Bangkok, Thailand, has a lot to offer tourists and business people passing through. With some of the best hotels in the world at the some of the best prices, there has never been a better time to explore this amazing country. As one of the only countries in Asia to have never been colonised, and even with the enormous kick into the 21st century that Bangkok has experienced which makes it one of the most advanced cities in Asia, the Thai people have still managed to retain a lot of their beautiful culture and hospitality.
The names you have heard such as the land of Angels, the land of smiles are all true, and you can expect to have a great time when you are there. There is a lot to do when you are in Bangkok and depending how much time you have while you are there it is important to prioritise, and a little planning will help you to make the most of your time there. The section below will give you a few ideas of what there is to do in Bangkok, scroll down and see what grabs your interest.
Golf:
For golf enthusiasts Thailand could quite easily be described as a golfers paradise, with so many golf courses to choose from at some of the best rates in the world.
Travelling to Bangkok for leisure of business, a game of golf could be just the thing you need. With so many of Asia's finest courses available for you we list some of the best golf courses in Bangkok and surrounding areas with details of how much they cost and all the necessary information to ensure you can make an informed decision about which course to choose. The golf courses in Bangkok below are listed in Alphabetical order.Kantarat Golf Course - Royal Thai Air Force, Don Muang, Bangkok - a nice 18 hole course not too far from the airport and therefore easily accessible from central Bangkok. Green fees for visitors is THB 500 on weekdays and THB 800 at weekends (includes caddy fee). First tee off at 6am. More details to come. Royal Bangkok Sports Club - Anyone who has travelled to Bangkok and has taken the Skytrain from Siam to Silom will have seen this golf course which is literally bang in the heart of Bangkok. While not the most challenging of golf courses, it is so convenient as to make it a popular practice course. Unfortunately the course is only open to members.
Royal Thai Army Sports Center (Old and New Course) - The Royal Thai Army Sports Centre has two courses the new course and the old course, both offering different challenges. It is a popular club due to its close location to Bangkok and reserving your tee off time is strongly suggested. Green fees for visitors are THB 900 plus 200 Baht for the caddy fee on weekdays and THB 1,200 plus 200 Baht for the caddy fee on weekends. First tee off time is at 6:08 am. More details to come. More golf courses in Bangkok to come. If you would like to list your golf course please email us with details.
Grand Palace:
Is an absolute MUST, as it is an outstanding architectural achievement, that also houses the infamous Emerald Buddha, which is the most revered Buddha image in Thailand. We suggest that you go early in the morning to avoid the major crowds, it will still be busy but getting there around 9 am or 10 am will give you a little more space. Do not wear shorts when you visit, and if you are female we recommend that you do not wear sandals, skirts and suggest that you wear a long sleeved blouse or something.
You will need to keep half the day if not more open to see everything and you will definitely need your camera with a lot of film handy. To get there, you can either take a taxi, or the Sky train to National Stadium stop and then a taxi from there, on the way back we recommend that you take one of the many taxi boats. The Grand Palace officially opens 8.30 am and closes 3.30pm. Admission fee costs 200 Baht and includes a ticket to the Vimanmek Royal mansion. It may be advisable to rent a Personal Audio Guide that will only cost 100 Baht for two hours, and comes in English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Japanese and Mandarin.
Snake Farm:
Officially called the Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute, is definitely wirth a visit and the memory will linger for while after you have returned home. The snake farm is one of the largest producers of anti-venom Serum in Asia, and before going on to the show, they will explain to you how Serum is made, the difference between snakes and some other useful tips, such as what to do if you are faced by one ! After the educational period you are led outside, shown around the different snake pits and then to a stand where they will show you a snake show which includes feeding and other entertaining tricks.
If you a bit queasy around snakes sit at the back of the small stand. The snake farm can be found on Rama IV, opposite the Suriawongse Road, and not far from the Pan Pacific Hotel. The closest Sky train stop is SalaDaeng. The shows begin at 11am and 2.30 pm on weekdays and 11 am on holidays, admission is 70 Baht.
Crocodile Farm:
Is 30 kilometres away from Bangkok, and you can pretty much devote a whole day to it with transport etc included. It is very close to the Rose Garden so you might as well do them both at the same time. It is an enormous place with over 60,000 fresh and seawater crocodiles to see. They have feeding where you can buy chicken to throw to the crocs, and they also have a show every hour, where a brave or perhaps crazy guy puts his head inside the crocs head etc.
