Highlights
- Witnessing the sheer scale of the 46-metre-long gilded Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho.
- Climbing the steep, iconic steps of Wat Arun for a gorgeous view over the Chao Phraya river.
- Hunting for unique silk treasures and antiques at the tranquil, jungle-like Jim Thompson House.
The Story
Honestly, the flight was a total nightmare—I’m convinced the air conditioning was set to 'Arctic' and my luggage took so long to arrive I thought it had moved to another country! I finally touched down in Bangkok feeling like a crumpled crisp, but the vibe here is absolutely electric. It’s this wild mix of glittering temples and futuristic skyscrapers that somehow just works, even if the humidity is doing my hair no favours at all.
I spent my first day exploring the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, and oh my days, the Emerald Buddha is stunning, though the crowds were a bit much for my social battery. I popped over to Wat Pho to see the Reclining Buddha, which is basically 46 metres of pure gold leaf goals, and then I grabbed a cheeky boat across the river to Wat Arun. For dinner, I headed straight to Chinatown for some legendary street food; the flavours were literally exploding, though I definitely needed a cold drink to survive the spice!
I finished the trip with a sunset cocktail at a rooftop bar, watching the city lights come alive, which was the perfect way to end a mid-range budget holiday. It’s the ultimate city break if you love a bit of chaos mixed with culture, just make sure you pack some modest clothes for the temples or they won't let you in. I’m already planning my return trip just for the shopping malls and the iced lattes!