Posted 27 September 2022

Everything you should do when you travel to Bangkok

Renowned as the most populous city in Thailand, Bangkok finds its roots in the establishment of the 15th century, when it was merely a small trading post during the reign of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. In the 19th century, it was at the heart of the modernisation of Thailand, formerly known as Siam. In the 20th century, the city faced political mayhem to abolish the monarchy and adopt a constitutional rule. It saw many uprisings and grew rapidly between the 1960s and 1980s.

Today, Bangkok is popular for being the centre and an influencer of education, politics, economy and modernisation in Thailand. It seats all the branches of the national government. It is home to financial institutions and several commercial banks. Bangkok ranks at the top of most-visited tourist destinations in the world. Between 2010 and 2013, it bagged the title of the ‘World’s Best City’ in a survey conducted by the Travel + Leisure magazine.

Traditional Thai art is famous in Bangkok, and it boasts many museums and cultural centres where tourists can get acquainted with the local heritage. It is also famous for authentic Thai restaurants that serve delicious delicacies of native cuisine. Some popular dishes to try out in Bangkok include fried noodles (Pad Thai), stir-fried flat noodles (Pad See Eiu), slow-cooked pork (Khao Kha Moo), noodle soup (Khao Soi), mango with sticky rice (Khao Niew Mamuang), hot and sour prawn soup (Tom Yum Goong) and chicken coconut soup (Tom Kha Gai).

Amazing places to visit in Bangkok

Wat Arun: Also called the Temple of Dawn, the tower stands 260ft above the Chao Phraya River. It offers a stunning view of the setting and rising sun. It features an intricate design ornate with floral mosaics. It has an idol of Buddha, which is renowned to be designed by King Rama II. Its steep flights of stairs are not for people with a faint heart.
Grand Palace: For a historical tour in Bangkok, the palace is the residence of royals who have stayed here for a generation. Built in 1782, it is the holiest temple for the followers of Buddhism. It features pavilion sets, halls, lawns, courtyards and grounds. The palace has a rectangular structure and is renowned as Wat Phra Kaew.
Safari World: Divided into two parts, this is the world’s largest ‘open zoo’. A drive through marine park and safari park allows you to encounter dolphins and other wild and aquatic animals. It boasts indigenous species that are native to the land.
Art in Paradise: Depicting interactive and innovative 3D arts, the museum boasts amazing works of Thai and Korean artists. It was designed to allow people to experiencethe illusion and 3D art. It is a fun place to seek shelter from heavy rain or hot sun during the day. It is a two-storey building where you can click hundreds of fun pictures.
Siam Serpentarium: This is a snake museum with interactive snakes set around the place. It offers an exciting and thrilling experience that makes the trip memorable. It even hosts snake shows in the forest environment. It captivates the audience by showcasing how snakes survive, are born, hunt and procreate.
Siam Park City: Featuring adventurous rides of kids and adults, this theme park was established in 1980. Spreading over 120 acres, it is divided into five zones. The water park is one of the most visited places among the tourists and locals. You can visit it with family or friends.
Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World: Spanning over 110,000 sq. ft area, it is the largest aquarium in Southeast Asia. It is an underground aquarium that offers a one-of-a-kind experience with marine life. It houses aquatic life including crabs, octopuses, penguins, sharks and fish. It is divided into various sections like Shark Walk, Seahorse Kingdom, Rocky Hideout and Coral Reef. It also features a nursery centre and an aquatic quarantine.
Muangboran: It is an open-air museum that spreads over 300 acres. Featuring sculpture gardens and mini-museums. The ancient city boasts 115 monuments and buildings. It has shimmering streams and charming ponds. Ancient Theatrical Pavilion and the Garden of Sacred Stupa are the most-visited sites here.
What Pho: It houses the largest status of Buddha in the reclining position. It is renowned as the earliest centre in Thailand where public education was practised. It spreads over 8 hectares and is the headquartersof Thai massage and education of traditional Thai medicine.
Skywalk at MahaNakhon Observatory: To witness a stunning view of Bangkok, the skywalk is the best place to visit. It features a 63 sq. m glass tray on which you can sit or stand and view the bustling city unfolding below your feet. On the 74th floor, the observation deck is the most-preferred spot among locals to visit during the night.
Dusit Zoo: It experiences heavy footfall of tourists every year. It displays exotic and native species of animals. You can witness penguins, albino barking deer, monkeys and the white Bengal tiger. You can go boat riding and opt-out for tram rides. People often come here with family and friends to spend a fun day.
Wat Mangkon Kamalawat: This is the biggest Chinese Buddhist temple in Bangkok that features a seated golden Buddha. It is also called the Dragon Lotus Temple and was set up in 1871. It has Taoist, Buddhist and Confucian shrines where devotees light incense It is serene and peaceful to visit the temple. One can escape the bustling life of the city by coming here.

