Boutique Hotel Bangkok

Things To Do In Bangkok

Weather you have one day or ten, love culture or prefer shopping there’s plenty of things to do in Bangkok to keep you entertained.

Jim Thompson HouseJim Thompson House © shankar s

Jim Thompson House

Jim Thompson’s House offers a pleasant respite from Bangkok’s bedlam. Visitors are invited into the six peaceful teak houses which were home to the famous silk trader in the mid-1900s. Enjoy his collection of tapestries, sculptures and paintings as well as learning a little about Thai Silk and something of the spy-thriller-like mystery that surrounds his death.

Klong (Canal Tour).

Bangkok used to be a myriad of canals before modernisation wiped many off the map. You can still snatch a glimpse of what Bangkok once was by hopping on a longtail and stepping back in time to discover the west bank. Experience the canalside living of yesteryear and see the day to day life or worship, education and business adapted to the waterways of Bangkok. Prices range from 1500-1800 for 1.5hours for up to six people.

Grand Palace

Bangkoks Grand Palace truly lives up to its name. Colourful mosaics riot, temple guardians threaten and gold spires shine everywhere you turn. The highly revered tiny Emerald Buddha makes it home here in the sacred complex which dates from 1782. Wat Po is close by too. Make sure to dress respectfully for both sites ; long trousers or skirts, covered shoulders and closed toe shoes.

Wat Pho

Wat Po is famous for two things; its 46m long reclining Buddha and its respected massage school. The immensity of the Buddha and the intricacy of the mother of pearl inlay on its feet has to be seen to be believed. Visitors can enjoy a massage school or spend more time to learn this art. Strangely most tourists miss the beautiful grounds but spare some time to have a look.

National Museum, BangkokNational Museum © Paul Trafford

Bangkok National Museum

Bangkoks National Museum is the largest museum in South East Asia. History, artifacts, gems, treasures and arts and so much more are displayed. The size can be a little too much; joining a free tour on Wednesday or Thursday mornings is a very good idea.

Antiques Shopping – River City Shopping Centre

River City is the place to go for antique shopping. Unlike Bangkok’s other malls, it’s stuffed with art, sculptures, carvings and much more. It’s also the place where you are likely to leave for river or dinner cruises, cycling and canal exploration tours.

Bangkok Art Centre width=Art © smalljude

Art Galleries on Charoen Krung Road

This area is hip and hipness certainly attracts art. Wander around and check out galleries like OP Palace which is home to the more traditional or Speedy Grandma or Soy Sauce for the more modern.

 

Amulet Market

You’d be forgiven for thinking that trade here is for amulets, buddhas, charms and talismans when in actual fact its dreams, hopes, wishes, protection and good old plain luck which is being traded. Come along and experience the vibe and maybe buy yourself a slice of what you need.

View from a skybar in Bangkok width=Sky-high © Kelvin Yee

Vertigo and Moon Bar

Vertigo earns its accolade as Asia Pacific highest open air bar and restaurant with the style you would expect from the luxurious Banyan Tree Hotel. See Bangkok twinkle from 61 floors above while sipping cocktails. Prices are what you might expect, but the view is free. Men should wear shoes and trousers and ladies should dress to impress.

Jim Thompson House

While not quite as high as Vertigo, Lebua State Towers high spot is called Sky Bar and was made famous in The Hangover Movie. Be as entranced by the view as you are with the shifting subtle neon colours lighting the bar. Be aware that there are no seats. Drink prices offer the same elevation as most high rise bars.

500d_20120508_0461.jpg width=Royal Barges © Roger Howard

Royal Barges Museum

Exactly what it says, this museum is home to the exquisitely crafted Royal Barges and some interesting history. They can be seen in action during the November festival but for close inspection the museum is best.

Ban Baat Alms Bowl Community

Once all alms bowls were handmade and now in Bangkok there’s just one small community responsible for this craft. Wander around between 8am and 5pm and you’ll find the artisans sat on the floor welding and hammering. Purchase a bowl for around 500B.

DSC01427 width=Asiatique ©slayer

Jim Thompson House

Think of Asiatique as a luxurious night market in a mall setting. There are over 1500 boutique shops selling a myriad of colourful sparkling wares, worldwide cuisine, a puppet show, a Muay Thai show, cabaret and the biggest Ferris wheel in Thailand too.

River Cruise to Ayutthaya

Ayutthaya used to be the capital and is now World Heritage City and a place to explore the countries old wats and ruins. Visitors usually make this trip in one day from Bangkok, going one way by road and one way cruising along the Chao Praya passed other celebrated sites. Have a look at River Sun Cruise,Grand Pearl Cruise or Thanatharee Cruise who cruise on a teak rice boat.

Khao San Road - Dec 30 width=Khao San Road © jbremer57

Khao San Road

The Khao San Road used to be backpacker central, choc full of all the services shoestring-budgeters might need. Backpackers still flock here, but the area is significantly more salubrious now, welcoming a more discerning crowd. It’s fun to wander around the warren of alleys and markets like a character from The Beach. Soak up the frenetic activity and kaleidoscope of colours and smells.

Phra Athit Road

Close to the Khao San Road, Phra Athit offers an entirely different experience. Home to cafes and restaurants welcoming locals, expats and the hip you should expect to find good food, live music and an international psyche.

IMG_6767 width=Thai Food © Jason Walsh

Food Tours

One of Thailand’s attractions has to be its food. If you want a crash course in the exotic and flavourful, then a tour is the best place to get to know your chillis from your tamarind. Chilli Paste Food Tours offers a great tour which takes you off the beaten track to experience Thai food like a local.

China Town Tour

China Town is a world within a city. Chinese traders have resided in Bangkok before it was the capital and have created a vibrant trading locale inviting to all. Look online for walking tours, visit the capital’s largest flower market and explore the labyrinth. Little India adjoins offering fabric and snacks. Check out Yaowarat Night Food Market, you’ll find tours online if you don’t fancy flying solo.

Cycling Tours in Bangkok

Cycle back in time. Cross the Chao Praya River by boat and head out into the jungle. In under an hour, you’ll been transported into a Bangkok you could never imagine. Cycle passed fruit and vegetable fields enveloped by lush greenery, along narrow tracks bordered by irrigation, down tiny alleys where life is rural – leaving the horns, traffic and hustle and bustle behind. There are many different cycle tours to choose from but heading across the river would be my recommendation.




Boutique Hotels in Bangkok

Our pick of boutique hotels in Bangkok are: