Chances are if you’re heading to Thailand you’ll probably pass through Bangkok – even if that’s just where you fly in or out from. The truth is, you don’t need long here to feel like you’ve “done it” but a good few days are perfect! Here is our guide to making the most of your short visit:
Where to visit in Bangkok
The Temples
Bangkok has an abundance of Wat (temples)… so many in fact that we did get a bit overwhelmed by which ones to visit. We recommend Wat Benchamabophit, the beautiful Marble Temple, which is outside the main temple (and tourist) area and was surprisingly peaceful. By contrast, Wat Arun is anything but relaxing but still definitely worth a visit as it is so unique compared to the more traditional temples. If you want to avoid the crowds simply walk a bit farther round the complex to where the majority of crazed photo-obsessed tourists aren’t!
Unfortunately the same isn’t possible at Wat Pho, where hundreds of tourists are herded through a one way system to get a peek at the famous reclining Buddha. Honestly, we weren’t that impressed and a free bottle of water wasn’t quite enough to make the 300 Baht (more than the other temples) seem worth it. The majority of the temples look quite similar so you can easily choose a lesser known temple which will be a lot less touristy and not feel like you’re missing out.
Top tip: wear flip flops or sandals as you’ll have to take your shoes off at every temple you enter!
Khao San Road
It’s not hard to see why Khao San Road is famous as backpacker Mecca. Here you’ll find every elephant trouser, tacky souvenir and currency exchange you’ve ever wanted. You’ll also be approached – inexplicably – with a menu of drivers licenses and fake IDs (stolen, we suspect) by some distinctly shady looking Thai men. Regardless, its worth a visit even if just for a drink at one of Khao San Road’s many bars.
Nana Plaza
For a little more *adult* vibes, this 2-storey plaza is Bangkok’s answer to Amsterdam’s red light district. It feels a little like a shopping centre, but the goods for sale are somewhat different. Whether you’re looking for ladyboys, go go bars or just for some good people watching, this is the place. Get a drink at the balcony bar on the corner for the perfect place to watch the world go by.
Siam Paragon
Though I’m never one to condone wasting valuable holiday time on shopping, I’ll make an exception for this. Just one of three malls connected to form the enormous Siam Complex, S&P takes extravagance to a whole new level. Name a luxury brand – be it high fashion or sports cars – and I can guarantee you’ll find it here. When you’re finished lusting after things the traveller lifestyle will never give you, head across to Siam Discovery for a meal.
Erawan Museum
This hidden gem just 40 a minute taxi from downtown Bangkok was one of the unexpected highlights of our trip. The unmissable 3-headed elephant statue that houses the museum is the creation of Thai businessman Kun Lek Viriyaphant, designed to mirror the Hindu representation of the Universe. It feels very little like a museum and is simply stunning: the colours, the carvings, the detail, even the surrounding gardens. Easily worth the 400 Baht entry!
Night Market
Bangkok has an ever increasing selection of Night Markets scattered across the city, with sprawling and brightly coloured stalls selling anything and everything imaginable. The original Rot Fai Srinarkin Market in the East of the city is the largest and well-known for its rainbow coloured stalls, but our favourite was the Talad Neon Night Market in Pratunam. It is one of Bangkok’s newest markets, just by the Palladium shopping centre, and has live music and cool vibes. Compared to a lot of the tacky souvenirs and clothes that a lot of the tourist markets sell, the goods here seemed more local and unique.
Train Market
About an hour and a half drive outside the city centre is the famous Maeklong Train Market, where all the stalls run right alongside the railway tracks. As the train approaches, the vendors all reign in their awnings and wheel in their wares to allow the train to squeeze through. As you can imagine, the market gets pretty hectic when the train is due to arrive so its definitely better to go early in the morning. It is possible to get there yourself by public transport for a low price, but it takes over 2 hours on 2 different trains – we recommend taking a tour instead, like this one for 490 baht (easily the cheapest we could find).
Floating Market
Most tours taking you to the Maeklong Train Market will also include a visit to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. It’s not the only floating market near Bangkok but certainly the most popular, where for 150 Baht you can ride a boat through the winding canals lined with stalls. Be careful though as the tourist prices here were NEXT LEVEL. One woman had the cheek to ask for 3,500 baht for a pair of trousers! Admittedly, I did haggle her down with minimal effort to about 400 but I suggest you save your shopping for elsewhere…
Where to eat and drink
Try some street food
I’ll be the first to admit that some of the stalls on the roadside look a teeny bit dodgy, and you’d have to pay me to eat one of the fish you’ll find uncovered, sitting in the 30+ degree heat with flies swarming around it. BUT the vast majority will be perfectly fine and delicious to eat, not to mention at a quarter of the price of the more touristy restaurants. Don’t be afraid to try the pork skewers, deep fried chicken and mango sticky rice, all of which you can find for as little as 10 baht.
Bangkok Art and Culture Centre
The Bangkok Art and Culture Centre right by Siam Paragon is more than just an art gallery and exhibition centre; the centre houses many quirky cafes, bookshops and craft stores. Prepare to spend an hour or so here exploring all 9 floors while avoiding the sweltering Bangkok heat and stop for a snack or to admire the architecture and artworks along the way.
Sky Bar – Lebua No.3
A trip to Bangkok wouldn’t be complete without a visit to at least one SkyBar. The most popular is on the top floor of the Lebua hotel, famous for its huge golden dome immortalised in Hangover II. It’s actually one of 4 bars in the Lebua Hotel complex – our pick was Lebua No.3 with its stunning window overlooking the city. It’s about 6 floors lower than the rooftop but as it’s not the “main” bar it’s a lot more chilled and peaceful, and we even had our own little booth. You can go up and not get a drink but the waiters will stand by waiting to take your order so it’s just really awkward if you don’t. Whichever bar you choose you have to be prepared to fork out around 1000 baht for a cocktail (after pesky tax and service charge), which at those prices you should sip very s l o w l y.
Top tip: don’t ignore the dress code. They don’t really care if girls are in short skirts and flip flops but they are super strict on guys – absolutely no sandals or shorts allowed. If you get there and realise you forgot to put on trousers, there is a guy in the hotel who will rent you a pair for 200 baht.
25 Degrees
I gave up burgers for lent so my return to burger eating had to be a good one… and 25 Degrees did not disappoint. If you’re prepared to fork out Western prices, the Create your Own burger is a winner. You can choose from countless options of meat, fillings, sauces and cheese to create your perfect combo – for me: sirloin steak, Canadian bacon, caramelised onion, dijon sauce, burrata and gruyere. Try to tell me that doesn’t sound insane.
Where next?
Planning a trip to Koh Samui? Check out our guide here.
