It was last November 2011 when I visited BKK for the first time. With a map on one hand, and a tripadvisor itinerary on the other, I explored the very vibrant city as if I've got nothing to lose. In a short span of 2 days, I have come up with a list on how to have a Bangkok experience which you will never forget..
1. Stay at the Hansar hotel
The Hansar hotel is a new luxury boutique hotel under the W companies. It's situated by the Rajdimri Road. From the outside, you could see its unique and abstract architecture which could make you say "WWOWWW"..(just like I did) And the inside, is more jaw-dropping. The staff was also very accommodating. You see, I booked the wrong date for the room, so when I got there, they couldn't find my reservation. Instead of paying another room, they assisted me by getting another available room with the same booking. Whew, problem solved! It may look expensive, but when I booked it, it was half the price of the original room. Tip: always book with agoda! They give the cheaapest rates! These pictures don't do justice. copyright:these images I got from google and Hansar's website (www.hansarbangkok.com)
2. Ride a tuktuk
They drive like a race car driver! They sometimes beat stoplights too. haha thrillaaah!
3. Eat local thai food.
Try the original Tom Yang! This place was suggested by the tuktuk driver. I bet he had commission after!
4. Have a walk at the Park
The oldest and biggest park in Bangkok, the Lumpini park. There you can see locals and even tourist jogging and cycling around the area. And if somehow you feel hungry and thirsty, don't worry, there are stalls nearby.
I actually don't know what kind of reptile this is.
5. Experience the BTS skytrain.
It gets you to where you wanna go the fastest! Nooo traffic here. It's also a no-fuss way of seeing the city's high rise buildings. Compared to Singapore, they are a little bit pricey for me. Because you see, they don't have the all-day passes just like what SG has. The tickets start at 15baht.
6. Cruise around the Chao Phraya river/ Khlong Tour
Make sure you don't get fooled by locals who make you pay for the higher price! Choose the one wherein the boat is not that big, because usually the price depends on the boat size. The cruise also has a tourist guide who will tell you about the hotels surrounding the river. You will be amazed.
this is better.. you'll be going the same way anyway!
this boat is the expensive one! hihi the "kuripot"
as you can see, the waves are still strong because of the bangkok floods last Oct 2011. Around the city, there were sacks placed in the hotel entrances incase the calamity happens again.
7. Visit the temples!
The river cruise takes you to different stops of the temples. All you have to do is listen to the guide when to get out of the boat. :) At times, you still have to walk a few meters to get to where you wanna go. But if you're too lazy to do that, you can take tuktuks!
map can help!
the tallest buddha Wat Intharawihan
climb up to the Wat Saket and see Bangkok in a bird's eye view.
Bangkok sunset.
The reclining buddha of Wat Pho, and the largest of them all
make a wish while dropping coins inside the vases. do this until you reached the last in line
8. Spend half the day at The Grand Palace.
The Grand Palace closes early around 3pm, so its better if you start in the morning. The entrance for tourists is 250baht while Thais get in for free! I almost paid zero because the guard at the entrance thought I was thai. But I couldn't lie..or else karma will kick me in the ass :) I told them I'm Filipino. I kept on looking where the royal family stayed.. still confused on which one is their home! Just a reminder, make sure that before you plan of going, you should be dressed appropriately. Make sure you are in jeans and a shirt. Shorts and sleeveless tops aren't allowed. Either they make you buy cover-ups outside the palace or go home.
there were soldiers and security everywhere. obviously, they need to protect the Royal Family! diba? :D
this surrounds one of the temples inside the Grand Palace. Imagine all of these gems are done by hand!
shoes off guys
uyyyy, gusto mag smiilleee! haha
i love taking pictures of family moments.. makes me miss mine.
9. Wine and Dine
Before sleeping the night away from all those walk-a-thons, end it with a lavish dinner at Biscotti. Biscotti is a french restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel. Since (if ever) you'll be staying at the Hansar, then it is just a walk away. The restaurant has an open kitchen which makes the food more appetizing for the guests. I mean who wouldn't feel hungry after smelling all the dishes being prepared! Dress to impress by the way..if you don't want to feel left out.
I actually forgot the name of the dishes! hahaha. If you want to order the same dishes, show them the pictures :) hihihi
So you're full now. Time to head to Vertigo at Banyan Tree, Sathorn. There you can see the Bangkok city lights 61 floors above the ground. Romance is also in the air with the band playing jazz and as cold breeze touches your skin, just leaves you breathless. Don't just come here with your friends or family, haha bring a date! :) Oh, before I forget, dress to impress. AGAIN.
Reminder: Both places are usually hard to get a table, so to save yourself from the worry, always book ahead :)
10. Buy souvenirs
It's common for us Filipinos to buy pasalubongs. Besides the tamarinds, fridge magnets and keychains, why don't you buy silk scarves (for your mom) from Jim Thompson's house, have a suit tailored (for your dad) or jewelry (for yourself!). Prices aren't that high..just worth the buy. Rhyming eh? =) Be street smart in getting to these places though. Tuktuk drivers can be really sneakkky! Just be nice.
Shop owned by Indians as what they told me. You can choose any textile to suit your needs. Make sure that you are keen on what you want or else the price that you pay won't be worth it. Haggle as much.
Jewelry shops can customize on your preferred designs. I personally like the sapphire and diamond rings. They cost around 25,000baht for one! I promised myself I'd buy when I get back. *fingers crossed!*
This is the Jim Thompson's souvenir shop. Jim Thompson is an American who fell inlove with Thailand. He also brought back the Silk industry. His house is preserved and made as a museum by the government after he never came back from his Malaysia trip. Nobody knows what really happened to him. What also makes him a remarkable man is that he has a foundation which dedicates to the preservation of Thai culture..JPG)
Pictures aren't allowed inside the house..If you want to see more visit http://www.jimthompsonhouse.com
Tours come in different languages. You can either go to the english, japanese, chinese, russian and many more. Tour guides are sooo funny, they have out of this world actions which make you laugh even until the tour ends!
I didn't include shopping in the list because it wasn't my priority. But if you do love bargaining and ukay ukays, visit the Chatuchak (weekend market)--only open on weekends. Its chaos is so exhilarating making the shopping experience really enjoyable. Always remember to haggle! They start closing at 6pm! During the night, visit the Pratunam and Patpong area. :) That way, hindi bitin! hahaha. And of course their malls if you want the branded stuff.. which I'm not much of a fan of :)
For more information of BKK, don't hesitate to ask the hotel staff. They can do all the bookings for you and even help you with the directions. Some say Bangkok is unsafe.. well, all places are. You just have to travel with caution while enjoying the culture and people. Enjoy!
Lotsa love,
V <3
NicE Virn!:)
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