How to Travel Bangkok Like A Traveller & Not A Tourist
Because once is not enough for a kingdom like Bangkok.
Bangkok is not the kind of city you visit only once. A single trip is realistically not enough for a place so rich in its unique blend of culture and nature, yet so affordable in price. I’ve lost count of the number of times I marveled in awe at the land of smiles. With every new visit, I make sure to try something fresh as the city really has too much to offer.
If you too, are a member of taking frequent flights along the KUL-BKK route and are starting to find yourself roaming another lookalike temple, revisiting the same mall or eating typical Thai dishes you already know too well, then bookmark this article because it’s gonna be useful, if not perfect; for your next visit.
So, what are the secrets of Bangkok? In a complex city dangling with electrical wires from shops to lots above massive mazes of chili flakes-scented streets; where are the hidden gems?
A Guide to See, Experience and Taste A Different Side of Bangkok – An exclusive itinerary by ThaiAirways.
Did you know that Bangkok has the longest capital city name in the world, according to the Guinness Book of Records?
Originally, the Thais named their city after what they saw – the vision of an olive tree region – ‘makok’ (olive), which is mispronounced as ‘Bangkok’ today. In 1782, King Rama I, who ruled the third kingdom of Thailand and built the famous Temple of the Emerald Buddha, renamed Bangkok to the ‘City of Angels’ (err . . . yes, just like Los Angeles). In the early 19th century, foreigners swarmed the country, bringing with them Christianity. These new immigrants didn’t recognise the new longwinded name and stuck to Bangkok instead; a name which apparently doesn’t mean anything to the Thais, as they faithfully remain to call their land the ‘City of Angels’.
Recommended stay: Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn
{Had this gorgeous room all to myself <3}
5 Must Try Experiences in One Day
1. Getting picture perfect at Santi Chai Prakan Park.
At this small peaceful park you will see Phra Sumen Fort and Rama VIII Bridge, which makes for a beautiful backdrop if you like to take OOTD shots.
{ZARA guipure lace top worn for my ROM, TOPSHOP split skirt (similar here on discount!), JORD wood watch, IPANEMA with Starck sandals (delicious Sundae version here)}
Once upon a time there were 14 forts. Today there is only 1 left and it is the white one you see above. The Portuguese and many other ‘interested parties’ came to Thailand by ocean followed by rivers, which explains why there were so many forts around to protect the nation. Ironically, the fort was also introduced by foreigners, as Thais didn’t know how to use bricks back then.
{The grand Rama VIII Bridge across Chao Priya, most important river in Thailand}
This river water might look like teh tarik but rest assured it is only the color of mud. During rainy season, you’d see water lilies gaily and gently rowing down the clean river.
2. Visit Thailand’s Hollywood of the past.
Walking through this frame transports you to a nostalgic dimension; a shopping and entertainment hub frequented by famous Thai celebrities (think Siam Square). Today it is overshadowed by the neighboring tourist attraction, Khao San Road.
Present-day, there are only goldsmiths and silversmiths left in the neighbourhood. Every 1st and 16th of the month, locals look forward to buy and win the lottery because people can be rich, people can be poor – isn’t that life unpredictabilities?
{To reach this place, search: Banglamphu neighbourhood. By car, go via Phra Arthit Rd., Phra Sumen Rd., OR Chakrabongse Rd.}
{Perched at the front steps of Duriyapraneet House, a 100-year old Thai music house, which has been actively engaged in preservation of Thai music throughout several generations}
The owner, Pinoy, whose grandpa was a musician and grandma, a dancer; both for the royal court, fell in love and had 10 children who all became famous musicians of Thailand! As 1 of the 10, she received their will to preserve the tradition.
{The lady in yellow was a national artist / singer who passed away 4 years ago, leaving her honorable reputation for the family}
{Members of this house include royal musicians and even the princess’s teacher}
{This house also feels like a school to me and vice versa}
What you can expect from this To-Do item:
– Have fun dressing up in Thai traditional costumes.
– Learn the moves of traditional Thai dance.
– Learn to play a song using traditional Thai musical instruments.
While this is not the kind of tour most people would do, it is what makes it so unique because when you do, you’d realize at the end of the session that it was definitely a priceless, enjoyable time.
3. Tasting Thailand as ‘The Kitchen of the World’.
You would not have discovered this restaurant unless a local, tour guide or travel / food blogger told you about this secret:
{Search: Aisah Rotdee to find this hidden gem tucked away in one of Bangkok’s many tasty corners}
{Recommendations, cert and vintage photos; humbly boasting as approvals from many walks of life}
{Highlight dishes: Khao Mok Gai (Thai Briyani) and their famous oxtail soup (which easily runs out!)}
4. ‘Midas’ your eyes while staring at gold in Bavorn Temple.
Unlike other temples that tourists squeeze in their Must-See list, this 700-year old temple is frequented by the locals since 1362.
King Rama III was half Thai and half Chinese, which explains why there’s heavy Chinese influence in Thailand since then. This temple is dedicated from the majesty to Buddha.
{Buddha statue transferred over 100 years ago from a province}
{Stupa with gold leaves all over}
{There are 2 Buddhas in this temple’s vicinity, so make sure to see both if you’ve made it all the way there}
{Hidden in this photo are Buddha relics}
{Bottled holy water you can take home for free – drip a few drops into your drinking water for good luck!}
See the jade-colored statue far right? There are a total of 4 different animals, each representing a country – bird for the north kingdom of Thailand, horse for Myanmar, elephant for Laos and lion for Singapore.
5. Appreciate Nielloware handcraft like never before.
Thai Nakon is the first silverware shop in Thailand, producing and preserving original Thai art from the south. In the past it only serves the Thai royal family, hence it received a ‘garuda symbol’ to prove its authenticity. Today, it is open for all to see and shop.
{Nielloware, famous for its extremely detailed handwork}
{Nielloware workshop and man at work}
{How I wish I own this gold-leafed silverware clutch! Notice its intricate details}
This post is sponsored by ThaiAirways, Tourism Authority of Thailand and Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau, which opened my eyes to see Bangkok in a totally different light while I gained a great appreciation towards the diversity of Thai art and culture I didn’t know exist before. To my readers, thank you for supporting the travel organizations that keep Cin City afloat. If you’d like to experience Thailand like the locals, find your fun adventures via www.hivesters.com.
