14 Fun Activities You Must Do in Bangkok
Sebastian is a world traveler who has traveled to various countries in Asia, but his favorite country is Thailand. Read about the 14 fun things to do in Bangkok that Sebastian recommends!
There are millions of things you can do in Bangkok.
I really had to think hard before starting this article. I had all these cool places in mind. My brain screamed “information overload”. There are just so many things you can do in the capital of Thailand.
Then I sat down and made a list. I wrote down my personal experiences in the city of delicious food and humid weather. Once I was finished, I could finally start this article. I now had a list of 14 activities you must do in Bangkok.
I hope you’ll enjoy them as much as I did.
If you want to explore other parts of Thailand, I recommend you this guide to Chiang Mai for digital nomads
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The Bangkok River Tour (On a Small Boat)
Yes, you can book a Bangkok River Tour. But it costs about 1000THB, which is approximately $28. It’s a big boat with a lot of food and live music. However, that’s not what I’m talking about.
Are you an adventurer?
Then forget about the classy and stylish Bangkok River Tour and create your own river tour. Hop on one of the small wood boats at Saphan Taksin.
You’ll have so much fun cruising on the river.
Tip: Just don’t try to drink anything during the trip. You’ll spill everything.
Also, check the way to spend 5 days in Cambodia in the best way!
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Driving a Tuk Tuk Until You Can’t Breathe Anymore
Bangkok is famous for its Tuk Tuks.
What is a Tuk Tuk? I hear you asking. Well, you can best describe them as taxis without doors, or Rickshaws with an engine. You can find them all over Bangkok and driving with one is like the Fast and the Furious.
Choose an appropriate hostel in Bangkok!
Tuk Tuk drivers are very fast. Unfortunately, most of them are also very dishonest.
Tip: Don’t accept the first price. If he offers you a ride for 200THB it’s not worth more than 70THB. Keep that in mind.
What about the smog? Well, you might have to cuff a few times after your ride. But you only do it once, so don’t worry too much about that.
Find out how to travel to Bali on a budget.
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Visit the Dusit Zoo
The Dusit Zoo is Bangkok’s biggest zoo.
You will see tigers, monkeys, Giraffes, and more monkeys. Seriously, there are so many monkeys. When I was there I actually played with them. It was so much fun.
It’s not like in most Western countries where you’re not allowed to touch them. If you give him your finger, there’s a high chance that he’ll give you his. Congratulations, you have successfully bonded with one of your ancestors.
Learn about Doi Inthanon National Park
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Exercise in the Lumpini Park
The Lumpini Park is Bangkok’s biggest park.
It’s located directly at Silom, the business district of Bangkok. It’s like Central Park in New York. Okay, it’s not that big but it’s big enough to take a run.
You can find hundreds of expats, businessmen, and cute Thai women, who are trying to get in shape and to release stress. They are all working out in Lumpini Park.
Speaking of great activities, check this guide to diving in Thailand
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Get a Relaxing Thai Massage (Not the One You Think)
You absolutely have to get a Thai massage.
And no, I’m not talking about the kind of message that you’re thinking about right now. There are thousands of legit massage parlors all over Bangkok. The best thing is that they are not hard to find.
You just have to avoid the Asok and Nana area. These are the areas with the massage parlors that charge extra…if you know what I mean. Stay away from these two areas and the choice is yours.
Tip: Everybody with chronic back pain and tense shoulders has to get a Thai massage. It’s such a relief.
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Spend One Night on Khao San Road
To be honest, I don’t like the Khao San Road.
It’s full of backpackers, street vendors who try to rip you off, and overpriced street food. I don’t know why this street has become such a tourist hub. It’s a phenomenon that I just can’t explain.
However, you have to promise me that you spend at least one night there. This street is famous for its bars and clubs. It’s perfect if you want to socialize, meet cute Thai women who want to get to know foreigners and have a great time.
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Visit The Grand Palace
The Grand Palace is not far away from Khao San Road.
You absolutely have to visit it. It’s the most popular sight in Bangkok. And yes, tourists are allowed to visit it. The last time I went there, the entry fee was 400THB. Come on, it’s not that expensive.
Tip: The good news is that this ticket allows you to visit other temples as well.
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Visit the Wat Arun Temple
Speaking of temples…
The Wat Arun Temple is by far the most fascinating temple in Thailand. In case you are staying in a hotel close to the River, you can even see it. Yes, it’s that big.
This temple is older than every high-rise, and every Tuk Tuk in Bangkok. I really can’t explain how it feels to visit it. You have to see it with your own eyes.
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Try to Cross the Street at Victory Monument
The street around Victory Monument is the most confusing street in Bangkok. If I remember it correctly, there are six lines that go in the same direction and then there are another two or three lines that cross these six lines. It’s really confusing.
And I was just joking when I said that you should try to cross the street. Don’t do it. You will die. There’s no way you can cross that street.
Thank God there is a skywalk that will lead you safely to the other side and to some of the most famous restaurants in Bangkok.
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Eat for 10 Baht Once You Crossed the Street
Let’s stay at Victory Monument for a moment.
There are countless street vendors that sell everything from fake Rolex watches to backpacks, but that’s not why I want you to visit that place.
It’s all about the food.
Yes, you can get street food all over Bangkok, but you can’t get the famous 10THB noodles. Yes, you can get a dish for less than 30 cents. Of course, the bowl is pretty small but you can try all kinds of different combinations.
You’ll be so full afterward.
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Dance the Night Away at RCA
Oh, God…I don’t know if I should laugh or cry when I think back to my time at the Royal City Avenue. I had nights did so many crazy things and met so many new friends, that it’s hard to choose the best night.
This place is THE main entertainment and clubbing district in Bangkok.
One club after another, more beautiful Thai girls than your memory can save, and more drinks than you could possibly order.
How does that sound?
Tip: Make sure that you take a taxi back home because you’ll be in a condition where walking is a bit dangerous.
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Eat so Much Thai Food That Your Head is Spinning
Where can you find the best Thai street food?
The answer: Everywhere!
You can find Thai street food on every corner, no matter in which district you are. You can get everything from fried rice, fried noodles, soups, and the most delicious sweet stuff that you can imagine.
But be warned. If you eat too much of it, your head starts spinning. No, not because it’s so good, but because they put a lot of MSG in their food.
Always say “mai sai pongchurot”, which means “don’t put in MSG”.
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Enjoy a Movie at the Major Cineplex at Siam Paragon
Picture from gobangkok.asia
I always thought that watching a movie in a cinema is a great experience. Then I watched my first movie in the Major Cineplex at Siam Paragon.
Holy crap!
Compared to the sound and the experience of this cinema, all other cinemas I ever went to were black and white TV’s from the 70s. Seriously, it’s that amazing.
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Visit the Asiatique The Riverfront
The Asiatique The Riverfront is a large open-air mall at the Chao Phraya River.
This place has everything. You can take a ride on a big wheel, you can eat delicious food, and you can go shopping until your credit card is redder than the flag of China.
It’s right next to the river. That means that the air is fresh, clean, and the only thing you smell is the spices of the open air restaurant next to you.
Go there and enjoy your time in Bangkok. You won’t regret it. Also read about ways to visit Zurich on a budget or check 50 tips on how to travel the world cheap from 15 experienced travel bloggers!
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