Live Your Best Lives
If the epidemic ends and foreign countries open up, which country would you most like to visit?
I've really thought about it a lot. I have so many places I want to visit, but if I had to pick just one, it would probably be Bangkok, Thailand. This city, which I've visited so many times, is like a hodgepodge of ancient and conservative, yet also fashionable and modern.
Ancient and conservative temples intersect with modern and fashionable architecture and urban life; residents and tourists from all over the world travel through every corner of this city; there is a nightlife full of revelry every night, as well as literary and retro internet celebrity shops; there are timeless popular attractions, as well as unconventional niche explorations.
Maybe I really miss my life in Bangkok. A few days ago, when I was sorting through photos, I came across the pictures of Bangkok. Thinking about some of the fragmentary words recorded in the draft box, I took them out and started writing.
Bangkokcheck the details
Bangkok is the capital and largest city of Thailand, located in central Thailand. Traveling from Bangkok to Phuket in the south and Chiang Mai in the north takes roughly the same amount of time. It is a major port and political, economic, and cultural center. It also boasts the world's largest number of Buddhist temples, earning it the nickname "The Capital of Buddhism." The city's bustling waterways have earned it the nickname "Venice of the East." Thais call Bangkok "Khun Thep," meaning "City of Angels." Translated into Latin, its full Thai name, a staggering 167 letters, means "City of Angels, Great Metropolis, Abode of the Emerald Buddha, Indestructible City, World Metropolis Gifted with Nine Gems, Filled with Palaces Resembling the Heavenly Abodes of Reincarnated Gods, a Metropolis Given by Indra and Built by Vishnu." Bangkok also boasts Southeast Asia's largest shopping mall, the Siam Paragon. This spectacular destination, built atop Asia's largest aquarium, the Siam Ocean World, attracts tourists from around the world for its sights and shopping.
Recommended months: November to April
5492 reviews, 5700 visits
The Bangkok of my memories isn't a city you need to rush to, but rather one where you can slow down and soak it all in. For example, wake up naturally in the morning, then head out the door unhurriedly to enjoy a bowl of local street food and start the day feeling rejuvenated.
For me, the rice noodles on the streets of Bangkok are the soul of morning street food. The first time I tried it was when a friend who lives locally brought me here. After I came back, I always miss this taste.
Locals also love eating it in the mornings. It's sold in many streets and alleys, and it's affordable and delicious. Pair it with a cup of coffee from 7-Eleven, and it's perfect.
Whenever you arrive in a strange city, there are three places you must visit: one is the museum, the second is the vegetable market, and the third is the famous local university. Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok is one of them.
As the oldest university in Thailand, it is revered as "the most prestigious university in the country", comparable to Tsinghua University and Peking University in China, and is also a member of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities and the 21st Century Academic Alliance. Chulalongkorn University has always had a special attraction to me, so much so that I spent most of the day here on my first visit.
The school is located in the heart of Bangkok, covering an area of more than 200 hectares. It has no enclosed walls and people can enter and exit the campus freely. The environment inside is clean and tidy, with green trees, lakes, green shades, and buildings, like a garden.
It is very comfortable to stroll around inside. Watching the students walking around the campus with vitality, it feels like I am back in my student days. The pink campus bus is also very cute.
The library of Chulalongkorn University is also open to the public. The spiral shape of the stairs next to the second floor is very beautiful when viewed from below. Friends who like taking photos should not miss it.
🎈Game Guide
1. Siam Square, Bangkok Art and Culture Center, Jim Thompson House, etc. are all nearby, so you can arrange time to visit them together.
2. There is a student restaurant inside, and tourists can also eat there. Cash is accepted and the price is affordable.
3. Visitors of the library level can also enter. If you are interested, you may also want to take a look.
4. Please keep quiet when playing on campus and do not disturb students who are in class or training outdoors.
🎫Tickets: Free
📍Detailed address: 254 Phayathai Rd, Wang Mai, Khet Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10330, Thailand
🚗Transportation guide: Take the BTS to Siam Station and walk there
🕘Opening hours: All day
There are many art places to visit in Bangkok. If you want to talk about the largest one, the Bangkok Culture and Art Center in the city center is definitely not to be missed.
