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The Hypothetically Perfect Day in Bangkok

The Hypothetically Perfect Day in BangkokThe Hypothetically Perfect Day in Bangkok

You might be scratching your head at my title. Why the โ€œhypothetically perfectโ€? Itโ€™s because Bangkok has a way of screwing up even the best planned day.

A well-intentioned tourist might have a full day itinerary planned out. But between the unrelenting heat and humidity, the crowds youโ€™ll encounter at the tourist hotspots, the touts and scammers, the traffic and time spent getting around, and the pollution and noise, plans oftentimes get ditched mid-afternoon. People go back to their hotel room, take a shower, burn their clothes and spend the rest of the day by the pool or hotel bar (Iโ€™ve been to Bangkok 6 times now. Iโ€™ve had days where Iโ€™ve done exactly the above). Bangkok is not the easiest place to visit. But it can be one of the most exciting and stimulating cities in the world if you do it right.
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So how to get the best out of Bangkok?
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I reached out to a couple of travel bloggers who live in Bangkok for this post and asked them for their thoughts on the โ€œperfect dayโ€ in Bangkok.

I received two completely different itineraries.
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Bangkok Bloggers. The Hypothetically Perfect Day in Bangkok
Above: Bangkok based travel bloggers. Dave from Dave’s Travel corner (left) and Ric from GlobalGaz (right). We met them at the Deck at Arun Residence on the riverside.

 


 


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Ric from Global Gaz

Ricโ€™s itinerary is for someone whoโ€™s never been to Bangkok and has 1 day to see all the best that the city has to offer. It includes the top tourist highlights, great food, and some unique Bangkok experiences. Itโ€™s a comfortable, up-market itinerary.

[I had my own itinerary that I wanted to include in this post but it was so similar to Ricโ€™s that Iโ€™m not including it.
Instead Iโ€™ll just add a few notes to his recommendations].
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Ricโ€™s Itinerary:

– wake up

– eat some mango and sticky rice (almost anywhere).

– get a massage (almost anywhere. Youโ€™ll pay about 300 Baht for 60 minutes).

 

Skytrain in Bangkok


– Lunch: go for the incredible buffet at the Sofitel Sukhumvit. Note: Take the BTS (ie. Skytrain) and get off at Nana. Itโ€™s scenic, comfortable, and the best way to get around the city. Get the Eatigo app and you can get this meal for 550 Baht/person.

 

Wat Phra Kaew (Grand Palace), Bangkok
Above: Wat Phra Kaew

 


 

 

– Visit the grandest temple in Thailand: Wat Phra Kaew (known simply as the โ€œGrand Palaceโ€). You can easily spend 2-3 hours here. Note: To get here after your buffet lunch youโ€™ll have to take the Skytrain to Saphan Taksin and from there take a river ferry down the river to Tha Chang (pier No 9). The river ferry is another must-do experience.

 

river ferry in Bangkok


– Go to the river and watch sunset fall behind Wat Arun. The Deck at Arun Residence is a good place for drinks while looking at the views over the river.

 

Wat Arun, Bangkok, Thailand
Above: Wat Arun at sunset (photo credit to GlobalGaz)


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– Dinner: go to Thip Samai for the best Pad thai in Bangkok (and itโ€™ll only cost you 60 Baht). Note: Itโ€™s about 2km from the river โ€“ if you havenโ€™t taken a Tuk Tuk yet this is a great opportunity to do so.

– Backtrack to the river and visit Wat Pho which is lit up beautifully at night.

 

Wat Pho, Bangkok, Thailand
Above: Wat Pho at night (Photo Credit to Global Gaz)

 


 

 

– Take a Grab (theyโ€™ve just bought out Uber in SE Asia) and go to the Lebua Hotel for some of the best rooftop views of Bangkok. I only have one drink here since the prices are so expensive, but I look at it as a cover charge for the amazing view. Hangover 2 was filmed here.

 

Sky Bar at Lebua Tower, Bangkok
Above: Sky Bar at Lebua Tower (photo credit to Global Gaz)

 

See Ric’s post featuring Bangkok at Night.

