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You only have a weekend and are tired of the usual tourist spots? Take a break from the crowds and discover a more laid-back side of Bangkok. This article offers suggestions for a relaxing weekend filled with unique experiences, shopping, and local flavors.
When you arrive in Bangkok, check-in at the hotel and take a rest after a long flight. Be ready for an adventure ahead!
When first arriving in a new city, it's natural that you want to warm up a bit to get a feel for the atmosphere and local life. There's no better way to do this than by taking a stroll through the famous markets. Not only will you satisfy your hunger after a long flight, but you'll also immerse yourself in the local culture.
The most ideal place to enjoy authentic cuisine is at the stalls in the night market (Source: Thailand insider)
The diverse and delicious local cuisine offered at these markets is sure to satisfy your taste buds. If you are looking for authentic Thai street food and local flavors, consider visit Ratchawat and Sriyan Market. These are two of the oldest and most traditional markets in Bangkok. Plus, they are just 1 kilometer from each other, so you can visit both markets in one trip.
As night falls, Bangkok comes alive with a vibrant energy. Towering skyscrapers, colorful streets, and the constant stream of traffic create a dazzling spectacle. This is a different side of Bangkok that you won't want to miss. The city offers several rooftop bars and observation decks where you can take in panoramic views.
You can come to the Baiyoke Sky Hotel, a towering 88-story structure which is Thailand's tallest hotel. Here, you can admire the breathtaking panoramic view of Bangkok. Besides an observation deck for sightseeing, this place also features a revolving rooftop bar and several dining options. So you can always grab a drink or a snack if you want to make this experience even more complete.
Admire the lively view of Bangkok from the Baiyoke Sky Hotel (Source: Internet)
After taking in the breathtaking night views of Bangkok and perhaps enjoying a few drinks, you'll likely be ready to retreat to your hotel for a good night's rest. Tomorrow promises to be a day packed with exciting adventures.
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You can start your first morning in Bangkok by having breakfast at local diners. A great option for breakfast is boat noodles. This traditional Thai dish has a distinctive dark brown broth simmered from pork and beef bones and often includes a savory blood clot made from pig or cow blood, salt, and spices.
It is served in small portions, which allows you to try different types of noodles in one sitting. You should consider visiting Anong Boat Noodles at 72 Charoen Krung Road, Wongburapa Phrankorn because this place is said to serve the best boat noodles in Bangkok.
Boat noodles is a must try dish when coming to Bangkok (Source: Hungry in Thailand)
If you prefer a lighter, Western-style meal, On Lok Yun is a great option. This cozy spot offers a simple yet satisfying menu, offering a wide range of options like French toast, sausages, bacon, custard tarts, and buttered toast. Their Thai milk tea is especially popular, but they also serve black coffee, coffee with milk, Milo, and iced tea.
Coming here, you should try their most popular items, which are butter toast, bacon toast and kaya toast (Source: Foodpanda)
After breakfast, of course there has to be a good cup of coffee to go after. Just imagine sipping a cup of coffee and having a chat with your friends while sitting in a chill cafe.
If you love coffee shops surrounded by nature, Natura Cafe is the perfect place. As soon as you step inside, you'll be impressed by the garden with lush greenery. Designed mostly with bamboo, Natura Cafe offers a variety of seating areas to suit your preferences, including inside and outside tables.
This cafe offers a fresh space in harmony with nature (Source: Internet)
If you prefer a more classic European-style coffee shop, pay a visit to The Mustang Blu. You will be impressed from the very entrance with its unique decor that blends classic and mythical elements. Every corner of the cafe is a unique backdrop for Instagram-worthy photos. It is undoubtedly a delightful experience that you will want to revisit many times.
The luxurious space here will be the perfect backdrop for your Instagram photos (Source: The Mustang Blu)
Chatuchak Weekend Market is a bustling marketplace in Bangkok renowned for its huge size and incredible diversity. The market is busiest on the weekend, making it the perfect destination for your weekend trip.
