Bangkok: An Insider’s Guide

Have you been wondering lately where to spend your next vacation? Why not consider going on a trip to Bangkok, Thailand? Aside from going on a foodtrip, the city’s rich and well-preserved cultural heritage is one of the main reasons why you should look for cheap flights to Bangkok via the Suvarnabhumi Airport a.k.a. Bangkok International Airport and make your way to the bustling city of angels.

There’s actually no denying my fascination for this wonderful city in Southeast Asia. I’m so addicted to Bangkok that I’ve travelled there countless times without minding that it’s only 1 of the 2 countries I’ve been to in SEA.

Every traveller should be familiar with the things to consider when planning your travel itinerary to enjoy your vacation. There are also different modes of transportation in Bangkok too choose from to navigate its streets easily.

For shopaholics out there, where to shop in Bangkok to find great deals is a must. And if you want to have a break from shopping, consider visiting the coolest mall in Asoke and find out why toilet hopping at Terminal 21 in Bangkok is FUN. 🙂

If you are pressed with time, might as well check out information on things to do in Bangkok in 1 day. Consider visiting the Golden Mount or make your way to Chatuchak Park and enjoy nature’s retreat in their lush gardens.

But wherever your feet leads you, be sure to taste authentic Thai dishes!

You can find mouth-watering meals like the Thai Seafood Noodle Salad on the streets of Bangkok but if you want to dine in a classy atmosphere without letting your wallet suffer, then food courts inside huge malls are the best alternatives to finding roasted ducks and other Thai dishes.

For more information about your trip to the Land of Smiles, check out this informative guide I created for your trip to Bangkok 🙂

Insider’s Guide to Bangkok

Five must-try local dishes:

Tom yam kung nam khon (Hot and sour coconut prawn soup): Your trip to Bangkok isn’t complete until you taste this famous hot and sour dish made of prawns, coconut milk, fragrant fresh herbs, lime juice and chillies. You just need to prepare your taste buds – this dish is extremely spicy.

Pad Thai: This dish consists of stir-fried thin rice noodles mixed with fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, peanuts, bean sprouts, your choice of meat, fried egg, herbs and spices. Make sure some pad thai lands on your table while you’re in Bangkok.

Kaeng hiao wan kai (Green chicken curry): If you want to know the level of spiciness your taste buds can handle, try this tongue-burning curry-based dish; it’s one of those irritatingly spicy yet yummy dishes that you should indulge in. You can also choose red or yellow curry served with beef, pork or fish depending on your preference.

Som tam (Green Papaya salad): Although this dish is more of a salad than a main course, taking a mouthful of fresh papaya salad gives you a kick. The mixture of hot chilli, fish sauce, sugar and lime juice all pounded together with the thin strips of papaya and herbs makes one mouth-watering dish.

Khao Niao Mamuang (Mango with sticky rice): One great way to finish your Thai meal is by indulging in a spoonful of mango with sticky rice for dessert. Considered one of the famous sweet snacks in Thailand, the sweetened rice and mango combo gives you a little taste of heaven.

Five restaurants only locals would know:

Unassuming, small restaurants featuring tasty cuisine are scattered throughout Bangkok. You may be surprised to learn the best places to find delicious Thai cuisine can be at the eateries that set up stalls on the street. Small diners are frequented by locals too and that’s where you can find the best and authentic Thai dishes.

Kuang Sea Foods Restaurant: Located in 107/13 Soi Rangnam in Phaya Thai, near the Victory Monument, this seafood restaurant is visited frequently by locals. The eatery offers an extensive selection of freshly cooked seafood and other Thai dishes.

Heng Chun Seng: This fire pot restaurant located at 133 Thanon Sunthon Kosa near the Khlong Toey Market along the Queen Sirikit MRT station serves richly flavoured beef soup. The meat is extremely tender and delicious.

Som Tam Khun Gan: If you want to dine in a relaxed atmosphere as you devour delicious Thai dishes, check out this restaurant along Sukhumvit Soi 101/1. The eatery’s steamed prawns (Pra Goong) and snake head fish with vegetables (Pla Chon Lui Suan) are among the must-try dishes.

Tien Song Paed Yang: This restaurant located at 168-172 Dinsor Road, which is across from the City Hall, specializes in roasted duck, egg noodle soup, Chinese dumplings and fragrant coffee concoctions paired with butter toast. This Chinese-inspired restaurant is best for those who do not fancy spicy dishes.

