The Essential Bangkok Experience

Grand Palace. (Photo by Your City Promdi)

If it's your first time in Bangkok and you don't have much time to see its sights, I highly suggest that you focus on these what I call the "essential Bangkok experience" or the Wat Pho (Temple of the Lying Buddha) and the Grand Palace.

Yes, some people will say that those are very touristy areas. But I do believe that they also give an excellent view of how the Thai culture is. They are vibrant reminders of the country's colorful past and an animated reminder of how their history still fuels the country's present and future.

The Grand Palace

One of the many elaborate paintings in the Grand Palace. (Photo by Your City Promdi)

The Grand Palace lives up to its name. It is a whole block of land filled with well-manicured courtyards, artistically-rendered government offices, and glittering architectural marvels composed of temples and palaces that was built for the royal family of Thailand.

The king and queen, and the princess, do not take up residence here now and it is only used for rituals and some official functions, but the grandness and royalty are all still evident in the palace grounds.

Wat Pho (Temple of the Lying Buddha)

A Buddhist temple, the Temple of the Lying Buddha houses one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. Covered in gold, the statue itself is 46 meters long and fills almost the whole length of the wooden temple. It lies amidst the offerings of white lotus flowers and incense. The temple, meanwhile, is wooden but decorated with vibrant reds and greens on the inside. Outside, it is as bejeweled as any of the royal residences nearby.   

Street Shopping

Photo by Your City Promdi

You've heard about the budget shopping heaven that is Jatojak, yes? I maintain that Jatojak is a magical place that makes you forget time and shopping budget. I did enjoy going there and finding lots of good-quality items.

Other than Jatojak, street shopping is also very common in most areas of Bangkok. At around 8PM, when establishments close, Bangkok side walks will start to fill with vendors of shoes, clothes, bags, underwear. Walk through them and find pretty treasures.

Photo by Your City Promdi

Street Food

One thing I discovered on this trip is this: the Thais love their food. And there is really good (if very
spicy) food to be had everywhere and at very low prices.

During the day, there are little nooks and corners in Bangkok where street food vendors ply their trade. But in the evening, the streets bloom with streetside eateries that serve freshly prepared Thai food. I was very surprised to see that a lot of professionals are patronizing them, so I decided to join in on some of them. Try one of these eateries--they're good.

Thai Massage

After all of that walking, don't forget to try the best that Bangkok has to offer: its world-famous massage. Enjoy!

Photo by Your City Promdi