As we enter last 6 months of our year living in Bangkok we have been entertaining quite a few visitors in the city. Throughout the year, we have made an effort to get out almost every weekend and travel somewhere. At this point, we have seen almost all of the highlights the city has to offer (although I am sure there are still some hidden gems). Here is a short list of some of the places we like to take visitors to during their trips through Bangkok. Fellow Bangkokians, let me know your most favorite spots! My site is searchable – many of the items listed below (along with other spots in Thailand and aroundSoutheast Asia) are described in other entries on my site – if something interests you and you want more information just tap search terms into the search bar on the home page. Happy touring!
1. Amulet market: Located just north of the Grand Palace, the Amulet Market is probably not worth a trip in and of itself. But if you get off the boat taxi one stop north of the Grand Palace boat stop (the stop AFTER N9, Maharaj stop) you can grab a coffee and take a quick stroll through the market before heading just a few blocks south to the entrance of the Grand Palace.
2. Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha: The Grand Palace is sprawling, intricate and FULL of tourists. If you decide to tour the palace, head there early on a weekday to beat the heat and crowds. Beware tourists carrying umbrellas to shield themselves from the sun – you are likely to get slapped or stabbed in the face by a few oblivious patrons. But if you have the patience and pluck, the palace is a beautiful and incredibly ornate sight.
3. Wat Pho: Wat Pho is located just beyond the palace wall on the south side. You will have to exit the palace and take a quick walk south along the river to find it. It is home to a massive “reclining Buddha,” a depiction of Buddha on his sick bed preparing for Nirvana. Wat Pho is quieter and shadier than the palace and houses a small massage school which sometimes provides massage services for a small donation.
4. Flower Market: the flower market is a huge indoor/outdoor market which sells acres of flowers, produce, and meat. Get off the Chao Phraya boat taxi at the N6 stop and take a quick stroll through to see the locals and market in action. The market is busiest on weekdays in the early morning.
5. High Tea at the Mandarin Oriental: Jump off at the N1/Oriental stop for brunch or high tea at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Bangkok’s first five-star hotel. Brunch is offered all morning on the riverfront and tea is offered in the historic “Author’s room” from 2pm-6pm. Tea is served in Asian and Western sets and includes beautifully designed, petite finger foods.
6. Muay Thai match at Lumphini or Ratchodomnoen: Watch local fighters go at it for a couple hours at either Lumphini or Ratchodomnoen Stadiums (fights are offered almost nightly at either one or the other location). The atmosphere is electric and they have Chang beer (and American hot dogs) on tap.
7. Thai massage: Thai massage parlors are located literally all over the city. There may be multiple massage parlors on the same block (especially in the Sukhumvit neighborhood). Ask your hotel for recommendations in your area and be prepared for a rough massage or ask them to go gentle (and hope they understand you).
8. Khao Soi at the Erawan Hyatt (Erawan Shrine): I ALWAYS take people for this wonderful curry-based soup simply because it is one of the best foods I have ever eaten. Khao Soi is a northern Thai delicacy imported to Bangkok. It is a mix of coconut chicken soup and red curry. Khao Soi is difficult to find outside of Thailand, so try it while you can! The Grand Hyatt prepares an excellent version and is adjacent to the popular Erawan Shrine and near the Central World and Siam shopping centers. 
9. Jim Thompson House tour: Jim Thompson was an eccentric WWII Army Intelligence Officer (assigned to the OSS, the predecessor to the CIA) who transitioned from army life to a career in the Thai silk industry, building a luxurious house along a canal in the center of the city, then mysteriously disappearing in Malaysian highlands while vacationing with friends. Tours are offered in Thai, English and French. The property consists of six traditional Thai teak houses which have been joined to create a massive home. The property also houses a popular restaurant and souvenir shop.
10. Drinks and dinner at a rooftop restaurant (Vertigo): Rooftop bars are pretty popular in Bangkok for a reason – they offer spectacular views of the city and a slight breeze (a welcome break from the constant, extreme heat of Bangkok). Our favorites have been Sirocco Restaurant and Lebua Bar (featured in the Hangover 2 movie) and Vertigo Restaurant and Moon Bar. Vertigo is slightly cheaper.
11. Chatuchak Weekend market: I have heard this place is the world’s largest outdoor market. And I believe this is probably true. If you are looking for a souvenir to bring home from your trip to Thailand you need look no further than Chatuchak. Chatuchak is only open on weekends, 10am-6pm. The market has various types of clothing, shoes, electronics, animals, plants, food, drink and (or course) souvenirs- pretty much anything you can think of will be here…the trick is finding it!
Other ideas:
Taling Chan floating market: One of our favorite places to go is Taling Chan floating market. You can reach it be taking a private long boat tour from Central/Sathorn pier. The market is smaller than the other larger floating markets (located 2 plus hours from Bangkok) but it is authentic – catering mostly to locals. You also get to take a quick trip through the canals (“khlongs”) and get a peak at Bangkok’s “river life.”
Wat Arun: The temple of the dawn is currently being renovated but is one of the city’s most popular temples. It lies across the river from Wat Pho and is encrusted in mother of pearl which flows iridescent in the early morning sun.
Ideas if traveling with children:
Bangkok Snake Farm: The snake farm is part of the Thai Red Cross and is maintained in order to do venom extraction and testing for vaccination development. The snake farm is open every day of the week and has indoor and outdoor exhibits. During the week you can observe venom extraction demo. They offer an impressive snake handling show every day at 11 am, at the end of which you can hold a large ball python!
Siam Ocean World: Beat the heat and take in some air conditioning at the aquarium, located in the basement of Siam Paragon shopping center. Check the website for shark and penguin feedings times. The aquarium is state of the art and you can grab lunch at the mall.
Lumphini park: “Dinosaur ” hunt at the park. Stop at the entrance to buy some popsicles and take a short stroll to look for the huge monitor lizards that inhabit the park. The park also has two playgrounds for smaller visitors to Bangkok. But you will need the popsicles like everywhere else in Bangkok it gets hot!
Will Travel with Toddlers 