Unprepared visitors may feel overwhelmed by Bangkok’s size and humidity, so it’s best to take your time and let the city reveal itself to you as you explore. A period of four days is preferable to a shorter time frame. Bangkok, or Krung Thep Maha Nakhon as it is formally known in Thailand, is home to 10.7 million people and has evolved from a cosmopolitan commerce hub into a global cultural powerhouse. Its temples and history are still well-known draws, but the city’s food, transportation, and nightlife are quickly becoming just as noteworthy.
It’s undeniable that opinions about this metropolis strongly divided. Visitors can form their own opinions as they stroll through the city’s wide parks and winding lanes in between sightseeing. You may relax and enjoy your newfound arrival in the “land of smiles” in the Thai capital, unlike in most other major cities.
Exactly what should I do?
A royal greeting
Bangkok and the Grand Royal Palace complex are the ideal places to see how seriously Thais respect their monarchy. Siam’s capital came here in 1782, bringing the beautiful buildings. These feature the royal chambers (only visible from the outside but nonetheless beautiful) and a stunning wat (temple) built to hold the Jade Buddha, the actual star of the show. The museum of beautiful textiles displays Queen Sirikit’s clothes and King Rama V’s epic ancient batik collection. Seeing everything takes two hours, although a half-day is more restful.
By Sanchai
Three separate religious structures
Bangkok’s wats, which dedicated to Buddhism, are beautiful even though they aren’t the oldest in Thailand. Dress respectfully, keeping your shoulders and knees covered, and avoid showing the backs of your knees or feet to any Buddha statues or relics. Wat Arun, with its mosaic-covered, tall-spired stupas, Wat Pho, home to a gigantic, golden reclining Buddha statue, and the cemetery of the Kings, are the three must-sees in Bangkok. Also, don’t miss Wat Saket, perched atop a hill and one of the oldest structures in the city, which predates the city’s foundation and is a busy pilgrimage site for Thais from all over the country.
Explore the cultural realms.
Bangkok is home to some fantastic museums and galleries, where you can see everything from priceless relics to cutting-edge contemporary art. A visit to one of Thailand’s newest art locations, such as MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art), BACC (Bangkok Art & Culture Centre), or the smaller SAC (Subhashok Arts Centre), can provide you a glimpse into the political milieu that the tour guides would gloss over.
You should also check out the Jim Thompson House Museum. There are numerous ancient Siamese antiquities and works of art on display in the mansion of a missing American businessman and architect who lived in the Malaysian forest. The Siam Museum, a local history museum with a twist, is a lot of fun to visit because of the insightful displays and philosophical musings it offers about what it means to be Thai.
The BACC (Bangkok Art and Culture Center)
Combat tonight
Further, seeing a fight at Rajadamnern Stadium is a delight for everybody, boxing fan or not. The best spot in the country to observe the sport-meets-artform of Muay Thai kickboxing, with professionals from all over the world throwing punches, has held at this venue since 1945. Currently, there are two or three match nights every week, and tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the door (but check times and dates in advance).
Lodging Options
Since there are so many areas to choose from in Bangkok, it’s best to narrow your focus before making hotel reservations. The Red Door Heritage Hotel, a bright and airy choice in the historic district, is just one example. Rooms for two start at £45 per night. reddoorheritage.com
Nearby, the more opulent 1905 Heritage Corner has three boutique suites that make every effort to take guests back to Old Siam. Rates for a double room start at £90 per night (including breakfast). 1905heritagecorner.com
Furthermore, if you want to be near the SkyTrain line, Ratchathewi is a fantastic place to stay (good for both airports as well as wider city exploring). It’s in the perfect location, halfway between the historic district and the lively Sukhumvit district. The Bangkok Oasis Hotel lives up to its name with its stylish accommodations and tranquil garden setting, making it an oasis from the city’s hustle and bustle. Guests staying in a double occupancy room should budget about $30. bangkokoasishotel.com
Further, Quarter Bangkok Ratchathewi Poshtel & Coworking is exactly what it claims to be: a stylish hostel and coworking space for travelers on the go, complete with a delightful cafe on the first floor. Prices for private rooms start at £80 per night (room only), and there are also shared bathrooms and shared kitchens available for a lower price.
The W Bangkok is located in Silom, the financial district of Bangkok, which is home to many high-end restaurants and spas, perfect for a luxurious getaway. This W branch in Southeast Asia is just as stylish as you’d expect from the trendy W brand, at a price that may surprise you. The price for a double room, including breakfast, starts at £110. marriott.com/en-us/hotels/bkkwb-w-Bangkok
How to find a good restaurant
Most visitors eat breakfast at their hotels, therefore Bangkok does not have a thriving brunch culture. However, if you’re looking for a place to grab a late breakfast, the place to go is the ex-pat favorite Toby’s on Sukhumvit 38, where the cook poaches eggs like nowhere else in the city and coffee served on a lush outdoor terrace. If you’re in need of a quick bite, you may stop by one of the many delicious bakeries in the area, such as Holey Artisan Bakery or Brioche from Heaven, both of which have locations nearby.
