Some people come to Thailand on golf trips, play golf everyday for two or three weeks and, by the end of their trip, whilst still enjoying their golf, are beginning to tire of tourist traps, partying, or sitting in their hotel room or in a bar each evening.

Over the next 2 days I will discuss 16 alternative things to do in Bangkok on your days off from golf or in the evenings. Please note that I am not talking here about the ‘must do’ tourist attractions such as the Grand Palace, the Chao Praya River, Wat Arun , Wat Pho, Jim Thompson’s House, the Floating Market, etc., or the usual nightspots.

1. Take in a movie. Most of Bangkok cinemas are world-class – crystal clear viewing, digital sound and very comfortable seating. Some theatres even have a first class section with  lazy boys in single or love seat configurations, free blankets, soft drinks, hors d’oeuvres and of course popcorn. Check the English language papers (Bangkok Post and The Nation) for locations and current offerings. The Emporium and Siam Discovery Centre are convenient as both can be reached by Skytrain. The very latest films are shown, sometimes months before the overseas release date, with the normal English soundtrack subtitled in Thai.

2. Experience Thai Boxing.  Muay Thai, is best enjoyed at Lumpini Boxing Stadium. You can get front row seats and meet the star attractions after their bouts for a photo session.

3. Go bowling. Usually located on the top floor of shopping malls alongside a host of other entertainments – cinemas, video games, karaoke, computer games and food halls- bowling alleys in Bangkok are state-of-the-art.

4. Acquire PC and software bargains. Pantip Plaza and Fortune Town are the places to find the largest selections and best deals on anything electronic.

5. Wander through Old Bangkok. Rattanakosin is the oldest part of Bangkok and as such is filled with historical attractions. In addition to the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, there a number of less well known attractions. Wat Mahathat is one of the more significant. Weekly seminars on Buddhism – in English – are held here. Rattanakosin is also the home of the National Museum, the National Theatre, the National Art Gallery, Silpakorn Fine Arts University, and Thammasat University.

6. Visit the Erawan Shrine (located next to the Grand Hyatt Hotel). Laced flowers (Malee) and small wooden elephants as well as Thai dancing performances are always offered to this statue by scores of grateful and hopeful devotees throughout the day and night.

7. Go to the Aquarium. Claimed to be the biggest aquarium in Asia, Siam Ocean World is in the basement of Siam Paragon.

8. View Bangkok from Bayoke Sky Tower. Located near the Indra Regent Hotel (walking distance), and almost at the Pratunam Clothing Market, you can go to the Observation Deck at the top of the tower for a very modest fee, to see stunning views of the city in all directions. The international buffet dinner at the rotating restaurant on the floor below is also not bad, and it includes free admission to the observation deck, a very romantic night cap indeed!

Tomorrow I will finish this post with an additional 8 of my best suggestions for non golf Bangkok activities. In the meantime feel free to share your best non golf activity suggestions by leaving a comment here or send me an email at my Thailand golf vacation company and I will take care of the posting duties.

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