19 Things To Do On A Layover In Bangkok

Bangkok deserves at least a day or two of your time.

1. Use the hop on hop off boat.

instagram.com

There are a number of ferry services that travel up the Chao Phraya river, stopping off at a bunch of different sites. You can get the tourist boat or the regular local commuter service, but whichever you choose, it's an excellent way to get around and escape the traffic in the city.

2. See the giant Buddha at Wat Pho.

instagram.com

You might know this as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, as Wat Pho is home to a GIANT gold Buddha. And when I say giant, I really mean it – it's nearly 50 metres long. After you've marvelled at this main drawcard, make sure you take the time to explore the rest of the temple grounds. There are many buildings, paths, courtyards, statues, and gardens to check out. Make sure you're wearing something that covers your shoulders and legs if you plan to visit.

3. Explore the temple of Wat Arun.

Instagram: @jemimaskelley

Just outside Wat Pho you'll find a boat that'll take you across the river to visit Wat Arun, which is a smaller and more chilled-out temple. The white facade of the main stupa is embellished so intricately, you'll want to sit and stare at it for hours. Just like Wat Pho, make sure you're wearing something that covers your shoulders and legs if you plan to visit.

4. Learn about the royals at the Grand Palace.

instagram.com

Nip back across the river and you'll find the Grand Palace right next to Wat Pho. Made up of a series of buildings and courtyards, this huge complex is part-museum and part-royal offices. The architecture here is pretty damn spectacular, the roofs in particular are really something else. Keep in mind, you'll need long sleeves and pants to get in here.

5. Pick up a bouquet at the flower market.

instagram.com

This one's worth getting up early for. The flower markets are exactly what they sound like – stall after stall selling vibrant and fragrant flowers. It's open 24 hours, though it's most active and bustling around 4am. If that's too early for you, try to get there before 8am when most of the fresh blooms are still there. The market is relatively close to Wat Pho and the Grand Palace, so it'd make sense to do those after checking out the flowers.

6. Soak up the vibes of Khao San Road.

instagram.com

This is the place to go if you want to get a touristy fix. By day, the road is full of markets selling food, clothes, bags, and jewellery, as well as countless places to get a massage or a pad Thai. If you visit at night, you'll be greeted by what feels like every other traveller in Thailand. Every bar pumps out music, trying to be louder than the one next to it, and you can buy really, really cheap beers and cocktails.

7. Eat as much street food as possible.

BuzzFeed

The street food in Thailand is truly amazing. While it's tempting to just get a pad Thai because at least then you'll know what you're getting, the other options out there are seriously worth trying. Don't leave without trying mango sticky rice, fruit with chilli sugar, and a stir-fry or curry from a street vendor.

8. Think pink at the Hello Kitty Cafe.

BuzzFeed

Bangkok has some pretty out-there stuff going on. This is a three-story cafe dedicated entirely to Hello Kitty. All the food is on-theme, with Hello Kitty pancakes, coffee, milkshakes, cupcakes, and even pad Thai. Make sure you check out the bottom floor where you'll find a very well-stocked shop (Hello Kitty champagne, anyone?), and a day spa.

9. Suspend your reality at the Unicorn Cafe.

instagram.com

If you're a fan of anything pink or rainbows, then this is the cafe for you. It's kind of like an assault on the eyes, but in the cutest way possible. Put on a unicorn onesie and indulge in food and selfies to your heart's content.

10. And embrace your inner child at the Mermaid Castle.

instagram.com

I promise, this is the last themed cafe I'll mention. If you've ever dreamed of being a mermaid, then this place is for you. Put on a mermaid tail and eat under-the-sea themed snacks, while living your best life.

OK, if you haven't had enough themed cafes, you should also check out the cat cafe, Mr Bean cafe, rabbit cafe, big dog cafe, fairytale cafe, and a restaurant made to look like Rome, complete with a mini Colosseum.

11. Shop 'til you drop.

instagram.com

If you love shopping, then Bangkok is the place for you. If you hate shopping, then this actually still is the place for you. Thailand's capital has some pretty epic shopping centres. Siam Square is overwhelming, with many different buildings and malls to discover. There's a whole floor in the Siam Centre of Thai designers that's well worth a look. Also, Terminal 21 is a huge airport-themed mall, where each floor is decorated like a different city around the world.

12. Spend an evening in Chinatown.

instagram.com

Chinatown has to be your number-one priority for a night in Bangkok. The streets are heaving with people and cars, and the neon signs on every building create this amazing energy. There are food vendors everywhere, with some of the best food in the city. Come hungry.

13. Take a breather in Lumphini Park.

instagram.com

Walking around the concrete jungle of Bangkok can be a little too urban... and Lumphini Park is the perfect antidote. It's got lawns, trees, and even a little pond where you can rent paddleboats. Pack a picnic or grab some street food and come here for a time-out. And keep an eye out for the huge monitor lizards which hang out near the water.

14. Have a drink in the clouds at Sky Bar.

instagram.com

Another touristy thing to check off the list, you might recognise this bar from The Hangover 2 . It's the tallest bar in Bangkok, and a perfect place to watch the sun set over the city.

15. Peruse the shelves of a 7/11.

instagram.com

Is it weird to include a convenience store on a list of things to see in a city? But seriously, there are hundreds of 7/11s around the city, and they're all an amazing world of wonders. Even if you don't buy anything, you can spend ages just wandering the aisles and seeing all the amazing snacks on offer.

16. Take a tuk tuk or motorcycle taxi.

instagram.com

The traffic in Bangkok is pretty terrible, so the Skytrain or the subway is the best way to get around. But, at least once, you should really hop in a tuk tuk to get from one place to the next. Or if you're feeling brave why not jump on the back of a motorcycle taxi? Just make sure to always agree on the price beforehand.

17. Lose yourself in the Chatuchak weekend markets.

instagram.com

If you're in Bangkok on a weekend, you can't miss out on visiting the Chatuchak markets. It's HUGE – 8000 stalls selling everything from plants and homemade ceramics to books, art, and food.

18. Watch a Muay Thai fight.

Pablo Rebolledo / Via unsplash.com

If you're at all interested in Muay Thai or boxing, then you can't leave Bangkok without watching a fight. The noisy, electric vibes of the crowd only make it way more exciting. There are heaps of places to watch, but there are free fights at Channel 7 Stadium (if you get there early enough).

19. And, of course, get a massage.

instagram.com

Surely this is a no-brainer. For as little as $10AUD, you can get a top-notch, full-body, hour-long Thai massage. It's the perfect thing to do just before or after a long flight. And it's so cheap, you may as well get a facial and mani-pedi while you're there!

BuzzFeed flew to Bangkok as a guest of Air Asia for their Half A Billion Guests Flown celebration.