Things to do in Bangkok (Besides Temples)
Whether you are in Bangkok for 3 day or 2 weeks, you will NEVER be able to do everything. The population of Bangkok is 8.2 million and has 50 districts. There are so many ways to indulge in the beautiful culture and see why it is truly called the land of smiles. The other great part is that you get to decide what kind of vacation you want. You can be apart of the backpackers community and find ways to conserve your money or be as luxurious as you prefer. We, however, decided to join the rest of the backpackers in Asia and were able to live on $25 dollars a day each. Literally, you get to decide because they have everything!
These are all the unique things to do in Bangkok, besides the obvious of exploring the temples.
Best Markets and Malls in Bangkok
Chatuchak Weekend Market
This market is by far, one of the largest markets in Bangkok. Do not get lost, get a map before diving in! Always remember to haggle, its the best part!
Klong Toey Market
This is one of the fresh food markets that you can find. This is the best spot to get the all of the exotic fruits, veggies and local street food.
Pratnam Market
Wholesale. Wholesale. Wholesale. This is the best spot to buy cheap elephant pants, tank top, or gifts to bring home to family. This is in a huge shopping district so get in the mood to shop til' you drop.
Or Tor Kor Market
This is a very clean, upscale market with the freshest of foods and meat. They have amazing "street food" options at a more expensive prices, but I would trust all the stalls in this market. Other markets you have to worry about sanitary stalls and cross contamination, not here though.
Pak Khlong Talat
If you are a plant and flower lover like me, THIS IS A MUST. This is a fresh flower market that locals come to to buy for offerings. I never bought anything, but I could have walked around forever!
MBK Mall
All I can say is WOW. This mall is insane and unlike any "mall" I've ever been too. Each level is organized by products and it takes forever to walk through. ALSO, you know how excited I get about this YOU GET TO HAGGLE PRICES HERE! Like, WHAT? At a mall? This was so fun.
Siam Mall
This one felt like a mall back home. A lot of organized, clean and well put together shops. This mall is more on the expensive side however if you need to escape the hustle and bustle and feel home, come here.
Random Attraction/tours
PRO TIP: *With all tours and attractions, buy them while you are there with a tour guide company. They are so much cheaper then buying online.
Dosit Zoo
I'm a huge animal lover! Any chance I can lunge at being around animals, I will. This Zoo was so fun. My favorite part was how close we got to the giraffes. I'm pretty sure we lost a lot of our time in Bangkok because we spent a whole day here.
Canal Tour
This was not a tour on our list and we thankfully heard from a few travelers how fun this was so we stayed one more day went around the canals. We took a private boat tour and our boat driver was so kind and told us so much history about Bangkok.
Jim Thompson House
This was a super quick and fun tour. It took us around an hour to complete and the tour explained the process of making Thai silk. Jim Thompson was known as the "Thai Silk King". There was asian inspired art around the house and was honestly one of the most peaceful gardens I've ever been in.
Dinner Cruise
Ian and I were unable to do this because most of these were too expensive for our daily budget. However, I'm putting this on the list because we always talk about how, "if we saved a little more money, I wish we would have done more fun date night." This was one of the many things we regret not doing.
Best Areas
Khan San Road
This is where Ian and I spent most of our time since the hostels and hotels were super cheap. I definitely recommend this area if you want to party, have drinks, and dance. They have tons of street food vendors, market stalls and much more. I would advise to roam around the area and try different shops, food and markets though. Khan San Road is a huge tourist attraction so, in my opinion, if you want to enjoy authentic culture, don't forget to explore the other streets and roads around those areas.
Silom
This area was on our list but we were unable to go. Silom is known for it important financial district. It is full of very cool, laid back attractions like sky bars, museums, markets and parks. They have higher end hotels, restaurants and nightlife.
Sukhumvit Soi 38
If you want an area dedicated to trying street food. THIS IS THE PLACE! You will find some of the most basic foods to the most bizarre foods here.
Riverside
This is the most beautiful areas of Bangkok without the over whelming traffic. They have amazing, unique, attractions that will keep you busy. We had a rooftop dinner in this area and had an amazing view. This is the place you want to go to find roof top restaurants.
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