Bangkok, Thailand — Things to Do
Sightseeing in Bangkok
The most visited attractions in Bangkok expose visitors to Thailand's fascinating history despite Bangkok's relatively recent construction as a city. The most impressive of these is the enormous and extremely ornate Grand Palace, and the adjacent Temple of the Reclining Buddha. Numerous temples spread over older districts near Chao Phraya River, making up an inexhaustible number of interesting visits, each one uniquely religiously significant.
Attractions in Bangkok aren't all serene sights as the city has also holds a vibrant and flashy appeal. Among the most fun of attractions is watching a Muay Thai boxing fight; put some money down to increase the thrills. Claustrophobic markets, which sell literally almost everything, can be wandered for a full day, especially Chatuchak weekend market.
The unique character of Bangkok neighborhoods encompass many small treasures. Both Khao San road in Banglamphu district and alleys off of Sukhumvit are attractions in themselves. The first is a backpacker's Disneyland, and the second an expat playground famous for its debauchery. Little Arabia, a middle-eastern district, is also a unique and fun place to explore. Hiring a river cruise is the only real tour of the city, although only a few attractions are visited.
Shopping in Bangkok
Anyone who's been to Thailand will know that the shopping in Bangkok is second to none - you can literally shop till you drop! Prices are cheap, markets line the streets touting everything from fake designer wares to cheap leather sandals and tourist t-shirts, bargains are endless and haggling is a way of life. Many of the items for sale are the same throughout all the markets in Thailand so it's best to scout around for some original-looking buys.
Patpong night market is a must and great fun to wander through on a balmy Bangkok evening, though bear in mind this market is situated in the red light district of the city so don't be alarmed at the touts and half naked ladies outside the bars. Khao San road is also brimming with stalls selling all kinds of counterfeit clobber. Plenty of snacks and eats can also be found on the side of the road stalls, but watch out for some of the more unconventional Thai delicacies, such as deep fried locusts.
The MBK Shopping Center in Bangkok offers more expensive and better quality wares than the markets on the sides of the streets and prices here when converted are not much cheaper than in other countries. Chatuchak Market is the world's biggest weekend market with over 9,000 stalls selling practically everything under the sun that can fit inside a tourist's backpack.
Many shops are open seven days a week and 12 hours a day while street markets have longer hours. VAT in Thailand is 7% and this can be refunded on goods bought to the value of 2,000 Baht, including VAT, in shops labelled 'VAT refund for tourists'. Forms must be completed at the point of purchase and your passport must be shown. Shoppers can obtain their cash refunds to the minimum value of 5,000 Baht in the airport departure hall.
Bangkok Nightlife
A dizzying concoction of Bangkok's nightlife is like its best known drink, 'the bucket'. First in is Bangkok's local rum 'SangSom'; its mysterious ingredients and renowned potency adds some seedy fun. Go-go bars in Soi Cowboy, Nana Plaza and in the strip clubs surrounding Pat Pong night market aren't only the territory of the unscrupulous but also expat hangouts with cheap drinks and an open air feel. The bright lights, cat calls, costumed patrons and scandalous behavior will make one's head start to swim. Thai Red Bull is next added to the concoction, giving a jolt of energy to the night. Hip clubs with hip-hop beats and electro rhythms (often at the same place) vie for hot spot coolness. RCA sports a block of trendy and densely packed clubs for young party goers. To spread out, literally, Bed Club has long been at the center of the cool crowd and offers an ultra modern bed spread interior. Khao San road is known more as a backpacker hangout but underneath (again, literally) are popular Thai clubs like Lava with a cavernous appeal and trans music mixing with the Billboard's top ten. Less eccentric but reliable Coca-Cola gives the bucket its sweet taste. Up and down Bangkok are the standard assortment of pubs, chic hotel lounges and bars. Many foreigners prefer sections closer to Sukhumvit Road but parts of Banglamphu (Khao San excluded) and Ratchadeaphiseck have more trendy local bars. Giant beer gardens are always a fun way to sample the local brew and entertainment. Lastly, a handful of friends are needed to drink away the bucket and the night.
Attractions for Kids
Contrary to popular belief, Bangkok is a fantastic place for parents to bring their kids on vacation. From zoos and theme parks to museums and indoor playgrounds, Bangkok has more than enough to keep the little ones happy. When the sun is shining in this, one of the hottest cities in the world, take the kids to one of the fantastic water parks, such as Siam Park, Leoland Water Park, or even Fantasia Lagoon to cool off, or for something really cool, take the children ice skating at the Sub Zero Ice Skate Club. Want something a little less energetic? Take a stroll through the Queen Sirikit Gardens and stop in at the Butterfly Garden and Insectarium where the kids will enjoy the hundreds of wonderfully colored butterflies effortlessly floating above them. When the weather in Bangkok is either too hot or it's raining and outdoor activities with children are not an option, take the kids to one of the many indoor playgrounds dotted around the city, such as Yoyoland in the Seacon Square shopping complex, or Jamboree Land in the Emporium Shopping Complex. Older kids will enjoy the MBK Video Arcade, located in the MBK Shopping Center.
