Thailand is a monarchy and Bangkok’s Grand Palace was the official home of the Thai king until 1925. Today it is one of the country’s most revered historic treasures and is literally draped in gold and jewels. Other not-to-be missed cultural attractions include Temple of the Dawn (Wat Arun) and Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Po).
Bangkok’s “floating markets” should also not be missed. Hire a guide and hit the water to experience the commerce taking place in non-motorized fishing boats gathered at points along the Chao Phraya River that flows through the city. The most authentic markets are Bang Khu Wiang, Taling Chan and Tha Kha. Damnoen Saduak (Klong Lat Phli) is where most guides will try to take you, but it is a bit too touristy for my liking.
Thanks to shows like the Ultimate Fighter, pretty much everyone has heard of muay Thai at this point. But long before muay Thai became a staple of the mixed martial arts competitions now so popular in the West, Thais were staging kickboxing matches. In fact, muay Thai is the country’s national sport. Travelers can get a feel for it in its purist form by catching a fight at Bangkok’s Lumpini Boxing Stadium. In MMA competitions, muay Thai is only one of a number of martial art disciplines on display.
Wander down the Khao San Road for a taste of Bangkok’s legendary backpacker scene — it is an experience. There are loads of cheap stalls selling pretty much everything if you’re in the mood to shop. There are also inexpensive cafes, guesthouses and the opportunity to meet hundreds of other travelers. If you’ve see the Leonardo DiCaprio movie “The Beach,” this is the road that was featured at the beginning.
I could eat Thai street food for years and never get tired of it. The made-to-order pad Thai, the perfectly crispy spring rolls, the skewers of spicy chicken satay and even the more exotic choices like deep-fried bugs are all tastebud tantalizing and never cost more than a few bucks. Try the lunchtime market on Soi 6 between Soi Langsuan and Soi Tonson.
The Banyan Tree Bangkok is one of my favorite hotels in the city. And its al fresco rooftop bar and restaurant is my favorite part of the hotel. It offers the city’s sexiest sky-high dining and drinking experience, not to mention the best views around. Only a low glass wall and a very long fall separate you from the street below.
Watching the frenzied buying and selling of flowers at Pak Klong Talat — the country’s largest wholesale flower market — in the dead of night is another essential authentic Bangkok experience. Make it happen by catching a taxi to the dock near Memorial Bridge around 2 a.m. That’s when the first boats and trucks filled with flowers arrive at the stalls, and shop owners begin frantically snapping up bunches of fresh marigolds and zinnias, orchids, jasmine and roses. The smell alone is intoxicating, but so is the pre-dawn rush to purchase.
Pretty much everything is for sale in Bangkok — from knock-off designer handbags and sunglasses to T-shirts screen printed with popular Thai beer logos. You can buy fake IDs and fake Lonely Planet guidebooks right on the street. But for more authentic, non-poached (and legal) souvenirs, pay a visit to Narai Phand, the Royal Thai Government Handicrafts Center. Or shop for stainless steel flatware inspired by Northern Thai farm tools and interesting housewares at the quirky Thai Home Industries store.
You just have to do it once. Bangkok’s motorized rickshaws, known as tuk-tuks, are everywhere. Not only is a ride in one a cheap and easy way to get around the city, it’s also one of those essential Bangkok experiences you just have to try. Negotiate the fare before you get in, however, or risk being ripped off.
The Thai cooking school at the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok is arguably one of the best in the world. Here you can learn the basics of traditional Thai cooking by creating a sumptuous four-course meal. Yum.
