Thailand: What to do in Bangkok?

Bangkok is a city of extremes. Thailand’s capital is at once overcrowded, chaotic, and bustling, yet it is also surprising, unique, and vibrant. Bangkok is a city you’ll never forget. In more ways than one, Bangkok is one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant capitals. A city of many faces, Bangkok never seems to sleep. In this mecca of street food, you’ll taste the best cuisine Thailand has to offer. Explore the klongs by boat to immerse yourself in old-world Bangkok. Finally, Bangkok is full of temples, but there are many other things to see in the Thai capital. Talk to your SoGuide guide; they can take you there and explain the history of each of these places.

Grand Palace The former residence of the king. The palace is magnificent, with its golden roofs, large elephant statues, and a perfectly manicured garden. Today, the Grand Palace is only used on public holidays and during ceremonies, but it’s a must-see when visiting Bangkok.

Chinatown Try not to get lost in the oldest and largest Chinatown in the world! It’s a labyrinth of narrow, winding streets with bustling markets, street food stalls, garages, herbal medicine shops, and hidden temples.

Lumpinee Boxing Stadium A Muay Thai boxing match is a must-see in Thailand! The Lumpinee Boxing Stadium is the perfect place to watch a real match. You’ll be among the locals who will be cheering, shouting, betting, and completely absorbed in the match.

Wat Arun The Temple of the Dawn is a magnificent temple located on the Chao Phraya River; it’s stunning at dusk. The unique feature of this 82-meter-tall structure is that you can climb part of it via a steep staircase.

Wat Pho If there were only one left, it would be Wat Pho. The Temple of the Reclining Buddha is the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok. The complex features over 1,000 Buddha images, including the enormous Reclining Buddha. A must-see

Jim Thompson’s House The teak house of former architect and silk merchant Jim Thompson is magnificent. Take one of the guided tours and admire the architecture and the unique blend of Thai, Asian, and Western art. A haven of peace amid the chaos of Bangkok

The Chao Phraya River The Chao Phraya River is the lifeline of Bangkok. From the riverbank, take a water taxi to various sites, such as Wat Arun, the Grand Palace, and Chinatown.

In the Bangkok area, you’ll find several floating markets, where wooden boats serve as stalls selling Thai food and souvenirs on the river. The most popular is Damnoen Saduak. A local and authentic market is Amphawa. Ask your SoGuide

Chatuchak Weekend Market From clothes to canaries, everything is for sale at Chatuchak Weekend Market. This weekend market is the largest in Thailand and has over 10,000 shops and stalls. The perfect place to buy souvenirs!

Exploring the City by Bike A bike ride is the best way to discover Bangkok. You’ll cycle through narrow streets and visit places you wouldn’t normally go. Ask your guide!

Lumphini Park Escape the hustle and bustle and visit the beautiful Lumphini Park in the heart of Bangkok, a green oasis with perfectly manicured lawns and trees and a large lake where you can rent a swan-shaped pedal boat. You’ll see plenty of monitor lizards (very large lizards) that have made their home there!

Cruising the klongs (canals) The old district of Thonburi (the “Venice of the East”) is a labyrinth of klongs, canals, and waterways. It’s a great experience to take a boat ride and see how people really live.

The MahaNakhon SkyWalk The King Power MahaNakhon skyscraper is a must-see. In addition to its one-of-a-kind architecture, Bangkok’s second-tallest building offers spectacular views. But what you’ll really want to check out is the “Glass SkyWalk,” where you can walk on a glass panel at a height of 314 meters.

Bang Krachao A largely undeveloped area in the heart of Bangkok, Bang Krachao is the city’s green lung—explore the jungle on foot or by bike. This island is a must-visit if you’re seeking peace and authenticity. Your guide can take you there.

The Plane Graveyard Just outside Bangkok lies a graveyard of old planes, including a vintage Boeing 747 from the 1970s. It’s not an official site at all, so you’re free to climb inside the cabins. Great fun!

Wat Saket (Golden Mount) Climb the 318 steps of the famous “Golden Mount.” Along the way, you’ll pass by beautiful flower beds, waterfalls, and temple bells—and at the top, you’ll be rewarded with a 360-degree view of the city.