During their trips to Phuket, many tourists also make the journey to Bangkok for a few days. The nation’s capital city has a lot to offer its visitors. Temples, nightlife, shopping, and, most importantly, the contrasts of poverty and luxury, history and modernization, and peaceful oases in the centre of a megalopolis are all things that may be found in Bangkok. On the other hand, this enormous offer comes with the drawback that it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the questions, particularly on the first visit:
What should you see in Bangkok in 2-3 days?
Every day in Bangkok is the beginning of a new exciting journey for the thousands of tourists who are vacationing in Asia. Bangkok is the beginning point for travel throughout Southeast Asia due to its international airport and prominence as a transit hub. Naturally, the bustling metropolis also has a lot to offer, which is why a lot of tourists choose to take a sightseeing tour while they are in Bangkok. You will learn in this post the sights that you simply cannot miss on your very first trip to the area.
Getting on in Bangkok
Getting where you need to go in Bangkok can be challenging, especially during peak travel times like rush hour. It is necessary to factor in significant amounts of time for travel even over the shortest of distances because the city is already at capacity. Tuk tuks, which are similar to motorcycle taxis, are another great option for people looking for individual transportation in Bangkok. These navigate deftly through the congestion and get their passengers to their destinations even during the busiest times of the day.
The most famous landmarks in Bangkok
In addition to the city’s other innumerable attractions, Bangkok is home to over 400 temples. The following are the attractions in Bangkok that you should prioritise seeing on your first trip there:
By day in Bangkok
The top attractions and destinations in Bangkok that can be enjoyed in a single day.
The Wat Pho
The Buddhist temple known as Wat Pho may be found right in the middle of the ancient old town. The Wat Pho temple complex is home to a number of different institutions, including an open university as well as one of the most well-known traditional massage schools in all of Thailand, in addition to the well-known reclining Buddha statue.
Admission: 150 baht
Wat Phra Kaew
Wat Phra Kaeo, also referred to as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is located within Bangkok’s Old Royal Palace and serves as the location of the King’s Temple. The chapel that contains the Emerald Buddha is the primary focus of visitors’ attention. He occupies a gilded throne that is elevated 11 metres above the ground.
Admission is 500 baht total, which includes the Grand Palace.
Great Palace
Up until the middle of the 20th century, the King of Thailand made the Grand Palace in Bangkok his official place of abode. The palace is one of the most impressive views due to its magnificent construction and stands out among the other attractions. A visit necessitates that you dress appropriately for the occasion. It is impolite to wear shorts. On the other hand, you can rent long garments at the front entrance.
The entrance fee is 500 baht and includes Wat Phra Kaeo.
Wat Arun: The Buddhist temple known as Wat Arun can be found on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. There are a number of prangs that make up the temple complex. The central prang represents the centre, which may be reached by climbing up four steep stairs. Depending on the source, the height of the Prang is anywhere between 80 and 86 metres. The entire structure is covered in a floral-patterned mosaic made of shells and porcelain that extends from floor to ceiling.
The golden and 32-meter-tall Buddha statue can be seen inside of the Wat Intharawihan temple, which is also referred to as the Big Buddha Temple.
MBK Center: The MBK Center is a massive shopping complex located in the middle of Bangkok. It has more than two thousand different stores. The eight-story structure first welcomed guests in 1985 and now welcomes approximately 100,000 each and every day. The MBK Center is a shopping complex that can be found on Siam Square. It is linked to the nearby Siam Paragon and Siam Discovery shopping centres by means of a convoluted network of pedestrian crossings and tunnels.
The sixth floor is home to what is known as the Food Court, which features restaurants serving cuisines from all around the world.
Siam Paragon Shopping Center: The Siam Paragon, often known as “The Pride of Bangkok,” is a shopping and entertainment complex that is found in immediate vicinity to the MBK Center. The structure had its grand opening in 2005 and features a multitude of high-end stores and brands in addition to a large aquarium that is home to over 30,000 different species of creatures, an artificial reef, and a tank dedicated to sharks.
Chatuchak Market (Weekend Market): The Chatuchak Market is the most important market in Bangkok and the largest of its kind in the world. It spans an area of 1.13 square kilometres and is home to more than 10,000 separate stalls and shops of varying sizes. The majority of shops are only open on Saturdays and Sundays, and they sell everything from clothing and furniture to works of art and antiquities. The range of items they sell is rather extensive.
On the weekends, it is anticipated that there will be approximately 250,000 people shopping at the market. The connection to the Skytrain is very convenient from the market. Just get off at the Kamphaeng Phet Station when you’re done.
Sound ride Bangkok: A trip along the Chao Phraya River on a klong will take you through some of the most low-key regions of Bangkok. People in this area live right on the water’s edge. The distance to the heart of the city is quite considerable. I have nothing but positive things to say about such a Klongfahrt, and it really is an adventure! Even though the boats are very small and lightweight, the fact that they are driven by automobile or truck engines gives you a sense of excitement.
In the evening in Bangkok
Bangkok’s nightlife is unlike that of any other city. Late at night, you really must not miss out on seeing these sights:
Patpong Night Market Bangkok: Two streets that run parallel to Silom Road make up the Patpong neighbourhood of Bangkok, which is known for its adult entertainment and red-light district.
The night market is put up here by the vendors each and every evening. There are knickknacks, fabrics, and almost nothing else that doesn’t already exist. In the nearby area, there are a great number of restaurants and bars to choose from. The well-known GoGo sheds are also located on either side of the market. Don’t be concerned, Patpong is in no way a dangerous neighbourhood.
This is also the location of the well-known nightclub Lucifer, which opens its doors to a younger and more local clientele at approximately 11 p.m.
Soi Cowboy: There is a small red light district in Bangkok known as Soi Cowboy. It may be found in the area between Soi 21 and Si 23. The length of the street is approximately 200 metres, and it is flanked on both sides by go-go bars.
Nana Plaza Bangkok: Red light district Nana Entertainment Plaza can be found in Bangkok on Soi 4, which is accessible through Sukhumvit Road. The Nana Plaza is a square plaza that is flanked on all sides by buildings that are three stories tall. These are related to one another in some way. On the inside, there are a large number of nightclubs and go-go bars.
Skybar (Lebua at State Tower): The Skybar, which also appeared in the movie Hangover 2, is perched on a tall building that overlooks the rooftops of Bangkok. Around 230 meters above ground, the Skybar holds the record for being the world’s tallest open-air bar. Everyone is welcome, and there is no charge to use the facility. However, in order to have a drink, you have to place your order at the bar. The high-end cocktails cost only 500 baht, which is a reasonable price. In order to avoid being thrown into a bar below, you are required to wear appropriate apparel as well as long pants and shoes with closed toes.
The Dome Restaurant can be found on the floor directly above the Skybar. On the other hand, you need to make a reservation in advance and budget at least 150 euros per person in this establishment.
Even though it is possible to get to the Skybar throughout the day, the best time to go is in the evening, when the sea of lights that make up the megacity is directly below you.
Khaosan Road: Kao San Road is a street in Bangkok that is around 400 meters long and is considered by many to be the epicenter of backpacker culture around the world. Young visitors and shops line the street, and there is a lot of activity in this area, especially after dark.
More excursions in Bangkok
In addition to the well-known day trip locations mentioned in this piece, Bangkok also has a great deal of other sites and activities to offer its visitors. Some of them are included in this piece that provides 10 insider tips about Bangkok, which you can read.
- My Caffeinated Journey: The Top 8 Best Coffee Shops in Bangkok - September 11, 2023
- My Encounter with Thailand’s Black and White Striped Snakes - September 2, 2023
- The Koh Samui Island Tour - July 24, 2023
