Renowned for its incredible shopping, delicious street food, bustling nightlife, and grand Theravada Temples, Bangkok is one of the premier tourist destinations in the World. The list of things to do and see in this humongous city is endless, and there is something here that will cater to everyone’s needs. To help you kick-start your adventure in this metropolis, here is a list of the coolest and most unique things to do in Bangkok, the great “city of angels.”
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Top Cool and Unique Things to do in Bangkok
Take a Tuk-Tuk tour around the city
One of the first things to come to people’s minds about Bangkok is the many colorful Tuk-Tuks that zip across the city’s streets. Tuk-tuk drivers in Bangkok are highly skilled, and weaving through Bangkok’s busy streets in an open-air vehicle is a truly fun experience! The tours typically take place at night and take you to Bangkok’s most famous sights, markets, and historical monuments. We strongly suggest booking a legitimate tour online through a reputable company. This way, you can avoid possible scams or be ripped off by dishonest drivers. Operators like Sawasdee Tuk Tuk and Bangkok Tuk Tuk tours offer great experiences for solo travelers and families.
Tuk-Tuk tour operators:
Sawasdee Tuk Tuk 094 545 1625 (https://www.sawasdeetuktuk.com/)
Bangkok Tuk Tuk Tours 082 799 1099 (https://bangkoktuktuktour.com/)
Tour Prices: Typically around $80-140 USD per person (2,890-5,000 THB), depending on the length and type of tour.
Compare the Best Tuk Tuk Tours in Bangkok!
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Watch a Muay Thai Fight
One of the country’s greatest exports and most famous sport, Muay Thai is a tradition synonymous with Thai culture. Known as the “art of 8 limbs,” Muay Thai has been a fabric in Thailand for centuries and is still extremely popular today. Catching a Muay Thai event in iconic stadiums like the Rajadamnern or Lumphini is a highly rewarding experience for fight fans and history enthusiasts.
Location: Rajadamnern Stadium, 8 Ratchadamnoen Nok Rd, เเขวง วัดโสมนัส Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok 10100.
Website: https://rajadamnern.com
Ticket prices: Prices range from $28-85 USD (1000-3000 THB), depending on the seating area and the type of event.
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Explore the many markets
Bangkok is blessed with abundant markets, selling everything from souvenirs, cheap clothes, cosmetics, books, plants, furniture, delicious street food, fruits and vegetables, pet animals, and artwork. There are many vibrant markets to explore, but some of the most famous ones are Chatuchak, Jodd Fairs, Train night Market, Khlong nat Mayom floating market, and Pratunam market. Chatuchak is the largest market in Thailand, with over 15,000 stalls. Jodd Fairs is another great market with over 600 vendors and amazing street food, so it’s not to be missed.
Locations:
- Chatuchak Weekend Market: สวนจตุจักร Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Khwaeng Chatuchak, Khet Chatuchak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10900
- Jodd Fairs: Rama IX Rd, Huai Khwang, Bangkok 10310
- Khlong nat Mayom floating market: 30/1 หมู่ที่ 15 Bang Ramat Rd, Bang Ramat, Taling Chan, Bangkok 10170
- Pratunam Market: 120/408, Thanon Phaya Thai, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400
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Take a cruise on the Chao Phraya river
Hopping on a tourist boat or taking an evening cruise on a luxury vessel on the Chao Phraya river is a great way of exploring the city and its many canals. There are a variety of attractions on the banks of the river that you can visit through these boats, including the massive Icon Siam shopping mall, Chinatown (Yaowarat), numerous luxury hotels, temples, palaces, and the renowned Rattanakosin island. From affordable tourist ferries to luxury yachts, there are many ways to explore Thailand’s biggest river, and the prices vary greatly.
Tourist boat ticket price:
The tourist boat is probably the easiest way to get around for first-time visitors and costs around $4 USD (150 THB) for a one-day trip.
Luxury cruise prices: There are several luxury cruises and dining options. We recommend booking the Chao Phraya Princess and the Chao Phraya cruise. Prices for the cruises are usually upwards of $35-50 USD per person, which include dinner and drinks.
