Bangkok is a city in the world that has so much to explore. As a beginner, you might get confused as to where you should begin and what you should do. If you don’t like Bangkok in the first go, then you definitely haven’t spent enough time to see what millions of people love about this city.
Get Started with Thailand
Let’s be honest, you cannot explore everything in one visit. It will take multiple visits for you to actually be familiar with the things this city is famous for. Either you can go and find your way through the city missing some of the craziest things to do for beginners or you can read ahead and have a complete least of stuff you must not miss. Let’s move ahead and see what Bangkok has for its first-time visitors.
Take a Food Tour
What’s the point if you visit Thailand and do not fully experience Thai Cuisine? Luckily, you need not run around this city trying every other dish to see what’s best. There are many food tours available that you can choose from to have the taste of some of the most popular dishes. Even if you plan on experiencing the food department on your own, you will come across dishes in the food tour that will be completely new and extremely delicious for you.
Well, you can’t go around exploring the Thai culture if you haven’t explored the food section. It all comes down to the cuisine. There is always something new in a different season which is why you should know why it’s important to pay your visit to Bangkok in various seasons. Book one of the exciting food tours and get started.
If you plan on doing it on your own then make sure you start by visiting Chinatown. The major reason people visit it is for the variety of dishes it offers. You will come across a number of stalls that offer from spicy to sweet all in one area. Some stalls will be crowded and you might think about trying it on your next visit but trust me you don’t want to miss it! The busiest stalls offer the best food. Have patience and bless your taste buds with only the best dishes.
Night Markets are Fun
Bangkok is famous for a lot of things and the night markets are some of them. There are plenty of places to go shopping and bar hopping at night so do check out my guide to the Best Night Markets in Bangkok. The street food vendors at these places are insane and do try out the fish, pad thai, and mango ice cream. Grab a couple of Chang beers while you’re here too.
Take a Ride on Bangkok’s Water Taxi
If you are looking for a super cheap and exciting mode of transportation then a water taxi. The cold breeze running through your hair gives the kind of sensation that takes away the stress. You can easily book a water taxi at as cheap as 15 baht per person. I also suggest you check out a Tuk Tuk ride about which I have written in another post about Bangkok Nightlife.
Early Morning Grand Palace Tour
The exquisite beauty of the Grand Palace makes it one of the top tourist attractions. Once you plan on visiting it, make sure you reach as early as possible in the morning to avoid the scorching heat of the sun. You can easily join one of the free English tours that occur at different hours of the day. Once you reach the main entrance of the palace, you will be thrilled to walk inside. But before you enter the palace, you need to ensure you are appropriately dressed. The palace takes the dressing code seriously. Shoulders and knees must be covered by both men and women. Apart from that, avoid wearing tight or see-through clothing. Even if you do, try wearing a shrug above before entering.
Visit the Best Red Light Areas
There are plenty of options here and the first thing you need to do is go to Nana Plaza or Soi Cowboy. Think about all the women there that are willing to meet you. Go to Sukhumvit and check out the best of Nuru Massages and BJ Bars that have some of the hottest women in Bangkok. If you are looking for Boom Boom in Bangkok, then this is where you need to be.
what to do in Bangkok at Sathorn Ghost Tower
If you have it in you, head on to this ghostly skyscraper. The walk-up is difficult but the views from the top are some of the best in the city. It’s best that you start your day early here so that you have enough time to go up and get down. This is not really a sanctioned tourist spot so take care of your valuables. It is infamous for thieves trying to swindle tourists. Do stay quiet so that the ghosts come out. Don’t get scared.
What to do in Bangkok Ping Pong Show
If you want to see the adult side of Bangkok, check out the Ping Pong Shows in Bangkok. This form of adult sex-crazed entertainment is only meant for people that know they can handle it. If you are a punter, then you know eactly what I mean.
Wat Arun and Chao Phraya Tour
This has to be one of the most serene things to do in Bangkok. Just opposite the King’s palace across the Chao Phraya river is the Wat Arun temple. Try to get here in the morning or at sunset as it has some of the most spectacular views of the city. There are times when the temple is closed for restoration so please check in advance before you go.
Explore Khao San Road
If you are planning to visit Bangkok then you must have heard of the amazing things you can do on Khao San Road (the most popular street in Bangkok). There are a number of bars, restaurants, and other fun places you can visit. You will come across a ton of solo travelers that you can have random conversations with. Try some of the most popular dishes on the road or simply grab a drink and watch the exciting things happening around you. People watching is one of the common things that tourists often do once they reach Khao San Road. wherever you are staying you can grab a tuk-tuk and find your way ahead (trust me it’s fun riding in tuk-tuk rather than other vehicles).
Visit the Flower Market
If you can’t get your eyes off flowers then you definitely don’t want to miss the flower market. The Pak Khlong Flower Market is known for its collection of unique flowers. The prices vary according to the seasons. Pick out your favorite flowers from the bunch and get going.
Chatuchak Market
This is by far the world’s largest market I have ever seen. There is absolutely no end to it and one day is just not enough to explore it. Bargain deals, tough negotiations, and great food are why you need to come here. You are sure to find something worth buying.
What to do in Bangkok at MBK Plaza
If youre in the mood for some shopping and if you want to get some of the best gadgets and electronics at the best price, head on over to MBK on the Sukhumvit line. Just make sure that youre budgeting yourself as I have been known to overspend here due to their crazy discounts.
Bangkok Dinosaur Planet
Feeling a little old school and want to watch a T-Rex eat away some people? Then head on over to Dinosaur Planet on the Sukhumvit line and enjoy yourself. It’s a great place that can eat into a few hours. Be prepared because there will be kids around.
What to do in Bangkok Terminal 21 Mall
This is one of those malls that makes you think you’re on a world tour. Every floor of the mall is designed and themed in different parts of the world. You can choose to do a little shopping here. But do check out the many restaurants that offer world-class cuisines.
Insanity Nightclub
Want to dance, drink and pick up chicks? This is the place for you. There are hundreds of freelancers in the Insanity nightclub that you will not know which one to choose. Here’s a tip, you can choose 2 too.
Other than clubbing, these are some of the interesting and cheap things you can do in Bangkok as a beginner. Since it’s your first visit, try to enjoy these simple things. You can also talk to the locals and get valuable insights on things you should do. But before that, make sure you carry this list with you. You can also follow me on Twitter where I write about what to do in Bangkok for single men.
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— Bangkok Punters (@BangkokPunters) August 30, 2020
If this list does not make the cut, then check out our custom map for Bangkok 112 attractions that you can rely on to have a great time.