Choose from 64 Fun Things to Do in Bangkok
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Chatuchak Market
A weekend visit to Chatuchak Market is an absolute must-do. The snack stalls at the market's entrance selling deep fried insects give you a taste (quite literally if you are game!) of the unique Thai treats that await you within.
Only open on the weekend, Chatuchak is Bangkok's largest and most fun weekend market. You'll need a full day here to navigate the entire place, which bursts with stalls selling everything from reptiles, puppies, exotic food and souvenirs, to fake designer clothes and real designer furniture.
Browsing at the market is a fantastic cultural experience but can be hot and exhausting. Start your day early and take advantage of the many bars and cafes within the market that are perfectly set up for people watching over a cold beverage.
Western food is available but it pays to be adventurous and try a bargain local lunch at one of the many food stalls.
Practical Info
Chatuchak market is in Chatuchak Park. Mochit BTS (Skytrain) leads directly to Chatuchak’s entrance. Chatuchak also has its own MRT (underground) station of the same name.
Address: Chatuchak Park, Bangkok, Thailand
Hours: Open weekends 9am - 6pm
Admission: Free
From $ 13
Bangrak
Hugging the Chao Phraya River and home to some of the city’s best hotels, restaurants, shopping, and nightlife, Bangkok’s Bangrak is a blend of international and local culture. Particularly famous for the commercial shopping district around Silom Road, Bangrak covers a huge area, although most locals usually consider it to be the area surrounding the river.
Aside from its shopping centers and high-rise hotels, Bangrak is home to a number of attractions, including the Bangkok Folk Museum, plus the religious sites of Wat Hua Lamphong and the famous Hindu temple, Sri Mahamariamman.
The area between the Saphan Taksin Skytrain station and the junction of Charoen Krung and Silom Road is well worth a stroll along. It’s a teeming melting pot of local life and home to a number of hawker food stalls serving delicious and traditional local cuisine.
Practical Info
Bangrak is served well by both Bangkok’s Skytrain and Metro lines. Skytrain stations include Sala Daeng, Chong Nonsi, Surasak, and Saphan Taksin. Metro stations include Lumphini, Silom, and Sam Yan. Bangrak can also be reached by river via the Chao Phraya Express Boat.
Address: Bang Rak, Bangkok, Thailand
From $ 50
Bridge on the River Kwai
Thailand’s Kanchanaburi province is home to the famous Bridge on the River Kwai and the beginning of the Thai-Burma Death Railway, both poignant reminders of the thousands of POWs and forced laborers who lost their lives during World War II.
Made famous by the 1957 David Lean movie of the same name, the building of the bridge in 1943 was one part of a huge Japanese wartime project to link Thai and Burmese railway lines and create a direct route from Bangkok.
Due to illness, starvation and neglect, thousands of people lost their lives building the bridge and railway – you can visit the graves of nearly 7,000 POWs at the nearby Kanchanaburi War Cemetery. Parts of the original bridge are now displayed in the War Museum here. You can walk along the restored railway bridge on foot or take a train specifically for tourists.
Practical Info
The Bridge on the River Kwai is in Kanchanaburi about 80 miles (130 km) west of Bangkok. Tours often depart directly from Kanchanaburi or from Bangkok Noi Railway Station.
Address: Kanchanaburi, Thailand
Hours: Open daily
From $ 27
Ayutthaya
The ruined island city-state of Ayutthaya—the once great capital of the Kingdom of Siam toppled by the Burmese in the 18th century—is now a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lying at the confluence of three rivers north of Bangkok, Ayutthaya Historical Park protects magnificent crumbling stone temple spires, sun-worn Buddha statues, and other remnants of the three palaces, 400 temples, houses, and markets that thrived in Ayutthaya’s heyday.
