Tours, sightseeing tours, activities & things to do | Viator.com
Bangkok
Trip Planning & Itineraries
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Bangkok has dominated Thailand's political, commercial and cultural life since the late 18th century. Although you can shop in air-conditioned comfort in its Western-style malls, the city is a long way from being tamed by commercial homogeneity.
Bangkok proper seethes on the east side of the Mae Nam Chao Phraya (Chao Phraya River), drawing rural Thai folk into its cluttered fold daily. The city is reportedly sinking at a rate of 2 inches (5cm) every year, but there's too much sànùk (a Thai sense of fun) going on for that to get anyone down.
Top 3: Things to Do in Bangkok
Best of Bangkok: Suggested Itineraries
Perhaps more than any other city, Bangkok is a city for the senses. There are amazing sights like the golden-spired Wats that dot the city; amazing sounds (the whir of tuk-tuks and buzz of conversation); amazing touch (the feel of silk and the touch of a Thai massage); and of course the amazing smells and tastes of Thai food!
Bangkok is a place that you can visit over and over again and always find something new. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Bangkok, organized over three days. We've included a mix of the 'must sees' plus some sites off the beaten path.
Day 1: Grand Palace & Suan Lum Night Bazaar
Start the morning with a visit to Bangkok's most famous site: the Grand Palace. Though no longer the Royal residence, it is still a beautiful compound of glittering buildings and the famous Emerald Buddha. For the first-time visitor, a guided tour is highly recommended. After lunch, head to Wat Arun. Tip: after your tour, come back around sunset and wander around as the sun goes down behind the temple.
In the evening, make your way to the Suan Lum Night Bazaar. This huge open-air market / dining / drinking / people-watching spot is one of the best places to absorb the local scene. There are literally thousands of small stands selling everything from souvenirs to shampoo. The government is trying to evict all the merchants to develop another hotel/office complex, but many of the merchants have refused to move.
Day 2: Temples & Jim Thompson's House
Another busy day! Your guide will pick you up at your hotel for your tour to Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha). At 46 meters in length and 15 meters high the Buddha is the largest in Bangkok and illustrates the passing of the Buddha into nirvana. This tour also includes two other temples: Wat Traimit (Golden Temple) and Wat Benchamabophit (Marble Temple).
In the afternoon, head over to Jim Thompson's House. Jim Thompson, an American who returned to live in Thailand after World War II, is known as the man who put the Thai silk industry on the global stage. A visit to his beautifully built Thai house showcases his passion for Thai arts and culture.
The delicious flavours of Thai food is one of the major attractions of any visit to Thailand. Treat yourself to a night of delicious eating and traditional Thai dance based on stories from classical Thai folklore. Don't forget to take your camera.
After several busy days in the city, it's time to venture out and see the countryside. There are a lot of options depending on your interests: a day trip to the ancient capital of Ayuthaya, a tour to the famous Bridge on the River Kwai, or maybe an early morning trip to the floating markets at Damnoen Saduak to see the merchants buying and selling right off of their boats. Or how about a day trip to Khao Yai national park with a chance to ride an elephant!
Top 3: Thai Food Experiences
Top Bangkok Festivals & Events
Coronation Day is on May 5 - you may get a glimpse of the royals at Wat Phra Kaew. Also celebrated with some fervor in Bangkok is the King's Birthday on December 5 (some residents erect temporary shrines outside their houses or businesses).
On the cultural side of things, May sees the Royal Ploughing Ceremony halt traffic around Sanam Luang - this ancient Brahman ritual marks the official opening of the rice-planting season. The Thailand International Swan-Boat Races take place in Bangkok in October, and see colorful crowds flocking to the Rama IX Bridge over the Chao Phraya River.
- Plan Bangkok vacations on Yahoo! Travel
- Bangkok hotels, Thailand from PlanetWare
- Bangkok accommodation deals from HotelsCombined.com
- Bangkok trip planner & travel guide from NileGuide
- English-language news from the Bangkok Post
