When people think of great destinations in the Southeast Asia area, Bangkok is a city that springs into mind more often than not. Aside from being easy on the wallet, the culture and friendly vibe of the City of Angels is enough to draw in thousands of tourists year after year – their Filipino neighbours making up a good portion of said visitors.
I. Visa for Filipinos
Visas are often one of the first things Filipinos have to prepare when heading out of the country. Thanks to the Visa Exemption rule (and being part of the ASEAN), Filipinos travelling to Bangkok as tourists can stay in the country for a grand total of up to 30 days, completely visa free
Upon arrival at either of Bangkok’s two international airports: Donmueang and Suvarnabhumi, you are required to present all necessary documents for travel, including:
- Valid Filipino Passport – Proof of citizenship – must be valid within six months.
- Two-way ticket – To ensure you will be going back to your home country after your vacation
II.How to get to Bangkok
There are many airlines that have flights from Philippine cities heading directly into Bangkok, the three most popular being Philippine Airlines, AirAsia and Cebu Pacific.
Philippine Airlines is one of the most premium airlines in the country – they fly directly into Bangkok, and as of July 2017 boarders can enjoy the features of their brand new Airbus A330-300 which holds up to a hefty 309 passengers. In addition, the airbus also offers Business Class, Premium Economy Class, and an enhanced Economy class for your comfort. Every seat even comes with a built-in screen, wifi connectivity, and mobile access to stay entertained and connected with loved ones even while flying up in the air.
A flight from Manila to Bangkok typically lasts 3 hours and 30 minutes.
III. How to get from the Airport to the City
Once you land at either of Bangkok’s two international airports, there’s still around an hour travel before visitors can make it to the tourist centre. There are multiple ways to get to the city from the airports:
Car
If you’re travelling with family or friends, or maybe a big group of people – then it’s more convenient and cost-efficient to rent a car. There’s also the added perks of being available to avoid the lengthy taxi lines and busy public transportation routes – especially during rush hours. KKDAY offers private transport from the airport to Bangkok for around 1000 pesos, with a variety of different vehicle options to pick from, depending on the size of your group, airport of origin, and the quality of the car.
Public Transportation
If you’re a solo traveller, it might be a more economical and faster option to get to the city via Bangkok’s Airport Link.
Suvarnabhumi Airport
1.) Airport Rail Link – When riding via public vehicle, the drive from the airport to the city lasts around an hour and a half. Via the Airport Train Link, on the other hand, the travel time is cut to up to 30 minutes – great for those who want to get a little extra sightseeing in the day.
The Airport Link is located on the basement floor of the Suvarnabhumi Airport, where tickets can be purchased via vending machine or one of the manned booths. The standard fare runs from 15-45 baht depending on the distance away from the airport. The fare to the BTS Station in Phaya Thai costs 45 baht.
The Airport Rail Link operates daily from 6:00 am – 12:25 am and departs every 10-20 minutes.
Don Muang Airport
1.) Train – The MRT can be accessed via the Don Muang Airport, with train departures every half hour up to an hour.
- Wifi and Data
Getting around Bangkok is much easier with the help of online maps and GPS – and given that it is Thailand’s capital city, there is bound to be a data signal practically everywhere.
There are three cellular networks to choose from in Bangkok: AIS, DTAC, and True.
There are plenty of different phone network stands in the arrivals area of the airport. From the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport, you can get a data sim card from DTAC at the 2/F Arrival Terminal near Exit C, Gate 7. For easy pick up and better deals on data packages, you can pre book with KKDAY to skip the long lines and hassle. Simply claim your sim card at the Klook Counter at B Floor, RC6, right next to the Airport Rail-Link Station.
Be sure to have your passport ready as you are required to present them when purchasing a SIM card.
IV.Museums Perfect for Families
3D Art in Paradise
Art in Paradise, also recognized as Bangkok’s first interactive 3D art museum, is a child-friendly and family-friendly museum great for taking pictures and making memories. This wasn’t my first time visiting an Art In Paradise—we happen to have one here in Manila, too. I’ve also done several trick eye museums in Korea, Changmai, and Hong Kong.
The museum consists of six different exhibition areas each with a different historic theme. There are a total of 150 fully interactive paintings. Initially, we found ourselves just walking in for the sake of it. I remember one of my friends saying: “This could be boring.” But hey, it turns out we had a lot of fun taking pictures, acting, and just exploring the area. We even took cool group photos. The museum is open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM but the ticket booth is only open up till 9:00 PM. Tickets cost 290 baht for adults and 150 baht for children, and are also available for purchase through KKDAY.
