Man Walking Sideways Through Door – Bangkok
This buzzing city of more than 8 million people is filled with friendly locals, adventurous tourists and laid back expats. Thai culture is one of the most peaceful cultures we’ve ever come across. Not once during our visit did we see arguments, or an angry or violent person. This relaxed atmosphere between the ongoing chaos that is Bangkok makes for a uniquely pleasant experience across the city.
Spending 3 full days in Bangkok is enough time to get you to see all that needs to be seen. Their public transport which consists of taxis, tuk-tuks and the Bangkok Skytrain (BTS) is efficient and can take you to the place you want to be and see. As a tourist there is no need to rent a vehicle, we would even advise against it as no amount of time behind the wheel can prepare you for driving in Bangkok.
When finding accommodation, try to book a place within walking distance from a BTS station. We booked at Viva Garden Serviced Residence, located a mere two minutes’ walk from the Bang Chak BTS station. The staff at this four-star hotel were incredibly helpful, friendly and accommodating, offering their advice and tips to exploring the city. After a hot and humid day in the city, the swimming pool creates a refreshing experience that will definitely allow you to create a picture-perfect evening.
You’ll hear stories of people visiting Bangkok, arriving with only one set of clothes, and then buying two suitcases and returning with filled suitcases. You literally shop till you drop. Their sizes are bit smaller than Western standards but affordable and a variety of every sort. You’ll find yourself buying two or more of the same thing as it’s just too cheap to say no. Unfortunately, finding sizes for tall men are not that easy. The Platinum Fashion Mall in the Pratunam district is the number one place to go. The six-storey shopping centre filled to the brim with clothing stores will keep you busy for hours. The mall has a large food court to ensure you are well-nourished while spending your well earned Bhat.
Speaking of food, Thai food is delicious, filled with exotic spices and flavour. Spare half a day and learn to cook like them. If you stay at the Viva Garden Serviced Residence, we recommend you attend the Bangkok Thai Cooking Class Academy situated around the corner. You get to pre-order what you want to cook whereafter you are escorted to the local market to buy your ingredients. On your return to the cooking class, you will prepare your own five-course meal. Then you eat it of course! We’d suggest starving yourself three days beforehand. The food is delicious and so filling, you literally want to roll back to your accommodation. You may request for a takeaway box if you can’t finish eating all your food.
If you are still able to walk after lunch, why not take the BTS and visit Madame Tussauds – the world-famous wax museum and be blown away by countless wax celebrity figures. Get your tickets online beforehand at a cheaper rate than the museum ticket office. You can spend hours analysing the detail of their artwork. At one point stage, we starred Britney Spears in the eyes, and she looked so real, we were waiting for her to blink. Thankfully she didn’t or else one of us would have had a heart attack!
After a packed day, end your afternoon with an authentic Traditional Thai Massage. We had ours done at Viva Garden Serviced Residence by their in house masseuse staff. You are provided with clothes to wear and typically small but exceptionally strong Thai woman work through your body compressing, pulling, stretching and pinching almost every muscle.
A trip to Bangkok will not be complete without visiting a religious site such as a temple or Buddha shrine. The fine detail of the temples are mesmerising. We suggest you visit the Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha). You won’t believe how long this statue is and the size of its gold plated feet! For you photographers out there, prepare to be challenged with the angles, lighting and focus. We also suggest you visit the temples at Wat Phra Chetupon. You’ll notice lots of Buddha statues of different colour and heights. Buddha statues that can’t be taken care of or risk being destroyed are brought here and stored. When visiting any religious sites be sure to dress appropriately. Ladies, wear clothes that don’t expose too much skin (covered shoulders and covered knees). Before entering temples, you’ll be expected to take off your shoes and you’ll learn to never point your toes to a Buddha; it’s a sign of respect.
Bangkok is a massive, busy and sometimes chaotic city with something to do for everyone. From visiting markets, shopping at the fashion malls, purchasing electronics or having a religious experience, Bangkok will provide. We thoroughly enjoyed our time in the city, and we hope our sharing our experiences will help you in planning your trip as well.
