Bangkok is the capital and a huge cosmopolitan city. Gateway to the country and an exciting place to spend a few days and nights to enjoy its many attractions. History, culture, music, gastronomy, tradition, modernity. Bangkok has everything.
What to see and do? Bangkok offers you:
Table of Contents
Historical places. A must-see visits in your program
The Grand Palace and in the same enclosure the Buddhist temple Wat Phra Kaew, are like 5th Avenue, Trafalgar Square or La Sagrada Familia –i.e. visits that are usually included on the first trip to New York, London or Barcelona.
The Wat Pho is one of the best-preserved monasteries in the country, so it is well worth wandering around the various rooms, although it’s famous because it houses the enormous reclining Buddha.
The sight of Wat Arun next to the Chao Phraya River is stunning and the first lights of the morning and also in the afternoon, just before sunset, enhance its beauty. Besides, the views of the city from the terrace of the central ‘prang’ are excellent. Please note: It is no longer possible to climb to the middle floor of the central tower.
The Chinese diaspora, settled in Bangkok from the beginning, has played an essential role in the country and today its neighborhood still retains the authentic Chinese aroma, so we recommend not leaving the city before visiting Chinatown.
The two tours offered below include the Grand Palace, but with GetYourGuide you also visit the Wat Pho and the Wat Arun.
Canals and floating markets
The canals of Bangkok and the floating markets are more part of the history than the present, even so, the city offers an opportunity to imagine classic Bangkok while enjoying a pleasant boat ride and tasting Thai food at a floating market.
You can also use the Saen Saep canal as a means of transport.
The Thonburi canals are the best preserved and the tour can be combined with your visit to the Grand Palace in the historic district of Rattanakosin. In Thonburi is located the Taling Chan floating market.
At the Chao Phraya’s piers, you can hire a long tail boat private tour as well as packages of shared trips (1h to 3h long). Yodpiman, Tha Tien, Tha Chang and Tha Maharaj docks.
Information about the floating markets in this post.
In the case of the Saen Saep canal, click here How to get your bearings in Bangkok.
Street markets and shopping malls
The street markets and the most exclusive shopping centres are the two poles of this type of business, but both are part of the most authentic Bangkok and deserve a visit, if not to buy at least to nose around.
As the malls have air conditioning, you can consider visiting them at noon.
Some markets open only on weekends or from Thursday to Sunday, keep it in mind if your travel dates are flexible.
Unlike most Western cities, especially those far from the tropic, much of everyday life takes place on the street, which makes the city even more attractive to visitors.
Complete post about the best markets.
To know more about the superb malls.
Entertainment places. To enjoy the fun side of life
Cultural visits to historical places like Buddhist temples and other sites of interest are usually carried out in the mornings. Between 5 and 6 in the evening all of them will be closed to the public and from 6 pm the day begins to darken. So the ambience changes and also the travellers’ activities.
In your program you may include:
» Restaurants to taste the hot Thai cuisine or enjoy a delicious dinner on a cruise on the Chao Phraya river.
» Bars and clubs for a drink, maybe one on a rooftop bar.
» Shows in the theatre or spicier in a cabaret.
» Attend an evening of Muay Thai.
» Having a look at the red-light districts of Bangkok.
All the information to have fun at dusk in Nightlife Bangkok.
More useful posts about Bangkok are available:
» Interesting places for some reason.
» Superb shopping centres.
» Curious and bustling street markets.
» About getting around, we offer useful references in this article that includes maps.
Bangkok in 1 day [Video]
For a one-day visit, keep in mind the airport of departure and carefully plan the places to visit.
Depending on your schedule, the hotel will have to be located either close to the area where you will spend your leisure time (if you arrive in Bangkok at night) or close to the departure airport (if you leave the city early in the morning).
In the first case, if you arrive in Bangkok at night, it may be convenient to leave your luggage at your accommodation and pick it up just before going to the airport. If so, you can choose a hotel very close to your first visit to start as soon as possible or the last visit of the day to pick it up at the last minute.
In the second case, if your flight leaves early in the morning, it is best to book a hotel next to the departure airport.
Selection of hotels near Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports ✅Location ✅Reviews ✅Value for money.
Hotels in Bangkok. How to make the best decision
Bangkok has a chaotic design, so it is convenient to carefully select the location of your hotel.
There are 6 main areas for a brief visit. Here we offer you very practical information and our best selection.