After a 20-something-hour flight from the East Coast of the United States, we were eager to start our adventure in Bangkok. The journey through customs, picking up luggage, and transfers was surprisingly smooth. Our hotel in Sukhumvit provided a perfect base for exploring the city’s delights.
Day One: Half Day
Welcome Dinner at the Red Sky Bar
We kicked off our Bangkok experience with a welcome dinner at the Red Sky Bar. Perched high above the city, the bar offered stunning views of the skyline, creating a magical ambiance. The food was a delightful mix of local and international flavors, perfectly complemented by refreshing cocktails. It was the ideal way to unwind and soak in the beauty of Bangkok at night.
Exploring Sukhumvit
After dinner, we decided to explore the bustling streets of Sukhumvit. We stumbled upon a foot massage parlor offering a 300 baht (approximately $9 USD) foot massage, and we couldn’t resist indulging. The massage was both relaxing and invigorating, melting away the fatigue from our journey and preparing us for the adventures that lay ahead.
Day Two: Exploring Bangkok
After a restful night’s sleep, we were ready to explore Bangkok. The weather was hot and humid, but with our eyes set on the Big Buddha, we knew we were in for an adventure.
- Wat Pho: Our first stop was Wat Pho to see the famous Leaning Buddha. The intricate details of the temple and the sheer size of the Buddha were awe-inspiring.
- The Grand Palace: Next, we visited the Grand Palace, a stunning architectural marvel that showcases the rich history and culture of Thailand.
- Canal Boat Ride: We hopped on a canal boat for a scenic ride through Bangkok’s waterways, getting a glimpse of local life along the riverbanks.
- Chinese Lunch: For lunch, we enjoyed a delicious Chinese meal, savoring the flavors of Bangkok’s diverse culinary scene.
- Chinatown Mini Tour: We ended the day with a mini-tour of Chinatown, exploring the bustling streets and sampling some local delicacies.
Another Relaxing Foot Massage
After a day of sightseeing, we treated ourselves to another foot massage to unwind and recharge for the rest of our adventure in Bangkok.
Tips for Travelers to Bangkok
- Currency: The currency in Bangkok is the Thai baht, and the conversion rate to the US dollar is approximately 1 USD to 33 baht.
- Toilet Tissue: Toilet tissue is not always provided in bathrooms, so it’s a good idea to carry your own.
- Dress Code for Temples: Remember to cover your arms and legs when visiting temples.
- Location: Bangkok is in the northern hemisphere.
- Traffic: Traffic in Bangkok can be crazy, so be patient when getting around.
- Comfortable Shoes: There is a lot of walking in Bangkok, so wearing comfortable tennis shoes is recommended.
Day Two in Bangkok: Exploring the Unique Markets
Railway Market
After a refreshing night’s sleep, we were ready to dive deeper into Bangkok’s vibrant culture. Our day started with a visit to the famous railway market, an experience unlike any other. As we wandered through the market, we were amazed to see vendors selling their goods right by the railway tracks. The market is so close to the tracks that when the train approaches, the vendors quickly move their stalls to make way, only to set them up again once the train has passed. It was a fascinating sight and a testament to the resourcefulness of the Thai people.
After the railway market, we visited a palm sugar home industry to learn about the traditional process of making palm sugar. We watched as the locals extracted sap from palm trees and boiled it down to make delicious palm sugar. We even got to sample some of the freshly made sugar, and it was incredibly sweet and flavorful.
Floating Market
Our next stop was the Damnoen Saduak floating market, one of the most iconic markets in Thailand. We hopped on a motorboat and cruised through the narrow canals, passing by wooden boats laden with fresh produce, souvenirs, and local delicacies. The colors, sounds, and smells of the floating market were truly a feast for the senses.
After a morning of exploring, we enjoyed a leisurely lunch by the water, sampling some of the local specialties. We then made our way back to our hotel, where we couldn’t resist stopping for another foot massage. The massage was the perfect way to end our day of exploration, soothing our tired feet and leaving us feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Conclusion
Bangkok welcomed us with its signature heat and humidity, a stark contrast to the chilly weather back home. We quickly learned that the “touristy” things were about an hour or more away from our hotel. However, we embraced the opportunity to explore the city, knowing that patience and grace were key to enjoying our vacation to the fullest. Stay tuned for more adventures from Southeast Asia Trip!
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