If you want to enjoy temples and statues, all-night-life, shop til you drop, or world-class cuisine and local markets, Bangkok has you covered and more. Bangkok has a way of offering more than you asked for. You will experience endlessly more than you put in your detailed itinerary.
One rainstorm can disrupt a tightly packed holiday schedule, so leave space. Dashing from site to sea only taking in locations for 5 minutes is no pleasure trip. That sounds like a triathlon. Bring your trainers not sandals.
The city is truly massive. Please do not try to see it in one trip. Leave Thailand wanting more. In this fast-paced metropolis, slow down. Get checked into one of the fine hotels near Bangkok airport and unwind from the stresses of travel. You made it, relax for a moment.
I will briefly lay out the main districts in Bangkok and a few points of interest. I will drastically underdefine them. There are endlessly more sights, sounds, and smells that create the rich experiences you will encounter.
- Siam District is known for having the largest shopping malls in Asia. They are loaded with dining options to keep you fueled up and spending. Some have impressive entertainment venues but just this city is all entertainment.
- Silom is the old central business district, now a wealthy hangout with some of the highest property values.
- Chinatown is a must-see quaint shop and street food district, excellent for daytime meandering.
- Ari District is full to the brim with art galleries, cafes, bars, Thai culture, and trendy boutiques as well.
- Khao San Road is where I take my visiting friends for a night of fun and silliness. There is no soi (road) without great street food, bars, and clubs. This is a good spot to experience Thailand.
- The Rattanakosin District is Bangkok’s old town, the old city center. It is on the West side of the Chao Phraya River and is home to the Grand Palace and Wat Po. Check the dress codes for those venues.
- Sathorn is a business district and the reason I bring it up is for the high-level and rooftop venues that should be a requisite for your trip. The views of the skyline at night are mind-blowing.
- Sukhumvit isn’t exactly a district. It is the “main street”, if you will, and extends through many districts. Sukhumvit offers completely different neighborhood feels in groups. You will get a totally different exposure to Thailand in Sois numbered 7-11, than Sois 23-40.
Are your bags packed yet? Pack light and include a soft-sided bag in your suitcase to hold all the shopping you did here. When it rains, duck into a cafe and wait it out in comfort. I use a taxi for rain or air conditioning only. The traffic is thick so they are not fast. If you want speed, take the Bangkok Transportation System (BTS) skyrails from district to district.
Your tourist visa is awaiting you, come and use it. If you live here, come see the big city in dribs and drabs. Have Fun!