There is so much to do and see in this city but I’m not here to tell you about all the usual suspects and guide-book top 10 like a true “well traveled friend” I want to tell you about some of the less spoken about location yet not less incredible.
I will probably want to add and change and improve on all the below as time goes on but this is my here and now.
Bangkok the Best Bits
I sort of feel like this place should be obligatory for anyone visiting Thailand. It’s a cultural goldmine. It’s really shabby around the edges and this actually made feel a little sad I’m not going to lie. The museum is spread over a number of annexes with different themes from Royal carriages to Buddhist sculpture and traditional Thai instruments. You will honestly sounds like a total Thai aficionado once you leave this place. If you want to find a good way to get here its really close to the public Charo Praya express boat which is worth all the 50c you pay for it too. Pictured “The Red House” and my future bed!
I make a personal bee line for the zoo in most of the city’s that I visit. Two reasons, I think it gives you an interesting insight into just how humane the country really is and I just love all the crazy animals up close. Bangkok Zoo is safari style and pretty relaxed in terms of animal enclosure ha! sums up Thailand very well I think. Camels, cranes and some weird looking lizards were some of the animals just roaming around. There is a giant lake with row boats and pedal’s for rent. A nice break from the traffic and walking distance from one of the most amazing palaces. More below….
This is advertised as the worlds largest teak wood mansion. I just loved it here. The stately old world glamour, the wiff of royalty and of course teak wood. The house is full of Thai royal history and an amazing collection of old photographs. The antique furniture, fabrics and ceramics and stunning too this place is well worth a visit. Be warned there is a strict dress code here as this was once a royal residence so bring your sarong and cover your shoulders.
Spiritual Calm. This is the best way to describe Face Bangkok. This oasis right in the midst of the busy district is fabulous. Lush tropical gardens, beautiful carved wood benches, sweet-scented flowers and cocktails! Face encompasses two restaurants a cocktail bar and spa although just 10 minutes in the garden feel like a mediation session in itself.
Thais are great lovers of any kind of market but especially night markets. Personally Rot Fai is my favorite. Firstly because it is a night market so you don’t have to melt in the mid day heat and secondly because it just had so many crazy, unique and beautiful things. Vintage Cadillac and a cocktail (there is that word again eek) anyone? I have never left here empty-handed. IMPORTANT NOTE: Rod Fai market has moved to a new location at Srinakarin Soi 51, just behind Seacon Square. Best way to get there is via taxi – all drivers should know Seacon Square.
This is officially a day trip out of the city there is so much to see and do and even a stunning place to stay The Bangkok Tree House a truly “green ” hotel. The area is referred to as the “green lung” of Bangkok and after a days cycling around this beautiful floating jungle you really feel like your lungs are a little greener. Wildlife, temples, incense makers, orchards and floating markets. A sensory overload. I promise to write a much more in-depth post about this amazing location in the future. Link coming soon.
Bangkok is famed for its vast shopping centers from the electronic meccas of MBK and Pantip Plaza to the glitzy Siam Paragon housing Hermes, Vuitton and Chanel boutiques amongst many others. The newest addition is Asiatique. Located outside of the frenetic spaghetti junctions of Siam, Asiatique is housed in the renovated old Dutch shipping warehouses of South bangkok. They operate a free boat service to get your there and its well worth an evenings visit. The market place is filled with small independent traders selling pottery, jewelry, crafts, antiques and clothing. A great place to catch up on souvenirs, eat great food and even ride a giant ferris wheel. You can see more about Asiatique in my post here. Open every evening from 4PM till late.
