Bangkok has a lot to offer tourists, from amazing temples to awesome nightlife and shopping. However, there’s more to this vibrant city than first meets the eye, so we’ve compiled this list of things to do in Bangkok that you might not have considered when planning your vacation. If you’re staying in Bangkok for at least 3 days, we guarantee that the suggestions on this list will give you an unforgettable experience and make your trip to Thailand that much more rewarding!
Passport and I.D. When Traveling to Bangkok
One of the more important things to keep in mind when traveling to Thailand is that you need a valid passport. The cost of a passport varies depending on your age and country of origin, but it should cost between $135 and $220. You can apply for an expedited passport if you are traveling within two weeks, but it will cost you an additional $60 or so. If you plan on spending a lot of time in Bangkok, it might be worth buying an annual tourist visa for around $200. If you are driving in Bangkok we recommend you bring your driving license and obtain an international driving permit..
Visit an Aquarium
The Siam Ocean World is a great place to go if you want to see some really cool sea creatures. The aquarium has been around for over 30 years and is home to more than 20,000 marine animals from all over the world. You can take a walk through the Journey into Adventure section of the aquarium where you’ll come across sharks, jellyfish, seahorses and more.
Take a Cooking Class
This is a great place to take your significant other and teach them how to cook your favorite dishes, or maybe learn how to make something new. You’ll get a hands-on experience in cooking Thai food, which will make you feel like an insider as opposed to just being a tourist. This is also a good opportunity for families who want their kids to be exposed to more than just sightseeing.
Visit a Temple
If you’re looking for something to do that’s not a tourist trap, try Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the beautiful structure and grounds of this temple. Be sure to find out when it is open before you go though, because it can only be visited by appointment.
Ride an Elephant
We recommend riding an elephant at Chiang Mai Elephant Camp. It’s an incredible experience and a great alternative to riding one of these huge beasts when you visit Thailand. In addition to learning about these gentle giants, they also offer opportunities to feed them, bathe them, and observe their natural behaviors before humans became involved. It’s not only a super cool way to see elephants up close, but it’s a big part of the camp’s mission to educate people about these animals and their habitats.
See a Muay Thai Match
One of the best ways to get a taste of Thai culture is to visit a Muay Thai match. There are many places where you can watch this popular form of kickboxing, but Rangsit Stadium is one of our favorites because it’s close by and easy to find.
Go Shopping
Chatuchak Weekend Market. If you’re here for more than a day, this is one of the best places to go shopping. The market has sections for just about everything, so it’s easy to find something you like. It’s a fun and lively place with lots of great food options and people watching opportunities.
Get a Thai Massage
Thai massage offers therapeutic benefits and is a popular tourist activity. In Thailand, it’s not uncommon to see people walking around with colorful bandages wrapped around their limbs. It’s so popular that you can find Thai massage parlors on almost every street corner here.
What is a Thai Massage?
A Thai massage starts by having you wear loose clothing and then lying down on a mat or firm mattress.
Visit Chinatown
If you’re looking for food, you should head to Chinatown. There are tons of little shops that sell noodles, dumplings, bao and other street food from all over Asia. It’s a really cool place to explore and experience different cultures through their dishes.
