23 Free Things to do in Bangkok
Bangkok, the vibrant capital of Thailand, is a city that offers a plethora of experiences for travelers on any budget. If you're looking to explore the city without breaking the bank, you're in luck! From cultural attractions to natural beauty, Bangkok has plenty of free activities to offer. Here's a guide to 23 fantastic free things to do in Bangkok and their locations pinned on the Map.
Explore Bangkok's Food Fairs & Markets
1. Jodd's Fair
An exciting and vibrant market in Bangkok that is a must visit destination for Foodies that Travel to Bangkok to try the local cuisines. It is a home to over 700 Stalls with Food, Drinks and clothes and currently is located at 2 places in Bangkok : Rama 9 and Dan Neramit. ( 4PM - 12 Midnight)
The Jodd Fairs Night Market at Rama 9 is located just a short walk from the Phra Ram 9 MRT Station, which is located on the MRT Blue Line. For the Dan Neramit Branch, you can take the MRT Blue Line to the Phahon Yothin station (Exit number 3) or ride the BTS to Ha Yaek Lat Phrao station (Exit number 2).
There is no entrance fee to both these food markets.
2. Phahurat Market
Also known as the little India in Thailand, this place is just a short walk from Chinatown and you can explore both the places in the same day. However I do recommend coming here first as most shops close by 5 and china town is more vibrant in the evening. Phahurat Market is also known as the textile hub of Bangkok , where shoppers and designers come to get their fabric for their personalized fashion looks.
Here you can find Indian food, sweets, clothes, and also other things from India in this market.
Website: https://fabricainter.com/
3. China Town / Yaowarat
Chinatown Bangkok, also known as Yaowarat, is a bustling district in the heart of the city. With its colorful streets, markets, and delicious street food, it's a sensory delight. Explore its vibrant temples, enjoy a mix of Chinese and Thai cultures, and savor the rich culinary offerings that make this neighborhood a must-visit destination.
Chinatown has temples, shrines, and cultural landmarks that offer insights into the neighborhood's history and traditions. Wat Traimit, for instance, houses the renowned Golden Buddha statue, while Wat Mangkon Kamalawat is one of the most important Chinese Buddhist temples in Bangkok.
I like to visit right before it is too dark to see the area before and after the shops turn on their red banners and get pictures with both moods.
There are also very fun and interesting cafes in this area ( more details in my Old Bangkok foodie guide ) but some names are Lhong Tou Cafe , Wallflowers Cafe and Mustang Blu . You can find videos of these cafes in my instagram account : @days_traveltales.
4. Asiatique
Asiatique the Riverfront is a dynamic open-air night market by the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. It's a blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment with shops, restaurants, and live shows. The charming mix of modern and vintage, set against the river backdrop, makes it a unique destination for an enjoyable evening out.
It also has a ferris wheel which you can ride and enjoy the view of Bangkok. The reason i like this place is because it is open air , food is available in a range of prices, has a lot of local stuffs and souvenirs to buy ( but it is a little bit more expensive than other markets) .
The place also has a historic story behind it that it was a very important port with warehouses built for when ships would come from other countries into Thailand.
5. Chatuchak Weekend Market / JJ Mall
Yes, this place is only open on weekends. But it is said that it the largest market in Thailand, JJ Market, has more than 15,000 stalls and 11,505 vendors with Food, Drinks, Clothes , Pets , Animal Food, Furniture and basically any type of market you can think of , all in this huge compound.
Just remember, it can get busy, so arriving early is a good idea for a better experience! Also it can get quite hot so do bring you cap , or buy one there.
If you want to visit for shopping but come on a weekday you can also explore the indoor JJ Mall nearby.
6. Ong Ang Canal
This place is actually very newly opened and you can explore it on the same day as you explore China Town & Phahurat Market because they are all walking distance from each other. What is so great about this place is the graffiti wall and the food stalls. If you like graffiti art and exploring photo friendly alleys then this place is definitely or you.
It opens at around 6 pm but you can go earlier to take photos with the graffiti art.
7. Siam Walking Street
Siam Walking street is a very Gen Z oriented , vibrant street market in Siam. Here you will find a lot of Thai local brand shops, Dance performances, snacks, beautiful cafes, photo friendly spots and cheap clothes, along with some brand names. Most Thai university students hang out here so if you want to look cool, do do do visit this place.
Last time I went here I had Korean food at Red Run , then slurpee from a all you can drink slurpee shop with over 10 choices, cute cupcake from a local shop and bought so many cute and retro outfits.
