They say Bangkok is a city that never sleeps so what activities can you do in the early morning?
Most attractions, restaurants, and malls in Bangkok are not open until 10 am although there is still plenty to do before the city comes alive.
Morning activities and attractions in Bangkok
- Visit SEA LIFE Aquarium (recommend)
- Explore tropical green spaces (recommend)
- Sample local coffee
- Visit a temple and avoid the crowds
- Take a tour on a bike or boat
- Master Thai cooking or Muay Thai
- Experience a local market
Are you searching for more things to do and places to visit? I use Klook for reserving various activities within the city to avail of extra discounts and bypass lengthy lines, check my article on why I recommend it.
Cook the Thai way
Learn to cook and prepare real authentic Thai food by attending morning cooking lessons.
Cooking with Poo is a cooking package that includes being picked up at BTS station Phrom Phong, collecting fresh ingredients from an early morning market, and learning how to cook dishes such as Somtam and Pad Thai with chef P’Poo.
Cooking lessons start from as early as 8 am and last until lunchtime. There will be lots to eat so remember to start the day off on an empty stomach!
Visit SEA LIFE Aquarium
Learn about wonderful sea life features at one the biggest aquariums in Thailand spanning eleven different zones with over 5 million liter fish tanks to explore. Check out my personal review of SEA LIFE Bangkok to learn more about the venue.
Located in the center of Bangkok at the famous Siam Paragon shopping mall, SEA LIFE Aquarium is a great morning activity (opens 10 am) for the whole family.
Tickets start from 1,611 THB per adult and 981 per child (prices increase during peak times)
Hot tip: arrive early to avoid the busy lunchtime/midnight times
Opening times: 10 am – 8 pm (the last admission is 7 pm)
Explore Bangkok as if you’ve never seen it
Morning bicycle tour
Escape the traffic and explore Bangkok’s hidden alleys and backstreets by bicycle. Along the route stop off to visit temples and sample the local food.
Bicycle tours with Klook start as early as 9 am and last around 2 hours.
Morning boat tour
Experience the city’s traditional form of transport and explore Bangkok by boat through its many interesting narrow canals and waterways.
Boat tour packages start as early as 7 am and will top off at attractions along the way.
Master the art of Muay Thai
Learn the Thai martial art of Muay Thai from world-class experts in boxing gyms dotted around Bangkok. Classes can be adapted to any skill level and beginners are welcome.
Private lessons on GetYourGuide start as early as 7 am and sessions last between 1 to 10 hours. It’s recommended to bring your own towels and toiletries. Boxing gear is provided onsite.
Explore a Temple
Temple Of Dawn (Wat Arun)
Watch the sunrise over Chao Phraya River with a backdrop view of the Temple of Dawn.
Bangkok sunrise is around 6 am and after taking some pictures why not explore the temple or grand place which both open at 8 am.
How to get there? Take the BTS dark green line to Saphan Taksin station, trains start running from 5 am onwards.
Experience an early morning market
Experience the local way of life by sampling the many early-morning markets Bangkok has to offer.
Flower market (Pak Klong Talad)
Experience the market where locals buy their flowers for businesses and temples around Bangkok. This colorful market is a great place to pick up some cheap flowers or take some amazing snaps for Instagram.
The flower market is open 24 hours and will be busiest in the wee early hours of the morning. The market is within walking distance to Grand Place if you want to explore after the market experience.
How to get there? Take the MRT to Sanam Chai station then the market can be found a short 4-minute walk along Chakkraphet Road.
Pratunam Morning Market
Can’t wait for the malls to open? Located outside Baiyoke Boutique Hotel is a women’s only clothing market which opens at 4 am. There you will find affordable clothing so bring a big reusable bag because you may leave with more than you expected.
Stick around until 8 am then make your way to Pratunam Fashion Mall for an aircon-cooled rental experience.
How to get there? Take the BTS to either Siam or Chit Lom then walk 20 minutes to Pratunam or take a taxi directly to the market.
Trok Mor Morning Market
Known as one of the oldest and busiest markets in Bangkok, Trok Mor Market is located in the old town area close to the Grand Palance.
Sample local market food, and snacks, or buy produce including fruits, vegetables, and meats.
The market opens at 5 am and closes at 3 pm. Within walking distance to other attractions such as Rommaninat Park or Wat Suthat Thepwararam temple.
How to get there? Take the MRT to Sam Yot station then walk 10 minutes northeast along Ti Thong road.
Insider tip
Wear good shoes to local markets because you don’t want to step in a puddle of who-knows-what!
Wonder into one of Bangkok’s central parks
Escape the busy streets of Bangkok and enjoy a stroll in one of the few parks Bangkok has to offer.
Lumpini park
Bangkok has limited green spaces but Lumpini holds the title of being the biggest. It’s admired by locals and tourists alike who go there to get a much-needed rest from the city.
The park has a pond with rentable paddle swans, great for couples or to keep the kids entertained.
Lumpini park opens from 4:30 am onwards and gets busy at peak hours when the weather is cooler.
How to get there? Take the MRT to Lumphini or Si Lom station and walk north 3 minutes to reach the park.
Insider tip
Reminder to bring your sunscreen when exploring Bangkok’s parks because of limited shading from the sun.
Benjakiti Park
Located within walking distance from Asoke is Benjakiti park which consists of a massive lake and surrounding path, green spaces, and outdoor gyms.
The park is open from 5 am onwards and is great if you’re staying close by to Sukhumvit.
How to get there? The closest train stations are BTS Asoke / MRT which are both a 10-minute walk from the park.
Benchasiri Park
Another notable central park close to Phrom Phong is Benchasiri which consists of a lake, basketball court, and skate park.
The park is open from 5 am onwards and is within walking distance of the popular EmQuartier shopping mall.
How to get there? Take the green line BTS to Phrom Phong station and walk 2 minutes from the west exit.
Grab Breakfast and coffee
Enjoy the morning coffee with locally brewed beans sourced from the north of Thailand.
THE COMMONS Thonglor
A trendy, hipster, eco-friendly mall in Thonglor, The Commons boasts a number of local restaurants and coffee shops including Roast and Roots.
The semi-outdoor mall opens at 8 am. Early enough to get your morning coffee fix.
How to get there? It’s recommended to take a local taxi or Grab. If you want to brave the sun it’s possible to walk north for 20 minutes from BTS Thong Lor.
Rocket Coffeebar S.12
If you’re staying in the Silom area, another trendy coffee shop is Rocket with outdoor seating and a great brunch menu.
Rocket is open from 7 am onwards.
How to get there? Located 10 minutes walk from BTS station Chong Nonsi on the dark green line.
Summary
Whatever your desire, Bangkok has a lot to offer for eager early birds looking for an array of morning activities and attractions.
Explore hidden gems around Bangkok by bike or tour and stop on your way to indulge in local cuisine or visit attractions.
Venture to one of the many local morning markets and experience Thai snacks or enjoy a street food breakfast.
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