Since our trip to Thailand is slowly approaching and maybe some of you are also planning of heading to the Land of smiles I think it’s only appropriate to do a little Thailand post, more specifically about its capital city. Bangkok a city of 6 million population with crazy traffic, huge shopping malls, street vendors everywhere is definitely a world of its own. And while many people despise it and simply want to avoid it on their trip to Thailand, I adore it and believe it’s a must visit! It’s modern with huge skyscrapers, rooftop bars, but at the same time also traditional with all the wats and other religious monuments. So, here is a short list of things you simply need to see and do while in Bangkok.
1. Visit Grand Palace
It’s such a magnificent place it should be number one on everyone’s list. It’s also a huge complex so make sure to have enough time to explore all of it. The admission (500BHT) is not the cheapest, but it’s definitely worth it. As for the ladies Grand Palace and the whole complex is a holy place so make sure to wear clothes that cover your legs and shoulders. Oh, and if some super nice men outside the complex are trying to convince you that the palace is closed today due to “ceremony” – it’s not. This is one of the most common scams in Bangkok, so if you can try to avoid it.
2. Go for drinks in a rooftop bar
Bangkok is also known as a city with almost never-ending choice of rooftop bars. My favourite was Park Society right next to Lumphini park. Situated on the 29th floor of So Sofitel it offers gorgeous views over to the Lumphini park and skyscrapers in the distance. I haven’t been to NYC yet, but the view here was supposed to resemble the one to the Central Park in NYC. Nevertheless, this rooftop is one of the best I have been to. The closest MRT station is basically across the street, the drinks are not as pricy as in Sky Bar at Lebua, but are rather reasonably priced and the whole place is also much less touristy which is nice. 🙂
3. Go shopping
The list of shopping malls is never-ending and even the most demanding shoppers will find something for themselves. Bangkok has it all – from ultra glitzy, upscale and overpriced shopping malls to street markets. Here you can buy everything you might want and don’t forget to bargain hard.
4. Relax in Lumphini park
This green oasis in the heart of Bangkok’s is a completely different world – like a peaceful oasis in the middle of a 6 million city. Here you can paddle boat on the lake, go jogging, or just relax from the buzzing streets of Bangkok. One of the most interesting features of this park are its inhabitants – monitor lizards. I was so surprised because I wasn’t expecting them at all walking and swimming around in the lake in the middle of the big city, but as it turns out they live in complete harmony with each other.
5. Explore Khao San Road
And of course, your trip to Bangkok wouldn’t be complete without visiting the infamous Khao San Road. Enjoy some delicious Pad Thai, grab some drinks, buy souvenirs, party hard and mainly just enjoy it. Even thought this place is packed with tourists it’s still worth experiencing as it offers practically anything you might want. 🙂
If you plan on staying longer in Bangkok, than just a day or two, make sure to add to your list also Wat Arun – The temple of dawn, Jim Thompson house, take a boat tour on the Phao Phraya river, explore Chinatown, and don’t forget to try delicious street food and to treat yourself to Thai massage.
Would you add something to the list? What are you favourite places and things to do in Bangkok? 🙂
