absolutelyBangkok archive · Bangkok Hotels
Originally published July 24, 2011
The Top 10 list of things to do for first time travellers to Bangkok. I have tried to cover just the most popular, however just being in Bangkok is an experience on it’s own, and you will know this the from the moment that you arrive at the airport.
Top Ten Things to Do in Bangkok!
1. Khao San Road
The Khao San Road is the most popular road with tourists and backpackers in Bangkok. It is located in the old town and has sort of a nomadic-earth dwelling vibe. Travelers socialize among the many restaurants, cafes, bars, and open-aired markets which offer global cuisine and streetfood and random souvenir products. Cheap hostels and guesthouses (around THB 350) can also be easily found throughout the Khao San Road area.
2. Bangkok Songkran Festival (Water Festival)
Fun-loving Thais celebrate Songkran (New Year’s Day based on the solar calendar), which lies between April 13-15 annually throughout Thailand. During this time, it seems that the entire country is closes down to celebrate the Thai New Year. At home, Thais pay respect to their elders by pouring water into their hands and receive blessings in return. Outside, “happiness” is given to anyone in sight by throwing water balloons, dumping buckets of water, and shooting water guns — so, be prepared to get wet!
3. Museum of Siam
An even greater appreciation of Thailand’s beautiful beaches, friendly people, and delicious cuisine is gained by visiting the Museum of Siam. Unlike other seemingly dull museums, The Museum of Siam is a breathe of fresh air, continuously offering new interactive activities and exhibits. The museum tells the story of Thailand’s unique history and development from Suwannabhumi (3,000 years ago) to Siam (present time).
Hours: Tuesday — Friday, 10 a.m. — 6 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m. — 7 p.m.; Closed on Mondays.
Location: Sanam Chai Road, next to Phra Ratchawang Police Station and opposite Ratchabophit School Ticket: THB 300; THB if traveling in groups of 5 or more 4. Chatuchak Weekend Market This enormous market, located on Paholyothin Road, is packed full of clothes, jewelry, art, ceramics, home decor, fresh and dry food, and even pets. Getting there is fairly simple, especially if you take the Skytrain to the Mochit Station, the last northbound station. A few tips: keep your cash in a safe place, get a market map at the police booth, and if you go as a group, use the clock tower as the meeting point.
Hours: Open only on weekends, from 9 a.m. — 6 p.m.
Location: The market is on Paholyothin Road, north of the Victory Monument and near the Northern Bus Terminal.
5. Chinatown
If you are looking for a fun, inexpensive way to pass the afternoon, take the express boat up the Chao Praya River to Chinatown. You can spend hours exploring the chaotic streets which host the Sampeng Soi Wholesale Market, Little India, and a great seafood market. Also scattered around Chinatown are wonderful street stalls, gold shops, and some of the best herbalists and pharmacists in the city.
Location: Chinatown is known as the area between Yaowarat Road and the Chao Phraya River 6.
Prasart Museum
Set in a gorgeously lush tropical garden, Prasart Museum is a unique exhibition of traditional Asian buildings, collected and reassembled by wealthy entrepreneur and art lover Mr. Prasart. Rarely visited by tourists, you’ll feel like a VIP while admiring the unusual replicas which reflect the many architectural styles found around Thailand.
Hours: A visit to the Prasart Museum requires an appointment request one to two days in advance.
Location: Soi 4, Krungthep Kritha Rd., Khlong Chan, Bang Kapi, Bangkok Thailand Ticket: THB 500
Tel: +66 (0)2 379-3601
7.
Baiyoke Sky Tower
To get an airplane’s view of Bangkok, take a visit to the tallest building in Bangkok and Thailand boasting 85 floors (304 m, 997 ft). It contains the Baiyoke Sky Hotel with 673 guest rooms and several floors which are open to the public:
– 18th floor: Sky Cofee Shop
– 76th floor: Bangkok Sky Restaurant
– 77th floor: air-conditioned observatory
– 82nd floor: Crystal Grill
– 83rd floor: Roof Top Bar & Music Lounge
– 84th floor: 360 degree steel-fenced roof deck Hours: Open 24 hours daily Location: 222 Rajprarop Road, Bangkok Thailand (in the Ratchathewi district of Bangkok)
Ticket: THB 200
8.
Dusit Zoo
Open for more than 65 years, the values of Dusit Zoo have changed several times. Now operated by the Zoological Park Organization, the zoo strives to create an environment which not only showcases the wildlife of Thailand but also promotes education and conservation. Located in the middle of Bangkok, a visit to the zoo is a convenient and affordable way to spend the afternoon.
Hours: 8 a.m. — 6 p.m.
Tel: +66 (0)2 282 7111-3 ext 128
Location: Rama V Road, Dusit, Bangkok Thailand
Ticket: Kids THB 50, adults THB 100
9. Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
Considered the most sacred and one of the most beautiful temples in all of Bangkok and Thailand, people often wonder why Wat Phra Kaew is not listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The dark green statue of the Emerald Buddha can only be handled by the King is about 66 centimetres (26 in) tall, carved from a single jade stone (Emerald in Thai means deep green color and not the specific stone).
Hours: Daily 8:30 a.m. — 3:30 p.m.
Location: Wat Phra Kaew is located in the historic center of Bangkok (district Phra Nakhon), within the precincts of the Grand Palace.
Dress Code: Men must wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts and shoes; women must wear long skirts Public Transport: Chao Phraya Express Boat to Pier Tha Chang 10.
National Museum & Grand Palace
The National Museum and Grand Palace are both grand presentations of Thai history and architecture. The National Museum houses the largest collection of Thai art and artifacts in the country, so a visit here is a must. With the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew only a short distance away, you can plan to visit all landmarks in one day’s trip.
National Museum
Hours: Wednesday — Sunday from 9 a.m. — 4 p.m.; Closed on national holidays.
Tel: +66 (0)2 215-8173
Ticket: THB 40
Location: Na Phrothat Road, near the Grand Palace (Grand Palace Address: Maharaj Pier, Chao Phraya, Bangkok Thailand)
Programs: Free guided tours are conducted by the National Museum Volunteers at 9:30 a.m. in English and French on Wednesdays and Thursdays, in Japanese on Wednesdays only, and in German on Thursdays only.
Grand Palace
Hours: Daily 8.30 a.m. — 4.30 p.m.; last ticket sold 3:30 p.m.
Tel: +66 (0)2 224-1833
Ticket: THB 350
Location: Maharaj Pier, Chao Phraya, Bangkok Thailand
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