Bangkok, The Land of Smiles
Currency: Thai Baht
Language: Thai, A little of Chinese Dialects and English
Tax Refund: With many little small business and street shopping, tax free shopping shouldn’t be huge on travelers mind. However it does have a 7% VAT refund for purchases above a min of 2000 THB per day.
A bustling gem in South East Asia, whom are perhaps known for it’s culture and people. Known for their friendliness and hospitality. Slightly undeveloped and with a huge population, it has been plague by floods and political chaos in recent years. Still a safe country to visit for the sites and also affordable delicious food.
From Airport to Downtown
The best way is probably taking the Airport Rail Link from Suvarnabhumi to the city. The city line travel pass 6 station taking about 30 min. Tickets cost 45baht and you could transfer to the BTS in the city at the last station, Phaya Thai.
Attractions
The Grand Palace
Na Phra Lan Rd, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, 10200, Thailand
Can be said as the best attractions in town welcoming numerous visitors each day. With this said, it is always good to come early in the morning to avoid the crowd and also the heavy jam on the roads since a cab is probably your only way here. It is open from 8.30am to 3.30pm, so again, go early. Built in 1782, this ornate royal palace, once the residence to the king is open to the public now. Beware of the scams outside the place and head straight for the main entrance. Tickets aren’t cheap though, costing 500baht per person. It is worth taking note that you can’t show your legs and shoulders while inside.
Erawan Shine
Located right outside Grand Hyatt Bangkok
Highly popular with the locals and tourists as well. This shrine is said to have answer the heart of the true believer and the sincere ones. Not much donation is required. You could pray with some flowers or get the performance blessing at the side. It is all up to you. Quite crowded.
Chatuchak Weekend Market / JJ Green Market
587/10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Nearest BTS Station: Mo Chit
The emperor of market in Bangkok, this huge market only opens at night on Friday and also the weekends. It is super crowded, expect to get pushed around, sweaty and sticky. But this is also where the fun comes, with all the great buys and food. You could even get animals here. Open from 6am till 7pm. The mark up here is actually even higher than what you expect, so haggle. What is unknown here is that actually at night from Thurs to Sun at the nearby park there is this JJ Green market, expect a chill vibes, performance and a flea market sale. What is better is the night time shopping, without the sun!
Asiatique the Riverfront
2194 Charoen Krung Rd, Khwaeng Wat Phraya Krai, Khet Bang Kho Laem, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon
Nearest BTS Station: Saphan Laksin (Transfer to Cab)
A take on the fisherman wharf in the states this riverfront market won’t leave you unsatisfied. Open daily from 5pm to 12am, the vibes is pretty good, although things here may be slightly more pricy. The location is not far away from the city although it may be quite a hassle to come here. Live show, food, shopping, they are all housed in a huge replica warehouse complex, there is a free ferry transfer from the BTS Station which runs until 2300. You could also catch a Thai Muppet show here.
Rod Fai Night Market / Train Market
Srinakarin Soi 51, Behind Seacon Square Shopping Mall
Nearest BTS Station: On Nut
An authentic Thailand open air bazaar selling an incredible collection of vintage item, also found here are large section of fashion and apparel. Together with numerous restaurants, bars and snacks, you will have fun on the evenings till midnight from Thursday to Sunday
Rod Fai Ratchada / Train Market 2
Ratchadaphisek Rd, located behind Esplanade Shopping Mall
Nearest MRT: Thailand Cultural Centre (Transfer at Asok BTS)
An alternative to the original Train Market which is located far from the city and less accessible. Although smaller, this market still has a lot that lies in wait for you expect many shopping, food, leather goods and also the antiques. Similarly, open only from Thurs to Sun from 5pm to 12am. Take the mrt there and then exit from exit 4 and enter the shopping mall and cut thru it.
Shopping
Siam Square / Siam Paragon
991/1 Rama I Rd, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Nearest BTS Station: Siam
The cluster surrounding the Siam area, this few malls when added up can be a workout for your legs. Numerous hype stuffs can be found here, from the famous honey toast in Paragon to the Petit Audrey and Greyhound Café. Siam Square is more for the teenagers and represent movement and hype, while Paragon is slightly more upscale. Both are open from 10am to 10pm.
