Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, is where many backpackers start there journey around Southeast Asia due to it’s central location and accessibility. Known as the “Banana Pancake Trail,” the most common route passes through Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Bangkok is a unique city where ancient times are fused with modern society. Skyscrapers, large malls, exhilarating nightlife, and frustrating traffic are located right next door to glamorous palaces, religious temples, traditional Thai massage parlors, and praying monks. This travel blog will help guide you through the hustling & bustling city so you don’t end up lost and confused like the cast in Hangover II.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
THAILAND BASIC ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
Visit Thailand Travel Guide: How to Get Started to review basic essential information covering topics including visa, weather, money exchange, electrical socket types, internet & cell data, language, and more.
BANGKOK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS
Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) are the two main airports serving Bangkok.
Once at the airport, I highly recommend first time travelers to setup the Grab app for their phones. It is similar to Uber and is the safest way to not get taken advantaged of by taxi services. Pricing is competitive and you can occasionally find discount codes advertised on banners around the airport. If you do not mind walking, an alternate option from BKK to the city is to take the Bangkok’s Airport Rail Link City Line. It should cost you under 50 bahts per person and is occasionally faster than cars and buses due to avoiding traffic.
TRANSPORTATION
Tuk-Tuk: Relative of the rickshaw. These are three-wheeled motorized vehicles with an open air roofed seating in the back. You can get these by flagging them down or booking in advance. Make sure to negotiate an agreed price beforehand.
Motorcycle Taxi: These are motorcycles that can carry two people comfortably and is a great way to buzz through the city’s busy traffic. Getting one of these works the same way as getting a tuk-tuk.
Songthaew: Found in inner cities are pick-up trucks fitted with 2 rows of seats in the back for passengers. They can vary between having set routes like public buses or where their passengers want to go. You’ll be sharing the ride with other people and in some cases won’t start to move until the seats are full. They should be a cheap form of transportation so make sure you’re paying around 30-50 THB per person one way.
Taxis: Always make sure to ask your driver to switch on the meter. Some deliberately neglect to do so resulting in customers usually paying a higher lump sum fare.
Grab: Working exactly the same as the Uber app. This is the safest way to get around in cities as the price is set at booking and you can pay by credit/debit card on file or by cash.
Bus: Buses run frequently throughout the day and can be found at bus stops. Buses with blue signs run the normal route while buses with yellow signs run the express route meaning they stop less frequently.
Bangkok Skytrain (BTS): An overground railway system comprised of the Sukhumvit and Silom lines. This is a popular form of transportation as it stops at many tourist areas and can be faster than being in Bangkok’s busy traffic. You can find maps and routes information by visiting Transit Bangkok BTS.
Bangkok MTR Subway: An underground railway system comprised of the blue and purple line with the former being more popular to tourist. It follows a slightly different route to the BTS Skytrain and connects at some places. You can find maps and routes information by visiting Transit Bangkok MTR.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Did you remember to consider getting Travel Insurance? It is not required but highly encouraged when traveling to any foreign country. Bangkok is a chaotic city where you can get into trouble if you’re careless. Wait until you try crossing through the traffics! On top of that, different climate conditions, insect bites, or trying new types of food can cause one to become seriously ill. Unforeseen accidents do happen and expenses can add up and ruin your trip. The most popular insurance for all types of travelers is World Nomads. Their policies are created specifically with travelers in mind. It doesn’t hurt to Get a Free Quote and decide from there.
WHERE TO STAY IN BANGKOK
I’ve stayed at both Pratunam/Siam and Sukhumvit and would not hesitate residing there again. Pratunam/Siam will put you in the center of Bangkok while Sukhumvit has everything you need for a good night out. Khao San Road is near major tourist attractions and most backpackers settle there for budget accommodations, food, and bars. Here is a list of the most popular areas to help you decide where to stay.
PRATUNAM & SIAM
Pratunam, centrally located, is a crazy shopping district in Bangkok. To give you an idea, Central Mall is the 11th largest in the world, Platinum Fashion Mall is a wholesale shopper’s heaven, and Pantip Plaza will give tech geeks a circuit overload. Baiyoke Tower holds the tallest view in Bangkok with a selection of restaurants on the 75th floor. There are also many great food stalls and restaurants surrounding the streets.
Siam, directly south of Pratunam, is the main shopping district of Bangkok. It contains an assortment high-end and local malls including Siam Center, Siam Paragon, Siam Discovery, and MBK. Staying at either Siam or Pratunam will put you at the center of Bangkok’s greatest attractions.
