The capital of Thailand is often the destination of choice for travelers making their initial foray into Southeast Asia . Bangkok is an important hub with flights around the region and beyond, but many people arrive and just, sort of… stay. It’s that kind of place. With that in mind, we’ll try to give you a few unmissable things to see and do, and then a few more obscure tips if you decide to dig a touch deeper.
Bangkok for first-timers
You’ll have to prepare for the fact that Bangkok is a confusing, exhilarating, exhausting mess of everything Asia has to throw at you. That’s not a bad thing, but it can be overwhelming, so take your time. Don’t be afraid to be a tourist — there are reasons why certain sights are so popular — and as long as you use your common sense and take basic safety precautions, you’ll be fine.
Top temples and palaces
The Wat Arun Temple is a stunning golden pyramid that sits on the west bank of the river, surrounded by spires. Of all the temples in Bangkok (and there are many!), this is the only one built in this very distinctive shape. You can actually climb the central “spire”, but it’s very steep so it’s not for the less-than-nimble, although it does afford a fabulous view back over the river and to the surroundings. The huge Grand Palace complex dates from the 18th century and contains Wat Phra Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha). It’s thought of as the most sacred place in Thailand, and the revered Emerald Buddha itself is the object on which the fate of the country is said to depend.
Turn on the red light
The nightlife here is incredibly popular with tourists and expats alike, and the experience is cheaper than you’d think — Shutterstock Soi Cowboy is the most well-known red light area in Bangkok. It’s named after the cowboy hat-wearing American who opened a bar in this area in the 1970s, and it’s now an area of go-go dancers, pole-dancing bars and the like. It’s generally a little bit tongue-in-cheek as it is so touristy and is not crazy expensive, and generally, staff are not pushy when it comes to buying drinks. You’ll also probably find yourself drawn to the Khao San Road, a non-stop area of backpackers’ hostels, cheap food, and wild nightlife; a huge favorite with tourists on a budget who want to see a bit of Bangkok uncovered.
Get on the water
The Floating Market was Mily and Bety’s favorite thing about Bangkok The culture of Bangkok’s waterways is, unfortunately, slowly dying out as bigger industry and a more consumerist culture comes to the country. To combat this, in 2004, the Ban Nam Phueng Floating Market was built to allow local traders to continue selling their wares in a fair and regulated way. At the weekends, this is a bustling part of town selling fresh fruit and veg, fish, fabrics, hand-woven baskets, and tourist trinkets. You could also head to Lumpini Park if you want a chance to chill out. This is one of the few green public spaces in Bangkok so therefore all the more valuable. It provides an escape for leisurely strolls, boat rides, and a break from the bustling city life.
Been to Bangkok before? Did you try these?
Hiding in plane sight
Bangkok’s peculiar “airplane graveyard” is situated in the east of the city — Shutterstock
To the east of the city, the rotting hulks of three airliners sit on a piece of abandoned land. These were originally part of a slightly odd plan to create a plane-themed beer garden called ‘Runway’. That never happened, and the planes are now simply a tourist attraction. A family lives there in exchange for keeping trouble-makers away and charging tourists an entry fee of ฿100 — 800 to have a look around.
Magnificent museums
To go a little deeper into the history and culture of Bangkok (and Thailand) away from the in-your-face aspects of the city, try the Bangkokian Museum. It’s a trip back in time, a museum housed in traditional Thai homes that teaches visitors about the history of Bangkok’s residents and their way of life. For something more modern, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is great. Venture beyond traditional art spaces and discover MOCA’s extensive collection of Thai modern and contemporary art, showcasing the country’s artistic evolution.
Get involved!
Take advantage of Bangkok’s affordable Thai cooking classes — Getty Images
If you’ve done the Ban Nam Phueng Floating Market, to live a bit more like the locals, check out the Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market. It’s a favorite of native Bangkokians and it offers a more authentic experience with a variety of Thai food, snacks, and handmade arts and crafts. Indeed, for around €25, you can take a tasting and cookery class and learn the art of preparing authentic Thai food for yourself. Often, these will take place at a market stall selling that food, or even in the home of a local chef! This website will help you find the one for you .
That’s Bangkok in brief
Whether you’re coming to Thailand for the first time or you’re a seasoned visitor to its capital in particular, there’s so much that this place can offer you. Browse our latest deals on flights to Bangkok , or for more travel inspiration, visit Kiwi.com Stories .