Chao Phraya Princes: https://www.chaophrayaprincess.com/
Chao Phraya cruise: https://chaophrayacruise.business.site/
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Fish for river monsters at a stocked lake
This is one of the more unique things you can do in Bangkok and caters mainly to a niche market of fishing enthusiasts. Fishing for giant exotic species like the Mekong Catfish, Siamese carp, Amazon Redtail Catfish, and Arapaima at one of the many lakes across Bangkok is an incredibly fun and underrated experience. Most lakes catering to western tourists will have a guide and all the gear to help beginners, and you can get a chance at landing a fish anywhere between 20-180 kgs! Prices vary depending on the location. Some places charge $3 USD (100 THB) a rod, while others will be upwards of $112-170 USD (4,000-6,000 THB).
Locations and prices:
- Thai Nana Fishing Lake: About an hour from central Bangkok (36 Sala Khru, Nong Suea District, Pathum Thani 12170). Prices start from $6 USD (200 THB) a rod for the regular catfish lake and go up to about $111 USD (4000 THB) per person to fish in the ‘exotic’ lake where fish from the Amazon are stored.
- Bungsamran Lake: Famous for having record-sized fish, Bungsamran is about 45 mins East of central Bangkok (Unnamed Road Sala Daeng, Bang Nam Priao District, Chachoengsao 24000). Prices for foreigners are quite high, costing around $167 USD per person.
- Pilot 111: A lure fishing pond stocking Barramundi, Giant Snakehead, and Amazon Pacu, this lake is about 45 mins South East of Bangkok (GWXX+9C5 pilot fishing pool Bang Samak, Amphoe Bang Pakong, Changwat Chachoengsao 24180). Prices are $14 USD per person, and you can also rent an overnight Bungalow for around $42 USD.
Get some fresh air at one of the many parks
Despite being a concrete jungle, Bangkok still has many places where you can go to get some fresh air and enjoy some greenery. Bangkok has an abundance of huge parks and beautiful green spaces spread across the city to help combat pollution and offers people a chance to exercise or relax. Cycling, running, and jogging are popular activities here among the locals. Benjakitti and Lumpini are the two largest parks in the city’s heart, and both parks have hundreds of acres of lush green space. Yoga enthusiasts regularly flock to the parks, and you can also enjoy a Tai-chi lesson, burn some calories with Zumba, or observe the abundance of wildlife. Other impressive and equally gorgeous parks in Bangkok include Bang Krachao, Rama IX Park, and the PTT Forest park, each having a charm of its own.
Locations:
- Lumphini: 192 Witthayu Rd, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330
- Benjakitti: Ratchadaphisek Rd, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110
- Bang Krachao: 73 Soi Wat Rat Rangsan, Bang Kachao, Phra Pradaeng District, Samut Prakan 10130
- Rama IX Park: Chaloem Phrakiat Ratchakan Thi 9 Rd, เเขวง หนองบอน Prawet, Bangkok 10250
- PTT Forest Park: 81 Sukhaphiban 2 Rd, Dok Mai, Prawet, Bangkok 10250
Try out your Wakeboarding skills
Wakeboarding is another great outdoor experience in Bangkok, which isn’t typically on most people’s itineraries. Wakeboarding is an extremely fun water sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and can be quite an addicting hobby after the first few tries! There are multiple big wakeboarding parks in and around the city, but we recommend Zanook, Thai Wake Park, and Taco Lake.
Prices depend mainly on the length of time you want to wakeboard, with a 2-4 hour set roughly costing $24-26 USD and an all-day package costing upwards of $35 USD.
