Maybe you only have a short time in Bangkok before you fly to Phuket or Chang Mai. Or perhaps you want to fit a lot of short experiences into your stay in the city. Here are some ideas for things you shouldn’t miss in Bangkok – the iconic Bangkok experiences that every visitor should check out. From the smells and tastes of traditional Thailand to the upscale Bangkok shopping expedition, these nine activities cover all bases. What are you waiting for? Get out there and discover the heart of Bangkok.
1) Chinatown Market
When in Bangkok, pay a visit to Chinatown. This area right in the heart of the city is a great place to go for interesting food and some interesting sights, smells, and experiences. The old market in Chinatown is perfect for picking up such delicacies as Peking duck and sweet roasted chestnuts. You can also browse the market stalls for souvenirs, clothes, and cute home décor. Chinatown has some reasonably priced hotels so it is a good place to stay if you are on a budget.
2) Siam Square
From Chinatown to Siam Square…. Siam Square is a modern, quirky shopping area full of young designers and interesting stores. If you want to check out what fashionable people are doing in Bangkok, go shopping here. Siam Square is also one of the most expensive places in Bangkok to rent land but it still retains that University spirit, and a style that is quirky and unique.
3) Soi Rambuttri
While Khao San, the parallel street, is backpacker-central, Rambuttri is more traditional and gives a sense of how Bangkok used to be before it was developed with skyscrapers and modern buildings. Check out the small, traditional shops and browse beneath the shade of banyan trees in this interesting part of the city.
4) Bangkok Rooftop Cocktails
Whether you’re in Bangkok for one night or 20 nights, you need to spend at least one evening sipping cocktails at one of the city’s rooftop bars. You’ll get a first-class view of the Bangkok sunset and the chance to relax and chill out in stylish, chic surroundings. The experience is relaxing, far above the hustle and bustle of the city. Choose how high you want to go – Bangkok has dozens of these sky-high bars for an evening to remember.
5) Bangkok Dinner Cruise
Once you’ve experienced the inexperienced a high vantage point, get back down to earth (or at least water) on a dinner river cruise. The Chao Phraya River is magical at sunset, and you can cruise the waters on a luxury yacht, or an old converted teakwood boat. Either way, you’ll enjoy a delicious meal as you watch the scenery unfold in front of your eyes.
6) Grand Palace Bangkok
For an insight into the history and culture of Bangkok you really cannot miss the Grand Palace complex in the heart of the city. Bangkok Grand Palace is wildly popular tourist attraction and as such can be very busy. But it is worth visiting this place to see the stunning architecture and the detail in the statues and carvings. Wat Pra Kaew is home to the Emerald Buddha, a sacred Buddha image carved out of one piece of emerald stone. The Grand Palace was built in 1782. Try to get there as early as possible in the morning to avoid some of the crowds and also some of the heat. Learn more about; Grand Palace Bangkok.
7) Wat Arun (The Temple of the Dawn)
Another iconic Bangkok temple, Wat Arun means Temple of the Dawn and its towering spires are immediately recognizable – the silhouette of the temple by the river is especially memorable at sunrise or sunset. This Wat was built during the early part of the 19th century and is constructed in the traditional Khmer style. The temple is also amazing when viewed closely, so you should pay a visit to the Wat to see the glazed porcelain covering of the spires and the intricate carvings.
8) Soi Cowboy Sukhumvit
Cowboy Street in the Sukhumvit district was named after the first cowboy hat-wearing owner who opened a bar in the 1970s. This red-light district is a fun place for a few drinks and you’ll see all kinds of weird and wonderful happenings on the street and in the bars.
9) Bangkok Clubbing
While Soi Cowboy and Khao San occupy a place in the hearts of all people who visit Bangkok, there are other ways to party – international DJs play the top clubs in Bangkok and there are plenty of stylish places for drinks and dancing. Check out in the listings who’s playing where and get ready for a night to remember.
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