Top 10 Short Things to Do in Bangkok

A dazzling site from afar, the Grand Palace and Wat Prakaew command respect from all who have walked in their sacred grounds. Built in 1782, and for 150 years the home of the Thai King, the Royal court and the administrative seat of government, 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), the highly revered Buddha image meticulously carved from a single block of emerald, dating from the 15th century AD. Read More...

Forget the over-crowded ferries. Forget the tourist hordes, the overpriced souvenirs, the whole money-making charade. For a real sense of how people in Bangkok used to live, in stilted shacks, old wooden townhouses and dilapidated lean-tos – and still do – try them Bangkok Thonburi Khlongs. Read More...

The impressive silhouette of Wat Arun’s towering spires has probably become one of the most recognised temple landmarks of Southeast Asia. Constructed during the first half of the 19th century by King Rama II, in the ancient Khmer style, the stupa (or ‘Prang’ in Thai), showcasing ornate floral pattern decked out in glazed porcelain, is even more stunning up close. Apart from its beauty, Wat Arun symbolises the birth of the Rattanakosin Period and the founding of the new capital after Ayutthaya fell. Read More...

A must do when in Bangkok is to venture down to Chinatown for food. At the old market, you will find some of the city's best tasting and most reasonably priced fare. From the obscure (birds nest soup) to the ostentatious (Peking duck) to rare delicacies (roasted chestnuts), there will be something to enlighten your taste buds and provide a feast for the eyes. Read More...

You've been walking around, exploring the city from one end to the other. Now is a good time to give your feet a little break and enjoy an hour of foot massage or, for seriously tired feet, foot reflexology. You will find a dense concentration of massage parlours in more touristy areas of Sukhumvit, Old City, Siam, Silom, Khao San and Chatuchak. Better yet, try the innovative fish spa that claims to restore a healthy glow on your skin. Read More...

For a very English afternoon tea, try the Author's Lounge at the Oriental Hotel on the riverside, which has real clotted cream and a great choice of teas. If there's an afternoon breeze blowing, sit outside on the terrace where you can watch the boats (and a slice of Bangkok life to go with your scones) pass by. Served from 14:00 until 18:00. Read More...

Bring your dining experience to new heights at one of the trendiest rooftop dining venues in town. Gone are the days of chilling out in a hotel lounge after sunset. When it comes to dining in style, the sky’s the limit. Hit the rooftop of the iconic State Tower’s Sirocco or the Banyan Tree’s Vertigo and Moon bar and claim your first-class ticket to the most amazing sunset vista Bangkok has to offer. From this height, the hustle and bustle of downtown feels like a distant hum, while the glittering skyline, a backdrop before which romance unfolds – truly an evening to remember. Read More...

Feel the magic of Chao Phraya River at sunset. As the sky turns from tawny gold to twilight, life along the riverbanks seems to slow down, and its beauty takes on another dimension. Embark on a dinner cruise in a restored teakwood boat, antique rice barge, or luxurious yacht and watch as the majestic skyline unfolds along the Chao Phraya, from the silhouettes of Wat Arun’s iconic pagoda to Saphan Bhut’s strong industrial lines and the Grand Palace’s graceful curves. The memorable evening features a scrumptious Thai meal and fine wine served on board. Read More...

Soi Cowboy was named after the cowboy hat-wearing African-American who opened the first bar here in the early 1970s, this red-light district has a more laid-back, carnival-like feel to it than Patpong or Nana Plaza. Flashing neon lights up a colourful streetscape comprised mainly of middle-aged expats, Japanese and western tourists, and of course a lot of sexily dressed girls. With cries of 'helloooa, welcome!' the latter try to lure you into one of the 20 or so A go-go bars that line its sides... don't be shy, it's pretty easy going and open-minded. Remember: you might not see this again anywhere else in the world! Read More...

Bangkok’s electrifying nightlife scene has been rated as one of the best in the world. Much has changed since the early days of go-go bars and clubs. Now revellers are spoiled for choice, as there’s an endless variety to choose from. While Soi Cowboy and Nana slowly fade into the background, legendary hotspots like Silom and Khao San Road have emerged as the most-happening places after sundown. For younger, hipper crowds, head over to RCA, Sukhumvit 11 and Thong Lor, where international DJs rock the house with their latest mixes. Read More...