things to do in bangkok: our 2 days itinerary
day 1
12am: Lunch by a rooftop pool! There are many rooftop restaurants and swimming pools in Bangkok. We spent some time at the pool of the hotel where we were spending the night Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn and had lunch at the pool bar on the 14th floor. Guests from outside the hotel are welcome to have lunch at the Poolbar. |
6pm: Have a drink at Vertigo Bar, 59th floor of the Banyann Tree Hotel.
Unfortunately, it rained right before we went to the bar, which means the 59th floor was closed (The 59th floor as a glass ceiling which I heard was really cool!) so we went to the bar on the 42nd floor instead, which still offered really nice views. Note: It takes about 3-4 hours for the bar o the 59th floor to reopen after it rains. But the 42nd floor is always open! Also note: NO flip-flops, no shorts! Or you will be refused entry.
Unfortunately, it rained right before we went to the bar, which means the 59th floor was closed (The 59th floor as a glass ceiling which I heard was really cool!) so we went to the bar on the 42nd floor instead, which still offered really nice views. Note: It takes about 3-4 hours for the bar o the 59th floor to reopen after it rains. But the 42nd floor is always open! Also note: NO flip-flops, no shorts! Or you will be refused entry.
7pm: Asiatique Riverside
A large complex of shops and restauants, perfect to buy souvenirs… enjoy a walk or have dinner by the river! (open until midnight)
A large complex of shops and restauants, perfect to buy souvenirs… enjoy a walk or have dinner by the river! (open until midnight)
9:45pm: Calypso Ladyboys Cabaret Show
There are several cabaret shows in Bangkok but this one was recommended to us as the best one… A fun evening! The show lasts 1h15, and tickets are 1200 bahts if you buy them at the door, or 900bahts if you buy them online (at least 24h before the show). We managed to buy tickets for 900bahts from the hotel, only a few hours before the show.
There are several cabaret shows in Bangkok but this one was recommended to us as the best one… A fun evening! The show lasts 1h15, and tickets are 1200 bahts if you buy them at the door, or 900bahts if you buy them online (at least 24h before the show). We managed to buy tickets for 900bahts from the hotel, only a few hours before the show.
day 2
10am: Chatuchak Market
One of the biggests markets in the World! Only open on weekends. (Skytrain stop: Mo Chit)
1pm: Lunch near the Grand Palace
Near the Grand Palace! Very good food, friendly staff. You can see the kitchen which is super clean, which is always a plus! (Around 150bahts for a main) I had my last Pad Thai of the trip. They also have great coffees and cakes!
One of the biggests markets in the World! Only open on weekends. (Skytrain stop: Mo Chit)
1pm: Lunch near the Grand Palace
Near the Grand Palace! Very good food, friendly staff. You can see the kitchen which is super clean, which is always a plus! (Around 150bahts for a main) I had my last Pad Thai of the trip. They also have great coffees and cakes!
2pm: Boat ride on Khlong river
A different way to see Bangkok! (Skytrain stop: Saphtan)
We paid 1000 bahts for a private 1h ride for 2 people. We asked to be dropped off at the Grand Palace.
A different way to see Bangkok! (Skytrain stop: Saphtan)
We paid 1000 bahts for a private 1h ride for 2 people. We asked to be dropped off at the Grand Palace.
6pm: Busy Chinatown!
9pm: Dinner at LUCE Italian Restaurant
9pm: Dinner at LUCE Italian Restaurant
If you had enough of Thai food (I'll never have enough of Thai food! but...) I recommend LUCE, the Italian restaurant located at the 14th floor of our hotel: the Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn. They got me at "We have a healthy menu"! I rarely / never have Italian food outside of Italy (I'm from Nice in France right at the border with Italy so I can be quite picky when it comes to pasta, pizzas and risottos. But LUCE didn't disappoint! Just as good as Italian food, in Italy. We started off we smoothies, which were THE BEST I've had in Thailand! (And I've had a lot!) I had the grilled salmon, and my friend had the salmon tartare, both delicious. For dessert, I had coconut rice pudding from the healthy menu and Salome had the panacotta, both beautifully served.
11pm: Last drink at the rooftop bar to take in the view!
