No trip to Thailand is complete without a stop through the sprawling, bustling metropolis of Bangkok. As the capital of Thailand, the Bangkok metropolitan area boasts a population of over 14 million people. It consistently ranks among the top five cities for tourists and conventions. Whether you’re into exciting nightlife, rich history, adventurous dining, or world-class shopping, Bangkok has something to offer.
For our trip to Bangkok, we chose the Tastoria Collection Hotel in Sukhumvit as a home base. Sukhumvit road is one of the world’s longest boulevards, meaning there was plenty to explore right outside our front door. It’s also accessible via public transport, including the airport rail, bus, and the Saen Saep Express Boat. And this area isn’t just for the elite – no matter your budget, whether you’re looking to stay at a hostel or a five-star hotel, you can be part of the action in Sukhumvit.
Our action-packed three days in Bangkok took us from the food stalls of Khaosan Road to the thumping beats of the Sugar Club. Looking to plan your visit? Here’s my handy guide to a great trip to Bangkok.
Table of Contents
Nightlife
Bangkok is truly the city that never sleeps. A quick peek out your hotel window in the middle of the night will prove this to be true. Neon lights litter the night sky across much of the city, and there’s no shortage of activity for night owls. You can do as we did and use jet-lag to your advantage to dance the night away. Here are some of my favorite hot spots for experiencing Bangkok’s nightlife.
Sugar Club
When we went looking for a party, we started with the Sugar Club, a hip-hop and R&B club on Sukhumvit Soi 11. Playing hip-hop every night, Sugar Club feels exclusive while being large enough to have great energy.
Onyx
Onyx is the club for those who prefer EDM to hip hop. With a capacity of 2000 people, you’ll find laser shows, confetti, and a massive dance party here. This club also has many standing tables and stools for when you need a break to relax with your drink.
Sing Sing Theatre
A gorgeously decorated club, Sing Sing Theatre offers a variety of music throughout the week. While this club is free entry, come prepared to drop some cash if you are enjoying their delicious beverages.
Shopping
Bangkok offers incredibly diverse shopping experiences. From the luxury shops in Siam Paragon and Central Embassy to the floating markets and artisan stalls of the Chatuchak Market, Bangkok has something for every shopper.
Asiatique Market
One of my favorite stops was the Asiatique Night Market. While there is no shortage of markets to visit, this one is definitely worth a stop. This lively shopping center is located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River and is a sprawling little village of shops, entertainment, and restaurants. If you need to get off your feet for a bit, you can sit at one of the fantastic eateries and participate in some great people-watching. Of course, if you want to keep moving, plenty of snacks lend themselves to wandering through the stalls.
Besides shopping, you can find entertainment like puppet shows, Thai boxing, and musicians. For an exciting night-time view of the area, make sure to take a trip around the ferris wheel.
Luxury Malls
You’ll find the prestigious Siam Paragon mall on the city’s southern side, on Rama Road. This mall is your one-stop shop for luxury goods. Boasting shops including Jimmy Choo, Alexander McQueen, Saint Laurent, Mikimoto, Louis Vuitton, and Burberry, this mall offers plenty of opportunities to drop some serious cash. Of course, if you’re just window shopping, you’ll also find budget-friendly opportunities to splurge including Boots, H&M, and Zara. You can catch a snack at Starbucks or Haagen Dazs and even bowl a few frames or catch one of the latest films at the Krugsri Imax Theatre or the posh Paragon Cineplex.
Another must-visit for the shopaholic is Emquartier, located on Sukhumvit Road. With stores like Alexander Wang, Valentino, and Balenciaga, Emquartier has secured its place among luxury shops in Bangkok. Not into shopping? It’s still worth a visit. With its 5th-floor Helix Garden and the swanky rooftop cocktail bar, Emquartier can keep you busy from day until the night.
Floating markets
Known as the “Venice of the East,” Bangkok’s canal network offers quick transport by boat and provides a home for the world-famous floating markets. These markets are great places to find souvenirs, local produce, and Thai specialty foods. The traditional canal-based shops offer a unique experience. The most well-known is the Damnoen Saduak, located about 100 km from Bangkok. For those who love a market experience, you might find this worth the 90-minute trip.
