What Can Bangkok Offer?

The Grand Palace

Probably the most visited and remembered landmark of Thailand, The Grand Palace in Bangkok is where every visitor must pay a visit at least once in their lifetime. The construction of the Grand Palace began in 1782 during the reign of King Rama I, the founder of Chakri Dynasty, to become a royal residence, and it has been the utmost architectural symbol of Thailand ever since. The Grand Palace served as a significant royal residence until 1925 and is now used for ceremonial purposes only.

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Opening hours:  Open daily from 0830 to 1630 except during special royal ceremonies. Tickets can only be purchased at the gates for 500 Baht (GB£11.65/US$15.85).

Dress code: Visitors are required to dress appropriately. All shoulders and knees should be covered for both male and female visitors. The security guards will turn you away or offer you coverings for an additional charge. For more information use this link.

Wat Pho Temple and the Reclining Buddah

Wat Pho Temple is located behind the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and a must do for any first time visitor in Bangkok. It is one of the largest temple complexes in the city and famed for its giant reclining Buddha that measures 150 feet (46metres) long and is covered in gold leaf.

Before you enter the temple you will be required to cover your shoulders and knee, and remove any footwear.

It really is worth taking a look around the rest of the temple. The architecture is just stunning and if you are fortunate enough you may spot the odd Monk wondering around. The temple opens at 0800 and closes at 1930. Tickets can be purchased at the temple gates for 300 Baht (GB£7.00/US$9.50). More information can be found on the official website.

Wat Arun Temple

Wat Arun, or the Temple of Dawn, is named after Aruna, the Indian God of Dawn. The temple majestically sits on the Chao Phraya river opposite Wat Pho temple.

By far one of the best ways to reach Wat Arun is by water taxi. There is a station near the reclining Buddha that crosses the Wat Arun for 40 Baht (GB£1.00/US$1.30).

The temples main feature is a central pagoda encrusted with colourful glazed porcelain tiles and seashells, giant statues, the Ordination Hall, the Bell Tower, and many Buddha statues. Entry into the temple is 200 Baht (GB£4.70/US$6.45). Check out more on the official website.

Phra Buddha Dhammakaya Thepmongkhon

This tall 226 foot (69 metre) Buddah sits along the canal side in Phasi Charoen district. Your best course of action would to couple this up with Wat Arun.

Completed in 2021 (although it’s roots date back to the early 1600s), this massive copper landmark is best viewed by a longtail boat tour, which offers spectacular, iconic views from the surrounding waterways.

Khao San Road

This lively strip is famed for the opening scene in the 2000 film ‘The Beach’.

Packed into a small 1/2 mile long stretch are countless budget guesthouses and hotels, swanky bars and clubs, restaurants, massage parlours, travel agents, bookshops, market stalls, tattoo shops and much more.

With its carefree, anything-goes vibe, it is quite unlike anywhere else in Bangkok, and so infectious is its atmosphere it’s also popular with locals, especially young hipsters and art students.

Tom Yum Kung

If you’re looking for somewhere to stop along Khoa San Road then consider Tom Yum Kung for good food and drinks at very reasonable prices.

Thanon Ram Buttri

This is a another great road to wander that runs parallel behind Khoa San Road. It’s brimmed with cafes and restaurants all under a tree lined road… And, a little more sedated.

My Darling Restaurant

Located on the bend of Thanon Ram Buttri road is My Darling; A lovely place to have food, maybe a drink, and people watch both day and night.

Chinatown

Chinatown is one of the oldest parts of Bangkok, and represents the first resettlement of Chinese. Chinatown consists of a big area at the riverside. Yaowarat’s Sam Peng Market is the centre of Chinatown.

DID YOU KNOW: The path of the road through the market is said to resemble a dragon’s curvy body, which symbolises success in business? Here you will find a lot of shops selling everything you can possible think of. Of course, I purchased the Uno: No Mercy card game!

