Going from Singapore to Thailand? Here’s what you need to know
Going to Thailand from Singapore? Here's what you need to know when entering Thailand from Singapore, including the current status of VTL flights.
Top 10 things what to do in Bangkok - Travel Guide
Wondering what to do in Bangkok on your next trip? From sacred sites, to canal cruises, through to buzzing night markets and fun food - Bangkok has it all. This guide to the top 10 things to do in Bangkok has you covered with all the ideas you need to make your trip a roaring success.
We’ll walk through what to do in Bangkok, and also introduce Wise as the perfect way to save money when spending in THB. That means your dollars will stretch to even more fun things to do in Thailand. Perfect.
| Table of contents |
|---|
1. Wat Phra Kaew
Wat Phra Kaew is often known in English as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and is one of the most sacred sites in the whole of Thailand. Visiting any religious site means taking care to dress appropriately - but you can expect the guards to be especially stringent here. Cover up your shoulders and knees thoroughly - and if you’re turned away for inappropriate dress, there’s always a nearby street seller ready to step in to help with T shirts and wraps to cover up. Tickets cost 500 THB, but it’s free for children under 120 cm, and your tickets also include entry to the onsite textile museum.
Address: Na Phra Lan Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
Opening hours: 8:30 am - 3:30 pm daily
Learn more: Wat Phra Kaew
2. Check out the street art
Wandering around a city is a great way to get a feel for it - and just like Singapore, Bangkok has some pretty impressive street art to give you some things to look out for as you walk. You can just take a stroll and see what you see - but you’ll get to find more hidden gems using a tour. You can get organised tours online which you’ll pay for - but there are also handy blogs written by art enthusiasts which can be used for a self guided tour you can take at your own pace, and at no cost.
Opening hours: 24/7
Learn more: Pursuit of Art for a self guided tour option
3. Eat and drink
If you’ve had your fill of temples, it’s time to refuel. Eating is one of the fun things to do in Bangkok. And who doesn’t love Thai food? But unless you’ve spent some serious time in Thailand, the chances are that you’ve not had the chance to taste the true diversity of Thai cuisine. Bangkok has you covered. While you can wander and see what takes your fancy wherever you’re staying - from street food to five star luxe, getting a food tour is a quicker and more comprehensive way to make sure you’re tasting the best that Bangkok has to offer. Check out providers like Bangkok Food Tour or A Chef’s Tour, which can both offer varied and delicious tour options for anything from the pickiest to the most adventurous of eaters.
4. Tour the Thonburi canals
You’ll quickly learn why Bangkok was once known as the Venice of the East if you take some time out to visit the Thonburi canals. There are some public boats, but to make the most of this gorgeous location it’s worth taking a tour which includes some commentary and explanation. Many tours also stop at floating markets to let you see what’s on sale and do some souvenir shopping. Pick one of the longer tours if you have the time - the shortest are only an hour long and barely scratch the surface of what there is to see here, from markets and temples, to quiet backwaters where you can watch the longtail boats sail past peacefully. Great on your own, as a couple - but also one of the top things to do in Bangkok with kids.
Address: Charter boats at Chang Pier or Tien Pier - or arrange a tour with a provider
Learn more: Try well rated tours from Pandan Tours
5. Jim Thompson House
If you want a glimpse into life for the rich back in the early part of the 20th century, Jim Thompson house, which belonged to a silk trader and art collector is an absolute must. Beautiful buildings, which house period artefacts, art and textiles - and some mystery, as Jim Thompson himself disappeared abruptly in the 1960s, shortly before his sister was murdered. Conspiracy theories abound.
Adult tickets cost 200 baht, while it’s 100 baht for visitors under 22 years, and there’s free entry for children under 10 years of age when accompanied by an adult. You’ll be able to go on a tour provided in English or Chinese - or challenge your language skills with French, Japanese, and Thai if you’d prefer.
Address: 6 Soi Kasemsan 2, Rama 1 Road. Bangkok
Opening hours: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm daily, last tour at 5:00 pm
Learn more: Jim Thompson House
6. Visit Wat Traimit and Chinatown
Chinatown in Bangkok has a great buzz, with markets and lots of great eating and drinking to be done. If you want an excuse other than that, check out the Golden Buddha Temple, Wat Traimit. You’ll see a 3 metre tall Buddhe statue, which was only relatively recently accidentally discovered. It was covered in plaster initially, and the gorgeous golden colour was only accidentally exposed when it was dropped by a crane - a lucky accident in this case.
Address: Golden Buddha Temple at 661 Charoen Krung Road, Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok
Learn more: Wat Traimit
7. Wat Pho
Wat Pho is 700 metres or so away from Wat Phra Kaew so it’s a good one to visit on the same day. It’s a little quieter than Wat Phra Kaew, but home to some pretty impressive Buddha statues, on an sprawling site covering a huge area. Bear in mind, it can get extremely hot, and a lot of the locations here require you to walk from one building to the next under the blazing sun - so keep hydrated and wear your sunscreen!
Address: Phra Nakhon, Bangkok Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
Opening hours: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Learn more: Wat Pho
8. Get a massage
Been on your feet all day trawling the markets for bargains, or marvelling at the giant buddhas? Time for a massage. Take your pick of massage places - you’ll probably have people inviting you in all day, so it’s easy to get a feel for the prices and salon types on offer. If you’ve not had a Thai massage before, don’t be afraid to ask what’s involved. You’ll need to wear clothes - usually a suit you’ll be given - and you’ll get stretched and pounded until your muscles are thoroughly relaxed and you’re ready to get out sightseeing again.
9. Take a dinner cruise
Looking for things to do in Bangkok for couples? Romance is in your future. Cruise down the river with a luxury dining experience that lets you see the beautiful city lit up, while enjoying a meal and drinks. The Chao Phraya Princess has live music, and an international buffet, and lets you see all the riverside historical sites and places of interest as you go.
Address: 94/1 Charoennakorn Soi 21, Charoennakorn Rd., Banglampoolang, Klongsarn, Bangkok
Opening hours: 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm cruising time - booking essential
Learn more: Chao Phraya Princess
10. Late night shopping at night markets
Night owls need not fear in Bangkok - there’s plenty of places to go after dark, including a huge range of night markets where you can eat, drink, and shop to your heart’s content. Which night market is best for you will depend on where in the city you’re staying, but most major districts and tourism hubs have a night market - although they may not operate 7 days. Learn more online, or ask at your hotel for local insights.
Learn more: Night Markets - Thailand tourism board
Travelling to Thailand? Get the Wise card to spend THB without losing on exchange rates and foreign transaction fees
Make your SGD - or whatever your home currency is - go further with Wise.
Pop a low cost Wise card in your pocket before you head off to Thailand, and you could save on your THB spending, with currency exchange which uses the mid-market exchange rate and low fees from 0.43%1. That means you can dodge the foreign transaction fees your bank is likely to charge you, and get some free ATM withdrawals while you’re away too.
Open your Wise account online or in app, add some money from your bank or using a card, and you’re ready to start spending in THB. Easy. See how much you can save with Wise, on your next trip to Thailand - or wherever else in the world you decide to go.
Sources:
- Pricing/fees: Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