The Basics
Ayutthaya’s ruined temples and statues—interspersed around and within the present-day town—are easily visited on foot or by bike, though biking is by far the most popular option. Many half- and full-day walking, biking, and bus tours visit Ayutthaya, and you can even book a full-day bike tour departing from Bangkok. Most tours visit the following top sights: Wat Phutthaisawan, St Joseph’s Church, and the Ayutthaya Historical Park’s Wat Phra Sri Sanphet (the model for the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok), Viharn Phra Mongkol Bophit (home of Thailand’s largest bronze Buddha), Wat Mahathat (featuring the famous Buddha head wrapped in tree roots), and Wat Chaiwatthanaram. Sites farther afield, such as the Bang Pa-In Summer Palace are sometimes also included on tours.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is an entrance fee to enter the Ayutthaya Historical Park.
- Most visitors spend at least a half-day exploring the vast, 715-acre (289-hectare) city site.
- If biking, note that traffic lights are missing from some intersections—be sure to look both ways, and always assume cars and trucks have the right of way.
- The ruined temples are still considered sacred. To be respectful, wear long pants or skirts, show no bare shoulders, and always remove shoes before entering a temple building.
How to Get There
Ayutthaya is 47 miles (76 kilometers) north of Bangkok, about an hour’s drive from downtown. Ayutthaya Historical Park, home to four of the most popular temples as well as the Royal Palace at Wiharn Phra Mongkol Bophit, is located in the center of the present-day city. Other archaeological sites are sprinkled around the island of Ayutthaya.
When to Get There
November to February, when Ayutthaya is cool and dry, is the best time to visit—though it’s also Thailand’s busiest. If you can, come during Loi Krathong, a November Thai holiday that involves ornate hanging lanterns, markets, music, and cultural performances spread over three days. No matter the time of year, visit in early morning to beat the crowds and maximize your time.
Ancient Artifacts in Ayutthaya
The Chao Sam Phraya National Museum houses almost all of the remaining artifacts uncovered during archaeological excavations of the former kingdom. This is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the area and the people who lived here centuries ago.
Address: Phra Nakhon Sri Ayutthaya, Thailand
Hours: Open daily
From $ 12
Bangkok Chinatown (Yaowarat)
With its heady smorgasbord of street food, gold merchants, wooden shophouses, and ancient Chinese temples, there’s never a dull moment in Bangkok’s Chinatown, also known as Yaowarat. Exploring the bustling sois (side streets) of the city’s oldest district is a must on any trip to the Thai capital.
The Basics
Bangkok Chinatown envelops the streets and alleys branching off Yaowarat Road, its main thoroughfare. Since the area transforms into a food street after dark, many visitors choose to explore it on a walking food tour. Those more interested in the history and heritage of Bangkok’s Chinese immigrants can opt for a daytime biking tour or walking tour to visit the area’s Buddhist temples and neighborhood markets.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bangkok Chinatown is a must-see for foodies and first-time visitors.
- Wear comfortable shoes and prepare to walk; there’s a lot to see in this busy neighborhood.
- Most Chinatown tours include a bit of shopping, eating, and temple visits.
- Walking and biking tours that include Chinatown typically last three to five hours.
How to Get There
The easiest way to reach Chinatown is by boat; alight at Ratchawong Pier and walk up Ratchawong Road until you get to Sampeng Lane or Yaowarat Road. You can also disembark at Harbor Department Pier or Memorial Bridge Pier. Alternatively, take the subway to Hua Lamphong Station on the eastern bank of the Phadung Krung Kasem Canal.
When to Get There
To get the most comprehensive Chinatown experience, plan to visit by day and after dark. Plan to arrive hungry at night, when the street-food stalls are in full swing. The neighborhood is at its most vibrant during major Chinese festivals, especially Chinese New Year (January or February).
Must-Try Foods in Chinatown
Food is one of the major reasons for a visit to Chinatown. Seafood restaurants here serve some of the freshest crabs and prawns in the city, while street-food vendors cook up grilled squid, Thai toast, kway chap (a peppery noodle soup), pad thai, and bird’s nest soup.
Address: Thanon Yaowarat, Samphanthawong, Bangkok, Thailand
Admission: Free
From $ 11
Bangkok Cruise Port
Bangkok is one of Asia’s most exciting capital cities, and there’s plenty to keep visitors entertained while in port. Bangkok cruise port is a popular start or end destination for cruises to China, Singapore, and Southeast Asia, welcoming cruise liners from Viking, Windstar, and Silversea, among others.
