Bangkok – The destination almost every solo traveler has at least once dreamt of visiting.
And now that it’s on your bucket list, you might be wondering – what should I do once I’m in Bangkok? What places should I see? What to do?
This article will give you a list of the things to do in Bangkok as a solo traveler. At the end, I’ve attached a to-do checklist of all the following attractions you can download and keep on your phone.
Let’s begin!
1. Visiting Wat Pho: Reclining Buddha
A visit to this destination can bring relaxation to travelers quickly. It is a golden statue that is 15 m tall and 46 m long. This statue is fully covered in Gold leaf, and it looks magnificent.
It is a complex Buddhist temple in Phra Nakhon District, Bangkok, Thailand. Wat pho is one of the most visited Buddhist temples in Bangkok, and its history dates back to the evolvement of Medical Science and education.
The temple is also said to be the nation’s first public University. It has over 1360 marble inscriptions of Medical Science and history, which travelers can read while visiting the temple. Try to visit during the weekdays.
The pocket pinch of visiting this place is 100 baht or $6.
2. Visiting Grand Palace
Grand Palace is one of the jewel destinations in Bangkok and has one of the most stunning architecture in the country.
Please take into consideration that the Grand Palace also has a strict dress code. In most cases, semi-formal wear should work.
The fee for Grand Palace is 500 baht and the opening hours are between 8:30 am to 3:30 pm daily.
One thing you need to be aware of: Tuktu drivers could scam you by claiming that this site is closed; however, the destination is never closed, even on public holidays, unless there’s some renovation work.
3. Explore the temple of dawn – Wat Arun
Travelers can also visit Wat Arun, which tourists can visit with a short ferry ride from the Grand Palace and Wat Pho.
Built during the Ayutthaya Period, this temple is also known as the Olive Temple. And it has one of the most famous photography landmarks in the world.
It’s famous for its exquisite decorations and architecture. It’s open between 8 am and 5:30 pm and costs 50 Baht per person.
The stunning location of the landmark right on the river side of Chao Phraya also serves as a great point to see the sunset.
Because of its popularity, there are also many riverside restaurants nearby.
4. Explore the Chao Phraya River
Chao Phraya River is at the heart of Bangkok. It’s also said to be the Venice of the East.
That’s because the river is filled with water taxis, public ferries, long-tail boats, etc. And all of it is very affordable.
Since many of the top places in Bangkok are situated on the riverside, you can easily afford to hop off for a new exploration of destinations. So a boat trip down the river will be a fascinating ride!
You’ll see different destinations – from the city’s skyline to fancy restaurants and wooden shacks.
5. Explore the Khao San Road
This place is a jackpot for solo travelers. It has everything from – cheap accommodation, delicious street food, beer, hanging out in cafes, bars and more.
You can also meet and socialize with other travelers. You’ll also find many stores like souvenirs and massage parlors. Make sure to keep a good budget if you plan to shop.
And because this place is where you’ll find many other travelers, you also must be a little careful about pickpocketing.
If you don’t know what food stall to eat from, here’s a simple tip: Check where other farangs are eating. This should give you a good idea of whether the food is safe for your stomach or not.
6. Wat Phra Kaew – The Emerald Buddha temple
Inside the Grand Palace is also a famous tourist spot known as Wat Phra Kaew. You can catch a glimpse of the famous Emerald Buddha statue here.
It is one of Thailand’s most precious relics, made from a single piece of Jade. The statue is about 19 inches wide and 26 inches in height. You aren’t allowed to take pictures of this relic.
You can hire a tour guide to enhance your experience. They can share many things that you won’t find on the web.
Some locals might try to take you to the local jewelry shop. Be aware of that.
7. Enjoy the city’s skyline through the Mahankorn Skyscraper
This is the highest skyscraper in the City. And on first glance, it looks like a tower straight out of a sci-fi movie! It’s a stunning and uniquely designed skyscraper resembling Jenga’s tower.
You’ll get access to the skywalk on the 78th floor, where you can see the stunning view of Bangkok. However, you must buy tickets online if you want to get to the top of the skyscraper. The top-most package will cost your 1050 Bath.
You’ll be offered one drink at the bar and can spend time for as long as you want.
Don’t miss this opportunity to capture the perfect image of Bangkok’s skyline from here. It’s called as King Power Mahakorn.
8. Chatuchak Weekend Market
It’s a weekend indoor and outdoor market known as the JJ market. It’s often regarded as a must-visit place for 2 days.
It has a massive market with around 35 acres and 27 sections. Many shops and stalls offer a wide range of cheap products such as Thai Handicrafts, handmade products, clothing, accessories, paintings, and souvenirs.
The best time to visit this area is in the first half of the day on the weekends. The markets have friendly locals, so it is safe to visit here. You can also get a relaxing Thai massage here.
9. Explore the Floating Markets
These markets in Bangkok are one of the country’s most famous attractions. Missing them will be a huge mistake. There are many floating markets, such as Khlong Lat Mayom, Bang Nam Pheung, Taling Chan Floating Market, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, etc.
Most of them are open 7 am – 5 pm (Sat-Sun). Here you can shop, eat and get insight into the way of life of the local people.
It offers a great chance to meet and immerse in the life of the locals. Just make sure to depart in time from one of the official docks around the town.
10. Study at the National Museum
The Bangkok National Museum has one of the most extensive collections of different kinds of artifacts.
There are many exciting things to see in the Museum, such as different kinds of weapons, precious stones, textiles, masks, and scriptures. It’s open for all and safe to travel for visitors.
11. Wat Traimit – The Golden Buddha
This temple is famous for having the world’s giant Buddha made of gold.
The statue is officially titled Phra Phuttha Maha Suwanna Patimakon, commonly known in Thai as Phra Sukhothai Traimit.
It is 5.5 tones and 3 m in height and is situated on the fourth floor of the temple. The second and third floors serve as the Chinese Cultural Centre Museum, dedicated to the history of the Chinese in Bangkok.
12. Shop at Siam Paragon
Siam Paragon is one of the most high-end shopping malls worldwide, right off the BTS station.
It has different shops, high-end fashion shops, South East Asia’s largest aquarium, and multiplex cinema halls. There’s an entertainment hub for everyone as the mall has a huge multiplex cinema and many restaurants. You’ll also see many youngsters hanging out here on the weekends.
Siam Paragon opens around 10 am and closes at 10 pm every day.
13. Lumpini Park
The park is famous primarily for its outdoor leisure activities. Fresh air and a variety of flora and fauna are what you can expect to find here. It also serves as a venue for outdoor parties and ballroom dancing.
You can also find accommodations for elderly and disabled people at a place called Smiling Sun Ground.
14. Take the BTS Skytrain
BTS Skytrain is Bangkok’s public transportation system. It started operating in 1999 and is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to travel around the city.
Though it covers only a tiny portion of the City, you can easily skip the downtown traffic of Bangkok using the BTS Skytrain.
15. See the Jim Thompson House
This buzzing tourist spot in Bangkok was the house of an American who started the silk industry in Thailand after World War II. The house is now a museum showcasing a magnificent collection of beautiful and elegant Asian art.
The house also showcases a beautiful garden whose tranquility contrasts the busy urban life of Bangkok.
If you love art, then this is a must-see place on your bucket list.
Enjoy your Bangkok trip!
I hope this gives you a good idea of what to do on your next solo trip to Bangkok.
Here’s a list you can download and keep on your phone.
Enjoy, and have a good trip!
