Joanna James
No trip to Thailand is complete without visiting its cosmopolitan capital, Bangkok. You can expect a dynamic destination where ‘East meets West’ to create a fascinating cultural melting pot. Here are five reasons why you should be heading to Bangkok this year for an unforgettable getaway.
If Bangkok had a soul, it would be found in its temples and cultural landmarks. Start at the Grand Palace, home to the iconic Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), a masterpiece of craftsmanship. The stunning reclining Buddha statue at Wat Pho and the towering spires of Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) will also leave you in awe. The National Museum Bangkok showcases the city’s rich history, while the charming Artist’s House (Baan Silapin) blends art with tradition, offering puppet shows and creative vibes. Plan a visit during cultural festivals like Songkran in April, and you can enjoy everything from enriching activities to the most epic water fights you will ever join!
By day, the city shines but by night, it truly dazzles! One of the best places to experience nightlife in Bangkok is undoubtedly Khao San Road, easy to do when based at properties in this area including Tinidee Trendy Khaosan. You can experience the locale’s electric energy and visit plenty of bars, pubs and popular venues like The Club Khaosan, where the beats are as intoxicating as the cocktails. For more club-hopping escapades there’s Sukhumvit featuring hotspots such as the Sing Sing Theatre or Royal City Avenue (RCA), home to ONYX. Whether you are dancing under neon lights or sipping rooftop drinks with breathtaking city views, Bangkok’s nightlife ensures you will have a story worth sharing… or keeping to yourself!
The street food scene in Bangkok is legendary and with so much to choose from, you can enjoy new dishes and flavours each day. Don’t miss spicy Thai seafood soup (Tom Yum Goong), grilled pork (Moo Ping), Thai crepes (Khanom Bueang), Thai boat noodles (Kuay Teow Reua) and mango sticky rice (Khao Niao Mamuang). While you can savour local specialities at a Khao San Road Thai restaurant, don’t forget there is more exotic fare too such as fried insects which can be described as a crunchy surprise! Suffice it to say that with Bangkok’s food offerings, each meal will feel like an Instagram-worthy moment.
If you really need some retail therapy or want to go on an all-out shopping spree, Bangkok will not disappoint either. For luxury finds, head to ICONSIAM or EmQuartier. For a quirky experience, Terminal 21 has you covered with its global-themed floors. For a good bargain, don’t miss the Chatuchak Weekend Market, where haggling is part of the fun. Meanwhile, Asiatique The Riverfront combines riverside views with shopping and street food, making evenings here unforgettable. Whatever you are looking for, the city’s shopping scene will have you saying, “Just one more bag!”
The city’s charm flows along the Chao Phraya River, where ferries and other types of boats offer a unique perspective of the Thai capital. Glide past Wat Arun, its spires glowing golden at sunset, or book a dinner cruise for a romantic meal under the stars. Take a detour via a longtail boat tour into the city’s klongs (canals), where life slows down. You will get to see traditional stilt houses and locals going about their daily lives, a world away from the urban hustle and bustle. Whether it’s a peaceful ride or an evening feast, Bangkok’s river adventures are simply unforgettable.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
