Bangkok for the independent traveler

Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is a city that never seems to grow old. No matter how many times you visit it, with each visit you discover something new, exciting and special to see, do and eat. It is one of the most visited capitals in the world, a colorful, very large city, a city that concentrates the culture of the ancient East together with the well-known Western culture. Bangkok is too The main gateway to Thailand, and many start their trip in Thailand, or in the East in general, there. Many times it is also a stopover destination on the way to New Zealand, for example, or to Australia, so whether you planned to include it in your trip or not, You will probably spend a few hours there, or, if you have time, even a few days.

In Bangkok it is possible to travel in an organized framework, but most travelers choose to do it independently. The independent traveler in Bangkok can experience it fully and with all the senses, visit interesting places that fascinate him without depending on others and absorb some of what it has. Some love the city very much, its crazy pace, the glamor together with the simplicity and the old and the new. Others, on the other hand, shy away from her a little and connect less. Either way, Bangkok leaves an impression and those who love it return to it, later, quite a few times. If only to experience a little more of it and visit all the special sites.

Planning the trip

Bangkok, as mentioned, is among the most visited cities in the world and also ranks as one of the most loved. The many attractions around the city make it a particularly diverse destination and everyone will find something to see and do. Lovers of the markets will find a great selection of markets as well as worthy shopping malls, those interested in culture can focus on the ancient part of the city and visit some of the points of interest that tell its story and the story of its culture. Foodies will find an unusual culinary abundance in Bangkok in the form of good restaurants, street stalls with excellent local food and not a few surprises and backpackers with a low budget They will find a very wide selection of Cheap accommodation solutions, compared to these, The most prestigious, the corresponding For travelers on an unlimited budget. Bangkok is an exciting city and for a reasonable price you can spend several days there and enjoy a powerful experience, an experience of all the senses. All that is needed, of course, is to plan your visit in advance, both due to its size and due to the variety of options it offers.

As part of planning the trip in Bangkok, it is very important to take into account Weather conditions and seasons. Like its neighbors of Thailand, Bangkok also enjoys a tropical climate throughout the year. This actually means two main seasons: the dry season and the wet season. The dry season starts in November and ends in April, while the wet season starts in May and ends in October. The hottest months in the city are March, April and May, while August and September are the rainiest. Because of the dry and relatively cool climate, the months of November to February are considered the ideal time to visit Bangkok. This is also the peak season, in terms of tourism, so higher prices should be expected during this period, both in regards to accommodation, both in regards to flight tickets and in regards to attractions and the various means of transportation (except for public ones).

Accommodation - recommended hotels in Bangkok

Getting your bearings in Bangkok, as befits a large, dense and very busy city, is not easy and for independent travelers, who are arriving there for the first time, it can also be a real challenge. Therefore, it is recommended to look for places to stay in more central areas, where most of the sites and shopping centers are located, and to stay as close as possible to a BTS or MRT station. This way there is easy and quick access to the subway and you don't depend on taxis to get from place to place. In general, there are eight popular tourist accommodation areas in the city center: Sukhumvit, Siam, Silom, Pratunam, Riverside, Chinatown, Rattanakosin and Chatuchak. Another area, especially for tourists who come to the city for a few days, and especially at somewhat odd hours (early in the morning, or late at night), is an area The airport – Suvarnabhumi.

As for recommended hotels, where you should stay in the city, here is a short list of some of them >>

• Travelodge Sukhumvit 11 - A 4-star hotel, located near the train station, in a lively and accessible area
• Tower Club At Lebua - A central hotel with luxurious rooms and high level service
• Holiday Inn Express Bangkok Siam of one of the leading hotel chains in the world
• Prince Palace Hotel - 5-star hotel, not far from the city center
• Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn - A hotel from the well-known Sheraton chain, a luxury hotel with a renowned chef's restaurant
• Lit Bangkok Hotel - A hotel in the heart of the city, with a pampering spa and luxurious rooms
• Additional 3-star hotels - Ibis Bangkok Riverside, Villa Cha-Cha Khaosan Rambuttri
• Authentic boutique hotels - Chern Bangkok, Bangkok Saran Poshtel

More recommended hotels around Bangkok

Transportation and orientation in Bangkok

As befits a city that serves quite a few people, both locals and tourists from all over the world, Bangkok offers several efficient and convenient (mostly) transportation solutions. The city has two international airports: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK).