Locations:
- Thai Wake Park: 18/4 Soi Sudsawas, Liab Klong 6 Rd, Bungkumploy, Lamlukka, Pathum Thani 12150
- Taco Lake: 175/1 ทางคู่ขนาน ถนนบางนา-ตราด Bang Phli Yai, Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan 10540
- Zanook Wake Park: 77 Thanon Bang Bon 3, Bang Bon Nuea, Bang Bon, Bangkok 10150
Go Ice Skating
While it’s not the first thing that comes to people’s minds when they think of Bangkok, the city has many great ice skating rinks to help combat the sweltering heat and humidity. Ice skating is a seriously fun way to spend the day with families and friends, and the facilities in Bangkok’s skating rinks provide a safe, professional, clean space to ensure you enjoy your experience. The main ice skating rinks in the city are Sub Zero and Imperial World.
Locations and prices:
- Prices vary depending on whether you skate freely or take a private skating lesson. If you wish to skate by yourself, it typically costs $8 USD (300 THB), while group lessons cost upwards of $28-42 USD (1000-1500 THB) per session.
- Sub Zero: Mega Bangna, 39 Moo 6 Bangna-Trad Rd.,Bangkaeo, Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan 10540
- Imperial World: 999 Sukhumvit Road, Samrong Nuea, Mueang Samut Prakan District, Samut Prakan 10270
Take a street food tour
Arguably one of, if not the best, street food destinations in the world, coming to Bangkok and not trying the local street delights should be considered a crime! The street food in this city is a staple part of life for most locals and is as synonymous with Bangkok as the giant skyscrapers, the nightlife, and the many temples. Street food in Bangkok is found on nearly every corner and is extremely cheap. Some of the most famous street food havens include the likes of Yaowarat (Chinatown), Jodd Fairs, Asiatique riverfront, Icon Siam, Chatuchak, Victory Monument, Silom, and Samyan areas. You can choose to go on an adventure and explore yourself or even book a guided street food tour with an experienced guide to show you all the best spots and hidden gems. We recommend Bangkok Street food tours (http://www.bangkokstreetfoodtour.com/contactus.php) and Bangkok Food Tours (https://www.bangkokfoodtours.com/).
Guided tour prices:
The prices for the tours depend on private or group tours. A typical group tour costs $42-48 USD (1500-1700 THB), while a private tour will be in the $58-60 USD (2100 THB) range per person.
Street food markets and locations:
- Yaowarat (Chinatown): Yaowarat Road Samphanthawong, Bangkok, 10100
- Jodd Fairs: Rama IX Rd, Huai Khwang, Bangkok 10310
- Chatuchak: สวนจตุจักร Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Khwaeng Chatuchak, Khet Chatuchak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10900
- Asiatique Riverfront: 2194 Charoen Krung Rd, Wat Phraya Krai, Bang Kho Laem, Bangkok 10120
- Icon Siam Shopping Mall: Ground floor, 299 Charoen Nakhon Rd, Khlong Ton Sai, Khlong San, Bangkok 10600
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Go rooftop bar hopping
Bangkok has a huge array of skyscrapers and a magnificent skyline rivaling any city worldwide. Mix those skyscrapers with its iconic nightlife, and you get some of the most luxurious rooftop bars, restaurants, and pool parties, with stunning 360-degree views of the city. For the best all-around rooftop bars, we recommend places like Escape, Vertigo Bar, Octave, and Above 11. Sirocco restaurant and Bar on the 63rd floor of the Lebua Hotel offers breathtaking views of the city and an incredible fine dining experience.
Locations:
- Escape: Emquartier Mall, 689 Sukhumvit Road, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
- Vertigo & Moon Bar: Banyan Tree Hotel, 21/100 S Sathorn Rd, Khwaeng Thung Maha Mek, Sathon, Bangkok 10120
- Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar: Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit, 2 Soi Sukhumvit 57, Khwaeng Khlong Tan Nuea, Khet Watthana, Bangkok 10110
- Above 11: Fraser Suites, 38/8 Sukhumvit Road, Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
- Sirocco restaurant and bar: Lebua at State Tower, 1055 Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
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Bangkok is truly one of the most active and vibrant cities in the world, and the list of things to do here is endless. There are experiences here for people from all walks of life, catering to all budgets and interests alike. A trip to the City of Angels is an absolute must at least once in your life!
Check Out Handpicked Best Tours & Activities in Bangkok!
