Things to do in Bangkok on Sunday: a day by area

Things to do in Bangkok on Sunday are different from the rest of the week, and in a good way. The traffic eases, the weekend markets are open, the parks fill with families, and the city's Sunday habits, brunch, a market, a temple visit, a night market after dark, make a natural day. This is a Sunday planned by area, morning to night, with alternatives if the weather or the crowds get in the way.

Morning: Chatuchak or Bang Krachao

The Sunday morning choice is between a market and a bike ride. Chatuchak weekend market is at its best before ten, when the lanes are still cool and the vintage and plant sections are easy to walk; by midday it is hot and packed. Breakfast is at Or Tor Kor across the road, where the food court does the best market lunch in the city. The Chatuchak guide explains the layout.

The other option is Bang Krachao, the green loop of river opposite Khlong Toei. The Bang Nam Phueng weekend market runs on Sunday, bikes are at the pier, and the raised lanes through the orchards are empty early. See the Bang Krachao guide.

Late morning: a park and brunch

Lumphini Park on a Sunday morning is the city at ease: joggers, tai chi, picnics and the monitor lizards in the lake. From there, Sunday brunch is a Bangkok institution, from the hotel buffets along Sathorn and Wireless Road to the cafes of Thonglor and Ari. The Sathorn guide and Thonglor guide list the areas; the map has current brunch listings.

Afternoon: Talat Noi or an air-conditioned museum

The heat peaks after one. Talat Noi, the old Chinese quarter by the river, is a short, shaded walk between cafes, a riverside mansion and street art, and it works as a slow afternoon. If it is raining, BACC at National Stadium has free exhibitions and a cafe, and the Siam malls next door are the city's default wet-weather plan. The Talat Noi guide and the rainy season guide cover both.

Sunset: the river

From Talat Noi, the express boat runs up to Tha Tien. Wat Arun across the water catches the last light, and the terraces at Tha Tien face it directly. The river guide explains the piers and which boats run on a Sunday, when the orange-flag service is the one to count on.

Evening: a night market

Sunday evening belongs to the night markets. Jodd Fairs Ratchada is busy but fast to reach by MRT, and Asiatique is the riverside option with the free boat from Sathorn pier. The night markets guide sorts the rest.

Late: Silom

Sunday night in Silom is quieter than Saturday but not quiet. Maggie Choo's runs its Sunday cabaret, the terraces on Silom Soi 4 are full, and the rooftop bars on Sathorn have no queue. The Silom guide and the LGBTQ+ nightlife guide cover the choices.

Things to know about Sundays

• Many small family restaurants and shophouses close on Sunday or Monday; the markets and malls do not.
• Government museums are open at weekends and closed on Mondays, so Sunday is the day for the National Museum or Museum Siam.
• Temples are busiest with Thai families on Sunday mornings; dress with shoulders and knees covered.

Getting there

• Chatuchak and Or Tor Kor: Mo Chit BTS or Kamphaeng Phet MRT.
• Bang Krachao: ferry from Khlong Toei pier.
• Lumphini: Silom or Lumphini MRT.
• Talat Noi: Hua Lamphong MRT or Marine Department pier.
• Tha Tien: express boat, or Sanam Chai MRT.
• Jodd Fairs Ratchada: Thailand Cultural Centre MRT; Asiatique: Saphan Taksin BTS and the shuttle boat.
• Silom: Sala Daeng BTS or Silom MRT.

The BTS and MRT run a normal schedule on Sundays, and the roads are at their emptiest, so a taxi across town is quicker than on any other day.