Bangkok for first-timers
VISITING Bangkok for the first time? Get ready for an unforgettable journey through a city that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity. Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is a kaleidoscope of colours, flavours and experiences that cater to every traveller’s taste.
From ornate temples and bustling markets to modern shopping malls and a lively nightlife, Bangkok offers a diverse range of attractions.
The Mahanakhon Skywalk is a great place to start. Soaring to a height of 314m, this tourist magnet offers 360-degree panoramic views that include many Bangkok landmarks.
After braving the glass tray experience, which provides stunning views of the amazing skyline directly down below, my visit to Thailand’s highest observation deck comes to a close after the fully immersive and thrilling Mahanakhon SkyRide.
A short train ride leads the way to Chatuchak Weekend Market. Located on Phahon Yothin Road, this sprawling retail area is divided into 27 sections with over 8,000 stalls. Like other tourists, solo travellers are spoilt for choice here. Varied products ranging from clothing, bags, handicrafts, souvenirs, as well as food and beverage options vie for attention with affordable antique collectibles.
CHEAPER OPTION
Instead of my usual practice of placing reservations through individual hotel and airline websites, my friends prefer using one-stop online platforms, which allow easy comparisons and provide unbeatable deals.
This time we opted for Agoda.com, which offers some affordable guaranteed prices with deals on discounts. Case in point is the extremely attractive Grande Centre Point Hotel Ratchadamri promotional price, which also yielded complimentary upgrades — a boon for solo travellers like me.
NOTEWORTHY TOURS
The marketplace experience becomes even more significant after becoming aware of instinctive bonds between fellow solo travellers. Most evident at eating places where casual conversations start while waiting for food to arrive, this keen sense of camaraderie yields useful experience-based pointers like exhilarating tours and, more importantly, common pitfalls to avoid.
During these encounters, it becomes evident that friendly locals, relatively safe surroundings, varied cuisine choices and accommodating cultural norms are key aspects that make Bangkok and the rest of Thailand popular among global travellers, including Malaysians.
Apart from visiting the Grand Palace, museums and various temple complexes that dot the Bangkok landscape, there are also ample opportunities to explore places further away.
Not to be missed is the Damnoen Saduak floating market day tour at Ratchaburi. This memorable experience involves sharing a boat with fellow tourists and setting off to interact with farmers selling fresh produce and savoury snacks along Thailand’s longest and straightest canal.
FOOD AND SHOPPING PARADISE
In Bangkok, you’ll have ample chances to sample sumptuous cuisine served at outlets ranging from simple roadside stalls to Michelin recognised restaurants. Apart from popular local fare, hotel buffets and speciality cafes fulfil the occasional need for varied dining.
Popular street food snacks like mango sticky rice and Thai crepes (‘khanom buang’) complete the vibrant Bangkok food scene and provide much needed sustenance, especially during lengthy tour sessions. The small portions served are suitable for solo travellers on the go.
Setting out to see and do as much as possible during the trip resulted in little time left for shopping at the end. Fortunately, salvation comes in the form of
Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok, which is mere minutes away from the Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Leaving the hotel just a couple of hours earlier provides ample time to explore the impressive array of dining and leisure options before boarding the plane.
Home to a strong mix of more than 300 brands, including some of
the most sought-after luxury and designer names alongside international and local brands, the multiple award-winning outlet offers regular shuttle bus services from Siam Paragon Mall, right in the heart of Bangkok’s central business district. That is something worth remembering when I start planning my next trip here soon!