The Basics
With so much to see and do in Bangkok, most cruise visitors opt for a shore excursion to make the most of their time. Tours typically focus on the highlights, including the Grand Palace, home to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha; temples, such as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha and the Temple of the Golden Buddha; or the gigantic Chatuchak Market, a great place to purchase souvenirs, handicrafts, clothes, and street food. Some tours also include lunch at a local restaurant or a scenic cruise around Bangkok’s canals.
Another popular choice for a shore excursion is a visit to the coastal town of Pattaya. The beach resort is just a 30-minute drive from Laem Chabang port.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Shore excursions typically include port pickup and drop-off.
- Laem Chabang port has food kiosks, gift shops, a massage spa, and a visitor information center.
- With transfer times taking around two hours, full-day shore excursions can last up to 12 hours.
How to Get to Bangkok from the Port of Laem Chabang and Klong Toey
Most cruise ships dock at Laem Chabang, about two hours south of Bangkok. Public transport options from Laem Chabang are limited, so it’s best to prearrange a private transfer or take a taxi. Smaller ships may dock at Klong Toey, located on the Chao Phraya River on the outskirts of the city. For ships docking at Klong Toey, free shuttles often bring passengers into Bangkok—an around 45-minute journey.
Port Information
The official language is Thai, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas. The local currency is the baht. Some shops may accept euros and US dollars, but be sure to check the exchange rate before agreeing on a price. ATMs are widely available and credit cards are generally accepted, although it’s best to carry some cash in smaller denominations, especially for taxis, tuk-tuks, and markets.
Address: Thailand
From $ 121
Bangkok NANTA Theatre
The Bangkok NANTA Theatre stages unique NANTA shows, a non-verbal comedy musical that originated in Korea. Nanta literally means 'to strike relentlessly' in Korean, and this instrumental performance, with a kitchen as its backdrop, uses everything from knives and other utensils to traditional water drums to create a show like no other.
Audiences are taken on an action-packed adventure where performing chefs dazzle and impress, using nonstop percussion, acrobatic cooking styles, and hilarious facial expressions to convey their story.
NANTA made its international debut at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 1999, where it received the best performance award. Since then, the show has been entertaining audiences worldwide, from cities in Europe to those across Asia, and beyond. The show also made history when it became the first Asian production to open its very own large-scale theater in New York.
Practical Info
The Bangkok NANTA Theatre is located in the RCA Plaza, close to the Petchaburi Road. Nightly performances start at 8pm, with a running time of 90 minutes. Round-trip hotel transport is often included in tours. Alternatively, the venue can be reached by taxi, although be sure to leave enough time as traffic in Bangkok can be exceptionally busy.
Address: 31/6 RCA Plaza Building, Floor 1, Soi Soonwijai, Pharam 9 Road, Bangkok, Thailand
Hours: Shows at 8pm daily (closed every first of the month)
Admission: Royal seat: THB 1300; Standard seat: THB 1100
From $ 14
Alpine Golf Club
Designed by Ron Garl, famous for his work creating hilly courses from flat terrain in Florida, Bangkok’s Alpine Golf Club features a 7,100-yard, par 72 championship course set amid serene lakes and copses of trees. Rolling hills, thoughtfully placed bunkers and numerous water features make the course a challenge for players of all abilities. The course has twice hosted the Johnnie Walker Classic PGA tournament, once in 2000 and again in 2004.
Players who visit the Alpine Golf Club will find a fully stocked pro shop, golf carts, locker rooms with saunas and whirlpool tubs, a club house with a restaurant, coffee shop and a swimming pool.
Practical Info
Alpine Golf Club is located about 15 minutes from the Bangkok International Airport.
