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Bangkok – The City that Stimulates All Your Senses
Bangkok, the capital city of Thailand, is a bustling metropolis that boasts of an impressive skyline and an equally vibrant street life. The city is a fusion of old and new, traditional and modern, and it is no surprise that it is one of the most visited destinations in the world. As a National Geography Journalist, I had the opportunity to explore every nook and corner of this magical city and what I discovered was truly mesmerizing.
The scenery of the city is a charmer for both locals and tourists. From towering skyscrapers to tranquil temples, the city offers a great visual experience. The glistening temples like the Grand Palace and Wat Arun will leave you awestruck. On the other hand, the bustling streets of Chinatown, Khao San Road, and Chatuchak Weekend Market are scenes that never sleep. One of my personal favorites was the Chao Phraya River at night, where a cruise will take you through the heart of the city and is a must-have experience.
The city is full of surprises, and like every other city, it has its share of pros and cons. The traffic congestion can be a dampener on your plans, especially during peak hours. However, you can always avoid the traffic by taking the sky train or Metro. The city’s nightlife is vibrant and suited for all tastes, but it can be overwhelming at times, requiring you to be cautious about where you choose to spend your evenings. On the other hand, the average cost of living in a day is quite affordable, with a budget of USD 50 being enough for a day, which includes food, accommodation, and city travel.
The city is home to some of the most stunning attractions in the world, and here is a list of the top 20 you must not miss:
1. Grand Palace – Na Phra Lan Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon
2. Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) – 158 Thanon Wang Doem, Wat Arun, Bangkok Yai
3. The Golden Buddha – 661 Thanon Tri Phet, Khwaeng Pom Prap, Khet Pom Prap Sattru Phai
4. Chatuchak Weekend Market – 587/10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Chatuchak
5. Khao San Road – Khwaeng Talat Yot, Khet Phra Nakhon
6. Jim Thompson House and Museum – 6 Soi Kasemsan 2, Khwaeng Wang Mai, Khet Pathum Wan
7. MBK Center – 444 Phayathai Rd, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan
8. Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) – 2 Sanamchai Rd, Sanamchai, Phra Nakhon
9. Siam Paragon – 991/1 Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan
10. The Bangkok National Museum – Na Phra That Alley, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon
11. Wat Saket (The Golden Mount) – 344 Chakkraphatdi Phong Rd, Ban Bat, Pom Prap Sattru Phai
12. Erawan Shrine – 494 Ratchaprasong Intersection, Ratchaprasong, Pathum Wan
13. Lumpini Park – Rama IV Rd, Lumphini, Pathum Wan
14. The River Kwai Bridge – Tha Makham, Mueang Kanchanaburi District
15. Asiatique The Riverfront – 2194 Charoen Krung Road, Wat Phraya Krai, Bang Kho Laem
16. Wat Mahathat – Na Phra That Alley, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon
17. Wat Traimit Temple of the Golden Buddha – 661 Thanon Tri Phet, Khwaeng Talat Noi, Khet Samphanthawong
18. Wat Benchamabophit (The Marble Temple) – 69 Nakornpathom Rd, Dusit
19. Bangkok Art and Culture Centre – 939 Rama I Rd, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan
20. Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World – 991/1 Rama I Rd, Khwaeng Pathum Wan, Khet Pathum Wan
When it comes to food, Bangkok is known for its scrumptious street food. Here is my list of the top 20 street foods you shouldn’t miss and where you can find them.
1. Pad Thai (Various locations)
2. Tom Yum Goong (Various locations)
3. Green Mango Salad (Salad Concept, 125 Thanon Khao San)
4. Som Tam (Tamnanpar, 5-5/1 Soi 5, Charoen Krung Rd)
5. Sticky Rice and Mango (Various locations)
6. Curry Puff (Thip Samai Pad Thai, Thanon Phra Sumen)
7. Grilled Chicken (Various locations)
8. Boat Noodles (Various locations)
9. Fried Chicken (KFC, Various locations)
10. Satay (Tha Thien Market, Thanon Maha Rat)
11. Fried Rice (Khao Mok Gai Khun Yai Pech, Soi Suksan)
12. Phad See Ew (Various locations)
13. Khanom Buang (Khanom Buang Saphan Lek, Thanon Sao Ching Cha)
14. Pla Phao (Jae Fai, 327 Thanon Tanao)
15. Kuay Teow Lui Suan (Various locations)
16. Khao Niew Ma Muang (Mae Varee, Soi Sukhumvit 55)
17. Gai Tod (Krua Apsorn, Soi Dinso)
18. Khao Mun Gai (Khao Man Gai, Various locations)
19. Kha Nom Krok (Khanom Krok Khun Paan, Thanon Tanao)
20. Khao Soi (Khao Soi Islam, 118 Thanon Charoen Krung)
If you’re planning your stay in Bangkok, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation. Here are the top 10 reasonable hotels and the 10 most reasonable Airbnb’s with detail and price:
Hotels:
1. Prince Palace Hotel ($45.00/night, 4.2 stars, 4880 reviews)
2. Rambuttri Village Inn & Plaza ($25.00/night, 3.8 stars, 4573 reviews)
3. Khurana Inn ($22.00/night, 3.8 stars, 2605 reviews)
4. Asia Hotel Bangkok ($36.00/night, 3.9 stars, 6409 reviews)
5. Bangna Pride Hotel & Residence ($25.00/night, 4 stars, 73 reviews)
6. Twin Towers Hotel ($33.00/night, 3.6 stars, 4243 reviews)
7. De Prime @ Rangnam ($47.00/night, 4 stars, 1324 reviews)
8. Baiyoke Boutique Hotel ($45.00/night, 3.7 stars, 1179 reviews)
9. The Cottage Suvarnabhumi Hotel ($18.00/night, 3.9 stars, 5642 reviews)
10. First House Hotel ($27.00/night, 3.7 stars, 2594 reviews)
Airbnb:
1. Classic and Comfy Bedroom ($20.00/night, 4.94 stars, 25 reviews)
2. Cozy Studio in Local Area ($19.00/night, 4.77 stars, 39 reviews)
3. Luxurious Living in Prime Location ($45.00/night, 5 stars, 7 reviews)
4. Stylish and Central Private Room ($20.00/night, 4.92 stars, 13 reviews)
5. Beautifully Decorated Modern Condo ($37.00/night, 4.7 stars, 17 reviews)
6. Charming and Convenient Apartment ($29.00/night, 4.8 stars, 11 reviews)
7. Spacious Room in Convenient Location ($18.00/night, 5 stars, 5 reviews)
8. Cozy Home with Pool and Gym Access ($38.00/night, 4.85 stars, 13 reviews)
9. Modern and Minimalistic Condo ($28.00/night, 4.97 stars, 29 reviews)
10. Simply Homely Studio ($22.00/night, 4.97 stars, 33 reviews)
In conclusion, Bangkok is an incredible city that will leave you spellbound with its beauty, culture, and food. The city offers a unique blend of the old world and the new, and with so much to explore, one trip may not be enough. Therefore, I give Bangkok a rating of 9.5 out of 10 stars, and I highly recommend this magical city to anyone looking to explore and experience the best of what Southeast Asia has to offer.
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