Hotel Suggestions:
- Amari Watergate Hotel: I’ve stayed here and had a great experience. This is a very popular choice among other traveler bloggers!
- Novotel Bangkok Platinum Pratunum Hotel
- Centara Grand at Central World Hotel
Hostel Suggestions:
SUKHUMVIT
Sukhumvit district, located east, stretches 18km long and contains a wide option of shopping malls, restaurants, and lively nightlife. Go shopping at the identity crisis Terminal 21 shopping mall where every floor is a different international theme. In the evenings, lounge around at rooftop bars such as Levels or get raunchy at Soi Cowboy (red light district). The downside about this part of town is if you’re looking to go sight seeing, cultural sites are far away near Old City area.
Hostel Suggestions:
SILOM
Silom is the central financial & business district of Bangkok located south. During the day, office workers step in and out of the towering skyscrapers. By night, the district transforms into a lively night scene filled with fancy restaurants and bars. Grab a drink at the famous Lebua Tower’s Skybar from Hangover 3 (extremely overpriced). Visit the infamous Patpong night market & red light district to see where Thailand’s Go-Go culture began.
Hotel Suggestions:
- Trinity Silom Hotel
- Dusit Thani Hotel
- W Bangkok Hotel
- Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn
- Banyan Tree
- Lebua at State Tower:This is where Hangover 3 was filmed. They even marked the room where the cast stayed!
Hostel Suggestions:
KHAO SAN ROAD
Khao San Road is a backpacker’s mecca located west near Old City. It is the base camp for backpackers looking to explore Thailand and Southeast Asia. Budget accommodations, internet cafes, cheap food, bars, clubs, scorpions kebabs, you name it! If you’re not looking to party your ass off then avoid this place like a plague.
Hostel Suggestions:
OLD CITY
Old city is located west and is home to many popular historical attractions including The Grand Palace, Wat Po, and Wat Arun. It is the area to be if you are looking to indulge yourself in Thailand’s history and culture. Khao San Road is nearby to satisfy your hunger with restaurants and bars.
Hotel Suggestions:
Hostel Suggestions:
RIVERSIDE
Riverside is located along the Chao Phraya River and is the perfect place for those looking for a romantic getaway in one of the many 5-star hotels & resorts. Float through the river by water-taxis for a cool experience and soak in the views of the historical venues nearby. The downside is you’ll be far away from downtown.
Airbnb is a great option for a more private place, especially if you are going with a group of people. Use my link to get a $40 credit for new users!
BEST THINGS TO DO IN BANGKOK
Best things to do in Bangkok in no particular order.
1. VISIT THE GRAND PALACE & WAT PHRA KAEW
The Grand Palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam (now called Thailand) since 1782. It is a complex containing numerous buildings, halls, and courtyards. Royal ceremonies and state functions are held within the grounds annually.
Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) on the premises is the most sacred temple in Thailand. It houses the Emerald Buddha, a figurine of the meditating Buddha made of jade and clothed in gold. The Grand Palace is the most popular tourist attraction in Bangkok and costs 500 THB to tour inside. Be prepared to fight through waves of people!
2. VISIT WAT PHO (TEMPLE OF THE RECLINING BUDDHA)
After visiting the Grand Palace, make your way south to Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha). This temple is home to the magnificent 46m reclining golden Buddha.
Wat Pho is the birthplace of traditional Thai massage, which is still taught and practiced here. I enjoyed this temple more than The Grand Palace because there was a lot less tourists making Wat Pho more peaceful and enjoyable. There is an entrance fee of 100 THB.
3. VISIT WAT ARUN (TEMPLE OF DAWN)
Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn) sits on the bank of the Chao Phraya River opposite of The Grand Palace. Aruna is the Indian God of dawn from which the temple derived it’s name from. The best way to view the structure is from east side of the river during sunset.
4. DAY TRIP TO AYUTTHAYA
Ayutthaya was the second capital of Siam/Thailand before it was destroyed by the Burmese. What is left is now a UNESCO Heritage archaeological site containing Buddhist temples, palaces, and monasteries. Don’t miss the mystical ‘Buddha Head in Tree Roots.’ Take the 2hr MTR from Hua Lamphong train station for around 20 THB for 3rd class seats
5. LOUNGE AT LEBUA'S SKY BAR FROM HANGOVER 3
If you can look past the intentional price inflation of drinks and the constant soliciting from the waitstaff to order more drinks, then this rooftop bar offers a spectacular lounge with a panoramic view of Bangkok. Made famous from the movie Hangover 3, alcoholic drinks will run you minimum 750 THB or 23 USD plus a 10% service & VAT charge. The hotel has turned this bar into a tourist money sucking assembly line.