If you do not have much time in Bangkok missing this will not be a serious mistake and something that you can always catch on another visit. Admission is 300 Baht for adults and 200 Baht for children. The farm opens from 7 am to 6pm. The farm also houses other creatures such as snakes, gibbons, lions, and trained elephants. They even have a small dinosaur museum, where life size dinosaurs and their skeltons are on display.
Floating Market: The infamous market that many articles on Bangkok, cover with pictures of Thais selling there fresh produce on boats. The market is some 80 Kilometres outside of Bangkok. You can take an organised tour, or take a bus from the Southern Bus Terminal. Everyday, hundreds of vendors boats crowd the market area early morning until around noon. You will be able to travel around in boat and see a little of what Thai village life is like. Although do remember that this is now a very famous excursion so it will not be your normal Thai village. It is best to get there early.
National Museum:
This museum which is within walking distance from the Grand Palace is one of the largest in Southeast Asia. The museum was once used as a palace and consists of several old yet beautiful buildings of colour. The museum also houses many artifacts found from all parts of the country ranging from Neolithic times, Sukhothai, Ayutthaya to the modern Bangkok period. Admission is 40 Baht per person, and the museum is open everyday except Mondays, Tuesdays and annual holidays, from 9 am to 4 pm.
National Gallery Museum:
Opposite the National Museum mentioned above, on Chao Fa Road, and exhibits traditional and contemporary works of art created by Thai artists. Opening times are the same as above, and the admission fee is 30 Baht.
Wha Mahathat:
This is an old temple which was built during the reign of King Rama I. It is located on Na Phrathat Road near Thammasat University. The temple houses the Mahachulalongkorn Buddhist University, which is one of the two highest seats of Buddhist learning in Thailand. Foreigners can take advantage of the meditation classes that are offered. The temple opens from 9am to 5 pm daily.
Wat Pho:
Neighbouring the Grand Palace the Wat Pho is found along Thai Wang Road and houses the very impressive gigantic gold plated reclining Buddha which is some 46 metres long and 15 metres high ! Its soles are inlaid with mother of pole ! Admission is 20 Baht and is open from 9 am to 5 pm.
Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun):
Is on the other side of the Chao Phraya river. You can take a boat from the Tha Tien Pier near Wat Pho or by Arun Amarin Road. The temple is best known for its 79 metre high porcelain encrusted Pagoda that sparkles magnificently in the sun.
Wat Ratchanatdaram:
This temple was built during the reign of King Rama III, in 1846 and is found along Mahachai Road. Loha Prasat is the temples main attraction, and stands 36 metres high with 37 surrounding spires, it is the only one of its kind in the world. Next to the temple is a statue of King Rama III.
Wat Indravihan:
This temple is well known for its huge standing Buddha image called Luang Pho To, which measures 32 metres tall and 10 metres wide. It was built during the reign of King Rama IV, and is located on Wisutkasat Road in Bang Khun Phrom area.
Wat Bowon Niwet:
This temple built in 1829 is the shrine-hall of Phra Phutthachinnasi, a very beautiful Buddha image which was moulded in around 1357. Wat Bowon Niwet is one of the most temples in Bangkok, whose one time chief abbot was King Rama IV, before he ascended to the throne. Other Chakri kings who resided here during there monkhood, include King Rama IV, King Rama VII as well as His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The temple can be found on Phra Sumen Road in the Bang Lamphu area.
Vimanmek Mansion Museum:
Is definitely a great day out. The mansion is the worlds largest golden teak building. The 3 storey Royal mansion contains 81 rooms, halls and ante-chambers containing Royal memorabilia.The compound located in the Dusit Palace on Ratchawithi Road, is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm and admission is 50 Baht. The dancing shows begin at 10.30 am and 2.30 pm. Proper attire is required. So no shorts, sandals etc.
Wat Trai Mit:
Is located on Yaowarat Road in China Town, near the Hulamphong train Station. This temple houses a very impressive solid gold Buddha which weighs 5 and a half tonnes and is three metres in height ! This seated Buddha image was built in the Sukhothai period.
Erawan Shine
:
You will most probably come across this shrine, on your shopping tours or perhaps as you notice that your taxi driver is no longer holding the wheel, instead is performing a quick 'wai' and not looking at the road ahead of him ! The shrine is located next to Sogo, and the Grand Hyatt Hotel. The shrine is devoted to Phra Phrom, a Hindu God, who is greatly revered by Thai people. Laced flowers (Malee) and small wooden elephants as well as Thai dancing performances are always offered to this statue by grateful and hopeful devotees. The closest sky train station is Chidlom.