Thip Samai Pad Thai: You should never leave Bangkok without tasting its classic Pad Thai dish – vermicelli noodles wrapped in fried egg, shrimp and other herbs and spices. You can find these authentic Thai fried noodles along 315/1 Maha Chai Road at Samran Rat Phra Nakhon.

Five popular spots to grab a drink:

Sky Bar: If you are looking for a view of Bangkok’s city lights, then you’ll want to end up at one of the world’s highest open-air bars. The elegant Sirocco Sky Bar along Silom Road observes a strict dress code and serves expensive drinks but once you get a full 360-degree view of Bangkok, you’ll see why this is one of Bangkok’s top spots.

Beer Vault: Although the prices of the Beer Vault’s drinks are a little steep, patrons can take advantage of the bar’s buy-one-take-one deals during happy hour, choosing from a wide selection of beers from around the world. This cozy bar with a great atmosphere is located at Four Points by Sheraton along Sukhumvit Soi 15.

Cheap Charlie’s: This bar has experienced three decades of friendship between its previous owner and its patrons. Though it’s not your typical go-to bar, Cheap Charlie’s, which is located along Sukhumvit Soi 11, will give you a sense of nostalgia with its keepsakes from repeat Bangkok visitors. . Cheap Charlie’s also lives up to its name – the bar has one of the cheapest beers in town.

Pubs lining the streets of Khao San Road: Khao San Road is a great place to grab a few drinks. Considered the backpacker mecca of Bangkok, Khao San Road features a number of bars where you can grab a cold Chang beer, cocktails and more while relaxing and socializing with other backpackers.

Restobars along Soi Rambuttri: Soi Rambuttri at Phra Nakhon District is also a great spot to grab a drink or two if you want a more subdued atmosphere away from the rambunctious crowd of party goers at Khao San Road.

Five scenic photo opportunities:

Wat Arun: Also known as the Temple of Dawn, Wat Arun is one of the famous landmarks in Thailand. This temple, which sits across the Chao Phraya River, is exceptional – especially at the break of dawn or when the sun begins to set in the afternoon.

The Rama VIII Bridge: The Rama VIII Bridge is one of the most photogenic bridges in Bangkok. Whether you go there on foot or take a river cruise, this spectacular bridge stands out; it looks like a giant harp floating in the Chao Phraya River. Visiting the cable bridge at night is ideal if you’re hoping to capture the best photos.

The Chao Phraya River: This is one of the best venues for taking sunset photos. You can either stay at one of the docks along the Phra Arthit Pier or take a river cruise as you wait for the sky to splash orange hues across the horizon. Other interesting sights include snapshots of the Wat Arun Temple, the Thai houses along the river and the kids dipping in the river for an afternoon swim.

The Grand Palace: The most celebrated tourist destination in Bangkok holds one of the most beautiful pieces of architecture in the world. The golden-tiled giant pagodas, well-manicured gardens and the Emerald Buddha are just a few of the sights that await you and your handy camera when you visit Bangkok. And if you’re lucky, you may see cherry blossoms blooming at the gardens and parks nearby when winter arrives.

Bangkok’s cityscape: The cityscape at night is a sight to behold. Finding a prime spot that gives you an aerial view of Bangkok is one thing you should consider as you are likely to take home exceptional photos of the busy expressways that crisscross Bangkok’s streets.

Five fun outdoor activities:

Temple hopping: Your Bangkok trip won’t be complete without a taste of the city’s rich heritage. Visiting two to four major temples is a must-do in Bangkok.

Shopping: One irresistible activity you shouldn’t miss is making the trip to one of the biggest flea markets in Southeast Asia, the Chatuchak Weekend Market. This is where you get to spend all your travel funds on cheap knock-off designer shirts and more at a bargain price.

Cruise along the Chao Phraya River: Taking a river cruise, enjoying a dinner buffet and seeing the sun set over Bangkok is one of the best ways to end your day.

Indulge in street food: Perhaps one of the most celebrated ways to enjoy Bangkok is by feasting on its street food. There are many street stalls that offer delicious treats and sinfully delicious dishes. Don’t miss out on the late-night snacks in Chinatown.

Get a traditional Thai massage: Whether you choose a posh spa or a reclining bed along the streets of Soi Rambuttri, reward yourself with an authentic Thai massage. You clearly deserve it after a tiring day of temple hopping and shopping!