With so much to do in Bangkok it can be difficult to know how best to drink in everything that the City of Angels has to offer you in terms of culture, experiences and activities. With this being said, much like many cities around the world, there are some things which you simply have to do during your time here, and these are the top 5 which we recommend that you start with.
Get a Thai Massage
Thai massage differs from other forms of massage in the techniques that are used and the theories of this type of massage, in that it focuses on the energy of the body rather than working the muscles and joints as they do in western massages like Swedish. The chaos of the city can be very appealing but you are going to need some time out during your stay and what better way to slip away from the beldam of Bangkok than to enjoy a reinvigorating and thoroughly relaxing massage? Thai massage takes place with you on the floor or a raised mat, fully clothed and whilst they use hands, elbows and forearms to work the body like many other massages do, here they bring the knees and the feet to the party as well. For the best Thai massage in Bangkok head to Sukhumvit 77/1 where you’ll find a number of massage parlors to choose from, TakraiHom is one that I would certainly recommend but you’ll have a wide range of options here.
Live It Up in the City
A trip to Bangkok wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the world-famous nightlife which the city offers, and we have the perfect tip on how to spend a great night here. Start your evening with a meal at Above Eleven located at Sukhumvit Soi 11, the restaurant offers Japanese-Peruvian fusion food which it serves tapas-style with small and tasty plates. The restaurant offers spectacular views of the city and makes for the perfect place to kick off your evening.
Once you are full up from tamales and empanadas, it’s time to move on to an exciting speakeasy bar called Photobooth, if you can find it that is…
This trendy cocktail bar can be found inside a sports bar on the 2nd-floor– just next to the Grand President Hotel on Soi 11. Once inside you have an enormous range of carefully prepared cocktails and international drinks to choose from and you have to try the ‘From SOHO to Soi 11’ which is made using Tanqueray gin infused with Chiang Mai coffee, mixed with spiced tonic water syrup and creme de cassis.
The cocktails don’t stop here and next stop on your big night out in Bangkok should be the Iron Fairies bar, a gothic-victorian spot which is designed like a ironmongers workshop. The bar only has a capacity of 55 so be sure that you get in quick to enjoy some live jazz music, some hearty food and some great cocktail and beer options. Once at your seat, open up the small wooden box on the table or complimentary snacks, just an example of the quirks and details to expect at this bar.
To finish the night with a flourish head to RCA where you will find a selection of the best clubs in the city. This designated ‘party zone’ offers a range of lively bars and nightclubs where you can take your pick of what sort of party you are looking for. Live DJs, EDM parties, funk shows, live jazz and even a cool hip-hop spot called ThaBeatlounge, whatever your bag is, you’ll find it right here.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
There are many western-style malls which you can hit for some respite from the hustle and bustle and to indulge in some retail therapy, but you’ll get much more bang for your buck if you head to one of Bangkok’s cool markets, and the Chatuchak weekend market is the pick of the bunch. This market occupies over 27 acres of space and you can quite literally find anything that you want here, from independent fashion designs to furniture, fresh produce to trinkets and antiques. If you’re looking for some souvenirs to take home, this is where to find them every Saturday and Sunday. Brush up your haggling skills and go grab yourself a bargain. The market is just outside Chatuchak park, and easily reachable via the MRT or taxi.
Thai Cooking Experience
Thailand is most certainly a contender for offering the best cuisine in the world and the range of options is absolutely astonishing. Instead of simply trying some of the dishes on offer, a cooking class bangkok is the perfect way to sample, learn and cook with some traditional Thai flavors and ingredients. There are many options throughout the city which offer this experience, with most lasting for 2 or 3 hours, giving you the perfect way to spend an afternoon, and learn a little more about this fascinating cuisine.
Visit The Golden Mount
A trip to Thailand wouldn’t be complete without a temple visit and Wat Saket, aka The Golden Mount, is certainly one of the best that you can find to visit. Wat Saket is a site which is revered by locals and loved by tourists and for many years this was the highest point in Bangkok, standing at 80 meters tall. Sitting proudly on top of an artificial hill is a golden chedi, a large domed building which contains relics and places for meditation, and this will be your destination. There are many routes to take up to the top of the mount and along the way you will be greeted by monks ringing bells for good luck and Buddhist statues and icons which gives you a taste of what is to come at the top. Inside the chedi is a relic of Lord Buddha and around the outside are intricate designs and bells with small notes hanging from them, once used to ask for blessings or prayers for those in need. Don’t miss out on the monk’s living quarters at ground level and the impressive Bodhi trees, the type of tree that Buddha sat under when he gained enlightenment. This is much more than a visit to a temple, from the top of the mount the panoramic views of the city are pretty special!
Insider Tip: For the best way to get to the Golden Mount head to Chitlom Pier and take the western line on the Saen Saeb canal. Doing this will give you a more relaxed way to travel and the chance to see a slightly different side to the city.
Regardless of how much time you have in Bangkok, these are 5 absolute musts which you should endeavor to do.
