Bangkok is one of the most beautiful, bustling, and welcoming cities in the world. Whether you’re there for business or pleasure, you are sure to fall in love with the color, cuisine, and culture of this city. Of course, when in Rome you should do as the Romans do, so to speak; the heat of the day can be stifling, so this is a city that comes alive in the mornings and evenings. With that said, set an alarm and get up early if you want to see the city at its best and brightest, and be sure to check out some of these sights when you do!
7 Things to Do in Bangkok in the Early Morning
Waking up at 4 am might not be your favorite thing to do, but we promise you that you won’t regret it after you see some of these wonderful sights!
1. Visit Lumpini Park
Founded in 1920s, Lumpini Park is one of the largest green spaces in the city center. Spanning 500,000 square feet, Lumpini Park is home to hundreds of flora and fauna species and acts as an activity hub for tourists and locals alike. Green and pleasant, this is a lovely place to simply be first thing in the morning, but there are plenty of things to do if you want to get moving. The park facilities include paddle boats, playgrounds, and an outdoor gym. If you happen to be around in the evening you will also find live music and free aerobics classes to join!
Open from 4.30 am to 9 pm, Lumpini Park is a haven in this bustling, overheated city; the evening attractions are nice, but for those who really want to see the park at its best a quiet stroll in the morning is a far better way to connect with the space, escape the heat, and see a little known side of the city.
2. Explore the Pak Khlong Talat Flower Market
Ask a seasoned traveler where the best place to spend a morning in Bangkok is, and the chances are that they will mention the Pak Khlong Talat flower market. This iconic market is open 24hrs per day, but the early morning, between 4 am and 8 am, is really the best time to visit. At this time in the morning, the market will be relatively quiet (it’s busiest around about midnight).
Early in the morning when the main crowds are gone, the market is cool and welcoming; the air is scented by the thousands of flowers breeds on hundreds of stalls, and you can get a real feel for life in the city. Of course, if you’re not staying in Bangkok for long it may seem superfluous to come to a market where you really can’t buy anything. Then again, there’s no rule against buying a bunch of flowers because you enjoy them!
3. Shop in the Pratunam Market
If you love to shop and you want to immerse yourself in the life and soul of Bangkok, the Pratunam Morning Market is just the place for you. The market as a whole is open from 4 am to 3 am daily with different sections focusing on different items opening and closing at various times (for example, there is an indoor, air-conditioned market in the mall from 11 am to 4 pm).
The morning market is best known for selling trendy clothes either individually or in bulk. Made in China or locally, they tend to be of high-quality and are reasonably priced, generally starting at 50 to 250 baht. As well as having some real bargains for savvy shoppers, the Pratunam Market is a great place to soak up some Thai culture and immerse yourself in the heartbeat of Bangkok.
4. Take a Co Van Kessel Bike Tour
While many of the main popular attractions in Bangkok are accessible via car rickshaw or public transport, some of the most historic parts of the city are completely blocked off to traffic. If you want to see these streets you’ll need to go in on foot, or by bike. Co Van Kessel bike tours are widely considered some of the best in the city.
Co Van Kessel offers a range of boat and bike tours throughout the day, but the morning ‘Co Classical’ and ‘Co Combo’ tours are the best for those who want to avoid the heat and large crowds. The Co Classical 3 hour bike tour begins at 8 am and starts in the heart of Chinatown; progressing through the narrow streets, alleys, and markets of Thonburi (now called the ‘Living Heart of Bangkok’). You will see the authentic side of the city that is hidden from most people.
The 5 hour Co Combo tour begins at 7 am and includes a short boat tour as well as the bike route. From the bustle of Chinatown to the quiet, green plantations with a boat tour in the ‘Venice of the East’ to break it up, this is the perfect way to see the best of what Bangkok has to offer in the morning.
5. Visit Some Temples
Bangkok has some of the most stunning temples in the country, and, better still, they are within easy reach of the city center. If you only have time to visit two, however, make sure you visit Wat Ratchabophit and Wat Arun for a memorable experience and some seriously Insta-worthy photos. Morning is the best time to visit if you want to dodge large crowds and escape the blistering heat of the afternoon.
Wat Ratchabophit
Open 8 am to 5 pm
Built-in 1869, Wat Ratchabophit is not the oldest temple in the city but it is one of the most unique. A colorful and gilded building, Wat Ratchabophit balances traditional Thai architecture with an unusual feel of Italian renaissance influences and can be found in central Phra Nakon, making it easy to get to. Open from 8 am to 5 pm daily, this temple is free to access (so there’s really no reason to miss it).
If you decide to visit, there are some things you should put on your ‘must-see’ list. First and foremost, the Gothic-Style chedi in the temple forecourt. Chedi, or Stupa, are sepulchral monuments in a style that actually predates Buddhism. That fact is pretty mind-blowing on its own but the unique, gothic style Chedi at Wat Ratchabophit is particularly beautiful; some of them look like miniature cathedrals! Secondly, you should see the Golden Pig statue which can be found at the North end of the temple. You have to cross a footbridge built in honor of one of the wives of King Rama V to get to it. Local legend says that while the bridge was never named, Rama’s wife was born in the year of the Pig, and thus the statue was built in her honor near it!
