Moondigenous Tips: Bangkok

When I say I spent three months in Thailand, many assume I traveled all over the country. But as a slow traveler 🐢, I barely visited 3-4 places. Good news though — this means I can give you really detailed insights about those spots! 🧐

Before We Dive In: A Few General Tips 📋

• Traffic 🚗: People drive on the left side. Traffic seems chaotic, but trust the drivers — they know what they’re doing.

• Get the GRAB app! 📱 It’s basically Asia’s Uber. Cheap rides, both cars and bikes. In Bangkok, also try the Skytrain 🚆 — super efficient.

• Food 🌶️: Thai food can be spicy. If you’re not used to it, your stomach might feel upset 🤕. But don’t worry — street food is safe and delicious. 

• Street food is safe!!! Unlike other countries such as India, Thailand is well known for its street food markets, and you cannot leave the country without eating at them 🍢. You can definitely go to restaurants but I would say the real and most tasty Thailand is in the streets — small stands, family-owned, or Buddhist food restaurants — not in fancy places. 👉 It is so easy to get happily lost in markets...you find one almost in any corner.

• Language 🗣️: English varies — tourist areas and Bangkok locals usually get by fine.

• Temples (“Wat”) 🛕: Wat means temple. When visiting, cover knees and shoulders, and remove your shoes before entering.

• Clothing 👗: It’s warm year-round, but modest dressing is common, especially around temples and outside big cities. Pack light, long-sleeved clothes.

• 💆‍♂️ Massages: Thai massages are a thing. They’re everywhere and totally worth it — deep stretches, low prices, and you’ll walk out feeling brand new. I’ll share my favorite spots later in the post!

• 🍹 Fresh Juices: Thailand = smoothie heaven. Grab a fresh-squeezed juice or smoothie from a street vendor every day — seriously. It’s the best way to stay refreshed and beat the heat.

• 🌕 Red Moons: Keep your eyes on the sky! In Southeast Asia, it’s not uncommon to spot stunning red moons — and trust me, they are magical.

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Let’s Talk Bangkok 🏙️

I spent around 2-3 weeks in Bangkok — one week at the start, one in the middle, and one at the end of my trip visiting some wonderful friends ❤️.

If you’re visiting Bangkok, I recommend spending at least 3 days here. It’s a huge city with so much to see, do, and eat! 🍜

Note: While some people get tired of visiting temples, I love them! I will share the ones I visited and emphasise which ones I liked the most. 😊

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Day 1: Temples and Food 🛕🍽️

Must-Visit: Wat Ratchanatdaram School — a Buddhist temple and school. The atmosphere is calm and beautiful 🌸. You can climb up the temple by donating 50 Baht. Walking around the complex is free.

Travel Hack: Take a public boat 🚤 to get there. It’s a mini river tour through the city — not jaw-dropping but very pleasant! Just check the nearest pier on Google Maps.

Wat Ratchanatdaram School at Night

Nearby is Wat Saket Ratchawora Mahawihan, a colorful temple filled with bells and great city views 🔔🌇.

                    

                                                        Wat Saket Ratchawora Mahawihan

Hungry? Try to visit Thipsamai — known as one of the best Pad Thai spots in town (according to Lonely Planet). I couldn’t try it myself because of the long queue 😞 — so please eat a portion for me and let me know how it was!

Later, explore Chinatown 🏮, bustling with food stalls (mostly Chinese style). 

                       

Not far from the neighbourhood, there is the 🚉 Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamphong) – This is the city's historic central train station. Even if you’re not catching a train, it’s worth a quick visit for its beautiful old-school architecture and vintage vibe. A little hidden gem for train or history lovers!

If you have energy in the evening, hit Chatuchak Weekend Market (open Fri-Sun). It’s huge, lively, and has some unforgettable local experiences — like me grabbing a mic and singing with local artists! 🎤🎶

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Day 2: Iconic Temples and Markets 🛕🎭

Please, please, please... visit Wat Phra Chetuphon Mangkhalaram Rakwaramahawihan — also known as the Reclining Buddha temple. It is beautiful, I swear! I was so close to not visiting it and I am so happy I did. Not only did I meet a super nice Japanese girl 🇯🇵, but I was also really fascinated by the whole creation of that sacred space.

Wat Phra Chetuphon Mangkhalaram Rakwaramahawihan

Massage Time 💆: I’ve seen great reviews for Wat Pho, the birthplace of Thai massage 🇹🇭. You can get a traditional massage from trained students for around 260–420 Baht (€7–11) — right after visiting the stunning Reclining Buddha! I’ll definitely try it next time I go! (I'll tell you more about massage later).

