BANGKOK, THAILAND (2023) | 10 BEST Things To Do In & Around Bangkok (+ Travel Tips!)

Summary

Discover Bangkok's vibrant street food, historic temples, and bustling markets in this travel guide. Explore the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and floating markets for a cultural experience. Relax in Lumpini Park, enjoy rooftop views, and delve into local history with a guide. Don't miss Khao San Road for backpacker vibes and Chatuchak Weekend Market for shopping. For day trips, consider Ayutthaya's ancient ruins or Kanchanaburi's Erawan National Park.

Takeaways

• 🌍 Bangkok is a central hub for travel in Thailand, known for its chaotic but exciting atmosphere.
• 🍜 Trying diverse street food is a must, with dishes ranging from 1 to 3 US Dollars.
• 🏰 The Grand Palace is a top tourist attraction, showcasing Thai history and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
• 🙏 Wat Pho, near the Grand Palace, is home to the impressive Reclining Buddha and is a significant Buddhist temple.
• 🛶 Visiting floating markets near Bangkok offers a unique shopping experience with fresh food and souvenirs.
• 🌳 Lumpini Park provides a tranquil escape from the city's hustle, with walking paths and an artificial lake.
• 🌆 Rooftop bars and restaurants offer stunning views of Bangkok, especially during sunset.
• 🏛 Exploring lesser-known temples with a local guide provides insight into Thai history and culture.
• 🌆 Khao San Road is the epicenter for backpackers, offering a vibrant mix of food, shopping, and nightlife.
• 🛍 Chatuchak Market is a weekend hotspot for affordable shopping and local interaction.
• 🚢 The Chao Phraya River is central to Bangkok's life, with ferries for commuting and riverfront attractions.

Q & A

What is Bangkok known for in terms of food and culture?

Bangkok is known for its delicious street food and amazing temples. It offers a diverse range of local cuisine that is both affordable and tasty, as well as historic temples and palaces.

What are some must-visit places in Bangkok according to the video?

Some must-visit places in Bangkok include the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, floating markets, Lumpini Park, rooftop bars for city views, and various temples around the city.

What is the significance of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha mentioned in the script?

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha is significant as it is part of the Grand Palace complex, which was the royal residence for generations and is still used for important ceremonies. The temple itself is known for housing a revered emerald Buddha statue.

How long is the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho?

The Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho measures 46 meters or 147 feet in length and 15 meters or 49 feet in height.

What is a unique market experience near Bangkok?

A unique market experience near Bangkok is visiting one of the floating markets located on a series of canals, where fresh foods, handcrafted souvenirs, and local culture can be experienced.

What are some tips for transportation in Bangkok?

For transportation in Bangkok, it's recommended to use the MRT Metro or BTS SkyTrain for longer distances due to heavy traffic. The Grab App can also be used to book rides.

Where is the best area to stay for a first-time visitor to Bangkok?

For a first-time visitor to Bangkok, it's suggested to stay in the Old Town or Sukhumvit area as these are convenient and central locations.

What should one wear when visiting Buddhist temples in Bangkok?

When visiting Buddhist temples in Bangkok, one should dress appropriately by covering shoulders and anything above the knees to respect the local culture.

What are some day trips recommended from Bangkok?

Some recommended day trips from Bangkok include visiting the former capital Ayuttaya, known for its temple ruins, and Kanchanaburi with its historic sites and Erawan National Park.

What is the significance of Khao San Road in Bangkok?

Khao San Road is known as Bangkok's infamous backpacker district, filled with hostels, food vendors, clothing stalls, bars, and a vibrant atmosphere attracting travelers from around the world.

How can one get an elevated view of Bangkok?

One can get an elevated view of Bangkok by visiting rooftop bars and restaurants, such as the one at the Mahanakhon building, which offers an observation deck and a glass ceiling to look down on the city.

Outlines

00:00

🌆 Exploring Bangkok's Vibrant Culture and Cuisine

The video introduces Bangkok, Thailand, as a bustling city with a rich cultural scene and delicious street food. The hosts, Zac and Ine, plan to showcase the top activities for first-time and repeat visitors. They mention the city's central location in Thailand and its role as a major transport hub. Despite the noise and crowds, Bangkok offers a fascinating experience with its food markets, historic temples, and palaces, and a lively nightlife. The video promises to cover 10 must-do activities in Bangkok, including travel tips and day trips. The hosts encourage viewers to watch until the end for additional insights. They also highlight the importance of trying street food, which is both affordable and diverse, and suggest visiting Chinatown, Banglamphu, and Khao San Road for the best culinary experiences.

