UPTOURIST

1. Wang Lang Market

Wang Lang Market is an awesome place to grab a quick bite at a vendor or to find fresh local food to prepare back at your hotel or hostel.

2. Chatuchak Weekend Market

This is a bit of a tourist trap, with plenty of food and collectibles on sale every weekend. If you’re easily tempted to pull your wallet out and don’t want to burn your budget, stay away!

3. Klong Toey Market

This place has so much fresh, delicious local food! Better prices are hard to find anywhere in all of Thailand.

4. Taling Chan Floating Market

This place is really cool. Plenty of fresh food and you can grab a ready-made meal while floating down the Khlong Chak Phra canal. There are others, but this one is my fave. Grab a bowl of fishy soup or some fresh-picked plantains.

5. Pratunam Market

Yet another awesome place to pick up some local produce, fresh caught fish, or freshly-killed livestock. There’s plenty of vendors selling ready made spicy Thai dishes too.

6. MBK Shopping Mall

One of the most hectic shopping malls is MBK. Check out one of the performances while you shop, or grab something American to eat from the McDonalds. It’s a great way to experience the comings-and-goings of Thai culture too.

7. Or Tor Kor Market

Visiting markets is one of my personal favorites activities in Bangkok, and Or Tor Kor is amazing.

8. Dusit Zoo

The Dusit Zoo is one of the most fun things to do in Bangkok if you are with children or if you’d like to see what dwells in the greenery on either side of the river Kwai from the comfort of the city.

9. Lumpini Park

Think of Lumpini Park like you would Central Park in Manhattan. There’s locals putting on dancing shows, vendors selling delicious snacks and people just relaxing and chilling out.

10. Grand Palace / Wat Phra Kaew

The most revered architectural attractions in Bangkok. See how Thai royalty lived for over two hundred years.

11. Wat Pho

Home of the reclining Buddha and the birthplace of the traditional Thai massage.

12. Wat Arun

Wat Arun is the temple of dawn, located on the the Chao Phraya River. Really mysterious and rich in history.

13. Wat Saket

Bangkok’s Golden Mountain Temple with great views.

14. Erawan Museum

A giant three headed elephant-shaped temple and museum.

15. Vimanmek Mansion

The largest golden teak wood mansion in the world. Total awesomeness!

16. Khao San Road

Bangkok’s popular nightlife and all-round party hotspot.

17. Silom and Patpong

Silom at night turns into a market with Patpong street, home to many go-go bars and tacky touristy merchandise.

18. Victory Monument

This is a sword-shaped monument that commemorates the victory Thailand had over the French colonials in the 1940’s. It’s also a great place to grab a rickshaw or bus, and have some traditional Thai noodle soup.

19. Eat Durian

Durian, also known as the king of fruits, is creamy and sweet, and it’s the best fruit in the world.

20. Pahurat

Pahurat is home to Bangkok’s Indian immigrants. Eat traditional curry dishes and shop for Indian clothing, jewelry, etc.

21. Pak Klong Talad

The largest flower market in Bangkok is a great place to see colorful and exotic flowers all day long.

22. Yaowarat

This is one of the biggest hubs for local activity found anywhere in the city. Check out the Sampeng Market or sit down at a street-side cafe and watch the busy day unfold.

 

Main Image: “Around and Around We Go” by Mike Behnken