Song Wat Road

Located in Chinatown this once run-down area has been revitalised into a trendy district brimming with cool bars, cafes and independent shops. It’s a mix of Thai and Chinese cultures blended into it’s architecture with side street mosaic wall art.

Dusit Central Park Walkway

Use the MRT or BTS lines for Rama 4 and Silom. This walkway spans the 4th and 7th floors of the luxury Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel.

The walkway offers panoramic views of Lumphini Park, parts of the city skyline with cascading waterfalls and native Thai flora. There is no charge to visit and there’s even a small café to people watch. The best views are after sunset when the city skyline is illuminated.

Mahanakhon SkyWalk

The Mahanakhon SkyWalk is Thailand’s highest observation deck located at the top of King Power Mahanakhon building. It features a thrilling glass bottom platform suspended 310 metres (1,017 feet) above the ground.

Tickets cost 1200 Baht (GB£29/US$39). Visit the official website here. The tower is open from 1000 until 1900.

747 Cafe

The best time to visit the 747 Cafe is if you’re staying near Suvarnabhumi International Airport. It’s a bit of a trek from the city and no particularly easy way to get there. I used a GRAB taxi.

This is a very novel place to visit. It’s an actual sized 747 Jumbo jet been stripped back inside and converted into a place to eat, drink and entertain.

Tickets cost 120 Baht (GB£2.85/US$3.85) that are purchased from the “Check-in desk” in exchange for a boarding pass and one complimentary drink. It’s a fun place for any aviation enthusiast.

Bangkok Markets

There are two major night markets in Bangkok that I managed to visit. Take the Sky Train to Sala Daeng station where you will discover Patpong Night Market.

Patpong has become one of the ‘must’ night shopping destinations for avid shoppers. Found in the built up area of Silom, the place is always busy and chaotic with all the commotion from the Go-Go bars nearby and lots of foreign tourists. This market in Bangkok’s notorious nightlife district is often the first and easiest stop for many tourists just arriving to Bangkok.

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The second night market worthy of a visit is Pratunam Market. This market sells clothes, shoes, and fashion accessories at wholesale prices. Navigate the small alley’s and jam packed small streets and you will find yourself in the middle of a clothes maze.

Located at the junction of Ratchaprop and Petchburi roads (next to Amari Watergate Hotel).

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

The floating market of Damnoen Saduak  is were you will discover boats piled high with tropical fruit and vegetables, fresh, ready-to-drink coconut juice and local food cooked from floating kitchens located right on the boat.

Shopping Malls

Bangkok is a Mecca for shoppers and this city offers some of the best shopping malls in the world… And there’s a lot of them!

MBK Center

MBK Center is probably Bangkok’s most legendary shopping mall, popular with both tourists and locals, and busy with shoppers every day.

There are eight floors packed with shops that sell everything from clothing, fashion accessories, handbags, leather products and luggage to furniture, mobile phones, electric appliances, cameras, stationery and DVDs.

Siam Paragon

This mall is known for its luxury end stores and products. It even hosts a Sea Life Ocean Aquarium.

Terminal 21

This is a quirky mall designed like an airport terminal with each floor dedicated to a city around the world.

Central World

This shopping mall can boast to be one of the world’s largest offering over 500 stores and dining experiences.

IconSiam

Another high-end shopping mall offering luxury goods, an indoor floating market and vistas of the riverside.

Where To Eat And Drink

Bangkok is packed full of places to stop for a bite to eat or just sit back and sip a cold beer or cocktail. This really is subjective to the individual. Venues range from the high end luxury right down to street food, and everything in-between.

Street food vendors

For me, I’m not a massive advocate of restaurants whilst away somewhere like Bangkok. I much prefer to graze and sample street vendors. Below are some of the places I tried:

Beer Republic – beerrepublicbkk.com

Located near Chit Lom BTS station and Central World mall is a great place to stop for refreshing drinks, albeit a little more expensive. There’s a small outdoor area or stay inside the air-conditioned rooms. Beer Republic offers typical meals such as burgers, ribs and steaks.

