It's no surprise that Bangkok sees many visitors since it offers museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and romance.
A few of the most popular sights are:
- Damnoen Saduak Floating Market (Free)
- The Chatuchak Weekend Market (Free)
- The Grand Palace for ฿500
- The Royal Barges Museum for ฿100
- Chinatown (Free)
- Wat Pho for ฿300
- Wat Arun for ฿50
- Wat Traimit for ฿40
- Khao San Road (Free)
- Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World for ฿900
- MOCA for ฿280
- The Bangkok National Museum for ฿200
- The Jim Thompson House for ฿200
Rattanakosin, or the "Old City" in central Bangkok, is home to the Grand Palace and various temples (known as "wats"). This area is perhaps the most visited area of the city by tourists, as it contains the palace complex with huge gardens and Wat Phra Kaew, Thailand's most sacred temple. Wat Pho, the large reclining Buddha, and Wat Arun are also nearby. If temples are your thing, another half dozen or so can be found in the surrounding area, with many more scattered throughout the city. Entrance fees vary by temple, and appropriate dress is required (long pants, no sandals). Note that many scammers are often outside some of these popular temples telling people that they are closed. Do not pay any attention to them, as the temples rarely close – visit the entrance yourself to see. These scammers are only attempting to divert you to their own illegitimate enterprises.
Various history, culture, and art museums can also be found in Bangkok, such as the National Museum, the Museum of Siam, the National Gallery, and the Queen's Gallery.
The floating markets of Damnoen Saduak (daily) and Amphawa (weekends only) are very popular day trips from Bangkok, at which visitors can take boat rides along the canals to witness the market activity of the locals and make purchases themselves. Both markets can be seen in one day. Be prepared to negotiate firmly for a boat tour along the canals, especially at the more popular Damnoen Saduak markets.
Tours in and around Bangkok come in a variety of shapes and costs. From Tuk-Tuk tours to bicycle tours to canal boat tours, there are many ways to view the popular and off-the-beaten-path sides of Bangkok.
Muay Thai, or Thai Boxing, is a unique activity to Thailand, and not to be missed. Local boxers, not as large or menacing as to be expected, attack each other with kickboxing skills that any martial arts enthusiast would drool over. Visit Lumpinee Boxing Stadium or Ratchadamnoen Stadium for popular fights (with a steep entry fee for foreigners), or the venue by the MBK center on Wednesday nights for a free show.
Massage parlors and Spas are quite popular. Most high-end spas are actually "spas" as westerners define the word. However, if you only want a massage and not a prostitute, make sure you inquire appropriately if you're in a smaller shop away from one of the glitzier neighborhoods. Look for "massage only" signs.
For shopping, Siam Square is the mecca. The neighborhoods around the large shopping centers contain many small alleys (sois) with a plethora of small boutique shops selling every type of clothing item, souvenir, or gadget. Two large malls, the Siam Center and the MBK center, offer even more options. Keep in mind that many brand names are knockoffs and fakes, but that is part of the attraction for many visitors (as are the low prices).
Various seasonal festivals and shows take place in Bangkok on a regular basis. One of the most popular is the famous Songkran festival each April. During the multi-day activities, everyone in Thailand excitedly pours buckets of water over one another in a fun and spirited way. The Buddhist origin of the festival is so that people can wash their sins away, but for visitors, it's essentially a huge water gun fight.
Museums and Attractions:
The museums and landmarks in Bangkok are some of the most famous in the world. The city is filled with golden temples and beautiful statues of Buddha. Famous landmarks include the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and the Temple of the Golden Buddha.
Shopping:
You won't want to miss out on the shopping here. Shopping options range from modern malls to more traditional markets. The malls offer bargain prices for technology and gadgets while the markets offer fabric, food, local goods, and a unique experience. The city also has nearby floating markets as well as night markets, which let you experience a different side to the culture.
A nice way to explore destinations in Bangkok is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide for $65 details
- Bangkok Day Tour: Food, Temple & Tuk-Tuk for $88 details
- From Bangkok : Kanchanaburi Tour with Floating market Visit for $183 details
Below are a few common prices for sightseeing and activity entry fees in Bangkok, all of which are based on the reports of previous travelers. These figures should give you a rough estimate of what you can expect to pay. Keep in mind, though, your costs will vary depending on the activities you choose and whether you take advantage of free or budget-friendly options.
I couldn't believe the amount of free or cheap things to do here. So many of the huge temples were either free or had an entry fee of just a few baht. We hopped on the boats on the river for almost nothing, and the royal palace was probably the most expensive thing we saw and not too much, either. The nightlife and restaurant scene around Kho San Road was also crazy cheap, and just crazy too.