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Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is one of the largest cities in Asia, with a population of approximately 10 million residents. Like many other Asian capitals, Bangkok is a bustling metropolis, congested most hours of the day, and it suffers from noticeable air pollution. On the other hand, the city boasts a distinct rhythm, filled with vibrant markets, modern shopping centers, luxurious palaces, and historic temples. While many travelers might prefer to skip Bangkok, some choose to explore it. For me, it’s a great city to wrap up a trip; I wouldn’t fly here specifically, but since I’m already in the country, why not enjoy what it has to offer?
Accommodation in Bangkok
Given its size, Bangkok has several central tourist areas. If I could offer one comprehensive recommendation for accommodation, it would be to stay in a location where you can walk as much as possible or utilize the metro. Bangkok's traffic is notorious; even short taxi rides often take longer than expected. Therefore, minimizing these taxi rides, especially during rush hours, is advisable, even if you can't avoid them entirely.
We chose to stay at the Sindhorn Midtown Hotel Bangkok, conveniently located near the famous Siam Mall and several central train stations. The hotel is modern and new, featuring one of the best breakfasts we've had in Thailand, a whiskey bar on the first floor, and a fantastic children's club with play areas suitable for all ages. I highly recommend it for travelers with infants or small children, although entry to the kids’ club comes with an hourly fee.
Getting Around Bangkok
For some of our time, we chose to walk, as mentioned earlier. Since we stayed in a central area, walking was often quicker than driving due to traffic. For longer distances, we used taxis through the Grab app, which works similarly to Uber with local drivers based on availability. It's efficient in the city and much cheaper than hailing a taxi off the street.
Things to Do in Bangkok
Bangkok's historic center is home to several famous buildings and ancient temples worth dedicating a whole day to explore.
The Emerald Buddha Temple is considered the holiest Buddhist temple in Thailand. It is a large complex with multiple buildings located next to the King's Palace in the city's historic center. Entry is allowed only in modest clothing, which includes long pants for men and no sleeveless shirts. Please be advised that you’ll need to show identification at the entrance, so bringing your passport (or a photo) is essential.
A complex of buildings in the heart of Bangkok, adjacent to the Emerald Buddha Temple. It has been the official residence of the King since 1782, and Thai kings resided there until 1925. Today, the palace still hosts official ceremonies.
Also known as the Reclining Buddha Temple, this temple is a short walk from the Grand Palace. It is named after the region in India from which the Buddha hails. The reclining Buddha statue is 43 meters long and 15 meters high, making it the largest reclining Buddha statue in the world. In addition to the main temple housing the statue, there are several other impressive temples in this complex.
Located on the opposite side of the Chao Phraya River, the quickest way to reach Wat Arun is by taking a boat that departs every ten minutes from a dock a short walk from the Grand Palace. This impressive Buddhist temple is named after the Hindu god Aruna and is one of Thailand's most recognizable symbols. The temple is built in a Cambodian style with a central tower approximately 60 meters high—a truly unique temple not to be missed during your visit.
Shopping in Bangkok
Bangkok is renowned for its shopping scene, attracting numerous tourists specifically for this purpose. The city boasts countless massive malls featuring global brands. You can find everything from luxury items, such as Louis Vuitton, to markets dedicated solely to replicas, gadgets, electronics, and more. I’d recommend three large malls we visited that are within walking distance from our hotel.
Central World A large shopping center with seven floors, featuring a mix of local and international brands, including all the major fashion labels like Zara, H&M, and OYSHO.
Siam Paragon Another mall connected via skybridge to Central World, it houses all the well-known brands and the Gourmet Market Siam Paragon, a massive supermarket stocked with all the spices and foods you can imagine. It’s a must-visit for cooking enthusiasts looking to stock up.
Platinum Fashion Mall Located right next to Central World, this mall includes an internal passage connecting the two centers. Here, you’ll find all the major fashion brands, including high-end labels like GUCCI, Louis Vuitton, and Dolce & Gabbana.
Restaurants in Bangkok
Pad Thai Kratong Thong A delightful Pad Thai restaurant located in the temple area near the ferry pier. Their Pad Thai is excellent!
Le Du This Michelin-starred restaurant is ranked seventh among the best restaurants in Asia. While the name may sound French, it actually comes from the Thai language, meaning "season," reflecting the restaurant's seasonal Thai cuisine. Guests can choose from a tasting menu of either 4 or 6 courses and can request adjustments if they have dietary restrictions. Each dish features traditional Thai flavors with unique twists. Reservations are required.
Suhring A two-Michelin-star restaurant run by twin brothers who are German chefs. Suhring is ranked fourth in Asia's best restaurant list. The menu is European with a German-French touch, offering two tasting menu options of either 5 or 8 courses. Diners can request modifications for any allergies or preferences. The signature dish of the restaurant is a duck that is aged for ten days before serving. Reservations are a must.
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