Bangkok is the capital of Thailand. It is both familiar to a citizen’s eye and, also, exotic due to the colors, nature, the unique building architecture and the street style. Magnificent temples, floating markets, spicy food, and fancy nightlife are some of the activities that Bangkok is known for. During this trip I decided to stay in two different areas, in the area close to Chao Praya River and Wat Pho and in Sukhumvit area. These two areas can offer the traveler completely different experiences and perspectives.
If you are a first-timer in Bangkok, I strongly recommend to stay close to the famous landmarks of Bangkok, that is to say, the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun. However, you will enjoy more in the Sukhumvit area if you prefer a livelier environment. Book a tour of Bangkok now!
When to visit Bangkok
The best time to visit Bangkok is between November and February. This is the peak season, as it is slightly cooler than the rest of the year, with the temperature reaching a bit lower than 30◦C.
Any other time in Bangkok, though, could be a nice time to visit, as the capital is an all-year-round destination. From March until late June expect high temperatures around 35-40◦C with high humidity. Consider that this is the time of the Thai New Year celebrations and festivities. From July until October expect a rainy season, which is also the cheapest season and you can find very good hotel room offers. Book now your hotel or apartment on Agoda or Vrbo!
How to go to Bangkok
Bangkok has one of the biggest international airports in the world, called Suvarnabhumi. It serves both domestic and international flights. Book your flight with Qatar Airways or other airlines now!
To find a way to arrive in the city of Bangkok from the airport, you have to walk towards the Public Transportation Center (PTC) or get the shuttle bus to get you there. At the PTC, you will find taxis, buses, limousines, and the Airport Rail Link. For maximum security and comfort book your transfer from the airport in advance.
What to see in Bangkok
#1. Wat Pho
Wat Pho is a temple complex near the Grand Palace. It is classed as the highest grade of the first-class royal temples. It is famous for the 46 meters long reclining Buddha, which a really impressive statue, and for being the birthplace of Thai massage. Note that in the sacred chamber, which houses sitting Buddha, you are not allowed to stand. The temple has been recognized by UNESCO in its “Memory of the World” program for the marble illustrations. It functions as a school of Thai medicine.
#2. Wat Arun
Another famous landmark temple in Bangkok, but smaller than Wat Pho, is Wat Arun, the temple of Dawn, which lies next to the Chao Praya River. Its architecture is different than that of any other temples you might see in Thailand, as it is decorated with colorful spires rising over 70 meters high. It is stunning at dawn when the sun is reflected on the shiny spires and at night when it is brightly lit.
#3. The Grand Palace
Undoubtedly, the most famous landmark in Bangkok is the Grand Palace. It is the biggest site I have visited in Bangkok. It was built in 1782 and it used to be the official residence of the King. Now, it is a spiritual place for the Thais. Within the palace complex, there are many interesting buildings, like the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. To visit it, you should get appropriately dressed; wear long pants, socks and long sleeves. Although it is definitely a must-see site in Bangkok, the really huge crowds can be a deterrent for some people.
#4. Wat Mangkon Kamalawat
Wat Mangkon Kamalawat is the biggest Chinese Buddhist temple, located in Chinatown. It holds celebrations for the Chinese New Year and other events, such as the Chinese vegetarian festival. It is built in classic Chinese architecture and style. It means “Dragon Lotus Temple”. It is not an impressive structure, though, and I don’t recommend that it should be a priority for a first-time traveler in Bangkok.
#5. Wat Hong
Wat Hong is another Buddhist temple in Bangkok, classified as a second rank royal temple. The temple is comprised of two main buildings. One of them houses a Buddha statue made of gold. It is a calming place, filled with Buddha’s murals and beautiful rich art. The best thing about it is that there are no hordes of tourists waiting to visit it.
#6. Chao Praya River
Why don’t you have a boat tour on the Chao Praya River? You can do that at night while eating and drinking with your company. The boats will also help you cross the town to visit some markets or Thai landmarks.
#7. Chinatown
Quite hectic with a lot of food options. You will also find many products, from the smallest to the largest, that you can buy at good prices.
#8. Khao San Road
The most populous street in Bangkok must be Khao San Road. There you’ll find markets, travel services, restaurants, bars, clubs and lots of backpackers and tourists who want to have some fun. It has a carefree vibe and that’s the reason why it is always crowded and loud. There, one can try crocodile meat or if he/she is brave enough, some spiders, cockroaches, and scorpions which are waiting for the tourists!
#9. Sukhumvit Area
One of the most action-packed and important areas, Sukhumvit Soi offers excellent shopping, food and nightlife. It has luxury hotels, fashionable restaurants and music spots for every cosmopolitan taste. This area is also famous for the sinful blocks Soi Cowboy and Nana Plaza, but it offers more than that. You can get there by using the Skytrain and see it in its glory from a high view. Don’t forget to visit the open-air night market for some last-minute shopping.
#10. Benjakitti Park
Benjakitti Park includes a central boating lake and a vast area for exercising, cycling, walking and running. There are flowers along the water edge and playgrounds, fountains and skate ramps. It is ideal for picnics. It was under renovation at the end of 2019 when I last visited it.
#11. Benjasiri park
Some beautiful sculptures can be seen scattered around the Benjasiri Park in Bangkok. It has outdoor sports facilities, like a basketball and tennis court, rollerskating rink, outdoor swimming pool and many more.
#12. Lumpini Park
It is one of the largest green spaces in central Bangkok and constitutes an oasis in the hectic city. The Lumpini park was founded in the 1920s and it is located in a plot of 500,000 sqm. It has interesting flora and fauna, which inspires locals to go out jogging, workout and have more leisure activities. There are maze-like pathways with lush gardens, picnic areas and an artificial lake, ideal for a small boat trip. I recommend taking a boat and approach the fountain of the lake.
#13 Bangkok National Museum
The Bangkok National Museum covers a big area and is probably the most important museum of the capital. It displays artifacts from various periods and although some of them are considered quite impressive, in reality it is more a museum of the king and the royal family than a museum of a nation. Nevertheless, it provides a glimpse of the history of Thailand and it is definitely worth a visit.
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