MENZZOO MAGAZINE
25 THINGS TO DO IN BANGKOK
Bangkok known today as 'The gateway to South East Asia' began as a small trading centre and port community on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River some 200 years ago. Today, while the city is up to speed with modern times, the grandeur and glory of its past still prevail.
Be it dazzling temples, spectacular palaces, bustling markets, shopping, sport & leisure activities or the vibrant nightlife Bangkok has to offer, it's covered in this breif guide.
1. THE GRAND PALACE & WAT PHRA KAEW
History & Culture-
The Grand Palace and Wat Prakaew command respect from all who have walked in their sacred grounds. Built in 1782, and served as the home of Thai Kings and the Royal court for 150 years, The Grand Palace continues to have visitors in awe with its beautiful architecture and intricate detail. Wat Pra Kaew enshrines Phra Kaew Morakot (the Emerald Buddha), a sacred Buddha image meticulously carved from a single block of emerald.
Location: Na Phra Lan Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Open: Daily from 8.30am to 3.30pm
10 Must See Temples in BKK
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2. WAT PHO
History & Culture-
There’s more to Wat Pho than its gigantic reclining Buddha and traditional Thai massage. This iconic temple harbours a fascinating collection of murals, inscriptions and sculptures that delve into various subjects, from warfare to astronomy to archaeology. The vast temple complex also contains a landscaped garden with stone sculptures, stupas adorned with glazed porcelain, a souvenir shop, and the College of Traditional Medicine.
Location: 2 Sanam Chai Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Open: Daily from 8 am to 6.30 pm
10 Must-See Temples in BKK
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3, KHAO SAN ROAD
Bars & Restaurants-
If Bangkok is a city where East greets West, then Khao San Road is the scene of their collision. With travellers from every corner of the modern world, sleek clubs playing sophisticated sounds, eclectic market stalls, converted VW cocktail bars, and foods tamed to suit the Western palate, this area is extremely popular with the backpacker crowd who use Bangkok as a hub to explore all of Thailand and Southeast Asia.
For us, since the revamp Khao San has lost part of it's charm, however it's still worth a visit if you have'nt been before or just to chececk out the new look if you have.
Location: Khwaeng Talad Yot, Khet Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200 Thailand
Open daily
4. CHATUCHAK
WEEKEND MARKET
Shopping & Retail-
Once only popular among wholesalers and traders, Chatuchak Weekend Market has reached a landmark status as a must-visit place for tourists. Its sheer size and diverse collections of merchandise will bring any seasoned shoppers to their knees. The market is home to more than 8,000 market stalls. On a typical weekend, more than 200,000 visitors come here to sift through the goods on offer.
Location: Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Open: Friday from 6 pm to midnight, Saturday–Sunday from 9am to 6pm
5. LUMPHINI PARK
Leisure-
Lumpini Park (or Lumphini Park) is one of the largest green spaces in central Bangkok. Founded in the 1920s, this inner-city park spans over 500,000 sq m and is home to various flora and fauna, monitor lizards and turtles. Over the years, it's become a popular gathering spot for Bangkok residents, who would gather for a round of jogging, light workouts, aerobics, and leisurely activities throughout the day.
Bangkok has a collection of beautiful parks where you can briefly escape from the big city’s skyscrapers, malls and traffic. Parks in Bangkok provide you with fresh air and lots of healthy outdoor activities in lush, landscaped areas. Parks are an ideal place to hangout with a girl you met the night before, best of all it won't cost you anything.
Some offer picturesque views of the downtown Bangkok skyline, with swathes of green and expansive lakes and with dedicated bicycle and jogging tracks. Most Bangkok parks come with additional sports facilities such as tennis courts, swimming pools and football fields. Bangkok’s most popular parks like Lumpini Park are usually close to a BTS Skytrain or MRT station, making them convenient spots for relaxation.
Lumphini Park-
BTS Station- Sala Daeng
MRT Staition- Silom and Lumphini
Location: Rama IV Rd, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Open: Daily from 4.30am to 9pm
6. BAIYOKE TOWER
Landmark-
At 304 metres tall, Baiyoke Tower II is one of Bangkok's (and Thailand's) tallest buildings. The 88-storey building has a public observatory deck on the 77th floor, while the top floor is an open-air, 360-degree revolving roof deck (an admission applies). Both venues offer a bird's-eye view of the sprawling Thai capital. Baiyoke Sky Hotel covers from the 22nd to the 74th floor.