Philatelic Museum:
If stamps are your thing you may be interested in the stamp museum located on the 1st floor of the Metropolitan Postal Bureau, behind the Sam Sen Nai Post office. Stamps and such are for sale. It is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 4pm.
Ancient City:
The largest outdoor museum in the world, which consists of gigantic sized replicas of famous buildings, monuments and temples that can be found all through Thailand. The area the museum covers is some staggering 280 acres, and is built into a shape that resembles the actual shape of Thailand. The Ancient City is at 33.km on Sukhumvit Road and is open daily from 8 am to 5 pm with admission costing 50 Baht per person.
Thai Boxing (Muay Thai):
Thai Boxing or Muay Thai is becoming very well known around the world, and is a popular stop off for people who enjoy it. The two main stadiums are Ratchadamnoen Stadium on Ratchadamnoen Nok Road and is open Monday and Wednesday at 6 pm Thursday at 5 pm and 9 pm, and Sundays at 4 pm and 8 pm. The other major stadium is Lumpini Stadium on Rama IV Road, and fights are every Tuesday and Friday at 6pm and Saturday at 5 pm. You may want to ask the Hotel where you are staying at for tips on the best seats and even to get the tickets for you
.
Shopping:
With some of the shopping facilities in Asia, shopping is something you will not want to miss. Most of the shops, have some amazing discounts, sometimes as much as 80 % off. High quality goods can be had in the major shopping centres. Copy goods etc. can be found in most of the street stalls on Sukhumvit, or the Night Plaza in Patpong.
If ever there was a time for shopping in Bangkok it is now. With the excellent exchange rates, and amazing discounts, you can find everything that you are looking for at exceptional prices. Bangkok is famous for pirated goods, but have a look around first, sometimes you can buy the original at cheaper or for just slightly higher prices than on the street.
Some things though can never beat the original prices, especially where computer software is related. Below you will find a whole world of information about shopping in Bangkok whether it is for computer products, clothes or fake merchandise, where to buy and where and what to watch out for. Also do check our guide about VAT Refunds for Tourists in Thailand.
Computer Software
There is really only one place to buy computer software and that is at Panthip Plaza, on Petchburi road near the Amari Watergate Hotel. Everything under the sun and computer related can be found here. With seven floors of shopping heaven for computer buffs, copy is very much the thing here. So if you are buying something at regular prices be very careful. The shop on the top floor is very reliable, and offers mainly original soft and hardware.
Due to a lot of police restrictions, which seem to change month by month, the shops sometimes will refuse to sell you copy software directly instead they have to send it to you by EMS (registered post) there is not normally any problems with this.
However this does mean that you should visit this computer heaven early in your trip, if you plan to buy some software, so that the sellers have enough time to send it to you if required. Three days should normally suffice at the most. Having said that please note that these restrictions change all the time, and you will even see vendors removing all the latest DVD's, CD's, VCD's and software very quickly only for it to reappear minutes later once we presume an inspection is finished.
DVD's
VCD's and DVD's are also available at Panthip but they can also now be found all over Bangkok. Do watch out when buying DVD's as quality can vary enormously. Always ask whether the DVD is a Master? which basically means is the picture quality good - Is the sound quality good? This should help to avoid any misunderstanding although this very much depends on the honesty of the vendor and also the vendors understanding of quality.
Quality would normally be described in percentage terms. So for example if you wanted to buy the latest blockbuster movie which is not even out in the cinemas yet then the quality will normally be less than 100%. Some shops may even let you see the quality if you ask nicely. VCD's are now roughly 50 Baht or so but can be had a cheaper if you shop around.
DVD's are also readily available and cost anywhere from 100 Baht. You should note that original DVD's can cost as little as 240 Baht and there are quite a few shops around Bangkok where you can buy original movies in DVD, video and VCD format. Most vendors will give you a box for free if you ask, while some may charge 5 Baht per box. If you have a DVD player at your hotel do check each DVD for quality and if you are unhappy then you should have little problem changing the DVD.