Explore Bangkok's Greenery
8. Benjakitti Park & Lumpini Park
Benjakitti Park
Benjakitti Park is a calm place in Bangkok where you can take a break from the city. There's a pretty lake, lots of green trees, and paths for walking or riding bikes. People like to jog, relax, and have picnics there. It's easy to get to and a nice spot to enjoy nature in the busy city.
Apart from the lush nature and greenery the park also has area where you can play a lot of sports and activities like Pickle ball court , Basket ball court, Obstacle courses and pet friendly courses.
The Park is divided into 2 parts and the best thing is that the park is surround a huge lake and in the evening you can see the view of Bangkok's building and night lights.
Lumpini Park
Lumpini Park is a big and peaceful park right in the middle of Bangkok. It has a big lake, open spaces, and places to walk or just sit and enjoy. People like to exercise, have picnics, and sometimes even do yoga there. It's a nice place to relax and take a break from the city's busyness.
If you cannot choose which of these parks to visit I would recommend you to choose based on which one is closer to you. But if both are equidistant then i would personally recommend Benjakitti park, because there are a lot of places to explore, lots of photo spots and also easy to walk from MRT/ BTS Asoke to the Park.
9. Bangkok's Flower Market / Pak Khlong talad
This is Thailand's largest wholesale flower market where you can find many types of flowers and also get some for your loved ones.The size, color and colorful pictures have made this one of the tourist attracts in Bangkok. Apart from that there are also a lot of cafes to be explored nearby and it is not too far from Phahurat Market and Bangkok's Old town.
There is a variety of flowers, orchids, chrysanthemums, roses in different colors and lotuses which as imported and also exported to/from different parts of the world directly to this market.
The market is always busy but especially busy on days and days leading to buddhist holidays and festival, when prices of flowers and garlands can even hike up.
Cafes Nearby : Floral Café Napasorn
10. Skylane
Skylane is a huge cycle track in Bangkok for all adventure lovers. The track is FREE to use if you bring your own bicycle or you can also rent a cycle there for 600 THB.It is a popular spot for locals and foreigners alike where you can view the planes flying by as you cycle in the track.
If you are unable to complete the track, you can easily call the pickup truck to take you and your cycle to the finish line. But if you don't want to cycle there is also a cycle track right there for you.
Explore Bangkok's Architecture
11.Saphan Phut/ Memorial Bridge
Now this place is actually walking distance from the flower market and right around golden hour/sunset time you will see groups of young locals coming here to take pictures at this very bridge. Most of them carrying flowers and creating content for their social media channels.
You can catch a glimpse of the Asiatique Ferris wheel, the Wat Arun Temple ad of Bangkok at this Bridge.
12. Hua Lamphong Abandoned railway station
Hualamphong Abandoned Railway Station is a historic site in Bangkok, Thailand. Once a bustling train station, it's now a captivating space frozen in time. Its grand architecture and vintage details offer a glimpse into the past. While trains no longer depart from here, the station stands as a silent witness to the city's evolution. Exploring Hualamphong Abandoned Railway Station is like stepping into a nostalgic time capsule that echoes with the stories of its heyday.
I still remember taking trains from this station back when this was the main station. However I would recommend solo travelers to not travel here alone because it is abandoned and sometimes you can find some sketchy people here ,unless there is an event like the lighting show and there will be more people around.
Explore Malls in Thailand
14. Terminal 21
Terminal 21 is a shopping mall in Bangkok that stands out with its unique concept. Each floor represents a different global city, creating a fun atmosphere as you explore. From Paris to Tokyo, the mall offers a diverse range of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. It's a one-stop destination where you can experience a taste of various cultures without leaving the city. You can find many local Thai Brands for clothing options and also some international brands. There are a lot of Dining options such as Teppanyaki, Mediterranean Food , Hot Pot , BBQ and Thai Restaurants.
The first branch is located by BTS Asoke/MRT Sukhumvit and you can walk into the mall from these stations, there are 2 more branches , one in Rama 3 and in Pattaya.
15. Luxury malls : Icon Siam/ Siam Paragon/ Emquartier
Icon Siam
ICONSIAM is a prestigious shopping destination located along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, Thailand. It stands as a modern symbol of luxury and style, offering an array of high-end shops, dining options, and entertainment. With its stunning architecture and scenic waterfront location, ICONSIAM provides an upscale and immersive shopping experience that caters to discerning tastes.