The Art of Famous Street Food
While exploring Bangkok, grab a bite of the city’s famous street food. Chinatown’s Yaowarat Road, Tha Pra Chan, and Banglamphu are where you’ll find the best of the city. Noodle soup has served in these three outlying areas, which are all extensions of the ancient town, for centuries. Those with a sweet tooth should have the savory khanom krok coconut griddle cakes or the crispy kanom buang pancake.
If you’re an early riser and a fan of fine dining, you should visit Jay Fai in the historic district. As you near this Michelin-recognized eatery, you’ll catch a whiff of the tantalizing aromas crafted by Jay Fai herself. There may be a one-hour wait (swing by to put your name down before exploring nearby). To start, I want to thank you in advance for considering my recommendation for the crab omelet.
Rongros, a riverbank restaurant with views of Wat Arun hidden down an alley near Wat Pho, serves classic Thai meals with a refined touch; the rib-eye green curry here will blow your mind. Or, if you’re in the mood for Thai-Chinese fusion, make a reservation at Restaurant Potong, the newest restaurant on the block. It’s in a beautifully restored building in Chinatown and has fine dining food that has been making waves.
The Watering Hole
Bangkok is home to countless excellent coffee shops, so it’s no surprise that Thai iced coffee is a hot commodity among both tourists and locals. Gallery Drip Coffee’s Bangkok outpost is housed within the chic BACC gallery; the Craftsman Roastery in the old town is a hip hangout with exposed brick and great coffee; and Piccolo Vicolo Cafe in Ratchathewi is a large, plant-filled atrium of caffeinated joy.
Best Bars in Bangkok
While the 24-hour nightlife of pre-pandemic Bangkok is still missing, many of the city’s best bars are forging forward despite the 1-am curfew, and residents anticipate that regulations will loosen in the coming months. Smalls, a popular jazz club in the city’s southern neighborhoods known for its laid-back vibe and stylish decor (think: lots of fabric drapes and eccentric artwork), is the best of the best.
In the opposite direction, Sukhumvit is home to Havana Social, one of the city’s best nightclubs with Latin music in a Cuban-themed setting. Beer Belly is the go-to beer garden if you’d rather drink in the fresh air; they have a huge selection of beers on tap. Further, Rabbit Hole, with its dark, brooding atmosphere and carefully curated drink menu, is the place to go if you want to wow your friends. Make sure to reserve a table at Octave, the Marriott Sukhumvit’s penthouse bar, for the best view of Bangkok. There are three floors, but the best place to be is on the top floor, where the views from the 49th floor will make you forget about the high drink prices.
There aren’t many places open for late-night revelry just yet (and the brave ones have closed around midnight). Sing Sing Theatre is one such venue, and it’s a lot of fun on the weekends because there’s live music and DJs playing until 1 in the morning.
Stores’ locations
Moreover, Bangkok is a shopper’s dream, with its vast shopping centers and winding marketplaces providing hours of browsing pleasure. Find everything from Balenciaga to Boots the Chemist at the Siam Discovery, Siam Paragon, Siam Centre, and Siam Square One mall, all located along Rama I Road.
The Chatuchak Market (also known as JJ Market) is a mammoth marketplace in Bangkok where you can get a taste of real Thai culture. The market is divided into categories like plants, used and new clothing, shoes, kitchenware, musical instruments, silks and textiles, woodcarving, art and painting, books, leather goods, dried foods, and antiques. Prepare a strategy and allot at least half a day. There is not much of a crowd, and the prices are fair right now.
Papaya Design & Furniture Studio, located in the city’s north, is the largest vintage furniture store in South East Asia, and is a true hidden gem. It’s moving shortly, so call ahead to make sure you have the correct location.
Highlight of Architecture
One promising effort to restore natural vegetation to Bangkok is the Metro Forest in Prawat, close to Suvarnabhumi Airport. You can take a breath of fresh air among the bushes while wandering the eco-maze-like park’s ceramic paths.
What kind of money do I require?
Bhat, the currency of Thailand
What language do they speak?
Thai
Whether I should tip or not is a question.
Only 10%
How many hours does it take to get from one place to another?
GMT +7
How long is a typical flight from the UK?
Approximately 11.5 hours in a straight line
How do I get around?
While the BTS SkyTrain and Metro services are convenient and cost-effective for long-distance travel, getting around Bangkok quickly and easily is best done by using one of the city’s ubiquitous motorcycle taxis. Use an app like Bolt or Grab to call a motorbike taxi, or just wave down a rider in a bright red vest.
Which vantage point offers the most breathtaking scenery?
If you’re willing to spend £5, the Mahanakhon Skywalk will reward you with breathtaking views of the city from above. From Wat Arun on the other side of the river, you may take in the sights of the city as well.
Confidential information?
When the weather gets too hot, locals and visitors alike can take one of Bangkok’s many canal boats for a relaxing ride. Further, you can identify the closest boat stop to your location, which is conveniently located along a canal and is clearly marked on Google Maps.
Attempting to take less airplane travel?
It was once feasible to ride a train from London all the way to Bangkok, but now you have to take the Trans-Siberian Railway through Russia, which the Foreign Office strongly advises against because of the ongoing violence there and the presence of Covids (not currently open to Brits). Further, if you wanted to transport a train from France to Thailand, you could take a cargo ship from Le Havre, France, to Singapore (via Kuala Lumpur and Penang in Malaysia).