05:10

🏰 Historical Landmarks and Serene Escapes in Bangkok

This segment delves into Bangkok's historical and cultural attractions, starting with the Grand Palace, an impressive complex established in 1782 and home to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. The hosts recommend visiting the palace a couple of hours before closing to avoid crowds. They also suggest combining a visit to the Grand Palace with Wat Pho, one of Bangkok's oldest temples, which houses a massive Reclining Buddha statue. The video then shifts to exploring floating markets near Bangkok, with a focus on Damnoen Saduak and the Maeklong Railway Market. The hosts share their positive experience with a tour and provide a link for more information. They also mention alternative floating markets closer to the city center for easier access. Lastly, they recommend a visit to Lumpini Park for a tranquil escape from the city's chaos, highlighting its green spaces, walking paths, and boat rentals.

10:12

🌇 Rooftop Views, Temple Tours, and Bangkok's Backpacker District

The video continues with suggestions for experiencing modern Bangkok, including visiting rooftop bars and restaurants for an elevated view of the city. The hosts share their experience at the Mahanakhon building, which offers a stunning observation deck and a glass ceiling with a view of the city below. They advise visiting during early evening for the best light and ambiance, though it can be busy. The segment also covers the exploration of lesser-known temples in Bangkok with a local guide, which provides a deeper understanding of the city's history and culture. Khao San Road, known for its vibrant backpacker scene, is highlighted for its lively atmosphere, food vendors, and unique experiences like trying fried insects. The hosts also discuss the bustling Chatuchak Weekend Market, which offers a wide range of goods and a chance to interact with locals. They mention the Chao Phraya River's significance to the city and suggest watching the sunset over Wat Arun from a rooftop bar or taking a boat trip for a different perspective. The video concludes with travel tips, including using public transportation, choosing accommodation in Old Town or Sukhumvit, and dressing appropriately for temple visits. Links to additional resources and a travel planner are provided for viewers planning a trip to Thailand.

Keywords

💡Bangkok

Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand and a major tourist destination known for its vibrant street life and cultural landmarks. In the video, Bangkok is described as a chaotic yet exciting city with a rich offering of food, temples, and nightlife. It serves as the central hub for travelers exploring Thailand, and the video provides insights into the best activities and attractions for visitors.

💡Street Food

Street food refers to food and beverages sold by vendors on the street or in markets. It is a significant part of Bangkok's culinary scene, as highlighted in the video, where the hosts mention the affordability and diversity of street food options. Examples given include barbecue chicken and steamed dumplings, showcasing the local cuisine's flavors and the city's food culture.

💡The Grand Palace

The Grand Palace is a historic complex in Bangkok, serving as the official residence of the Thai king. It is a major tourist attraction due to its architectural grandeur and cultural significance. The video emphasizes its importance, suggesting that visitors allocate time to explore its vast grounds and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha within the complex.

💡Wat Pho

Wat Pho, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, is one of Bangkok's oldest and most famous temples. It is home to a massive Buddha statue that is a significant religious and cultural symbol. The video mentions visiting Wat Pho as part of the recommended itinerary, indicating its historical and spiritual relevance to Bangkok's tourism.

💡Floating Markets

Floating markets are a unique shopping experience where vendors sell goods from boats on canals and rivers. They are a popular attraction in Bangkok, offering a glimpse into traditional Thai commerce and local produce. The video script mentions Damnoen Saduak as the most popular floating market, suggesting it as a must-visit for an authentic Thai market experience.

💡Lumpini Park

Lumpini Park is one of Bangkok's largest public parks, providing a green oasis amidst the urban landscape. It is a place for relaxation and recreation, as described in the video, where visitors can enjoy walking paths, lawn areas, and an artificial lake. The park's mention in the script illustrates the video's focus on balancing cultural exploration with natural escapes.

💡Rooftop Bars

Rooftop bars are venues located on the top floors of buildings, offering elevated views and a unique ambiance. In Bangkok, they are a popular way to enjoy the city's skyline, as mentioned in the video. The script specifically references the Mahanakhon building's observation deck, highlighting it as a prime location for panoramic views of the city and its river.

💡Temples

Temples in Bangkok are not only places of worship but also significant cultural and historical landmarks. The video encourages visitors to explore both well-known and lesser-known temples to gain a deeper understanding of Thai Buddhism and architecture. This keyword underscores the video's theme of cultural immersion through sightseeing.

💡Khao San Road

Khao San Road is a famous street in Bangkok known for its backpacker culture, with numerous hostels, bars, and street vendors. It is depicted in the video as a vibrant and bustling area that offers a distinct travel experience. The mention of Khao San Road in the script captures the video's aim to showcase the city's diverse and lively atmosphere.

💡Chatuchak Market

Chatuchak Market, also known as JJ Market, is one of the largest weekend markets in Bangkok. It is a hub for shopping, food, and local culture, as described in the video. The script's reference to Chatuchak Market illustrates the video's intent to guide viewers to iconic shopping experiences that are central to Bangkok's identity.