Address: 99 M.9 Bangkhan-Sathaneevithayu Road, Pathum Thani, Khlong Luang District 12120, Thailand
Admission: Green fee 2,000/3,600 baht weekdays/weekends
From $ 246
Ancient City Museum
This 320-acre outdoor museum filled with lush gardens and historic structures showcases the art, architecture and culture of Thailand’s rich and diverse heritage. In a single stop, travelers can explore replicas of the nation’s most iconic buildings, including 116 pavilions, temples, floating markets and shrines all laid out to scale in their accurate geographic positions.
Visitors should plan to wander through the garden of stupas, which showcases the significance of Buddhism on local traditions, as well as the Garden of the Gods, where Hindu deities are on display. While structures housed in the Ancient City Museum are no substitute for the real thing, they certainly provide travelers on a tight schedule with a taste of what Thai life, culture and art is like.
Practical Info
The Ancient City Museum is open daily from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. in Samut Prakan—about an hour away from downtown Bangkok. It is accessible via private taxi or using the BTS Skytrain to On-Nut Station and hiring a taxi from there.
Address: 296/1,Sukhumvit Rd, Samut Prakan, Thailand
Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: 400 baht
From $ 42
Amphawa Floating Market
Situated on a bustling canal lined with teak storefronts opening onto the water, Amphawa Floating Market comes alive each afternoon as Thai locals come to shop or grab a bite from one of many boats-cum-floating restaurants. While smaller than the more famous Damnoen Saduak, this floating market offers a more authentic experience.
The Basics
One of the best ways to explore the market and its surrounding canals is aboard traditional long-tail wooden boats. A typical cruise on the Mae Klong river (Mae Khlong river) and through the market takes visitors past several of the area’s Thai Buddhist temples, and can be combined with a visit to a local zoo, the nearby Maeklong Railway Market, or the chance to watch fireflies light up the riverbanks at dusk. The Amphawa Floating Market is a popular place not only for shopping, but for eating too, with waterside seating providing the ideal setting for a lazy lunch. Thai food such as dried pork, shrimp, shellfish, and crab are all prepared and cooked aboard the boats before being handed up to diners on the elevated banks on both sides of the river.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Amphawa Floating Market is a must-do for travelers looking to get off the beaten path.
- Don’t forget to bring cash in small denominations if you plan to shop or eat at the market.
- Visit the market on a half- or full-day tour from Hua Hin.
- Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and drinking water.
How to Get There
Minibuses run between Victory Monument in Bangkok and Amphawa throughout the day, but the most convenient way to visit is as part of a guided tour with return transportation included.
When to Get There
The Amphawa Floating Market is at its liveliest in the afternoon, beginning around 1pm. If you’d rather avoid the crowds, you can still get a sense of what the market is like in the morning, though not everything will be open.
Wat Bang Kung
Many visitors to the floating market overlook the area’s many interesting temples, most notably Wat Bang Kung. This Buddhist temple just a stone’s throw from the banks of the Mae Klong river (Mae Khlong river) sits ensconced within a banyan tree, making it particularly serene and photogenic. Some boat tours of the market also include a stop at the temple.
Address: Amphawa District, Samut Songkram, Amphawa 75110, Thailand
From $ 57
Asiatique The Riverfront
Asiatique The Riverfront is a large open-air mall situated in the once bustling international trade docks of the East Asiatic Company. It faces the Chao Phraya River and Charoen Krung Road and was opened in 2012 after an extensive renovation of the site.
Asiatique blends the traditional side of Bangkok with its rapidly growing modern side by combining a night bazaar and a swish, contemporary shopping mall. It features more than 1500 shops, stores, and boutiques and around 40 restaurants all within the same complex. It offers a good variety of shops, with a range of brands and independent outlets drawing a mixed crowd of locals and tourists.
Opening only in the evenings from 5pm, Asiatique also has a strong focus on entertainment in addition to retail therapy, with nightly shows including cabaret acts, Thai boxing, and screenings at its on-site 4D movie theater. There’s also the impressive Asiatique Sky attraction, which lays claim to being the highest ferris wheel in Thailand.
Practical Info
The most simple way to reach Asiatique The Riverfront is via boat. Take the BTS to Saphan Taksin and board the free service boat at the end of the pier. The journey takes just ten minutes and the boats run up until 11pm.
