A bustling city with great local sites and tastes awaits you.
How many airports are in Bangkok?
Bangkok is home to 2 airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK). All of the flights that I took in Thailand were out of BKK. This was likely due to traveling with the airlines ANA, Bangkok Airways, and Thai Smile.
What is the best way to travel in Bangkok?
1) Tuk-tuk: A tuk-tuk is probably the easiest. It’s best to try to haggle for a tuk-tuk before getting into one. Be prepared for some intense driving and weaving between cars and other tuk-tuks. It will definitely give you an authentic feel for the city. Initially I was a bit scared to travel in one after reading about all the accidents that occur with tuk-tuks. I didn’t regret riding in them!
2) Grab: My friends and I used the app Grab while in Bangkok frequently since it is such a large city. This is the equivalent to Uber or Lyft in the States. Just make sure to have it downloaded on your phone. It is not uncommon for there to be a deal (e.g. first few rides free) for new riders. Grab can be great for longer rides that you may not want to take on a tuk-tuk (e.g. a ride to BKK from downtown).
3) Train: The train can also be great for a day trip. We were able to hop on the train to take an adventure to the ancient city of Ayutthaya.
4) Hiring a driver: My friend and I hired a driver to get from our hotel to some local markets outside of Thailand. We were able to find one from one of our tuk-tuk drivers.
Where are good locations to stay?
1) Novotel Hotel Suvarnabhumi Airport: If you are looking to stay within close proximity to the BKK airport, the best place to stay in Bangkok would be the Novotel. It’s a bit pricey but definitely a memorable experience as there is an underground walkway that connects the airport to the hotel. As I had a friend whose departure was late at night and one who arrived very early in the morning, this made for the perfect rest stop. It is pretty far from downtown, so the Novotel is best for those inconvenient flight times if you actually desire to get some sleep before or after a long journey. The staff there were very friendly and helpful during our stay.
Cost: For 2 nights, the cost for one room with 2 guests was 324.35 dollars. My friend and I found the best deal on Expedia.
Address: 999 Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel, Bang Phli, Samut Prakan, 10540 Thailand
2) Hotel Mermaid: This location was fantastic. It was just off of Sukhumvit Road. There were so many great restaurants and night markets to explore. It was also very close to the Sukhumvit metro stop on the blue line and between the Asok and Phrom Phong stop on the green line.
Cost: For 3 nights, the cost for 2 guests was 153.45 dollars. We purchased our hotel ahead of time on Priceline.
Address: 6 Soi Sukhumvit 29, Sukhumvit Road, Kwaeng Klongtoey Nua, Khet Wattana, Bangkok 10110
Website: http://www.hotelmermaidbangkok.com/
What do you recommend doing in Bangkok?
1) Bubble Tea: There are so many delicious bubble tea shops throughout the streets of Bangkok. Since my friend and I stayed at Hotel Mermaid, we would pass one called Cha By The Park frequently, right off of Sukhumvit Road, next to the Phrom Phong stop on the green line. The woman who worked there was so kind and would make us our drinks each time we stopped there.
Address: 597/5 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
2) Sky Bar: This is one of the tallest bars, located on the 63rd floor with an incredible view of the city. They are open from 4:00pm to 1:00am. It is pretty fancy so it may be worth getting dressed up to get a cocktail and enjoy the view. My friends and I went right before sunset and it was gorgeous watching the sky change colors at the end of the day. Make sure to make a reservation beforehand. One of the drinks that I enjoyed the most was a butterfly tea cocktail. Be prepared to pay for the drinks. However, the price is worth the beautiful view that comes with it.
Website: https://www.lebua.com/sky-bar
Address: 1055 Si Lom, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
3) Ladyboy Shows: My friend and I were really excited to see the Ladyboy shows in Bangkok. Please beware of scams regarding these shows. We were given advice from a local restaurant owner to go to Mambo 1,000 (e.g. Mambo Cabaret Show). He even arranged to help out with transportation. Initially we were wary and declined. However, after looking it up online and realizing that our original destination we were searching for was no longer having the shows, it sounded like a good idea. This restaurant owner pressured us and said that we needed to hurry to get there before it sold out.
I’ve had quite a few weird moments in life and this was up there. Throughout the show, Miranda and I couldn’t stop laughing as we were one of four individuals in a large theatre (not sure if this is because we attended the earlier of the 2 shows available). It was nice to get popcorn with the show. The flamboyant costumes worn by the ladyboys was really something. However, when we left the show, all of the performers were waiting for a large tip. We weren’t prepared for this and their tactics were pretty aggressive, uncomfortable, and awkward. They pretended to want to take pictures and charge us a fee for them. Depending on where you go, prepare yourself. After we left, we got pretty scared that the drag queens were going to follow us outside and try to take our money. Apparently Playhouse Cabaret is supposed to be good for Ladyboy shows. It was closed when we were there so we were unable to check it out.
4) Chatuchak Weekend Market: If you love markets, look no further. The Chatuchak Market boasts as being the largest market in Bangkok. There are vendors both indoors and outdoors for days. Haggling for the best price is part of the fun of this market. Make sure to leave space in your suitcase after visiting here. I bought some great presents for friends, in addition to some for myself (a silk robe and Thai tea). Come hungry too because all the street food is truly fantastic.
Address: Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
5) Khao San Road: If you are looking to party with fellow travelers from all over, then look no further. This road is filled with people from anywhere you can imagine in addition to bars and hostels. There is food sold throughout the night too.
Website: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g293916-d546013-Reviews-Khaosan_Road-Bangkok.html
6) The Grand Palace: This is worth the line to visit. Their website also states that able to tickets can be purchased online. Just remember when visiting that it is not open too late (daily from 8.30am to 3.30pm). There is also a very strict dress code. Initially I wore a shawl to cover my shoulders. However, I was told that this was not appropriate and needed to buy a t-shirt. Keep the dress code in mind before visiting as clothes are pricey in the gift shop.
Cost: 500 baht for foreigners
Address: Na Phra Lan Road, Grand Palace, Phranakorn, Bangkok 10200
Website: https://www.royalgrandpalace.th/en/home
6) Pak Khlong Talat (Flower Market): The flower market was beautiful and not too far from The Grand Palace. Enjoy the glorious scents and colors of so many flowers.
Address: Jakkrapet Road, Bangkok 10200,
7) Kenshin Izakaya: If you are craving some Japanese food in Thailand, this spot is worth it. We stumbled upon it walking to our hotel. They also have interesting beers like lavender beer.
Address: 575 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110
Website: https://www.facebook.com/kenshinizakayasukhumvit33/?utm_source=tripadvisor&utm_medium=referral
Cheers to lots of adventures in Bangkok!
Sarah Masse
Travelnista 