“Where To Go in Bangkok”, “Where are the MUST GO in Bangkok?” These are  probably what  you will search in Google for  your first ever Bangkok trip. There are just so many things to do in Bangkok and I hope that  this comprehensive list will  help in your planning. :)

1) Temples

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For first time visitors to Bangkok, one of the places to visit is definitely to the famous temples, known as “Wat” in Thai. As Thailand is  a Buddhist country, you can easily find temples all around Bangkok and Thailand. Of course, there are some which are more popular and have became the “Must Visit Temple” in Bangkok. Some of these are Grand Palace (Wat  Phra Kaew), Wat Arun, Wat Pho and Wat Traimit.

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Wat Pho, also known as the “Temple of the Reclining Buddha”.

Most importantly, take note of the dress code. Remember to dress appropriately when visiting the temples. Shoulders, and legs have to be covered and no slippers are allowed.

Any writers / bloggers interested to guest blog on the topic of temples in Bangkok are welcome to contact me. :)

2) Erawan Shrine

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Erawan Shrine (Thao Mahaprom Shrine) is a popular tourist attraction which actually attracts more visitors than the different temples. Many come here to pray because Erawan Shrine was originally built to ward off evil and it’s famous for bringing good fortune. It is conveniently located at Ratchaprasong junction, just diagonally opposite from Central World.

3) Street Food

Everybody loves Thai Food. It is full of flavour and spices and is just  extremely delicious. Do you know that street food tastes equally good? It may not seem the most hygienic but if you don’t have a weak stomach, you definitely need to try it. There are so many delicious street food all around Bangkok and one of my favourite places is in Yaowarat (Chinatown) where you can eat lots of street food and at the same time, soak in the energetic night life there.

See more >> 15  Must Eat in  Yaowarat, Chinatownmusteatyaowarat
See more >> 15  Must Eat in  Yaowarat, Chinatown

If it’s not enough food for you, here’s a MEGA recommendation of food for you!

See more >> 55  Must Eat in Bangkok
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See more >> 55  Must Eat in Bangkok

4) Shopping

You won’t leave Bangkok without shopping! There are so many shopping venues to fit every budget. For budget shopping, the most popular is Platinum Fashion Mall in Pratunam.  Bangkok  also has  many luxury malls  such as Siam Paragon, Central Embassy, Emporium and EmQuartier.

See more >> 10 Must Shop in Bangkok10mustshopinbangkok
See more >> 10 Must Shop in Bangkok

5) Chatuchak Weekend Market

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Chatuchak Weekend Market also known as Jatujak or JJ Market, is the largest market in Thailand. It is so huge to the extent that you will never be able to complete all the stalls in a day. The market has more than 5000 stalls selling a wide array of products including fashion for both females and males, accessories, footwear, household items, pets, Thai handicrafts and much more.  My favourite activity here is of course eating and drinking! Make sure you check this post out because you can find out where you can get Bangkok’s best Coconut Ice Cream here!

See more >>  15  Must Eat & Drink in Chatuchak Weekend Market
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See more >>  15  Must Eat & Drink in Chatuchak Weekend Market

6) Night Market

Bangkok’s nightlife is very happening. Instead of sleeping at home, many head out to night markets to do some shopping or have some street food.  There are many night markets in Bangkok but my favourite now is definitely ArtBox Bangkok and Talad Rot Fai (Srinakarin) or Talad Rot Fai (Ratchada).

See more >> ArtBox  Bangkok
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See more >> ArtBox  Bangkok

7) Rooftop Bar

Even though there are many nice pubs around Thonglor, I still prefer visiting a Rooftop Bar in Bangkok. It is something special to Bangkok as you can enjoy the magnificent views and sunset. Each rooftop bar has its unique and different offerings.