Patpong Night Market
offers a wide range of fake goods such as watches, clothes, bags etc. Located in the heart of Patpong (skytrain station Saladaeng), with Bangkok's famous bars on either side this night market offers many distractions, and perhaps an excuse for many to visit this famous night spot. Haggling is expected, and to be honest unless you really want to go to Patpong we would recommend the Night Bazaar mentioned below. Suan Lum Night Bazaar
is an absolute must and a viable alternative to visiting the Patpong Night Market and even Chatuchak as it is not as cramped, has good quality entertainment and food stalls, and sells almost everything you could want from your trip to Thailand. The Night Bazaar is a quick taxi ride away from Silom road, next to Lumpini park. The Bazaar opens around 6 and closes around midnight, it normally has live entertainment such as a live band and a wide variety of food stalls so you can enjoy an evening of fun and shopping at the same time. A definite must for anyone with a shopping list. Emporium
Sukhumvit Soi 26, is an excellent shopping centre and was for many years the best in Bangkok, it has a cinema, and a lot of quality designer wear. They also have an excellent food court at ridiculously cheap prices, which offers diners a lovely view over the adjacent small park. They regularly have very good sales, which are always worth checking out with discounts anywhere from 15 - 80% off at times. While this should still be a must visit on your shopping spree in Bangkok, we do recommend Central Chidlom and Siam Paragon over the Emporium. As with most major malls a tourist card which is available for free, will allow you 5% or 10% discount off regular priced items. (skytrain station Phrom Phong). Siam Paragon
For years the Emporium has enjoyed the position of the leading Shopping Mall in not just Bangkok but Thailand, followed very closely by some of the Central Department Stores such as the Central Chidlom. The Siam Paragon and also Central Chidlom have now in our view taken over this prestigious accolade and they offer everything, if not even more, than the Emporium.
The Siam Paragon opened its doors in December 2005 and is quite literally enormous. This is an absolute must for travellers to Bangkok in search of high quality merchandise. As with most other Malls and Department Stores do remember to take your passport so you can enjoy the 5% Tourist Discount, and also make sure you claim VAT.
It should also be noted that the Siam Paragon is home to many of the world's leading designers in Bangkok and while the actual mall may close at around 10:30 many of the designer shops close much earlier, so if you are looking for Gucci, Zegna, LV etc then an afternoon or morning visit is advised. There are also some excellent restaurants at the Siam Paragon. Do try the Blue Elephant on the 4th floor where you can choose from an assortment of different food types - Lebanese, Indian, Italian, Chinese, Thai, French etc. Bobae
is a wholesale market which offers mainly clothes and textiles. Items can be bought at very cheap prices in bulk. Central Bagna
If you like enormous this is your place. Pretty much everything under the sun here and all in a clean new shopping mall. Just do not get lost ! Robinsons Sukhumvit
This seems to have gone down hill recently or it could just be that with so much new competition, it just seems that way. Central Chidlom
Despite all the newcomers to the shopping mall scene in Bangkok, Central Chidlom is easily one of the best. It is another beautiful shopping mall with everything available and some great sales. One of the biggest advantages of this shopping mall is the ease of navigation, it is a store and built as such without the hundreds of shops you will find in other places. If you do go to this shopping mall make sure you try the quite amazing food court - Food Loft - on the sixth floor. (skytrain station Chidlom). World Trade Centre is now called the Central World Plaza
This shopping mall is absolutely massive and is only just finishing the renovations from when it was the World Trade Centre. It offers everything, unfortunately it is not the easiest of malls to get around. Gaysorn Plaza
Reopened after a lengthy close and renovation in July 2002. It is a relatively upscale shopping centre with many of the world's top designers. It is opposite the World Trade Centre and the Grand Hyatt Hotel, with a variety of shops. To be honest it is a little too white bright for our liking, so be sure to take your sunglasses!Siam Square
This is a small area with lots of excellent shops can be found. The Hard Rock Cafe and CM2 disco is also in this vicinity. MBK (Mahanakorn)
is 6 floors of little shops that sell assorted goods. Everything can be bought here at very good prices. It is hectic and busy especially at the weekend, but if you are looking for a bargain this is a great, if not a tiring place to start.
Tesco Lotus
Located on Rama IV Road, close to Sukhumvit 26 (although there are many all around Bangkok), is an enormous supermarket which has other shops adjoining. It is definitely worth a visit when you are in Bangkok, if only for the food court which is encircled with a multitude of things for children to enjoy. Including miniature roller coaster rides, a children's theatre with song and dance, one of those ball things (sorry don't know what they are called !! ), miniature cars. A wonderful place for children. Boots always a favourite with travellers as many things are much cheaper than back home. Boots are located around Bangkok so finding one is not a problem. Do compare prices with Tesco Lotus as price differences can be quite substantial depending on what promotions are running and what products you want.
Silver Silver products such as jewellery can be found all over Bangkok but perhaps the best place to purchase silver is in Chinatown where there are many shops selling it.