How to get there:
- Take the MRT Blue Line
- Get off at Thailand Cultural Center Station (BL-19)
- Take a short walk towards the Esplanade Mall which houses the Art in Paradise.
Address: Ratchadapisek Road, Din Daeng, Din Daeng, Bangkok, Thailand 10400 (Google Maps)
Nearest Station: Thailand Cultural Center MRT Station
Ticket to Mystery
Ticket to Mystery is an escape room similar to Lost Hong Kong and Lost Philippines—great for those who love solving puzzles. My friends and I enjoy solving mysteries and games like this so we had to try Ticket to Mystery, one of Bangkok’s up and coming interactive escape rooms. It boasts a cool time travel theme where you’re “transported” into various dates in the past where significant events occurred, like Jack the Ripper in England and the Curse of the Pharaoh in Egypt.
Aside from its innovative and exciting storylines, the Ticket to Mystery is very fun and most enjoyable when playing with a group of people—it’s definitely a great way to kill off 55 minutes (the time limit per round)
Ticket to Mystery is open daily from 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM and costs 1800 baht for 2 persons, 2300 baht for 3 persons, and 2900 baht for 4 persons. You can book online via their website.
How to get there:
- Ride the Skytrain: Sukhumvit Line
- Get off at Ekkamai Station
- Head towards Exit 4
- Take a 3-minute walk to the Ticket to Mystery
Address: Gateway Ekkamai 982/22 Sukhumvit Road, Prakhanong, Room 3115-3116, 3rd floor,, Khlong Toey, Bangkok 10110, Thailand ( Google Maps)
Nearest Station: Ekkamai Station
LINE Village
The LINE Village is a recently opened attraction dedicated to the popular messaging application LINE which has taken Thailand and a good portion of Asia by storm with its cutesy themes and adorable animal sticker mascots. For those who enjoy interactive museums, this was actually one of my favorites. Each room is decorated and set up well. We had fun taking photographs and I especially loved the last room.
There are more than 20 interactive virtual areas and areas designated for taking pictures. Aside from snapping pictures, visitors can also purchase souvenirs and LINE collectibles such as stationary, stuffed toys, clothing and figurines. They even have a snack bar with character-themed food for when you get hungry. LINE Village is a great place to visit for both kids and adults, equipped with traditional photo taking areas to virtual reality setups. It’s also very near from other museums—literally a stone’s throw from Sea Life and Madame Tussauds.
LINE VILLAGE Is open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM but the deadline of buying tickets it a 9:00 AM.
Tickets cost 990 baht for adults and 790 Baht for children
How to get there:
- Take the Skytrain: Sukhumvit Line.
- Get off at the Siam Station (CEN).
- Head towards Exit No. 4.
- Use the Skybridge connecting directly to Siam Square One.
Address: 338, Rama 1 Road Siam Square One Building, 1st Floor, Bangkok 10330 Thailand (Google Maps)
Nearest Station: Siam Station
Sea Life
Perfect for families with children. They have a big collection of the underwater world—from nemo fishes, sea turtles, penguins, bigger fish, and even a huge shark tank. They feature exhibits for taking photos in, like eggs kids can jump in to take pictures with the sea turtle statues. Another fun area of Sea Life is their touch pool, where children can touch some of the marine life. My favorite part was the tunnel filled with sharks; the floor beneath you is made up of glass so you can see the sharks and other fish swim under your feet. Aside from being a very fun and interactive marine life museum, it is also very educational because of all of the signs and informative notes plastered near the animal exhibits.
Admission costs 990 for adults and 790 for children. Buying and printing tickets online is recommended in order to skip the long lines and crowds—especially on weekends. Check ins before 12:00 PM and after 5:00 PM go for discounted rates.
How to get there:
- Take the Skytrain: Silom Line
- Get off at Siam Station (CEN).
- Go out at Exit no. 5
- Enter Siam Paragon
- Go to the Basement floor
Address: 991 Rama I Rd, Khwaeng Pathum Wan, Khet Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10330, Thailand (Google Maps)
Nearest Station: Siam Station
Madame Tussauds
I was 10 years old the last time I had the chance to visit Madame Tussauds. We’ve been eyeing to visit the one in Hong Kong but we just never got to it. I was really happy we were able to make time for it this time around. There are around a hundred different life-sized wax figurines to see.