Address: 2194 Charoenkrung Road, Bangkok 10120, Thailand
Hours: Open daily 5pm-midnight
From $ 28
Chao Phraya River (Mae Nam Chao Phraya)
Every great city has a river, and Bangkok’s is the Chao Phraya (Mae Nam Chao Phraya). Alive with traditional long-tail boats, passenger ferries, and cargo boats, the Chao Phraya River is the lifeblood of the city. It winds past both ancient temples and modern high-rises, offering a unique, local perspective on the Thai capital.
The Basics
Traveling via the Chao Phraya River is a great way to tour Bangkok while escaping thick city traffic. Most of Bangkok’s main attractions—including the Grand Palace, Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun), Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho), and Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew)—are easily accessible from various points along the river. Both Chao Phraya Express boats and converted rice barges ferry visitors to popular city sights. Dinner cruise options abound, complete with live bands and traditional Thai meals, while some small-group boat tours explore the more remote klongs (canal ways) in Thonburi. In addition to traditional sightseeing tours, visitors can tour the night market and the floating market, or try one of many food-based tour options. All offer unique vantages from which to see the city and help visitors avoid the stress of navigating ferry and boat schedules. You can also stay on land and see the river on a tuk-tuk or bicycle tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- If you’re exploring by day, bring sun protection and plenty of water.
- Chao Phraya Express boats can be identified by their orange, green, or yellow flags. Only the orange boat is open every day.
- The Chao Phraya Tourist Boat, which can be identified by its blue flag, is usually less crowded—albeit more expensive—than the express boats.
- Some boats leave every five minutes, while others leave every 25 minutes; be sure to check the timetable of your boat before arriving.
How to Get There
The Chao Phraya splits Bangkok vertically into two areas and is a popular way to navigate the city. You can get to the river by taking the BTS Skytrain to Central Pier or Sathorn Bridge Pier. River City Pier, located on the eastern side of the river roughly 20 minutes by road or ferry from the Grand Palace, is also a popular jumping-off point for city tours and dinner cruises. To save the hassle of transportation, opt for a dinner cruise with hotel pickup and drop-off.
When to Get There
Bangkok is most crowded in November and March due to soccer tourism. March, April, and May are the hottest months, while the rainy season lasts from the end of May through October. The Chao Phraya River is a popular thoroughfare morning, noon, and night. For spectacular city views and the best temperatures, consider early morning or evening sunset cruises.
Exploring Bangkok’s Klongs
When the capital of Thailand moved to Bangkok at the beginning of the Rattanakosin period, European visitors dubbed the new capital “the Venice of the East” for its many canals. Choose a cruise that navigates some of the city’s more remote klongs to see wooden, riverside stilt houses, kids splashing in the river, and some of the city’s colorful and chaotic floating markets.
Address: Chao Phraya River, Bangkok, Thailand
Admission: Free
From $ 12
Bangkok National Museum
The main branch of the National Museums in Thailand, Bangkok's main public museum is also the largest museum in all of South East Asia. Spread out over acres of green grounds and multiple buildings, the museum is a showcase for Thai art and history. Although it used to be considered unorganized, dusty and forgotten, it's recently been renovated and updated and now features a vibrant collection of artifacts with clear English-language descriptions.
Inside you will find a truly enormous collection of treasures including paintings, sculptures, bronzes and prehistoric art from Thailand and other Asian countries. You will want to give yourself plenty of time to thoroughly cover the exhibits and may want to consider hiring a guide for a more targeted tour. Highlights include a replica funeral chariot hall, the Buddhaisawan chapel and the weapon galleries.
Inside you will find a truly enormous collection of treasures including paintings, sculptures, bronzes and prehistoric art from Thailand and other Asian countries. You will want to give yourself plenty of time to thoroughly cover the exhibits and may want to consider hiring a guide for a more targeted tour. Highlights include a replica funeral chariot hall, the Buddhaisawan chapel and the weapon galleries.
Address: 4 Thanon Na Phra That, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Hours: Open 9am - 4pm Wed-Sun, closed Mondays, Tuesdays, and national holidays.
