Big lovers of Thailand, we made the trip back again this year to celebrate Evan’s birthday. Spending the first few nights in the metropolitan city of Bangkok, then onto Phuket. Only having a few days in the city, with an endless to do list and feeling completely over whelmed by the immense size of Bangkok on our last visit. I planned this trip well. 

Bangkok is a holiday destination which caters for almost everyone. The countless markets you could spend weeks getting lost in. Skyscrapers with fairy floss views of the sunset. High tea if you feel like getting a little fancy. Endless options for eating, from the swish hotels overlooking the city, to the roadside noodle stalls. Bangkok also has a big nightlife for those who wish to party or you could simply just relax at your hotel by the pool.

 

Bangkok’s fairy floss sky

 

Whilst exploring Bangkok you’re constantly reminded that Thailand is both a developing nation and home to some of the worlds most well regarded high-end restaurants and hotels. This broad spectrum is something we like to experience when travelling. While in Bangkok on the same day we ate our cheapest meal and most expensive meal of the trip. Having just as much fun eating street food as we did dining at a world famous rooftop restaurant puts things into perspective giving us a greater appreciation for everything we have, especially after seeing the Thai locals with such high sprits and smiles on there faces. 

 

Street Food

 

Where to eat

For anyone that knows me, I’m a big foodie. My ‘places to eat’ list, was quite excessive; it would have taken three weeks to get through rather than three days.

• Sircco – We celebrated Evan’s birthday here last year, and it is simply amazing! A must for anyone visiting Bangkok! Quite pricey, but the view makes up for it!
  
• Vertigo – Another incredible rooftop restaurant!
• Long Table – A trendy restaurant severing a fantastic Thai Fusion meals, great for drinks too.
• Hanakaruta – A Japanese restaurant we stumbled upon late one night by accident. Serving up fantastic Sake and Sashimi. Awesome atmosphere with great prices.
• Thip Samai – Best Pad Thai in Bangkok and its street food!!!
• Not Just Another Cup – for those of you who can’t keep away from the smashed avocado and poached eggs.
• Rocket Coffeebar – Another Australian brunch fix, plus they do the best cold brew coffee.

If you stumble across a little laneway with street food restaurants and noodle bars, sit down at one which is busy and watch the world go by whilst immersing yourself within the Thai culture.

 

At Vertigo celebrating Evan’s birthday

Thai Stir-fry

Rocket Cafe

Not Just Another Cafe – The best breakfast!

 

 Shopping

From the mega shopping malls with stores for the big spenders, to the stores for the thrifty bargain hunters and everyone in between, there is shopping for everyone in Bangkok! There are far too many to visit in one trip – the major ones include Paragon, Central Embassy, Emporium, Central and Platinum. Once you’ve had enough wandering through the malls and want a touch of traditional Thai shopping – head out to one of the many markets.

At the top of your list should be Chatuchak markets. Not only is it one of the world’s biggest markets but one of the best. Open on Saturday and Sunday, set on 35 acres with over 8,000 stalls, you can shop till you drop purchasing everything from antiques to pets and the best vintage clothes.

 

Getting around

I’ll warn you now; you will most definitely get stuck in traffic at some point whilst in Bangkok! The only way around this is to stay off the roads and book a hotel walking distance to the BTS Skytrain. The traffic is that bad, that it’s the only city I’ve visited where a hotel concierge recommends taking public transport over ordering a taxi. We unfortunately made this mistake once. All dressed up on our way to Vertigo for Evan’s birthday. We made a 6pm booking ensuring we’d be 60 levels up watching the sunset, with our taxi getting stuck in a traffic jam we missed the sunset completely. Plus the BTS is remarkably clean with fantastic air conditioning; it is refreshing to catch!

Boats and Tuk Tuk’s are also a great way to get around the city. A lot of fun too!

 

Riding in a Tok Tok

Bangkok’s colourful traffic

 

Where to stay

My only tip when booking accommodation, you MUST stay near the BTS. Bangkok is so large; I’ve found that no one area is better than another. Having visited twice, we most recently stayed in the Silom area, up and until recently seen as the Wall Street of Bangkok. With W Hotel and Bangkok’s soon to be tallest building almost finished, this area is set to become Bangkok’s most stylist and cosmopolitan district. Especially around Sathron Soi 10 and 12, where fantastic new bars and restaurants have started to pop up. I’ve also stayed in the Sukhumvit area at Aloft Hotel, which is another great area.

 

See and do

• Chatuchak Markets for anyone that likes rummaging to find the most unique and amazing pieces.
• Try Afternoon Tea for a elegant afternoon of devouring treats and sipping on tea. 
• Take a ride on a traditional Thai boat along the Chao Praya River to see the city by water.
• Shopping in many of the mega malls
• A Temple or Shrine, in Thai known as “wats”
• Lots of eating. Bangkok is a city for foodies. Try everything from the endless street stalls to the ritzy rooftop restaurants.

 

Fruit Stall

Soon to be Bangkok’s tallest building in the Silom area

Vertigo Restaurant