Where to Shop
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Dive right into the heat, smells, colors, and life of the city! This open-air market is huge, with over 15,000 stalls you can find almost everything here. The official website has helpful information on how to navigate to it and what you can find: http://www.chatuchakmarket.org/
Khao San Road
This is a tourist and backpackers hub and probably the most well-known roads in Bangkok. The streets are lined in street food, vendors, and cheap drinks. Everyone you meet here will probably be a tourist so be ready to make some new friends and share your travel stories!
Where to Eat
Street food is a staple in Thailand. However I recently read an article that Bangkok would be cracking down on street food vendors. I am not sure how this is even feasible, there are stalls on every corner of this city. There are also some great restaurants all over the city, here are my favorites:
Soul Food Mahanakorn ($$) Everything here was delicious, reasonably priced, and the atmosphere was very chic. I recommend the khao soi!
Terminal 21 ($) The top floor of this mall is a food court with everything type of cuisine. This is a great option for travellers since everything is reasonably priced (and there is A/C!)
Sky Bar ($$$) The top floor of this bar looks over the Chao Phraya River and all of Bangkok. The view is absolutely amazing view and the cocktails here are delicious. This is also a scene from the Hangover II.
What to Do
Wat Pho - Temple of the Reclining Buddha
Beautiful and rich history. There are English speaking guides who you can pay for a tour and to learn about the history, or you can explore on your own. Either way, you don’t want to miss the famous reclining Buddha. Inside this temple, you’ll need to cover your shoulders and open-toes. Shawls and shoe covers are available at the temple if you forget. Entrance fee is 100 baht.
Grand Palace
The Grand Palace is a 10 minute walk from the Wat Pho. We didn’t visit the palace due to time but it is made up of dozens of impressive buildings. Entrance fee is 500 baht.
Travelers note - Be aware of scams, especially at the Grand Palace. The most common scam is someone approaching you telling you the temple is closed today but they can drive you to some shops and other temples. This is very common. The temple is not closed, they are just looking to make some quick bahts. Kindly but firmly, decline the offer and continue on your way.
Chakrit Muaythai
If you are into fitness activities, I highly recommend taking a muay thai class in Thailand! I was able to take a private lesson from a former-professional fighter. He spoke little English, and I spoke no Thai, but we were still able to communicate and have an awesome session!
Other must-do’s:
Thai massages are on every corner and very cheap. I would recommend getting as many as you can! After a day of walking, an authentic Thai massage is the perfect way to end your day.
Release floating lanterns
Cooking Class
Fish Spa Pedicure Eek! It tickles uncontrollably for a few minutes, then it’s a nice buzz. Your feet are unbelievably soft afterward.
Where to Stay
If you are on a budget or backpacking, Khao San is an option. I stayed in the Sukhumvit area. It was close to the BTS (train) and there were lots of things to do within walking distance. Highly recommended.
Where to Get Away
A vacation on your vacation? Phuket! Find a cheap flight and get away for a few days. The Thai coast is stunning and full of photo ops. There are amazing, cheap resorts. We stayed at the La Flora Patong and it was incredible.
While you’re here, find a snorkelling or boating excursion. There are lots of street kiosks that offer packages to the nearby islands. Pricing can be tricky; as a foreigner, you may be overcharged for these types of packages. Shop around, no matter which one you choose. The scenery will not disappoint.
Our excursion took us to Phi Phi Islands for snorkeling and Maya Bay for lunch and shopping.
To help you plan, here's a map of my gloguide recommendations:
