I’m not entirely sure if we really knew what to expect from Bangkok before we got there. I think I imagined it would be more third world than first. But it’s got it’s stuff sorted (mostly), and if you’re anything like us, you’ll have fun. Here are our top 5 reasons to visit Bangkok.
1. It’s hectic and that’s exciting
Bangkok is next level busy. With queues of traffic, crazy road rules, (or lack there of), and stuff to do and see everywhere you look. I found all the modes of transport pretty darn fascinating, it just seemed like a good idea at the time to stop in the middle of the road and take this shot below.
2. Chinatown
We love an excuse to explore a Chinatown in a new location and Bangkok didn’t let us down. We spent the most part of a day exploring the alley ways, eyeing up the cheap buys, eating the hawker food and stuffing our faces at Hong Kong Noodle. This was a restaurant buried reasonably deep into Chinatown and served up some decent Shao Mai (my fave).
136/4 Charoen Krung Rd, Khwaeng Samphanthawong, Khet Samphanthawong, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10100, Thailand
3. The Shopping
Oh my word, if you’re a shopper like me you’ll have the time of your life, with malls, markets and more malls.
If you’re in Bangkok on the weekend, you definitely have to hit up Chatuchack Weekend Market where you’ll need to spend at least a few hours. We picked up most of our family’s gifts on this one day, so don’t be thinking you’ll be leaving empty-handed. Oh, and we bought lots of food.
Another market we taxied to from At Mind Executive Suites our hotel in Sukhumvit, was the Train Market held in the evening every Thursday to Sunday. It’s a good chance for some cheap and tasty food, and if you’re missing the comforts of home, you can get fries drowned with cheese to remind you about dairy.
We also walked a very long way (from the Grand Palace) to get to the Patpong Night Market, held in the evening near the famed red light district of Bangkok. Worth checking out, maybe, but it was the first and only time a vendor in Asia swore at me, and the only time in my life I’d be offered the opportunity to see a lady do something pretty fantastic with a bottle. In case you’re wondering, while fascinated and impressed, I politely declined.
I also loved the flower market, Pak Khlong Talat, which is near the Grand Palace. Just go earlier in the day that we did, to ensure you’re seeing the most beautiful flowers they have to offer, plus there’s lots of chilies for sale just around the corner. The place was emptying out by the time we arrived at 4pm.
There’s also heaps of malls for all different budgets, from high-end to basically a market with walls and air conditioning.
4. You get to ride in proper Tuk Tuks
Throughout Asia all the countries have their version of a ‘Tuk Tuk’, but I reckon the ones in Bangkok are the real deal. You’ll no doubt have to haggle to get a price near what you want to pay, but even if it’s for to a destination just a couple of km’s away, you’ve got to do it.
5. The Best darn Italian we’ve had outside Italy
While our hotel was nice and had a decent view from the rooftop pool, the area is a little out of the way. There’s a mall with only Fast-food joints and Tesco 1km along the road, so we googled restaurants nearby and landed on Gianmi & Peppe Italian Restaurant.
This is a tiny place with true authentic Italian food, cooked by an Italian chef. Even if you’re not staying in this area, you should probably try it. Such a random location for such good Italian. Mike had the lasagne, I had the pasta. Mamma mia!
Sukhumvit Rd, Khwaeng Bang Chak, Khet Phra Khanong, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10260, Thailand
To wrap up, lessons from Bangkok are: Eat, shop, explore and remember sometimes it’s good to not be a tight-ass and to just take a taxi. If you liked this post, please check out our other posts from Thailand, starting with Chiang Mai.