Top 14 free things to do in bangkok

When coming up with a list of free things to do in Bangkok, we wanted to pick a top ten that included more unusual and rarely thought of free activities and sights, avoiding too many temples and shopping malls. Our list of 10 fun free things to do include things that we enjoy doing in the city and the activities we would recommend to anyone coming to Bangkok on a budget. One of the things we love most about Bangkok is the fact that travelling around the city is such great value. Buses start at less than 10 baht, and even half an hour in the taxi only costs around 200 baht, so there will be minimal costs incurred, but once you get there you can enjoy the sights and sounds for free as our ten fun things to do cost nothing! The 14 best things to do in Bangkok for free are:

1. Stretch out in Lumphini Park

At almost 58 hectares, this gorgeous park provides some much-appreciated breathing room away from the busy streets of Bangkok. During the day you can stroll around the trees, open green areas and lake, while make sure to check out the statue of the king at the south-western entrance. Just don’t light up – smoking here is prohibited. This is one of the top 10 free things to do in Bangkok

2. Go for a wander around the hectic, crazy streets of Chinatown

This is the oldest part of Bangkok, dating back to the city’s foundation in the 1780s. Inhabiting the myriad of little alleys going off Yaowarat Road, Chinatown is a high-energy area of shops, stalls, narrow lanes and food vendors selling everything from trinkets to traditional medicine. The Temple of the Golden Buddha is here and in fact, 14% of the buildings in Chinatown are historical landmarks.

3. Soak up the atmosphere on the world-famous Khao San Road

Make no mistake about it – Bangkok’s Khao San Road is the backpacking capital of the universe. It is almost inevitable that you will visit it when in BKK. Lined with bars, guesthouses, budget hotels, hostels, tour operators, shops selling everything from clothes to travel bags and endless street food options, it is one of the most fascinating streets in the world. Sure, there’s nothing particularly Thai about it, but as there’s nowhere else like it on earth, it is a true Bangkok experience.

4. Learn about art, elephants and more at the free museums

Bangkok offers some excellent free museums. One of the best and most famous is the Bangkokian Museum, which explores themes of what it means to be Thai, with very colourful exhibits. There’s also the Royal Elephant Museum, modern Thai art at the Silpa Bhirasri Memorial and Museum and the interesting Corrections Museum, a former prison.

5. Visit Bangkok’s many temples:

There’s pretty much a temple in every neighbourhood of Bangkok, and many of them are free. In fact, three of the best are Wat Mangkorn Kamalawat in Chinatown, Wat Indraviharn in Dusit and Wat Patum Wanaran, next to the Central World Plaza shopping centre. Another one to watch out for is X at the top of the aforementioned Khao San Road.

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6. Check out the Erawan Shrine

This absolutely stunning shrine actually has a bit of an interesting back-story – it was built in 1956 by the then-Erewan Hotel to allay the bad karma of having laid the foundations of the hotel on the wrong date. It was heavily vandalised in 2006 and was replaced the same year. As a bonus, traditional Thai dance troupes often perform here, hired by worshippers looking to have their prayers answered.

7. Take in the views from The Golden Mount (Wat Saket)

Not far from the Khao San Road is The Golden Mount Soi Borommabanphot Ban Bat. Here you will find 318 steps to a temple at the top housing a large golden Buddha. Additionally, you’ll also be treated to stunning views over the rooftops of Bangkok. While you’re here, pay a visit to the vine-covered onsite cemetery – during a plague epidemic in the 19th century, some 30,000 bodies were cremated here.

Mr Parekh and his two boys travel to pattaya and bangkok

8. Stroll through the Butterfly Garden and Insectarium

Set on the pretty grounds of Queen Sikit Botanical Garden in Rot Fai Park is this leafy dome, home to more than 500 butterflies and other species of insect. Bring your camera and keep an eye out for some colourful, fleeting photo opportunities. This is a relaxing place to go after being in the nearby Chatuchak Weekend Market. This is one of the most romantic things to do in bangkok.

9. Watch the sun set over Wat Arun

Of all the temples along the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun is the most visually stunning. While it’s great to visit it close up, make sure to head across the river it to relax and watch as the sun sets behind it. And if you don’t mind spending a bit of cash you can even have dinner or drinks at the Deck By the River at Arun Residence and get a stunning, uninterrupted view of the lit-up temple.

10.Embrace the new town at Siam Paragon

This giant shopping centre is where upper-class Thais come to shop and show off their style. It’s also a great place to take advantage of some air-con. It is one of the largest malls in Asia and each level is themed, so you can watch people as they shop for luxury items, technology, fashion and more. There’s also an aquarium on the bottom floor and Southeast Asia’s largest cinema on the top floor, if you feel like splashing out.

11.Stroll around Chatuchak Weekend Market

Whether you’ve money to shop or not, you can’t miss the world’s largest market. It’s home to over 5,000 stalls which are spread across more than 35 acres and, as you should be able to guess from the name, is open Saturdays and Sundays. Get ready for a sensory overload as you pass stalls selling clothing, religious artefacts, live animals and more. The stalls start opening at 9am and the market is pretty crowded by the time lunch rolls around, so get there as early as you can. When you leave, grab some food and relax in nearby Chatuchak Park.

Apart from these 14 free things to do in Bangkok, there is much more that you can do at low costs as well! Plan a trip to Bangkok with your loved one, family or friends and have a great time! Book bangkok tour packages from india all inclusive by contacting Smart Holiday Shop at info@smartholidayshop.com or 7838398058