Why you should visit Bangkok
Bangkok has different things to enjoy for every type of people. Be it a solo backpacker, couple, family or friends, it has variety to offer. Thailand and it’s people are very welcoming, friendly and respectful. It has theme parks, historical sites, party vibes and nature if you just stroll a little away from the city. Also, Thailand is one of the affordable travel destinations for most people. So why not say a Hi to Bangkok?
Best time to visit Bangkok
November and December are the months with best weather to visit Bangkok. Rainy clouds will go on their annual leaves during this time of the year.
Momth by month temperature graph
Top Places To Visit
Wat Arun
Wat Arun is a blissful temple that stands tall near the Chao Phrayo river. This buddhist temple has Thai architecture encarved into it. A lot people gather to watch the Wat Arun when sun sets im the background from the other side of river. Wat Arun with sunset feels magical and the lights in the temple also lights up during the same time. While this experience is a pure bliss, it is disheartening to see there are garbages thrown along the river near the Wat Arun sunset view point.
Wat Sekat
Wat Saket Ratchawora Mahawihan is a buddhist temple that situated on top of a 60 metre hill within Bangkok. This situated near one of the prime locations and offers breathtaking panoramic view of surrounding from the top. A short climb of 320 steps required to enjoy the temple and surrounding completely.
Icon Siam Mall
A cool mall located along the Chao Phraya river. Also, a lot of food stalls/shops are available to try out different type of tasty food. Do not forget to visit the terrace behind the Apple store within the mall to get a nice view of the river and surrounding.
Grand Palace
Grand palace is one of the most touristic place in Thailand. You cannot escape from crowds here. Try to go early as possible to at least enjoy few attractions within the complex before crowds sets in. Emerland Buddha is one of the most attractive temple within the Grand Palace complex. Enjoy the grandeur of emerald buddha. There a several other attractions apart from emerald buddha and grand palace, you can find some mini musuems too.
Asiatique the riverfront
Visit this premium riverfront destination along the Chao Phrayo river. A cool destination to enjoy the night vibe. Good thing about this place is, it is not overcrowded. You can have your dinner here if you want by having a look at the river and the other side of bangkok. A dinner with scenic view, Thailands largest ferris wheel, a haunted house, a cool place to chill – this place has things to enjoy for everyone. Apart from buses, there are free boat shuttle that take you here across rhe river as well.
National Musuem
Immerse youself with Thai culture and stories of Thailand by visiting National musuem in Bangkok. The musuem has several different sections and has a well planned arragements. You can easily spend at least 3 hours within the musuem. If you feel hungry, do not miss to have a meal at the family run small restaurent within the musuem complex. It has tasty dishes and fairly priced menu.
Kanchanaburi and Erawan falls
Relatively calm place and has natural attractions closer to it. Kanchanaburi serves as a perfect destination for a day trip from Bangkok. This place housses historically important railway bridge, river and so much more. A visit to Erawan falls is a must if you are a nature lover.
Complete guide on day trip to Kanchanaburi
The Ancient City
The ancient city is also called as Muang Boran. The ancient city is the world’s largest open air museum which is just outside the busy Bangkok city. You can reach there within 2 hours from Bangkok city center.
This huge area contains several actual historical buildings that are brought here from several places in Thailand, few reconstructed. Also contains miniatures of several historical sites in Thailand and moreover has some imaginative constructions from the creators as well. To summarize, you can see all the attractions in the entire Thailand within this 200 acres space.
Constructing and preserving an area like this deserves a salute. You will be amazed at the 100+ amazing attractions out there. You have option to explore this huge area by bicycle, electric bike or in a golf cart. Tram like shuttles goes from one place to another in some places that you can get in for free, but don’t have a specific route or schedule addressed.
What to eat in Bangkok
Tom Yum Soup – Tom yum is a hotvand sour soup usually prepared with either prawns, chicken, pork or mix of these. This thai dish is a must try.
Mango Sticky Rice – Mango sticky rice is a sweet and lovely dish that typically served as a dessert. The portion is usually good enough to consider it as a mini meal. You will fall in love immediately with the tast of juicy mangos and cocunut milk infused rice. Take a quick visit to heaven when try you try this dish.
Pad Thai – Pad Thai is stirred fried rice noodles Thai dish. It is typically made with rice noodles, shrimp, peanuts, green onions, scrambled egg, sugar and bean sprouts. A famous street food dish which treats your taste buds.
Where to Stay in Bangkok
For solo backpackers – Once Again hostel
For families – Hotel Clover Asoke
How to Get Around in Bangkok and Surroundings
Bus – Almost all the buses are air-conditioned and also has a screen which indicates the upcoming stop. Take some cash with you to pay for buses.
Sky train – Choose a ride in sky train to enjoy an elevated city views and importantly to escape traffic during peak hours.
MRT Train – Underground MRT trains are also available in Bangkok.
Express Boat – Take a boat when you want to visit places along the Chao Phraya river. You can enjoy some scenic views from the boat. Check out boat schedule and routes here => https://www.chaophrayaexpressboat.com/chaophrayaexpressboat?lang=en
Grab / Metered Taxi – Public transport in Bangkok is very good and well maintained. If public transport is not available near to the location you are planning to visit or want to transport very early in the morning or very late night, choose taxi. Grab offers better rates usually.
How to get to Bangkok from airport and vice-versa
By train
Both the Suvarnambumi and Don Muang airports have train stations very close to them. Use the train to get to the city center, especially during rush hours to escape traffic.
Check the train operating hours. It does not run 24 hours. Usually starts around 5.30 am and runs till 12 midnight.
By Shuttle Bus
There are frequent shuttle buses that departs from the airport to go to different parts and routes within Bangkok city. Hop on to the correct bus, use google maps to get the correct bus number to your stay.
Shuttles also starts its operation early morning around 5.30 am and runs till midnight.
Grab
If you have many luggage, it is better to use Grab taxi to get to your hotel. Download the Grab app if you have not already and book ride.
Metered Taxi
A lot of metered taxis can be seen when you step out of airport. This tend to be bit expensive than using Grab.
Some useful Thai phrases
Hello: Sawadee (khrap/ka) – khrap at the end for Male, Ka at the end for Female
Thank you: Khop khun (khrap/ka)
How much?: Tao rai?
Essential Travel Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid drinking tap water. Use a refillable bottle and refill drinking water at your place of stay if available. If not, use bottled water.
Use sun screen during around noon hours.
RealBackpackers Rating
Food – 8/10
Accommodation – 8/10
Transport – 9/10
People – 9/10
Affordability – 9/10
Backpacker Friendliness – 10/10
Overall Rating – 9/10