Every year, millions of tourists travel to Thailand, the “land of smiles” that has remained a mystery to many Europeans for centuries. Most travelers begin their exploration of the country from its capital, Bangkok. In Thai, this city is called Krunghep. This is a multimillion-dollar metropolis with a unique character, a city of bright colors and contrasts. We’ve rounded up a few must-haves that you can enjoy for free. Or for a nominal fee.
1. By boat on the river and canals
Bangkok, like any capital, stands on a river. For Thailand it is Chao Phraya. Since ancient times, the river has been used as a transport artery. Every day, thousands of people use public boats to get to their destinations. This is very convenient because there are almost no traffic jams on the river. The boats bounce so quickly on the waves that it takes your breath away. Traveling through Chao Phraya will be a real adventure for you. You will be able not only to quickly get to the attractions you need, but also to view them from an unusual angle, as well as plunge headlong into the everyday life of Bangkok. Boat routes vary by flag color, but we recommend a boat without a flag because it stops at every pier. Tickets cost from 13 to 20 baht and can be purchased from the controller on the boat. Opening hours: from early morning until 7-8 pm. An evening boat allows you to look at the lights of the big city reflected in the water. Tourist boats also ply along the river for 40 baht. Tickets for these boats can be purchased at the pier, but they have a very limited itinerary.
In addition to the public boats on Chao Phraya, you can also take a ride on the public speedboats that ply the many canals and klongs. A trip along the canals will allow you to get a close-up look at the life of the local slums, because quite poor people usually live along the canals. The fare is 13-20 baht. Tickets can be purchased from the controllers directly on the boat. The beginning of the route is located near the tourist area of Khao San Road near the Democracy monument. From there you can reach the Pratunam area with its many shopping centers and transfer to another boat to travel further to the outskirts of the city. Just hold on tight, because swimming in a dirty river is not on the list of Asian spa treatments. A boat ride along the canals gives the same charge of positive emotions and adrenaline as riding on the attractions.
2. Park Lumpini
Lumpini park is located in the heart of Bangkok’s business life. To many, it resembles the famous Central Park in New York. On your walk, you may come across wild monitor lizards, basking in the sun near the shore or lazily making their way through the bushes. Just don’t try to make friends with them or pet them – monitor lizard bites are very dangerous. On weekends and holidays, concerts and performances by symphony orchestras take place here at a special venue. There are numerous tables in the park where you can have a snack, play board games or work on the computer. Children will love a catamaran ride around the park’s lakes. Sports and children’s playgrounds are at your service, and at exactly 18.00, after the national anthem, aerobics classes with an instructor accompanied by catchy music. The park is open from 4:30 to 21:00 and is guarded by police. The easiest way to get here is to take the metro to Limphini or Silom station, or take buses 15 and 47 from the tourist area of Khao San Road.
3. Sikh Temple Sri Gurusingh Sabha
The Sikh temple Sri Gurusingh Sabha or Gurudwara is located in the heart of Bangkok’s Indian quarter – Little India. Walk through the narrow streets and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a real Indian bazaar with the aroma of spices and incense, and also taste India. Sikhism is a distinctive religious tradition created at the intersection of Islam and Hinduism. According to the rules of their religious tradition, Sikhs feed everyone every day completely free of charge and provide shelter to wanderers. Every day from 8 to 10:30 you can taste delicious vegetarian food and spicy masala tea. It is important to wear clothing that covers your legs and shoulders, remove your shoes when entering the temple, and cover your head. Don’t take more than you can eat because food shouldn’t be thrown away. After your meal, you can listen to melodious mantras from the Sikh scripture, Guru Granth Sahib. And from the roof of the temple there is a stunning view of the string of local streets. You can reach the temple from the Memorial Bridge public boat station, and from there it is a five-minute walk to Chakraphet Street. Locals will tell you the location of the temple. Or you can use the map.
4. Wat Arun
Wat Arun or Temple of the Dawn was built in the 18th century. By purchasing a ticket for 50 baht, you can not only enter the temple grounds, but also climb the central stupa, which offers breathtaking views of the Chao Phraya River, the Royal Palace and the historical part of the city. By the way, Thai citizens can enter any temple completely free of charge – one can only envy such an attitude towards domestic tourism.
You can spend hours looking at the elements of the temple’s ceramic mosaic. We recommend visiting Wat Arun at sunset and taking memorable photos.
5. Bangkok City Subway
The Bangkok metro consists of an underground part (MRT, one line) and an elevated part (BTS, two lines). A metro ride will cost you about 20-40 baht depending on the distance, but there are so many interesting things to see around! You will be especially surprised by the windows of apartments and offices located at arm’s length from the train. However, local residents are not at all embarrassed by the proximity to the high-speed transport line – they seem to be even happy.
6. Wat Saket The Golden Mount
Wat Saket The Golden Mount or the Temple of the Golden Mount stands on an artificial hill 76 meters high. At the very top of the mountain, at the base of the pagoda, a piece of Buddha’s ashes is kept. Just 318 steps and you’re at the top. A panorama of the central part of the city will open before you. A nice bonus for those who made it to the very top is free fast Wi-Fi. The temple is open from 8:30 to 17:30. The entrance ticket will cost only 20 baht.
Author: Irina Chereponko