The vibrant atmosphere in Chatuchak Market (Source: Internet)
Chatuchak Market offers a sensory overload, with over 15,000 stalls selling literally everything. You can find anything your heart desires, from vintage clothing to handcrafted jewelry or even delicious street food from across the country.
Traditional markets always allow you to immerse in the vibrant atmosphere, haggle with friendly vendors, and experience the true pulse of the city.
It's time to refuel for an afternoon of fun ahead. Bangkok has many local diners that have earned Michelin stars that you must try out to see if they live up to the hype.
The first place we recommend is Raan Jay Fai. This is a long-standing street food restaurant in Thailand, owned by an over-70-year-old chef named Jay Fai. The restaurant has a humble ambiance, with a rustic kitchen equipped with only the essential tools for the chef to work her magic. Some of the most notable dishes here include crab omelet, stir-fried crab with curry, and drunken noodles.
The dishes here are not only beautiful to look at, but also absolutely delicious (Source: Internet)
Another Michelin-starred restaurant is Jeh O Chula. They are best known for the iconic Mama Noodles Tom Yum, but they also has a menu that contains numerous other top-notch dishes, such as stir-fried egg tofu with shrimp, signature crispy pork, fried tofu with crispy garlic, boiled rice with duck and more.
Customers usually have to wait for hours to enjoy the iconic Mama Noodles Tom Yum (Source: Internet)
Most of the restaurants here have open kitchens, so you can watch chefs expertly prepare delicious dishes. The tantalizing aromas and the bustling waitstaff create a lively atmosphere. While savoring authentic cuisine is a top priority, witnessing the local culture and way of life is equally rewarding.
If you don’t have enough time to visit all the famous attractions in Bangkok, a boat trip along the Chao Phraya River is the best alternative option.
This boat trip will offer you stunning views of the city's most famous landmarks, including the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and the historic Rattanakosin Island. As you cruise past these iconic sites, not only can you enjoy the beauty of antique Thai architecture, but you can also gain a deeper understanding of Thai history and culture.
You can sightsee many famous landmarks on this boat tour (Source: Internet)
Next, you will encounter the Iconsiam Bangkok, a modern and luxurious shopping mall. The final stops will be the Asiatique The Riverfront, a vibrant entertainment complex featuring a renowned show by talented transgender performers, which often takes place every evening.
The breathtaking sunset on Chao Phraya River (Source: Internet)
A boat trip usually begins in the late afternoon, the perfect time to enjoy the breathtaking sunset. As the golden rays illuminate the cityscape and reflect off the water, you'll be treated to a truly romantic and unforgettable experience. Cruise operators usually serve dinner on boat so you can have a delicious meal and enjoy the stunning views at the same time.
Khao San Road is a backpacker haven in the heart of Bangkok, known for its vibrant atmosphere and lively nightlife. This bustling street is a melting pot of travelers from all over the world, so it's a must-visit when you're in Bangkok. There are many bars, street performers and even countless street food vendors for you to explore.
The vibrant atmosphere of Khao San Road at night (Source: Internet)
This street also has many souvenir shops, you can stop by to see if there’s anything to buy as a gift for your friend and family. Although it’s still better to buy souvenirs at traditional markets for better prices and diverse options.
Bangkok's nightlife is one of the most iconic things about this city. Therefore, it would be a shame to miss out on the city's vibrant bars with pulsating music, dazzling lights, and delicious cocktails. This would definitely become an unforgettable memory on your trip.
You can enjoy the panoramic view of Bangkok while sipping a drink at the bar (Source: Willy Thuan)
You can consider visiting Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar, a multi-level rooftop bar located on the 45th to 49th floors of the Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit. This vibrant spot offers stunning 360-degree views of the Bangkok skyline, so not only can you enjoy the drinks, but you can also admire the view of the city by night and take gorgeous photos for your Instagram.