MBK Centre
444 Phayathai Rd, Bangkok, Pathumwan 10330, Thailand
Nearest BTS Station: National Stadium
Need I say anything else? This has always been the go to mall in Bangkok since like two decade ago, full of cheap finds, from electronics, food to clothes. There is even a cinema and tons of restaurant. If you would like to get some food souvenirs back home, this is the place to come. Open from 10am to 10pm, right in the heart of Pathuwan.
Central World
999/9 Rama I Rd, 10330, Thailand
Nearest BTS Station: Siam, Chitlom
One of the more known malls recently in Bangkok, in comparison to the others like Platinum I would say that it is a mid-range shopping consists of restaurants, café and shops. Actually, it is also the 6th largest mall in the world, good things can be found here but definitely not the bargaining kind. Open from 10am to 10pm. It is also right next to the popular Erawan Shrine in town.
Terminal 21
88 Soi Sukhumvit 19, Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana
Nearest BTS Station: Asok
One of the newest and hippest mall in Bangkok. It is the go to place currently, even though if you don’t plan to get anything. As suggested by name, it is a travel theme shopping mall, from the streets of downtown Bangkok to the 7 different levels in the mall, each named after a different city. Many shops can be found here, from the Honey Toast to Pier 21, a highly recommended and affordable food court in the mall.
Restaurants
Ban Khun Mae
458/6-9 Siam Square Soi 8, Rama 1 Road, Patumwan District, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Where it means my mother restaurant in Thai this highly recommended authentic restaurant is serving up Thai cuisine. Located right in Siam, it is also popular with the locals. They even have live music from 7 – 9pm. Prices are fair. Their tom yum and prawn glass noodles are highly recommended. Open from 11am till 11pm.
Petit Audrey
4th Floor Siam Centre
A fusion of Thai and Western technique this café, which is actually more famous for its dessert. Prices are realistic, with item costing around 100 – 200 baht. Many people come here for their volcano crepe cakes, which is a must try. It is open from 10am to 10pm.
Omu
Central World 6th floor
Specialised in bringing in the omu rice from Kyoto, Japan, this place has all sorts of different omu rice. Prices are affordable, ranges between 8-12 SGD. It is worth a take for the best eggs in town. Open from 10am to 10pm.
Kalpapruek Restaurant
7th Floor Central World
Reasonable price Thai food in a comfortable environment, to order are their red curry and also the mango smoothie. Open from 11am till 10pm, it is a nice place to be if you are in the area or resting your legs from the crazy shopping.
Thip Sami Phad Thai
313 Mahachai Road, Old City
The most famous stall if you ask anyone for Phad Thai in Bangkok, with a history of more than 50 years, noodles have been flying off those charcoal stove. Prices are slightly higher due to the hype, from 60 baht to 200baht depending on the type you order. Definitely worth a trip in the night to grab some supper. Slightly inaccessible. Open from 5pm till late. Close earlier on weekends. After that, grab a Thai Crab omelette at Jae Fai next door.
Soi Polo Chicken
137/1-3 Soi Polo, Th Withayu, Wireless Road, Lumphini, Bangkok, Thailand
Well marinated and accompanied with an awesome spicy sauce. Thai fried chicken are something to go for if you are even in the hunger. This stall is located right on Wireless road, with other dishes also, the fried chicken cost 120 Baht for half and 240 for a whole one. It is open from 7am till 10pm.
GreyHound Café
Siam Centre, 3rd Floor
Central World, 1st Floor
Quoted as one of the hottest restaurant and café in town, the seats are always packed. Open from 11am to 11pm, this fashion café serve up fusion dishes. It is also once said that PS Café was modelled after them. Their fried chicken wings are highly recommended.
Hyde & Seek Gastro Bar
65/1 Athenee Residence, Soi Ruamrudee, Wireless Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330
Just a short throw away from the fuss and buzz, located in a corner the vibes here are best for the lazy ones. Open from 5pm till 1am on weekdays and from 11am on weekend, this place is perfect for brunch or a lazy drinks and a bite at night. Prices are comparable to Singapore cafes.
