Bangkok: My Experience | Guide & Tips

Thailand was the first truly foreign country I travelled to, and it changed everything for me. Before that, I had only been to Australia twice, and while I enjoyed visiting somewhere new, it didn’t feel that different from my home country, New Zealand (except a lot warmer!).

But Bangkok - it was a full life changing experience. A city bursting with colour, chaos, culture, and energy. It was my first real taste of a world so completely different from my own - and it solidified my passion for travel from the moment I arrived.

My partner Gareth and I spent three weeks in Thailand, travelling through three distinct areas: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Koh Samui. Each place offered something unique and special, but Bangkok, as the gateway to it all, was the perfect introduction.

Here’s an overview of my first time time in Bangkok: where we stayed, what we did, food highlights, and some helpful tips for first-time visitors.

Edit: I also went back for 4 weeks in 2017, you can check out my newer Thailand blog posts here.

BANGKOK

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A bustling and vibrant city, full of coloured taxis, tuktuks and motorbikes going in all directions. It was very hot and sticky (we went in early February) and you had to shower twice a day (because your feet get pretty dirty as well walking around the streets). But it was a real experience, and such an eye-opener.


Where we stayed:

We booked into CityPoint Hotel in Klongtoey, and it was a great choice. Clean, modern, and centrally located, it was near shops and just a short walk to a Skytrain stop. The staff were warm and helpful with restaurant suggestions and local advice.

At around $80 NZD per night, it was affordable while still feeling comfortable and relaxing - perfect for our first few days in a new country.

What we did:

Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) 

Our first major sight, and one I’ll never forget. The architecture was breathtaking, and the golden reclining Buddha was absolutely massive and mesmerising.

Chatuchak weekend market.

Sprawling, overwhelming, and amazing. We spent hours exploring this enormous market and picked up a few bargains. I had my first mango sticky rice here - and immediately became obsessed!

The Grand Palace

A must-see. Taking a riverboat along the Chao Phraya to reach the palace was half the fun. Once there, the ornate architecture and vivid colours were simply next-level. It was scorching hot that day (around 45°C), and wearing a sarong made it feel even hotter, but it was worth every minute.

Thai massage 

We treated ourselves to a traditional Thai massage. Let's just say I'm still scarred by that experience HA!

'Ladyboy' Show 

We decided to experience one of Bangkok’s famous ladyboy shows one evening. Entertaining, theatrical, and definitely a one-of-a-kind memory!

Shopping & Malls 

Bangkok is a shopper's paradise. We explored markets, food stalls, and malls galore. Even big-name stores like Converse were so much cheaper than at home. It was also a great excuse to escape the heat and enjoy the air conditioning for a while.

Sky Bar 

We visited the world’s highest open rooftop bar (63 floors up!) for a single cocktail at sunset. It was expensive ($25 NZD per drink), but the view was stunning and absolutely worth it.

Khao San Road

One night we wandered down infamous Khao San Road. We didn’t stay long, but it was an experience just to sit with a beer and take in the wild and weird atmosphere.

Explored 

We loved walking and hopping on tuk-tuks to discover hidden gems and local street food. Gareth even got a custom-tailored suit made - great quality and affordable.

How to get around:

Skytrain (BTS) 

Efficient, easy to use, and cheap. Definitely the best way to get around Bangkok quickly and avoid traffic.

Taxis 

Convenient and metered (make sure to ask!). Always have your destination written in Thai if possible.

TukTuks 

A must-try experience! Use for short distances and agree on a price beforehand. Great for a quick thrill and navigating narrow streets.

River boats 

One of the most scenic ways to see the city. Hop on and off to explore temples and landmarks along the river.

Where we ate:

While I can’t recall every place (it was nearly 4 years ago!), one spot I do remember clearly is Cabbages & Condoms - a unique and unforgettable restaurant with great food, a beautiful garden setting, and a good cause behind it.

Our entrees

We also dined at street stalls, mall food courts, and pop-up restaurants - all affordable and delicious. Thai food became one of the absolute highlights of the trip.


Must-Try Thai dishes

• Pad Thai (Stir-fried noodles)

• Gaeng Daeng (Red Curry)

• Gaeng Keow Wan Kai (Green Curry)

• Tom Yum Goong (Spicy shrimp soup)

• Tom Kha Kai (Chicken coconut soup)

• Khao Pad (Fried rice)

• Mango Sticky Rice

Travel Tips

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• Watch for scams: Always agree on a price with tuk-tuks and insist taxis run their meters. Say no to unsolicited detours.

• Be respectful: Cover knees and shoulders at temples, don’t touch heads, and avoid public displays of affection.

• Eat like the locals: Choose busy places for fresher food. Embrace the street food scene - it’s amazing.

• Stay hydrated: Always drink bottled water (even for brushing teeth). Bangkok is HOT!

• Use mall bathrooms: Public toilets are rare. Always carry tissues and hand sanitiser.

• Get vaccinated: Before travel, consider Hep A, Typhoid, and Tetanus boosters.

Final Thoughts:

Bangkok was thrilling, intense, sometimes confronting, but completely unforgettable. It opened my eyes to a world so different from my own, and made me fall in love with travel. The people were warm, the food was amazing, and every day brought a new adventure.

Chiang Mai and Koh Samui were next, and I adored them even more. But Bangkok will always be special to me.

Thanks for reading - stay tuned for more Thailand posts coming soon!

Have you been to Bangkok? Planning a trip? I’d love to hear your thoughts or tips in the comments!

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