Dubbed as the “Temple of Dawn” named after Aruna, the Indian God of Dawn, Wat Arun is one of the most famous landmarks of Bangkok’s cityscape. The temple’s stunning design features Khmer-style pagoda with a towering grand pagoda at 70-meter tall surrounded by four other small pagodas. Ideally, it’s best to visit Wat Arun in the morning when there are lesser tourists. But this complex turns magical in the afternoon as it is a go-to place for a breathtaking sunset view. Though the climb up to the grand pagoda may be quite steep, the overlooking view of the Chao Phraya River, Grand Palace, and Wat Pho is worth the hike.

Just a stone’s throw away from the business districts and the historical Rattanakosin district is the vibrant Bangkok’s Chinatown, the largest in the world. Locally known as Yaowarat, this bustling neighborhood never runs out of exciting activities not to be missed when in the capital city. Take your pick from Bangkok’s popular selection of street food come nighttime. Show off your haggling prowess at the markets in and around the town such as Thieves’ Market, Khlong Tom Market, and Sampeng Market. Take it slow and appreciate the temples and art galleries or simply walk around and immerse with the lively street life.

Craving for Pad Thai in Bangkok? Try it on the legendary Thip Samai. This eatery is not hard to find as the snaking queue of customers waiting for their turn will serve as your northern star. Waiting time takes at least half an hour to two hours max but it’s all worth it once you have their famous signature Pad Thai. You can opt to enjoy your treat dine in or to take away your order if you’re in a rush. Don’t forget to pair it with their pulpy fresh orange juice as the perfect pair for the noodle dish.

If you’re looking for a less touristy floating market in Bangkok, then Taling Chan Floating Market is your best option. It’s also closer to Central Bangkok so you don’t need to take a long trip to get there making it an affordable choice as well. With just enough boat traffic, your ride to the canals and market can be enjoyable and relaxing. Primarily a food market, you can also shop for souvenirs and other goods with a local market alongside the river. There are also longtail boat trips available to go to the nearby khlongs.

Lock and load to a massive yet fun water-fight during Songkran Festival, Thailand’s most famous festival. Songkran is an important event in the kingdom as it commences the traditional New Year. Traditionally, the splashing of water washes off the misfortunes of the past year until it became a time for merriment for both locals and tourists alike. The festival is officially observed on April 13 to 15, but the celebration lasts for a week! Bangkok hosts the most and biggest parties especially in Khao San Road and Silom Road. Go all in for fun and don’t forget to greet folks with “Sawadee Bee Mai” or Happy New Year.

The Buddhist complex of Wat Pho is the oldest and largest temple in Bangkok. It houses the largest Buddha collection in Thailand with more than 1,000 images including the most famous Reclining Buddha. This huge and impressive golden image is the temple’s main attraction at 15 meters high and 43 meters long. This working temple compound is also regarded as the country’s first university. It is the birthplace of traditional Thai medicine which also includes the famous massage school. You can see the paintings on the wall as references for Thai massage knowledge.

One of the city’s most recognized landmarks is the Grand Palace where the sacred 14th-century Wat Phra Kaew or Temple of the Emerald Buddha can be found. Regarded as the spiritual heart of the Thai Kingdom, the palace complex is a historical, cultural, and religious gem in Bangkok. As you explore the complex, there are other stunning statues & buildings and artful wall frescoes to see. It’s also a highly dense city attraction so better to hire a guide so you can make the most out of your visit. And don’t forget to follow the dress code: shoulders and knees covered and on bare feet.

Brewing up since 1945, Cha Tra Mue has been synonymous with the best Thai Iced Tea in Bangkok. The name speaks for itself as the brand is even literally translated as Number One Tea in English. This refreshing Thai staple stands out from the rest with its distinctive taste of not being too overly sweet yet still flavorful and creamy. The cafe has expanded to 18 kiosks around the city so you can have more options where get your old style tea concoction.

Level up your shopping experience at the Chatuchak Weekend Market, the largest market in Thailand. Sprawling across 27 acres, this massive bargain market boasts 15,000 market stalls divided into 27 sections. With diverse collections of merchandise, you’ll never run out of exciting finds to discover including antiques & souvenirs, clothing & accessories, housewares & decors, and even pets! Be sure to come prepared with your bargaining skills, comfy outfit, strong knees, and friendly attitude so you could have an enjoyable and memorable visit!

If you looking for upscale and quality food choices from all over the world, then you might want to explore Siam Paragon Gourmet Market. This fancy one-stop supermarket offers branded imported and local goodies at a relatively competitive price than other supermarkets citywide. Check out the freshest fruits and vegetables, Japanese packaged food, cheese, meat products, spices, international pastries, and other rare delicacies. You can even score free samples of Thai delicacies!

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