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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Bustling streets, vibrant culture, and world-famous landmarks—Bangkok has long been a favorite among global travelers. Now, the Thai capital has earned the ultimate recognition, crowned the world’s best tourist city in 2024 by Euromonitor International.
Drawing a staggering 32.4 million visitors, Bangkok continues to captivate with its unique blend of tradition and modernity, solidifying its place as a must-visit destination.
If you are planning a vacation in the City of Angels, take a look at the list of fun and interesting tourist activity recommendations in Bangkok, as reported by Time Out and Lonely Planet.
Top 10 Tourist Activities in Bangkok
1. Exploring Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace
Kick off your Bangkok adventure by exploring some of the city's most historic landmarks. The royal complex of Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace, once the heart of the capital, offers a glimpse into Thailand's rich cultural heritage.
At Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, visitors can admire the revered Emerald Buddha statue, believed to date back to the 12th or 13th century. The temple’s corridors are adorned with intricate 18th-century murals depicting the Ramakian, Thailand’s beloved epic, adding to the site’s enchanting atmosphere.
2. Traveling Back in Time at the Siam Museum
A visit to the Siam Museum provides an opportunity to learn more about the history of Thailand and the development of culture over the changing times. Explore its 14 main exhibition rooms to see the country's transformation in politics and food. More importantly, this trip back in time is quite affordable, at 100 baht.
3. Admiring Artwork and Antiques at River City Bangkok
Another fun activity in Bangkok is visiting River City Bangkok. Located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, this five-story building is the go-to place for visitors to find antiques and contemporary artworks.
Enter the first and second floors to admire contemporary artworks by artists such as Andy Warhol. Moving to the third and fourth floors, visitors can find a collection of rare antique items, including artifacts from the Roman Empire to the Meiji Dynasty.
4. Munching Bangkok Street Foods
No visit to Bangkok is complete without indulging in its legendary street food. From sizzling Thai-style fried noodles to flavorful meat satay, the city's street eats promise a burst of bold flavors—without breaking the bank.
For a true foodie adventure, head to Ban Tad Thong, a bustling street near Chulalongkorn University. This hidden gem is a haven for both sweet and savory delights, where you can savor local favorites like moo kratha (Thai BBQ hotpot) and khao tom gui (savory rice soup).
5. Blending In at Bangkok's Chinatown Area
Chinatown thrives across Thailand, thanks to its large Chinese-descendant community. A visit to Bangkok wouldn’t be complete without exploring this bustling district, known for its vibrant energy and cultural charm.
The atmosphere becomes even more electrifying during Chinese New Year, celebrated in late January or early February. During this time, visitors can enjoy lively lion dance performances and savor festive dishes infused with Thai flavors.
6. Visiting Bang Krachao Island
Back to the Chao Phraya River area, travelers can visit the lush green Bang Krachao island. On the island, there is a floating market that operates every weekend. Visitors can enjoy a variety of culinary delights available in the market, such as a bowl of gui tiaw lua, a dish of rice noodles in pork blood broth, and tom yum kung sen lek.
7. Shopping at Chatuchak Weekend Market
Another tourist activity in Bangkok is visiting the Chatuchak Weekend Market. As the name suggests, the market operates every weekend, so the location tends to be quiet from Monday to Friday.
Chatuchak Market, also known as JJ Market, is full of shops and stalls selling clothes, shoes, kitchen supplies, handicrafts, antiques, and much more. What's even more interesting is that the market is suitable for travelers who want to shop without breaking the bank.
8. Admiring the Giant Buddha Statue at Wat Pho
As mentioned earlier, Thailand is home to a range of iconic landmarks, one of which is the Reclining Buddha Statue. The 46-meter (151-foot) tall golden statue lies in Wat Pho, a temple dating back to the 16th century.
In addition to admiring this magnificent statue, tourists can also enjoy traditional Thai massages. In fact, this vihara area is also a spiritual home for Thai massage services offered daily.
9. Walking in the Sky at the Mahanakhon Skywalk
Dare to do something adventurous? Visit the Mahanakhon Skywalk to experience walking on the glass floor at a height of about 314 meters. Making the heart race, this location offers a 360-degree view of Bangkok.
10. Exploring Outer Space at the Bangkok Planetarium
A visit to the Bangkok Planetarium concludes the list of thrilling tourist activities in Bangkok. The planetarium offers an experience to appreciate celestial objects through its exhibition for only 30 baht (around Rp14,500).
TIMEOUT | LONELY PLANET
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