Bangkok Travel Hacks: Making the Most of Your Trip

Traveling to Bangkok, Thailand is always an unforgettable journey for those who love to explore. This city is famous for its temples, being a shopping paradise, vibrant nightlife, surprising affordability, and the bustling, chaotic streets of Bangkok.

This article will guide you through Admin experience of independent travel in Bangkok, covering hotel selection, restaurants, attractions, shopping, weather, and more, making it easier for you to plan your trip.

I- Bangkok Tourist Destinations

1. Must-Visit Places in Bangkok

The Bangkok Grand Palace: Located centrally in Bangkok, adjacent to the Chao Phraya River, the Grand Palace of Thailand is a splendid and magnificent palace, attracting the most tourists in Bangkok.

Safari World: A fantastic choice for those who love animal shows or simply wish to view the wild African landscapes. Safari World is divided into 2 parts: Safari Park, Thailand’s largest zoo, designed based on African landscapes, providing the most authentic experiences. This sanctuary shelters hundreds of wild animals from around the world. The other part is Marine Park, housing sea creatures.

Dream World: A theme park resembling the American culture, a final entertainment zone for children. It includes high-speed roller coasters and Hollywood-themed performances.

Madame Tussauds: Live your dream by touching, taking pictures, and even hugging your favorite famous figures… through their wax sculptures.

Sea Life Ocean World: A beautiful aquarium, the largest in Thailand, housing rare sea creatures and offering 4D movie experiences.

Baiyoke Sky Tower: Thailand’s tallest building and one of the liveliest places for shopping, dining, and entertainment. From the 84th floor, you can oversee the entire city through the observation deck and the buffet dinner floor.

2. Temples in Bangkok

One of Thailand’s most famous destinations is Wat Arun, known as the “Temple of Dawn.” This Buddhist temple lies on the western bank of the Chao Phraya River, Thoburi. Its magnificent architecture has ranked it as one of Thailand’s most beautiful temples and a national symbol.

Wat Pho or the “Temple of the Reclining Buddha” is Bangkok’s largest temple, home to the splendid 46-meter-long reclining Buddha statue.

The temple with the Emerald Buddha statue, Wat Phra Kaew, is considered Thailand’s most sacred temple. Inside, a stunning jade Buddha statue and the dazzling architecture will surely amaze you.

3. Shopping in Bangkok

CentralWorld in the Siam district is the largest shopping center in Thailand, offering various shops and entertainment activities, catering to the modern lifestyle of locals and tourists.

Siam Paragon in the Siam district is where the sophisticated and wealthy in Bangkok spend their leisure time. You can find everything from high-end street fashion to high-tech gadgets, home decorations to quirky sports cars.

MBK is known for its diverse products and reasonable prices, especially for mobile phones, electronic devices, luggage, streetwear, and gold jewelry.

Platinum Fashion Mall in Pratunam is a wholesale shopping center for clothing and accessories. It houses nearly all fashion items from head to toe, including hats, clothes, bags, shoes, and cosmetics.

Chatuchak Market is one of the world’s largest markets. It has over 8,000 stalls divided into 27 sections offering clothing and accessories, handicrafts, ceramics, furniture and home decor, dining, gardening tools, art, antiques, and more.

4. Day Trips from Bangkok

A few hours from Bangkok lies the historic city of Kanchanaburi. Places to visit and enjoy in Kanchanaburi include Erawan National Park, Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum, Death Railway Museum, the bridge over the River Kwai, and many more.

Around 70 km north of Bangkok is Ayutthaya, Thailand’s former capital. Rent a bicycle, motorbike, or hire a tuk-tuk driver to take you around the ancient town, where each site seems more spectacular than the last.

Just over 2 hours away from the city, you’ll find Khao Yai National Park. With hiking trails ranging from 500 meters to 8 kilometers, it’s a great destination for hiking enthusiasts. The park includes a fountain and nearly 400 species, particularly a group of over 200 elephants.

Finding a shopping destination in Bangkok was once challenging until canal channels were filled in. Many people embark on a trip from Bangkok to one of the floating markets outside the city. The most popular floating market for foreign tourists is Damnoen Saduak, while most Thais favor Amphawa Floating Market.

II- Hotels in Bangkok

Where to Stay in Bangkok

Sukhumvit hosts numerous fashion boutiques, bars, pubs, shopping centers, and hotels. This makes it the epicenter for shopping, dining, and nightlife in Bangkok.

Siam is Bangkok’s shopping hub, housing popular malls like MBK, Siam Center, and Siam Paragon.