Taking in the Bangkok skyline from your hotel window is one thing, but watching it from the 84th-floor outdoor revolving deck is another experience entirely. Up at the top, the excitement, open space and the sense that you’re on top of one of Thailand’s tallest buildings make all the difference.
Location: Soi Ratchaprarob 3, Phaya Thai, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Open: Skywalk and observation deck- daily from 10am to 10.30pm
7. MUAY THAI BOXING AT
NEW LUMPINEE STADIUM
Sport & Leisure-
New Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, located in the northern suburbs, is a great place to watch genuine matches in Bangkok. Muay Thai boxing in Bangkok is an experience not to be missed. The power and grace of the fighters are impressive. Bouts come thick and fast with around 20 separate fights on each event.
Fighters compete for 5 2-minute rounds, with the pace visibly picking up until the last round when the intensity of the fighters – and the crowd – becomes electric. These matches are also backed by exotic, rhythmical music played by the oboes and drums of a Muay Thai band.
Location: 6 Thanon Ram Intra, Bang Khen, Bangkok 10220, Thailand
Open: Tuesday and Friday from 6.30pm to 11pm, Saturday from 4pm to midnight
Closed on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Sundays and Mondays
8. LEARN MUAY THAI BOXING
Sport & Leisure-
Although Muay Thai seems like a violent sport, learning it properly can be a fun and worthwhile experience. One of the best places to go (if you want a comprehensive learning experience) is Muay Thai Institute in Rangsit, just 12 km northeast of Don Mueang International Airport. Even so, there are many Muay Thai gyms in central Bangkok if you just want to enjoy a few rounds of Thai kickboxing with an experienced coach.
The best gyms and training academies in Bangkok;
Bangkok is one of the best places in the world to learn Muay Thai kickboxing. The best fighters, the most experienced trainers and the most intense camps can be found here. Learning down in Phuket or Samui indeed has the advantages of beaches and nature, but if you are set on getting the best coaching then Bangkok is the place to be. Click on the link below to find out more about Muay Thai academies in Bangkok.
Boxing academies in BKK
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9. GOLF IN BANGKOK
Sport & Leisure-
Bangkok golf courses offer great value for money with many excellent golf clubs offering a high level of service and very competitive prices. Golf tours and holidays have grown rapidly across Thailand, particularly in Bangkok where there are scores of great golf courses and clubs within easy reach of the city centre. Most of them have been renovated and developed to world-class standards.
The best 5 cllubs in Bangkok;
While golfing in Bangkok, you can enjoy a great round while experiencing the beauty of manicured links and fairways. Many golfers in Bangkok prefer setting off in the early mornings to avoid Thailand’s intense midday sun – the cool breeze through the palms and the orange sun hanging low adds up to a memorable experience. To find out more about Golf courses in Bangkok click on the link below.
Golf Courses in BKK
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10. SPORTS BARS
Bars & Restaurants-
If you're looking to catch the Game, shoot some pool or get some Great British pub grub and enjoy a draught pint head to a local sports ba. Sports bars make a good place to go to with a date, even meet girls, see our suggestions for Sorts Bars by clicking on the link below.
Sports Bars in BKK
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11. OCTAVE ROOF TOP BAR
Bars & Nightlife-
Octave Bar is on the 45-49th floor of the Marriot Hotel Sukhomvit. From this terrace you get Bangkok's best 360-degree view. One of the highest and best spots in Bangkok for cocktails and partying with a view. Resident DJs create a nice lounge vibe every night over the rooftop that covers 3 entire floors. The rooftop bar menu serves Asian bar bites, seafood, some grill dishes, along with signature cocktails like a refreshing Thai Mojito. To find out more about Rooftop Bars in Bangkok, click on the link below to see our guide.
Location: 45/F, Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit, 2 Sukhumvit Soi 57, Bangkok Thailand-Open from 5pm-late (usually 2am)
Rooftop Bars in BKK
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12. INSANITY NIGHTCLUB
Bars & Nightlife-
Insanity is one of the largest clubs in the city, with a grand entrance into a big hanger style room with 14-meter-high ceilings, a retractable halo lighting system and an ‘L Acoustic’ sound system. Insanity also has outstanding dance shows, seductive podium dancers and a central stage for those who want to let loose on the dancefloor.
The club hosts quality international and local all-star DJs. attracting over 1,000 partygoers on weekdays and over 1,500 on weekends. Great place for Thai girls looking to find western men.
