things to do in Bangkok on Sunday: A Day of Discovery
In Bangkok, Sundays are not just a day of rest, they’re a day of exploration and excitement! This guide is dedicated to helping you discover the best ways to spend your Sunday in this vibrant city.
From leisurely brunches to cultural excursions, and serene parks to lively markets, Bangkok on a Sunday is a tapestry of experiences waiting to be enjoyed. Whether you’re a local looking for a new adventure or a traveler seeking to make the most of your weekend, let this guide be your Sunday compass in Bangkok.
Shop Till You Drop at Eclectic Chatuchak Weekend Market
Certainly, Bangkok’s most iconic vibrant marketplace spanning over 35 acres with over 15,000 stalls and vendors, Chatuchak Weekend Market promises endless retail adventures with wares ranging from Thai handicrafts to trendy clothing alongside fantastic street foods that draw dedicated shoppers arriving as early as 9 am every Saturday and Sunday.
Navigating Chatuchak’s snaking alleys flanked by mystery Drink machines feels positively overwhelming initially but thrillingly rewarding when uncovering bohemian fashion boutiques swathed under vines, weighty antique textiles showcasing intricate patterns or cheerful ceramics crafted using ancient pottery techniques still alive. Don’t forget to negotiate respectfully with savvy shopkeepers for unique souvenirs before joining hungry locals slurping sweet coconut ice cream shakes or grilled pork satay sticks while plotting the next market section to explore!
Brunch Hipster-style at The Commons Community Mall
After perusing myriad stalls across Chatuchak, take the Skytrain southwards to Thonglor to discover Bangkok’s trendiest new community mall called The Commons stretched invitingly along 330 meters of downtown retail aimed towards city creatives. Across four levels in this urban oasis, choose from 18 upscale yet friendly restaurants and cafes interspersed with relaxing garden nooks for indulging in a quality brunch session people-watching locals playing Jenga over craft beer towers, or smoothing fresh matcha green teas.
My perfect Sunday mid-morning here begins with refreshing papaya salads or crisp waffles at hip House on Sathorn before watching soothing aquarium displays over frothy cappuccinos and desserts inside Bluefin basement level. Take things at your own leisurely pace at The Commons – there’s no better way to recharge after Chatuchak!
Immerse in Inspiring Art Exhibitions at BACC
Awaken your inner art enthusiast on Sunday by appreciating upcoming Thai and international modern creators debuting cutting-edge multimedia installations across the nine floors of the Bangkok Art and Cultural Center known locally as BACC. Just a short ride from The Commons near National Stadium, this visual arts hub offers free temporary exhibitions and event spaces that change regularly from digital displays, provocative performances, indie craft popups, and beyond-welcoming culture.
Don’t miss the Museum of Contemporary Art on level 3 showcasing stunning modern paintings alongside hosting weekend graffiti workshops. Refueling is easy at True Coffee kiosks dotted around various levels to regain concentration studying exquisite artworks or dipping into the comprehensive library focusing on creativity before exiting towards lush Lumphini Park nearby. Awaken fresh perspectives through art at BACC on restful Sundays without entrance fees holding anyone back.
Stretch Out with Locals Practicing Tai Chi in Lumphini Park
After getting our weekend creative juices flowing at BACC, embrace relaxing downtime just like Bangkok residents unwinding through slow, graceful Tai Chi and yoga motions under shady palms inside the central city’s beloved Lumphini Park. As temperatures climb by early afternoon, find breezy sanctuary on manicured lawns watched over by Royal Thai Army guards framed against serene lakes where black swan pedal boats drift lazily.
Join elderly locals swirling ritualistically with flowing fans as the occasional monitor lizard saunters past without causing alarm, indicating true urban jungle immersion! Afterward, wander sandy walking trails to smile back at local toddlers giggling and wander past outdoor gym spaces filled with energetic teens practicing dance moves together. Lumphini Park provides a blissful connection to Thai society within verdant bird-filled habitats.
Discover Riverside Gems at Charming Community Mall Tha Maharaj
Many visitors overlook Bangkok’s original riverside neighborhoods lined with fading European buildings evoking an earlier Siam trading era but one revitalized attraction called Tha Maharaj Mall conveniently connects heritage charm with boutique shopping and dining along balmy Chao Phraya riverbanks. Converted from docks and warehouses facing Grand Dame Riverside Hotel Mandarin Oriental, this petite complex contains homegrown names like farm-to-table grocer Pepperseeds, homage steakhouse Steve Café, and Funky Lam Cafe hanging cheerful textiles and chilled lounge beats.