Suvarnabhumi Airport It is the main one and most of those who come to the city from other countries will go directly to it. A large number of flights to various destinations all over the world land and take off from it, making it a very busy airport as well as a prominent and important one. In order to to get from the airport directly to the city You can take the train, which connects it to the THB - Phaya Thai station. It is about a 45-minute trip, after which you get on the BTS line to reach the nearest station to the destination you want to reach. You can buy the ticket at the station itself, but if you do it in advance you get a small discount.

Those who want to get from the airport to the city by bus, can do so with the S1 line, which leaves the field (Gate 7 on the first floor of the passenger terminal) towards Khaosan Rd, one of the popular accommodation areas of Bangkok. The bus is active from 6 am to 20 pm, every half hour. Another option is to travel to the city center by taxi or with a private shuttle or a private driver (take into account that such a trip costs more).

Those landing at Don Mueang Airport should take a bus or taxi to the nearest train station - Mo Chit, or board the A1 bus, which is located right outside the airport. The bus is active between 07:30 in the morning and 23:30 at night, once every 15 minutes. Another option is to travel by taxi (make sure the driver operates a meter) or with a private driver.

As for the means of transportation in the city itself, there are several. The elevated train - BTS and the metro - MRT, which operate between 6 am and midnight. Other options are Taxis and tuktuks.

See here in detail about all the transportation options throughout Bangkok

Places to see and recommended attractions

In Bangkok, as mentioned, there are plenty of interesting places and attractions that should not be missed. The city is full of these almost everywhere, and this is also the reason why many travelers devote quite a bit of time to it. It is indeed possible to visit some of the most famous of them in a quick visit of two or three days, however, for those who can, it is recommended to spend at least a week in the city, if only to combine a stop at the main recommended attractions.

Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew They are among the most well-known attractions in the city and also among the most visited. The palace was built in 1782 and served as the official residence of the royal family of Thailand until 1925. Although today the king lives in another palace, the grand palace is still used for various official events, such as royal ceremonies. The palace is worth spending a few hours on and there is quite a bit to see, including well-kept gardens, pavilions and decorated buildings and more. One of the most important buildings in the palace is The Emerald Temple, also known as the holiest Buddhist temple in Thailand.

Another, equally interesting and important temple is Wat Pho, the Reclining Buddha Temple located south of the Grand Palace. It has hundreds of golden Buddha images and of course a huge reclining Buddha 15 meters high and 46 meters long. It is also the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. Due to its proximity to the Great Palace, it is possible to go on guided tours that include both places. Open to visitors every day from 8 am to 18:30 pm.

One of the most beautiful temples in Bangkok is Wat Arun, which is known for its amazing location next to the river and its unique design. It is open to visitors every day from 08:30 in the morning until 18:XNUMX in the evening. You should devote between half an hour and an hour to it. Jim Thompson House is a special museum, which is about a ten-minute walk from the famous shopping center in Bangkok - MBK. The museum has an impressive collection of art from Southeast Asia, belonging to businessman Jim Thompson, after whom it is named. Thompson was very successful in Thailand's silk industry in the 50s and 60s, when in 1967 he disappeared while hiking in the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia. His body was never found and his disappearance remains a mystery to this day. The museum is open to visitors every day from 9 am to 18 pm.

Bangkok Art and Culture Center (BACC) It is a center for contemporary art, with exhibitions spread over ten floors and the entrance is free. It is an interesting space, with commercial art galleries, craft shops, bookstores, cafes and more. It is not far from the MBK shopping center and can be reached via the National Stadium BTS station.

