Pay respect to the King of Thailand at the Grand Palace and Wat Phrakaew
It is a known fact that recently the great King of Thailand passed away just this month. King Bhumibol is the world's longest serving head of state and his passing was and is still is as of this writing led a great grievance from the whole Thai nation. We were just so lucky that we got to visit it before the dreadful event happened.

The Grand Palace is the official residence of the King of Thailand, it is located at the heart of the city. Although King Bhumibol resided on a different palace, the Grand Palace is still used for official events. So this palace should definitely be on top of your list.

Take a picture of the biggest Reclining Buddha, Wat Pho
Located near the Grand Palace is Wat Pho, a prominent Buddhist temple where the golden reclining Buddha can be seen. It still amazes me even if I've already visited it for the third time.

(on a separate post soon)


Capture the beautiful sunset at Wat Arun
Just a river taxi ride from Wat Pho is another famous Buddhist temple, Wat Arun. It is best viewed during sunset or you can opt to wear a traditional Thai costume while you pose in front of the iconic temple.

(on a separate post soon)

Wat Arun

Party like there's no tomorrow at Khao San Road
For an ultimate nightlife head over to Khao San Road where tourists are more rampant than locals. Party hard and drink the night away while you get to shop for souvenirs, sit for a foot massage and try some exotic street foods.

Khao San Road

Shop till you drop during weekend at Chatuchak Weekend Market
For three times, I visited this enormous weekend market. Chatuchak Weekend Market is one of the world's largest weekend markets with over 8,000 stalls. Here, you can see a WIDE range of items to buy. From clothes, accessories, shoes, handicrafts, furniture, decorations, ceramics, books, paintings, pets, pet accessories, antiques, plants, gardening tools, food and beverages and a lot more! You'll definitely go crazy and lost. I did! And because this is just every Saturday and Sunday, be sure that you are booked in BKK during the weekend or you'll regret it. Going here is a MUST!!!

Chatuchak Weekend Market

Have an ultimate retail therapy at all the shopping malls in Bangkok
Aside from Chatuchak, you can also shop at the widely known malls in Bangkok. MBK Center, Platinum Fashion Mall and Siam Paragon are my favorites.

MBK Center is a tourist shopping haven for all things affordable. This 8-floor establishment has more than 2,000 shops that sells all sorts of items. It also reminds me of our very own Greenhills because of the electronic shop at the fourth floor where they sell electronic items such as cellphones, tablets, cameras and DVDs.


Platinum Fashion Mall is every fashionable girls (and guys) dream mall. Platinum Fashion Mall is my most favorite mall in BKK. It is the indoor and air conditioned version of Chatuchak Weekend Market where they sell trendy and affordable outfits, shoes and accessories. You can also get a discount when you buy a combination of outfits in a store.

Siam Paragon is a luxury megamall that sells high end brands of clothing, gadgets, home decors and even luxury cars. Collection of upscale restaurants and cafes can also be seen at this mall. Siam Ocean World Aquarium is also located here. 

MBK Center

Savor the spicy and delicious Thai Cuisine 
Thai cuisine is widely known around the world. The distinct flavor and the divinely spicy dishes sets it apart from all the other dishes in the world. My personal favorites are Tom Yum, Pad Thai, Salted Grilled Fish and Sticky Rice with Mango. So it is definitely a must to try an authentic Thai cuisine in Thailand itself. 

One of the most memorable restaurants I got to experience is in Hemlock Restaurant that serves classic and eclectic Thai dishes. YUM!!!

Pad Thai at Hemlock

Have an authentic Thai Massage
Everyone who visits Thailand sure knows that it's compulsory to try the famous Thai massage at least once. Thai massage is a healing system that combines acupressure, Indian principles and assisted yoga postures. You will definitely need a massage after all the walking you had during the day (plus the hot weather can sure add to your tiredness) so the perfect solution? Thai massage! Not only is it fairly affordable and accessible (you can find tons of spas around Thailand) but you'll certainly feel relieved after a session.

We tried a good and affordable massage near our hotel on separate post soon

Thai Massage

Ride a Tuk-tuk, River Taxi and SkyTrain
There are numerous transport systems in Thailand and one of the few are Tuk-tuks, Water Taxis and Skytrain. 

Tuk-tuk is a motorcycle with back carriage or an auto rickshaw that is used as transportation service for several countries like Thailand, Cambodia and Sri Lanka. It was in Bangkok where I experienced my first Tuk-tuk ride year 2010. They say that in Bangkok, tuk-tuks mainly cater to tourists. You will find riding a taxi cheaper than riding a tuk-tuk. But of course experiencing it at least once is absolutely a must.

Tuk-tuks

River Taxi

Skytrain
Malls and other several attractions can be easily reached via Skytrain. We rode one going to Chatuchak Weekend Market. Other malls like MBK, Pratunam and Siam can also be reached via Skytrain. 

Skytrain

Side trip to the former capital of Thailand, Ayutthaya
The former capital of Thailand can be easily reached from Bangkok in an hour. Ayutthaya is among one of the top tourist destinations of in Bangkok because of its close proximity from BKK and the splendid ruins it offered. The historic city even became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Elephant Show

Crocodile Show

Elephant ride in Ayutthaya

Get to experience riding a boat at the Floating Market
Floating Market is a market where goods are sold from boats, it originated years ago in Thailand where water transport played an important role in everyday life. Floating markets operate today mainly for tourism purposes. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is the most popular and largest among others. Everyday from 6am to 11am local vendors sell local goods and food to tourists. It's a colorful place for tourists to experience the traditional way of selling and buying items.


Cruise and Dine at the Famous Chao Phraya River
Chao Phraya River is an iconic landmark in Bangkok. It is the major river in Thailand hence the many offerings of dinner cruises along the river. For 3-4 hours you'll get to dine, drink sightsee and party together with the other tourists on board. It's great activity for family, friends and couples.



Watch a Pingpong Show
I know this is kind of weird coming from a lady like me, but yes, I've experienced it once during my second visit and it was pure disbelief and sort of entertaining (except for the live show part). Pingpong Show is a stage entertainment show that takes place in a girly bar. Girls clad in bikini do tricks using their pelvic muscles and vulva. Because the ping pong balls are the most iconic objects used thus the name. Their other tricks were puffing a cigarette, ejecting string of blades, opening a beer bottle and drawing using a pentel pen. We booked ours via a dependable tour guide who I lost contact with :( It is not advisable to do it on your own because you'll most likely get ripped off. 

Even if I visited Bangkok for three times already, Thailand will always be special to me and will still visit it over and over again!