China Town

This really doesn’t require any introduction. Better of an evening, the China Town streets are packed with street food vendors selling everything. For me, the best bits were plates of crispy belly pork!

Hex Bar – instagram.com/hexcocktailbar

Located at 412 Vanich 1 Rd, in Chinatown is a great cocktail bar with a twist. Think witches, cauldrons and spooks.

Khoa San Road Area

The area around Khoa San Road is a Mecca for food and drinks anytime of day. Better of an evening when the night markets and street food vendors really come into play. Watch out for the fried scorpions!

Terminal 21 Mall and MBK Mall

Both malls have a entire level within them dedicated to food. There are lots of vendors selling everything from Asian noodles, to curry, to burgers. Outside of the malls you will additionally find street food stalls selling food and drinks, at cheaper prices.

Secret Bars

Bangkok has some very trendy bars but if you’re looking for something a little more exclusive and less busy why not seek out those ‘secret venues’, often marked with only by a small sign, that people very often walk-by.

Blessing Shophouse – blessingshophouse.com

Giving the location seems to defy the whole point of it being secret. Try the website. It’s fun finding the venue.

The Locker Room

Good luck locating this venue. You find the address, arrive, then question whether the address is correct. You’ll walk past. Reassess. Question your findings once more. The bar is low-lit, moody and intimate.

Sky On 20 Rooftop Bar – skyon20rooftopbar.com

Located at the top of the Novotel is a stylish, relaxed bar where you can watch the sun set. Bear in mind, as with all the rooftop bars, drinks come at a premium price.

Courtesy of Google

Getting Around Bangkok

Bangkok is huge with lots of public transportation options. Here’s how you get around:

Bus – Bangkok’s public buses are the cheapest way to get around the city. Air-conditioned buses typically start at 10 Baht (GB£0.25) and go up based on distance. A day pass costs 140 Baht (GB£3.50).

Skytrain – Commonly known as the BTS this is an elevated transit system. Fares are 16–50 Baht (GB£0.40-£1.20) per trip. If you plan to be in Bangkok for a while, look at buying the Rabbit Card.

Boat – The Chao Phraya Express Boat Company is the main ferry service along the Chao Phraya River. The central pier is located at BTS Saphan Taksin, and fares are 10–35 Baht (GB£0.25-£0.85). There is also a special tourist boat that runs between Phra Athit and Sathorn every 30 minutes between the hours of 0930 and 1800.

Canal boats are especially useful for getting to and from Siam Square and the surrounding area during rush hour. This is one of the best and cheapest ways to get from Khao San Road to downtown Bangkok. It only takes 15 minutes and costs 11 Baht (GB£0.28).

Subway – The Metropolitan Rapid Transit (or MRT) is the city’s underground train system. It connects most of downtown with some of the suburbs. It uses tokens instead of tickets. Fares cost 16–40 Baht (GB£0.40-£1.00) per trip, depending on your destination.

Taxi – Taxis are reasonably cheap for a city. They are clean, comfortable, and there’s no need to haggle over the price. However, only get in a cab that uses the meter. A very cost effective way to use taxis is to download the GRAB app. This is Bangkok’s equivalent to UBER. Often fares are cheaper.

Tuk-Tuk – Tuk-tuks are noisy, polluting, cheap, and fun! They can require some hard bargaining skills at times. I have to admit I used the Tuk-Tuk’s pretty often to get from A to B quickly.

Be careful when bartering over a Tuk-Tuk. Many drivers will insist they take you to a suit shop or some other shop (where they have a deal with that venue on commission) be firm and demand they take you only to where you wish to go.

Final Word

What can I say? Bangkok – simply wow! It’s a huge city and there’s no way you can explore everything in the short amount of time most people surrender to the city. Find what you wish to visit and go with it.

The city is bustling , the air stuffy with terrible bouts of air pollution, the people friendly, and the food fantastic. I don’t know of a single soul that does not have a fondness of Bangkok.

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