Top 10 Leisure Activities in Bangkok

Bangkok’s shopping malls seem to have a penchant for three things, movie theatres, karaoke and bowling alleys – all of which are usually found bundled together under some franchised Cineplex. Movie theatres and karaoke aside, bowling provides a light form of exercise as well as hours of competitive fun. With sophisticated venues complete with strobe lights, glow-in-the-dark pins, balls and lanes, in-house DJ, not to mention food and drinks, bowling in Bangkok is a fun-filled leisure activity suitable for people of all ages.

Known to provide a deep sense of relaxation for the body and mind, yoga is an effective antidote to the stress brought on by the hectic lifestyle Bangkok dwellers face on a day-to-day basis. Although there are several yoga studios offering a wide spectrum of practices in the city, to maximally benefit from it, ditch the stuffy studio and head to the nearest park where you can inhale fresh air while doing a series of ‘Sun Salutation’ poses under the actual sun. If you’re a newbie, it’s best to do it under the supervision of a guru at Lumpini Park (sessions available at a nominal fee in the park’s Palm Trees area from 18:00 to 19:30).

If you’re a die-hard Thai food fan, why not learn how to cook it while you’re in Bangkok? Cooking classes are offered throughout the city, especially in hotels and cooking schools. Classes normally last half a day and will introduce you to basic preparations, types of ingredients and in some, a visit to the local market is also included. You’d be surprised how simple the seemingly complicated dishes like ‘tom yum goong’ (hot and sour shrimp soup) and ‘gaeng kiew wan gai’ (green chicken curry) actually are to prepare.

This long cherished tradition of sipping proper English afternoon tea and nibbling on bite-sized tipples has made its way to Bangkok’s leading hotels. Authentic scones, clotted cream, finger sandwiches, pastries along with fascinating Chao Phraya River scenery (at Riverside hotels) make for a wonderful tonic for fatigued sightseers. If you’re looking to ward off that nagging afternoon hunger, this is a not-to-be-missed and elegant experience.

Get up close and personal with Bangkok’s splendid landmarks like the Grand Palace and the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) while cruising along the majestic ‘River of Kings’. Feel the cool breeze in your face while exploring riverside lifestyles and a network of ‘khlongs’ (canals), either on a swift long-tailed boat or tranquil converted rice barge. Trips to the city’s neighbouring provinces like Nonthaburi and Ayuthaya are also available.

It’s hard not to mention Thai massage when it comes to leisure activities. Available pretty much everywhere from streets to five-star hotels, this ancient form of body kneading – said to date back over 2,500 years to the time of Buddha – is quite similar to yoga in terms of physical and mental benefits. The only difference between the two, however, is all required for Thai massage is to lie down and breathe while having some of your 27,000 ‘sen’ (energy lines) loosened by an adept hand – talk about true leisure!

Not only is Ratchaprasong known for its ample offering of hotels and shopping malls, it is also home to six unique shrines – all linked to Hindu traditions. If you have about 30 minutes to spare and would like to see a curious contrast between a superstitious and modern Bangkok, take this leisurely Deities Walking Tour, a downloadable podcast tour that guides you to all six shrines located in what’s dubbed ‘Bangkok’s Shopping Street’. Complete with brief history, directions and tavelling tips, this walking tour commences at the highly revered Erawan Shrine before finishing at the Ganesh Shrine.

With millions of visitors from all over the world each year, Bangkok inevitably makes for an ideal place to ‘people watch’. And where could be more interesting to do so than famous backpacker melting pot, Khao San Road? Immortalised in the Hollywood blockbuster ‘The Beach’, this former rice-trading centre is where the locals and foreign travellers collide head-on, resulting in a mishmash of fascinating cultural diversity and a wide spectrum of human antics. So, what are you waiting for? Grab a seat, get a drink and enjoy the show!

One of Bangkok’s most charming hidden secrets, Koh Kret, a former refuge for the Mon tribes for over 200 years, is an idyllic islet located in the Chao Phraya River boasting amiable locals, and a well-preserved gentile way of life. With no car traffic on the island, it’s both safe and fun to explore on bicycle. Pedal along the scenic routes shrouded in lush green leaves with traces of Mon culture and architecture peeping through. There are also ample opportunities to shop for handmade pottery, earthenware, lovely home decorative items and delicious local specialties like deep-fried flowers and chilled rice in aromatic water.