 

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Dave from Daveโ€™s Travel Corner

Daveโ€™s itinerary is authentic, eclectic, and is a hybrid of both off-the-beaten-path and luxury experiences. Itโ€™s for people whoโ€™ve previously been to Bangkok and know their way around. Iโ€™ve been to Bangkok 6 times and havenโ€™t heard of some of the things listed below. Iโ€™m going to follow this itinerary on my next visit.
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Daveโ€™s Itinerary:

– enjoy breakfast Thai style: street food, sweating next to a tiny canal near Victory Monument at Boat Noodle Alley. Some shops open at 9am, the best ones open at 10am. Often 5+ bowls is what you need to order to fill up. The bowls are tiny!

 

boat noodle alley, The Hypothetically Perfect Day in Bangkok
Above: Boat Noodle Alley

 

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– find a calm space in the urban chaos, one of my favorites is the private estate: Prasart Museum & Gardens.

 

Bangkok Museums, The Hypothetically Perfect Day in Bangkok
Above: Prasart Museum and Gardens (Photo Credit: Dave’s Travel Corner) .

 


 


– visit one temple. A few of my favorites of the 70 or so I’ve visited to date in town, often focusing on the lesser visited temples are: 
Wat Khun Chan (Jan) Waramattaya, Wat Mangkon Kamalawat Temple, Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen, Wat Saket, Wat Prayurawongsawas Waraviharn, Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan (Loha Prasat)

 

Bangkok Temples, The Hypothetically Perfect Day in Bangkok
Above clockwise: Wat Khun Chan (Jan) Waramattaya, Wat Saket, Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan, Wat Prayurawongsawas Waraviharn.


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– If for some reason you have extra time before a pre-dinner cruise, visit one of numerous Thai massage places and relax with a foot massage before your big evening starts.

– pre-dinner cruise. Check out Supinigga Cruise, leaves from Asiatique.

 

cruise on the river, Bangkok


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– Dinner – Eat Me, one of the top 10 meals I’ve ever had in my life. The restaurant is 20 years old.

– the night is young. Visit an eclectic bar with a dungeon like feel: Iron Fairies.

 

Iron Fairies, Bangkok, Thailand


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– still have energy? Check out a rooftop bar with 360 degree views of the city skyline, I like the Attitude Bar (at the Avani Riverside) or, if more convenient, check out the Cielo Skybar & Restaurant and order a Passionfruit Caipirinha.

 

Attitude Bar, Bangkok. The Hypothetically Perfect Day in Bangkok
Above: Attitude Bar, Avani Riverside, Photo Credit Dave’s Travel Corner.

 

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I’d like to thank Ric and Dave for their excellent contributions to this post

 


 

 

Related: Songkran in Pattaya. And on actually enjoying Thailandโ€™s โ€œSex Capitalโ€

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Practical Information

Accommodation

Bangkok is a huge city and where to stay is important because the biggest issue most people encounter is getting around.

After 6 visits โ€“ and staying in many different parts of the city โ€“ my conclusion is that a short term stay in Bangkok should be: a) close to the river, b) close to a BTS station. Thatโ€™s because the most reliable means of transport are the Skytrain and the ferries along the river. It’s also where most of Bangkok’s highlights are. Based on the above, I now try to book a hotel close to a BTS station and within 3-4 stops of Saphan Taksin (the main ferry pier).

where to stay in Bangkok

 

A few favorites of ours:

The Ibis Riverside Hotel (where we stayed on this visit)

Le Siam Hotel (used to be known as the Swiss Lodge Hotel when we were there a few years ago)

But there are many other hotels within the area Iโ€™ve indicated. My strongest recommendation is that you pay close attention to the location of a hotel before booking it (and avoid the Khao San Road area).

 

Getting Around

Another very strong recommendation I have: Get the Grab app for your phone. Taxis are notorious in Bangkok for not turning on their meter and screwing over tourists with extravagant fixed fares. Bangkok taxi drivers are (generally) a bunch of thugs. Instead book your transport with Grab, which is just like Uber (I still prefer Uber but they’re no longer in SE Asia).

