Top 6 things to do in Bangkok

Welcome to the capital of Thailand, known to many as “the land of smiles”! Bangkok is a very popular place for visitors, who find a whole host of activities to do, each as varied as the next. The little extra? It has the perfect balance between modernity and tradition: it sounds crazy, but in the morning you can visit temples and historic sites that are several generations old, while in the afternoon you can enjoy a stroll along the streets and hundred-metre-long buildings! It’s one of Bangkok’s greatest assets.

If you don’t know which way to turn (we don’t blame you), here’s a detailed list of some of the sites, monuments and activities to look out for if you want to spend some time in Bangkok, the “city of angels”. Going?

What to do in Bangkok

1. The Royal Palace

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: Since 1785, this grand residence has been the official residence of the kings of Thailand. It has also been the administrative seat of government for almost 150 years. As a result, it is one of the most important and most visited places in the whole country: it is made up of several pavilions with temples and courtyards. If you’re wondering about the dimensions of this gigantic edifice, you should know that it covers more than 29 hectares, with walls almost 2 kilometres long. Yes, that’s right! One of the most idolised rooms is undoubtedly the ‘Emerald Temple’. Here’s a quick tip: the dress code is quite strict, so cover your knees and shoulders and avoid wearing tank tops. Located in one of Bangkok’s most famous districts, Phra Nakhon, the Royal Palace is open from 8.30am to 3pm every day.

2. The Chao Phraya River

Category: €€/Cultural/Insolite

Description: How about a trip on a long-tail boat? Nicknamed the Venice of the Orient, Bangkok never ceases to amaze its visitors every year as they cruise its many canals. It’s not for nothing that it’s called “The Grand Duke of Thailand’s Rivers”. The Chao Phraya plays an important role in irrigation and river transport, cutting the capital in two. It makes for a beautiful ride, with pleasant weather and some great views along the way. It’s clearly the kind of thing you’d want to do with your partner! Boat agencies will take you on a trip of around 1 hour 30 minutes to show you the city from a different, original angle. This is your chance to see how local life works as you watch the Thais go about their daily chores. Ready, sailor?

3. Wat Pho

Category: €/Cultural

Description: “The temple of the reclining Buddha” is a thing of beauty. It contains the largest and most imposing statue in the country: 46 metres wide and 15 metres high. Covered in gold leaf, you can see a dozen bowls at the back of the temple just behind the statue, with urns containing coins next to them: a worthy Buddhist tradition of alms-giving. As well as this, you can take Thai massage classes (Thailand is renowned for its alternative medicine and therapeutic virtues). It’s a great way to learn more about the country’s history and relax at the same time! “Wat Pho is just 500 metres from the Royal Palace, and is open from 8am to 1pm every day. A great day out!

4. Wat Arun

Category: €/Cultural

Description: “The Temple of Dawn” is a place not to be missed, as it is a reminder of some of the terrible events that took place in the capital and in the country itself. We won’t tell you any more, as you’ll have plenty of time to discover all this during your visit. Standing on the banks of the Chao Phraya River like a king on his throne, Wat Arun takes its name from the god Aruna, a figure from Hindu mythology who means “Dawn”. The temple is in fact an architectural version of Mount Meru, which is none other than the centre of the world in its purest form in Buddhist cosmology. It’s a place whose magnetic aura permeates our minds and puts all our senses on edge. When is the best time to visit? Although it is open every day from 9am to 5.30pm, we recommend that you come at the end of the day, at sunset, when Wat Arun is lit up!

5. Street food stalls

Category: €€/Gastronomy

Description: If you didn’t already know, Bangkok is considered THE capital of the world with the most (cheap) and delicious street food stalls. Varied, Asian cuisine is among the best in the world, and when you visit a country, you’re just as interested in its history and cultural heritage as you are in its gastronomy. Right? In absolutely every part of the city, you’ll find a wide range of street food: savoury, sweet, spicy, flavoured… It’s heaven! So you can take your time nibbling while visiting the various monuments and tourist spots – it’s a dream!

6. Lumpini Park

Category: Sports

Description: Discovering the country’s mythical sites is certainly an interesting task, but you should know that taking a little time out and strolling through a bit of greenery is also a fantastic activity. Among other things, it allows you to take time for yourself and meditate. Lumpini Park” is the capital’s most beautiful park, covering no fewer than 58 hectares in the centre of Bangkok! Sports enthusiasts, families having a picnic, lovers holding hands, and even groups of friends on a road trip all enjoy strolling through this place, which resembles a “green oasis”. Every now and then it’s good to get away from the big city buildings and take a breath of fresh air in a calm, serene atmosphere. Wouldn’t you agree? Located near Tathum Wan, the park is open every day from 4.30am to 10pm.