Just 15 km outside of Bangkok you’ll find Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market, which many find to be more authentically Thai than the Damnoen Saduak market.
Be prepared to negotiate prices, and watch your valuables in crowded markets.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
If shopping and local flavor are on your list of things to do when traveling, you can’t miss the Chatuchak Weekend Market. Over 10,000 stalls burst with color, noise, and smells in this 35-acre wonderland of shopping. From adventurous snacks to classic treats, you’ll find it here if you want to try anything in Thailand.
Besides food stalls, you’ll find almost anything you can imagine here. Handmade goods, gorgeous paintings, plants, books, handmade clothing – and cheap souvenir stands. It’s easy to spend a few hours perusing the endless aisles of vendors, so make time for this stop when you plan your trip. Like many other markets in the area, this one is open late on the weekends, so if you don’t make it during the day, don’t sweat it.
Attractions
Wat Pho
Thailand has hundreds of temples to visit, but if you (like us) only have time to visit one, make it the Wat Pho Temple. This temple is known for the Reclining Buddha, a 15 m high and 46 m long gold statue of Buddha. The Buddha’s glass-mosaic pillow as well as its mother-of-pearl feet are certainly worth a trip to view. The massive temple complex will take some time to explore, which can be a nice break from the city’s bustling streets.
Founded by King Rama I in 1788, Wat Pho is considered the first public university in Thailand, and still serves as the center of education in Thai medicine and massage. Over 200,000 Thai massage therapists worldwide have received their education from Wat Pho.
We were lucky enough to visit Wat Pho during Lunar New Year, which meant that while it was busy, it was pretty festive.
The Grand Palace
It’s no surprise that the Grand Palace is incredibly ornate with exquisite architecture – it did serve as the Thai King’s residence and hosted the royal court for 150 years. Regarded as the most important Buddhist temple in Thailand, it’s worth visiting the Wat Phra Kaew, or Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Like many other temples, The Grand Palace has a strict dress code – no bare feet, tank tops, or shorts. No worries if you’re hitting it after the beach – there are coverings you can rent to walk through.
China Town
The real hotspot for Lunar New Year was China Town! Largely considered the most significant and best China Town in the world, this bustling area is a can’t-miss spot for your trip to Bangkok. The seafood stalls offer world-class street food, and the dessert stalls feature sweet treats from the classic to the adventurous. The Wat Traimit temple features the giant Buddha in the world, a 5.5 ton, solid gold statue. The ornate China Gate, located on Yaowarat Road, is where you must stop to get a picture. If you’re keen to grasp the area’s history, you can book a bicycle tour and spend your day cruising in style. However, If you want to be in on the party, hang out on Yaowarat Road, where you’ll find plenty of opportunities to try local cuisine. If you need a luxurious respite from the noise, grab a drink or a bite at the Grand China Hotel’s Sky View 360 bar.
Manakhon Skywalk
Our next stop might not be for those with a fear of heights. The Manakhon Skywalk is an exciting way to gain a bird’s eye view of the city. This 78th-floor panoramic view of the city is enhanced by the glass trays 310 meters above the street. It’s a truly 360 degree experience of the city with a feel like you’re flying – or falling!
If your fear of heights stops you from taking the multimedia elevators up above the clouds, the 1st floor offers a VR experience to get the thrill of the view without ever leaving the ground.
Khaosan Road
If you’re traveling solo and looking to make friends, you’re looking for Khaosan Road. This area is popular with backpackers and tourists who are looking to socialize – or more. With many places to grab a pint for cheap, Khaosan Road is always a party waiting to happen. I had a great time hanging out with other travelers in this area, and even checked ‘eating a scorpion’ off my bucket list!
Dining
Street Food
If there’s anywhere on the planet worth visiting for their street food, it’s Bangkok. From the seafood stalls on Yaowarat Road in China Town to the cheap eats of Khaosan Road, there’s nowhere in the world to eat street food like Bangkok. It’s possible – and even recommended – to wander the city, eating as you go, rather than making reservations at many high-end restaurants. While Bangkok offers fine dining, if you want authentic Thai food, I suggest eating your way through the city!
Banjoo BBQ restaurant
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