10 Things to Do in Bangkok - Thailand tours tips

If you are traveling in South East Asia, Bangkok is a must! Many begin their journey with a visit to this city, and others calling it a day or two at the end of their stay before returning home.

Whatever the reason you are in Bangkok, continue reading to discover a top 10 things to see and do in this colorful city!

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1. Take a cruise along the Chao Phraya River

This is an excellent way to discover the city! Bangkok has been called a time of "Venice of the East" and when you go down the river with its many canals, you quickly understand why. The views are great and give you the opportunity to see many of the main attractions of the city such as the Grand Palace, the shipyard Royal Thai Navy and Wat Arun.

Tours depart from all major piers and not break the bank, even if prices and itineraries vary slightly. It is best to compare, but trips from only 10 baht (0.24) with Express Boats, you do not have too much to worry about the price!

If you're feeling adventurous, you can take a boat to Koh Kret, a small island on the Chao Phraya River. The island itself is nothing special (although nice) but it will give you a chance to have a perspective on the true size of Bangkok and its surrounding suburbs.

Tip: Try to go early in the morning, because the river is particularly beautiful at dawn, with golden reflections of the sun on Wat Arun.

2. Visit the Grand Palace

The Grand Palace is the most famous attraction in Bangkok, to see at any price. Built in 1782, the Palace is a vast complex bewitching beauty which was the residence of the King of Thailand. Today, the King has several residences, but the complex remains the spiritual heart of the Thai Kingdom, and during your visit you will be impressed by the beauty of the architecture and complexity of crafts that are under your eyes.

The ideal is to devote several hours to visit the Grand Palais, in order to have time to enjoy the many beautiful buildings and magnificent paintings that account the building. However, if you only have an hour or two to devote to this visit, be sure to have a look primarily at Wat Phra Kaew (or "Temple of the Emerald Buddha"). This temple houses the revered Emerald Buddha, which dates from the 14th century. Fully decorated and adorned with precious stones, it alone is worth every penny of the entry. Among other things to see at the Grand Palais include Boromabiman Hall, the Hall of Justice and Amarinda Hall - the former residence of King Rama 1.

If you're lucky enough to be in Bangkok when the King comes to change the habit of the Emerald Buddha in March, July and November, you will enjoy an unforgettable experience because the activity completely stops in the city on this occasion to give way to incredible celebrations. Tickets cost about 200 baht (5 euros).

Tip: If you plan to go into the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, make sure you are dressed properly. The Emerald Buddha is the most sacred site in Thailand and you need to have a respectful attitude. Men must wear long pants and shirts with sleeves, while women should wear also wear clothing "decent". In summary: covered shoulders and no transparent clothes.

3. Splurge in shopping malls of Bangkok

Bangkok is a paradise for shopping fanatics! You can buy in Bangkok, swimsuit the latest sports car.

These gigantic malls include multiplex cinemas, the arcades and entire floors of restaurants in addition to countless boutiques, factory outlets and department stores. Ideal to keep you busy on rainy days!

Every mall specialty. If you want to do good business, MBK is your best bet, with its many shops and cheap international stands.

If you're more connected gadgets, so go take a look at Pantip Plaza, Bangkok technological center. You will find microchips, processors and computers galore. The most fashionable shopping center of the city is probably CentralWorld, Siam Paragon though, with its exhibitions Ferrari and Lamborghini, and also The Emporium, make him compete seriously!

4. Find bargains in street markets

Do not forget to visit the street markets to find real bargains and soak up the unique atmosphere of Bangkok.

You will find a multitude of vendors and street markets selling everything, such as the Chatuchak Market. It is full of stalls selling anything and everything from cheap clothing to furniture to flower pots and microwave ovens. You will find even pets, but know that in general they are sold illegally - especially birds and reptiles.


The market can be a bit too busy at times, which is not particularly pleasant, especially when it is very hot. That said there are plenty of food stalls where you can grab a bite and take a break while sipping a cool drink. Most owners stand to apply special prices hordes of tourists to try to extort more money and many fall into the trap. That said, if you can negotiate a little you can really do good business there. It's part of the experience! However, when you negotiate, be sure to be polite and not aggressive. You will get better results by being patient, and negotiating in good humor.

In addition to Chatuchak there are a number of night markets that are worth visiting. The Night Bazaar Suan Lum example, you can find different varieties of Thai handicrafts, souvenirs, clothing and local food.

Tip: It may not be "cool", but keep your business in a banana if you can avoid being a victim of pickpockets. It is known that the gangs "work" in the market area and enjoy the crowd to act undetected.

5. Relax with a Thai massage

After all that shopping, you will definitely need some rest. What could be more relaxing than a good massage?

Traditional Thai massage is perhaps the best known. Invigorating, it will leave you ready for new adventures, even if the massage itself is not always the most relaxing! In total, the process may take over an hour, and during this traditional massage your body will be twisted and stretched in every direction. Refrain cozy, but there are other softer options such as massages with essential oils or foot massages. Massage with essential oils takes place in a closed cabin by a curtain and you masseuse massages the skin with scented oils. It's more like our traditional massages and will not make you suffer like that described above!

Tip: When choosing a place to get a massage be careful - there are hundreds, if not thousands, massage parlors in Bangkok and most of them are fantastic, but there are also many that offer a different type of massage, if you know what I mean! In general, avoid those recommended by tuk-tuk. Those with large windows where you can see people being massaged are usually a safe option, as most hotels and spas.