Once you exit the elevator on the 63rd, the waitstaff will offer you champagne and usher you over to a secondary balcony bar in the back. AVOID THE CHAMPAGNE! It’s not free and it’s extremely expensive per glass! The first bar they take you to is not the main bar. They practically force you to buy a drink before you can move onto the main bar. Here’s what you should do to avoid being taken advantaged of. Order yourself ONE drink, walk over to the main bar, and soak in the views while babysitting your drink as long as possible. I personally do not think this bar is worth visiting as it all felt deceiving, but others might like it. A great alternative would be Vertigo & Moon Bar at Banyan Tree. Dress code is strictly enforced.
6. CHATUCHAK MARKET
Chatuchak Market is the largest weekend market in the world attracting over 200K visitors a day. At 35+ acres with 27 sections, it can contain over 15,000 stalls. You can bargain for all sorts of goods including food, drinks, cosmetics, clothes, antiques, furniture, electronics, and animals. The market is open every Saturday and Sunday.
7. EXPLORE CHINA TOWN(YAOWARAT)
China Town is packed with delicious Chinese restaurants and food stalls. Eat to your heart’s content and visit Wat Traimit, home to the 5.5 ton golden Buddha statue.
Just look at that fresh variety of crabs!
8. ROT FAI NIGHT MARKET (TRAIN MARKET)
There are three market locations; Srinakiran, Ratchada, and Nawamin. It’s an open-air bazaar popular for rare antiques and retro goods. It’s also a great place to grab food and have drinks with friends in a vintage setting. Srinakiran is the largest of the three while Ratchada is the closest to the city.
9. PARTY AT KHAO SAN ROAD
Khao San Road is Southeast Asia’s most famous backpackers street. You’ll find an endless amount of exhilarating bars, lounges, clubs, and restaurants. It’s a great place to meet other backpackers and hear their stories. Heck, you may even end up traveling with them throughout Asia in their unfinished chapters!
One of the most scariest and daring things you can do is eat fried insects. From larvae and crickets to scorpion and spiders. You’ll see these stalls everywhere with drunk people mustering up the courage to down one.
If you know me well then you’d know i’d eat anything. From animal innards to the infamous balut (egg with developing embryo). This is the thing i’ve feared most to eat. INSECTS! After several rounds of drinks, we each courage up to eat a scorpion. Some say it tasted like a stale potato chip. I thought it tasted like accidentally eating pieces of crab shells. It wasn’t too bad! Here’s your chance to really get out of your comfort zone and try a bug or two!
Brick Bar was my favorite bar on Khao San Road. They have live bands performing and it was extremely packed. It’s a great place to be if you want to mingle with the locals.
Tip: You’ll need your passport or a picture of your passport to get in. They are very strict about this rule!
10. GET A THAI MASSAGE
Getting a proper traditional Thai massage, in Thailand, is like being in heaven! It’s extremely rejuvenating for the body and mind after endless hours of exploring the city. It’s extremely cheap, averaging 300 THB, and is almost a crime not to get one every day. They usually run 70+ USD in the United States!
11. GO SHOPPING AT THE MEGA MALLS
Bangkok is filled with all types of malls. From local designers to high-end fashion, this place is a shopaholic’s playground! Here’s a list highlighting several popular malls.
- Central World: 11th largest mall in the world.
- EmQuartier: Luxury shopping in a futuristic looking building.
- MBK: Cheap affordable goods.
- Platinum Fashion Mall: Wholesale shopping center with a flea market setup.
- Pantip Plaza: Electronics mall.
- Siam Paragon, Siam Discovery, Siam Center: Ranges from local to high-end fashion brands.
- Terminal 21: Contains a different design on every floor based on international cities.
12. EAT STREET FOOD
Most of the tastiest foods I’ve encountered are low cost and found at hole-in-the-walls and street stalls. Let your taste buds run wild by trying the basic pad thai and curries to pork and pla plao (salt crusted grilled fish) at one of the many vendors lined up around the busy streets!
13. OTHER POPULAR THINGS TO DO
- Floating Markets – Damnoen Saduak, Amphawa, Talin Chan, Khlong Lat Mayom, Bang Nam Pheung.
- Maeklong Railway Market – Market on a railway with trains passing through
- Jim Thompson’s House – Former house of an American spy and silk merchant, who disappeared.
- Thai Puppet Theater – Watch an entertaining puppet show.
- Vimanmek Mansion – World’s largest teak wood building. Formally a royal residence now a museum.
