Things to do in Bangkok

Things to do in Bangkok

1. DoThonburi

   Anantara Cruises

   Chao Phraya River cruise. They offer Private/shared cruises, two staterooms with private en-suite bathrooms. Departs on Mondays and Thursdays.

   Starting from 32,000 baht

2. DoSilom

   BODY Tune

   Well-respected small chain offering excellent traditional Thai massages.

   Daily 10:00-00:00·350 baht/hr

3. DoSilom

   Calypso Cabaret

   คาลิปโซ่ คาบาเรต์

   The famous ladyboy show of the Calypso Cabaret. The performances takes place in two sessions every evening. The show consists of singing, dancing and remarkable costumes. At least make a reservation at their website three days before you want to attend the show.

   Daily 20:15, 21:45·1,200 baht

4. DoSiam Square

   Center Point Massage & Spa

   It has moved from the sois of Siam Square into the Siam Square One shopping centre. Worth seeking out as they do nice Thai, herbal, oil and foot massages, as well as aromatherapy. They also have branches in Silom and Sukhumvit.

   10:00-23:30 daily·380-1,190 baht/hr

5. DoPratunam

   Century the Movie Plaza

   เซ็นจูรี่ เดอะมูฟวี่ พลาซ่า

   This cineplex and shopping mall opened in 2005, and is the best cinema of the Victory Monument area. You can find the box office on the third floor, while the movie theatres are on the fifth floor. They offer all the major Hollywood releases and some lesser known Thai movies (subtitled in English). While waiting for your movie to start, you might want to browse around the rest of the shopping mall or have something to eat. The basement has a wide array of small garment shops.

   Daily 10:00-22:00

6. DoYaowarat and Phahurat

   Chalerm Krung Royal Theatre

   เฉลิมกรุงรอยัลเธียเตอร์

   Opened in 1933, the theatre places a heavy emphasis on Thai dramas known as "khon" — traditional Thai dances based on Thai history and legends that take about two hours. The "khon" are mostly performed during the winter months, while other performing arts (including cinema) are staged throughout the year. It is best to call first to find out about which performances are on.

   10:00-18:00 daily

7. DoSilom

   Chandee Head Spa & Massage

   Boutique wellness salon in Silom offering Vietnamese-style head spa, scalp treatments, and Thai or aroma massages in private rooms. Sessions run 60–120 minutes and booking is advised.

   Every day 10:00-23:00·1400-2800 THB

8. DoSukhumvit

   Chandee Head Spa & Massage - Sukhumvit 39

   Head spa & massage salon, the only head spa in Bangkok where head spa, full body massage and facial can be combined in one treatment.

   10:00-23:00 daily·Starting at 1,400 THB for 1 hour head spa

9. DoSilom

   Devarana Spa

   เดอวาราน่า สปา

   Easily the most luxurious spa of the city. They offer massage, body scrub, body wrap, water treatment, facial and others. There are 15 treatment rooms, including five spa suites. Expect a very professional service and a beautiful modern interior.

   Daily 09:00-22:00·2,000-3,000 baht/hr

10. DoRamkhamhaeng

    Fantasia Lagoon

    A water park with a large swimming pool suitable for exercise, a lazy river, and slides suitable for smaller and larger kids. Appears to be better maintained than the water park at Siam Park City which has much higher prices for foreigners. An option if your accommodation lacks a pool but you crave to swim.

    Mon-Fri 10:30-22:00; Sat-Sun, hols 10:00-22:00·100-120 baht

11. Do

    Go Bangkok Tours

    Bicycle tours, some of which are GPS-guided, and bicycle rentals. Small groups, max 6. Safe and fun.

    350-1,500 baht

12. DoRamkhamhaeng

    Happy & Healthy Bike Lane

    It is a 25-kilometer, one-way cycle path around Suvarnabhumi Airport. Planes land and take off nearby—sometimes right above you. They’re very strict about the rules: no kids, no strollers, and no pedestrians allowed, so you can go full speed. Since it’s a one-way track, there’s no turning back, so be prepared to ride all 25 kilometers. There are three rest stops along the way with benches and vending machines. You can rent a good bike at the rental station near the information center.

    06.00 AM. - 09.00 PM. ( Last Entry 07.30 PM)·Free entry

13. DoSukhumvit

    Health Land Asoke

    Part of the reputable Health Land spa chain. Offers foot reflexology, traditional Thai, therapeutic and aromatherapy body massage.

    09:00-23:00 daily·350-950 baht

14. DoSiam Square

    I.Sawan Residential Spa & Club

    The luxury you'd expect at a five-star hotel, at five-star prices. Most of their treatments take at least three hours, but are famed as among the best of Thailand.

    2,600-3,200 baht/hr

15. DoSukhumvit

    Kopi-O Board Game Cafe

    A mix of expats and locals play together at this chill hangout with a wide variety of board games, as well as snacks, coffee, tea, and juice.