 

Organized Tours

This Tour will take you to the highlights of Ric’s itinerary (Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun). These are the highlights of Bangkok and an organized tour will save you a lot of sweat. But there are lots of interesting tours you can take in Bangkok and they won’t cost you much.

 

 

Flying in/Getting around

Bangkokโ€™s airport is Suvarnabhumi Airport (airport code: BKK), located 32km from the city center.  We book plane, train, bus and taxi using 12Go Asia. Note: It’s also the best website for internal flights (Thailand has a good network of budget airlines).

Powered by 12Go Asia system

 

 

 

What are your favorite (or worst) places or experiences in Bangkok?

 


 


Related: Bbqboyโ€™s Ultimate Guide to the Best of Thailand (for adults)

Related: The Best of Ayutthaya in a Day

Related: Songkran in Pattaya. And on actually enjoying Thailandโ€™s โ€œSex Capitalโ€


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Ps. If you find our blog helpful, please consider using our links to book your flights, hotels, tours, and car rentals. Have a look at our Travel Resources page.

 

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Filed Under: ASIA, DESTINATION GUIDES, LATEST POSTS, menu, THAILAND

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Anita

    May 25, 2018 at 8:10 am

    I’m enjoying your Thailand posts and seriously thinking about Bangkok as a starting point when I return to Southeast Asia – hopefully in a few months. I’m thinking Dave’s itinerary is more my speed and a gentler way to experience a city which looks like it could be overwhelming. Thanks for all the tips and, when I start planning my trip, I’ll be reaching out!

    Reply
    • Frank (bbqboy)

      May 25, 2018 at 10:30 am

      Ric’s itinerary is for the 1st time visitor and covers all the major “Must see” things. It’s what I would have recommended as well.
      Dave’s is really original and I love it. Next time I’m in Bangkok I want to do it to the letter!

      Reply
  2. Ayutthaya Day Tour from Bangkok

    May 19, 2018 at 7:55 pm

    Good articles. Keep it up. Thanks admin for sharing such a good information.

    Reply
  3. Tom

    May 17, 2018 at 6:54 am

    How are you guys going with the food? Do you eat too much with all the temptations?

    Reply
    • Frank (bbqboy)

      May 17, 2018 at 8:53 am

      Always love Thai food Tom! We could eat it all the time ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  4. Tom

    May 16, 2018 at 11:12 am

    Staying near Skytrain is a big plus or river for views. KSR is pretty bad backpacker ghetto. For a good night out – Saxophone Pub, Ratchada Soi 4 (Thai nightclub area), Siam Niramit dinner and show or a night at muay thai stadium.

    Reply
    • Frank (bbqboy)

      May 16, 2018 at 2:34 pm

      I think Khao San Rd a lot better than it used to be – but it still attracts the backpacker bunch and isn’t really close to anything. I just don’t find it a very convenient location.
      Ok, great tips – Lissette loves Jazz so it’s a place we would check out for sure. Thanks Tom.

      Reply
  5. Lydia

    May 12, 2018 at 6:28 pm

    This is an exceptional list which I will definitely save to reread when planning my trip to Bangkok. You’ve done an awesome job, Frank! I would love to have a ride in the river ferry when being there. The views are breathtaking!

    Reply
    • Frank (bbqboy)

      May 13, 2018 at 4:29 am

      Thanks Lydia. When you take the ferry, try to take the orange flag boats “The River Express”. They cost 15 bahts and do the same route as the Blue flag boats which charge 50 Baht (I think called the Tourist Express..)

      Reply
  6. Gilda Baxter

    May 10, 2018 at 1:38 pm

    I am planning to be back in Bangkok in January and will definitely check out some of the above suggestions. I have been to few of the places on the first itinerary. My husband and I stayed at the Riva Surya and loved being there by the river. Great post Frank and thank you for introducing these bloggers ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • Frank (bbqboy)

      May 12, 2018 at 4:56 am

      January is a good time Gilda. We’ve been here Mar-May and it’s the hottest time of year.
      Enjoy Bangkok!

