Bangkok is an impressive, somewhat overwhelming city in Asia. There is a lot to see and do and I definitely recommend spending a few days in this city if you are traveling through Thailand. We have been to Bangkok twice, each time with a different place. Bangkok is big and there is a lot to see so we stayed in Sukhumvit and Khao San Road. Here our tips:
Eat, sleep, shop, party and repeat in Sukhumvit:
Sukhumvit is a vibrant and bustling area of Bangkok located along Sukhumvit Road. It is one of the main shopping, dining, and nightlife hubs of the city, home to some of the best restaurants, hottest clubs, biggest malls, and most luxurious hotels. Especially on hot or rainy days, it is ideal to stay in the shopping malls. Here is something for everyone. Do you want to eat cheaply or go to the cinema? Then go to the top floor of the shopping malls. Our favorite mall is without a doubt IconSiam. This is one of the most luxurious malls we have ever seen with waterfalls and even a beautiful roof terrace with a view over the Bangkok skyline. can enjoy yourself here all day long. The best way to travel through Sukhumvit is by skytrain. You buy a ticket at the station and the skytrain comes every 3 minutes. It's super easy to travel with the Skytrain. If you want a party, there are several streets to party. Like the Soi Cowboystreet, there are the well-known ping pong shows and the gogo bars.
Thai cooking class:
The food in Thailand is fantastic. To take a little bit of the Thai cuisine home, you can do a Thai Cooking class. We had Thai cooking lessons through Pink Chili (in Sukhumvit). This class can be in the morning or afternoon, that's up to you. On arrival you go to the market to get fresh ingredients with text and explanation. After this you will prepare everything in pairs and then you cook it. It's so fun to do and everything is clearly explained. It is about 4 dishes that you will make. You learn a lot and you get to know a lot. And the best part is of course eating your own Thai dishes! You can take all the recipes with you to try it again at home. Definitely a must do!
Take a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River
Admittedly, a dinner cruise is very touristy, but if you want to see a lot of Bangkok in a short time and taste the Thai cuisine, it is definitely recommended. During this two-hour cruise you will enjoy a delicious Thai seven-course dinner, as you sail past well-known and unknown temples. It's best to take the cruise around sunset, so you can see all the sights in both light and dark. Moreover, it is beautiful to watch the sun set in the Chao Phraya River.
Banglamphu and Chinatown.
The second time we stayed in the area of Banglamphu. This district is mainly known for Khao San Road, but it certainly has more to offer. Khao san road is a hectic street with lots of nightlife and street vendors selling fried tarantulas and scorpions. You will be amazed here, but be warned, there are many rude hustlers in this street. Another place close by where we had more fun is Chinatown. Chinatown is definitely worth a visit, this is how a chinatown should be in every city. Large and diverse, and restaurants serving Chinese cuisine everywhere.
Must see, The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Keao Temple:
This is a must see! This is the former home of the Thai Royal Family. This temple complex is almost 2.5 square kilometers in size. During your visit to the Grand Palace, be sure to check the Wat Phra Kaeo, this is the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand. In fact, it is impossible to describe how beautiful the surroundings of The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo Temple are. You just don't know where to look: the golden temples, stone statues of gods and beautifully decorated towers beg for your attention. Hundreds of pilgrims pass by to offer frankincense and lotus flowers. It's very beautiful and big. There is a possibility to hire a guide but most do this on their own. At the entrance you will receive a folder with information.
Important to know:
You need to wear long pants and a shirt with sleeves. At the entrance you can buy Sarongs when needed.
Tattoos must be covered.
Take off your shoes before entering a temple.
Do not point your feet at the Buddha, kneel with your feet back.
Opening hours are from 08:30 – 12:00 and 13:00 – 15:30.
Entrance fee is 500 baht (€15) for Foreigners, inclusive of access to Wat Phra Kaew.
Watch out: Around the Grand Palace there are some 'guides' who speak to you in English and tell you that the Grand Palace is (temporarily) closed because of the ceremony of Buddha. That's nonsense, kindly ignore them and move on. These people want to tempt you for another (free) tour with a tuk-tuk.