✨Recommendation reason
1. This is a comprehensive cultural and art center that brings together private art galleries, cafes, bookstores, etc.
2. There are various exhibitions throughout the year, including film, photography, architecture, art and other categories
3. There are also many niche art galleries and stalls of various artists
4. The photos taken inside are also very good. Even if you are not interested in art, it is also a good place to take photos.
5. Convenient transportation, located in the heart of Bangkok, close to subway stations and shopping malls
🎈Game Guide
1. Friends who want to see the exhibition can go directly to the top floor. The following floors are all art shops.
2. The stairs in the museum are quite unique and a good place to take photos
3. The exhibition time varies. When we went there, there was a hanging ornament in the center of the museum made up of many trash baskets, which was quite interesting.
4. If you need to store your bag on the 7th, 8th and 9th floors, you can do so by paying a 100 baht deposit at a counter on the 6th floor.
🎫Tickets: Free
📍Detailed address: 939 Rama I Rd, Khwaeng Wang Mai, Khet Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10330 Thailand
🚗Transportation strategy: Take the BTS to National Stadium Station
🕘Opening hours: 10:00-21:00
Ratchada Train Night Market has become a popular tourist attraction in Bangkok in the past two years. Many people come here to check in, but I still highly recommend it.
Here you can find the most complete and authentic Thai food and snacks, the most lively bars, and many local specialty small commodities. It is full of life and is especially suitable for bringing friends to come here for shopping and eating.
Here, you can taste a variety of authentic food and snacks in the market below, and then go to the upper floor of the shopping mall next to it to enjoy the breeze and watch the night view. The view overlooking below is really amazing. It is definitely a feature of Bangkok that cannot be seen anywhere else.
The view from upstairs looking down is the colorful Bangkok.
📷Night market photography tips:
Of course, this is also the photographer's favorite photo booth, if you want to take pictures:
1. It is recommended that you grab a good camera position before nightfall
2. In crowded places, you can take the stairs to the upper floor, where there will be fewer people.
3. If possible, you must bring a tripod, as the wind is strong.
4. After taking the photo, remember to zoom in to see if it is blurred and whether you can see the inside of the shop clearly.
🍰Inventory of popular online food
1. Volcano Spare Ribs: With the authentic Thai hot and sour flavor, you can enjoy a delicious meal for around 30 yuan
2. Holy Shrimp
3. Watermelon Smoothie
4. Banana Pancakes
5. Mango Sticky Rice
🎫Tickets: None
📌Address: 55 9 Ratchadaphisek Rd, Khwaeng Din Daeng,Thailand
⏰Opening hours: 17:00-01:00 the next day
Khao San Road is a must-see for anyone visiting Bangkok. For backpackers from all over the world, not having visited Khao San Road is like not having been to Thailand.
✨Recommendation reason
1. A gathering place for backpackers in Bangkok and a representative of Bangkok's nightlife
2. There are snack streets on both sides of the street. Almost all Thai snacks can be eaten here. They are delicious and affordable.
3. A real night market with countless bars and coffee shops on both sides. You can hear the rhythmic music at any time when walking on the street.
4. Young people like to gather here, and they are more relaxed, making it a good place to make friends.
5. There are also many cheap and convenient accommodations around here, which is where backpackers gather.
🚌Transportation Guide
1. Walking: If you are coming from the Grand Palace or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, it will take 20-30 minutes to walk. It is about 15 minutes to walk to the Democracy Monument.
2. Taxi: It takes about 30 minutes to get from Suvarnabhumi International Airport to Khao San Road, and the fare is 370 baht.
3. Public Boat: Take the blue line of Chao Phraya Express Boat to Pier N13 (Khao San Road), then walk for 5 minutes to the destination.