      Reply
  7. Jane

    May 10, 2018 at 10:21 am

    I’ve been to Bangkok twice now… and wish I had your list then! so many food places included too. We fell for the ‘closed temple’ scam from a Tuk Tuk driver but had a great trip around the city with him anyway… refusing to go into the ‘suggested’ shops. Ended the day with a cranky driver…they really shouldn’t keep doing those scams!

    Reply
    • Frank (bbqboy)

      May 10, 2018 at 10:42 am

      Good for you Jane for turning the scam back on him! That’s kind of funny.

      Reply
  8. Paula

    May 10, 2018 at 9:52 am

    Wow, both Ric and Dave have amazing itineraries. I see Bangkok in my future ?

    Reply
    • Frank (bbqboy)

      May 12, 2018 at 4:57 am

      Thank you Paula ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  9. Kemkem

    May 10, 2018 at 9:31 am

    We stayed in one of the hotels along the river and were able to do most of these things right at the hotel. Great rooftop bar, great pool, amazing food and close to the to the temples vis river cruise. Took-tuks can be dangerous yeah..but their speed with the traffic is super slow. You should try the ones in Nigeria..that’s where the ones considered too bad for Thailand end up.. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • Frank (bbqboy)

      May 10, 2018 at 9:52 am

      We’ve ridden in a lot of Tuk Tuks, fortunately nothing has every happened. But there’s always the potential and they’re flimsy compared to most things on the road.
      Didn’t know they had Tuk Tuks in Nigeria.
      One of the interesting things are the DIFFERENT types of Tuk Tuks all over Thailand. In Sukhothai we road in some where the passengers are in the front (driver in the back), in Prachuap Khiri Khan was almost like a sidecar, in Nong Khai it looks like a souped up motorcycle. I’m sure there are many more variations.

      Reply
  10. ron

    May 10, 2018 at 5:21 am

    The only thing I would recommend to never DO is take a tuk tuk anywhere! It’s dangerous (those machines are poorly maintained), it’s HOT and dirty and if you think the taxi drivers are shady and sketchy (BTW those would be the guys you ask for drugs if that’s your thing)
    I’m a lower Suk kinda party guy. I like hanging out with friends in Thong Lo/ Ekkamai, going to RCA, Narz, Soi 11, etc…
    My favorite central BKK hotel is Column Tower on Suk soi 16. 2 minute walk to Terminal 21, MRT and BTS, Soi Cowboy! Lots of great places to eat and drink all along Sukhumvit between Asoke and Ekkamai. My #2 favorite area to stay and play is Soi Rang Nam (BTS Victory Monument) lots of outstanding REAL Essarn Thai restaurants, fun little hole in the wall bars, the only Jaz club I know of in BKK “Saxophone” very fun place to take wife/gf/friends with great food and top-notch musicians!

    Reply
    • Frank (bbqboy)

      May 10, 2018 at 7:05 am

      Good tips Ron. For the places to stay I only meant for a tourist staying a few days – I know the Bangkok guys would agree with you about the lower Suk area for long stays (I know it’s where they live and prices/nightlife options better).
      Tuk Tuks totally agree. But has to be done ONCE if coming to Thailand.
      Ha! You’re a Soi Cowboy guy. Never been, but we/I have enjoyed Nana previously ๐Ÿ™‚
      Thanks for your other tips. Sound like you’ve spent a lot of time in Bangkok? Do you (or have you) lived here long term?