It starts out with politicians, famous presidents and whatnot, then it goes on to artists and people who revolutionized the world and created great things such as Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Facebook; Albert Einstein, and more. Then the exhibits continue on to showcase sports stars—you can take a picture with popular basketball and football players and more.
Of course, Madame Tussaud’s wouldn’t be Madame Tussauds without their music stars—snap a picture with hit-writing artists like Michael Jackson and the members of One Direction. The end of the exhibits were where all of the A-list celebrities could be found; the likes of Jackie Chan, Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio and more. There was even music playing which made the experience all the more fun, and as a result we spent a lot of time here and even “partied” with the stars. All in all, we really did have a lot of fun.
In addition to full access to the wax exhibits, the ticket also includes a 10 minute 4D Ice Age show which shows every thirty minutes from. However, they won’t let you in if you’re late once the show starts given that it only lasts 10 minutes. Too bad we didn’t have time to see the show anymore.
Tickets can be purchased online via the Madame Tussauds website for either 1490 Baht or 1890 Baht, depending on the package. There are also early bird tickets which only go for 645 baht when you visit Madame Tussauds before 12PM.
Madame Tussauds is open from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM daily
How to get there:
- Ride the SkyTrain
- Get off at Siam Station
- Head to Exit 1
- Walk to the 6th floor, Siam Discovery Center
Address: 989 Rama I Rd, Khwaeng Pathum Wan, Khet Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10330, Thailand ( Google Maps)
Nearest Station: Siam Station
Chocolate Ville
This reminds me of Amsterdam. It felt like an interactive museum but this brings me back to Europe with its architecture and European setting. With Chocolate Ville being one of the known places in Bangkok, some locals actually consider it a themed park restaurant. Isn’t that cool? Not only will you enjoy the sceneries but you’ll also enjoy the most scrumptious Thai as well as Italian and Mexican cuisines. Although prices are much higher compared to the night market with prices ranging from 100-500 baht. But on the other hand, your payment is worth it for the environment and the food. There are a lot of areas to take the most amazing pictures of your relatives and loved ones that are definitely worth sharing on Instagram and other social media sites. Indoor and outdoor tables are available for tourists to dine and one of the things that they mostly like to do is to capture the “dining in the park” type of theme and there a lot of people waiting in line for their turn so it’s better to be early.
There are no entrance fees for the Chocolate Ville but there are a lot of restaurants around—food is the only thing you’re going to be paying for.
Chocolate Ville opens from 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM daily.
How to get here:
- Take the MRT to Lad Phao Station.
- From Lad Phao Station you can take a taxi to Chocolate Ville. (100-200 baht
Address: Soi Kaset-Nawamin, Khwaeng Ram Inthra, Bueng Kum, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10240, ( Google Maps)
Nearest Station: Lad Phao Station
Tip: Get the most out of your museum experiences with the help of KKDAY’s combo tickets. You can save over half off and see both Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World and Madame Tussaud’s—two very fun and interesting museums in Bangkok, for the price of one.
V.Cultural Attractions
Grand Palace
I’ve been to the grand palace years ago, however one of my friends had wanted to see it so we decided to give it a shot. This is near Wat Arun.
The dress code is super strict – shorts and revealing clothes are not allowed. You must have your shoulders, legs, knees, and heels covered. Even a scarf to cover your shoulders isn’t enough, so be careful. They say you can even be arrested if you refuse to abide by proper clothing decorum. If you really need the extra clothes, however, there are people selling long pants and long-sleeved shirts right outside the palace for around 100 – 150 Baht.
The Grand Palace is a very large area, multiple buildings, structures and courtyards built during the 19th century, a wonderful example of early Thai architecture, but to be honest—This was my least favurite. Don’t get me wrong, it was really pretty; when we visited here years ago we really appreciated it. There were lots of people then, yes, but now there were just TOOOO MANY PEOPLE. The structures are grand and magnificent, statues of Thai mythology littered around but it just felt as if we were swimming through a sea of people. Tour groups herded together and people snapped photos left and right. I went on a Saturday (That was our only free day) and I asked the tour guide if it was always that crowded—he said YES. I even asked if it was any better during the weekdays but he said: No, it’s always like this.
The history of the Grand Palace is incredibly rich, it was once a residence for the King and his family but really, I enjoyed Wat Arun more—I mean, there were still lots of people there but the experience was still good overall. Maybe they should place a system similar to that of Jim Thompson’s where they herd people in groups so not too many people are inside at the same time, because the number of people is just too overwhelming….it kind of hinders the palace experience
The Grand Palace is open from 8:30AM – 3:30PM daily and entry costs 500 baht per person. Entrance for locals, however, is free.
