BEST THINGS TO DO in BANGKOK (THAILAND)
Bangkok is our favorite city. Although chaotic and exciting, Bangkok is full of amazing history, food and culture. It is a sprawling metropolis. Choosing the best way to spend your time in Bangkok with so many options can be hard. We are here to help. Over the past two decades, we have spent lots of time in Bangkok. Bangkok could be described as one of our favorite cities in Asia.
This comprehensive guide will provide all the information you need to make the most out of your time in Bangkok, the gateway to Southeast Asia. This Bangkok guide is different from other guides. Stella Saints, a local Bangkok resident, has been asked to help us with local recommendations that will complement our favorite Bangkok attractions. Are you ready to discover the Venice of the East?
Wat Pho, Reclining Buddha
Wat Pho, located right behind the Grand Palace, is one of the most well-known temples. Because it is home to the famous reclining Buddha, this wat should be on your Bangkok bucket list. This massive, golden statue dominates the temple. It is breathtaking. This is the most well-known reclining Buddha anywhere in the world. This is the one Buddha you must see in Bangkok.
I recommend you go early, as these attractions can get incredibly crowded. You can also avoid the crowds of tourists who flock to the temples on weekends by planning your visit during the week. These temples are visited by locals all year round, particularly during Thai Holidays.
You can hire a private guide to take you to the most popular attractions in Bangkok. You have the option of a Bangkok day tour to see Khao San Road, the reclining Buddha, and other attractions. Or you can opt to visit Ayutthaya or the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. More details are here.
Explore the Grand Palace
The Grand Palace is undoubtedly one of Bangkok’s most popular attractions. It is the most popular place in Bangkok. The Grand Palace, built in 1782, was originally known as Phra Borom Maharatchawangit. It was once the royal residence and also housed government administrative facilities. It is now open to the public, making it a must-see in Bangkok. While you can only see some buildings, visit the Grand Palace Hall.
We had to go back several times before we found a guide who could show us the temple complex. It was a great help to understand what we were seeing. This half-day temple tour of Bangkok’s Royal Grand Palace and Wat Pho, two of Bangkok’s most well-known temples, is available to book.
Wat Phra Kaew Temple Of The Emerald Buddha
The famous Wat Phra Kaew, Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is located within the Grand Palace grounds. Here visitors can get a glimpse at the statue of the Emerald Buddha. You should dress appropriately for a visit – cover your shoulders and legs as there are sacred temples within the palace complex.
Tip from the Local: A famous Thai massage school is located at the back of the grounds. Some Thais claim that it is the best Thai massage in Bangkok. Both temples can be visited independently. A tour guide will help you get a better idea.
Scam Alert Many local touts or tuk-tuk drivers tell you that temples are closed, then offer to take you to other temples that are open. You can ignore them and go to the temples yourself. They want to drive you to the jewelry shops and markets, where they will make commissions.
Travel tips for visiting the Wats of Thailand
When visiting temples in Thailand, visitors must dress appropriately. A light shirt and long pants are recommended. Visitors who don’t dress appropriately can use the cover-up provided by them.
Wat Arun Temple Of The Dawn
Wat Arun is also known as The Temple of the Dawn. It’s just a short ferry ride across the river to Wat Pho, the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. Wat Arun’s central spire can be seen in Bangkok’s skyline. Even if you don’t know it, you will recognize it. Visitors can take a ferry across the river to Wat Pho (Temple of the Dawn) and wander the grounds of another beautiful Thai temple. It costs only 4 baht.
Wat Arun should be visited in the morning and at sunset to avoid crowds. The first set of stairs up to the main pyramid can be walked up, but the higher ones have been closed since the last update. You don’t have to take the ferry. Instead, you can grab a drink at one of the many restaurants that offer great views of Wat Arun and the river.
You can also explore the Wats along the Chao Phraya River by taking a Hop on Hop Off Tuk Tuk Tour. This is a great way of combining many top Bangkok attractions in one trip. You can travel hassle-free with Tuk Tub on a flexible hop–on, hop–off tour to your favorite Bangkok attractions such as Wat Pho and Khaosan Road. China Town is also available.
Wat Suthat
Wat Suthat Thepwararam is a side trip you can make while in the Old Town, exploring the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and The Grand Palace. It is one of the oldest temples in Bangkok. It is 21.15m high and is worth visiting when you visit Bangkok.