From $ 10
Chiang Saen
Chiang Saen is a town in northern Thailand on the bank of the Mekong River that is known for its historic ruins. Though Chiang Saen is a small, sleepy town by modern standards, until the 14th century it was home to a powerful independent kingdom. Ruins of the ancient kingdom of Chiang Saen can still be seen, including temples, Buddha images, and the old city walls, and there is an excellent history museum.
Chiang Saen is also near the "Golden Triangle" where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet. The town offers hotels and guesthouses as well as restaurants, banks, and an immigration office.
Practical Info:
Chiang Saen is located about 60 kilometers north of Chiang Rai. It is set on the bank of the Mekong River opposite the town of Ton Pheung, Laos. Do note that the Thailand-Laos ferry crossing in Chiang Saen is not open to foreigners - go to nearby Chiang Khong instead.
Public buses run regularly between Chiang Saen and Chiang Rai and the trip takes about 2 hours.
Address: Chiang Rai, Thailand
From $ 68
Baiyoke Sky Tower
The Baiyoke Sky Tower rises ominously over the rest of the Bangkok skyline as the tallest skyscraper in the city. Also known as the Baiyoke Sky Hotel it is 85 stories high and houses 673 guest rooms in addition to several restaurants and observatories.
Anyone can visit the public observatory on level 77. The view is amazing: you will see the various expressways and neighborhoods of Bangkok, the royal palace and the Chao Phraya River. During the day the view can be quite smoggy, so it's better to visit at night to see the city all lit up. For a classier experience head to the Roof Top Bar & Music Lounge and 360 degree revolving roof deck on the 83rd floor. The view is better but you'll either need to pay an admission fee or buy pricey drinks and dinner.
Anyone can visit the public observatory on level 77. The view is amazing: you will see the various expressways and neighborhoods of Bangkok, the royal palace and the Chao Phraya River. During the day the view can be quite smoggy, so it's better to visit at night to see the city all lit up. For a classier experience head to the Roof Top Bar & Music Lounge and 360 degree revolving roof deck on the 83rd floor. The view is better but you'll either need to pay an admission fee or buy pricey drinks and dinner.
Address: 222 Ratchaprarop Rd, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Hours: Open Mon-Fri: 10am - 10:30pm, Sat-Sun 9:30am - 10:30pm. Last ticket at 9:30pm.
Admission: From 10am - 6pm: 300 THB; From 6pm - 10:30pm: 400 THB
From $ 30
Central World Plaza
Central World Plaza, Bangkok’s largest shopping complex, comprises 5,920,000 square feet (550,000 square meters) of space with 500 shops, 50 restaurants and 21 movie theaters. The retail offerings include a mix of international and local designers and flagship specialty stores, all spread across eight floors. Popular tenants include H&M, Uniqlo, Toys R Us, Zara and Forever 21.
While most certainly a shopper’s paradise, Central World Plaza has plenty of non-retail attractions to boot. Visitors will find indoor and outdoor Activities Zones, an education center for kids, a food court and an ice skating rink.
Practical Info
To reach Central World Plaza, take the subway to Chit Lom Station or Siam Station and exit toward Sky Walk.
Address: 999/9 Ratchadamri Rd, Bangkok, Thailand
Hours: Open Mon- Sun 10 am-10 pm
From $ 33
Bang Pa-In Palace
The Bang Pa-In Palace is situated 60 kilometers from Bangkok and just a few kilometers from Ayutthaya. Originally built in the 17th century by King Prasat Thong of Ayutthaya, it was later destroyed by the Burmese and left abandoned for almost a century.
During the reign of King Mongkut (Rama IV) in the 1850s, part of the palace was restored, but most of the site seen today is down to his predecessor, King Chulalongkorn (Rama V), who restored and expanded the entire grounds. Today the palace is still used by the Thai royal family as a summer residence.
The iconic buildings scattered across the complex each feature their own unique architectural style. For example, the Wehat Chamroon Palace was built using traditional Chinese materials and designs, while the Aisawan Tippaya Asna Pavilion, set in the middle of a lake, is typically Thai. Other buildings are clearly European in architectural style.
