Bangkok is so much more than "a muddy old river and a reclining Buddha" -- (though frankly, the
Chao Phraya River and
Wat Pho are pretty darn cool anyway!)
Here's a roundup of what we at NileGuide think are the Top Ten Coolest Things to Do in Bangkok. First off, there are so many ways to see the city. Everyone wants to have at least one tuk tuk ride, right? But be sure to get the view from the water. Take a tour of that muddy old river either on a public water taxi or the tourist boat. Better yet, take the river in at night when the public boats stop running: get on a dinner cruise. Beyond the river you also have canals. Ride the Saen Saeb for a cheap thrill that's really actually a thrill.
It may seem mad -- what with the heat and the traffic -- but a bike ride through Bangkok is quite fun and takes you down lanes and hidden walkways (or even across the river on a ferry) to see all sorts of cool stuff.
Thai boxing or Muay Thai is not something you get to see every day and nor is a giant snake. (Only one of those two activities typically involves a bit of blood.) Check out the flower market at night when the heat is down and when you go to Wat Pho to see the Reclining Buddha (and you must) be sure to leave some time for a Thai massage or foot reflexology right there on the temple grounds. Bangkok even makes bowling cool (seriously -- go at least to have a look).
Finally, get out of town a bit. If seeing a wild elephant or beautiful landscape in Khao Yai National Park isn't cool enough, then perhaps a floating market?
Grand China Princess Hotel, 3rd F, 215 Yaowarat Road
Super Fun Off-the-Path Bike and Boat City Tours...
Stunning national park with abundant wildlife...
Bang Phae-Damnoen Saduak Road
Samut Songkhram
Highly photogenic canal market of tiny boats full of fresh food...
Rama IV Road
Get a ringside seat for championship Thai boxing at this national stadium...
Bangkok, Thailand
Dinner...
2 Sanamchai Road
Phra Borommaharatchawang Sub-District
Temple of the famous Reclining Buddha...
4th Floor, Sukhumvit Soi 63
Major Cineplex
Bowl your troubles away...
Running east to west parallel to Petchaburi Road
An exhilarating, unofficial boat tour that you should not miss...
1871 Rama IV Street
Pathumwan
Demos and lectures on snakes...