There’s no doubt that Bangkok is a thriving city in Thailand. And there are plenty of things to do like shop until you drop, have cocktails at the many rooftop bars… or you could visiting The Grand Palace, get your hands dirty in a Thai cooking class, or even indulge in a relaxing massage and spa.
They all sound great, right? Yet, what do all of those things have in common? You’ll need to pay to experience them at their fullest.
So what about the free things to do in Bangkok? There are plenty of those too! So in this blog post I’ll go through 7 free things to do in Bangkok.
Let’s get started…
1.
Escape Busy Bangkok And Visit Bang Krachao “The Green Island Oasis”
Sometimes the hustle and bustle of Bangkok can get overwhelming. And if the constant sight of skycrapers and buildings gets monotonous for you… there is an oasis you shouldn’t miss.
Bang Krachao offers visitors a real feeling of “escaping” Bangkok for serenity. Yet, we never knew it existed, until we spoke to an expat who lives there!
Bang Krachao is lush, green island bordering the Chao Phraya River. And the amazing thing about Bang Krachao, is that once you get there… you feel like you’re not even in Bangkok.
It’s calming atmosphere extends to the laid-back locals… who go out of their way to try and help you, even if many can’t speak English!
So stroll around and enjoy the serenity… before you head back to busy Bangkok city!
2.
See The Amazing Architecture Of The Temples
Bangkok has many amazing temples, otherwise known as a “Wat” in Thai. Yet, to see the most grandest of temples you’ll need to pay a fee.
There are the popular temples you can visit for free… including Wat Mangkorn Kamalawat in Chinatown, and Wat Patum Wanaran, near Siam Paragon and CentralWorld.
However, before a trip to Bang Krachao we stumbled across this temple…
Wat Khlong Toei Nai is down a narrow alleyway. And while it’s not the biggest… it still has the beautiful architecture, ornate details… and golden colors that glisten in the sunlight.
3.
Take Time Out At The Enormous Lumphini Park
Surrounded by huge purple and white walls is Bangkok’s popular Lumpini park. And because of its central location in Sathorn Bangkok, it sees many people got there from day through to night.
There’s plenty of greenery and space to:
- read a book
- have a nap
- lie under a tree listening to music
- have a picnic
- sit on park bench to people watch
- go for a run
- do Tai Chi,
- or even do a workout on gym equipment!
Plus, there’s also a huge kids area… and it’s filled with playground equipment to keep the little ones entertained.
The busiest times are early morning and in the evening, as the temperatures are cooler… and when workers plan their day to fit in some exercise.
It’s definitely well worth a look. And it’s incredible to see the contrast from busy Lumpini Park, then to the quietness in the middle of the day.
Whilst it is hotter at this time… this is when you can have a whole section of the park to yourself to chill out under some trees.
4.
Get Lost At The Chatuchak Weekend Market
The Chatuchak Weekend Market is one of the world’s largest markets covering 27 acres!
And there are plenty of stalls you can visit that have almost everything… from clothes, accessories, souvenirs, art, silk, books, food, drinks, massage services, haircuts, and more.
It’s an experience to walk through Chatuchak market… because with all the rows of items you can get confused about where you have or haven’t been!
There are thousands of people visiting this market on Saturdays and Sundays. And being an open air market, be prepared to sweat it out like everyone else in the Bangkok heat.
5.
Re-connect With Your Spiritual Side At The Erawan Shrine
Next to the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel and near popular shopping meccas, is the busy Erawan Shrine.
This Shrine was built in 1956… to apparently stop the constant issues that plagued the construction site and labourers. And thereafter, the site prospered, which is now the Grand Hyatt.
So here you’ll see lots of people making offerings, and in prayer… And the smell of burning incense fills the air.
The shrine is often surrounded by what seems like a ring of golden flowers.
And at certain times throughout the year, there are even performances held here. So one day when I walked past, several dragon dancers were performing to the sound of the beating loud drums.
So who knows what will be there when you go visit the Erawan Shrine…
6.
Immerse Yourself In Bustling Rod Fai Night Market
Bangkok is well known for it’s long list of shopping centers and markets.
Yet, if you’re looking for a different night market from the likes of Patpong, or lined up along Sukhumvit Road… check out the Ratchada Rod Fai Train Night Market.
The one that I’m talking about is in Din Daeng… which is a short stroll from the Thailand Cultural Centre MRT station.
Once you walk in, you’ll see the throngs of stalls selling food and drinks. Plus there’s clothes, electrical devices, jewelry, homewares and more. So it’s a bustling market with lots to see.
Plus, on one side of the market is a huge area full of bars! And as the night progresses… it really gets going, making people watching all that more interesting.
7.
Take In The Beauty Of The Chao Phraya River From Asiatique
For a different night market experience with beautiful views… head on over to Asiatique on the waterfront of the Chao Phraya River.
It seems to have a more upmarket feel to it, and combines a shopping mall atmosphere with a night market. And the stalls here feel more boutique, with lots of fancier dining places.
You can sit by the waterfront, and catch the sunset and then see the bright lights of Bangkok. Plus, one mega structure you can’t miss at Asiatique is the giant Ferris Wheel!
Throughout the year many events and festivals are held. The time we went it was the annual Loy Krathong festival. And many people released baskets, resembling lanterns, made with banana leaves and flowers.
Therefore, with the sight of the lanterns glowing and flowing on the river, it made for a beautiful sight.
So, there were 7 free things to do in Bangkok Thailand. And while there’s plenty more, this should be a good start for your free activities in Bangkok!
ENJOY :)
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