1. Exploring Bangkok’s Temples
Start your adventure by exploring Bangkok’s temples (or wáts) that provide a myriad of architectural and cultural history and inspiration that dated back to the 3rd Century AD. Within the temples, you’ll see a sculpted Buddha image, intricate painted images and ornaments that embellish the inner walls of the temples. Begin your trip by visiting Wat Pho, Wat Phra Kaew & The Grand Palace as they are adjacent to one another. To avoid the crowd, I would strongly suggest visiting early in the morning!
Wat Pho
Operating Hours: Daily, 830am – 630pm Address: 2 Sanam Chai Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand Entrance Fee: 100 Baht More info: Here
Wat Phra Kaew & The Grand Palace
Operating Hours: Daily, 830am – 330pm Address: Na Phra Lan Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand Entrance Fee: 500 Baht More Info: Here
Wat Arun
Operating Hours: Daily, 830am – 530pm Address: 158 Thanon Wang Doem, Wat Arun, Bangkok Yai, Bangkok 10600, Thailand Entrance Fee: 50 Baht More Info: Here
Bangkok has a plethora of beautiful temples to explore, if you have an extra day, hire a tuk-tuk driver or grab driver to take you around for the day! However, be wary that they do not bring you to shopping areas – as they may get commissions if they bring customers to certain shops. It may sound alarming but stay firm! These two approaches are the most efficient and often cost-saving way to see other temples in Bangkok.
Note: Be sure to wear clothes that covers your legs and shoulders; it is deemed as disrespectful to wear revealing clothes.
2. Local Markets
Bangkok is definitely known for their plethora of markets where authentic street food, local produce and souvenirs can be found. Regardless if its day or night, the atmosphere is always lively with the best food or deal is lurking around the corner! There are numerous markets in Bangkok and unfortunately I can’t list them all but here are my top choices!
Ps: Do expect loads of tourist, would suggest going earlier.
Amphawa Floating Market is one of Thailand’s renowned floating markets that are located southwest of Bangkok, about 1.5hrs from Bangkok. The means to get there would be a minibus, which leaves from Pinklao Bus Station that costs around $4 SGD each way, private tour or taxi only. A trip to Amphawa would be a great day trip or overnight stay and it’s definitely worth the visit!
Amphawa Floating Market Operating Hours: Friday – Sunday, 2pm – 8pm
Address: Amphawa, Amphawa District, Samut Songkhram 75110, Thailand
Probably the most famous and largest weekend market, Chatuchak Weekend Market has about 15,000 booths selling local goods, apparels, handicrafts, souvenirs and street-food for both locals and tourists to enjoy. The best time to go shopping would be in the morning as many shopkeepers believe that the first sale of the day brings about good fortune. You’ll definitely get much more discount than usual!
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Operating Hours: Wednesday & Thurs (Florals only) – 7am to 6pm Friday – Wholesale Day – 7am to 6pm Weekends – Main Market (Everything) - 9am to 6pm Address: Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Rod Fai (Train Market) is a night bazaar which is easy and peculiarly exciting to get lost. Rows of open-air stall deck the compound with colourful merchandises, intriguing local delicacies and entertainment that makes any visit to Rod Fai a memorable one.
Rod Fai (Train Market)
Operating Hours: Daily, 5pm – 1am
Address: Ratchadaphisek Road, Din Daeng, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
3. Trendy Market & Cafes
Taking creativity a notch higher, Bangkok’s café and trendy market scene has had social media buzzing among Millennial. For instance, Artbox Bangkok is an atypical night market that serves a concoction of bizarre yet delicious food and beverages. You are able to enjoy live music performed by local bands and be astonished by talented artist art pieces! As a coffee enthusiast, I would tend to go on a “short-hunt” for cafes during my travels, so to help fellow “I need coffee to start my day” buddies, here are my must visit in Bangkok! Oh don’t worry, it’s 100% “Insta-Worthy” :)
(Source: AsiaOne)
Artbox Bangok
Operating Hours: Daily (4pm – 12am) Address: Sukhumvit 10 Alley, Chuvitgarden, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand More info: Here
(Source: True Love Husky Cafe Facebook)
True Love Husky Cafe
Operating Hours: Daily (12 – 5pm) Address: 153 Soi Ari Samphan 2, Samsen Nai, Phaya Thai 10400 Bangkok, Thailand More Info: Here
(Source: Chata Specialty Coffee Facebook)
Chata Specialty Coffee
Operating Hours: Daily 8-5pm Address: 98 Phat Sai, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100, Thailand More Info: Here
(Source: Featherstone Bistro Cafe Facebook)
Featherstone Bistro Cafe
Operating Hours: Daily, 10.30am – 10pm Address: 60 ซอย เอกมัย 12 Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand More Info: Here
(Source: HippieDreamer)
Ceresia Coffee Roasters
Operating Hours: Daily, 8am – 6pm Address: 593, 29-41 Sukhumvit Rd, Klongton Nua, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand More Info: Here
4. Shopping
Well, if shopping at markets is not enough for you, fret not; Platinum Fashion Mall will probably satiate your “shopping-needs”. With deals at every corner, you’ll definitely be spoilt for choices. Try to avoid weekends as it will be extremely packed!
Platinum Fashion Mall
Operating Hours: Wednesday / Weekends – (8am to 8pm) Other Days – (9am to 8pm) Address: 222 Phetchaburi Rd, Thanon Phetchaburi, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
5. Cooking Classes
Thailand is known for her aromatic, spicy, zest and sweet local delicacies such as Phad Thai, Green Curry, Tom Yum Goong and many more! You’ll have a chance to re-create Thailand’s delicacies and hone your cooking skills (or try cooking for the very first time).
Chef LeeZ Thai Cooking Class
Operating Hours: Daily, 10am – 2pm Address: 4, 488 Seri Thai Rd, Khlong Kum, Bueng Kum, Bangkok 10240, Thailand More info: Here
Sompong Thai Cooking School
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun (0900 – 1700) Address: 31/11, Silom 13, Silom road, Bangkok 10500, Bangkok, Thailand More info: Here
6. Chinatown
Bright neon lights, rows of gastronomic Thai street food and Chinese inspired dishes and centuries-old architectures; Bangkok’s Chinatown (Yaowarat) offers visitors a fusion of cultural experience and of course a satisfied tummy!
Operating Hours: 9am – 2am Address: Yaowarat Road For the best food places: Here
7. Watch a Muay Thai Fight
Complete your trip to Bangkok by watching a Muay Thai match! Instead of seeing typical tourists Muay Thai fights, spend a night seeing an authentic match with world-class fighters at Rajadamnern Stadium.
Main Fights: Monday / Wednesday / Thursdays & Sundays Address: 1 Ratchadamnoen Nok Rd, Khwaeng WatSomanas, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok 10100, Thailand More Info: Here
8. For the 'Gram'
Apart from all of the above mentioned places to visit where you can get a fair share of Insta-Worthy photos, here are 3 additional places you could add to your list!
All in all, Bangkok offers everyone an experience that is memorable in their own way. For me, their hospitality, culture and food elevated my overall experience! Will I ever go back again? Most definitely! I hope this blog has given you a slightly better overview about Bangkok!
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