      Reply
      • ron

        May 16, 2018 at 11:19 pm

        in my prior career as a PICU Nurse, I was always limited to about 30-45 days in BKK. I considered working as an RN in Thailand but aside from the HUGE language issues, the money was literally 1/5th what I was making as a contractor RN in California. But what I did do for about 10 years was work 2 or 3 thirteen week contracts per year stateside and between contracts, I would stay in BKK for a month or so. In a way being limited to about a month also saved my health, when I was in BKK it was party time every night and usually by the 2nd week I had to get out of town and hit an Island to recover from my holiday!
        I know the Plaza very well! I have a very well to do oil industry friend that used to be a part owner of a gogo bar in the plaza. Talk about living like a rock star, I would go visit my mate at his bar we would do a full crawl of Nana! Hanging out with a popular bar owner from the Plaza was like going to Christmas dinner at all your best friends homes no matter what bar you went to! Needless to say I have too many friends from Nana ๐Ÿ™‚
        Nowadays I do mostly freelancing and day trading so I could potentially live anywhere and I’ve considered moving semi-perm to BKK? It would be pretty hard for me to exercise the discipline to not go out and play every night but the biggest hindrance for me is the oppressive HEAT of South East Asia. I’m ok with October to about February, but past March??? Plus I live in Orange County California, I surf, snowboard, and love the mountains, so it’s a tough sell to move anywhere else! But BKK is a close 2nd favorite (Tokyo #1) and I know my way around pretty good ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
        • Frank (bbqboy)

          May 17, 2018 at 2:47 am

          That must have been fun Ron! I can imagine. Would have made Hugh Hefner jealous.
          I agree with you on the heat. I personally could not live in Bangkok, even if I was single and horny. It’s our biggest issue with SEA. Sounds like you have a good life in California! I think you’re in one of the most ideal climates in the world…and you’re a ‘short’ flight from Bangkok whenever you get the urge.
          Tokyo? Really? I’m surprised.

          Reply
          • ron

            June 1, 2018 at 3:10 pm

            LAX to BKK (via either HKG or TPE) is at best 17 hours! There’s nothing ‘short’ about that flight, ever. Even the return is 12+ hours min.
            Tokyo, OMG! It’s like Vegas on steroids (IMHO) I LOVE EVERYTHING about TOKYO! It’s expensive as hell but for one stop shopping for life experiences where else on Earth can you check ALL those boxes? In a lot of ways Japan is very similar to California, we both have the stunning coastlines, mountains with excellent snow, pristine forests. I’m not a Desert guy so nothing missed there! Japanese art and architectural style is my favorite (Parisian a close 2nd) and everything about Japanese woman is amazing to me ๐Ÿ™‚
            Aside from the Japanese position on controlled substances (party drugs like MDMA and coke) I can’t think a better holiday/travel destination? But then again I’m kinda weird so for what it’s worth ๐Ÿ™‚
            cheers!

          • Frank (bbqboy)

            June 2, 2018 at 1:07 pm

            I just meant as a comparison. From the east coast North America it always meant a 6 hour flight to the West coast before even crossing the Pacific. Door to door meant travelling 30+ hours..Now we do it from Europe (about 12 hours) and we still complain ๐Ÿ™‚

            I find interesting your reasons for liking Japan. We don’t feel the same way but I understand all your reasons. I like that we can all love different places and all have our reasons for our favorites. If we all loved the exact same places the world would be a boring place.
            BTW – people talk about Thai women. They just can’t compare to the Japanese. We as well were surprised by their overall beauty and style.

            Thanks for another great comment Ron.

  11. Gaz

    May 9, 2018 at 2:11 pm

    Great finally meeting you guys in BKK. And thanks for including me with Dave in highlighting BKK!

    Reply
    • Frank (bbqboy)

      May 10, 2018 at 5:18 am

      Thanks Ric for helping me on this post. Nothing better than input from people who actually live in a place!

      Reply
  12. Wendy

    May 9, 2018 at 11:05 am

    I’ve been to Bangkok many times too. For sure, there are some nice spots that may worth a return visit.
    May consider returning for a weekend trip there.

    Reply
    • Frank (bbqboy)

      May 10, 2018 at 5:21 am

      Thanks Wendy. We had an incredibly hectic trip through Thailand and Malaysia but saw a lot of diversity including Bangkok which is always exciting. Hope the post gave you some unique ideas ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
      • Wendy

        May 10, 2018 at 9:21 am

        Actually, I am quite tired of the Bangkok scene already though I would love to visit some nice pubs, if they still exist.
        By the way, I need to get one of my front tooth fixed first before I set off for another adventure.
        Anyway, thanks Frank for sharing your thought and experience.

        Reply

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Hi! We are Frank & Lissette from Canada. We sold our home in 2014 and have been travelling the world ever since.

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