6. Taste authentic Thai cuisine

Although there pizza and fast food galore in Bangkok, it is impossible to spend time in Thailand without a taste of traditional Thai cuisine. That would be to miss one of the best things you can find in Thailand!

Pad Thai - a noodle dish with chicken, lots of vegetables and crushed peanuts - is one of the most popular options, and cost from 60 baht (1.50) in most of the street stalls. Street vendors also offer countless snacks fried or not, grasshoppers to beetles through the live shrimp! Outside of these stands, Thai restaurants all serve classic dishes such as green curry, and some more unusual options. Tom Yum noodles are especially delicious Thai desserts and often overlooked by travelers, are the perfect remedy for spicy curries!

If you really want to pamper yourself during your stay in Bangkok, go to dinner at the restaurant Vertigo at Banyan Tree Hotel in Sathorn Road. The food is expensive by Thai standards, but it is among the best in the city. Located at the 61st floor of the hotel, you will enjoy magnificent views, especially at sunset.

Tip: Avoid eating in restaurants in tourist areas and their surroundings, such as Kao San road. In fact they have the tendency to inflate their prices to take advantage of hungry tourists. If you are an adventurer at heart, go to the bridge north of the river and try the restaurants frequented only by locals: meat and fish are presented on trays and cooking yourself your food!

7. You walk down the street Khao San

Although this place is one of the best tourist spots, a trip to Bangkok is not complete if you do not walk in the street Khao San. With its countless stalls selling all sorts of things for tourists, the McDonald's and other stores, Khao San road is a must for tourists.

The stalls sell mainly t-shirts, sunglasses and fake brand watches while bars are usually overpriced and not authentic for a penny. However, this is a good place to meet other backpackers and discover the hectic life of Bangkok in a relatively safe environment. The night stands close and bars, which are rather quiet day, fill with revelers who want to party all night!

Tip: Take a look at the different booths before buying anything, just to get an idea of ​​the prices and to then negotiate.

8. Spend an evening in the style of Bangkok

Whether you want to drink a few beers in the river or partying in one of the bars or clubs in the city, you must go out at least once in Bangkok.

The reputation of go-go bars in the city is no longer to do and you regularly hear stories of young backpackers who were fooled by girls (or boys like girls) in search of easy money . In reality, Bangkok offers much more than go-go bars with shady people, even in the famous district of Pat Pong. Most go-go bars are relatively harmless, at least in the basement. Okay, there are more or less naked dancers and hostesses in all these bars, but the part located in the basement is not more dangerous than an ordinary strip club. By cons, avoid at all costs the bar upstairs. If you really want to see what is going on, then the King's Corner Bar is probably the best choice.

Outside the shady area of ​​Pat Pong, there are many fantastic places for a drink in the evening. Kao San road and the area is always lively Soi Rambuttri but try the Garage Bar for a cold beer with a little something extra. The Garage Bar is a garage which ordinary day in the evening ... becoming a bar!

The cocktails are cheap and served in huge glasses, while the PA system and a huge flat screen TV broadcasting football matches are atmosphere. If you're feeling particularly adventurous, go to a real nightclub Thai for a truly different experience! Thai nightclubs have nothing to do with those frequented almost exclusively by Western tourists and you will find a customer and Thai music. Most are located in the suburbs of Bangkok Tawan Daeng and street Pattanakarn.

Tip: Do not force the Chang! Chang beer is beer Thai National and one of the cheapest you can find in Bangkok, making it the drink of choice for backpackers broke. However, keep in mind that the level of alcohol varies from one bottle to another and it can reach 13%!

9. Explore the temples of Bangkok

The heart of Bangkok is the presence of Buddhist temples around the city. So you will have to visit at least a few! The architecture, the beautiful patterns in glass and golden decorations are truly dazzling, while the veneration bangkokiens dedicate the temples and the devotion of the monks who live there is a unique thing to live.

The most famous Wat (Buddha) is of course the Emerald Buddha, but there are many others that are worth visiting, such as Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, which is located on the west coast of Chao Phraya River and Wat Pho and the Lying Buddha Temple. If you go early, you can see the monks walking in the city to collect donations and engage in other tasks within the temples.

Tip: Visit the temples early in the morning. It is cooler and usually there is also a lot less crowded.

10. Go to the Floating Market in Bangkok

The famous Floating Market is a key player, even if it is a bit outside of Bangkok.

You'll find more tourists than locals, but the vision of people jumping from boat to boat and battling for the best place and try to sell you something worth the trip alone.

The narrow canals are crowded with long boats filled with fresh produce and buy products at a woman in his boat has a magical, or at least makes you feel like a local for a few seconds. Boats and stands on the banks sell everything from local produce fruit through clothing.

The place is crowded and sometimes you have to get up early to go because everything is finished at 8am. This is not to hand, but it is a fantastic experience that you really should be included on your list of things to do in Bangkok. A minibus with air conditioning market takes you for a tour organized for about 15 € (includes ticket for a boat tour of a half-day). You can go your own way by bus - it will cost only 10 baht (0.24 euro).

Tip: Avoid people on the banks that offer you put a python around his neck. Beyond the fact that these snakes are terrifying and should in no circumstances be put around the neck, they ask you money for taking a photo.

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