Location: Insanity Nightclub, Sukhumvit Soi 11, Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand -Open: Daily from 9 pm to late (usually 2,00am)
13. THE STUMBLE INN
Bars & Nightlife-
The Stumble Inn is a British owned pub located in the very heart of Bangkok’s nightlife area. The bar is situated immediately outside of Nana Plaza, 30 mtrs from Sukhumvit Road,on Sukhumvit Soi 4. Open daily at midday with food served until late including an All day full English breakfast, As well as providing great food and great hospitality Stumble also provides you with a Brunswick pool table and a wide variety of live sports. Shown on 7HD screens.
14. RED LIGHT DISTRICTS
Bars & Nightlife-
Visiting a Bangkok red light district is a must-do for male travelers. Bangkok’s most prominent Red Light Districts include Nana Plaza, Soi Cowboy and Patpong all adjacent to one another in the centre of the city. These districts boast well-known and often high-end establishments. For more information on red light districts click the links below.
Bangkok is an Amazing City
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Bangkok Ago-go Bars
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15. LEVELS CLUB & LOUNGE
Bars & Nightlife-
Levels Bangkok consists of a rooftop lounge and 2 club rooms, so it covers a lot of musical ground: funky beats on the terrace, R&B hits in the plush main room, and house and techno in the smaller room at the back.
Levels attracts a decent gathering of clubbers most nights of the week, with special events on Wednesday and Friday, usually based around a theme including lots of bikini-clad models. This club caters for western tastes, with minimal seating and a vibe conducive for mixing and mingling while checking out the different areas.
Location: 35 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
Open: Daily from 10 pm to late (usually2 am)
16. ROYAL CITY AVENUE (RCA)
Bars & Nightlife-
Royal City Avenue – more commonly known as RCA – is the epicentre of Bangkok's clubbing scene. It's an officially designated nightlife zone so you can be assured of a party 7 nights a week. Clubs are packed every night and, on weekends, they're rammed to full capacity.
ONYX NIGHTCLUB
RCA is home to Onyx nightclub, one of the biggest and most impressive clubs in the clubbing Mecca of RCA , with a focus on bass-heavy house and EDM music. Entry fee is around 300 baht with a free drink.
ROUTE 66
Route 66 is also located on RCA , open 7 nights a week, this massive nightclub tries to cater for all musical tastes. Entry is free for Thai citizens and 300 baht (or more) for foreigners, but this can be redeemed for drinks once inside.
There are so many options for partygoers in RCA, with international DJs and live concerts by popular local artists all in 1 night. RCA is separated into 4 blocks: Block A is closest to Rama 9 Road, and, at the opposite end, Block D leads onto Petchaburi Road, both of which have BTS and MRT Underground stations.
The quickest way to RCA is by MRT or BTS and a quick taxi ride the rest of the way. The nearest MRT is Pharam 9 station, and the nearest BTS Asok or Phrom Phong.
Location: RCA Alley, Khwaeng Bang Kapi, Khet Huai Khwang, Bangkok 10310, Thailand
17. THONGLOR DISTRICT
Bars & Nightlife-
Some of the best bars, clubs and restaurants in Thonglor are within walking distance of its BTS Skytrain Station (Thong Lo), making it one of Bangkok’s most popular entertainment streets.
Thonglor often attracts ultra-fashionable and affluent Thais, but many foreigners also enjoy its vibrant scene. if you want to experience a pulsing nightlife scene, this is the place to do it.
BEAM NIGHTCLUB
Thonglor is home to Beam, a techno nightclub on the 1st floor of 72 Courtyard. With high-tech speakers under the dancefloor and weekly international DJ sets, the music style you’re most likely to hear is minimal and deep tech-house in the bare, dark main room that’s more reminiscent of European dance clubs. Downstairs, you’ll find a hip-hop room, which has a great atmosphere, while the upstairs main room literally shakes thanks to speakers under the dancefloor.The VOID Acoustics sound system at Beam Club Bangkok is incredibly good, as is the LED laser light show.
Location: 72 Soi Sukhumvit 55, Klongton Nua, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
DEMO & FUNKY VILLA NIGHTCLUB
Demo and Funky Villa is a 2-in-1 nightclub can also be found in Thonglor, where you can enjoy 2 very different nightlife concepts. Funky Villa generally hosts indie bands on the main stage, while the adjacent Demo club is all about heavy bass, techno, house and EDM. There is also a 3rd smaller bar that’s all about hip-hop. Foreigners must pay a cover charge to get in during weekends, but the good thing is that you can swap rooms as and when you please.
Location: 10 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Tan, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
18. NURU MASSAGE
Lifestyle-
The Nuru body to body Massage is simply one of the most memorable sexual experiences you’ll have in your lifetime. If there is one thing in life that every man should experience, this is it.
