If you’ve been brushing up on your Bangkok business etiquette, then you’ve likely got a trip to the Thai capital on the horizon. But besides conducting yourself impeccably during your business meetings in the city, it’s important to have a clear plan of what to see in Bangkok during your stay. Whether you’re staying for a fortnight or just 2 days in Bangkok, our guide to the top sights to see on your business trip will see you through.
10. Wat Pho
Bangkok is filled with incredible Buddhist temples – but perhaps none feature as spectacular a sculpture as Wat Pho. Also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Wat Pho is located on the historic Rattanakosin Island and is home to – you guessed it – an impressive sculpture of a reclining Buddha. The 46 metre long statue is one of the largest Buddha statues in Thailand and, though built of brick and plaster, is gilded in gold leaf and the soles of its feet inlaid with mother-of-pearl. One of the most spectacular sights in Bangkok, a trip to Wat Pho shouldn’t be missed.
9. Giant Swing
The ‘Giant Swing’, as it has become known, resides in front of another famed Bangkok temple: Wat Suthat. Although it may appear to be a purpose built attraction, the structure actually served a religious purpose when constructed in 1784. During the Hindu Brahman Festival, men would swing themselves as high as possible from the structure in hopes of reaching a bag of gold treasure. The rite was eventually cancelled in 1935 due to the rising number of accidents and even deaths that occurred during the ritual; today the swing remains as a monument to its historical legacy.
8. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Navigating floating markets by boat is quite common in parts of Asia – notably Thailand, Indonesia and India – and provides a unique, sensory experience for visitors and tourists new to the tradition. Indeed, when deciding what to see in Bangkok, the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market should be high on your list. Located on the Khlong Damnoen Saduak – the longest and straightest canal in Thailand – this floating market is considered one of the best in the capital. Whether browsing the goods on offer from the safety of dry land, or boarding a canoe and getting in the thick of the action, be sure to bargain hard to get the best price for your purchases! Brimming with fruit and vegetables and freshly made boat noodles, there is plenty to see and try at this eccentric daily market.
7. Siam Paragon
For a completely different, but no less impressive shopping experience, we recommend a visit to Siam Paragon. One of the largest malls in Thailand, Siam Paragon is a testament to modern architecture and technology – reflective of Bangkok’s flourishing relationship with consumerism. Boasting impressive glass-fronted architecture, dazzling illuminations and countless shops and stores, Siam Paragon makes for a welcome distraction from business when staying for 2 days in Bangkok.
6. King Power Mahanakhon
Ones of Thailand’s tallest towers, King Power Mahanakhon further demonstrates Bangkok’s investment in contemporary architecture. Opened in 2016, the skyscraper features a striking cubed spiral effect, reminiscent of a pixelated image. The Rooftop Bar provides unsurpassed panoramic vistas alongside sumptuous décor – ideal for informal meetings with colleagues and associates. More courageous visitors, meanwhile, should head to the glass-floored SkyWalk and enjoy dizzying views of the streets 310 metres below!
5. Lumpini Park
Bearing a strong resemblance to Central Park, Lumpini Park is celebrated for being the first public park in Thailand. Spread across 142 acres, the park provides extensive green spaces, woodlands and even an artificial lake for residents to enjoy. Donated to the public by King Rama VI in 1925, the land has been developed into a leading Bangkok attraction. Whether renting a paddle boat for a relaxing jaunt on the water, taking a moment to watch the majestic birdlife, or simply taking a stroll on a lunch break, be sure to make the most of Lumpini Park during your business trip to Bangkok.
4. Museum of Contemporary Art
Bangkok’s thought provoking Museum of Contemporary Art is one of the largest of its kind in Asia, and its striking exhibits are well worth exploring. As well as stunning architecture, the museum boasts an impressive array of over 800 pieces of art selected from Boonchai Bencharongkul’s private collection. Featuring sculptures, paintings and installations from some of Thailand’s finest artists – including Prateep Kochabua and Thawan Duchanee – the museum has plenty to fascinate even the least artistically-minded visitor. Providing a fascinating insight into Thailand’s fascinating cultural and artistic heritage, the Museum of Contemporary Art should be high on your list of what to see in Bangkok.
3. Chao Phraya River
Also known as the River of Kings, the Chao Phraya River is Thailand’s main waterway. Flowing through Bangkok and into the Gulf of Thailand, the river has formed a major part of Thai culture for hundreds of years and is still utilised for transport, trade and recreation. To experience the river in all its glory, visitors regularly board one of the many available river cruises and explore the city from a new perspective. Why not try an evening dinner cruise and admire the illuminated city skyline and temples against a setting sun?
2. Khaosan Road
Khaosan translates to ‘milled rice’, so it’s no surprise that Khaosan Road was once the site of a major rice market. Constructed in 1892, the short street has since become a major backpacker destination. Brimming with food stalls, street vendors, and bars, the area receives upwards of 50,000 tourists a day in peak season - so if a vibrant, noisy and social atmosphere appeals to you, this is to the place to be. While not to everyone’s taste, at least a brief visit to Khaosan Road should be considered when devising your itinerary of what to see in Bangkok.
1. Train Night Market Ratchada
Our final recommendation comes with a small caveat – the venue hasn’t reopened yet! Closed in 2020 due to the pandemic, the Train Night Market’s speculated return remains undefined – but, being such an important component of Bangkok’s market culture, we had to include it in our list. Located in the city centre, the brightly lit and colourful night market is amazingly well organised and, catering to locals, features the very best cuisine and products for fantastic prices. Divided into three distinct sections – food, shopping, and bars – the night market provides a blueprint plan for how to enjoy your trip. Indeed, the market features a 200-metre-long street where most bars are to be found, meaning a short but enjoyable ‘bar crawl’ can be arranged to round off a night of shopping and delectable local cuisine. We certainly hope it reopens soon.
Your list of what to see in Bangkok complete, now is the time to book your stay in one of our serviced apartments in Bangkok. Spoilt for choice? Narrow down your selection by reading our guide to the top 6 corporate apartments in the city, and then discover the best places to dine on business during your stay.
