The Thai capital offers its visitors a trip to the heart of the country's traditions. From the Grand Palace to the Buddhist temple of Wat Pho, a long weekend during a stay in Thailand will not be too much to enjoy Bangkok. Discover all the sights to do in Bangkok to fully enjoy it!
Discover Bangkok, a city with two faces
If Thailand offers several faces, Bangkok is indeed the most urban and dynamic profile. Founded around an old fortress from the 18th century, the Grand Palace, the city experienced rapid development in the 20th century with the industrialization of the countries of Southeast Asia. Split in two by the "Chao Phraya" river, Bangkok is full of multiple canals on its right bank, which earned it the nickname of Venice of Asia. This is already enough to make you want to fly to the Thai capital ...
Bangkok canals
Participate in a traditional festival
Bangkok is a city marked by its traditions. As shown by the party celebrating the Thai New Year or that of the "Krathong". The people of Bangkok make baskets full of flowers, candles and incense - known as Krathongs - which they light and place on the water. Thousands of baskets thus sail on the canals. They are synonymous with dream fulfillment and long life for Thais.
Krathong
Visit the Palais-Royal
If there is one compulsory visit to be made in Bangkok, it is this one: the Palais-Royal. It is made up of several monuments each just as magnificent as the next. They are mainly temples and official buildings. The King of Thailand even has apartments there which he still visits from time to time. The temples are the most beautiful and majestic in Thailand.. They are even Bangkok's most respected place of worship. Plan a long time to visit because you will be surprised by many beautiful things to see such as the Emerald Buddha that you will find in the middle of the central square.
Bangkok Royal Palace
Contemplate the Emerald Buddha, symbol of the country
Buddhism is a key part of Thai culture. The most representative elements in Bangkok are undoubtedly the Grand Palace and the temple of "Wat Phra Kaeo". They consist of several buildings, with architecture representative of Thai art. The royal chapel of the Grand Palais houses a real treasure, the Emerald Buddha, a Jade statue, symbol of the Chakri dynasty, who currently reigns in Thailand.
The Emerald Buddha
Trade on a floating market
Once nicknamed the "Venice of Asia", Bangkok is a city with many canals. They were used for transporting goods, but also as a means of locomotion. At the time, there were already several floating markets. Nowadays, it's an unusual activity to do in Bangkok during your stay. You will easily find several floating markets, all you have to do is board one of the many boats offered by the locals. Each "stand" generally has its own colored boat. You will find local fruits and vegetables, shellfish but also souvenirs, trinkets, etc. Of course, do not hesitate to start negotiations! This will be an opportunity to discover local products and why not directly test Thai gastronomy.
The floating market
Go see a local show
Many shows are offered every evening in the city. It is important to go see at least one during your stay in order to discover the local customs of yesteryear. You will be won over by the staging, but above all by the majestic costumes that the actors will wear. You will discover sumptuous decorations, numerous light effects for a completely unforgettable evening. Some shows are accompanied by a tasty dinner. An opportunity for you to combine cultural and culinary discovery!
Traditional dances
Admire Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)
Wat Pho is one of the oldest and largest Buddhist temples in Bangkok. It now hosts one of the finest Thai massage schools in the world. Built in 1722, you will admire an incredible typical Buddhist architecture. But the most impressive remains inside the temple, you will discover a huge statue of the golden reclining Buddha. Indeed, this buddha is no less than 43 meters long and 15 meters high. This temple is undoubtedly a visit to do in Bangkok.
The Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho
Explorer Wat saket (temple du mont d’or)
Wat Saket is one of the most beautiful temples in Bangkok. Nestled on an artificial hill 75 meters high, it will offer you a panoramic view of the city. For this, you will still have to climb the 344 small steps before arriving on a large and beautiful golden terrace. Every year in November, monks celebrate the ascent of Phu Khao Thong by candlelight. This holiday has become a popular attraction for travelers!
