Bangkok is one the most exciting cities in Thailand. Its a melting pot of culture, cuisine and vibrant nightlife. It is a complete package when it comes to experiences – right from local ones like night markets & ancient temples to popular tourist activities like luxury cruises and fascinating animal safari’s. There is so much to do here that you might get a little overwhelmed.
To save you the trouble of googling endlessly, here is a round up of the 25 best things to do in Bangkok with your family. A memorable trip comes guaranteed with it!!
1. Dine in luxury aboard the Chao Phraya Princess
A dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya Princess is a luxury experience on the move. The boat is bathed in lights inside and outside.The interiors resemble a plush 5 star hotel, with saxophonists playing soothing tunes in the background.
The buffet is mouth-watering, with an array of local and international cuisines. Enjoy a scrumptious dinner on the deck while gazing at the riverside attractions. Be sure to checkout the majestic Wat Arun ( Temple of Dawn) shimmering in its golden avatar.
Cost: INR 2350/ USD 37
2. Witness the enchanting marine life at Southeast Asia’s largest aquarium – Sealife Bangkok
Sealife Ocean world is one of the largest aquariums in Southeast Asia, with more than 30000 marine species. More than size though, it’s the unique experience that makes it so enthralling.
You walk through a glass tube, the only thing separating you from timid, but massive sharks passing by. There is tonnes of marine life swimming by your side. The kids would especially love watching turtles and cute penguins bobbing about. Needless to say, it makes for a perfect family outing.
Cost: INR 1400/ USD 22
3. Dive into the history of Thailand at the Museum of Siam
Unlike the usual display of ancient artifacts and paintings, Museum of Siam depicts an artistic history of Bangkok.The exhibits are presented in a more engaging and interactive way, which will instantly transport you back in time.
With wooden stairs and ceramic tiled floors, its interiors are as fascinating as the exhibits. Shutterbugs will absolutely love this place.
Cost: INR 200/ USD 3
4. Visit the distinctive Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Damnoen Saduak is Thailand’s most popular floating market, featured on most travel brochures and magazines. It is deserving of all its accolades though.
This cocktail of sights, sounds and smells is what will give you a perspective on Thai culture. The market is lined with stalls selling everything from souvenirs to fruits to lip-smacking street food. Hire a boat and just paddle along, while observing the locals go about their daily business.
Note: The floating market is extremely popular and can be super crowded, so ensure that you reach early morning.
5. Have a fun-filled adventure at the Safari World
If you are going with family, then going to Safari world is a must, especially if you have little ones tagging along. Safari world brings Africa’s wild Savannah to Bangkok’s backyard.
Imagine feeding Giraffes,playing frisbee with sea lions, watching dolphins jump in the air and clicking endless selfies with mischievous orangutans, all in one place. Add to that bird shows and other entertaining performances and this becomes a fun filled day trip.
Cost: INR 2300/ USD 36
6. Explore the other side of Bangkok with the Bicycle tour
One of the most unique ways of experiencing Bangkok is going on a bicycle tour. Riding through narrow alleyways and traditional settlements really lets you get under the skin of the place.
You ride through bustling markets, watch locals go about their daily life, pass by ancient temples, cross the river on a ferry and discover local communities living along the riverbank. Its a great way to leisurely explore an offbeat side of Bangkok and hey, riding a cycle is always fun.
Cost: INR 2300/ USD 36
7. Dine in the skies at Lebua Sky Bar
If for a night, you want get away from the bustling city, you can do that by dining in the skies at one of Bangkok’s swanky rooftop bars.
Lebua Sky bar is the world’s highest open air bar and it rose to fame after being featured in the popular movie The Hangover. Go there to bask in the elegant ambience, enjoy the sweeping views of the Bangkok skyline as you listen to some mellow jazz music.
Cost: INR 600 -1200/ USD 9 – 18 for a drink
8. Get a traditional Thai massage
Getting a Thai massage tops the bucket list of almost every traveller visiting Bangkok. Why should you be any different?
After all, there can be nothing as comforting as lying down in a lemon scented room and letting a trained masseuse take care of your sore muscles. Taking a Thai massage is akin to taking a sleeping pill. Except that it feels a million times better after getting up.
9. Relish the street food at China Town
If you are a foodie, China Town is a paradise for you. Its known for its authentic street food. You will often find people standing in queues on pavements to eat from stalls and small eateries.
From tasty fruits to delicious ice-creams to fresh seafood, its a true gastronomical journey out here.
10. Get a dose of Thailand’s culture at the Siam Niramit show
Siam Niramit is a legendary cultural show, bringing to life the story of Thailand in the form of dance and musicals. The show will bowl you over with its unreal stage design and outlandish set-pieces. Can you imagine a river appearing in a stage act? Thats how extraordinary the sets are.
Its other highlight’s are the elephants and goats that perform along with a hundred other artists, all in traditional costumes. It is quite the visual spectacle.
After the show, you can go for an international buffet dinner or purchase souvenirs and Thai crafts from the show.
Cost: INR 3000/ USD 46
11. Meet your favorite celebrities at Madame Tussauds
There would be hardly any soul who has not heard about the famous and spectacular wax museums of Madame Tussauds. Here you can see, touch, pose with and even hug your favorite celebrities.
From the action hero Bruce Lee to the extremely charming George Clooney, you have a chance to witness these gorgeous creations up close. So all those who have celebrity crushes, here is a chance to take some cool snaps with them.
Cost: INR 1300/ USD 20
12. Climb to the top of Wat Arun for a panoramic view of Chao Phraya River
Wat Arun is the most photographed temple in Bangkok, its 200 foot spire rising out of the city to the touch the skies. If you are in Bangkok, you cannot give it a miss. Visit it in the evening, when its glittering avatar lights up the Chao Phraya River.
