Bangkok, 2023
This post has taken awhile time to write because, frankly, I’m less excited to do it. Ever since I started traveling the world as a young adult and blogging about everything, I’ve kept up this practice of reporting every trip like I’m writing a monetized travel blog encourage tourism. But I’m not. Some trips I take are special and lovely and I can’t wait to tell the world about them, and others are less so. I think you know where I’m going with this…
Thailand was a family trip, and tagging along meant committing to fixed agendas, moving slower with large groups, and having to compromise on how we spend time and where to eat. We spent a whirlwind of 3 days in Bangkok, and even though it was beautiful, I didn’t have time to fully appreciate the beauty to the fullest extent, absorb local culture, and take it all in. Here are bits and pieces of our trip.
Bang Pa-in Palace
We spent the first full day on a day trip north to Ayutthaya, the old capital of the Kingdom of Siam. Our first stop was the Summer Palace, a palace complex formerly used by the royal court as a retreat in the 17th century. We rented a golf cart to get around the grounds to check out the pavilions, and I found the red Chinese one to be exquisite. Also, did you know jackfruits grow on trees?
Wat Phra Si Sanphet
The holiest temple on the site of the old Royal Palace in Ayutthaya, Wat Phra Si Sanphet served as a residential palace, and then a monastery, and then the royal family’s private temple. Although it was razed by the Burmese in the 1767, three distinct bell-shaped stupas remain, towering over the site and holding the ashes of ancient kings. I love me some good temple ruins — this place reminded me of the Roman Forum.
In 1991, this temple and the surrounding Ayutthaya Historical Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Within the park, we also visited Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit (a preaching hall that holds a large gilded Buddha) and cringed at the insane amount of tourists paying to ride these poor elephants. They were even trained to curl their trunks up and “smile” for tourist photos. Humans are the worst.
Attractions
In our short time, we managed to squeeze in a few must-see Bangkok attractions.
Chatuchak Market is the largest market in Thailand. Home to more than 15,000 stalls, this place was a must-see for someone like me who wants to shop from locals instead of modern malls with well-known international brands. We only had 2 hours, and I made it my mission to buy a straw bag. Other than clothing and accessories, this place is full of souvenirs, handicrafts, street food, and even pets! Shopping tip: bargaining is encouraged and pretty much expected.
IconSiam. Bangkok is known for glamorous malls and IconSiam is like the crowning jewel. Located beside the Chao Phraya River, this mall has over 7,000 shops, restaurants, and even an indoor floating market (it’s fake but it’s pretty.) There’s even a free shuttle boat from across the river. We visited twice and while the mall was grand and whatever, the ground floor was the real attraction. Full of Thai street food and crafts, it was like an endless paradise of food that display the diversity of Thai cuisine. We also dined at Baan Ice and I would recommend.
I’ve been to many Chinatowns around the world, but this Chinatown wasn’t like anything I’d ever seen. Yaowarat Road is bustling with activity and brimming with shops and food vendors that sell street food, fruit, preserved meat, jewelry, souvenirs, and more. There was so much color and life here, even during the daytime. Definitely coming back to visit the night market next time around.
The Grand Palace
It’s not a first visit to Bangkok without a stop at the Grand Palace, one of the most important historical attractions. The official residence of the kings of Thailand since 1782, this complex is full of golden temples, jewel-encrusted shrines, and stunning local architecture. (Thai architecture is something else.)
We followed the tourists around to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the museum, a lot of gold buildings, and the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles. I loved learning about Queen Sirikit and her advocacy work around supporting Thai textile workers, although it seemed like she mostly just wore Balmain her entire life…
Fun fact: Thailand’s king (Rama X) is the richest monarch in the world. He’s also known as the “playboy king.”
Food
We had some fancy sit down meals in Bangkok, but none of them compare to the skewers and quick bites I’d messily devour on the side of a busy road in the morning. We were staying near Bang Son station, and on the first morning, discovered dozens of vendors cooking up all kinds of sweet and savory breakfast foods on the street level. My favorites were coconut milk pancakes and a Hainanese chicken stall, which served a large portion of chicken and rice for 50 baht (~$1.50 USD). Everything also conveniently came in plastic bags that allowed for easy transport.
Food is found pretty everywhere else too, from malls to tourist attractions and more. Being in such a warm environment also meant mango sticky rice and fresh coconut water every meal. It really doesn’t get better than that.
Although we didn’t spend many days in Thailand, it gave me a new appreciation for life in Asia and left me wanting more. I can’t wait to come back to visit Chiang Mai and Phuket… beaches, elephant sanctuaries, and nature!
Watch our vlog here!
Read all about part 2 of this trip, Pattaya. Khob khun ka, Thailand! 🙏
Because a visit to China isn’t just another vacation to a foreign country; it’s a visit with family that comes with all its wonderful complexities and emotions.