    Mon 12:00–18:00; Tue–Sun 12:00–22:00·50 baht/hr

16. DoSiam Square

    Krungsri IMAX Theatre

    กรุงศรี ไอแมกซ์ พารากอน

    Going to see a film here is a great night out. You get a few hours in a plush theatre house, complete with air conditioning, assigned seats and the newest technology (including IMAX and 3D glasses). All the new Hollywood releases are featured nightly, but you can also pick most Thai films as they have English subtitles (inquire at the desk first to be sure this is the case). Don't forget the mandatory standing ovation to the King before the film starts.

    10:00-00:00 daily·160 baht

17. DoThonburi

    Major Cineplex Pinklao

    เมเจอร์ ปิ่นเกล้า

    A large and luxurious cinema, and compared to Western standards, an absolute bargain to watch a film here. All the newest Hollywood releases are on show, as are Thai films (most of which are subtitled in English). If you have to wait about one or two hours before the film starts, you can do some shopping or have some food in the attached shopping mall.

    10:30-22:00 daily·150 baht

18. DoRamkhamhaeng

    Major Cineplex Ramkhamhaeng

    One of the Major Cineplex chain of cinemas, this is a fairly modern cinema that is close to Ramkhamhaeng University. English movies are shown, and Thai movies have subtitles in English. There are plenty of shops and places to eat if you want to kill time till your movie begins.

    Daily, 10:30-00:00·120 baht

19. DoRattanakosin

    National Theatre

    โรงละครแห่งชาติ

    You might want to attend the National Theatre, where you can watch a classical performance or traditional dance (such as a khon dance). Don't expect an English language production though, as most shows are set up for the locals. Don't forget to get your hand on the programme first, as it will give a synopsis of what the play is about. Also stand up when the national anthem begins.

    50-200 baht

20. DoSiam Square

    Paragon Cineplex

    พารากอนซินีเพล็กซ์

    With about 4,000 seats and 25 screens, this has got to be one of the largest cinemas in Asia. The complex includes three separately branded cinemas. The Siam Pavalai is a 1,200-seat theatre, the largest of the bunch and even concerts take place here. The six "Ultra Screen" cinemas are much more luxurious and have reclining seats. Enigma is a members-only cinema with lounge seats.

    10:00-00:00 daily·140 baht

21. DoSukhumvit

    Pink Chili Thai Cooking Class

    Thai Cooking class in the heart of Bangkok. Fun place to learn how to cook Thai food.

    Closed · opens 9 am·1000 baht

22. DoRattanakosin

    Ratchadamnoen Stadium

    สนามมวยราชดำเนิน

    When the locals want entertainment, they head to the stadium for some Thai boxing. Or Muay Thai, as the Thais call it. It is very expensive though, expect to pay 1,000 baht for an outer-ring seat, 1,500 baht for a middle-ring seat and 2,000 baht for ringside seats. Thais chip in for 230 baht. A match includes eight fights with a maximum of five rounds each, so free some time in your schedule. The area around the stadium has some of the best places to get Isaan food, as television host Anthony Bourdain showed in an episode of his programme "No Reservations".

    Mon, Wed-Thu 18:30-22:30, Sun 17:00-20:00 and 20:30-00:00·1,000-2,000 baht

23. DoSiam Square

    Royal Bangkok Sports Club

    ราชกรีฑาสโมสร

    This is a venue for horse races under royal patronage. Races are held every two weeks on Sunday.

    Every two weeks on Sun 12:30-18:00·50-100 baht

24. DoSilom

    Ruen Thep

    In the evenings you can catch this authentic performance of various forms of traditional Thai dance. It is part of the Silom Village Trade Center complex. It might be a good idea to make a reservation by phone beforehand.

    Daily 20:20-21:10·600-900 baht

25. DoRamkhamhaeng

    Safari World

    ซาฟารีเวิลด์

    Safari World is Bangkok's greatest open zoo and leisure park. The 300-acre complex comprises a safari park that is populated by African and Asian mammals, a marine park with amusing performances of well-trained dolphins and seals, a bird park, and a games corner. There are separate tickets for Safari Park and Marine Park.

    09:00-17:00 daily·Combined ticket price: adults 900 baht, children 550 baht

26. DoKhao San Road

    Shewa Spa

    ชีวา สปา

    A bit more expensive than other massage parlours in the area, but feels a lot more professional. Very clean and cute decor. The masseuses are well-trained and friendly. Thai massage, oil massage, herbal massage, foot scrub and hair removal offered. You can also follow a 20-hour massage course for 5,000 baht that takes ten days.