How to get there:
- Ride the SkyTrain
- Get on the Silom Line
- Ride to Taksin Station
- Head to Exit 2
- Take Chao Phraya Express Boat
- Arrive at Ta Chang Pier No. 9
Address: 1 Na Phra Lan Rd, แขวงพระบรมมหาราชวัง Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand ( Google Maps)
Nearest Station: Taksin Station
Wat Arun
Wat Arun is another great spot to see the beautiful Thai architecture as well as better understand their heritage and religion. There are Buddhist monks littered around the area for prayer and worship – even a Buddha statue and lots of greenery, carvings, and structures.
The best part of visiting, however, is climbing up the Wat Arun spire to behold a breathtaking view of the Grand Palace down below – makes for a perfect picture if there ever was one. What most people don’t know is that you’re allowed to climb up to the very top of the spire – that is, if you can handle the height. You can even dress up in a Thai costume by buying one from the vendors outside – they sell the outfits for 200 baht but you can probably haggle it down to just 100 baht. They put it on really fast and the best part is that you can take pictures with it! The entrance fee to Wat Arun is just a very affordable 50 baht, which is very worth it since despite being a temple, visitors are free to take as many pictures as they like, wherever they like – for keeps.
Even though Wat Arun is a very popular tourist destination, it is also a sacred Buddhist temple. Visitors must dress modestly and avoid wearing clothing that exposes the shoulders, chest, or legs. Long sleeved shirts and pants are a safe choice.
How to get there:
- Ride the SkyTrain
- Get on the Silom Line
- Ride to Taksin Station
- Head to exit 2
- Take Chao Phraya Express Boat
- Arrive at Tha Thien Pier No. 8
- Cross the river via boat
Address: 158 Thanon Wang Doem, Khwaeng Wat Arun, Khet Bangkok Yai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10600, Thailand (Google Maps)
Nearest Station: Taksin Station
Wat Pho
Wat Pho Is a Buddhist temple known for its massive reclining Buddha. Seeing it in real life was so surreal and breathtaking. It also houses the largest collection of Buddha images in the country. Wat Pho is one of the six temples in Thailand that is classified as the highest grade of first class Royal temples. The place consists of 91 stupas, 4 viharas and a central sanctum. Visitors have to take off their shoes in order to see the golden Buddha at an impressive height of 15 meters and length of 46 meters. Wat Pho is a great visit for those looking forward to a deeper insight into the lovely history and culture of prayer that the Thai people posses.
It is open daily from 8:00 am to 6:30 pm. The admission costs 100 baht, but children under 120 cm are exempted from paying.
How to get there:
- Ride the SkyTrain
- Get on the Silom Line
- Ride to Taksin Station
- Head to exit 2
- Take Chao Phraya Express Boat
- Arrive at Tha Thien Pier No. 8
Address: 2 Sanam Chai Rd, แขวงพระบรมมหาราชวัง Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand ( Google Maps)
Nearest Station: Taksin Station
Siam Niramit is a great place to get to know more about the rich Thai culture and history. Ticket prices vary depending on the seats chosen and whether or not you want to avail of their full buffet. Tickets for adults inclusive of dinner cost 2,850 Baht for a platinum seat, 2,350 Baht for a golden seat, and 1,850 Baht for a standard seat. As for shows without dinner, tickets will set you back 2,500 for a platinum seat, 2,000 for a golden seat, and 1,500 for a standard seat.
There are gift shops in the hall where you can purchase different merchandise and souvenirs before the show begins.
TIP: Be there by 7. There will be a pre-cultural show waiting for you, and you can explore the things in the villages. There’s even a segment where they ask for audience participants to come up and dance and of course, this is something I really enjoy.
In terms of the main show itself, the stage is just magical. I love the set and how they really made everything come to life. Admittedly, the show was a little bit too long for me. However, for those interesting in learning about the culture, history, and rich past of the Thai – as well as those who just love watching shows – this is a very good one. I loved all the stage effects and as I’ve said earlier, they made it even better by including audience participation alongside the fantastic exhibits of talent.
TIP: No cameras will be allowed, but they have a place where you can deposit your camera. Everything is very organised from how you give your camera, to how you collect it. It’s even color coded so you don’t need to worry about them mixing your gadgets with another person’s.
How to get there:
- Take the BTS Skytrain: Sukhumvit Line
- Get off at Asok Station (or E4 Station).