See more >>  15 Must  Go Rooftop Bars
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See more >>  15 Must  Go  Rooftop Bars

8) Massage & Spa

With a really packed itinerary,  before you head back to your country, you will definitely need to visit a spa to just rejuvenate and rest. Leave the world for a few hours and just relax. It’s so therapeutic! If you don’t have time for a spa, go for a cheap foot massage or enjoy a traditional thai body massage. Don’t know where to go? Check out my recommendations below.

See more >>  15 Best Massage & Spa in Bangkok
bestmassagespabangkok
See more >>  15 Best Massage & Spa in Bangkok

9) Chao Phraya River

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The most popular and main river of Bangkok is the Chao Phraya River. It’s also the place where you get to see many beautiful hotels, temples and bridges of Bangkok. The picture above is taken from Three Sixty Rooftop Bar at Millennium Hilton Bangkok.

The best way to see all at a glance is to take a Chao Phraya Boat during the day or if you want something more unique, take a Dinner Cruise.

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10) Lumpini Park

If you like greenery, you can’t find much in Bangkok as you really don’t even get to see many trees along the road. So, the best place is to Lumpini Park, where you get to enjoy fresh air and nature. Here’s a view from Sofitel So Bangkok, where you get to see the beautiful park from the top!

Sofitel So Bangkok - Lumpini Park

11) Floating Market

Floating Market can only be visited if you have extra days in Bangkok. A visit to a floating market will take you half to a full day away from your schedule as it’s about 1 to 2 hours drive from Bangkok city. While many tourist agencies will recommend you to visit the original Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, I personally prefer Amphawa Floating Market as it’s less touristy.

See more >>> Amphawa Floating Market
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See more >>>  Amphawa Floating Market

12) Cafe Hopping

Frequent visitors to Bangkok will probably want to do something different or just chill out at some cafe to relax. Good news because there are so many new cafes in Bangkok and each has  its own personality and unique selling points. The most popular cafe area is in Thonglor but let me show  you another upcoming area called Ari!

See more >>> Cafes in Soi Aricafesinsoiari
See more >>> Cafes in Soi Ari

I have yet to do a comprehensive review of cafes in Thonglor but do check out the posts by some of the trusted food bloggers whom I have met before! Brunei Foodie (Thanis Lim) – Must Try Cafe in Bangkok and Singapore Foodie (DanielFoodDiary) – 10 Best Cafes at Bangkok Thonglor.

13) Muay Thai

Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) is a combat sport, using your entire body as a weapon or a form of defence. The  “Art of Eight Limbs” consists of various strikes and techniques made up of punches, kicks, elbows and knee strikes. You definitely need to see some Muay Thai action if it’s your first time in Bangkok. You can watch MBK Fight Night for free at MBK Centre  every Wednesday from 6pm to 8:30pm. Or if you want to watch in comfort (theatre setting), check out Muay Thai Live at Asiatique!

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14) Tuk Tuk Ride

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Many of your friends probably told you not to try the Tuk Tuk in Bangkok as a mode of transport. But I’d tell you to  try it at least once. This iconic three-wheeled vehicle called Tuk Tuk was the main mode of transport in the past. It is colourful, cute and more  importantly, it can squeeze between  tightly packed cars in jams. It may not be the safest and cleanest mode of transport but it’s worth an experience. They do not have meters and hence you need to bargain with the drivers  on the price. I usually take it for short distance and pay about 100 baht (from Siam Paragon to Pratunam).

15) Jim Thompson House

Need an oasis out of the city life in Bangkok? Visit Jim Thompson House for a “silky” adventure! It’s a historical building and a museum where you will learn about Thai Silk history and of course, get to admire the teak house and lush greenery surroundings.

Time to book a hotel? Where To Stay in Bangkok?

Check out  HotelsCombined.com  because you  can compare the prices among different famous portals at once and see  which one offers the best rate. Why pay more when you can save?  With the savings, I can either shop more, eat more street food or go for more massage. This is happiness! :)

hotelscombined

Check out the best deals of your favourite hotels here!