Khao San Road is a famous backpacker district in Bangkok, a hub for guesthouses, eateries, clothing stores, and travelers from all over the world.

Pratunam area has a 24-hour market and is a wholesale hub for everything from tailored clothing to bags and sports equipment.

Bangkok’s Chinatown is a fantastic and favored area for budget travelers.

Silom is the economic center, attracting many office workers during the day. However, it transforms into a culinary paradise at night.

The Old City hosts the most spectacular historical attractions in Bangkok. While the stunning temples and historic landmarks such as the Royal Palace and the magnificent Wat Arun are worth visiting, reaching here by public transport might not be straightforward.

The ambiance at Bangkok Riverside is romantic and relaxed. You’ll find many luxury resorts and hotels here. You can also visit the Asiatique night market. The Riverside area is close to all historical landmarks within the Old Town.

III- Dining & Nightlife

1. Dining in Bangkok

Thailand is known for its culinary delights, and you can easily find the best traditional dishes in Bangkok alongside international cuisine.

Chinatown (specializing in Chinese cuisine) Little Arabia (Middle Eastern cuisine) Nang Loeng (near the Democracy Monument) Ramkamhaeng (opposite Ramkamhaeng University) Soi Rambuttri (located at the end of the street, near 7-Eleven) Sukhumvit Soi 33 (known for Pad Thai, noodle dishes, and soup restaurants) Victory Monument Khao San Road food street

2. Food Courts

Food courts at Siam Center Food zone at MBK Dining options at Siam Paragon – Depending on preferences

3. What to Eat in Bangkok

Som Tam

Papaya salad Khao Pad

Fried rice Pad Thai Kung

Stir-fried rice noodles with shrimp Khao Mun Gai

Steamed chicken with rice Gai/Moo Bing

Grilled skewered chicken/pork Sai Krok Issan

Northeastern Thai sour sausages Pad krapao moo

Stir-fried pork with basil Pla Pao

Grilled salt-crusted fish IV- Night Entertainment

The ultimate destination for a luxurious and unforgettable night out are the rooftop bars. These bars can be found throughout the city, including Vertigo and Moon Bar, Sky Bar, Cloud 47, Octave, and Red Sky.

Ladyboy shows in Bangkok feature performances by transgender individuals in tight, glamorous outfits, considered the best nighttime entertainment.

Enjoy a Thai buffet on the Chao Praya River while cruising past Bangkok’s famous landmarks, accompanied by various performances from live bands to traditional Thai dances.

Exploring the night markets in Bangkok is an excellent way to get closer to the local lifestyle. The expanded markets in most areas provide a variety of products from clothing to snacks and entertainment. Some easy-to-find night markets include Roi Fai Market, JJ Green, Asiatique, Chang Chui Bangkok, Plan Market, and Patpong.

Bangkok’s bars and clubs are famous among nightlife enthusiasts. There are three main areas: Soi Cowboy in Asok, Nana Plaza, and Soi Patong in Silom.

Siam Niramit’s cultural show and buffet dinner are among Bangkok’s top programs, featuring dazzling performances and magnificent costumes. Join the show to gain deeper insights into Thai culture and history. If possible, opt for the buffet dinner to savor traditional Thai dishes and international cuisine.

Bangkok’s clubs are legendary. They are the top destination with the largest dance floors in Southeast Asia. Try a club in the Royal City Avenue (RCA) area, Thonglor, Silom, or Sukhumvit Soi 11.

V- Transportation

1. Transportation in Bangkok

BTS (Bangkok Mass Transit System): also known as the Sky-Train, is the best means to reach shopping centers, move around the city center, and access major piers.

MRT (Metropolitan Rapid Transit): The subway primarily connects to suburban areas. However, it also links with BTS, the airport, and some popular tourist spots.

Buses: Bangkok has an old and meandering bus system. If you are unfamiliar with bus numbers and their stops, it’s better not to use them.

Taxi: Brightly colored taxis are abundant in Bangkok. They are metered and relatively inexpensive. As drivers may not speak English frequently, writing down your destination in Thai on paper may be very helpful.

Tuk-Tuks: These are three-wheeled vehicles resembling a carriage but pulled by a motorbike instead of a horse. Tuk-Tuks can accommodate from 2 to 4 people for short distances. Drivers often inflate prices higher than the normal rate for a destination, so be a savvy tourist.

Boats: Motorized boats often run along the Chao Phraya River. Stay clear of tourist boats if you want a cheaper fare.

Walking: Despite relying on motorized transportation, you may end up walking more than expected in Bangkok. Moving from BTS to MRT can take about 15 minutes on foot.