Bangkok: five things to do in three days

TOfascinating, chaotic, colourful, cosmopolitan. Bangkok does not disappoint, is the Asian metropolis you expect. Enriched by a thousand exotic scents and smells, Bangkok is also a bit like an open-air kitchen, at full capacity at any time of day or night. It is a city full of stimuli, nature and contradictions that coexist, like the old houses dominated by skyscrapers. A metropolis that holds treasures and allows you to live experiences surprising, all of it too in a few days like we did, armed only with curiosity and a smartphone to immortalize everything.

Five experiences not to be missed in Bangkok

1. Wat Pho, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha

Wat Pho is a Buddhist temple located within a complex of buildings located in the Phra Nakhon district. It is known as Temple of the Reclining Buddha. Inside there is in fact a majestic statue 15 meters high and approximately 43 meters long, completely covered in gold. It is also famous for being the place where the first Thai massage school was born.

2. Wat Arun, Wat Phra Kaew and Royal Palace

Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, is a Buddhist temple complex. It is located in Bangkok’s Yai district, in the Thonburi neighborhood, on the right bank of the Chao Phraya River. The first light of the morning gives it wonderful chromatic effects. Inside Wat Arun is Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. It is one of the iconic symbols of Bangkok in the world and is considered the holiest Buddhist temple in Thailand. One of the four parts of Wat Arun houses the Great Royal Palace area, where kings lived in the past.

3. Night Tuk Tuk ride

One of the most folkloristic things – and sometimes psychedelic and with pop musical accompaniment – ​​is a night ride in a Tuk Tuk. Through this feature you have the opportunity to observe the city from an unusual point of view and observe the way in which the city lights illuminate ancient temples and modern skyscrapers. In busy Bangkok there is a lot of movement even in the evening, near the sidewalks you will often find those preparing local street food and outside almost every massage center you will notice several therapists ready to attract new customers.

4. Benjakitti Park, a relaxing oasis among the skyscrapers

Opened in 2004, Benjakitti Park is one of the city’s urban parks. A relaxing oasis among the skyscrapers, located along Ratchadapisek Road, between Sukhumvit Road and the Queen Sirikit Convention Center. The area develops around Lake Ratchada, with its fountains and a performance area. The lake is surrounded by walking paths, cycle paths and jogging tracks. It is well lit and very enjoyable even when it gets dark (it is open until 9pm).

5. Floating market by Damnoen Saduak

Once you are in Bangkok you cannot miss the markets. Both the floating ones and the ones in the city. The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is located an hour and a half from Bangkok and every day is crossed by hundreds of rowing or motor boats on which the goods for sale are displayed. There is all kinds of merchandise, but above all raw meat, fish (in many cases still alive), and live animals. Visitors can rent a boat and experience this local tradition.

6. Mae Klong Railway Market

Once you have visited the floating market you can head towards this other very particular market, the Mae Klong Railway Market: it is located on a working railway track. It is located about an hour from Bangkok. It is impressive to watch the train pass by and the traders who very quickly dismantle the stalls and put them back in place in just a few minutes. The train runs four times a day, find out the timetable carefully if you want to live this experience.

7. Khlong Toei Market

As with other markets in Bangkok, walking through Khlong Toei Market requires strong stomachs. Surely those who follow a vegan and vegetarian diet might find themselves particularly uncomfortable and want to escape as quickly as possible. This applies to both raw meat and fish, both alive and dead, and to poultry and other caged animals. The smells are very strong and there are expanses of meat, fish and vegetables as far as the eye can see. The passage is very narrow and also accessible to scooters. It is undoubtedly a traditional and characteristic market, so it should be seen at least once.

Travel recommendations

If you are thinking of stopping in Bangkok there are some things to take into consideration before and during voyage. The ideal is to consult your GP and get some advice probiotics to start taking before leaving. This could help protect you from very unpleasant intestinal influences. One of the suggestions, once you arrive at your destination, is to avoid drinking non-bottled water and having drinks served with ice. These precautions may not be enough, but it doesn’t hurt to try.

Another recommendation is related toclothing. In some months temperatures reach 36 degrees. It is best to bring very light and breathable clothing. In the temples it is important to know that shoulders, elbows and knees must be covered. Always inside the temples it is necessary to take off your shoes before entering, so if you wear open shoes it might be convenient to carry a pair of socks in your bag or backpack. However, a different matter applies to markets, including floating ones. In this case, it is best not to wear trousers or skirts that rub on the floor and that you do not wear shoes open. The reason is simple: raw meat and fish, in many cases live, are displayed on the counters of these markets. The passages are narrow and the water flows continuously and it is not pleasant. Given these premises, we are certain that the city cannot fail to win over every visitor.

Where to stay

Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park
It is located along Sukhumvit Road in central Bangkok, surrounded by many of the city’s liveliest shopping, financial and entertainment districts. For breakfast you will be spoiled for choice, with typical cuisines from all over the world, in addition of course to Thai cuisine.

The Fig Lobby Bangkok
More than a hotel, even from the outside, it almost looks like a theme park. Creative, modern and colourful, it is a good starting point for exploring Bangkok and making new artistic acquaintances.

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