- Chao Phraya River – Ride a boat through the river and admire the views.
- Lumpini Park – Take a relaxing stroll away from the bustling city.
- Dusit Zoo – Thailand’s oldest zoo.
- Adult Themed/Red Light Districts – Soi Cowboy, Patpong, NaNa Plaza.
BEST PLACES TO EAT IN BANGKOK
1. STREET FOOD
Roaming Bangkok and trying all sorts of delicious and inexpensive food from street stalls is one of the best ways to understanding the city’s culture. Having not been commercialized, these vendor owners have to consistently pour their hearts out in order to ensure business or they’ll die out. You’ll find be able to find a wide selection of authentic Thai food cooked right in front of you!
2. PIER 21 INSIDE TERMINAL 21 MALL
I’ve never had any stomach issues eating at street stalls but you could never be too sure. If you don’t want to take the risk or just prefer an indoor setting then head over to Pier 21 inside Terminal 21 mall. The owners provide free rent to the most delicious street vendors in order for them to be able to continue charging street prices. It pays off because this place is extremely popular for both locals and foreigners. Most dishes are about 1 USD. If you do the math, you could eat two meals here every day for under 100 USD! And there’s enough variety of dishes that you won’t have to keep eating the same thing repeatedly!
3. GO-ANG KAOMUNKAI
Go-Ang Kaomunkai is famous for their Thai style Hainanese chicken & rice with chili garlic soy sauce. There’s always a long queue but don’t let that scare you off. The setting is fast paced so you’ll be in and out before you know it.
The Hainanese chicken will run you between 40 – 120 THB depending on size. I prefer the chicken with skin for a burst of extra flavor. Ask yourself this, do you eat fried chicken without the skin?
4. NAE EK ROLL NOODLE
We stumbled upon Naek Ek while exploring China Town. There was a long line of local Chinese waiting to be seated but the queue goes by fast. This place blew our mind! Everything was extremely delicious and the items were inexpensive so we decided to try multiple dishes. Prices range from 50 – 100 THB per dish.
Everything was extremely delicious and the items were inexpensive so we decided to try multiple dishes. Prices range from 50 – 150 THB per dish and varies by size.
5. MORE POPULAR RESTAURANTS
- Thip Samai – The origin of the original Pad Thai recipe and arguably the best in town.
- Nhong Rim Klong – Popular street food stall for crab dishes.
- Raan Jay Fai – Jay Fai has been cooking many of the dishes herself for the past 50+ years and recently received a Michelin star. She’s been trying to give star back since she’s now always swamped with customers!
SAMPLE ITINERARY BANGKOK 4DAYS/3NIGHTS
DAY 1: ARRIVAL
- Arrive in Bangkok
- Hotel Check-in
- Dinner
- Sukhumvit Soi 11
- Sleep
DAY 2: OLD CITY
- Breakfast
- The Grand Palace
- Wat Pho
- Lunch
- Wat Arun
- China Town
- Thai Massage
- Dinner
- Khao San Road
DAY 3: MALLS & MARKETS
- Breakfast
- Siam and Pratunam Malls
- Lunch
- Chatuchak Weekend Market (Only on Weekends)
- Ratchada Rot Fai Night Market (Train Market)
- Thai Massage
- Dinner
- Patpong/Soi Cowboy/Nana Plaza
DAY 4: DEPARTURE
- Breakfast
- Hotel Check-out
- Lunch
- Remember the good times and cry as you leave Bangkok, the City of Angels
DAY TRIPS
- Ayutthaya Temples
- Floating Markets
GENERAL TIPS
- Always question one’s gender. Bangkok is notorious for lady boys which is all fun until you get down to business.
- Drink plenty of water and carry a bottle with you. Thailand is hot and touring the city is dehydrating.
- Plan your sightseeing by area. Bangkok is large and spread out making it difficult to walk to places.
- Dress respectfully when visiting religious sites. This means covering shoulders and knees.
- Don’t point your toes or turn your back at Buddha as this is disrespectful. People taking selfies are often unaware of this.
- Be cautious of scammers and pick pocketing. If you feel as if you are being cheated then walk away.
- Negotiate a set price for tuk-tuks before riding.
- Insist for taxi drivers to turn on their meters. If they refuse then get out and find another one.
- Take the BTS/MTR to save money. They will get you to your destination faster during rush hour traffic.
- Eat at street stalls and hole-in-the-walls. This is where you’ll find the best food.
- Thailand attracts all types of people from around the world. Always stay cautious at a foreign country and never leave your drinks unattended.