💡Chao Phraya River

The Chao Phraya River is a major waterway in Bangkok, playing a crucial role in the city's transportation and commerce. The video script mentions the river as a scenic backdrop for sunset views and as a route for boat trips, emphasizing its importance in Bangkok's tourism and daily life.

Highlights

Bangkok is a chaotic yet exciting city with delicious food and amazing temples.

Bangkok is a major transport hub and often the first stop for travelers in Thailand.

The city offers a vibrant food market scene with affordable and delicious local cuisine.

Chinatown, Banglamphu, and Khao San Road are hotspots for diverse street food.

The Grand Palace is an impressive and popular tourist attraction with a rich history.

Wat Pho, near the Grand Palace, is home to an impressive Reclining Buddha statue.

Floating markets near Bangkok offer a unique shopping experience with fresh food and souvenirs.

Damnoen Saduak is the most popular floating market, accessible by a day trip from Bangkok.

Lumpini Park provides a green oasis in the city center for relaxation and leisure.

Rooftop bars and restaurants offer elevated views of Bangkok's skyline.

Hundreds of temples in Bangkok provide insight into the city's history and Buddhist culture.

Khao San Road is a vibrant backpacker district with a lively atmosphere.

Chatuchak Market is a large weekend market offering a variety of goods at affordable prices.

The Chao Phraya River is central to Bangkok's life, with ferries and boats used for commuting and sightseeing.

Ayuttaya, a former capital, is a great day trip destination with remarkable temple ruins.

Kanchanaburi and Erawan National Park offer a historic and natural day trip experience.

The MRT Metro and BTS SkyTrain are recommended for efficient city transportation.

Old Town or Sukhumvit area are suggested as the best places for first-time visitors to stay in Bangkok.

Dressing appropriately is important when visiting Buddhist temples to respect the culture.

Transcripts

What's up guys! We're here in Bangkok,  Thailand. It's a really chaotic city,  

but there's delicious food and  amazing temples. So in this video,  

we're going to show you the best things  to do here. So hope you enjoy it.

Bangkok is located in the center of Thailand. As  a convenient and major transport hub, it's usually  

the first place you'll visit on your trip around  the country. And while Bangkok is noisy, crowded,  

and overwhelming at times, it's also exciting  and fascinating. You can find an abundance  

of vibrant food markets, historic temples and  palaces, and excellent nightlife. In this video,  

we highlight 10 of the best things to do in and  around Bangkok for your first or second visit.  

Make sure to watch until the end because we also  share three travel tips for the city as well as  

a couple exciting day trips from Bangkok in  case you have more time. Now let's dive in!

We're Zac and Ine. We make helpful videos about  

destinations around the world so you  can easily plan your own adventures.

One of the first things you should do in  Bangkok is to try the diverse street food.  

You'll find food stalls all around the city  center, offering local cuisine that is both  

affordable and delicious. A dish generally  costs between 1 and 3US Dollars and ranges  

from small snacks like barbecue chicken and  steamed dumplings, to famous main dishes,  

and tasty sweet desserts. Some of the most  diverse street food can be found in Chinatown,  

Banglamphu, and around Khao San Road. We've  included more markets and places to eat in  

our blog post and you can find a  link to that in the description.

The Grand Palace is Bangkok's most impressive  and most popular tourist attraction.  

Established in 1782, this complex was the royal  residence for generations and is still used for  

important ceremonies today. The Royal Compound is  enormous, covering over 200,000 square meters or 2  

million square feet. The highlight is undoubtedly  the colorful Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

So we're here exploring around the Grand Palace,  it actually closes pretty early in the day,  

so recommend coming like a couple hours  before closing time and it's a lot less busy.

Located only a few blocks from the Grand Palace,  Wat Pho is a beautiful Buddhist temple that can  

easily be combined with your palace visit.  Known as one of Bangkok's oldest temples,  

this place has a rich history and is  home to an impressive Reclining Buddha,  

measuring 46 meters or 147 feet in length and  15 meters or 49 feet in height. We visited  

later in the day and were greeted with Chinese  New Year celebrations and Buddhist ceremonies.

For more entertaining market experience, you  should head to one of the floating markets near  

Bangkok. Located on a series of canals, these  vibrant markets sell fresh and delicious foods  

as well as handcrafted souvenirs. The most  popular Floating Market is Damnoen Saduak,  

which is about a one and a half hour drive  from the city center of Bangkok. A visit  

here is usually combined with the Maeklong Railway  Market, where trains pass by a few times per day.

We really enjoyed this tour as it was  something we had never experienced before  

and we left a link to the tour that  we did in the description below.  

