This travel diary marks the start of our amazing journey discovering Thailand. It all began with a story my daughter shared after her high school trip to Thailand with Rustic Pathways. She described the country’s charm, friendly people, and the exciting experiences we could have. Because of her stories, we were eager to explore this fascinating place ourselves. So, we decided to start our adventure in Thailand by first discovering Bangkok, the capital of the Land of Smiles.
When we landed in Bangkok in February 2019, after two layovers and a long 21.5-hour flight, I knew we were in for an unforgettable adventure. From the moment we arrived, the city’s energy and vibrancy made a lasting impression on us.
In this diary, I’ll share our four days of exploring Bangkok, giving you a glimpse into the city’s lively atmosphere and our memorable experiences.
Four Days of Discovering Bangkok, Thailand
Day 1: Arrival and Settling In
Upon landing, my then-husband and I quickly took a taxi, costing $8 for a 40-minute ride to our charming Thai-style guesthouse booked through Airbnb.
Nestled in a gated community with impressive homes, our accommodation was a luxurious choice at $231.45 for three nights, including tax and cleaning fees. It featured a beautiful pool, a comfy bed, and a small kitchen.
After checking in around 3:30 pm, we were exhausted and ended up sleeping for a remarkable 17 hours.
Day 2: Temples and Night Bike Tour
On day two, We started our day discovering Bangkok, Thailand, by exploring its temples. One highlight was the Sukhothai Traimit Golden Buddha, the largest Golden Buddha in the world, made entirely of solid gold and standing 15 feet 9 inches tall, weighing 5.5 tons.
Be sure to dress modestly when visiting temples by covering your shoulders and knees, as this is a sign of respect.
In the evening, we joined a night bike tour at 5:30 pm. The tour included:
- Visits to several temples, including the stunning Wat Arun Ratchawararam (Temple of the Dawn).
- A chance to explore three different temples up close.
- A brief stop at a lively flower market for tasty snacks.
The tour lasted about 3.5 hours with a fantastic guide. At our last stop at the local market, I couldn’t resist trying the small, delicious pineapples, which were as sweet as they were unique.
Afterwards, we finished around 9:30 pm and took a taxi back to our place. Despite my worries about biking through busy traffic, I highly recommend this thrilling way to discover Bangkok, Thailand.
Day 3: Vegan Delights and Culinary Surprises
On our third day, we enjoyed a leisurely pace and visited Barefood Bangkok Vegan, a vegan restaurant about 3 miles from our Airbnb. The food was outstanding, particularly the nutcheese, though the bill was higher than expected.
We tried a nutcheese platter, a spicy chickpea salad, a smoky and spicy burger, and a rice meal with nutcheese. For dessert, we had vegan ice cream and a couple of beers.
If you’re on a budget while discovering Bangkok, Thailand, it’s best to stick to local restaurants to avoid unexpected costs.
Day 4: Departure to Chiang Mai
Thursday morning marked our last day in the vibrant city of Bangkok. Therefore, we prepared for the next leg of our journey to the enchanting destination of Chiang Mai, Thailand.
To save time, we opted for an early one-hour flight. It was much more convenient than the 14-hour train or bus options, which were both longer and more expensive.
Unique Start to Our Thai Adventure
Discovering Bangkok, Thailand, left me with mixed feelings. The locals were incredibly friendly, and despite the hot and humid weather, the city had its own unique charm. The stunning temples and bustling markets gave us a genuine taste of daily life.
However, the city felt crowded, and the streets were often littered. The tangled power and cable lines were an unusual sight. While my time in Bangkok was interesting, it felt too big for me to fully enjoy since I prefer a more local scene.
Nonetheless, discovering Bangkok was a great way to start our 17-day journey exploring the unique country of Thailand.