Another interesting attraction in the city, which offers a different kind of experience, is The Floating Market (Damnoen Saduak) Although it is an hour and a half drive from the city, it definitely warrants a visit. Another market, which is also recommended to visit is Weekend Market (Chatuchak Market) It's best to go there on Fridays, so the goods sold there are cheaper and it's less crowded compared to the others.

Two nice attractions are The Bangkok Aquarium (Sea Life Bangkok) and a museum Madame Tussauds Bangkok With its many wax figures of well-known celebrities. You can also spend quite a few hours here and have a unique experience.

See here about all the comparable attractions in Bangkok

Nightlife in Bangkok

Along with ancient temples, huge shopping centers and colorful markets, Bangkok also has a rich nightlife and a lot to offer to those who want to experience it and take advantage of it as much as possible. The city, which is very vibrant and colorful throughout the day, wakes up mainly in the dark hours and offers an unusually electrifying atmosphere. Clubs, pubs, parties until the wee hours of the night (and morning) all this and more can be found in this special city. For solo travelers, it is recommended to join a group of travelers or other travelers, and avoid wandering alone, especially in the later hours. It does not mean that danger awaits you at every corner, but certainly, and for those who are visiting the city for the first time, it is very worthwhile to go to the recreation areas with other travelers.

the area ofKhao San Road, where quite a few backpackers stay, is also one of the city's well-known areas for lively and kicking nightlife. There you will find the cheapest alcohol (and in large quantities), loud parties with crowds of young people and places where the entrance is suitable for every budget.

God-Sukhumvit is another entertainment area in Bangkok, which is suitable for party lovers. Almost everyone will find a suitable place to hang out in this area, especially those who are looking for the impressive clubs and glittering parties.

Silom It is also a prominent entertainment area, which is quite active during the day. It has trendy bars, very invested, with sparkling neon lights that draw the crowd in for a night of alcohol, music and good friends.

A few other entertainment areas in the city, where the tumultuous nightlife scene of Bangkok is also reflected are RCA, which is theRoyal City Avenue), the area next to the river and also an area Chinatown. For those who are indecisive about where to go, it is highly recommended to consult the owners of the guesthouse or the hotel staff where you are staying and get recommendations for worthwhile entertainment places. It is important to check in advance what the ways of getting to that place are and also what the dress code is (hint: flip flops are off limits).

See here in detail about the nightlife in Bangkok

Food in Bangkok

The food in Bangkok is part of the whole experience, and a visit to the city is a wonderful opportunity to be exposed to new flavors and unfamiliar dishes. As a city that combines East and West, Bangkok offers, as far as its culinary scene is concerned, a very wide variety of cuisines, innovative and surprising dishes as well as authentic traditional dishes. There are plenty of restaurants in Bangkok that offer everything from everything, some are considered and "posh" and some are simple. There are also food stands and fast food chains in the city, which attract quite a few young backpackers, families with children and anyone looking to "grab" something on the road, and one that is not too expensive.

Bangkok's street food is an attraction in itself and you have to try it, whether it is First visit to the city and whether or not. It offers delicious and cheap dishes and is also a great opportunity to learn about the local culture. Wherever you go in the city, you will find plenty of food stalls, especially in its busy and central areas. Some of the stalls are in groups, and mainly in the local markets, and many of them are even open around the clock, so if you arrived in Bangkok after a long flight in the wee hours of the night or early morning, you won't go hungry.

You can find the local food served from a humble food cart, which stands on the side of the road, or in a traditional building, with tables scattered on the adjacent sidewalk. Usually one dish will be served at each food stand, and if you want to know what it is made of, watch the seller prepare it (this way you can see all the ingredients in it). You will find dishes surrounded by a wok, you will see meat skewers and also noodles with toppings of all kinds. Papaya salad (Som Tam) is a very popular dish and also fried rice (Khao Pad). Noodles with shrimp (Pad Thai Kung) is a dish loved by locals and many tourists as well as grilled chicken (Gai Bing). It is very useful to choose clean places and make sure that the food served to you is based on fresh raw materials. In any case, if you encounter an unfamiliar dish whose ingredients are not identified, you are advised to "skip" it and look for another food stand, with dishes that will surely be successful.