- Take the MRT to Thailand Cultural Center Station.
- Head to Exit No. 1.
- Ride the shuttle bus going to Siam Niramit
Address: 19 Thiam Ruam Mit Rd, Khwaeng Huai Khwang, Khet Huai Khwang, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10310, Thailand (Google Maps)
Nearest Station: Asok Stati
TIP: Visit many of Bangkok’s temples all at once with KKDAY’s Half-Day Bangkok City and Temples Tour, featuring some of the best landmarks in the city.
Erawan Museum
Erawan Museum is where the famous Giant Three-Headed Elephant resides, made with bronze, weighing up to 150 tons and resting atop an almost 50 foot high pedestal. The garden towards the museum is very beautiful in itself, lined with beautiful greenery and elephant statues. The inside of the museum is another wonder, filled with intricate carvings and patterns as well as a stained glass ceiling – it was all very photogenic, and I personally LOVED IT A LOT. The elephant is very grand up close, far more amazing seen with the eye than through pictures. In addition, the museum also has audio guides in many different languages to help visitors fully grasp the meaning behind all of the beautiful exhibits inside.
Erawan Museum is open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM and entrance to the museum is 400 baht for adults and 200 baht for children.
TIP: Visit the Erawan Museum and Ancient City at once with a joint ticket from KKDAY for a hassle free ticket-buying experience.
How to get there:
- Ride the Sky Train: Sukhumvit Line
- Get off at Bearing Station (or E14 Station)
- Take a taxi
Address: 99/9 Moo 1 Bangmuangmai Amphoe Mueang Samut Prakan, Chang Wat Samut Prakan 10270, Thailand (Google Maps)
Nearest Station: Bearing Station
Ancient City
The Ancient City is one of the lesser known attractions in Bangkok – but just as beautiful as the popular tourist-y ones, nonetheless. It is a full 300 acres of land boasting gardens, structures, monuments – everything under the sun. Entrance costs 700 baht for foreigners but it is well worth it given that it isn’t very crowded and is very picturesque. I wish we had more time here. You can even opt to take a tram to go around the village. If not, you can also take a bike – it was quite cool. The bikes are free to use but need to be returned afterwards. You can also drive your own car around the park. The Ancient City is open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
How to get there:
- Ride the Sky Train: Sukhumvit Line
- Alight at Bearing Station (or E14 Station)
- Take a taxi
Address: 296/1 หมู่ 7 Sukhumvit Rd, Bang Pu Mai, Amphoe Mueang Samut Prakan, Chang Wat Samut Prakan 10280, Thailand (Google Maps)
Nearest Station: Bearing Station
Jim Thompson House
If art and architecture are things which interest you, then the Jim Thompson House is one of the places you should go to. The Jim Thompson House was previously owned by Jim Thompson, an American businessman who later started his own silk company in Bangkok. Surrounded by a luscious tropical garden, the house itself is composed of six teak buildings that displays traditional Thai style architecture. His mansion is a perfect combination of both the East and the West. It also displays a wide variety of antiques and art collections that he himself gathered throughout the years. A few of his collections include Chinese earthenwares, Victorian chandeliers and Buddha images. Around the house, you can also see silk patterns and other items used in the production of silk.
Jim Thompson house opens at 9:00 am and closes at 6:00 pm. Admission for a adult costs 200 baht. Tickets for visitors who are under the age of 22 costs 100 baht (160 pesos). While children under 10 years of age, are free.
TIP: You have to leave your bags locked up in a CCTV-monitored locker. So if you’re bringing any valuable item with you make sure that you wear clothes with big pockets or be comfortable locking your stuff. Also, don’t forget to check out the souvenir shop. They sell scarves and shirts made out of silk.
How to get there:
- Ride the Skytrain: Silom Line
- Get off at National Stadium (W1)
- Take Exit 1
- Walk towards the end of Soi Kasemsan 2
- Jim Thompson’s house would be seen on the left side
Address: 6 Soi Kasemsan 2, Rama 1 Road, Bangkok
Nearest Station: National Stadium
VI. Food
Train Market
Train Markets have always been very popular in Thailand – sometimes even featured in movies as well as animated films. The train market near Esplanade Mall, also referred to as the Talad Rod Fai night market, is always crowded and bustling with people. There is one side dedicated to clothing and various items and trinkets, but there is also one side of the market which is dedicated to all sorts of food.
