Amazing Bangkok
Bangkok is a city that offers fascinating, exciting and incredible tours for visitors. Known as the capital city of Thailand, Bangkok never goes to sleep. During peak hours, Bangkok’s traffic can be the worst. Traveling on road can be tedious and stressful. With 8,000,000 populations living in the city, you will find yourself meeting with people from every walk of life. From the very poor to the super-rich, the population in Bangkok shares the space in one city.
Here is the list of to-do things in Bangkok!
Ride the Sky Train
Bangkok’s sky train system is also known as BTS. There are two lines, the Sukhumvit line runs north to the east while the Silom line runs from west to south. Please take note that service for BTS runs between 0630hrs – 0000hrs. Avoid peak hours between 0700hrs – 0900hrs and 1600hrs – 1900hrs, the train can be really packed during these timings. The BTS is no doubt the fastest way to get around Bangkok. You can travel to your desired location and where you want to be in no time at all. Not only it’s cheap and smooth, but you can also expect a cool, fast and clean environment on the train. Another way of enjoying the scenic view of Bangkok is also traveling by BTS. Riverside, major shopping malls, all of Sukhumvit Road’s attractions, and even Chatuchak Weekend Market are accessible by BTS.
Visit the Grand Palace
Grand Palace should be one of your must-visit destinations when you are in Bangkok. The architectural building was built in 1782 and was once the residence of Thai Kings. The details of architecture resemble the creativity and craftsmanship of the local people. Within the ground of the Grand Palace, are several impressive buildings including Wat Pha Kaew (the Temple of the Emerald Buddha). Known as Phra Kaew Morakot (Emerald Buddha), the image of the Buddha was carved from a single block of jade. The Buddha’s robes are replaced with the seasons and in the form of rituals. Although Thai Kings have stopped living in the palace, the Grand Palace continues to uphold all kinds of ceremonial and auspicious occasions. Today, the Grand Palace remains a significant icon for the local people. Visitors must comply with the strict dress code. Shorts, see-through clothes, and sleeveless clothes are not allowed. If you are wearing slippers, you must wear socks, no bare feet are allowed. However, if you are at the entrance and improperly dressed, they can provide clothes for you to cover with a deposit required.
Take a cruise at Chao Phraya River
The Chao Phraya River is the main river in Thailand that flows through Bangkok. There are many options for cruising down this river. You can choose from inexpensive ferries to a private longboat. Traveling by riverboat is faster and cheaper compared with taxi and sky train. You can make lots of interesting stops such as shopping malls, restaurants, and temples. The river water is not very clean, but it helps to connect to all the tourist spots and also it helps to beat the traffic congestion in Bangkok.
Experience Bangkok’s many malls
Terminal 21 – A shopping center that features a themed concept. From the incredible themed toilets on every floor of different countries of the world. When you shop at Terminal 21, you might feel that you are traveling from Paris to Japan to London and many more. Free Wi-Fi is provided in restaurants on every floor and it has one of the best mall food courts in Bangkok. A definitely must-stop place!
MBK Center – Also known as “Mahboonkong”, is the best place for cheap clothes, electronics, and wholesale items. With 8 floors of shopping, it has approximately 2000 shops and restaurants. The mall is popular with locals as well as tourists.
Siam Paragon – If you are looking for designer clothes and upscale shopping, Siam Paragon is the right place to shop. It is the sixth-largest mall in Thailand. The largest aquarium in South East Asia – (Siam Ocean World aquarium) is located on the bottom floor. There is a large food court here too, however be aware that the food may be overpriced.
Central World - The eleventh largest shopping center in the world. The complex includes a hotel and office tower. It’s filled with lots of branded clothing shops and there are a lot of good restaurants in this mall and a bar on the roof. You can spend the whole day in the shopping mall. A good place for shoppers to find good food as well as a place to enjoy.
Pantip Plaza - This is an IT shopping mall and has all your computer and electronic needs. Located opposite Platinum mall, this area is where you will find your gaming gear. You can also expect to find eateries on the first floor.
A must-visit place when you are in Bangkok! This weekend market opens on Saturday and Sunday from 0900hrs – 1800hrs and on Fridays from 1800hrs – 2400hrs. You might be amazed by the size of the area, however it’s an experience for first-time visitors. This isn’t just a market, it looks like a maze because some of the stalls are selling almost the same things.
This is a place where you can find almost everything and anything. From the trendiest clothing and accessories to the best fashion in the market. Leather products such as handbags and purses can also be found here.
To avoid getting lost for first-time visitors, we strongly suggest following the easiest way to Chatuchak Market.
Take the BTS and alight at Mo Chit BTS station
Exit the station via Exit 3
Turn right into Kamphaeng Phet 3 Road. You will pass by many roadside stalls before you reach the Chatuchak entrance (Gate 2)
Spend an evening in Nana Plaza (SOI 4)
You have to see it to believe it! Located at Sukhumvit Road Soi 4 about 20 meters from Nana Hotel, and the nearest BTS station is ‘Nana station’. Since you are already in Bangkok might as well take a trip to Nana Plaza. This is a place where there are bars you can sit in and it’s not overpriced compared to the city center. There are three levels of bars and each level offers interesting and exotic experiences. If you have the confidence and time, go for a short walk and see what Nana Plaza can offer.
On a side note, this is not a place for families, however if adults wish to see the other side of Bangkok, you might find this place interesting.
Get in touch with the local culture. Street food is always the most convenient, cheap and delicious. Also for the locals, the most essential way to have their meals is by eating out. Food stalls can be found almost in every part of the city, especially in busy areas and local markets. Some are open round the clock, which means you can have your meals almost anytime. You can expect to find street food options from noodles to fried rice and even the famous tom yum soup.
To help you out here is a list of the most popular street food dishes:
Som Tam = Papaya Salad
Khao Pad = Fried Rice
Pad Thai kung = Noodles with shrimp
Pla Pao = Fish barbecue in salt
Moo/Gai Bing = Grilled chicken/pork skewers
Pad krapao moo = Stir fried pork with basil leaves
Experience an Authentic Floating Market
Discover Thailand’s oldest and most unique tradition. Visit Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and take a tour of the most popular floating market in Thailand. Jump into the long-tail boat, and steer down the winding canals hunting for exotic fruits and vegetables. Without being forced to shop along the way, you can pick up a few souvenirs for family and friends and take beautiful pictures of the hectic buzz of the river market.
Take a Tuk Tuk
Tuk-Tuk is basically a three-wheel rickshaw with a small engine fitted to it. Unlike taxis and trains, Tuk Tuk does not have meters to begin with. You must agree with the driver for a comfortable fare before hopping on the Tuk-Tuk. It was once everyone’s favorite way of getting around Bangkok, however now it is more popular among tourists. Every tourist needs to experience a Tuk-Tuk ride at least once, so if it’s your first time in Bangkok, there’s no harm in giving it a try.
Get a proper Thai massage
In Bangkok, Thai massage can be found almost everywhere, in a shopping centers, at stalls on the streets and for a very low price. Having a traditional Thai massage is a must-to-do list when you visit Bangkok. For first timers, you may get shocked of what the massage is all about. The masseur may look petite but don’t be deceived by their size. They work your body using various parts of their body. Expect pulling and stretching in all manner of positions or even using their feet by pressing down on your spine with all their body weight. It’s always good to have a Thai massage after a long day of walking and shopping. It could relieve your back and muscle pain. Thai massage has many benefits to start with. It helps to reduce our stress levels and improve our overall blood system.