A WEEKEND IN BANGKOK: MUST-SEE EXPERIENCES YOU CAN’T MISS

Also known as ‘The city of Angels’, we are not talking about the US-based Los Angeles, but rather one of the largest metropolises in Southeast Asia: Bangkok. Some people have lived there for years and still haven’t been able to get to know it all. Our visit lasted just 3 days, so we decided to visit just main attractions. I will summarise some of the main activities to do and places to visit, recommend selecting if you are staying no more than 3 days.

THE TEMPLES

• Wat Arun (Temple of the Down): an imposing 81.85 meters high central tower stands on the West side of the Bangkok’s river Chao Phraya. Around it there are four more smaller towers, entirely covered by Chinese pottery. The exact date of construction is not known, but it was built during Ayutthaya empire (before the 1600). You can get here by taking the ferry that goes back and forth across the river.

• Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha): it is located on the opposite bank from Wat Arun. As his name said, here you will find the famous giant golden Buddha. You can also admire beautiful Khmer-style paintings on the walls of the temple.

• Wat Phra (Temple of the Emerald Buddha): as its name says, here you’ll find the famous emerald Buddha statue. It is located within the walls of the Royal Palace.

Phra Borom Maha Ratcha Wang (the Royal Palace): Thailand is a parliamentary monarchy, and the King is held in great respect and reverence. You will see his image everywhere—on the streets, in shops, and at major tourist sites. It is therefore essential not to show any disrespect toward the King, as this is punishable by imprisonment, even for tourists. Not because of this concern, but due to lack of time, we did not visit the Royal Palace. Inside, we would have found three concentric courts: the Outer Court, the Central Court, and the Inner Court. Rama I (the first king of the Chakri dynasty) began the construction of this complex in 1782, the same year the capital of Thailand was moved from Ayutthaya to Bangkok. Not only the capital, but also bricks and sacred images were transferred from Ayutthaya to assist with the construction. From 1782 until 1931, the Royal Palace served as the main religious and administrative centre. Since 1925, the King no longer resides there, but the complex is still used for certain royal ceremonies.

Traditional dresses at Wat Arun.

THE MARKETS

• Damnoen Saduak Floating market: If you have ever searched for images of Bangkok, you have probably already seen this famous floating market, as it is one of the city’s main tourist attractions. In reality, it is located outside Bangkok, and visiting it can take an entire day. You can either book a tour or arrange a round trip with a driver.

• Once there, you will need to pay around €20–30 for a canoe tour, as it is the only way to explore the area. In short, it is one of the more expensive things you can do in Bangkok. Said that, you will definitely get some great photos, meet friendly vendors selling mango sticky rice from their boats, pass by traditional Thai houses along the canals, and even visit a sugar factory. All things considered, it is a very tourist-oriented experience, so think carefully about whether it is worth it if you only have a few days.

• Chatuchak Market: this is the biggest market in Bangkok where you will find literally everything you can imagine and more. You will probably get lost looking for strange fruits or fake clothing brands.

• Market on the Maeklong railway: this market may also look familiar from photos online. However, it is located about 80 km from Bangkok, and getting there is even more complicated than reaching the floating market. We chose to skip this excursion, as it would have taken almost an entire day.

HONEST TIP: If you only have a few days, avoid the markets located far from the city. They may give you great photos, but they’re mostly tourist traps. Choose Chatuchak instead if you want to experience a truly local market.

Damnoen Saduak Floating market.

ONE NIGHT IN BANGKOK

• Roof tops: Like any major metropolis, Bangkok is dominated by towering skyscrapers alongside traditional houses. You shouldn’t miss the chance to admire the city from above, especially at sunset, when it lights up in the dark. There are many rooftop bars where you can enjoy a Lost in Translation-style view, sipping a cocktail looking at the city lighted up. We chose the Above Eleven rooftop.

• Khao san road and Banthat Thong Road: These streets are lined with both Michelin-starred and casual restaurants. You will be spoiled for choice, and everything is delicious. If you want to dive into Thai cuisine, you could easily spend an entire evening here. We tried to get a table at the Michelin-starred Jeh O Chula, but couldn’t find a spot, so we ended up at another place, Longleng Noodle, where the chef prepared soups right on the street, it felt like watching a magic show.

• Chinatown: if you are not afraid of wild streetfood and you love colourful street lighting, these roads are for you. Go there after the sunset to appreciate the colours, sounds and strong flavours of these streets.

Banthat Thong Road.

NOTE ASIDE: Bangkok is a vast metropolis. Skyscrapers tower over millions of inhabitants, and the city has undergone massive expansion since the 1980s. Houses are densely packed, and many of the city’s canals have been paved over. Yet, from time to time, you will come across corners that seem untouched by time: narrow streets hidden behind shopfronts, elderly men playing chess, and traditional houses still resisting change. Let yourself be drawn into these places and imagine, for a moment, what Thailand looked like before Western culture reshaped the city.

TRANSPORTS: From the airport to the city center, the Skytrain is a very convenient option. If you are comfortable using Google Maps, I highly recommend trying local transport such as buses or the metro, as they are also the cheapest option. If you prefer to save time and take a taxi, it is essential to download the Grab app. You can also opt for a motorbike taxi - definitely a more adventurous experience and often quicker in traffic. Last but not least, tuk-tuks are everywhere, but they are often more expensive than taxis, as they are mainly used by tourists. Always agree on the price beforehand and don’t hesitate to bargain a little.