders and scorpions on a stick, and tuktuk’s driving past offering you a ride. It’s busy, chaotic, and definitely worth a visit, even if you’re just passing through.
3. China Town
Bangkok’s Chinatown is a bustling district known for its vibrant street markets, delicious food stalls, and rich cultural heritage. Don’t miss trying some of the famous street food here, if you dare!
4. Wat Arun
Also known as the Temple of Dawn, Wat Arun is a stunning riverside temple with its intricate spires and beautiful views over the Chao Phraya River. Great to combine with a visit to the Grand Palace!
5. Explore Bangkok by bicycle
Explore Bangkok’s hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path sights with a guided bicycle tour by Co Van Kessel, which offers a unique perspective of the city’s local life and lesser-known areas. Check this blogpost if you want to read more about our experience!
6. Ride in a Tuktuk
Experience the thrill of a tuk-tuk ride through Bangkok’s busy streets. It’s a fun and convenient way to navigate the city and soak in its lively atmosphere. Make sure you do not get scammed by agreeing on the price with each other before hopping in.
7. Ram Buttri Aly
This lively street near Khao San Road offers a mix of bars, restaurants, and shops, perfect for a night out or simply soaking in Bangkok’s nightlife scene. Our favorite restaurant here is Madam Musur, a cozy place that serves great massaman curry.
8. Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaeo
A visit to Bangkok wouldn’t be complete without seeing the Grand Palace, a spectacular complex of royal residences, temples, and halls, including the famous Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha).
Tip: Make sure you cover your shoulders and knees as this is required for entering the site.
9. Try some new fruit
Thailand boasts a wide variety of exotic fruits. Expand your palate by sampling fruits like mangoes, durian, mangosteen, and dragon fruit from local markets or street vendors.
10. Mall
Bangkok is a shopper’s paradise with numerous malls offering everything from luxury brands to local handicrafts. Explore malls like Siam Paragon, CentralWorld, or MBK Center for a diverse shopping experience. Malls often have a cinema or an arcade, a perfect day escape from the Thai heat.
Where to stay
We stayed in Casa Picasso during our time in Bangkok. This is a colorful backpacker hotel in the heart of Bangkok, within walking distance of Khao San Road but without any of the nuisance. The rooms are small and simple, but since we were spending all our time exploring, we didn’t mind. For two persons, we paid 25 euros per day excluding breakfast. Maybe a little more expensive than a hostel, but a great option for budget-conscious travelers.
