| 5 mins read
One of the world’s favorite Asian destinations, Bangkok is a mix of extremes. On the one hand, the capital city still boasts its traditional, mystic appeal; there’s infinitude of streets and alleys all-intertwining throughout the city, ancient temples, monks wandering the streets, curbside hawkers and a strong monarchic presence. The other side of Bangkok, however, is the polar opposite. Up to date styles and fashion, colossal shopping malls and modern transport, western bars, pubs, clubs and more - Bangkok is Asia’s premier trendsetter. Combined together, this city makes for one of the strangest and most exciting visits in all of Asia. If you’ve already experienced a tourist’s Bangkok, here’s our guide to enjoying Bangkok… like a local!
Use the Train!
The veins of modern Bangkok are its new transportation systems. The BTS (skytrain) & MRT (underground metro) can get you anywhere you want to go within the city at a fraction of what it costs for a taxi or tuk tuk. Moreover, if you plan on staying in Bangkok for an extended period of time, purchase a multi-ride pass to swipe through the turnstiles.
Explore the BKK Art Scene
Bangkok is a city rich in the visual arts. From the Museum of Contemporary Arts (MOCA) in the Chatuchak region to National Art Gallery just near Khao San Road, there are some fabulous galleries and displays well worth exploring. A visit to the BACC (Bangkok Arts and Culture Center) is another excellent stop where travelers can explore modern trends, exhibits and stunning works of art from some of the city’s new up and coming artists.
Go for the Bargains!
If you happen to be in Bangkok during the weekend, ride the BTS/MRT out to Mo Chit Station to witness one of the world’s largest outdoor flea market. Bangkok’s Chatuchak Market sprawls across 30+ acres selling everything from hand carved furniture and puppies to second hand clothing, food and electronics. It’s truly one of the world’s most incredible (and exhausting) shopping experiences, but locals love it!
Hit the Sky Bars
Instead of spending your days and nights in the streets, fix your eyes to the sky and head to the tallest building you can find. Bangkok’s skyline is filled with ritzy hotels and rooftop escapes where visitors can swim, eat, drink, and relax with some amazing views of the city. A few of Bangkok’s best rooftop getaways are at the Banyan Tree Hotel, Sofitel, Pullman Silom and State Tower; you don’t have to be a guest here, but you will have to pay extra to use the facilities!
Eating Out
Bangkok’s street food can be tempting to foreign eyes; do make it a point to have a go at the popular noodle stalls, and the curry on rice stalls especially the Stir-fried crab curry, along with sides of grilled river prawns and fish dumplings. Chinatown is unarguably the king pin of street food where one can tuck into scrumptious portions of traditional Thai beef curry and fried pork belly.
Your Bangkok tour guide will however point out that the locals generally indulge in street food only for a quick lunch or post-clubbing snack. So if you are looking to eat like a local in the city, consider the restaurant scene. Serving everything from upscale Thai and classic French to Mediterranean and Italian cuisine, let the sophisticated side of your taste buds get tantalized here… and maybe leave the street food for midnight! Bangkok’s Siam, Sukhumvit and Silom areas are home to some of the city’s top-rated restaurants.
Exploring the Parks of Bangkok
If the downtown hustle is getting the better of you, Bangkok has a number of green retreats where you can relax and recharge. Tucked in between the Silom and Lumpini MRT stops is Bangkok’s “Green Lung”: the 142-acre Lumpini Park- a great place to walk, exercise, enjoy some shade or experience some local flora and fauna. Along the Sukhumvit area is the smaller, yet charming Benjasiri Park, also home to some great outdoor activities and beautiful sculptures as well! On the north side of town, Chatuchak Park is another local favorite where one can find everyone exercising, lounging in the shade or feeding the fish from bridges or paddleboats.
A Local Night Out in Bangkok
Bangkok’s local nightlife scene is equally as sophisticated as its dining out scene. Head to any of Bangkok’s high profile clubs (Ku De Ta, Demo), jazz pubs (Brown Sugar, Saxophone), live music venues or swanky, chic bars to find out where Bangkokians and expatriates spend their evenings.
Image Details and Licenses:https://flic.kr/p/aDbWSW(Roger,CC BY-SA 2.0),https://flic.kr/p/Q81SM(.Kai,CC BY-NC-SA 2.0), https://flic.kr/p/aAtFPq(Jack Zalium,CC BY-NC 2.0), https://flic.kr/p/nrKWMK(Mohd Azli Abdul Malek,CC BY-NC-SA 2.0),https://flic.kr/p/bz4QvR(tps58,CC BY-NC-ND 2.0),https://flic.kr/p/6AGQ8J(Anne Roberts,CC BY-NC 2.0),https://flic.kr/p/9aYa1h (Twentyfour Students, CC BY-SA 2.0), https://flic.kr/p/7GwJ66 (Uwe Schwarzbach, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0), https://flic.kr/p/6HiXfE (Tim Jackson, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)