Best markets for shopping in Bangkok

Floating Markets: These markets are famous and one of the largest floating markets in Asia. You can buy tropical fruits and vegetables, souvenirs, fruit juice and local food items. A few renowned markets are Bang Ku Wiang Market, Taling Chan Market, Damneon Saduak and Tha Kha.
Chatuchak Weekend Market: For an ultimate shopping experience, this weekend market is the best place to buy suits of armour, vinyl records and Buddhist images. One can also buy household items and clothes here.
Pratunam: For fashion lovers, this is a perfect place to shop for fabric and clothes. It is a wholesale market where one can find trendy dresses at budget-friendly prices. You can also bargain here in this market.
Bangkok Flower Market: This jewel in Bangkok is the best place to buy blooming vibrant flowers. Garlands and fragrant bouquets offer a sensory experience. It is located in the Old City. The most popular flowers are jasmine, roses, lilies, orchids, lotus buds, and marigolds.
Patpong Night Market: Bustling with people, this is popular for fake Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Lacoste and Rolex luxurious items. You can also buy jewellery, DVDs, carved soaps and other handcrafted items for the home.
Chinatown Market: Situated in the oldest district in Bangkok, you can find beauty products and backpacks at pocket-friendly prices. It is also famous for teapot sets, souvenirs, wigs, pokemon pillows, herbs and anything for home décor. It is one of the busiest markets in the city.

Taste the delicious Thai cuisine in Bangkok

Bangkok is famous for restaurants serving delightful and tangy Thai cuisine. They are full of fragrant spices and fresh vegetables or meat. Some of the most famous dishes are spicy green papaya salad (Som Tum), fried rice (Khao Pad), spicy beef salad (Yum Nua), red curry (Gaeng Daeng), Pork Skewers (Moo Ping) and spicy Thai soup (Tom Yum Goong).

Some of the authentic and fine-dining restaurants include Lek Seafood, Kor Panich, Toy Kuay Teow Reua, Tom Yum Goong Banglamphu, 55 Pochana, Soei Restaurant, Kor Panich and Nai Sow.

Get acquainted with the rich and accepting culture

The culture of Thailand has a flexible concept of gender identity. It has been accepting people with all kinds of sexual orientations. It is said to be one of the most tolerant societies in Asia. Drag Race Thailand and Gay nightlife and events like these promote the social acceptance and respect of LGBTQ culture. People in Bangkok are also respectful and open towards other cultures.

Experience the illuminating and wild nightlife

There is no place like Bangkok to experience thrilling and lively nightlife. You can opt for a river cruise, dance it out in bars, taste sumptuous food in restaurants and drive through the illuminated city.

Travel tips before visiting Bangkok

Plan at least two-three months in advance
It is better to book an IndiGo flight route or any other flight during the offseason
Pack electronics safely
It is wise to book travel packages to stay hassle-free during the holiday
Pack light while travelling to Bangkok
Carry a photocopy of government IDs and passport
Drink lots of water while touring the city

How to reach Bangkok from India?

By Air: There are multiple flights to Bangkok from India operated by IndiGo. The airport in the city is said to be one of the busiest in Asia. There are two airports in the city – Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang International Airport.
By Road: Adventure enthusiasts can also plan a road trip from India to Bangkok via Myanmar. However, it can be expensive and take many days to reach the destination, depending on the origin of your journey.

Climate of Bangkok

Bangkok has a tropical savanna climate and is highly influenced by the South Asian Monsoon System. The city experiences only three seasons – cool, hot and rainy. The weather remains somewhat hot throughout the year. However, between November and March, the humidity and hotness remain at the lowest. The monsoon here begins at the end of May and continues until October.

Best time to visit Bangkok

The best time to tour the city is between November and March. The weather is pleasant around this time, and you can enjoy the festivities and food.

How to get around in Bangkok?

Bangkok has underground and Skytrain options to travel through the bustling city without experiencing traffic. You can also call a taxi or cab to reach a market, tourist spot or restaurant.

Bangkok bus rapid transit system is another way to get around the city at a pocket-friendly fare. It also features Tuk-Tuks and motorbike taxis to get you quickly through the traffic. You can also get around Bangkok via express boats, long-tail boats and ferry boat services.

Conclusion

Bangkok is a beautiful city with amazing tourist spots to cover. This winter, plan an international tour and make the most of this holiday season with Thai culture and cuisine.