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First Time Visitors’ Guide to Bangkok
Travel Guide: First Time Visitors’ Guide to Bangkok
The first time I visited Bangkok I felt overwhelmed with the sights, smells and noises of the city! There was so much going on, where on earth would I start to explore the city. This is a common feeling for most people when they visit Bangkok for the first time. However, once you get beneath the surface of the big city, you will discover how fantastic Bangkok and the culture truly is.
To help you get the best out of Bangkok, we’ve put together this First Time Visitors’ Guide to Bangkok.
Getting Around Bangkok
One thing you’ll soon notice about Bangkok – it can take hours to travel just a few kilometers! The traffic is notorious, but there are a few ways to make navigating around the city a little easier.
Tuk tuks – an experience in itself! This mode of transport is definitely not for everyone, but definitely worth at least one ride. Tuk tuks are cheap, they are everywhere and they can weave through traffic, take short cuts that cars can’t and can usually get you from A to B in half the time. Make sure you negotiate the price before accepting the ride.
River taxis and express boats are great opportunities to explore the historic sites and attractions at the riverside. It will also give you an insight into local life. River taxi fares are generally a set price, so you don’t have to worry about being “ripped off.’
Like in most major cities, taxis are also a common form of transport. They are cheap and can be found everywhere. Ask for the taxi to use the meter, or negotiate a price before accepting the ride.
Taxis are the easiest way to travel from the airport to your accommodation. Once you exit the airport you will see a taxi line. Grab a ticket and wait for your taxi. This is quite a secure and effective system.
The Skytrain (BTS) and underground (MRT) have made navigating the city far easier. They are reliable, modern, clean and run regularly. The only issue with them is that they don’t operate around the historic centers or the most popular tourist spots. They do however connect all the main shopping, entertainment and business areas, and also makes it far easier to visit the Chatuchak markets, which is located outside the main tourist area.
What and Where to Eat
A good tip when looking for the best places to eat – if the restaurant is full of locals, then the food will be good. If the restaurant is full of tourists, the food will probably be over priced and of low quality.
Don’t be afraid to try the street food! Some “must-try” street foods include, banana roti, coconut ice cream, Pad Thai, sticky rice and mango, egg noodle soup and coconut pancakes. The Chatuchak markets are a great place to try the local street food.
Fresh juices and smoothies are also fantastically tasty in Bangkok. You will see plenty of juice stalls selling the seasonal fruit juices. My favourite are the banana and coconut smoothies.
There are some cheap places to eat around Khao San Road, however the quality can be “hit or miss.” Avoid the “Western” style restaurants in this area as they are usually of low quality and overpriced. If you are missing some “home foods” then head to Siam. Siam near MBK Center has plenty of international restaurants, which are of a better quality.
Every shopping mall in Siam also has a food court with local and international food. Don’t be put off by it being a “food court,” the food is tasty, cheap and filling. It is a good alternative way to try lots of different local dishes (such as Pad Thai, sticky rice and mango and egg noodle soup) if you don’t want to try the street food from the street vendors.
Another popular place to try “street foods” is the MBK food court. This used to be the place to go to try food, however there are lots of other good options out there that I’d recommend trying out some of the other areas first. The MBK food court is still a great place for people watching and watching some of the food being prepared and cooked.
Other amazing Thai foods not miss trying are Som Tam (papaya salad), Moo Ping Kati Sod (thin-sliced port (or beef) skewers marinated in coconut milk), Massaman Curry, green curry and of course, spring rolls.
Where to Shop
The Chatuchak market is one of the biggest outdoor markets in Thailand. It is a labyrinth of quirky stalls, selling all kinds of things. It is a great place to pick up a bargain, a few souvenirs and to try the local street food. Chatuchak is also great for people watching.
Khao San Road is a bit of a tourist trap, but still worth a visit for the experience. Khao San really comes alive a night, this is when the markets will be at the busiest.
If you are looking for “up market” shopping, then head to Siam Square and Central World. This area is boasted to be the “world’s largest lifestyle shopping destination.” All the major brand outlets can be found in this area.
The MBK is also a popular spot for some bargain shopping, however compared to Siam square, this shopping mall is looking a bit run-down. I’ve found that most stalls here sell the same things, and most of it is tacky, junk. However, it is still an experience to check out. If you were looking for a bargain or some souvenir shopping, I’d hit the local markets for better options and quality.
Top things to do in Bangkok
Explore Bangkok’s old quarters. Visit the Grand Palace, the Royal Grounds and Wat Pho’s reclining Buddha. Once you’ve walked around all the temples and ancient buildings, relax and treat yourself to a traditional Thai massage.
Bangkok is also known as the “Venice of the East.” Spending a couple of hours exploring the canals on a long-tail boat is a great and relaxing way to explore the city.
Bangkok is also a great place to take a Thai cooking class. There are plenty of good cooking class options, and most will adapt to all dietary types. I can recommend May Kaidee near Khao San Road as a good option for vegetarian, Thai cooking classes.
Khao San Road is Bangkok’s “red light district” with plenty of shopping, bars and cheap restaurants. At night is when this area really comes to life! This is also the backpackers’ area, so expect to be hassled a bit by touts. Regardless, it’s still one of the best places to check out the nightlife in Bangkok.
Now you’re armed with some of the top tips for your first visit to Bangkok! All there is to do is get out and explore the city!
Also Read:
Top 5 Luxury Hotels in Bangkok, Thailand
Top 10 Bangkok Budget Hotels Under 60USD
Hotel Review: Sweet Stay at Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn in Bangkok
Blue Elephant Bangkok: A Royal Thai Cuisine Dining Experience
Hotel Review: Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok
Bangkok – Awesome Place For Shopping and Relaxation
First Time Visitors’ Guide to Bangkok
Melo Villareal