Out of our entire trip to Thailand, Bangkok was the city that surprised me the most.
Before arriving, I expected chaos — traffic, crowds, heat, and noise. And yes, Bangkok has all of those things. But what I didn’t expect was how captivating it would be.
Bangkok is a city that never slows down. It’s a dizzying swirl of food carts, temples, tuk-tuks, skyscrapers, street vendors, neon lights, and an endless flow of people moving through the city at all hours.
While cities like Paris, London, or New York City are packed with famous attractions, Bangkok doesn’t rely on landmarks alone. The magic of the city lies in its culture, energy, and everyday life.
We only had two days in Bangkok before flying to Phuket, and it quickly became clear that it wasn’t nearly enough time.
- First Impressions: Arriving in Bangkok
- Morning in Bangkok Before Heading to Phuket
- Things to Do in Bangkok If You Have More Time
- Final Thoughts: Why Bangkok Is Worth Visiting
First Impressions: Arriving in Bangkok
After landing, we navigated Bangkok’s impressive public transport system — a mix of airport trains, underground lines, and the Bangkok Skytrain — before arriving at our hotel in Sukhumvit.
I can’t remember the name of the hotel now (travel blogger fail), but I do remember one thing: the rooftop swimming pool.
After long days exploring the city’s temples and markets, jumping into that pool while looking out over the Bangkok skyline was pure bliss.
Once we had rested and freshened up, it was time to explore.
Take a Cheap River Cruise on the Chao Phraya River
One of the best ways to explore Bangkok is from the water.
We took the Skytrain to Saphan Taksin and then hopped on a river boat from Central Pier along the Chao Phraya River.
For just 20 baht (around 45p), you can ride the water taxis up and down the river — essentially giving yourself a scenic boat tour of Bangkok for the price of a coffee.
The river is the historic heart of the city, and many of Bangkok’s most famous landmarks sit along its banks.
While cruising along, we saw vendors paddling small boats selling souvenirs — similar to the floating markets — and even a few young boys swimming in the river.
Considering the water looked… questionable… and there were rumours of crocodiles, I can only admire their bravery.
We then went to three of the most important temples:
Visit the Grand Palace & Temple of the Emerald Buddha
No trip to Bangkok is complete without visiting the spectacular Grand Palace.
For over 150 years, the palace served as the official residence of Thai kings and remains one of the most important historical sites in Thailand.
Within the palace complex lies Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha — considered the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand.
The complex is enormous, with more than 100 ornate buildings decorated in dazzling gold, colourful mosaics, and intricate Thai architecture.
Visitor Info
- Entry: ~400 baht (£9)
- Opening hours: 8:30am – 3:30pm
- Time needed: 2–3 hours
⚠️ Dress code is strict — visitors must wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees.
See the Giant Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho
Just a short walk away is Wat Pho, home to one of the most impressive statues in Thailand.
Inside the temple lies the enormous Reclining Buddha, measuring 46 metres long and 15 metres high.
Covered in gold leaf, the statue represents Buddha entering Nirvana. One of the most fascinating details is the statue’s feet, which are decorated with intricate mother-of-pearl illustrations.
But Wat Pho is far more than just the reclining Buddha.
The temple complex spans an entire city block and contains hundreds of Buddha statues, courtyards, and shrines — making it a peaceful place to wander and explore.
Visitor Info
Time needed: 1 hour
Entry: ~100 baht
Opening hours: 8am – 5pm
Climb the Temple of the Dawn (Wat Arun)
After grabbing some delicious street food near the temples, we took a tiny ferry across the river for just 3 baht to reach Wat Arun.
Also known as the Temple of the Dawn, this was easily my favourite temple in Bangkok.
The temple’s central prang (tower) rises 82 metres high, and visitors can climb the steep steps to admire incredible views across the river and city skyline.
It’s steep, slightly terrifying, and absolutely worth it.
My brother also happily left his “mark” by writing a message on one of the papers placed inside the temple walls.
Visitor Info
Entry: ~100 baht
Opening hours: 8:30am – 5:30pm
Time needed: 1–2 hours
Experience the Chaos of Khao San Road
That evening, we headed to Khao San Road, often called the backpacker capital of the world.
Originally built in 1892, this street has transformed into a buzzing hub filled with bars, street food stalls, tattoo shops, and travellers from every corner of the globe.
My family and I weren’t there to party — we simply grabbed a seat outside and enjoyed watching the chaos unfold.
The energy of the street is infectious.
Music blasting, street vendors shouting, travellers bargaining, tuk-tuks weaving through crowds — it’s pure Bangkok.
Morning in Bangkok Before Heading to Phuket
After a long night exploring the city, we returned to our hotel, got some sleep, and woke up early the next morning.
Before heading to the airport, we squeezed in one last dip in the rooftop pool — soaking in the skyline of Bangkok before flying south to Phuket.
Even after just two days, Bangkok had completely won me over.
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Things to Do in Bangkok If You Have More Time
If you’re lucky enough to spend longer in Bangkok, here are a few experiences I’d highly recommend adding to your itinerary.
Visit a Floating Market
Bangkok’s floating markets are one of the most unique shopping experiences in Thailand.
Markets like Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market and Taling Chan Floating Market feature vendors selling food and souvenirs from wooden boats along the canals.
Arrive early to beat the crowds.
Explore Bangkok’s Chinatown
Chinatown is one of the best places in the city for food.
Narrow streets packed with market stalls, neon lights, and sizzling street kitchens make it feel like one giant open-air restaurant.
If you love street food, this is paradise.
Watch a Real Muay Thai Fight
Thailand’s national sport, Muay Thai, is taken incredibly seriously by locals.
If I returned to Bangkok, I’d love to watch a professional fight at Rajadamnern Stadium, one of the most famous Muay Thai stadiums in the world.
Shop at Chatuchak Weekend Market
If you’re visiting on a weekend, don’t miss Chatuchak Weekend Market.
With more than 15,000 stalls, it’s one of the largest markets in the world.
You can find everything here — clothes, antiques, street food, homeware, art, and plenty of questionable designer knock-offs.
Final Thoughts: Why Bangkok Is Worth Visiting
Bangkok is intense, chaotic, colourful, and endlessly fascinating.
It’s a city that overwhelms your senses in the best possible way — and just when you think you’ve seen everything, something unexpected happens around the next corner.
Two days was nowhere near enough.
But it was enough to make me want to come back.
Where May Wanders Travel Blog 
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