BANGKOKIt has been over a week since I am back from Thailand, but still have lots to share with you. Thailand trip at the beginning of the season was such a great experience and timing. I have shared with you my two main reasons of picking Thailand as my travel destination. One, because of the lantern festival and second because of elephants.
Thailand was one of my major and longest trip this year. Eve though it wasn't planned at all and neither it was set into my bucket list for the year, it sort of happen and it sort off happen good. Before leaving, I got very mix feeling about what to expect of Bangkok as many of people were more negative about the city. It is indeed another metropolitan city, full of old vs new contrasts, it is filled with full of actions, shops and cheap eats. Bangkok is great for exploration on diversity and the chaotic Asian city.
If you have read my first post on Bangkok, I have shared with you few of my stories and insights. I have stayed in Bangkok for about 5 days and it was fairly enough as we haven't been rushing to see things. Keep reading if you want to know more about things to see and do in a city and watch my video that i have worked on until 2am! Share some love by subscribing me, sharing the video and commenting xx
What to see and do in Bangkok?
1. The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
Wat Phra Kaew is also known as the Temple of the Emerad Buddha, located in complex of The Grand Palace. The palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam since 1782. Nowadays, the whole complex is Bangkok's largest tourist attraction. The 84.5 hectare ground encompass more than 100 buildings, representing variety of royal history and architecture. In order to walk around the whole complex, make sure you have couple of hours of free time. Additionaly, in order to enter the royal complex, there is strict clothing rule. Bring or be ready to purchase t-shirt with sleeves, long pants or skirts under knee.
2. Wat Arun
Wat Arun or so called Temple of Dawn is a Buddhist temple located across the Chao Phraya river from the Wat Pho temple. The name of the temple was derived from the Hindu god Aruna, often personified as the radiations of the rising sun. And it was indeed spectacular view to see the sunset from the temple. The reflection of sun to the surface of the temple was beautiful and I am sure it is worth to see the sun rise as well. There is a boat to Wat Arun from outside of Wat Pho temple, taking about 10 minutes to get across the river.
3. Wat Saket and the Golden Mount
Wat Saket may be the least exciting temple in Bangkok. However, the temple and the Goldent Mount is located on the hill, on the highest point in Bangkok and it is worth a visit for a panoramic view over the city.
Wat Pho is another Buddhist temple complex on Rattanakosin Island, closeby to the Grand Palace. The temple is also known for the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, which measures about 46 metres lng and is covered in gold leaf. Wat Pho is one of the largest complex in the city. The Buddha here is the most popular for tourists to see, but do take time to wonder around the temple complex as well where you may find many round bell shapes decorated in ceramic tiles with floral patterns.
5. Wat Benchamabophit
It is also known as the marble arch and it is one of Bangkok's most beautiful temples.
6. Wat Trai Mit
The gold statue of Buddha which weights 5,500 kg is located in the temple, known as a Temple of Golden Buddha. Located at the end of Chinatown's Yaowarat Road, near Hualampong Railway Station.
7. Catuchak weekend market
Catuchak weekend market is the largest market in Bangkok. Even though it is called weekend market, it is open every day apart from Monday and Tuesday. However, I do recommend going on the weekend, because the atmosphere is unbelievable! The market is spread around with 27 different sections (art, clothes, shoes, pets etc) with more then 8 000 stalls. A great day out for shopping and discoveries.
8. Khao San market
Khao San is a short street in Bangkok and it is referred to the center for bagbackers. You will find here many budget guesthouses, mid-range hotels, restaurants, massage shops, internet cafes and so on. So much in fact, that coming here you will find mainly international tourists and restaurants offering Western food.
9. Ancient Siam
Ancient Siam is a large park constructed in the shape of Thailand, just outside of Bangkok. The idea of the park is to create an outdoor museum with Thailand's historically significant structures and miniatures.
10. Chinatown
Bangkok's Chinatown is one of the largest Chinatowns in the world. Spread around Yaowarat street, Chinatown serves with many street foods, market stalls, shops with gold or in general vibrant street life.
How to get around Bangkok?
Bangkok can be walkable in the city center. However, it can get very busy on the streets and walking under the heat is not something everyone wants to experience.
Nevertheless, Bangkok have several public transport options. From taxi, tuk tuks, buses, sky trains or metro. All are very convenient and easy to use. If you are using sky trains or metro (MRT), the prices varies on the destination you going. Always check first where you going, have cash ready and don't loose the token for the train!
Where to eat and drink in Bangkok?
1. China town - for some great variety of street foods
2. The local canteen
3. Bitterman
4. Casa Lapin x26
5. Sky bar Lebua - to experience the Hangover movie up on the top
6. Perhaps rabbits'
7. Childhood cafe
8. B-story cafe
9. Shugga
10. Bangrak cafe
2. The local canteen
3. Bitterman
4. Casa Lapin x26
5. Sky bar Lebua - to experience the Hangover movie up on the top
6. Perhaps rabbits'
7. Childhood cafe
8. B-story cafe
9. Shugga
10. Bangrak cafe
Where to shop in Bangkok?
1. MBK
2. Siam square
3. Patpong night market
4. Central World
5. Asiatique Ferris Wheel
2. Siam square
3. Patpong night market
4. Central World
5. Asiatique Ferris Wheel
How to get there
There are two international airport serving for Bangkok. The easiest and fastest option is to take a taxi or an uber from/to an airport, which should cost you about 500/600 baht, depending on where you are going or staying. Suvarnabhumi Airport is well connected to the city through a rail link train which takes about half an hour, up to 40 minutes from city center. The cost for the train one way is about 45 baht.
Another airport would be Don Mueang International Airport which is located about the same distance as the other one. Apart from taxis again, there are several public buses to/from the airport which cost about 18-30 baht.
Accommodation
We have accommodate ourselves for those 5 days in Bangkok in one of the hotels right at the hear of Chinatown in Bangkok. Hotel Royal Bangkok Chinatown was such a great place to stay. Not only the staff were super helpful, but also the location is so convenient. And not even talking about their rooftop pool! Other option could be an Airbnb for those who seek budget but not a hostel. Sign up using my Airbnb link and get £13 of travel credits! Additionally, if you prefer hotels, book your stay through my Booking.com link to get travel credits too!
Know before you travel
- The peak season is around November until March
- The rainy season, or classified as monsoon season, is around June to August
- The currency used in Thailand is Thai Baht
- The major languages spoken in Thailand is Thai and Chinese
Trips outside of Bangkok
Staying Bangkok is not boring. If you are bored of the markets, rush cities and so many pedestrians, then why not plan a trip or tour outside of Bangkok. There are many approachable places and destinations for a day or more.
1. Floating market
2. Ayutthaya ancient city
3. Erawan national park
4. Pattaya
5. Kanchanburi
Thailand discoveries on Instagram
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