Temples, night markets, street foods, red lights, and floating markets -these are what Bangkok is immensely popular for. A tourist favorite of the recent years, this city is an awesome juxtaposition of the old and new, solemn and outrageous.
Here are some of the popularly beaten places for tourists where my family of three have gone elbows-to-elbows with around the crowd in Bangkok.
Khaosan road: nightlife, street food, tattoos/henna, street massage, and coconut ice cream!
Wat Traimit: Solid Gold Buddha Temple located in Bangkok’s Chinatown
Wat Pho: the most beautiful temple of the three temples we’ve visited. Home to the biggest/longest reclining Buddha and center for learning Thai massage
Wat Benchamabophit: Temple made of marble, nothing too special inside tho. If you have to visit one temple in Bangkok, I recommend Wat Pho.
Soi 38: A haven for cheap goodness. It has the best mango sticky rice I’ve tried (I’ve had mango sticky rice almost everyday for 8 days in Thailand!). Soi38’s food hawkers start from 5pm in time for the locals coming home for dinner.
Soi Cowboy: This is one of Bangkok’s major red light district, with more western visitors. Close to the end of the road is the ladyboy bar -Cockatoo! No, we weren’t able to get in at any of the bars since we’re carrying a baby … next time, when he’s 13 maybe (hehe).
Damnoen Saduak: The oldest floating market which is an absolute tourist trap! The market is not really a local’s market, all things on sale are souvenirs for tourists and overpriced foods -but we still suck up to it, still a good experience.
Sampran Riverside: Popular for its elephant and cultural show. It also has a small mock up of the floating market. We have tried their organic int’l buffet restaurant -nothing special except for the seafood noodle soup and the fresh tropical fruits from dessert!
There are a lot more to see and do in Bangkok -fancy shopping at Siam center, stroll at the Royal Grand Palace, a daytrip to Ayutthaya, etc. You just got to pick your best bets unless you have a lot of time staying in this awesomely chaotic megalopolis!
NOMADIC PURSUITS 