What to do
in Bangkok

"Personal Reviews of Activities, Sights
and Attractions in Bangkok"

Your choices in Bangkok activities are endless!

There are dozens, maybe hundreds of Wats, museums, sports, recreation options and arranged tours in the city.

I will only cover the most important activities and attractions for Bangkok. I will basically stick to what I saw and did in Bangkok, and other backpackers' recommendations.

Let's start!

Enjoy!

Click here to share a tip, review or story about your favorite activity/attraction in Bangkok

Ancient City -- Muang Boran

For those who love art and culture!

Outside of Bangkok, you have Samut Prakan's Ancient City (Muang Boran)
-- a large impressive outdoor museum.

Price: 400 B (foreigner fee), 200 B for children

It's known for its architecture, and for its collection of important ancient monuments in Thailand.

A quick look into its story!

Ancient City covers a whole 320 acre outside Bangkok. It's designed to shape the borders of Thailand and houses 109 of Thailand's most important historical attractions.

While you're walking/cycling around the city, you'll pass beautiful maintained hedges, flower beds and waterways.

A tip is to start early, and plan at least a half-day there. Do rent a bike there (the place is too huge to be walked by foot). You can also buy some nice souvenirs and handicrafts here at reasonable prices.

If you get hungry, you might try the food at the small stands or at the outdoor restaurants with a few tables.

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Wat Po

What to do in Bangkok?

Want to see a 46 meter long Buddha?

Then go to Wat Po!

Wat Po is old - it was founded in 16th century! Before turning into a major tourist spot, it was an education facility with monks providing lessons in spiritual subjects. Then King Rama the 3d decided to turn it onto a center for learning botany, geography and history.

Today Wat Po is a meditation center and traditional Thai massage is both practiced and taught here.

Before entering, you're obliged to take off your shoes and cover your shoulders. When you enter the site, you'll see a golden loooong Buddha, resting the head in its hand.

It was cool to see a big and long Buddha, but the place was very touristy. Still worth the trip though, I've never seen anything like this before!

Otherwise, there are loads of other Wats and Buddhas around the city. Because I already visited the Angkor Watt in Cambodia, I didn't feel the need to visit even more temples in Bangkok. Therefore I don't have any more Wats to recommend I'm afraid.

And before I forget...

Outside the Wat Po area you can find some Thai guys with a "tame" beautiful python, which you can have around your neck (100 B).

Pricey, but worth it.

I had the python around my neck for one minute and it was HEAVY! (It didn't look that heavy). Deep inside, I was afraid that it would strangle me. It kept "licking" my right arm with its swirling tongue!

I love snakes, so it was pretty awesome to have done it.

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...Speaking of snakes! -- Visit Bangkok's Snake Farm

What to do in Bangkok! Image credit: talesofasia.com

The Snake Farm is located on Rama IV Road, within the Thai Red Cross Institute (near Henri Dunant Avenue).

Here you can try having a snake crawling around your neck and shoulders, or watch an excellent feeding show. The Snake Farm is more than snake displays. The facility also produces anti-venom, which can save thousands of lives in Asia.

They have some of the deadliest snakes in the world like the king Cobra, spitting Cobra, python, mangrove snake and much more!

Admission: 200 B (foreigner fee)
Opening hours:
Weekdays 8:30 am - 4:30 pm. Weekends and Holidays: 8:30 am - 12 am
Snake handling demonstration:
Weekdays: 11:00 am and 2:30 pm

Tame pythons

It is said that pythons can tolerate humans and it's quite common to have them as pets in Asia.

On the other hand, they can't be trained. So, when you're holding a python, don't make any sudden moves and try not to have the scent of their food in your hands!

They will usually not attack humans unless they are provoked or startled.

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Floating Market

Half-day trip to the Floating Market in Damnoen Saduak.

Damnoen Sadual is a fertile area and the locals grow vegetables and fruits like oranges, cabbages, onions, papayas, grapes and etc.

You will enter a colorful market and it's full of sellers -- selling everything from fruit, souvenirs, noodles, handicrafts and spices. This is the place to bargain -- cut the price with 50%.

I never went there, but some backpackers I talked to found it interesting (but very touristy).

If you book a tour via travel agents on Khao San Road or Soi Rambuttri, it will cost you around 600 B.

Where: 2 hours drive from Bangkok, so start early!

Even more on what to do in Bangkok?

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Action in Bangkok --
Muay Thai Fights and Boxing

Watch a real thai-boxing fight LIVE!

Go to Ratchadamnoen Stadium or the Lumphini Stadium.

It was fun to watch a gambling crowd shouting, and encouraging their favorite Muay Thai fighter. It made my adrenaline rise! It's a awesome way of getting to know the brutal side of Thailand.

And remember that you pay more the closer you get the ring (ringside tickets cost about 2000 B). The cheapest tickets you can get at Ratchadamnoen: 1000 B.

Don't buy tickets from touts selling on the street, buy directly from the counter.

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Cooking classes in Bangkok

Here are some options:

• Angsana's cooking class. Check out her website and recommendations.

• Blue Elephant is a popular cooking school.
  If you want to read about The Blue Elephant, go here.

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