Top 3 Things to Do in Bangkok

Often classified as a bustling metropolis, Bangkok provides a striking introduction to any Southeast Asian adventure! Although commonly overlooked by backpackers and luxury travelers alike, Bangkok has a lot to offer. From temples to tranquility, you can undoubtedly find it here while remaining under budget.      

#1.  See a 46 meter long Buddha

Although officially named ‘the City of Angels’, Bangkok has a number of stunning ‘wats’ or temples dotted across the city. One of my personal favorites is located near the Grand Palace and houses a giant Buddha!

Wat Pho can be reached by taking a right upon exiting the Grand Palace’s front entrance and walking 5 minutes along Sanam Chai Road or it can be reached by walking south along Maha Rat Road for 1 block after exiting the Grand Palace.

Located at: Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn, 2 Sanam Chai Rd, Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon

The temple can also be spotted by the ferry dock, Tha Tien if coming from across the river or easily accessed by taxi or tuk tuk.

To enter the temple complex, one must pay a fee of 100 baht (approximately $3 USD / 2.5 euros). However, guests to the temple are given a free bottle of drinkable water in addition to access to a drinkable water machine located near the entrance to the Reclining Buddha. The open hours for Wat Pho are between 8:00 and 17:00 daily. Although the Reclining Buddha section remains open until 18:30, it is highly recommended to visit when the entire complex is open.

Upon arriving, visitors walk in and see a number of beautifully decorated pagodas with detailed designs.   

After stopping to take in the views, tourists then come across the temple that houses the Relicing Buddha. As is the case in all Thai temples, visitors are asked to remove their shoes and are given a plastic bag to carry them in during the visit. Once inside, the awe-striking beauty of the Reclining Buddha captivates all who stand before it.

The temple of Wat Pho is unmistakable beautiful and a must-see sight when in Bangkok.  

#2. Roam around Chinatown

Bangkok is an incredibly diverse city with an estimated population of over 8 million people! Drawing large numbers of Japanese, Chinese, Laotians, and Cambodians, the city caters to a wide array of different food, activities, and cultural backgrounds. Nestled on the eastern side of Bangkok lies Chinatown, a large collection of streets where fresh chestnuts, new smells, and lots of spices can be found.

Officially Chinatown begins at the intersection of Yoawarat Road and Maha Chai Road, although you will begin to see non-Thai dishes and clothing being sold a few blocks before this intersection. From fabric stores to ghost shrimp, Chinatown boasts a beautiful contrast to the already amazing shops and cheap eats of Bangkok.

In Chinatown, you can explore narrow streets featuring Peking duck, calligraphy, and vendors selling the infamous durian, a stinky fruit known to taste delicious commonly found in Southeast Asia. Personally, I don’t think it smells bad, although it does have a very strong odor and it tastes bitter and tangy. The infamous fruit is commonly confused with the jak fruit which is less spiky and sweeter. 

#3. Catch a Glimpse of the City from Above

In a city famous for rooftops bars and buzzing nightlife, it can feel hard to find a reasonably priced spot to catch the sunset that won’t break the bank. Located near the Giant Swing (another attraction to see in Bangkok), Wat Saket can be easily reached by foot or local bus. The official address for the temple is: ถนน บริพัตร Khwaeng Ban Bat, Khet Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10100

The Golden Mountain or ‘Wat Saket’ is just the place! For 50  baht, visitors can make their way up to some of the best views in Bangkok. Upon entering the temple, visits are greeted with a beautiful waterfall display that vaguely reminded me of the Batu caves in Malaysia. From there, the long trek up the stair  the top begins. 

From atop the temple, visits can have a 360 degree view of Bangkok. From here, the city has a different feel. Normally busy and bustling, the cars look small and city life appears to have calmed down — if only a bit. 

The best time to visit the Golden Mountain is just before sunset. You can see the city of Bangkok transform as the sky turns to a deep midnight blue. Although a little easy to miss, there is a stairway that leads to the roof of the temple. The roof houses a large stupa where locals come to worship. 

The energy at the top feels different yet again as the city fades from red rooftops to an illuminated horizon.  Although Bangkok is said to be a city that never sleeps, the Golden Temple has a way of revealing Bangkok’s softer less hectic side. 

From the Reclining Buddha and strolls through Chinatown to sunset at the Golden Mountain, there are countless attractions to see in Bangkok, Thailand!