If you have the heart for it, climb to the top of the spire for an unadulterated view of the river and the nighttime Bangkok skyline. It is steep and can look scary, but the reward is worth it.
13. Get hypnotized by the optical illusions at Art in Paradise
Art in Paradise is a one-of-a-kind optical illusion museum with walls studded with 3D paintings.They look like they might pop out in real life anytime.
The best part is, they are interactive in nature. Be at your goofiest with poses here and you will walk out with some cool family photographs.
Cost: INR 425/ USD 6
14. Gape in awe at the Grand Palace
Grand Palace is the most spectacular landmark in Bangkok. It was home to Thai kings for about 150 years and was the spiritual heart of the Thai Kingdom since ages. Now it stands as an architectural marvel.
Travelers flock to the palace grounds to appreciate its beauty and grandeur. Shutterbugs can get some really stunning images. And don’t forget to visit the Emerald Buddha Temple, while you are here.
15. Go back in time by taking a day trip to Ayutthaya
Ayutthaya was once the prosperous capital of Thailand and one of Asia’s grandest cities. Now its a city of ruins, serving as a popular spot for the history buffs.
The city’s temples and ruins are a big hit among travelers, and they are best explored on a bicycle. If you want to know about Thailand’s glorious past and like photography, its really a double whammy for you.
16. Gape in awe at the reclining Buddha in Wat Pho
Wat Pho or the temple of the reclining Buddha houses an imposing 150 feet golden Buddha in a reclining position, clearly the highlight of the temple. The complex also houses the highest collection of Buddha images in Thailand.
Wat Pho is also the birthplace of traditional Thai massage, and considered a leading school in that. So if you are planning to get a massage, this is the best place for it.
17. Go for a stroll at the Asiatique Riverfront Market
Asiatique riverfront is the dream of every shopaholic out there, combining the experience of a night market and a mall. This bustling international trade port has been transformed into a bazaar with over 1,500 boutiques, selling everything you can imagine.
Its also a good place to try out some finger licking street food. The riverfront also has tonnes of restaurants offering both local and international delicacies. So if not for shopping, you can surely come here for the food.
18. Test your culinary skills at a cooking class
Thailand’s greatest gift to the world is its mind blowing cuisine. What if you could learn to make these delicious dishes all by yourself? That would be incredible right?
Taking a Thai cooking class in Bangkok is like embarking on a culinary adventure. You buy fresh ingredients from the market, which in itself is a refreshing experience. It helps you understand the local food culture.
Then you don the chef’s hat and make some mouthwatering Thai cuisines. And the best part is, you get to make the cake and eat it too!!
19. Get entertained by ladyboys at the Calypso Cabaret Show
Calypso Cabaret is the longest running cabaret show in Bangkok, considered the best one in the city. It has all the glamour of tinsel town and the production style of a Las Vegas show.
Gape in awe as ladies in jazzy costumes sing, dance and do rib-tickling parodies of celebrities from different eras – right from Elvis Presley to Lady Gaga. But here is a surprise, the ladies are actually ladyboys – Thailand’s much respected third gender.
Tickets to the show include a free drink of your choice. You can even go for a show and dinner package.
Cost: INR 1800/ USD 28 for just the show
20. Bask in the breeze at Lumpini Park
Lumpini Park is located in the inner city, is a place of utmost tranquility and a treat for the nature lovers. Its the only shade of green you will see in the concrete jungles of Bangkok.
Take a brisk walk, jog or enjoy the gorgeous sunset at Lumpini Park with your family. You will spot huge monitor lizards roaming freely in here. Don’t worry they are just as peace loving as you.
21. Unleash the shopaholic within you at MBK and Siam Paragon
MBK centre is one of the most visited malls in Bangkok. This legendary shopping mall has about 2,000 shops and sells everything at a bargain. Its best known for cheap electronics.
Siam Paragon houses every luxury brand known to man, right from Gucci to Lamborghini. Yes, there is a floor dedicated just to high end cars. You will easily lose track of time, just strolling inside these mega malls.
22. Get lost at Chatuchak Market – one of the largest markets in the world
Some say the Chatuchak Market has 8000 stalls, others say 15,000, but either way it’s by far the biggest one you will visit. It has everything you could want, but can’t see in a day. In fact you need a map to navigate the market.
Whether you come here to shop or not, go there for the street food at least. We highly recommend the coconut ice-creams.
23. Make your kids go crazy at Kidzania
Kidzania is one of the newest additions to the edutainment scene in Bangkok. It teaches kids while they have fun. Kids can choose from 80 different jobs and pretend to work and earn money.
They wear uniforms, be it a nurse, a firefighter or wear a lab coat and the money they earn is used to buy gifts from souvenir shops. No matter what they do, it will be a memorable learning experience.
Cost: INR 1000 – 2000/ USD 15 – 31
24. Get drenched by splashing in the waters at Fantasia Lagoon Water Park
Fantasia Lagoon Water Park is a humongous water park built on the rooftop of the Mall Bangkea. This park is comparatively lesser known, so you don’t have to wait in queues to jump into your favourite rides.
They have huge pools and fun water slides, great for an afternoon of splashing fun with your kids. Its easy on the wallet too!!!
Cost: INR 200/ USD 3 for just the show
25. Get the real flight experience sitting in a cockpit
For kids who dream of being pilots, sitting inside the cockpit on a flight simulator is one of the coolest experiences. If you have a passion for planes, you should certainly try this one.
The cockpit here is so realistic that it has been used in many Hollywood movies. The simulator has the exact same specifications as in a real flight, with the staff members dressed up as airplane crew. You are surely going to have a lot of fun flying this one.
Cost: INR 9100 – INR 13800/ USD 140 – 213
