Most travelers fly straight into Bangkok as a starting and ending point considering it offers easy access to the rest of the country. But a place where the word tranquil doesn’t really exist is not for everyone. Bangkok is a monstrous city of crowds, pollution, shopping, and partying. It defines urban in all aspects. Upon entering the city, it is easy to feel overwhelmed, even for a born and bred New Yorker. It has the highest population of all cities in the country with around 10 million residents and is one of the most visited cities in the world beating the rest of Asia.
Being so grandiose in size, it’s safer and easier to know the most popular neighborhoods below. Of course there are plenty more neighborhoods to discover, but these are where you might spend most of your time, depending on preferences.
- Banglamphu – Best described as Backpacker Central, this area attracts the young wandering travelers. It is here where you can find the famous Khao San Road, a road where every backpacker holds a memory or two. Banglamphu is where you can find many budget guesthouses and fun nightlife…with backpackers.
- Silom – Although a financial district, Silom still holds down entertainment with the top nightlife area of Patpong. This neighborhood is a convenient place to stay considering the available transportation options to discover the rest of the city.
- Rattanakosin – Probably the calmest area, Rattanakosin is filled with history and must-sees. It is where you will find the Grand Palace, along with the National Gallery, and Wat Phra Kaew. The tranquility you find in Rattanakosin is rare for the rest of Bangkok.
- Chidlom – This neighborhood can be considered dangerous, if you love to shop. It is complete with shopping malls and the well-known Ploenchit Road. Shopping usually goes hand in hand with luxury hence why there are loads of luxurious hotels in Chidlom as well. This is the trendiest area of all Bangkok.
- Riverside – One of the most scenic areas of Bangkok, Riverside has beauty day and night, thanks to the Chao Phraya River and the well lit temples, palaces, and landmarks. There are many luxurious hotels to be found in this neighborhood along with river cruises.
One can only imagine how much there is to do in such a happening city. There might not even be time to sleep if you want to experience it all! Besides exploring the neighborhoods mentioned and the attractions in Rattanakosin, the following should not be missed as well.
- Chinatown – Congested and exotic, Chinatown is a great place for bargains.
- Wat Arun – Also known as the Temple of Dawn, Wat Arun is a fine mix of history and porcelain beauty on the river banks.
- Chatuchak Weekend Market – One of the world’s largest and famous markets with over 8,000 stalls, Chatuchak Market unites all merchandise imaginable from antiques to plants at bargain prices.
- Wat Pho – One of the most photographed places in Bangkok, Wat Pho is where the giant gold reclining Buddha lives.
- Lumphini Park – Located in Silom, this park is a great place to escape the hecticness.
- Floating Market – Nothing you have ever seen before, Floating Markets consist of Small canoe like boats squeeze through tight canals offering fruits, vegetables, drinks, and meals
- Jim Thompson’s House – A teakwood home to the legendary Thai silk reviver, Jim Thompson, who mysteriously disappeared many years. The home is now a museum breathing his work and style.
In conclusion, Bangkok may overwhelm and insomnitize, but it can also amaze and inspire. It is a gateway to the rest of the country, making it a perfect place to begin your journey. With so many sites to see, much time is needed…if you can handle it!
Photos by antwerpenR, Mark Fischer and Arian Zwegers