SabX2 Wanton Mee
6, 2/6 Soi Phetchaburi 19, Thanon Phaya Thai, Ratchathew
Located right opposite the Platinum Fashion Mall, this no fills wanton mee stall in Bangkok handles crowd all day long. With the cooks serving up plates and plates of noodles and also the braised pig trotters. Prices are cheap. The dry noodles are the one to go for! It is open from 9am to 4pm daily
After You Dessert Café
Multiple Branches in our Area:
Siam Paragon Ground Floor 1030 to 2230
Siam Square One Ground Floor 1200 to 0000
Central World 7th Floor 1100 to 2200
Terminal 21 1st Floor 1030 to 2200
A popular chain café that had bombarded the dessert scene in Bangkok, besides the Siam Paragon branch that everyone knows about, it has now numerous stores throughout Bangkok. Famed for its oozing honey toast and other sweets, the Paragon branches are always crowded and best avoided. Costing average about 5-10 bucks for an item.
Somboon Seafood
Multiple Branches in our Area:
Central Embassy 5th Floor 1100 to 2200
Siam Square One 4th Floor 1100 to 2200
A highly recommended place for seafood and Thai dishes. Well priced, the place is always crowded. Recommended making a reservation online on their website before heading down. From the establishment from 1969 till now, people come from all over the place for its curry fried crab. Reservations recommended
T&K Seafood Restaurant
49-51 Soi Phadung Dao, Yaowarat Road, Bangkok
The most famous restaurant in Yaowarat as everyone swarm to this place when the sun goes down and the tables are being set up in the streets. Grilled and steam seafood, together with beer. Beside the food, it is also the atmosphere you got to soak up. There might be a slight wait though. Expect prices of around 20 dollars per person. The Tom Yum soup came raved.
Nai Mong Hoy Tod
539 Phlap Phla Chai Rd, Pom Prap, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok
Acclaimed as the best oyster omelette in town, this place sure isn’t lacking in the rankings. Located in Chinatown, the location is a little hard to find and inaccessible. Famous for its small little plate of egg flavoured with the oyster, each cost 70baht. Definitely worth the effort and trouble to find them out. Open from 10.30am till 3pm, Tuesday is the off day.
Overseas Restaurant (Lao Li Restaurant)
461 Yaowarat Rd, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
The go to Chinese seafood restaurant in Chinatown, the place for affordable seafood and shark fin. Open from 11am till 10pm. This place is great, although the traffic can be quite a hindrance since a taxi is probably your only way here. The must order are their fish and also the oyster omelette, accompanied with their chrysanthemum drink and bird nest dessert. Expect damage to be less than 100 dollar for 3-4 person.
Bars
Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar
31/2 Ban Kluai Nuea Alley, Khlong Tan Nuea, Bangkok, 10110, Thailand
At Marriot Hotel near Thong Lo BTS Station this place is a perfect to spend the night after the massage at Asia Herb Association nearby. Towering over the rest with a view at 45th floor, you get a great view of the bustling city. Octave has happy hour from 5 – 8pm
Horizon at Heaven
Level 19, ZEN World @ Central World
Located on the top of Central World, it is open daily from 5.30pm to 1am. An alfresco cocktail bar with tapas, it is one way to spend the night away. It even has a 1 for 1 deal on selected drinks till 7.30pm.
Massage
Asia Herb Association
58/19-24 Sukhumvit Soi 55, Klongton-Nua, Wattana Bangkok
One of the more recommended one in Bangkok for its environment and also its fair pricing. This also means that you got to make a reservation in advance prior to visiting. Furthermore the advantage of this branch is it proximity to a BTS Station, Thong Lo
Lavana Bangkok
No.4 Soi Sukhumvit 12 Sukhumvit Road., Klongtoey, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110
Nearest BTS Station: Asok
A recommended one with many great reviews. Special mentions needed for their environment and also the location. Located right next to a BTS Station it is the easiest to be. Open from 9am till midnight, they take the last booking at 10pm. Reservation are highly recommended.
Seeing The World In Steps 