Bangkok

Bangkok is the capital and the largest city of Thailand. Located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok has a population of 6 million people at least. Bangkok is often known as the Venice of the East because of the many canals surrounding it and this is the location for the many floating markets of the city.

Bangkok is one of South East Asia’s top economic centres. Considering the influx of foreign tourists who come here regularly, this is not surprising at all.

The hectic and bustling city is unapologetically cosmopolitan and yet, holds its roots close to its heart. Here sprawling malls, with the latest designer offerings, are equally at home with lush paddy fields just outside the city. There’s indeed something for everyone here.

What to see in Bangkok

Grand Palace

The Grand Palace, the residence of royals for several generations, is the perfect place to begin your historical tour in Bangkok. It houses one of the holiest Buddhist temples, Wat Phra Kaew, built in the year 1782. The Grand Palace stands among the top tourist attractions in Bangkok, Thailand, showcasing the rich history of Bangkok.

Wat Arun

Of the many wats that can be found in Bangkok, a few like Wat Arun stand out splendidly. The Temple of the Dawn can be found on the banks of the Chao Phraya River and it is simply beautiful to behold. There are five towers of the temple which have been covered with colourful porcelain and ceramic tiles.

This stunning temple used to house the reclining Buddha which is now found in Wat Pho. It is easy to approach via a boat. Wat Arun should definitely be a stopover for those who love architecture and appreciate the beauty of these temples.

Wat Pho

Wat Pho is a famous temple located immediately south of the Grand Palace precinct in Bangkok. The place is renowned for being headquarters for the teaching and preservation of traditional Thai medicine. The temple is largely visited to view the large reclining Buddha within, thus also known as 'Temple of the Reclining Buddha'.

Khao San Road

Of the many fun things to do in Bangkok, a visit to Khao San Road will bring you face to face with tasty street food. Watching people and the world go by, while you indulge with some delectable street fare, can be a great pastime here.

It attracts backpackers who are looking for affordable boarding, as there are several budget-friendly hotels here. Stick around for the vibrant atmosphere and you’ll see why it’s one of the top things to do in Bangkok at night.

Lumphini Park

Lumphini Park is a lush green pocket in the middle of the city, where you can cycle along the path or even do a bit of jogging if you feel like it. Intricate Chinese gazebos, a peaceful lake, and frequent concerts create a magical environment in the park.

It is a great spot for outdoor activities and is like a breath of fresh air in the middle of a bustling city. Settle down amidst the greenery for a lively jazz concert or simply watch children play on the swings and seesaws. If you’re lucky, you could even catch a monitor lizard sunning itself by the lake.

Dusit Zoo

One of the fun things to do in Bangkok would be a visit to Dusit Zoo. With more than 1600 domestic and international animals, this is a great spot to hit especially if you’re travelling with children. White Bengal tigers, albino barking deer, monkeys, hippopotamuses and even penguins can be found here.

There are many things to do in Bangkok and these are just some of them.

What to Eat In Bangkok

The food scene in Bangkok is fantastic. With a wide variety of mouth-watering, scrumptious street food on one hand and some of the best fine dining restaurants in the world on the other, it is every food lover's dream. Dominated by Thai cuisine, Bangkok also has a lot to offer in terms of other cuisines like Chinese, Indian and European as well.

Khao Phat is one of the major dishes of Thailand, which is a typical rice dish eaten with beef, chicken, pork, crab, shrimp, pineapple or coconut. Other main dishes that one must try are Tom Yum Goong (spicy shrimp soup), Som Tum (Spicy green papaya salad), Tom Kha Kai (chicken in coconut soup), and Pad Thai (Thai style fried noodles). With a significant population of Indians living in Bangkok, there are plethoras of Indian restaurants in the city offering wide range of Indian delicacies. Offering from delicious South Indian food to north Indian dishes and Indian snacks, one can expect variety of food.

Shopping in Bangkok

Your Bangkok trip will not be complete without shopping. In fact, what might linger in your memory even after your trip ends … will be the shopping experience. You can get your hands on literally everything; street vendors, shopping malls, electronic stores, flea markets and what not. You get everything here and Bangkok smartly caters to every type of traveller. So, no matter how your wallet feels, dive in and indulge as much as you can allow yourself. Also, if you are great in haggling, this art of yours can help you crack a great deal. It might be quite exhilarating for you to decide about the shopping spots. Why worry. We have compiled this guide keeping in mind your best interests. Browse through it and while wondering around the lively alleys and eclectic markets in Bangkok, you will realise why this city is often called the shopping capital of Thailand.

How to Reach Bangkok

By Road

Travelling by road is another popular way to reach the city from other cities like Pattaya, Krabi and Koh Samui. One can also reach Bangkok from other neighbouring countries. The northern bus terminal is known as Mo Chit BTS station and it’s one of the busiest stations in Bangkok. You can book your tickets directly at the terminal to take you to any of the other cities. However, if you have an International Driving Permit and a valid driving license, you can even drive into Thailand in your own car. Bear in mind that crossing the border can be time-consuming, so remember to account for that before leaving.

By Train

Bangkok’s main railway station is Hua Lamphong, the elegantly designed station that connects Bangkok to several other cities in Thailand. If you’re thinking of how to reach Bangkok by train from other countries, Hua Lamphong is connected to Malaysia, Cambodia and Laos. Travelling by train is an excellent way to see the country and reaching Bangkok by train can be an interesting experience.

By Air

Bangkok has two airports – Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang Airport. A majority of international and domestic airlines operate from Suvarnabhumi. Visitors can avail of the several airport express buses and taxis to reach the city from the airport. There’s also the convenient Bangkok Airport Rail Link which connects Suvarnabhumi Airport to downtown Bangkok, making it easier to get into the city. Don Mueang is still operational and there are several hotels nearby, which offer great options to stay.