Bangkok in Thailand is one of the most visited cities in the world. It's home to impressive temples, floating markets, vibrant street life, and cultural landmarks. No wonder many foreign tourists include Bangkok as one of the top destinations on their bucket lists.
How to get to Bangkok
If you are flying from Manila, you can take a flight from Ninoy Aquino International Airport ( Manila) to Don Mueang Airport (Bangkok) via AirAsia. The world's best low-cost airline offers 11X weekly flights to Bangkok- twice every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday. You must download the airasia Super App via App Store or Google Play Store to book a flight.
The airasia Super App makes it easy for you to book flights, hotels, and tour packages, buy travel essentials, and many more travel and lifestyle deals. Get timely flight updates, Check-in reminders, and exclusive promotions, and connect with fellow travelers only on the app!
An airport taxi is the most convenient way to reach your chosen hotel. Taxis are available 24/7 for door-to-door service. If you are looking for a cheap and easy option, consider taking the Airport Rail Link City Line Train to downtown Bangkok.
Travel Requirements
Visa requirements are not applicable for Filipino passport holders traveling to Thailand. Simply presenting your Philippine passport is sufficient for entry. Additionally, it is recommended to register on etravel.gov.ph at least 72 hours before your arrival or departure from the Philippines.
Money Exchange
To facilitate currency exchange, having your ATM card on hand and withdrawing funds from a local ATM in Bangkok is advisable. If you wish to exchange Philippine Peso for Thailand Baht, it is preferable to do so at a Philippine Money Changer shop rather than at the airport. Alternatively, you can also bring cash to Bangkok and exchange it at a local money changer shop there.
If you plan to visit Bangkok soon, let me share my recent experience in this lovely place. Here are the top destinations you must visit if you are in Bangkok
1. Wat Pho | The Reclining Buddha
Thailand has a lot of beautiful temples. One of the must-visit temples is Wat Pho, the oldest and largest temple complex in Bangkok. Officially named Wat Prachetuphon Vimon Mangkararam, Wat Pho was the first public university in Thailand, specialising in religion, science and literature. The temple is home to the 46 meters long gold-plated Reclining Buddha. Along the side of the Buddha are 108 metal bowls you can walk alongside and drop 108 coins into. You can buy the coins for about 20 baht. For Bangkok Tour, you may book it HERE via KLOOK
The entrance Fee is 200 Baht. It is open daily from 8 am-6 pm
Address: Sanam Chai road and Maharaj, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
2. Wat Arun | Temple of Dawn
Locally known as Wat Chaeng, Wat Arun is recognized as one of Thailand's most iconic and stunning temples. Built during the Ayutthaya period, it is well known for its impressive 79-meter-high central spire, featuring unique design and fine craftsmanship. It is the best place to overlook the famous Chao Phraya River.
The entrance Fee is 100 Baht. It is open daily from 8 am-6 pm.
Address: 34 Arun Ammarin Road Wat Arun Bangkok Yai Bangkok
3. Khao San Road | Backpacking District
Khao San Road is a haven for backpackers, where you can find budget hostels and hotels, exotic delicacies ( worms, scorpions, crickets), souvenirs, raucous bars, and restaurants. This backpacking street is close to many important tourist destinations, including the Grand Palace, National Museum, Saket temple, Ratchanatda temple, Bowon Niwet temple, Democracy Monument, and shopping places like Bang Lamphu, Phra Arthit Road and Phra Chan pier.
Free Entrance
Address: Bang Lam Phu and Ratchadamnern Klang road, Bangkok
4. Chao Phraya River | River of Kings
The Chao Phraya River is an iconic symbol of Bangkok and has the most crucial role in Thailand's tourism. It is formed by four major tributaries, including the Ping, Wang, Yom, and Nan Rivers. Chao Phraya River is a gateway to some of the capital's most prestigious attractions. The tourist attractions easily accessible from the river are Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), and Wat Arun.
Free Entrance
5. Chatuchak Weekend Market | Bangkok Marketplace
Chatuchak Market is the largest Weekend Market in Thailand and Asia. This shopping destination has over 15,000 stalls that offer affordable items from food, art, antiques, fashion and much more! It is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. On Friday, it starts at 6 pm and closes at midnight.
