Bangkok is a great city to visit, with shopping malls, temples and markets surrounded by avenues of street vendors it makes for a very unique experience. The best way to see it all is to use the BTS and the MRT which are the very efficient train networks in Bangkok. They are very easy to navigate, reliable and cheap - what’s not to like?!
Make sure to explore the temples, and pay a visit to the Grand Palace. You can buy tickets for a boat trip along the river which will take you up to Wat Arun, Wat Pho and the Grand Palace; the Reclining Buddha is also within walking distance. Although entry to the Grand Palace is expensive, (1000 Baht) it is a remarkable place and something not to be missed. The Reclining Buddha is much more reasonably priced (100 Baht) and is especially good value as it includes entry to the weapons museum and gardens. Shoulders and skin above the knee cannot be exposed as it is deemed disrespectful. If you forget to bring a t-shirt or trousers, there are many street vendors that are more than happy to sell garments to ill prepared tourists but be prepared to haggle!
One of the main delights of Bangkok is the array of street food. Locals live off street food here, and it is difficult to walk down any road in Bangkok without walking past a food vendor of some sort. It's not only the most authentic food you can get, but the most inexpensive. It is quite common to get a Thai Green Curry for around 50 Baht, so live like a local and eat like a king.The best street food is in the CBD, Chinatown and the MBK Centre - keep your eyes out for the hot chickens, they are delicious and ridiculously cheap!
Staying in Bangkok is also really affordable, even for those on a tight budget it is still possible to stay in the heart of the city. For a double room with private bathroom and swimming pool you can expect to pay between £15 and £20 per night. Of course there are more luxurious accommodation options if your budget permits, as well as hostels with shared rooms and bathrooms which are inevitably much cheaper.
S T R E E T F O O D
Possibly the most delicious authentic food you will find. Easy to spot as you will usually smell the fresh durian first. Feeling adventurous, try something new you would never find at home, you might be pleasantly surprised. A pop up market outside the MBK centre sells some of the best roast chicken we have ever had!
L O C A L S M A R K E T S
You can't take a two minute walk in Bangkok without coming across a local market selling the freshest ingredients; including fruit, vegetables, meat, and even livestock. Embrace it by taking to the stalls and get yourself some cheap food.
G R A N D P A L A C E
Token tourist hotspot but what a place, it really does not disappoint! Try to get there early as it does get very busy and it will be hard to take any pictures without featuring strangers. Top tip: Make sure you dress appropriately by covering up your shoulders and wearing trousers.
R E C L I N I N G B U D D H A
Only a short walk from the Grand Palace and at a much better price it is well worth checking this out as photos really don't do this giant gold covered buddha justice.
C H I N A T O W N
Wanna find some Chinese food or one of those waving lucky cats (they're everywhere!) then this is the place to go. It's always nice to get away from some of the main tourist destinations and check out hidden streets off the beaten track.
S H O P P I N G A T M B K C E N T R E & T E R M I N A L 2 1
From decent knockoffs, tacky tourist gifts and cheap designer brands, Bangkok has a complete mixture of malls to choose from. Head to the MBK centre to shop all the latest trends at a fraction of the price you would at home or head to Terminal 21 where each floor has a different theme; from Japanese to American. Check it out, even the toilets has been designed to match their themed floor.