The food at the train market is extremely diverse – you couldn’t try it all even if you spent hours upon hours just eating and walking around. The food ranges from local Thai cuisine and Thai street food to Korean, Japanese, European, and more. Aside from food, there are also lots of drinking spots and pubs at the far end of the market – a great way to end the day.
I’ve been here twice before and enjoyed it a lot. Before heading to the train market, go to the parking lot of the Esplanade Mall so you can see a full view of the market – it’s quite cool.
In summary, the train market is a wonderful place to shop, eat and drink from various price points and diverse options.
Here are a few of the things we tried:
- Spicy Cockle Salad
- Pork Grill
- Nutella and Crepe
- Ribs
- Soup
- Giant seafood Platter with Sauce
Street Food
Bangkok is a city renowned worldwide for its delicious street food – and it’s probably one of the best places to be if you love food, especially ones that don’t break the bank. Here are some of Bangkok’s most popular – and delicious – street food:
Thai Chicken Rice – Simple chicken rice served with chili sauce and flavored rice, as well as a few fresh veggies on the sides – minimalistic yet very hearty.
Rice Noodle Soup – Hot, fresh soup infused with pig organs and meat
Tom Yum Goong – Known in English as spicy seafood soup. A hearty soup filled with veggies and shrimp.
Pad Thai – Otherwise called stir-fried noodles. Pad Thai is one of Thailand’s most famous dishes, rice noodles served with a spicy-sweet-sour sauce.
Pla pao – Stuffed fish grilled with charcoal and served with chili sauce
VII. Shopping Areas
Platinum Fashion Mall
The Platinum Fashion Mall is a little haven for people who love clothes. You can buy pretty much any clothing article under the sun here – from trinkets and bracelets to dresses and denim. If you buy items at wholesale, the vendors will be more likely to give you a discount – a great place to purchase souvenirs at a competitive price. After shopping, you can take a break and eat at the mall’s food court. The Platinum Fashion Mall is open from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM from Mondays thru Fridays and 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM on the weekends.
How to get there:
- Ride the Skytrain
- Get off at Phaya Thai Station
- Get a Tuk-Tuk on New Phetchaburi Rd
- Tell the driver to drop you off Platinum Fashion Mall
Address: 222 Phetchaburi Rd, Khwaeng Thanon Phetchaburi, Khet Ratchathewi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand ( Google Maps)
Pratunam
Pratunam is another great shopping area in Bangkok – and is an area usually dominated by local shoppers. It’s very crowded and narrow, filled with stall after stall. The Pratunam Market sells every product under the sun, from clothing, make-up, and even going so far as to sell hair extensions. Keep in mind however that there are a lot of dupe and non-authentic products littered around. Haggling is also the norm and you’re more likely to get a discount when buying items wholesale. The Pratunam Market is open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily.
TIP: Don’t be surprised when you see all of the cats littered around the Pratunam Market! The vendors, especially at food stalls, like to keep their feline friends around to ward away rats and other pests. If you’re allergic, keep some medication or a face mask to avoid sniffing the dander.
How to get there:
- Ride the BTS: Sukhumvit Line
- Get off at the Ratchathewi BTS station
- Take a tuk tuk or taxi to Pratunam Market
Address: 869/15 Ratchaprarop Rd, Khwaeng Thanon Phaya Thai, Khet Ratchathewi, กรุงเทพมหานคร 10400, Thailand Google Maps
MBK
The MBK Shopping Mall also known as the Mah Boon Krong Mall) in Bangkok is massive – 8 stories high and filled with over 2000 shops, restaurants, and stalls. It is connected to two other malls – the Siam Paragon and Siam Discovery which are higher end alternative malls selling only authentic goods. Conversely, the MBK sells a mix between authentic and fake goods so always be sure to keep a sharp eye. It also tends to be very crowded here, with upwards of 100, 000 visitors coming in each day – especially on the weekends. MBK is open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.
TIP: Go to the Visitor’s Lounge on the 5th floor, Zone D. You can get free coffee, cookies, and internet – but most importantly you can get discounts from the shops inside MBK. ( Google Maps)
How to get there:
- Ride the BTS Skytrain
- Get off the National Stadium Station
- Follow the signs to the MBK Shopping Mall
- Cross the sky bridge into the mall’s department store
Address: Phayathai Rd, Pathum Wan, Khet Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10330, Thailand
Mega Bangna
This is one of Bangkok’s newest megamalls which truly lives up to its name, a full 115, 000 square feet filled with any shop you could think of. You can find popular names and brands such as IKEA and Apple here. Thailand citizens seem to love jewelry, because their malls are filled with them – Mega Bangna itself has lots of jewelry stands, perfect for gifts and souvenirs. The mall is open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.
