Bangkok
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Bangkok is Thailand’s capital, which is known as “Krung Thep” to locals. However, this is a highly shortened version of city’s actual name: Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahinthara Yutthaya Mahadilok Phop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udom Ratchaniwet Mahasathan Amonphiman Awatansathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukamprasit. It’s known for temples, street food, and being a generally liberal place in regards to sexuality and gender. It is also a wonderful place to explore solo or with companions.
Travel tip #1: Bangkok has over 400 Buddhist temples scattered throughout the city. The best time to go is the early morning, as it’s not as hot and there are fewer people. It is also common to see monks walking in their robes in the early morning, too.
Places of Interest
Damnoen Saduak: This world famous floating market is located about 100 kilometers outside of Bangkok in Ratchaburi Province. Although it can feel a bit tourist-oriented, the overall experience is unique, as you get the chance to ride in a boat while enjoying the river scenery. During the ride, you’ll have the opportunity to take lots of photos, purchase some incredible food, and buy souvenirs. If you’re interested in experiencing this on your own terms and saving money by not going through a tour (you’ll save a lot of money), follow this link for more insight.
Grand Palace: Grand, indeed. This palace was built in 1782 and 150 years was the home of the Thai King and the Royal court. Now, you can visit the Grand Palace to marvel at the stunning architecture and ornate details. Tickets are required and a strict dresscode applies.
Patpong Night Market: Located in the Silom area of Bangkok, this has become one of the more popular night shopping destinations. It’s pretty chaotic, as there are plenty of vendors trying to get you to purchase their very “real” designer bags and the fantastic Thai Ladymen are strutting their stuff.
Red Light Districts: Bangkok’s most prominent Red Light Districts include Soi Cowboy, Nana Plaza, Patpong, and Soi Twilight. Sex trafficking is a huge problem throughout much of the world and more so in Southeast Asian countries. Many—but not all—of the establishments in these areas of Bangkok do not employ illegally trafficked individuals or force their employees to work for them. The Thai government keeps a watchful eye over these areas due to tourism, as the industry is technically unregulated but garners lots of attention.
Chatuchak Weekend Market: If you’re going to a market in Bangkok, definitely go to this one. It is one of the biggest weekend markets in the world, and covers more than one kilometer. There are over 8,000 market stalls selling a wide variety of goods with the market split into different sections. The market is only open on Friday evening and all day Saturday and Sunday.
Pak Khlong Talat: The Bangkok Flower Market is more of a locals’ place, but is supposed to be quite a unique experience. Flowers are an important part of Thai religious culture, as flower wreaths are presented at shrines, while taxis and tuk-tuks usually have flowers hanging from their mirrors. Although I did not go to any flower markets while in Bangkok, I did see many flower sellers on the streets as I wandered around. I would love to go here on my next trip to Bangkok.
Travel tip #2: Throughout the Red Light Districts, but especially in Patong, shops advertise “free shows.” I would recommend not going in, as the shows are not really free. Bills full of hidden costs tend to magically appear when the “free show” ends, with security guards ready to make you pay if you attempt to slip out. Other times, they will force you to buy expensive drinks for the performers.
Food
Victory Monument: Bangkok is known as a street food mecca, so while in Bangkok you MUST eat as much street food as you can! There are plenty of places to choose from, but I found Victory Monument to be a solid area, as there’s tons of commuters and transportation hubs. More people, more sales, more food.
Khanom khrok: These Thai coconut pancakes are super tasty, and one of my favorite things I ate while in Thailand. The coconut milk base makes the little pancakes incredibly creamy, and they’re best served piping hot from a street vendor.
Khao neow mamuang: Mango sticky rice is a traditional Thai dessert made from glutinous rice (sticky rice), mango, and coconut milk. This sweet dish is good anytime, but works well to balance savory and spicy main dishes, like curry and pan-fried noodles.
Som tum: Green papaya salad is a spicy and tangy mix of shredded unripe papaya that originates from Laos, but has become incredibly popular throughout Thailand and other parts of Southeast Asia. The traditional technique used to crush the ingredients together using a wooden mallet to infuse all of the flavors together.
Pad Thai: Pad thai is a Thailand’s famous stir-fried rice noodle dish. It’s commonly served as a street food and can be found almost anywhere. The dish usually includes shrimp, chicken, or tofu, as well as peanuts, scrambled egg, and bean sprouts.
Noodle soup with clear broth: Although Thai Boat Noodle Soup is quite well-known and widely eaten across Thailand, my personal favorite was the clear broth noodle soup I found almost everywhere. From the streets and alleys to the floating market, I ate a few bowls of these noodles. The broth is fragrant and simple, with a rice noodle base and topped with pork, onion, and herbs.
Coconuts: Similar to neighboring Cambodia, coconuts are almost everywhere you look in Thailand. They’re the perfect drink (and snack if the coconut is mature) for all the walking and sightseeing you’ll do while in Bangkok. They’re also perfect while relaxing by the pool and hanging out with friends at the local market.
Mango: Mangos are one of my favorite fruits! They are used in a lot of different Thai dishes, but can definitely be enjoyed on their own. Ask if it’s the right season for mangos to be sure you’re getting fresh, ripe pieces of fruits.
Grilled skewers: I tried a handful of different types of meat on sticks in Bangkok, and none of them were disappointing. They’re succulent, savory, and a tad sweet on the outside, but best of all, skewers are the perfect food to eat while walking.
Travel tip #3: Bangkok is made for foodies, so eat to your heart’s content while there. Other than Victory Monument, some renounced food spots are: Chinatown, Ratchawat Market, Sriyan Market, and Charoen Krung Road, amongst many others. Migrationology features some amazing places to hit up while in Bangkok!
Transportation & Accommodation
Bangkok has ample transportation options, ranging from trains to buses to tuk-tuks to taxis, there’s never a shortage of ways to get places while in the city. Train is usually the most efficient and easiest way to navigate, with the BTS Skytrain, MRT, and Airport Rail Link all being reliable modes of transportation. If you’re feeling adventurous, tuk-tuks are good options, but be wary of scams and being overcharged. Grab is a ride share service commonly used throughout Southeast Asia. Be sure to download it beforehand so you can easily utilize Grab services!
Hostels, guesthouses, and hotels are all relatively inexpensive throughout the city. Hostels and guesthouses are usually the cheapest, but sometimes can be difficult to find because of the multitude of side streets. The hostel I stayed at was about $10 USD a night, conveniently located in Silom–found it on booking.com, of course! They provided breakfast, too. Some of the nicest travelers I’ve met were found whilst staying in Thailand hostels—the country just has something about it that makes everyone want to smile and be kind to one another!
If you’re staying outside of the city center or land at Don Muang Airport (DMK), Hotel Amari is conveniently located next to the airport while various hostels are scattered in the neighborhood. I stayed at Dinba Poshtel (a hostel) during a couple of long layovers at DMK Airport in Bangkok and really liked it. I recommend staying close to the airport if you have a layover to make commuting between the places feasible; both Amari and Dinba Poshtel are in walking distance of DMK Airport.
Travel tip #4: Compared to Cambodia, tuk-tuks have a less favorable reputation in Thailand. If you choose to use a tuk-tuk, always agree upon the fare beforehand and bargain (hard) for the price because they will try to overcharge. For solo female travelers, it’s best to avoid taking a tuk-tuk alone, especially at night.
Climate
With a tropical climate, Bangkok is one hot place year around, with March through May being the hottest. September is the wettest, while December and January are pretty dry. There is heavy precipitation from the end of May until October or so. Peak tourist season is November through March, which means more people out and about crowding trains and buses, but cooler and fairly dry weather.
