Cooking Pad Thai with local grandma at Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market in Bangkok
What to Do in Bangkok: 5 Insider’s Tips by Local Experts
Named the world’s most popular city for two consecutive years, many travelers have been to and know what to do in Bangkok. The capital of Thailand is indeed a heaven for travelers, brimming with stunningly elaborate temples, mouthwatering street food and shopping venues; catering to all tastes and budget levels. But Bangkok has so much more to offer. To see all of the city, follow this list of what to do in Bangkok handpicked by the locals.
1. Live the Bangkokian Life
Thai boxer showing his fierce determination
This is your opportunity to meet Bangkok locals and find out what to do in Bangkok together. Visit a local temple and learn about Buddhism by doing, including offering food to monks in the morning. Try Muay Thai (Thai boxing) with champions and relax with Thai massage afterwards. If you want to dance, why not do it with a Bangkokian Latin dancer?
For foodies, go café hopping with a coffee expert and chat with his barista friends. If you are more of a DIY person, join a latte art workshop, or cook Pad Thai with a Pad Thai restaurant owner or prepare a traditional Thai meal with a professional Thai chef.
2. Dine and do as the locals do at Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market
Boat vendors bringing their fresh produce to Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market in Bangkok
Amphawa Floating Market and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market are already internationally famous, so how about a more local floating market right in Bangkok? Far from touristy and commercialized, Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market is packed with super cheap yet mega delicious local dishes. You can also take a boat ride along the canal, join the local way of life and even cook Pad Thai with a local grandma.
3. Immerse yourself in Thai myths and local stories
Puppeteer and demon puppet in action at the Artist’s House in Bangkok
One of the best ways to get into the real Thai spirit is through local stories and myths. In addition to restaurants and art galleries housed in century-old wooden homes, the Artist’s House or Khlong Bang Luang is a venue of Thai puppet show. If you’re into tragic love stories, visit Kwan Riam Floating Market, which is themed after Plae Kao (Scar) or the Thai Romeo and Juliet. Then boat along Khlong Saen Saep Canal. For romantic tragedy with a horror twist, go on a ghost tour for the story of Mae Nak Phra Khanong (Lady Nak of Phra Khanong).
4. Uncover treasures around Bangkok Old Town
Stunning details at Golden Mount in Bangkok
Everyone visits Bangkok Old Town, but most people only go to the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), Wat Pho and Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn). There are many other beautiful temples like Wat Suthat and the Giant Swing, Wat Ratchanaddaram (Metallic Castle) and Wat Saket (Golden Mount). Many of which are so impressive that they are featured on Thai Baht coins.
5. See the other side of Chinatown (and Little Chinatown)
Street vendor setting up drink cart at Yaowarat Chinatown in Bangkok
Like Bangkok Old Town, Chinatown is on every traveler’s list of what to do in Bangkok. It’s the ultimate destination for street food fans, especially at night. However, you’ll find something great at any time of the day. Visit Wat Trimitr (with the Golden Buddha Statue) and the neighborhood Chinese shrines in the morning for peace and quiet. There is also a hidden Chinatown in Tha Din Daeng and you can explore all the little alleys and local shrines there.
See? That’s why your list of what to do in Bangkok shouldn’t just contain temples, Chinatown street food and shopping. Those activities are unmissable, but don’t forget to explore more. With local friends from Thailand’s largest marketplace of 1-day trips, TakeMeTour, to show you around and share local stories, you’ll experience all that Bangkok has to offer. From Bangkok to Chiang Mai and Phuket to many more hidden gems in Thailand, hundreds of unique trips by Local Experts await.
Recommended reading: Best Day Trips from Bangkok: 6 Insider’s Tips. And also What to Do in Chiang Mai: 5 Insider’s Tips
Search for cheap flights to Bangkok
- 4 Best Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries to Visit in Chiang Mai - May 18, 2022
- Coin Flipped, Wonder Found: Temples on Thai Baht Coins - April 19, 2019
- 5 Marvelous Floating Markets near Bangkok - February 24, 2019