How to get there:
- Ride the BTS
- Get off at Udomsuk Station
- Take the shuttle to Mega Bangna mall
Address: 39 หมู่ที่ 6 Bang Na-Trat Rd, Tambon Bang Kaeo, Amphoe Bang Phli, Chang Wat Samut Prakan 10540, Thailand Google Maps
Terminal 21
Terminal 21 is an airport-inspired shopping mall that made me feel as if I was travelling to many different countries all at once. The shopping mall is divided into different cities, and it houses hundreds of shops where you could find affordable dproducts and luxurious brands. It is every shopaholic’s haven. If you ever get tired from shopping, they also have a lot of restaurants and cafés where you could choose to eat from. Terminal 21 is open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
TIP: Be sure to check our their bathrooms at each floor! They’re also designed and decorated according to the city theme.
How to get there:
- Ride the MRT (Phetchaburi)
- Get off at Sukhumvit
- Walk to Terminal 21
Address: 88 Soi Sukhumvit 19, Khwaeng Khlong Toei Nuea, Khet Watthana, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110, Thailand Google Maps
TIP: Look for products with a sign that says “VAT Refund For Tourists”. Thailand offers a VAT Refund for tourists as long as the goods they purchased are within 60 days before exit from the country. It also requires that products purchased from a single participating shop shouldn’t be less than 2000 baht, and that the total amount for the claiming for a VAT refund shouldn’t be less than 5000 baht. Ask the sales assistant at the shop and request for a VAT Refund form or commonly known as the P.P.10 form. Remember to bring your passports, as you need it in order to prove that you’re a tourist.
VIII. Areas to Explore outside Bangkok
Kanchanaburi
Just two hours away from Bangkok, Kanchanaburi is filled with soothing nature – such as the Erawan National Park which boasts wonderful flora, marine life, and fauna, as well lots of refreshing waterfalls—great for hiking and swimming around. There are also lots of historical spots to see as well, like the Bridge over River Kwai and Kanchanaburi War Cemetery. You can get to Kanchanaburi from Bangkok via public bus, which costs 50 baht. Tuk tuks and taxis are also available, but they can get pretty expensive.
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the fast-paced city of Bangkok for a little while all while still being able to absorb Thailand’s fascinating history and culture, then Kanchanaburi is the place to be.
Mahasawat Canal
Canals in Bangkok are far from what they’re like in the Philippines – they are an integral part of Thailand’s culture as well as a means of transportation. There are many attractions along the Mahasawat Canal, such as orchid farms, lotus farms, and even a rice cake factory. This was a day trip tour from Bangkok with Take me Tour and we loved it.
Ayuthaya with a Local Twist
Ayuthaya is a popular day trip tour from Bangkok but if you are up for both temples and local experiences book the tour with Take Me Tour and you’ll have fun seeing temples, learning, cooking Tom Yum Kung, and having lunch with a local family.
IX.Must Experience
Massage
Thai massages are popular worldwide for being very relaxing and rejuvenating. Myth. My friends and I went here before. A local who lived in Bangkok for a while suggested it and I ended up having one of the best massages in my life – it’s not like the ones you can have in the streets. Of course, those are cheaper – but despite the higher price tag, this one was super comfortable and felt amazing. I had to go back and this time around I brought a friend along – she felt the exact same way.
Cooking Class
Thai food is so good you’ll end up wishing you could take the entire city of Bangkok back home – thankfully you can at least take the cuisine with you through the various cooking classes Bangkok has to offer. They teach you how to whip up delicious and authentic Thai cuisine for yourself (as well as your friends and family) back home, so you can take a little bit of the country with you wherever you go. Some great cooking classes can be booked through KKDay, such as the Sompong Thai Cooking School and the Maliwan Thai Cooking Class.
X.Night Life
Khao San
Also known as the Khao San Road, where it is mostly popular for its carefree ambiance and for its wide variety shops that are littered all around the town. With the flashy lights of different stores at night, the place even looks even more attractive than it is during the morning. This road is very popular among youths, local art students and those who are young at heart.
Address: Khwaeng Talat Yot, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand
Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar
One of the high-end and very luxurious bars in Bangkok, Octave features a stunning 350 panoramic view of the Bangkok skyline on its rooftop. Their drinks are delicious and mixed by expert bartenders who can make you something new and exciting if you ask. You can also have dinner while watching the sunset – you can choose between some light snacks or a full blown meal.