Practical Info
If not on a day tour, visitors can reach Bang Pa-In by train from Hua Lamphong Station in Bangkok, or by catching one of the regular buses that departs from Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (Moh Chit). The Bang Pa-In Palace is open from 8:30am until 5pm, although the ticket office closes at 3:30pm. The entrance fee is currently 100 Baht.
Address: Highway 308 Ban Len, Bang Pa-In 13160, Thailand
Admission: 100 Baht
From $ 12
Baipai Thai Cooking School
The Baipai Thai Cooking School in Bangkok provides a unique approach to Thai cooking that differs to most other classes across Thailand. Using a hands-on teaching method, it offers a home-style learning environment and teaches dishes not usually covered by other cooking schools for tourists.
The main focus of the cooking here is on traditional Thai techniques and innovative use of ingredients, as well as style and presentation. Professional staff are on hand to guide students as they prepare, cook, (and consume!) the food they make.
Despite being taught by professionals, the Baipai Thai Cooking School is refreshingly laidback. A two-storey wooden house filled with plants, the building features an open-plan cooking area on the lower floor and a rustic dining room upstairs, making for a relaxed environment in which to learn.
Practical Info
The Baipai Thai Cooking School holds two classes per day – one in the morning and one in the afternoon. It’s located on Ngam Wongwan Road in the Chatuchak area of Bangkok.
Address: 8/91 Ngam Wongwan Road, Soi 54 Ladyao, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Admission: THB 2,200 per person
From $ 74
Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall
The 20th century Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall (or Ananta Samakom Throne Hall) in Bangkok is a less visited destination, but well worth it. Serving a museum and every now and then a state-house, the building is a two-storey marble strewn centerpiece located at the Royal Plaza in Dusit.
Designed using neo-classical renaissance style, the building was completed under the orders of King Rama V in 1915 with the help of two Italian architects. Beneath a large central dome the hall was used to house the first Thai Parliament after it was completed.
As a museum, the building now showcases several permanent exhibits featuring the works of national artists as well as handicrafts designed by students of the Chitralada Vocational Center. Guided tours are available on most days. Just be mindful that as a royal establishment, a strict dress code applies.
Designed using neo-classical renaissance style, the building was completed under the orders of King Rama V in 1915 with the help of two Italian architects. Beneath a large central dome the hall was used to house the first Thai Parliament after it was completed.
As a museum, the building now showcases several permanent exhibits featuring the works of national artists as well as handicrafts designed by students of the Chitralada Vocational Center. Guided tours are available on most days. Just be mindful that as a royal establishment, a strict dress code applies.
Address: Dusit, Bangkok 10300, Thailand
From $ 69
Calypso Cabaret
Held in the Asia Hotel in Bangkok, the Calypso Cabaret is certainly a show with a twist, using traditional cabaret to parade Thailand’s famous transsexual culture. It’s filled with lots of great costumes, dancing and singing, and performers accommodate all nationalities, singing songs and acting in Japanese, English, Korean and Chinese.
Each show contains several fascinating acts, including that of Carmen Miranda, who rides ostriches on the stage while dancing in the bright lights, a very convincing Marilyn Monroe impersonator and the comedic styling of Geisha, who performs in Japanese, but is hilarious in any language.
The controversial nature of the event make perhaps do not make it ideal for family outings, but these highly professional shows bring lots of memorable moments, including from Korean songs of the Wondergirls and the fantastic and overwhelming finale—which we will not give away here.
Each show contains several fascinating acts, including that of Carmen Miranda, who rides ostriches on the stage while dancing in the bright lights, a very convincing Marilyn Monroe impersonator and the comedic styling of Geisha, who performs in Japanese, but is hilarious in any language.
The controversial nature of the event make perhaps do not make it ideal for family outings, but these highly professional shows bring lots of memorable moments, including from Korean songs of the Wondergirls and the fantastic and overwhelming finale—which we will not give away here.
Address: 296 Phayathai Rd, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
From $ 28