Things to do in Bangkok

Be sure to explore!

BANGKOK - CITY OF ANGELS

Vibrant and dynamic Bangkok blends its rich cultural heritage with stunning modernity, offering a unique backdrop for Brew Asia 11th edition. Beyond its iconic temples and world-renowned street food, Bangkok is a significant and rapidly evolving hub for business and innovation within Southeast Asia, making it an exciting and relevant location. We encourage you to embrace the spirit of Bangkok, explore its unique character, and discover the thriving craft beer scene.

Welcome to Bangkok!

Grand Palace & Wat Pra Kaew

Bangkok's biggest tourist attraction as well as a pilgrimage destination for devout Buddhists, Wat Phra Kaew (วัดพระแก้ว), the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and the adjoining Grand Palace together form the greatest spectacle for any visitor to Bangkok. Originally home to the Thai King and Royal Court for more than 150 years, it is still used for royal ceremonies and national events.

The nearly 100-hectare grounds, which date back to 1782, encompass more than 100 buildings that represent 200 years of royal history and architectural experimentation, featuring an amazing array of brightly coloured buildings, glittering mosaics and golden spires.

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Wat Arun

Wat Arun, known locally as Wat Chaeng, is located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, and is undeniably the most stunning temple in Bangkok – as well as being one of the few Buddhist temples one is encouraged to climb on.

Best known for its towering 80-meter central prang, the largest in Thailand, Wat Arun was built in Khmer architectural style. Made up of colourful ceramics and porcelain to form elaborate motifs and designs, this makes the prangs shimmer and shine in the sunlight, giving the temple a unique appeal that has to be seen close up to be fully appreciated.

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Chinatown

Bangkok's Chinatown is one of the largest Chinatowns in the world. It was founded in 1782 when the city was established as the capital of the Rattanakosin Kingdom, and served as the home of the mainly Teochew immigrant Chinese population. By the turn of the 19th–20th centuries, Chinatown had become Bangkok's main commercial area, as well as a red-light district hosting opium dens, theatres, nightclubs and gambling houses.

Today, Chinatown is a bustling destination known particularly for its nightlife and food. As evening arrives, Yaowarat Road (the heart of the area) becomes a prominent street food hub, illuminated by neon signs and lanterns. Crowds gather at the many restaurants and roadside stalls to enjoy a wide variety of local dishes, especially popular seafood and classic noodle specialities.

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Tawandang Microbrewery (Rama III)

The first Thai-German Microbrewery that served original German beer in Thailand, Tawandang German Brewery was an early pioneer of the “east meets west” dining and entertainment concept in Thailand.

The giant main space is very rustic, reproducing the spit and sawdust vibe of German beer halls, with both both eastern and western performances staged regularly. The side areas are a little cozier and quieter if you simply have to escape the less-than-quiet stage performances.

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Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha)

The rambling 8-hectare Buddhist Temple Complex of Wat Pho incorporates the city's largest reclining Buddha, the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand and the country's earliest centre for public education.

The reclining Buddha figure is 15m tall and 46m long, making it one of the largest Buddha statues in Thailand. The reclining image represents the entry of Buddha into Nirvana and the end of all reincarnations. The posture is referred to as suhasaiyas, or the posture of a sleeping or reclining lion.

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Lumphini Park

Looking for a respite from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok life, then Lumpini Park is the place to find it. Lumpini Park is an oasis in the heart of the city's business and commercial centre and the name "Lumpini" is taken from the birthplace of Buddha in the Rupendehi district of Nepal where he is said to have lived until 29 years old.

The park—the oldest and largest of Bangkok's open spaces—was opened in the 1920s by King Rama VI and it comprises 58 hectares or 142 acres of parkland, ornamental lakes, and walkways, with noted wildlife and flowers contained in its grounds.

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Muay Thai

Muay Thai is said to date back to more than 2000 years ago, and its long history is interwoven with the history of the Thai people. Born of the need to defend themselves and their land from aggressive powers, they developed a martial art that transformed their hands, legs, elbows, and knees into deadly weapons.

Known for its tremendous power, maximum efficiency, and raw simplicity, Muay Thai is often referred to as the “Art of Eight Limbs”, since it uses a beautiful symphony of kicks, punches, knees, and elbows with fluidity and grace.

Muay Thai is now one of the most well-known and practiced martial arts in the world.

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Brewski

Bangkok’s highest beer bar sits 30 stories above the center of Sukhumvit, atop the Radisson Blu Hotel (489 Sukhumvit Rd, BTS Asok station). Explore an impressive selection of local and international craft beers, alongside creative cocktails and mouthwatering bites with a Thai twist. Whether you’re here for sunset drinks and spectacular rooftop view, a casual night out, or a relaxed evening under the stars, Brewski delivers a vibrant rooftop experience in the heart of Asoke.

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Soi Cowboy

Located between Sukhumvit Soi’s 21 & 23 and a short walk from the Asok BTS station you will find this bustling street of bars that comes alive at night. The first bar opened in Soi Cowboy in the early 1970s, but it was not until 1977 that a second bar opened on the street by T. G. "Cowboy" Edwards, a retired American airman. Edwards got his nickname because he often wore a cowboy hat and the soi was given its name in reference to him by longtime Bangkok nightlife columnist.

Today you’ll find over 40 lively bars along the stretch as well as street-side after-hours drinks hawkers. The bars cater for everything from country music to go-go dancing and is open till the early hours of the morning. The street caters mainly to tourists and expatriates and contains one of the three largest groups of foreign-oriented bars in Bangkok, the other two being Patpong and Nana Plaza.

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Chao Phraya River

Known as the River of Kings and the main artery of the nation, The Chao Phraya River is formed by four major tributaries, including the Ping, Wang, Yom, and Nan Rivers. A very important waterway for the people of central Thailand, many people call the banks of the Chao Phraya River home, with many using the river to get to and from work. For others, it is a way of life and, their main source of income.

Travel up and down the river, and the klongs (canals) that wind their way off it, to discover life that in many places is continuing as it has done for centuries. A must see are the vegetable market boats that serve the houses along its banks.

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Chatuchak Market

Looking for a place where you can literally shop ‘till you drop’? Then Chatuchak Weekend Market is the landmark and a must-visit place for tourists. Its sheer size and diverse collection of available merchandise will bring any seasoned shopper to their knees!

The 35-acre (68-rai) area of Chatuchak is home to more than 8,000 market stalls. More than 200,000 visitors visit on a typical weekend to sift through the goods on offer. And you can buy just about anything you can imagine, from used vintage sneakers to baby squirrels.

Whilst at first it might seem there’s little or no order to the madness, grab a free map from an information booth and then head to your desired sections, which are clearly demarcated just like a regular supermarket. Happy shopping!