Wat Arun
Open 8 am to 5:30 pm
Also called the ‘Temple of Dawn’, Wat Arun was envisioned in 1768 who arrived at the rundown structure (which was originally built in 1656) as dawn was breaking after fighting his way out of Ayutthaya during a Burmese invasion. He had it renovated, named it Wat Chaeng. In fact, it was also the home of the Emerald Buddha until the Capital and palace were moved across the river. These days the temple is open from 8 am to 5.30 pm for visitors; children may enter free, but there is a fee of 50 Baht for adults.
Now called Wat Arun, it is a stunning sight at dawn and sunset when the porcelain on the spires (installed in the reign of Rama III) catch the light. Early morning is the best time to visit because the temple is less crowded and you will be able to sightsee in relative peace. If you have a good head for heights, you should climb the spire; the views are truly stunning! If you’d rather not you can always stick to the stunning gardens and enjoy the architecture from ground level.
Things to be Aware Of
These are functioning temples so it is incredibly important that you are respectful and quiet to avoid disrupting worship. You must wear long trousers and shirts which have sleeves or you will be refused entry, so leave the cycle shorts and tank tops in the hotel for this morning excursion.
6. Get Breakfast in a Cafe
Thai food is truly wonderful! While people rave about the street food which can be found across Bangkok, many overlook the amazing cafes which can be found in every corner of the city. They range from very traditional Thai layouts and menus to ultra-modern Nordic design cafes with fusion cuisine on offer. These three are some of the very best in the center of the city and offer a perfect way to start your day right with a delicious breakfast.
Rocket Coffee Bar Sukhumvit 11
Open 7 am to 11 pm
Rocket Coffee Bar Sukhumvit 11 is an upscale cafe attached to a high-end condo and offers a suitably interesting and upscale menu. The cool, relaxed atmosphere of this cafe makes it the perfect place to start a big day. Their coffee is pretty much as excellent as you would expect given their name, but they also offer alcohol from 8 am (if that’s your style). You could have a fancy breakfast or brunch complete with a bottle of Danish Rosé, or even order an espresso martini to get your day started with a kick. Their food is varied and includes some items that Westerners will recognize from home, for example, scrambled eggs on rye, but they also offer breakfast burritos and smaller items for those who don’t have a big appetite in the morning. This cafe is really known for its coffee, however, so if you’re a connoisseur you should make a beeline here and try their special Black Honey Chang Mai beans.
D’ark Cafe
Open 8 am to 9 pm
The D’ark Cafe is widely considered a contender for the illustrious title of ‘Best Artisanal Coffee Shop in Bangkok’. Why? Well, it’s owned by Phillip Di Bella, owner of Di Bella coffee, and has a stunning array of options. In fact, this cafe is really for people who, like Di Bella, are serious about their coffee. The menu lists not only where certain beans come from, but also how they are processed, the acidity, their fragrance, the roast, and the body. Whew! That’s a lot to take in, even if you know your stuff, but don’t worry – if you’re no coffee nut you’ll still love it here. Alongside their array of coffee beans and blends, they also have a varied menu which includes traditional Thai and western foods on breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus. The D’ark Cafe is the perfect place to stop for a hearty breakfast and a pick-me-up before a long day of sightseeing (or work). We particularly recommend the banana pancakes for those who like sweet foods, or the English Cocotte for savory types.
The Coffee Club
Open 6:30 am to 9 pm
Australian-born, but Thai owned The Coffee Club is one of Bangkok’s most successful coffee shop chains (they have 14 branches across the city)! Though this is not the most authentic or artisinal of experiences, it is reliable, affordable, and offers consistently high-quality drinks and dishes. In fact, if you find yourself craving familiar breakfast foods, The Coffee Club is probably your best bet. Their eggs benedict, in particular, are excellent as is the smashed avocado on toast. In fact, the whole menu is rather a love letter to the greatest hits of western cuisine. This is a homesick tourist or ex-pats dream!
7. Explore the City
There really is no better time to explore Bangkok than first thing in the morning when the heat of the day has yet to take hold and the locals are out in force (but most tourists are not). At this time in the morning, most of the attractions and landmarks are less crowded and the city is at its most authentic, in a sense. Grabbing a bite to eat from a street food vendor or a coffee from a cafe and watching the life of the city ebb and flow is a delightful way to start the morning. Furthermore, this is the perfect time to explore off the beaten track a little and find some hidden gems! This is a truly stunning city, after all.
Many people worry about simply wandering in a city of this size, and while Bangkok may have a slightly sketchy reputation, it is just like any other big city. Some areas are safer than others, of course, but as long as you stay in the tourist zones and practice basic common sense you will be perfectly safe and have a wonderful time. Just remember to carry a photocopy of your passport rather than the real thing, don’t keep all of your money in one place (or on you), and avoid taxis that are already parked (they’re generally looking for tourists and will charge extra).