Address: 57 ซอย สุขุมวิท 57 ถนน สุขุมวิท Khwaeng Khlong Tan Nuea, Khet Watthana, กรุงเทพมหานคร 10110, Thailand
Victory Monument To Po Love Xiu
The nightlife here is located around the BTS Victory Monument Station. Street stalls have jazz bars and wine pubs with live DJs playing dotted around. With all the varying choices around, budget is actually not a problem, you’ll definitely find something here to satisfy your own nightlife experience in Thailand without hurting your wallet.
Address: Thanon Phaya Thai, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Saxophone Bar
The Saxophone bar is a jazz bar and restaurant in Bangkok which has exquisite Thai cuisine, made even more delightful with the live band playing alongside your meals. It usually opens around 11 pm. It’s considered to be one of the best live music bars in Bangkok. With the welcoming feel of classy jazz tunes, a lot of people usually go here to relax and just bask in the warm atmosphere while they end the day with some great food and music.
Address: 3/8 ซอย ราชวิถี 11 พญาไท Khwaeng Thanon Phaya Thai, Khet Ratchathewi, กรุงเทพมหานคร 10400, Thailand
XI. Modes of Transportation
Chao Praya River Ferry
Chao Praya River Ferry operates 5 lines from 6:00 am to 6:30 pm daily. You can differentiate each line by the flag in its rear. It is recommended for tourists to do the “Tourist Boats”. It offers unlimited trips to 9 piers for only 150 baht. It runs 9:30 am to 3:00 pm daily.
The north route stops at Sathorn, Oriental, Si Phaya, Rachawongs, Memorial Bridge, Tha Tien,Tha Chang, Maharaj Pier, Wang Lang, Phra Pin Klao, Phra Arthit, King Rama VII Bridge, Thewet, Nonthaburi and Kiak Kai while the south route stops at the temple complexes of Wat Worachanyawas and Wat Rajsingkorn
Tuk Tuk
This is a common mode of transportation especially around the Khao San area. But take note: This, in my opinion is the most expensive option because tuk tuks have no meters, and drivers love overcharging tourists.
Grab Taxi
A cheaper mode of transportation. I love it. Sometimes, however, the wait for a car be too long because of the Bangkok traffic. The good thing is rates are fixed so you’re sure you won’t be scammed.
Taxi
Taxis charge decently – around 50 baht for a few kilometres. Unfortunately, the fare goes up during traffic surges and more often than not it can be difficult to communicate with drivers since most of them do not speak fluent English.
Motorbike
The fastest and cheapest option, especially if your destination if nearby.
Rent a Van or A Car
If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of pinning down your location, you can rent a private vehicle to take you to any destination you want. The downside of this option is that you’ll be wading through Bangkok traffic, and it’s rather pricey.
BTS
This is probably the best mode of transport given how fast it is. Thankfully, people are very disciplined. A good example is when they wait for people to exit before entering. This is the best mode of transport but it can get super crowded. Once, it took us a good 30 minutes and 8 trains to be able to enter to go to Siam Niramit during rush hour but oh well, other times it’s perfectly fine.
TIP: If you plan to use the BTS often during your trip, by the Unlimited Pass for as many rides as you want – and for great value.
Underground Subway
The MRT (also referred to as the Underground Subway) is very similar to the BTS in that it is cheap and fast – but it also tends to get crowded during rush hour.
XII. Itinerary
Heading to Thailand for a couple of days? Here’s a good itinerary sample to help you get the most out of the beautiful culture, food, and activities that Bangkok has to offer.
Day 1: Museums
- Museums
- Sea Life
- Madame Tussauds
- Line Village
- Arts in Paradise
- Shopping in Siam Area
- Dinner in Somboon
Day 2: Cultural Bangkok
- Grand Palace
- Wat Arun
- Wat Pho
- Chao Praya River Cruise (Dinner) or Jim Thompson
- Shop at MBK
Day 3: City Sights
- Erawan and Ancient City
- Dinner in Train Market
Day 4: Shopping
- Explore Terminal 21 and then Lunch at Penguin Eat Shabu
- Chocolate Village
- Go to a Night Market to Shop
Day 5: Experiences
- Cooking Class
- Ticket To Mystery
- Food
Day 6: Take local tours outside Bangkok
- Mahasawat Canal
- Floating Market
Day 7: Leave Bangkok and head to Kanchanaburi
Thank you to Tourism Authority of Thailand and Philippine Airlines for making this trip possible.
