What to Do in Bangkok
You'll never be without ideas for things to do in Bangkok – that's something you can count on! Apart from the customary sight-seeing, shopping and nightlife pleasures that await, Bangkok has something to thrill young or old. Whether you're an active or passive participator, the Thai capital provides well for its more than ten million permanent inhabitants and the millions of visitors that flock here.
Sport facilities are world-class and cover the full spectrum, spas are sanctuaries of indulgence, leisure opportunities are endless, and the fun simply never stops. A Muay Thai (kickboxing) match and ladyboy show are always a big hit with tourists, but then so are more wholesome experiences like a stroll in Lumpini Park or joining a meditation class.
Sport & Leisure in Bangkok
There are lots of opportunities in Bangkok to get physically active, or to marvel at those who do! Fitness enthusiasts will find that the city's gyms are on par with the best in world, and the same can be said of sport facilities like tennis courts, golf courses or whatever sport it is that gets your adrenalin pumping.
Cycling along canal routes and on islands of the Chao Phraya River offer a unique experience of authentic Thai life, or you can also take up dancing lessons while visiting. Bangkok has several public pools of Olympic standard, two ice-skating rinks, numerous squash and badminton courts, or you can join a kickboxing class. More leisurely activities abound, too, such as ten-pin bowling, go-karts or simply being a spectator. (Read more...)
Bangkok Parks & Playgrounds
Lumpini Park is Bangkok's largest, very close to Silom and the ideal place for a leisurely stroll amidst a lush, green environment. It also has an outdoor gymnasium, it's a popular place for meditation and aerobics, and there's a children's playground. Good for people-watching too! For more fun activities that are bound to be a hit with the whole family, water parks and theme parks provide heaps of fun in the form of rides.
Dream World is Bangkok's very own Disney World and divided into areas like 'Adventure Land', 'Fantasy Land' and 'Dream Garden'. Think roller-coasters, a haunted mansion and bumper cars. Conventional parks or those of the themed variety, they provide a great alternative between shopping and sight-seeing. (Read more...)
Bangkok Spa & Massage
Your visit to Thailand would not be complete without at least one traditional Thai massage. It can be brutal (painful) and is often called "the lazy person's yoga", but the benefits to your physical well-being are undisputed. No pain, no gain. If you're not ready for the full gamut, try at least a foot massage at one of the many massage shops scattered all over the city – your feet will be thankful for the pampering – and it's cheap.
Bangkok has also earned itself a reputation for being the 'Spa Capital of Asia', and the number of spa sanctuaries in the city is rapidly growing. Most hotels offer their own in-house spas with famous brand names, but day spas can be just as good. Facial and body treatments are extensive, from chocolate body wraps to Tibetan hot stone massages. Spoil yourself – it's pure bliss! (Read more...)
Shows & Entertainment in Bangkok
With Bangkok's reputation as a travel hub in Southeast Asia, many world-famous names in the entertainment and music industries always include the city when they're touring. And the rest of time Bangkok is a feast for culture vultures with all kinds of live shows and performances that give the Thai capital a very sophisticated edge. Operas and classical music performances are constantly staged at the Thailand Cultural Centre.
Other cultural performances like Khon and traditional dancing, Thai puppet shows and the likes are easy to find too – many Thai restaurants even have traditional Thai dancing and music. But one of the biggest attractions on Bangkok's entertainment menu is undoubtedly its famous ladyboy shows; glitzy song-and-dance affairs that make fantastic entertainment for the whole family. (Read more...)