Generally speaking, Khao San Road represents Bangkok to a certain extent: vibrant, bustling, open, and lively. During the day, Khao San Road is relatively quiet, but at night, it becomes packed with people and transforms into a nightlife paradise. Remember to visit at night!
🎫Tickets: Free
📍Detailed address: Khaosan Rd, Khwaeng Talat Yot, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200 Thailand
🕘Opening hours: All day
After dark, why not head to SKY BAR to soak up Bangkok's most stunning nightscape? Bangkok has plenty of rooftop bars, but my favorite is the Sky Bar on the 63rd floor of the Lebua Hotel. The entire bar is open-air, and the night view is truly stunning. Dinner is served before 9 p.m., but after that, it becomes a bar.
This place was once rated by the New York Times as "the most beautiful rooftop bar you have ever seen" and is also the most famous Sky Bar in Bangkok. It is famous because the movie "The Hangover Part II" was also filmed here.
There is also live jazz music. You can order a glass of fine wine and enjoy the beauty of the sky under the dim lights. The atmosphere is quite good and very romantic.
Please note that you must dress up when you come here. Men are not allowed to wear shorts and slippers, and women are not allowed to wear open-toed shoes. There are clothes for rent outside. If you really don’t bring any, you can rent them outside when you arrive.
Address: 64th Floor, Lebua Hotel
Opening hours: 6:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Average spending per person: 300 yuan
Wat Arun, located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, is a super beautiful temple. It is definitely a stop worth looking forward to when visiting Bangkok and should not be missed.
Built during the Ayutthaya Dynasty, Wat Arun is one of Thailand's royal temples, second only to the Grand Palace in size. It commemorates Taksin, the 41st king of Thailand and a Thai king of Chinese descent.
Unlike typical Thai temples, which are often gilded and resplendent, Wat Arun offers a refreshingly fresh and refined style, with a beautiful Instagram-like aesthetic and a vibrant artistic atmosphere. It's especially beautiful in the evening or on clear days.
One theory is that it is called the "Temple of Dawn" because the highest spire in the temple reaches the sky at a height of 79 meters. People think that it is the first place to be exposed to sunlight every day, hence the name "Temple of Dawn".
As one of Thailand's oldest landmarks, it is featured on the back of the 10 baht coin.
⚠️Play tips:
It is recommended to take a boat from the pier, but be careful to beware of unofficial sightseeing tour groups that may scam you out of your money!
It is especially beautiful in the evening or when the weather is clear.
🚗Transportation Tips:
Wat Arun is located in the Thonburi area of the Chao Phraya River, across from the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. It can only be reached by ferry. Generally speaking, there are two ways to get there from the city:
1. Taxi: It costs about 100 baht to take a taxi from the Siam area in the city center if there is no traffic jam.
2. By boat (recommended): Take the BTS to Sphan Taskin Station (S6), exit from Exit 1 or 2, walk 200 meters to the central pier, and then take the Chao Phraya River ferry. The golden flag ferry can take you directly to the entrance of Wat Arun. The ferry ticket is 20 baht.
📌Address: West bank of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, across from the Grand Palace and Wat Pho
🎫：50 Thai Baht
⏰Opening hours: 8:00-18:00
⏰Recommended tour time: 2 hours
If you're looking for Bangkok's most popular and worthwhile shopping mall, it has to be ICON SIAM, located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. After Wat Arun, take a boat to ICON SIAM, a short distance away, and begin a day of fashionable shopping.
ICONSIMA opened in November 2018 at a cost of 54 billion baht. It covers a total area of 75,000 square meters. It is really huge, with eleven floors. It will take at least half a day to tour it slowly.
It is now considered the top shopping mall in Bangkok and a popular place for Thai locals to check in. It is definitely worth a visit for those who have plenty of time.
There is also the first Apple store in Thailand facing the Chao Phraya River. It is an observation deck that occupies almost the entire floor facing the Chao Phraya River. The size of the store is amazing, and it really shows how wealthy they are.
Just outside is the Chao Phraya River Observation Deck, built at a cost of 400 million baht. It's a delightful place to watch the sunset and feel the river breeze. The view is also beautiful at night, and many locals come to check it out.
