Sights and experiences
If there’s one thing for sure; you won’t struggle with finding things to do in Bangkok. And to help you plan your sightseeing, we’ve put together a list of what to see and places to visit during your stay in Bangkok.
Wat Arun
When you’re asking yourself what to do in Bangkok, the Wat Arun is a must-see. Wat Arun translates as the Temple of Dawn, and its architecture is something else – with spires reaching over 70m high, and decorated with tiny pieces of glass and Chinese porcelain. You’ll appreciate its scenic riverside location too, which is why we recommend visiting at sunset to watch the sun go down over the river, and the Wat Arun light up.
Floating Markets
Visiting the floating markets is such a fun thing to do in Bangkok. The boats are piled high with fresh fruits, vegetables and juices to snack on. Why not treat yourself to a full meal from the floating kitchens? Or if you’d rather simply relax and take in the river marketplace atmosphere, you can also take a guided river tour.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
The largest market in Bangkok, the Chatuchak Weekend Market is a must-visit for tourists who love to shop. With more than 8,000 stalls, you’re guaranteed to find pretty much everything you can think of, from clothes to books to furnishings. A visit to Chatuchak is a day out like no other and you will not be disappointed, so make sure it’s on your list of things to do in Bangkok.
Grand Palace
Though no longer the home of Thailand’s royalty, the Grand Palace is still one of the city’s most famous landmarks. And we believe that no visit to Bangkok would be complete without taking in this spectacular building. Built in 1782, its sacred grounds continue to amaze visitors to this day with its beautiful and intricately crafted architecture, and we’re sure it will amaze you too.
Wat Pho
Another of Bangkok’s famous temples, Wat Pho is a must for anyone visiting Bangkok for the first time. Translating into ‘Temple of the Reclining Buddha’, it’s one of the city’s largest temples and offers so much insight into Thailand’s Buddhist history and culture. Its most famous feature is its giant reclining Buddha, which is covered from head to toe with gold leaf and measures 46m long. Wat Pho is also Thailand’s leading school of massage, so why not take advantage and treat yourself to a traditional Thai massage?
Wining and dining
Issaya Siamese Club
For the best authentic Thai food in Bangkok, visit Issaya Siamese Club. A true hidden gem, the food itself is moderately spicy but undoubtedly Thai. The interior is made up of a green garden, wooden veranda and décor which will make you believe you’ve stepped into the Thailand of a hundred years ago. It’s the sort of place you’ll tell all your friends and family about back home.
Elements Restaurant at Okura Prestige Hotel
This world-class restaurant serves the most sensational cuisine sourced from all over the world. The atmosphere is relaxed and with an open kitchen, you can even see the highly talented chefs at work. Its extensive menu is incredibly imaginative, using the finest ingredients and adding a modern twist.
Le Du
Le Du is one of the city’s rising stars, and one of the places we recommend you try and visit in Bangkok. Its creative cuisine treats you to an incredibly varied menu with influences drawing on global gastronomic influences, yet is still grounded in Thai roots. The incredibly skilled young chefs have trained at top restaurants around the world, which in evident in the flair and passion they have for what they do.
Nahm
Thanks to its top Michelin-starred chef, Nahm is often ranked as one of the world’s best restaurants. Though the recipes are tried and tested winning formulas, the focus on the quality of the local ingredients used and how they work together is what takes the food to another level. The set menu is recommended in order to take the best of what the restaurant has to offer, offering all the sweet, sour, spicy and bitter flavours synonymous with Thai cuisine. A visit to Nahm should be right at the top of your “things to do in Bangkok” list.
