1. Eat food in Chinatown- Chinatown is a colourful, noisy, busy area and home to Bangkok’s Chinese community. The Chinese residents used to live in the area where the Old City is, but Rama I decided to move the capital city across the river in 1782, and in doing so relocated the Chinese community. Chinatown is dotted with Chinese shrines and the streets are packed with market stalls, gold shops, Chinese medicine stores, wholesale spice shops and snack stalls. Whilst you’re there, eat some dim sum in one of the many Chinese restaurants.
2. Take a photo at the Grand Palace- The elaborate Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo are the most photographed sights in Bangkok. Work began on the Grand Palace under King Rama I in 1782 to provide a home for the King and a resting place for the Emerald Buddha. The Royal Family no longer lives in the Grand Palace, having moved to the Dusit area, but tourists visit this spectacular site to see Thailand’s holiest temple, Wat Phra Kaeo.
3. Have a cocktail in the Vertigo Bar- The Vertigo Grill and Moon Bar on top of the Banyan Tree hotel offers the best view of the city by night. On the roof of the 61st floor, at 196 metres high, you can sip on a cocktail and gaze at the twinkling lights of Bangkok below. Aptly named Vertigo, this open-air bar isn’t for those who are scared of heights and is only open weather permitting.
4. Take a river boat on the Chao Phraya river- No visitor to Bangkok should miss seeing Bangkok from the river. A great way to get around Bangkok without the hassle and hustle and bustle of traffic is by the Chao Phraya Express. There are stops all along the river bank and its a quick and cheap way to get from one place to another.
5. I surprised myself with my first visit to Jim Thompson’s House. It was far more interesting than I’d expected and was a delightful way to spend an afternoon away from the hustle and bustle of modern Bangkok. I’ve since been back a number of times with family and always enjoyed my visits to the ‘House on the Khlong’.
6. If you do make it to the Grand Palace, it’s only a short walk from there to Wat Pho the temple which is famous for the Reclining Buddha. Wat Pho is also considered to be the spiritual home for traditional Thai massage. Although the full-body massage can border on the painful when it’s being done, you should end up feeling better for it afterwards. I have to admit I’m not always keen on the full traditional massage so I often opt for a foot massage instead and Wat Pho is a great place to treat your feet and set yourself up for more Bangkok sightseeing.
7. Asiatique has successfully combined two of the most popular shopping experiences in the city: a night bazaar and a mall. Ten minutes downriver from Saphan Taksin BTS station this once-bustling international trade port has been transformed, with over 1,500 boutiques and 40 restaurants housed under a huge replica warehouse complex. Open from 17:00, spending an evening here is no problem: you’ll have good fun browsing the boutiques, picking up gifts or something for yourself; you are guaranteed to find something you would like to eat and if this isn’t enough entertainment, shows are performed nightly: Calypso ladyboy cabaret and soon, a classic Thai puppets performance.
8. Visit one of Bangkok’s Floating Markets A trip to one of Bangkok’s floating markets is essential for most visitors. Damnoen Saduak located 120km west of Bangkok is the most popular – it’s touristy but fantastic fun. Food prepared in floating kitchens is sold along with fresh fruits, flowers and more. Try going to Tha Kha, Bang Noi and Amphawa floating markets, which are more popular with locals escaping Bangkok for the weekend.
9. Shop at Chatuchak Market With 15,000 stalls and 20,000 visitors every weekend, Chatuchak Market is the largest and one of the most well-known markets in the world. It sells everything from clothing, crafts and collectables to household goods, plants and food. Get to the market early as it can get busy and extremely hot in the afternoon. The nearest BTS station is at Mo Chit.
10. Party at Bed Supperclub Bangkok is famous for its nightlife, so don’t miss Bed Supperclub on Sukhumvit Soi 11, a popular bar with futuristic pods and mattress-like seating resembling beds. Bed Supperclub is a favourite for private parties and event launches, and also serves delicious dinners at the restaurant. The club puts on theme nights featuring both local and international DJs, the brilliant venue is made all the more unique with its extensive cocktail list using fresh Thai ingredients.