🚗Detailed transportation:
1. Take the BTS to Saphan Taksin Station, take Exit 2, and transfer to the free shuttle boat at the pier (there is one every 10 minutes).
2. Take the BTS to Krung Thon Buri Station, exit 1, and transfer to a free shuttle bus. The first option is highly recommended. The shuttle boat, with the ICONSIMA logo on it, is easy to spot and convenient. You can also enjoy the scenery of the Chao Phraya River. The free shuttle boat runs from 8:00 AM to 11:30 PM, allowing you to explore as much as you want without worrying about missing your return.
♨️Highly recommended nighttime music fountain show
Right at the entrance of the mall, there is a 400-meter-long water light show that mixes the river with light, color, sound, electricity and multimedia. It is amazing!
🎫Tickets: Free
📍 Address: ICONSIAM Shopping Center, Charoen Nakhon Rd, Klongtonsai, Khlong San, Bangkok
BANGPU is located in the southernmost part of Bangkok and can be reached by the newly opened southern extension of the BTS Sukhumvit Line. That is to say, you can see the sea even if you are in Bangkok by taking the BTS.
There are several good sea view restaurants nearby, and the consumption is not high.
It is really comfortable to chat and daydream here, feed the seagulls in winter, and watch the sunset.
You can also go to the sea view restaurant next to it to drink water and watch the sunset (not expensive)
Transportation: Take the BTS to Kheha Station. After exiting the BTS, take a taxi and search for BANGPU. It is about 9 kilometers and takes more than ten minutes to arrive. Grab costs about 130 baht to go directly there.
💰Ticket price: 50 baht
⌚️Opening hours: 8:00-18:00
⌚️Recommended visit time: 2 hours
A super unpopular niche attraction around Bangkok. If you are a military fan, don't miss this place.
There's little information about this place online. It's about a 40-minute drive from the city center. Admission is free, but you do need to show your passport. It's rarely crowded, and there are soldiers on duty at the entrance, so it's worth a visit for military enthusiasts.
The museum houses important cultural relics, historical materials and equipment from various historical periods of the Royal Thai Navy, as well as royal boats used in important events of the Thai royal family.
The entire museum is not big and can be visited in half an hour. There is an airplane and an old tank placed on the lawn outside the museum. You can walk in and visit them. You can also climb into the tank, which is also very interesting.
🚗Transportation Tips:
Get off at BTS (E18), go out Exit 3 and walk a few steps to see it.
By the way, the museum is open from 9:00 to 15:30 every day and admission is free. Friends who come here should remember to come early because it closes really early.
🎫Tickets: Free (passport registration required)
📍Detailed address: Naval Museum, you can see it when you get off BTS E18
🕘Opening hours: 9:00-15:30
With convenient transportation and cheap airfare, Chinese people often fly to Bangkok for a weekend getaway. Have you ever thought about how you would spend your time in Bangkok if you only had three days?
If you want to avoid the crowded tourist attractions and want to walk through the streets and experience the life of the locals, the following route, which I summarized after visiting Bangkok many times, will definitely suit you.
9:00 Wake up naturally and eat a bowl of noodles on the street with the locals
12:00 Chulalongkorn University, the highest institution of learning in the area
21:00 SKA BAR to see the most beautiful night view
9:00 Go to the nearest beach in Bangkok to watch the sea
13:00 Explore the Naval Museum
15:00 Wander around Chatuchak Weekend Market
20:00 Stroll and eat at Ratchada Train Night Market
9:00 Take a boat ride through the Shengsang Canal
9:00 Listen to the bells of Wat Arun
17:00 Go to ICONSIMA and wait for the sunset
20:00 Feel the refreshing breeze of the Chao Phraya River
The ideal trip is to wander the streets and experience the local life. Bangkok, both ancient and conservative, yet modern and fashionable, is worth your time and effort to experience. We look forward to the day when Thailand reopens. We are all happy to be here for you!