But if you want to stay closer to the  city you can also choose to visit floating  

markets closer to the downtown area, such  as Taling Chan and Wat Sai floating market.  

They're easier to access by public transportation  but make sure to check opening hours before going.

For a true escape from the hustle and bustle  of Bangkok, take a stroll in Lumpini Park.  

This big green oasis offers several  lawn areas, paved walking paths, trees,  

playgrounds, and an artificial  lake where you can rent boats.  

Since the park is located in modern Bangkok,  skyscrapers rise all around it. It's a great  

place to spend an afternoon enjoying the fresh air  and shade. But keep an eye out for these big guys.

It is really big. There's actually quite  a few in the park as we've seen already.  

So it's kind of interesting to  come here and just see them.

Another great thing to do in modern day  Bangkok is to get an elevated view of the city.  

And when it comes to rooftop bars and  restaurants, you have a lot of choices.  

We visited the Mahanakhon building, home  to Bangkok's highest observation deck,  

which provides spectacular views over the city  and river. There's also a glass ceiling that you  

can stand on to look down on the buildings  below as well as a bar and seating area.  

The best time to visit is in the early  evening when the sun slowly sets over Bangkok.  

But be aware that this is also the busiest time.

With roots steeped in centuries-old history  and Buddhist culture, you can find hundreds  

of temples in Bangkok. In addition to visiting  the most popular ones, it's also worth visiting  

the less-known temples. We visited a few  in the Banglamphu area in downtown Bangkok  

with a local guide. While embracing the local  culture with its unique traditions and beliefs,  

we saw Bangkok from a different perspective and  got a real insight into the history of Thailand.  

We highly recommend getting a local  guide at least once during your  

visit and you can find a link to the  tour that we did in the description.

You can't leave Bangkok without visiting its  infamous backpacker district. Khao San Road  

is a vibrant street, packed with hostels, food  vendors, clothing stalls, bars, restaurants,  

and travelers from every corner of the globe.  It's colorful, loud, and exciting in its own way.  

If you're feeling adventurous, try some of  the fried insects, such as grubs or scorpions.  

After having a few Chang beers at the bar, the  insects might become a little more enticing.

Known as Thailand's largest market,  Chatuchak comes alive every weekend.  

On Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 6 PM, thousands  of shops open their doors to sell food, clothing,  

souvenirs and home goods. It's a great  place to mingle with locals and shop for  

souvenirs at a more affordable price  than the tourist areas of Bangkok.  

You can easily get here by metro as  the market is next to the MRT station.

Flowing through Bangkok, the Chao  Phraya River is the city's lifeblood.  

During the day, many locals use the ferries and  boats to commute to work here, and during the  

early evening; the city lights up with beautiful  colors. From one of the rooftop bars next to the  

river, you can watch the sunset over Wat Arun.  It's a great way to end the day. And if you're  

looking for some more excitement, it's also  possible to take a boat trip down the river.

While Bangkok will easily keep you busy for a  few days, it's also worth exploring some of the  

amazing places nearby, and we added links to a  few great day trips in the description below.  

One of the best day trips goes  to the country's former capital  

Ayuttaya, located only one and a  half hours to the north of Bangkok.  

Here, you'll find remarkable temple ruins the  date from between the 14th and 18th centuries.  

Another great day adventure is to the historic  Kanchanaburi and breathtaking Erawan National  

Park, where you can find one of Thailand's  most beautiful waterfalls. The movie called  

"Bridge Over the River Kwai" is what put this  place on the map. But kanchanaburi is in fact  

way more than that. We highly recommend staying  a few days if you can. We have a full video all  

about the best things to do in Kanchanaburi, so  check it out if you're considering going there.

As we promised at the beginning of our video,  

we'll now share three things that we learned  in Bangkok that will help your own trip.  

First, we recommend taking the MRT Metro or  BTS SkyTrain for longer distances in the city.  

The traffic in Bangkok is horrible, so it's not  only the cheapest but it's also the quickest way  

to move around, especially during rush hour. You  can also download the Grab App to book a ride.  

Secondly, the best place to stay for your  first time in Bangkok is in the Old Town or  

Sukhumvit area. We added a link to the place  that we stayed in the description below.  

Finally, when visiting Buddhist temples you  should dress appropriately to respect the culture.  

This means shoulders and anything above the knees  should be covered up. There are also a few more  

things to do in Bangkok that we didn't mention and  we've included a list of those on the screen here.

If you're planning your Thailand trip,  we recommend keeping things organized  

with our interactive travel planner.  Find a discount code below. We also  

included important links that you'll need  for your Bangkok trip in the description,  

such as a full travel guide with where to  stay, where to eat, and an interactive map,  

so you can get to each spot that we mentioned.  We'll catch you on the next adventure.