Other things you can do in Bangkok (We didn’t have time, but if you do…)
- Watch a boxing match at Lumpini stadium
- Visit the Grand Palace
- Visit Wat Arun temple
- Walk around the "ladyboys neighbourhood"
transportation: how to get around bangkok
The Sky Train: 42baths per trip. Very easy to use and navigate. It’s also very clean and modern!
UBER: Another cheap and handy way to get around! (Although you will need wifi…) You will be in a really nice car with AC for half the price of a taxi or tuktuk (if not less). However, Bangkok traffic can get pretty bad, so depending on rush hour, you may be better off getting the train.
Tuk tuks: There are tuk tuks waiting in front of most tourist attractions, but they are usually more expensive than red trucks and UBER (unless you have really good negotiating skills!)
Ferry boat: 150baht per trip, but a fun way to get around!
where to stay in bangkok
As mentioned before, we stayed at 4* Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn, which I recommend. It was ideally located (right opposite a train station) in a very nice and safe area. The hotel was very luxurious (huge shiny crystal lights when you walk in….).
The room: We stayed in a Sky Room located on the 30th floor, which offered panoramic views of the city.
The room: We stayed in a Sky Room located on the 30th floor, which offered panoramic views of the city.
The gym: Located on the 14th floor, it's very well equipped, with both cardio and weight machines. Also very spacious, and you can't beat that view!
Breakfast: (5th floor) was the largest breakfast buffet from our trip... The buffet offers absolutely everything you could possibly want for breakfast. From Thai food, to Chinese, Japanese, Western (pancakes, waffles, french toast, pastries, very good bread!...)
The pool: And as if that wasn’t enough, the pool & pool bar are amazing! But you already know that.
where to eat in bangkok
Being a foodie, I always feel the need to include this section to my travel blog articles. However in Bangkok (and I think Thailand in general), you can eat absolutely everywhere and anywhere. Don’t be afraid to try a 40baht pad thai in the street, chances are it will be just as good as in a restaurant! You can also get fresh smoothies, fresh cut fruit (papaya, mango, pineapple…) everywhere! (heaven!)
I still tried a few really good restaurants which I have already mentioned, but will recap below:
For Thai food….
- Elefin Café (near Grand Palace)
If you don’t fancy Thai food…
- LUCE Italian Restaurant (Eastin Grand Sathorn Hotel Pool Bar (14th floor))
- Eastin Grand Sathorn Hotel Pool Bar (14th floor): At the 14th floor of the hotel. The perfect place to chill by the pool and enjoy any type of food (Asian or Western) High end, but worth it for the view!
To know before you go to Thailand
Do I need a visa?
Members of the European Union don’t need a visa to visit Thailand (maximum stay: 30 days)
Do I need special vaccination?
I went in June, and didn’t need to take any medication or get vaccination prior to the trip. However, depending on the time of the year and the region you are visiting, you may need to take malaria pills and get vaccination for hepatite B. Check with your doctor.
What Budget?
In comparison to European prices, Thailand is very cheap. You can eat for 40 bahts (=less than €1) (street food or simple restaurant) or 300bahts in a luxurious hotel/restaurant. We spent most our money on transportation and tours. See the section below on transportation. NB: Overall, Bangkok is more expensive than other regions of Thailand.
How to avoid getting ill
Never drink tap water! Always buy bottled water. Make sure the ice cubes in your drinks (water, and smoothies!) were made of treated water (99% chances they will be) Overall, street food is pretty safe (I had street food all week and didn’t get sick!)… And trust your instincts… If you have doubts, don’t eat it. No Pad thai, as tasty as it may be, is worth ruining your holiday for ;-)
Pack your bag: Checklist
Here are a few things you should take with you…
- Mosquito spray (although there are pharmacies on every corner in Chiang Mai where you will be able some)
- A copy of your passeport (If you need to exchange money, you will be asked for your passport! We learned the hard way and ended up having to take money out from an ATM, which cost us a fixed 220bahts)
- Change in your currency (easier to exchange! And to avoid the 220baths charge)
- Medication for food poisoning (just in case…) I was told by a friend that these are very hard to find in Thailand, even in pharmacies
How safe is Bangkok?
We were two girls, and felt very safe the whole time, day and night. There are policemen everywhere, who seem very on it! Definetly a city I would feel safe exploring by myself. Solo travellers, don’t hesitate to go!
One last tip: Negotiate EVERYTHING.