For something touristy but totally worth it, cross the river by ferry 🚤 to Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn). It’s gorgeous. Bonus: you can rent a traditional Thai costume nearby for around €8–10 and even hire a photographer 📸 to capture your “Thai Disney Princess” moment 👸. Some rental spots with good reviews:

• Mahasané Thai Costume (where I got mine)

• Sana Thai Costume Rental

• Sangurai Thai Costume

• Baanwangdoem Thai Rental Service

               

               

Nearby (25min walk), check out Wang Lang Market — a massive food market perfect for getting lost and tasting local delights 🍢.

Extra: For dinner or later in the day, take a GRAB ride 🚗 to ICONSIAM mall. The shopping isn’t the highlight, but their floating food market inside is pretty cool 🛶🍜.

DAY 3 (OPEN)

Thailand is very well-known for Thai massages (kind of obvious 😂). It's perfect for people who need to stretch but are too lazy to do it themselves — and I say that with love! Thai massage involves deep pressure and assisted stretching, and let me tell you... it is SO GOOD. Total MUST.

Prices are also much lower compared to Europe 💸 — you might pay only €10–20 for a 1–2 hour massage. Trust me, you’ll feel so refreshed afterward 😌. 

Now the question is...where to get a massage in Bangkok? 💆‍♀️ Massages are literally everywhere in Bangkok — from tiny street-side spots to full-on luxury spas. If you're looking for something more polished, check out Health Land (if I remember correctly, thi  is where I went myself) or Let’s Relax Spa — clean, professional, and still affordable (600–900 Baht / €15–23). For a more boutique vibe, Asia Herb Association and Oasis Spa offer herbal treatments and dreamy interiors (800–1,500 Baht / €20–40). Whatever you choose, trust me, you’ll walk out floating 😌✨

👉Bonus tip: If you make it to Chiang Mai, I’ve got some amazing recommendations up there, and it is also cheaper — I will share details in the Chiang Mai Post!

Off the beaten track. Perhaps not what you will see in travel guides. I really enjoyed Suan Luang Rama IX Park. It is a park with a botanical garden 🌺🌳. Perfect to chill, have a walk, and enjoy the atmosphere.

Not far from it, there is the Train Night Market, which I really liked. It is huge with plenty of food stands to try and also clothes, vintage items, souvenirs, tattoos... 🎡🍜👕

Some extras you might like:

• Khaosan Road — the popular party area where you can find crazy shows 🎉🎤

• Rooftop bars — I didn’t do it because it’s not my cup of tea (or cocktail 🍸), but many people like to experience it. Some places offer free beers 🍺 to attract customers. I had some free beer with some friends and politely left.

For Day 3, if you want some alternative options while keeping the vibe:

• Visit the TCDC Bangkok, Thailand Creative & Design Center. I loved it! Check events as they have actvities, live music and expositions (free) 🎭

• 🛶 Bang Nam Phueng Floating Market – A small, local floating market just outside Bangkok. It’s less touristy, surrounded by nature, and perfect relaxed time with yummy food and a local vibe. Not as impressive as other famous floating markets but still cute.

• Visit Jim Thompson House for a peaceful cultural stop 🏠.

• Explore Bang Krachao — Bangkok’s green lung 🌳, with bike rentals to escape city chaos.

• Check out the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) if you want art 🎨.

• Or end the day at Asiatique The Riverfront — lively market and food by the river, with a Ferris wheel 🎡🍽️.

• Pratunam Morning or Night Market 🍲👚 (Spoiler: Huge)

Day Trip Options from Bangkok 🛵✨

1. Ayutthaya Historical Park 🏰 (Really enjoyed it - but again, more temples)
About 1.5 hours from Bangkok. Ancient capital full of stunning ruins and temples. Great for history and photography lovers.

2. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Maeklong Railway Market 🚤🚂
About 1.5–2 hours from Bangkok. Iconic floating market and the famous train market where stalls move when trains pass. Foodie paradise!

3. Erawan National Park (Waterfalls & Nature) 🌿💦
About 3 hours from Bangkok. Multi-tiered waterfalls perfect for swimming and hiking in lush forest surroundings.

4. Kanchanaburi & The River Kwai 🏞️
About 2–3 hours from Bangkok. Visit the historic WWII bridge, museums, and take scenic train rides. Nature nearby too.

5. Bang Pa-In Royal Palace 🌸🏰
About 1 hour from Bangkok. Beautiful summer palace with stunning architecture and gardens. Peaceful and elegant.

6. Wat Samphran — The Pink Elephant Temple 🐘🌸
About 40 minutes from Bangkok. This unique temple features a giant pink dragon wrapped around a tall pink tower — striking and less touristy! Perfect if you want something unusual and memorable.

Please have in mind some of these last suggestions are based on what people I know did and what I researched at the time, but I did not do it all myself 😅

Find here a hopefully useful map with all the spots pinged!

                                        

                                       With love - A Moondigenous Culture Diver 💛