Wat Saket
Navigate the Chao Phraya River
The Chao Phraya is one of the largest and most important rivers in Thailand, after the Mekong and the Salouen. It crosses the country entirely from north to south. It is still at the present time one of the major transport and trade axes. Hundreds of boats pass through the river and its canals, called Khlongs, every day. During your stay, you will certainly need to borrow one of them in order to go to one of your visits. They have the particularity of accommodating rather unusual boats: teak boats are stores, between which it is possible to move, forming the famous floating market. Many travelers also like dinner cruises organized regularly on this river. At sunset, you will admire a superb landscape from one of them!
Chao Phraya
Walk around Jim Thompson's house
Jim Thomson's house, adventurer and businessman, is located close to the modern district of Bangkok. After its mysterious disappearance in 1967 in Malaysia, the house was transformed into a museum according to the wishes of its owner. You can visit the magnificent gardens of this residence. You will find ponds and a rich green flora there. It is a real peaceful and restful place. The interior of the building houses a superb collection of art objects (Cambodian bronzes, mings pottery, porcelain and vases of various origins…). Jim Thompson was also passionate about silk, you will find several related objects but also unique woven pieces. Guided tours are organized every day. There is a boutique on site, selling superb silk products of excellent quality.
Jim Thompson's house
Learn about Thai history and culture at the National Museum
The National Museum houses the most beautiful and important relics in Thai history. It is truly a must visit to do in Bangkok. You will find many historical objects from all over the country. Such as objects coming out of archaeological excavations or objects of value coming from old palaces or temples for example. The museum is divided into several galleries, you will find among others, the Thai History gallery, a Prehistory gallery or a gallery devoted to the history of Art. As the museum is huge and full of important information, it might be a good idea to visit with a guide.
Read also: Learn about Thai history and culture
National Museum of Bangkok
Go out to night markets and trendy bars
Tourists from all over the world flock to shops in the “Patpong-Suriwong Silom” district. Dozens of stalls, stalls and stores of all kinds make it an inevitable shopping stopover! The neighborhood is alive day and night, "Patpong" hosting a night market very famous in Bangkok. It is also at night that the Thai capital offers its most sulphurous face. In the night market of "Suan Lum", shops are next to trendy bars and clubs with a "hot" atmosphere.
Suan Lum
Useful information
Want to go to Bangkok? To make your stay a success, here is some practical information which will be useful to you on site:
- Money and change: The Thai currency is the Baht. One euro is equivalent to around 50 baht.
- Weather : Thailand goes through the monsoon season between June and September. The most pleasant time to stay in Bangkok is spring, between March and May.
- Transport: The city of Bangkok is served by Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi International Airport. The Paris-Bangkok trip takes around 12 hours. From the airport, shuttle services or taxis take you to the city center.
- Getting around Bangkok: As the city is very large, it is best to use buses or taxis to get around. A skytrain also runs through the city. More unusual, Tuk-tuks are very practical three-wheeled taxis for short distances. It is nevertheless recommended to set a price before the start of the race.
- Profusion of hotels in the main arteries: On the left bank, it is a cosmopolitan and dynamic Bangkok that welcomes visitors. "Sukhumvit", one of the main arteries of the city, is also a strategic point to put down your luggage. Several hotels rub shoulders there and offer rates compatible with all budgets. The price of success, it is better not to book your room at the last minute during the high tourist season. Conversely, in quieter times, it is possible to find cheap accommodation.
A temple in Bangkok
The essentials of Bangkok… and after?
Thailand is a big country and Bangkok is just a small glimpse of it. If you enjoyed your visit and want to repeat this fabulous experience, you should not hesitate to go to other cities such as Phuket or Chiang Mai for example. You will discover other magnificent temples and spectacular monuments. Do not hesitate to consult our complete guide to Thailand! You will certainly find other ideas for Thai destinations that might appeal to you.