They have live DJs spinning music nightly creating a lively atmosphere perfect for enjoying delicious drinks and vibing to the music (Source: Octave Rooftop Lounge & Bar)
After a night of partying, you may experience a hangover. It's recommended to drink a warm cup of honey lemon water and eat a hearty meal to help rehydrate your body and provide the energy you need to continue the adventure in Bangkok.
Let's start our last morning in Bangkok with a visit to Safari World Bangkok. This park offers a unique blend of a traditional zoo and a thrilling safari experience. Imagine driving through open-air enclosures, encountering majestic lions, graceful giraffes, and playful monkeys roaming freely in their natural habitats.
You can observe and interact directly with wild animals here (Source: Traveloka)
Beyond the safari, Safari World boasts a captivating Marine Park showcasing fascinating marine creatures like dolphins, sea lions, and colorful fish. Exciting animal shows, thrilling rides, and interactive exhibits create an unforgettable experience.
At this time, you're probably starving. So, why not refuel with some delicious Chinese food in the bustling Chinatown? There are so many restaurants that serve good food here, but here are 2 more famous spots that you can try out.
If you love wonton and crab, you cannot miss Odean Crab Wonton Noodle. This small diner has been a local favorite for decades, attracting visitors with its simple yet flavorful menu. The highlight is undoubtedly the crab wonton noodles, featuring tender noodles, succulent crab meat, and a flavorful broth. This spot will not disappoint.
You must try crab wonton noodles when coming here (Source: Internet)
Another option is Hua Seng Hong. This is one of the pricier restaurants in Chinatown, but it comes with high quality. The menu is incredibly diverse. When visiting, be sure to try their signature large carp with soy sauce or the crab curry. The restaurant is modern and clean, making it the perfect place to experience the best of Thai and Chinese cuisine.
The mouthwatering crab curry is one of the best sellers at Hua Seng Hong (Source: Internet)
Another activity that you cannot miss is shopping in Bangkok's largest shopping malls. After all, Bangkok is famous for its massive shopping malls. Now is the perfect opportunity for you to wander through these retail havens and find those unique items you've been searching for.
Iconsiam is the most luxurious mall in Bangkok that you should visit (Source: Internet)
For a luxurious shopping experience, consider visiting Siam Paragon, CentralWorld, or Iconsiam. If you're looking for more budget-friendly options, MBK Center and Terminal 21 have a wide range of products at affordable prices. The choice depends on your preferences and budget.
After wandering around the shopping paradises of Bangkok, your feet may be tired. What better way to unwind than with a traditional Thai massage? This is an ancient healing art with skilled therapists working their magic in stretching and kneading your body to relieve tension and restore balance.
A trip to Thailand will not be complete without experiencing Thai massage (Source: Internet)
A Thai massage session often includes calming scents and tranquil music. This is the perfect way to rejuvenate both your body and your mind after a day of adventure, leaving you feeling refreshed.
If you are looking for a unique experience to conclude your trip, why not try watching a Muay Thai boxing match?
Muay Thai, often referred to as "the art of eight limbs," is a combat sport and martial art native to Thailand. Unlike boxing, which primarily uses punches, Muay Thai fighters utilize a wider array of techniques. They employ fists, elbows, knees, and shins to strike their opponents, making it a truly full-body combat sport.
Rajadamnern Stadium is the most famous place to watch Muay Thai in Bangkok (Source: Rajadamnern Stadium)
You can watch Muay Thai fights at Rajadamnern Stadium, which has become Thailand's national heritage along with the sport of Muay Thai. Professional fight nights with some of the most skilled fighters make this a perfect place for viewers who want a thrilling Muay Thai experience. There's a match every night, so you can choose to go on any day you want.
We hope that the detailed itinerary we have suggested will help you find the perfect places to visit during your weekend in Bangkok. If you are planning to visit Thailand this year, don’t hesitate to contact Asia King Travel and let us help you plan your trip!
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