Things to do in Bangkok

There's plenty to keep any visitor to this busy city occupied. There are busy markets and shops to appeal to those looking to indulge in some retail therapy. Visitors can even take part in a group run or try some unusual new sports.

Sightseeing

The island of Rattanakosin is known as the 'old town' of the city, as this is where many of the most famous and ancient monuments are to be found. The Grand Palace offers a whole day of exploring and is also home to Wat Phra Kaew, the most sacred of country's Buddhist temples, and the Emerald Buddha, a celebrated icon. Wat Arun is a particularly picturesque temple which can be reached via a short boat trip. Lumphini Park is an oasis of a calm in the midst of this active city, with plenty of greenery. Santichaiprakarn Park is built around an 18th Century temple and boasts some stunning views. It is also popular with locals, who come to practice street magic and other forms of entertainment.

Rest and Relaxation

You'll find plenty of opportunities to indulge in a little bit of well earned pampering during your stay. You'll have the choice of a traditional Thai massage, often administered in the serene surroundings of a temple, or to try a range of rejuvenating treatments at a modern an upmarket spa. The Leyana Spa, Divana Spa and Mandara Spa are well known establishments, but most hotels in the city will also offer spa facilities. For a fun twist, you can ever take a course learning how to give a top notch Thai massage yourself!

Take a Tour

Guided tours are a great way to get your bearings and there are plethora of different options available. Tuk tuk tours are popular, allowing visitors to travel around by one of the country's iconic symbols. If you prefer a more active experience, you can choose from a range of different organised cycling tours in the city. A canal tour allows you to observe the city from the network of picturesque waterways, or take a nature tour on a zipline in the rainforest with Flight of the Gibbon.

Wat Phra Kaew

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha happens to also be the most important temple in Thailand. Wat Phra Kaew is located in the historic center of Bangkok, near the Grand Palace. The walls are decorated with gems and mosaic tiles, while the pillars are trimmed with gold, small mirrors, and bronze lions guard the temple. Once you enter the temple get ready to be enchanted by the walls with gold murals depicting the Buddha's life.

Wat Pho

The oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok. It houses the largest Buddha statue from Thailand, the Reclining Buddha. This statue is completely covered with gold leaf and up to 46 meters long and 15 meters high. After the magical temple of views, you can enjoy a traditional Thai massage. Since Wat Pho has one of the leading massage schools in Thailand.

Wat Arun

Temple of Dawn and named after the God Aruna this temple is wonderful around evening time. The temple is beautifully lit and from the top you have a beautiful view of Bangkok and the Chao Praya River.

Wat Traimit

Temple of the Golden Buddha. This is located in the heart of Chinatown and is completely white. The Golden Buddha, which is in the middle of the temple, is made of solid gold. Did you know that the statue weighs over 5.5 tonnes?

Sports

As well as martial art Muay Thai, running is a very common sport in Bangkok. As well as affording visitors the chance to explore parts of the city that are only accessible by foot, running here is considered a social activity, so it's an opportunity to meet some new people. There are many running clubs available to join. Bangkok Bobble is a twist on five-a-side football in which players wear a large plastic 'bubble' over their heads and arms.

Wat Saket

Also known as The Golden Mount. This temple is situated on a small hill. You get there via a garden with beautiful flowers, Buddha statues and waterfalls. Around the complex is a market where you can grab a snack or souvenir.

Explore the many markets

Nowhere else in the world can you find so many different types of markets. Floating markets, night markets, morning markets or even markets that last all day. The traditional food that is offered is delicious and more often than not, even better than in expensive restaurants. Tip: visit the Chatuchak Weekend Market, the largest market in the world. Did you know that this market consists of some 15,000 stalls? To experience a traditional floating market you go to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.