Free Entrance
Address: Kamphaeng Phet Road Chatuchak
6. IconSiam
IconSiam is one the biggest shopping malls in Thailand, which opened along the Chao Phraya River in 2018. It features glamorous retail stores, restaurants and attractions. Some Insta-worthy dining zones include Alangkarn, ICON Eats One, ICON Dining Rooms, and Rose Dining at Siam Takashimaya. It also highlights luxury brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton, and Hermes can be found here.
Free Entrance
Address: 299 Soi Charoen Nakhon 5 Charoen Nakhon Road Khlong Ton Sai, Khlong San Bangkok
7. Grand Palace
Located at the heart of Bangkok, the Grand Palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam (and later Thailand) since 1782. It is undoubtedly one of the most famous landmarks in Thailand. One highlight of this destination is Wat Phra Kaew, the most important Buddhist temple that houses the sacred Emerald Buddha.
The entrance Fee is 500 Baht, and it opens from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm
Address: Na Phra Lan Road, Grand Palace, Phranakorn, Bangkok
8. Floating Market
The famous floating market in Bangkok is Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. It is the largest and most popular floating market in Thailand. Here you'll discover bustling waterways, where vendors sell items from souvenirs, noodles, vegetables, and fruit to artworks and local delicacies. Every Friday-Sunday, the market will be packed with tourists who come to enjoy delicious food and canal views. Other floating markets to be visited include Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market, Wat Sai Floating Market, Taling Chan Floating Market, Amphawa Floating Market, and many more!
Free Entrance
Address: 51 Tambon Damnoen Saduak, Amphoe Damnoen Saduak, Chang Wat Ratchaburi, Bangkok
9. Chinatown
Bangkok's Chinatown is one of the largest Chinatowns in the world. If you love street food and cheap products, then Chinatown is the place to be in Bangkok. It is also home to some of the best temples in Bangkok. The most beautiful temple is Wat Traimit, with the 250 million dollar Buddha made of pure gold. You will also find here the Thanon Yaowarat or better known as Yaowarat Road, which is the heart of Chinatown.
Free Entrance
Address: Yaowarat Road, Samphanthawong District, Bangkok
10. King Power Mahankhon
Located at the top of Thailand's tallest completed building, King Power Mahanakhon, a thrilling experience awaits you. It will make your palms sweat and your knees shake ( especially for those who fear heights ). This property is a 314-meter-high (1,030 feet) observation deck and rooftop bar that offers 360-degree views of Bangkok. The view is perfect at night.
The entrance Fee is 250.00 baht.
Address: 114 Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Rd, Khwaeng Silom, Khet Bang Rak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon
Where to stay in Bangkok
If you are looking for a nice hotel in Bangkok, Mövenpick Hotel is the place to be. Located in the business district, it's a 5-star hotel featuring modern rooms, restaurants, corporate venues & a rooftop pool. For budget hostels, you may go to Khaosan Road. For as low as 300 Baht, you can get a comfy bed in an air-conditioned dormitory room. I always use Booking.com and Agoda.com to book a Bangkok Hotel. Check Room Rates and Availability HERE.
Where to stay in Bangkok
Top 10 Best Hotels in Silom and Bangkok ( With Top Agoda Review)
1. The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon
3. Bangkok Marriott Hotel The Surawongse
7. Mandarin Hotel Managed by Centre Point
8. Novotel Bangkok Impack Hotel
9. Crowne Plaza Bangkok Lumpini Park
Top 10 Budget-Friendly Hotels ( With Top Agoda Review)
4. Tamni
10. Ekanek Hostel
Where to eat in Bangkok
Located on the main road of the Bangkok Flower Market (which looks like Dangwa Flower Market in Manila), there's an Insta-worthy cafe that you need to visit if you are in Bangkok. Let me introduce the Floral Cafe. It offers coffee, cakes, frappes, and many more! Here, they can teach how to make a Phuang Malai, a floral garland presented as a token of welcome, respect, and good health to guests, relatives and loved ones.
Top Things To Do in Bangkok
2. Chao Phraya Cruise In Bangkok
5. Ancient BAngkok and Erawan Musuem
7. Maeklong Railway and Damnoen Saduak Floating Market Tour
8. Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha Tour
Thank you, AirAsia Philippines and Tourism Authority of Thailand ( TAT), for including The Pinoy Traveler in your Route Story Conference in the Land of Smiles, particularly in Bangkok and Pattaya.
0 comments: