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Writer's picturePete

Things to do in Bangkok (First Timer)

Congrats! You are coming to the right post and you are one step away to visit your dream place. Based on my experience, you should visit or experience these places if you visiting Bangkok for the first time.


Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and one of the largest cities in the world! Bangkok offers travelers plenty of activities to do with tons of interesting temples, night markets, delicious Thai food, and some of the best nightlife in Asia. But if you are first time visiting Bangkok, here are must-see places or things to do!


Visiting Grand Palace

This is a top tourist spot in Thailand and everyone you know at least has been here. The grand place is a large complex of buildings in the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. The Grand Palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam since 1782 but not anymore.

Typically, tourists spend approximately 1 to 2 hours exploring the majestic temple. You will be amazed by how every detail and effort to craft the temple and the surrounding area.

I suggest you book an online ticket at least 24 hours before your visiting time.


Entrance fees will be THB500

Location : Na Phra Lan Road, Phranakorn (Rattanakosin)

Opening Hours: 8.30 am to 3.30 pm.

How I get there: From Chong Nonsi BTS stop at Saphan Taksin station. Supposed to use the Choa Praya Express boat but end up charged with tourist price, of THB100 per pax.




Wat Pho - Reclining Buddha

You can walk to Wat Pho, the famous Reclining Buddha. directly south of the Grand Palace. From what I know, Wat Pho is one of the largest and oldest temples in Bangkok. It is known for its giant reclining Buddha which is 46 meters long and covered in gold.


Entrance Fee: THB200

Location:2 Sanam Chai Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand

Opening Hours: 8.00 am to 5.30 pm


Wat Arun

After that, kindly visit another well know temple in Bangkok - Wat Arun which is on the west side or also known as the Temple of Dawn. After exploring Wat Pho, walk 200 meters to Tha Thein Pier or also known as Pier 8. There is a small boat service to bring you to the other side for about THB 3. We spend almost 1 hour. It is Instagramable perfect.


Address: 158 Thanon Wang Doem, Wat Arun, Bangkok Yai, Bangkok 10600, Thailand

Entry fee = 50 baht

Time: 8.00 am to 5.30 pm




Experiencing Floating Markets


Yes, like you saw in the pictures. Spend your time visiting and experiencing the famous floating market. Many people will visit Damnoen Saduak - the most popular floating market in Thailand. However, like me, I decided to go a bit further from Bangkok city and go to the lovely Amphawa Floating Market - 1 and a half hours from Bangkok. Amphawa Floating Markets are open on the weekends, Friday to Sunday and they open between 2 pm and 8 pm. Impossible to reach there by train, so either you join the tour (book via klook.com) or go via a minivan that departs from Mo Chit Van Terminal. Tickets start at 150 THB. My recommendation and based on my experience, choose an organized tour.


Address: Amphawa, Amphawa District, Samut Songkhram 75110, Thailand.




Show until you drop at Chatuchak Weekend Market

Now, you can test your bargaining skills here. With over 15 000 stalls, Chatuchak or JJ Marlet sells almost everything from clothing to even pets. To get here, hop on the Skytrain (BTS) to Mo Chit station, take exit no. 1 and just follow the crowd until you see many stalls.

Items that are sold at Chatuchak are Clothing & Accessories, Handicrafts, Ceramics, Furniture, Home Decoration, Food and Beverage, plants, pets, arts, books, antiques, and even massage services. Typically, you will need t spend at least half a day at Chatuchak.

It would be advisable that :

  1. Wear light and comfortable clothing

  2. Don't forget sunglasses, sunscreen or even a hat.

  3. Make sure you have enough cash as most vendors won't accept cards or e-wallets not applicable for tourists (during my time)

Location: Chatuchak Park, Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand Open: Saturday–Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm,

Friday from 6 pm to midnight

The plant's sections - are also open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 7 am to 6 pm


Khaosan Road

It's a backpacker paradise. Khaosan Road is known for cheap beers, tons of bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and street vendors, and Khaosan Road is Bangkok's prominent Songkran Festival host. If you are into drinking and night club, this place is for you. As far as know, Khoasan is not accessible via BTS Skytrain, so the best way to get here is by Grab or even walking if you happened to be near Grand Palace.


Night Markets

Never ever forget to experience Bangkok's famous night markets. You need to bargain hard. Like hard. Bangkok have many night markets but famous for tourist will be Patpong's Night Market at Silom. This place is always busy and chaotic. You can spot this night market easily from the main road at Silom street which is also famous for go-go bars, nightclubs, and mid to high-end hotels.


Patpong Night Market

Location: 1 Patpong Rd, Suriyawong, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand

Open Daily from 5 pm to midnight.


Jodd Fairs

Location: Rama IX Rd, Huai Khwang, Bangkok 10310, Thailand (Near Unilever)

Nearest MRT: Rama 9

Open 5.00 pm to 12.00 midnight


Exploring Bangkok's Mall

Like many big cities, Bangkok has plenty of shopping malls from high-end to mid-range. If you have free time on your agenda, do visit the shopping malls in Bangkok.


List of Must- Go- Malls

Platinum Fashion Mall

What's in there: Clothes, like really nice affordable clothes.


Siam Paragon

What's in there: Varieties - But people come here for window shopping. If you high-end luxury seeker, this is for you.


Terminal 21

What's in there: Varieties and what is interesting about this mall are that each floor has a dedicated theme according to each selected country!


ICONSiam

What's in there: Varieties and what is interesting about this mall is that it has a huge floating market (sort of) in the mall itself. Love the designs of the mall and enjoy the musical water fountain outside of the mall.


There you go, this place is highly recommended for first-timers when visiting Bangkok. Put this on your bucket list. Make sure you stay safe and enjoy this city!


Kindly ensure to check on the appropriate website for the most updated opening hours or any relevant info


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