In the evening they have water lighting shows , there is an area that you can access for FREE that overlooks the river and there are many restaurants with the view of Chaopharaya river in the mall.The ground floor of the mall is made in a Thai Floating market theme with many local food options.
Siam Paragon
Siam Paragon is a renowned shopping center situated in the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. It's a luxurious haven for fashion, lifestyle, and entertainment enthusiasts. With its upscale boutiques, diverse dining choices, and attractions like an aquarium and cinema, Siam Paragon offers a sophisticated and comprehensive shopping experience it is also right across Siam Walking Street so you can visit both places in the same day and also besides Siam Discovery and walking distance from MBK.
Emquartier
The mall also has small markets every now and then for local vendors to set up shop and greenery decor for you to explore with rooftop bars inside the mall itself.
Explore Art & Literature
16 Neilson hays Library
The Neilson Hays Library in Bangkok is a historic gem for book lovers. Housed in a charming neoclassical building, it offers a diverse collection of books and a peaceful atmosphere. Explore its shelves, attend events, or simply enjoy the quiet ambiance. It's a wonderful spot to support literacy and immerse yourself in literature.
There are also some cafes nearby for you to sit and enjoy , you can definitely checkout a book or even sit and read in the library itself. It also makes a very beautiful photo spot because of its architecture.
Entrance is FREE of course unless there is an event.
17. River city
"River City Bangkok is a cultured lifestyle centre for arts and antiques where art-lovers and collectors can explore galleries"
River City is a distinctive shopping and entertainment complex nestled along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, Thailand. Known for its artistic ambiance and cultural appeal, it combines shopping, dining, and galleries to offer a unique experience.
They keep on having art exhibitions here, most of them are FREE and some will have entrance fees.
There is a free shuttle boat that comes from icon siam ever few minutes to river city. They also have a sip and paint place here called "Soul Salt"
18. BACC
The Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) is a vibrant hub for creativity and expression in the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. This contemporary space showcases a diverse range of art exhibitions, performances, and cultural events. With its modern design and ever-changing exhibits, BACC offers a dynamic space for both local and international artists to showcase their work, making it a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts and those looking to immerse themselves in Bangkok's artistic scene.
Explore Bangkok's Night Life
19. Khaosan
Khaosan Road , also known as the Walking street of Bangkok attracts a lot of foreigners because of the bars, night life and party spots in this area. The area starts getting crowded around 8-9 pm and people stay here till 2 am or even longer , there is no entrance fee and the alcohol is also cheaper that most bars. You can hop from one place to another while exploring this area.
20. Patpong
Patpong is a well-known entertainment district in the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. This bustling area is famed for its lively nightlife, and go-go bars. and ping pong show. It is definitely not a place to bring children with you.
While many people go here for the fun gay bars and bar with drag shows like House of Heels.
21. Soi Cowboy
Talking about notorious red light districts, Soi Cowboy is located nearby MRT Asoke or BTS Sukhumvit , you will find a lot of sex workers here.
Also not recommended as a place to bring children
Explore Thai Temples & Shrine
While many travel bloggers and vloggers will recommend you to visit the 3 main temples in Bangkok ( The Grand Palace, Wat Arun and Wat Pho ) , there is an entrance fee to enter those temples, which is why I am recommending 3 more temples here which do not have an entrance cost.
However while visiting them please keep in mind the religious sentiment of Thai people and wear appropriate clothing ( pants covering knees and short covering shoulders) , not being too loud of running around in the prayer compound.
22. Wat Mahathat
Wat Mahathatis the headquarter of Thailand's largest monastic order. It's also an important center for the study of Buddhism and meditation.
It is located near phahurat market so you can visit this area in the same day as visiting Chinatown and phahurat market as well.
23. Erawan Shrine
The Erawan Shrine is a revered spiritual site located in the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. This open-air Hindu shrine is dedicated to the deity Brahma and is known for its captivating rituals, colorful decorations, and lively atmosphere. Visitors and locals alike come to offer prayers and make offerings, seeking blessings for good fortune and success. The shrine's significance and bustling energy make it a unique cultural landmark in the midst of the city's modernity.
24. Wat Paknam Phasi Chaoren
Stunning temple outside the main city area with a 64m tall massive gold Buddha statue in process.It is a royal temple located in the Phasi Charoen district, on the banks of several Bangkok canals. Paknam in Thai means riverfront.
Other Views
25. Wat Arun Lighting
Wat Arun Lighting starts at around 6 pm in the evening and you can enjoy the view for FREE from the opposite side of the bank or at a restaurant or cafe on the opposite side.
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