Bangkok: attractions, restaurants, itineraries

Bangkok

Colorful, bustling, exotic, and cosmopolitan, Bangkok is like a perpetual motion machine. The rhythm of life here doesn't slow down for a second, and the contrasts astonish even seasoned travelers. Bangkok is the capital of resort Thailand. It is here that most tourists fly into before heading out to the tropical islands of the Gulf of Siam. But Bangkok cannot be regarded merely as a transit point, as there is so much interesting and unique to explore.

Bangkok is called the city of 1,000 temples. One of the most impressive temple complexes is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, located on the grounds of the Grand Palace. The palace itself deserves no less attention. The entire architectural complex is situated on the Rattanakosin Island in the heart of the metropolis.

During a tour of Bangkok, also pay attention to the Temples of Dawn and the Golden Buddha, as well as the Marble Temple, which is entirely built from Carrara marble from Italy. Once you've seen all the historical and architectural attractions of Bangkok, proceed to explore its modern side. Visit the Siam Ocean World aquarium, take in the nighttime cityscape from the top floors of skyscrapers, spend an evening in a bustling nightclub, or check out a transvestite show.

When to go?

Bangkok is a very hot city. Although the air temperature here doesn't reach critical levels, it can be quite challenging for an unprepared tourist to spend a lot of time outdoors due to the high humidity caused by the tropical climate.

The least suitable period to visit Bangkok is the rainy season, which lasts from June to October. During this time, the multi-million population city turns into an open sauna, and the daily heavy rains flood the streets. The perfect time to explore this exotic city is the cool season (November-February), when the average air temperature is around 25°C. If you're not afraid of the heat, you can also plan your trip for the spring months from March to May.

What to buy?

Shopping in Bangkok is a unique form of entertainment. Bangkok's stores attract tourists with pleasant prices. For clothing, shoes, and accessories from well-known brands, head to Silom Road, where you'll find Central Department Store, Robinson's shopping mall, and a host of other shops.

Experience the true atmosphere of Asia at the Patpong Night Market. Goods here are sold in open stalls or simply by hand. At Patpong, you can find small souvenirs, items of traditional clothing, or local delicacies.

At the Pak Khlong Talat Flower Market, you can enjoy the aromas of exotic plants and buy yourself a bouquet of orchids or tropical lilies for your room. For gold jewelry, head to Chinatown on Yaowarat Road, where more than 100 jewelry stores line up in a row. Also, make sure to visit the Floating Market. Even if you don’t buy anything there, don’t be upset, as it’s worth a visit just for the experience.

What to try?

Thai cuisine is renowned worldwide for its exotic flavor combinations, extensive use of spices, and ingredients unusual to the Western palate. The cuisine of Bangkok's restaurants is a masterful blend of traditional Thai culinary practices with dishes from Europe, India, and China.

First, head to the city's central areas where street food stalls await you at every turn. Here you can find noodles and rice with various toppings, pork in spicy sauce, grilled seafood and fish, spicy soups, and so on.

To feel like a true Bangkok native, don't forget to try the city's traditional dishes: noodles in meat broth with herbs, originally sold from boats at the Floating Market; noodles with chicken, squid, and egg; and the appetizer ma hor with fruits, peanuts, pork, chicken, and hot pepper.

For those who love a thrill, be sure to check out the stalls offering local delicacies like larvae, grasshoppers, beetles, and other small critters fried in oil.

Where to stay?

As in any other metropolis, finding a place to stay in Bangkok is not a problem. High-class hotels, boutique hotels, guesthouses, and hostels welcome millions of guests. Despite the abundance of accommodation options, it is advisable to book a hotel in Bangkok in advance.

The most expensive and prestigious hotels are located in the Sukhumvit and Siam Square areas. Budget options for lodging can easily be found on Khao San Road and in the Pratunam area.