Whereas Thailand is actually recognized for its lovely seashores within the south and mountain ranges within the north, do not overlook spending time in Bangkok earlier than exploring the remainder of the nation. This vibrant capital has all of it — meals, nightlife, historical past, structure, spas and leisure. You won’t get to all the pieces, however our information will allow you to take advantage of your time, even when it is a whirlwind 24 hours.
Morning
You’ve got in all probability traveled fairly a distance to get to Bangkok and will use a revitalizing therapeutic massage. Fortunately, you’ve got come to the correct place. Thai massages are totally different from sports activities massages or sizzling stone massages that you just get at residence. You lie absolutely clothed on the mat whereas the practitioner manipulates your physique in varied methods to stimulate your organs, enhance flexibility and launch rigidity. The follow has been round for over 2,500 years, and Bangkok has no scarcity of spas the place you’ll be able to check out the well-known custom.
Now there are extra methods to get across the metropolis. You possibly can go for a sensible means — take the Skytrain, which is quick and inexpensive. OR, you’ll be able to take our suggestion to hop in a tuk-tuk. It is not essentially probably the most environment friendly means, nevertheless it’s in all probability probably the most enjoyable and a must-try expertise. Remember to negotiate the value earlier than getting into or you could possibly find yourself paying a bit an excessive amount of. One other stable choice is a motorbike taxi. They’re nice for getting by means of heavy visitors (which Bangkok is legendary for) and might go as much as 100km/h to get you to your vacation spot sooner than a daily taxi or bus.
After selecting the tuk-tuk, moto taxi or skytrain choice, get to the Grand Palace. As certainly one of Bangkok’s oldest and most historic sights, you may study historical past courting again to 1782 and marvel on the Thai-style structure. Get your tickets for 500 baht (about $15 USD) and keep in mind to decorate appropriately (knees and shoulders coated) otherwise you will not enter any temples or locations of worship. It’s also beneficial to put on black or white to precise condolences to the late King Rama IX.
Abdomen cramps? If you’re searching for a tasty and conventional snack, attempt durian. It may be tremendous smelly, in comparison with ripe cheese, and banned from public transportation, however do not write off this superfruit simply but. It is extremely nutritious — one of the nutritious fruits on the earth — and provides a bunch of well being advantages. Eat it recent, mix it with sticky rice, combine it into juice or seize a bag of durian chips. Yum Yum!
Afternoon
Even in case you’re full (or postpone) your durian indulgence, you need to expertise road meals in Bangkok. It is a means of consuming and it is mainly inconceivable to withstand the rows of distributors promoting grilled and barbecued meats, soups, curries, fried rice and seafood. Can we get you interested by tom yum noodle soup? Possibly paired with khao pad gai (Thai fried rooster rice) and crab omelette. There are a lot of locations all through town, however contemplate visiting the Previous City and Chinatown. Pleasant well being reminder: ask for bottled water and do not take ice.
Among the finest methods to expertise Bangkok is from the water. You could find a hop-on-hop-off boat that travels alongside the Chao Phraya River to discover totally different locations, or simply run round and benefit from the view. There are 11 stops with boats leaving each half-hour, so you’ll be able to take your time, however you should definitely cease to see the beautiful Wat Arun. This Buddhist temple is likely one of the most lovely in Thailand and is open daily. Once more, costume appropriately or deliver a sarong to cowl your self. For one of the best images, cross the river at sundown.
Night
As night approaches, it is time to uncover what Bangkok is legendary for… the night time markets. Whereas there are loads to select from, we advocate beginning with Asiatique proper on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. Meals choices abound – uncover road and road meals stalls or get pleasure from a sit-down meal. Together with the meals, you may discover loads of buying choices, from typical souvenirs to clothes and classic gadgets. It’s value visiting for the noise and liveliness of the market.
Sizzling tip: When you’re searching for a daytime ambiance, you can too go to Chatuchak Market, which is open each weekend and has greater than 15,000 stalls. Bartering is the factor right here and one of the best ways to barter is to smile and be well mannered.
For the proper technique to finish the night time, go to the well-known Khao San Highway. Discover low cost drinks within the type of beer or buckets (principally a variety of whiskey and coke) and take a look at the Brick Bar and Mulligan’s Irish Bar. Drinks can soften the great crunchy style of cockroaches, grasshoppers, spiders or scorpions, in case you’re feeling adventurous. And why not?!
Getting there
Are you able to spend one (morning, midday and) night time in Bangkok? Lots of our itineraries can take you there as half of a bigger journey. Listed below are a few of our favorites:
Island hopping Thailand – west coast
Bangkok – Chiang Mai Categorical
Indochina coated
Northern Thailand journey