    09:00-01:00 daily·230 baht/hr

27. DoRatchadaphisek

    Siam Niramit

    สยามนิรมิต

    A state-of-the-art cultural performances centre, which uses modern technology integrated with old fashioned drama to depict the history of each region of Thailand. The story also includes depictions of hells, the forest of Himmaphan, heavens and lands beyond imagination from Thai literature, all of which are influenced by Thai common beliefs. There is also a spectacular performance of Thailand's arts and cultural heritage. The show is staged by more than 150 performers.

    Daily, 20:00·1,500 baht

28. DoRamkhamhaeng

    Siam Park City

    สวนสยาม

    The water amusement park section contains a man-made sea with towering slides. Most of the park area is now covered with amusement park rides, a dinosaur exhibit, a dinosaur diorama safari, an African diorama safari, children's playgrounds. Foreigners must pay more for tickets than Thais.

    Daily, 10:00-18:00·120-1000 baht

29. DoSilom

    Silom Sauna

    Male-only sauna. Not gay. Cold water plunge. No massage on-site, but lots in the area.

    Daily 12:00-00:00·200 baht

30. DoRatchadaphisek

    Thailand Cultural Centre

    ศูนย์วัฒนธรรมแห่งประเทศไทย

    A fully integrated venue for social education and cultural activities. There aren't many foreigners in this area, so most of the shows are aimed at locals. It is a world-class centre that has room for more than 2,000 visitors. There's always something on, most of the time (inter)national symphony orchestra performances, but most foreigners come over to see a traditional Thai cultural show. You might want to call in first and find out about the current programme before heading out.

31. DoRattanakosin

    Wat Pho Massage

    A good way to combine relaxation and understanding Thai culture is by taking a traditional Thai massage inside the Wat Pho temple compound. Thai massage is considered a medical discipline in Thailand, used for the treatment of many kinds of illnesses. The massages are given in the dilapidated buildings at the east of the northern compound. Take a two-hour Thai massage for best results, or try a foot, oil or facial massage.

    Closed · opens 8:30 am·400 baht/hr

32. DoSilom Not mapped

    Aerobic Dance Classes

    Free outdoor aerobic dance sessions in Lumphini Park. All are welcome. During the session, music plays and the instructor leads the movements in front of the crowd. Each session lasts one hour. No Thai language skills required as the instructor rarely uses any verbal cues. In addition to the exercise, you get to meet locals and foreigners.

    Daily 06:00 and 18:00·Free

33. DoRatchadaphisek Not mapped

    BSC Bowl

    This is a bowling centre that does a fine job if you're looking for a night out with friends. It is huge, with dozens of bowling alleys.

    10:00-01:00 daily

34. Do Not mapped

    Bangkok Biking

    Bicycle tours in small groups to and through unseen parts of Bangkok. Mostly free of traffic. A fun excursion for the whole family.

    950-2,400 baht

35. DoSukhumvit Not mapped

    Bliss Massage & Spa

    บลิส มาสซาจแอนด์ สปา

    Offers traditional Thai massage, head and foot massage along with a "fish spa" — wherein you immerse your feet in a tank of water and little fish nibble away at the dead skin.

    10:00-00:00 daily

36. DoRatchadaphisek Not mapped

    Blu-O Rhythm and Bowl

    Kind of a weird entertainment venue as this complex combines karaoke rooms with bowling facilities, aimed at upper-middle class Thai ladies. The entrance is professional and neat in a glamorous blue, gold and white style. The karaoke rooms look like living rooms with a DVD player and touch-screens. The 22-lane bowling alleys are world-class. After 17:00, bowlers play with a glow-in-the-dark ball in a dimly-lit environment. There are also DJs, lounge seats, and you can have cocktails.

    10:00-23:00 daily·80-190 baht

37. DoSukhumvit Not mapped

    Center Point Boutique Spa

    เซ็นเตอร์พอยท์ มาสสาจ บูติก แอนด์ สปา

    Offers excellent traditional massage in a soothing environment.

    10:00-01:00 daily, last booking 23:30·400-1,900 baht

38. DoYaowarat and Phahurat Not mapped

    Chinese New Year

    เทศกาลตรุษจีน

    A great time to visit Yaowarat, when Bangkok's Chinatown goes on steroids. Yaowarat Road will be closed to traffic as street festivities, lion dances, and food fairs take place. Generally, a member of the Thai royal family comes over to celebrate among the Chinese community. Temples will be more packed than ever with many Thai-Chinese coming over to pray and burn incense. The best temples to visit this time of the year are Wat Mangkon Kamalawat and Thien Fa Foundation.

39. Do Not mapped

    Co van Kessel

    Many cycling tours through Bangkok, taking in Chinatown, the canals of Thonburi, the "Bangkok Jungle" and many other places in between.

    950-1,950 baht

40. Do Not mapped

    Follow Me Bicycle Tours

    Half-day bicycle tours through Bangkok's residential streets. Included in the price is a fish spa and a barbecue meal after the tour.

    1,000 baht

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Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Bangkok (CC BY-SA 4.0).