Location: Sukhumvit soi 22 - Sukhumvit soi 33, nr. Phrom Phong BTS station.
Massage Parlors BKK
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19. VISIT A MUSEUM
Culture & History-
The Bangkok National Museum displays Thailand’s largest collection of local art and artefacts. Founded by King Rama V, the museum occupies the former 18th-century Wang Na Palace in Phra Nakhon. It’s within walking distance of Wat Phra Kaew and The Grand Palace, so you can easily combine a day trip to these spots while in Bangkok. For more information on Bangkok National Museum click on the link below
The Erawan Museum occupies a massive 3-headed elephant statue that stands on an equally gargantuan pedestal. Cast in a pure green-hued copper, the 250-tonne structure spans 29 metres in height and 39 in length. The museum spans 3 levels representing the underworld, the human earth, and heaven. For more information on Erawan Museum click on the link below.
The Bangkok National Museum
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The Erawan Museum Bangkok
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20. MBK SHOPPING MALL
Shopping & Retail-
MBK Center is known as a haven for all things affordable, with some 2,000 shops occupying 7 floors of retail spaces. One of its main selling points is its extensive range of products, particularly mobile phones, photo equipment, video games, luggage, streetwear, fake watches and gold ornaments. Prices are negotiable – MBK is probably the only mall in Bangkok where you can put your bargaining skills to the test. If you're shopping wholesale, prices tend to get even more competitive. There's also a cineplex on the top floor showing all the latest movies.
MBK Center is easy to reach, theres a direct walkway linking to National Stadium BTS Skytrain Station.
Location: 444 Phayathai Road, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Open: Daily from 10am to 10pm
21. MADAME TUSSAUDS BANGKOK
Leisure-
Madame Tussauds Bangkok at Siam Discovery Center is where you can explore exhibits of lifelike wax figures, most of which you can touch, hug, play with, and even kiss. A great place to take a date, Thai girls love nothing more than taking selfies to put on facebook, here she can take selfies with her favorite celebrities and movie stars.
You can also learn all about the craft of waxwork from the 2nd-floor exhibit on the history of Madame Tussauds. The museums' souvenir boutique carries an interesting collection of memorabilia and quirky accessories too.
Location: 6th Floor, Siam Discovery, 989 Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Open: Daily from 10 am to 8 pm
22. THE RIVER FRONT ASIATIQUE
Shopping & Retail-
The Riverfront is a successful combination of 2 of Bangkok’s most popular shopping experiences: a night bazaar and a mall. You can find it 10 minutes downriver from the Saphan Taksin BTS Skytrain Station. Once a bustling international trade port, it has been transformed with over 1,500 boutiques and 40 restaurants housed inside a huge replica warehouse complex.
Location: 2194 Charoenkrung Road, Wat Phraya Krai, Bang Kho Laem, Bangkok 10120, Thailand
Open: Daily from 4 pm to midnight
23. CHINA TOWN
Shopping & Retail-
Bangkok's Chinatown is a colourful, exotic and pleasingly chaotic area, packed with market stalls and probably the highest concentration of gold shops in the city.
Shopping in Chinatown has a timeless quality to it and offers the perfect antidote to the modern mega-malls that are springing up in other areas of Bangkok. Here, tradition prevails and it's possible to get lost down alleyways with traders selling the same specialist merchandise as their forefathers did generations ago.
Location: Yaowarat Road, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
24. ONE DAY EXCURSION TRIPS FROM BANGKOK
Leisure-
Take one of the many tours available within and from Bangkok, you might consider a tour around Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Pho , see the temples and enjoy a romantic dinner with a date along the Chao Phraya river aboard a converted rice barg, a boat trip to Ayutthaya and explore the temple ruins or visit the bridge on the River Kwai. To find out more about these one day tours click on the link below,
Day Tours from BKK
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25. THE SRI MAHA MARIAMMAN HINDU TEMPLE
Culture & History-
Sri Maha Mariamman Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Goddess Mariamman. It was built by Tamil immigrants in the 1860s, featuring a riotous blend of rich colours and ornate decoration that makes for a rather unexpected sight in Silom. It’s a great site for a little taste of Indian architecture right in the heart of Bangkok.
The tall central structure is plastered full of detailed, entwining Hindu deities. The shrines inside the temple are dedicated to both Shiva's consort and the elephant-headed Ganesha, with others paying homage to Vishnu and Krishna.
Location: 2 Pan Rd, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
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