Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, is a traveller&rsquos paradise. With its bustling street markets, ornate temples, and mouth-watering street food, Bangkok offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition. Known as the &ldquoCity of Angels&rdquo (with royal palaces and the lore of Vishvakarma) to the locals, Bangkok is a vibrant city that has something for everyone.
Things to see
The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, are two of the most famous attractions in Bangkok. The Grand Palace was the official residence of the Kings of Siam (now Thailand) since 1782. Today, the palace is used for ceremonial purposes only. Visitors can see the palace complex and its intricate architecture, which reflects a blend of Thai and European styles. Wat Phra Kaew is the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand and houses the Emerald Buddha, a highly revered statue carved from a single block of jade. To get to the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, take a riverboat along the Chao Phraya River or catch a taxi to the entrance.
The Wat Arun Temple
Another must-see attraction in Bangkok is the Wat Arun Temple, also known as the Temple of Dawn. It is one of the most beautiful temples in Bangkok, and it is located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. The temple is famous for its towering Khmer-style spire, which is decorated with intricate designs made from colourful Chinese porcelain and seashells. Visitors can climb to the top of the spire and enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the river and the city. To get to the Wat Arun Temple, you can take a riverboat along the Chao Phraya River or catch a taxi to the entrance.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Located in the northern part of Bangkok, Chatuchak Weekend Market is one of the largest markets in the world, covering over 35 acres of land. The market features more than 15,000 stalls selling a wide variety of products, including clothing, accessories, home decor, art, and antiques. The market is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am to 6 pm. To get there, take the BTS Skytrain to Mo Chit station.
Khao San Road
Khao San Road is a famous street in Bangkok that is popular with backpackers and budget travellers. The street is lined with restaurants, bars, and guesthouses and is a great place to meet other travellers and experience the lively atmosphere of Bangkok. Khao San Road is particularly lively at night when street vendors and performers take over the street. To get to Khao San Road, take a taxi or the BTS Skytrain to Saphan Taksin Station, then catch a boat along the Chao Phraya River to Phra Arthit Pier.
Where to stay
Mandarin Oriental Hotel
If you&rsquore looking for luxury in Bangkok, Mandarin Oriental Hotel is the place to be. From its Thai silk furnishings to its floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor pools, this hotel exudes elegance. Not to mention, you can take advantage of the on-site tennis court and gym. But the real treat comes in the form of the special yogic and spa treatments available exclusively to hotel guests.
Anantara Riverside
Located just 8 km from The Grand Palace, Anantara Riverside is a riverside hotel offering beautiful balconies with city, garden, or river views. Their upscale rooms are equipped with minibars, and their suites even feature separate living areas. Upgraded suites provide access to a private lounge with complimentary food and drinks. The hotel also offers a free shuttle to Saphan Taksin Skytrain station and Asiatique&rsquos night market so that you can explore Bangkok with ease. Other amenities include a spa, outdoor pool, hot tub, kids&rsquo club, and Thai cooking school.
Hansar
This stylish, all-suite hotel is just a 3-minute walk from Ratchadamri metro station and 7 km from The Grand Palace. But it&rsquos not just its location that makes it a great option - the hotel&rsquos elegant French-Mediterranean restaurant with a terrace, upscale Japanese eatery, cafe, and bar with live music offer something for everyone.
Four Seasons
For an upscale stay in Bangkok, look no further than Four Seasons Hotel. This high-end hotel overlooks the Chao Phraya River and is located just 2 km from ASIATIQUE The Riverfront, an open-air mall. It&rsquos also only 9 km from Wat Arun Buddhist Temple and 30 km from Don Mueang International Airport. Guests can indulge in the French cafe, upscale Italian and Chinese restaurants, posh spa, outdoor infinity pools, and elegant bar. Plus, the hotel offers gym facilities, parking, and breakfast.
Where to eat
Som Tam Jay So
If you&rsquore looking for a vegetarian or vegan option, Som Tam Jay So is the place to go. This small restaurant located in the hipster neighbourhood of Ari serves an array of Isaan-style dishes made with fresh and healthy ingredients. The standout dish is the som tam (green papaya salad), which is made to order and comes in a variety of flavours and levels of spiciness. The restaurant is a short walk from Ari BTS station.
Jay Fai
For a truly unique dining experience, head to Jay Fai, a legendary street food stall that has been awarded a Michelin star. The restaurant is run by the charismatic auntie Fai, who cooks up a storm of Thai-style seafood dishes using the freshest ingredients. The must-try dish is the crab omelette, a crispy and fluffy egg dish filled with juicy crab meat. Be prepared to wait in line and pay a premium price for the food. The restaurant is located in the old town, near the Tha Phra Chan pier.
Bo.lan
For a fine-dining experience that showcases the best of Thai cuisine, Bo.lan is the place to go. This elegant restaurant is helmed by a husband-and-wife team who are dedicated to preserving traditional Thai recipes and using organic and sustainable ingredients. The set menus feature a range of dishes from different regions of Thailand, each with its own distinct flavours and textures. To get there, take a taxi or a tuk-tuk to Sukhumvit Soi 26, near the K Village shopping mall.
Thipsamai Pad Thai
If you&rsquore in the mood for Pad Thai, Thipsamai is a must-visit restaurant. It has been around since 1966 and is known for its delicious and authentic Pad Thai. The restaurant is usually packed, but the wait is worth it. You can either sit inside or outside, but we recommend the latter for the full experience. The restaurant is located in the Old Town area of Bangkok and can be reached via taxi or tuk-tuk.
Where to shop
Siam Paragon
Siam Paragon is a luxury shopping mall located in the heart of Bangkok&rsquos shopping district. The mall features high-end stores like Gucci, Prada, and Chanel, as well as a range of dining options and a large cinema. Siam Paragon is open daily from 10 am to 10 pm. To get there, take the BTS Skytrain to Siam station.
MBK Center
MBK Center is a popular shopping mall located in the Pathum Wan district of Bangkok. The mall features over 2,000 shops selling a range of products, including electronics, clothing, and souvenirs. MBK Center is open daily from 10 am to 10 pm. To get there, take the BTS Skytrain to the National Stadium station.
Asiatique The Riverfront
Asiatique The Riverfront is a unique shopping destination located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. The complex features a range of shops selling clothing, accessories, and souvenirs, as well as a variety of restaurants and bars. Asiatique is open daily from 5 pm to midnight. To get there, take the BTS Skytrain to Saphan Taksin station, then take a free shuttle boat to the complex.
Getting there
Getting to Bangkok is easy, as it is well-connected with major cities across the world. You can take a flight to Suvarnabhumi Airport, which is located around 30 kilometres east of the city centre. From there, you can take a taxi, a train, or a bus to your destination within the city.
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