Bangkok: 10 absolute highlights
Bangkok is immense, chaotic, busy, large, intense, multifaceted, colorful, noisy, confusing, great and intense at the same time. But perhaps impressive is the best word when you first arrive in Bangkok.
Where on earth should you start and what are the highlights? To help you on your way, we have made a versatile top 10 for you with the best highlights of Bangkok!
1. Chatuchak Weekend Market
With more than 5.000 stalls, this is the largest market in the world. Guaranteed that you will get lost while trying to find your way between colorful clothing, special art, versatile teapots, strange pets, an abundance of foot massages and an abundance of street food. Be there early (from 09:00) because it can get very busy in the afternoon. If you can find the exit; then pay a visit to the nearby Chatuchak Park where you can take a break from all the shopping violence!
TONG4130 / Shutterstock.com
2. Cycling through Bangkok
We Dutch people get on their bikes en masse. Even when we are on holiday in Thailand. What could be more fun to maneuver yourself through the narrow streets of Bangkok while avoiding red-hot woks, roaring scooters and old locals. In addition to the narrow streets of Bangkok, you also cycle along the Khlongs (canals) of Bangkok where time has stood still. No super deluxe shopping malls in sight, you literally cycle through the houses of the local Thai. A unique experience!
3. Have a drink at a sky bar
By nightfall you stand with a beer (or a cocktail) in your hand with a view that says you. The horizon is dominated by dozens (hundreds?) of skyscrapers and the hustle and bustle of Bangkok's streets slowly fades into the background. Some popular sky bars are: Vertigo & Moon bar, Skybar at Lebua Sky Tower and Octave Rooftop Bar. Beers are served from ฿500 and cocktails from ฿800. Of course there is a dress code so leave your flip flops 'at home'.
i viewfinder / Shutterstock.com
4. Spot crocodiles in Chinatown
Do you believe it yourself? You can spot crocodiles in the heart of Chinatown at the temple: Wat Chakrawat. You will find three crocodiles, two of which are huge. You will also find a mounted copy in a (dirty) glass box above the enclosure. The story goes that the crocodile was stuffed after eating a monk…
5. Aerobics class at Saranrom Park
In the early morning, or at nightfall, the Bangkokians come to the famous parks of Bangkok to do sports en masse. You can do all kinds of things, but the nice thing is that you can just join an aerobics class that is given every morning (± 05.00) and evening (± 20.00) in Saranrom Park. So bring your sports clothes!
6. Songkran in Bangkok
Arm yourself with a large water pistol and go into battle with hundreds of thousands (millions!) of locals and tourists. For three days, Bangkok is completely turned upside down and literally everything is allowed. It's finally time to get back at the taxi and tuktuk drivers by giving them a wet suit! Songkran will take place on April 13, 14, and 15, 2016.
7. Boat trip through the Klongs
A boat trip on the Chao Phraya River should certainly not be missing from this list. Take the local boat for ฿15 and take a ride on the Chao Phraya River. If that's not enough for you, don't worry; upgrade to a private boat and dive into the Khlongs (just like the bike ride). Undoubtedly one of the most special things you can experience in Bangkok.
8. Nightlife Khao San Road
Yes that's right; the Khao San Road in Bangkok is perhaps the most touristy place in all of Bangkok, but it is still a must to visit during your stay. You really find everything. From fried insects to a laughing gas shot and everything in between. Drink a beer in the evening and watch the craziness pass you by!
Hafiz Johari / Shutterstock.com
9.Maeklong Railway Market
This Maeklong Railway Market just outside of Bangkok is one of the most famous markets in the world. Not only because you can score fresh fruit and vegetables there, but because a train runs through it several times a day. The stalls are folded in no time and space is made (millimetre work) for the train.
10. The most beautiful temples
Of course you should not miss the temples of Bangkok, but be warned: temple fatigue is always lurking. Don't be tempted to dive into the first temple as Bangkok has thousands of them. Be sure to visit the most important and impressive temples such as the Royal Palace (+ Wat Phra Kaew), Wat Arun and Wat Pho. Impressive and beautiful every time!