Bangkok - A City You HAVE To Experience!

From the moment the heat first hit me walking out from the air conditioned comfort of airport arrivals, through my first journey across the City, taking in the cacophony of colour as taxis filled the busy streets like a game of Tetris, images of the King hanging from road signs and street corners and the crazy mix of old and new with street stalls selling the sweet fruits of South East Asia sat next to ultra modern shopping complexes and grandiose hotels.

This was Bangkok - and I was in love!

Bangkok is all about experiences to me. I’ve been lucky to spend a few months here on and off and it feels like a home away from home. For most of you coming to Thailand and Bangkok for the first time you’ve probably only got a few days so I’m sharing a few hints and tips to help you get the most out of your time in this amazing city!

Experience it Like a Local - Use Public Transport

Using the myriad of local transport options to get around the city is an absolute must (at least for a day!). Buzz around in classic Bangkok style in the back of the famous tuk-tuk (honestly, you have to try it at least once), whizz around in air conditioned comfort on the Skytrain (overground) or Metro (underground), cruise up the Chao Phraya River in an Express Boat or take a long tail boat around Bangkok’s Khlongs (canals). It’s such an exciting way to experience and explore Bangkok, you’ll feel like a local in no time!

Get a Birds Eye View!

On the ground the city is at once chaotic and charming. From a distance it’s simply mesmerising! There’s no shortage of fabulous vantage points to get that birds eye view of everything Bangkok has going on and it’s definitely worth venturing up the stories to experience those breath-taking views for yourself.

Soar 63 floors up to The Sky Bar at Lebua or the 61 floors to the Moon Bar at the Banyan Tree Hotel. Both arguably amongst the most spectacular rooftop bars in the world! If you want to try something a little more under the radar then head to Above Eleven in Sukhumvit, one of my personal favourites or the slightly bizarre but equally incredible Baiyoke Sky Tower with its revolving outdoor observation deck, just the 84 stories high!

Take in Some Local Sport!

No sport says Thailand more than Muay Thai and Bangkok is most definitely THE place to experience the action. My favourite place to catch the best bouts is at Ratchadamneon Stadium (also known as Rajadamnern Stadium). Events take place here several times a week so it’s normally something that can fit with most stays in Bangkok. This is one of the big two arenas for Muay Thai in Bangkok and the perfect spot to take in an evening of the classic Thai sport. If you’re feeling brave it’s also possible to arrange a Muay Thai training session where you get to suit up and take a hands on Muay Thai experience – Come forward if you’re feeling brave!

Experience Bangkok by Night!

Like many of the world’s great cities, Bangkok truly comes alive at night and as the sun starts to set it takes on a new persona. As the heat of the day starts to subside, street side markets open and are awash with locals and tourists alike. I love feeling the heartbeat of Bangkok , walking down bustling Sukhumvit Road, snaking around markets stalls selling all manner of goods (be sure to barter if you want to purchase!!), the smell of world class street food simultaneously tantalising the senses, engulfing you from all angles. Wat Arun and temples around the city glisten with light, bars spring into life and the thriving Bangkok restaurant scene moves into full swing. Bangkok absolutely buzzes at night and the atmosphere is wonderfully captivating!

Eat (and drink) like a local!

Let me just say this now… I adore Thai food! Sweet, sour, salty, spicy – The 4 keys to Thai food and really there’s nowhere better to treat those tastebuds than in the Thai Capital itself. You may already know some of the classics such as Phad Thai or Green Curry but Thai food is so much more too! Try starting your day with a cup of Kafae (café) Boran, a traditional Thai coffee (or Kafae Boran, yen – The iced version), enjoy a bowl of Nam Tok, a Thai beef salad that’s one of my favourite dishes anywhere and the quintessential taste of Thailand, just be aware it can pack quite a chilli punch! For dessert you can’t go wrong with a classic mango sticky rice (head to Sukhumvit Soi 38 for one of my beloved spots) or try a bowl of Sarim (colourful noodles made from mung bean in sweet coconut milk and syrup). Your taste buds will be dancing with joy in no time!

A foodie tour around Bangkok is one of the best ways to experience some of these culinary treats whilst also discovering some fabulous local markets and eateries along the way! It’s one of the most exciting experiences you can have in Bangkok and if food is your thing then you absolutely must give yourself time to include this in your stay!

If this has tickled your tastebuds for some time in Thailand why not get in touch. I can help put together a memorable holiday experience that’s just right for you. It’s the perfect destination for couples and families alike and makes for a magical honeymoon too!