Bangkok is the capital of Thailand. It is both familiar to the visitor’s eye and exotic due to its colours, the architecture of some buildings, and its famous street life. Bangkok is a really big, lively, and hectic city with some amazing cultural landmarks. Magnificent temples, floating markets, spicy food, and vibrant nightlife are some of the things that Bangkok is known for. During this trip, I decided to stay in two different areas: one close to the Chao Phraya River and Wat Pho, and the other in the Sukhumvit area. These two areas can offer travellers completely different experiences and perspectives. If you are visiting Bangkok for the first time, I strongly recommend staying close to the city’s famous landmarks, namely the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun. However, you may enjoy the Sukhumvit area more if you prefer a livelier environment. In any case, I think you will also find Bangkok to be one of the most interesting cities you have ever visited.
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. However, any time of the year can be a good time to visit Bangkok, as the capital is a year-round destination. From March until late June, expect high temperatures of around 35–40°C and high humidity. Take into consideration that April is also the time of the Songkran celebrations and festivities for the Thai New Year. From July until October, expect the rainy season, which is also the cheapest time to visit, and during which you can find very good hotel offers.
How to go to Bangkok
Bangkok has one of the largest international airports in the world, called Suvarnabhumi Airport. It serves both domestic and international flights. To reach the city center from the airport, you need to walk to the Public Transportation Center (PTC) or take the shuttle bus that will bring you there. At the PTC, you will find taxis, buses, limousines, and the Airport Rail Link. For maximum security and comfort book your airport transfer 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-meter-long Reclining Buddha, which is a truly impressive statue, and for being the birthplace of Thai massage. Note that in the sacred chamber housing the seated Buddha, visitors 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 traditional 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 Phraya River. Its architecture differs from that of most other temples in Thailand, as it is decorated with colorful spires rising more than 70 meters high. It is especially stunning at dawn, when the sunlight reflects on the shiny spires, and at night, when the temple is beautifully illuminated.
3. The Grand Palace
Undoubtedly, the most famous landmark in Bangkok is the Grand Palace. It is the largest site I visited in Bangkok. Built in 1782, it used to be the official residence of the King. Today, it is an important spiritual site for the Thai people. Within the palace complex, there are many interesting buildings, including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. To visit the palace, you should dress appropriately by wearing long pants 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, including Wat Arun.
7. Chinatown
The Chinatown in Bangkok is regarded as one of the largest Chinatowns in the world. It is 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 a lot of food options and a vibrant nightlife. People who like shopping will really appreciate the area. 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. If you enjoy visiting markets, 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
I found Benjasiri Park, which is located in Sukhumvit, smaller than Benjakitti Park and maybe not as interesting as the latter. Nevertheless, some beautiful sculptures can be seen scattered around the park and it has outdoor sports facilities, like a basketball and tennis court, a rollerskating rink, a 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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