Don’t miss the free riverfront tram linking Maharaj pier to adjacent heritage streets containing even more café culture and indie galleries perfect for whiling away gradual Sunday sunsets with new friends. And sparking wonder worlds await kids at magical wishing tree installation or retro fun fair games like bowling and ring toss housed inside former boats! For local living history easily overlooked by tourists, Tha Maharaj delivers true Bangkok nostalgia.
Detox with Afternoon High Tea Inside Luxurious Siam Paragon Mall
By mid-afternoon, as government house pigeons circle magnificently in the steamy skies about Bangkok’s Skytrain tracks, indulge royal treatment through a rejuvenating high tea experience inside luxury ground floor tea lounge Royal Orchid Sheraton situated within upmarket Siam Paragon designer retail playground. This airy floral-scented sanctuary offers refined East-meets-West afternoon tea sets on vintage china with delicate crust-free sandwiches, velvet cupcakes, and sublime rose-tinged Mariage Freres loose-leaf teas to restore glows.
Between relaxing over French pastries and refreshing pots of cooling jasmine-infused bliss, take time also explore Paragon’s many themed decor wonderlands glittering beautifully with lights perfect for golden hour photoshoots. And don’t miss underwater mermaid shows from the basement aquarium either! Afterwards, reemerge ready to embrace another spectacular Bangkok sunset.
Explore Historic Multi-Cultural Neighborhoods Along Talad Noi
As Sunday evenings beckon mysteriously with amber-hued Pathumwan cityscapes flickering alight, cross-clanging Saen Saeb klong bridges near Chinatown towards historic districts known as Talad Noi nestled along winding waterways that offer charming glimpses into Bangkok’s immigrant communities within atmospheric Chinese shophouses, flaking architecture, and unexpectedly vibrant street art.
Around the vibrant Ta Tien market, trendy cafes like Casa Lapin and Baan Rim Nam plate whisper-thin crepes alongside boutique galleries like Speedy Grandma conceptualize Bangkok’s diversity through installations and pop-ups. Don’t miss golden hour photoshoots against striking graffitied warehouses before perching upon retro cafe Hoi Kuen for cheeky coconut cocktails as the night quickens.
Indulge in Riverside Market Street Food Grazing at Asiatique
No Sunday night Bangkok itinerary feels complete without embracing the intoxicating spirit found at the mega-popular Asiatique riverside night bazaar filled with 1500 boutique retail outlets spread across restored docks framed by Ferris Wheel views 10 stories high across the Chao Phraya River’s glimmering Dakota horizon.
Enter into joyful carousel music chaos wandering laneways displaying unique handicrafts perfect for gifts before indulging in sunset fishball noodle grazing and sweet mango sticky rice along pedestrian boardwalks. End with cheeky dance breaks beside performing fountain shows in front of the luxury Mandarin Oriental Hotel counting riverboats sailing gracefully into evenings. For quintessential Thai energy, make Asiatique your relaxed Sunday destination as darkness dips.
Toast Stunning Skyline Views from Dazzling Rooftop Bars
Conclude your Sunday discoveries embracing Bangkok’s gleaming skyscraper views from swanky open-air rooftop bar venues swirling 360 degrees around downtown offering unrivaled city panoramas. Amongst favorites is swish Hyde and Seek atop classy Gaysorn Plaza Mall pouring fancy G+Ts and tropical cocktails beside aquamarine-lit infinity pools facing Mahanakhon Tower. Or sip finer vintages through Vertigo Strand’s medal-winning wine list on the 61st floor of Banyan Tree Hotel glimpsing planes landing nearby.
Bangkok’s Sundays are as diverse as the city itself. From cultural explorations to culinary adventures, and from serene parks to bustling markets, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy this special day.
Embrace the laid-back yet lively spirit of Bangkok on a Sunday, and you’ll find that every corner of this city has a story to tell and a memory to offer. Here’s to Sundays in Bangkok, where every moment is an opportunity for discovery!
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