Bangkok

Bangkok is one of the most hectic cities I ever visited. It is all so big with its gleaming skyscrapers, lights, and multiple airports. I was excited but also dreading our days in Bangkok, because it would be our last days in Thailand. We had been in Bangkok real quick to catch a flight to Chiang Mai, other than that we were a blank canvas and ready to explore the city!

Where to stay?

We stayed in one of the best hotels ever. Sivatel Bangkok is one of the greenest areas of the city and right in the centre of Bangkok’s newest prime business and shopping location. We had a suite on the 21st floor overlooking the city and we could see the pool a few floors down. My favourite things about the Sivatel were:

1. Hands down the people. They are so nice and helpful.
2. Also never skip breakfast at the Sivatel. Everything is made fresh and there is so much choice, from the European kitchen to the Asian kitchen.
3. When we entered our room the room was decorated with rose petals and welcome drinks.

Bangkok has a lot of accommodations ranging from ten euro’s a night to hundreds of euros for a night. I would recommend staying in one of the following neighbourhoods:

• Banglamphu or Khao San Road: Banglamphu as a neighbourhood is a real favourite with backpackers and travellers on a budget. In this district, you will find the world-famous street “Khao San Road”. This is one of the best and most famous areas to spend the night in Bangkok.
• Siam Square: Unlike many other regions, it is super modern here. You will mainly find many offices of major brands, numerous well-known department stores and luxury hotels.
• Chinatown: Undoubtedly the most colourful area of ​​Bangkok is Chinatown in the old Sampang district. Chinatown is centrally located, with relatively easy access to the Chao Phraya River, Ratanakosin (in front of the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaeo) and Hualamphong Central Railway Station.

Some of the highlights

Wat Arun

Wat Arun or Temple of the Dawn is located alongside the Chao Phraya River. The temple is different than all the other temples I have seen during my trip to Thailand. The temple would better fit in Marrakech with al its mosaic.

Grand Palace

The Grand Palace is one of the most visited tourist attractions of Bangkok. The complex includes several impressive buildings such as Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha that houses the Emerald Buddha that dates back to the 14th century.

Wat Pho

This temple is located behind the temple of the Emerald Buddha. The temple is famous for its giant reclining Buddha. The Buddha is meters long and is covered in gold leaf. Lots of people go from the entrance to the Buddha and right to the exit, but I would recommend wandering around the complex.

Sky Bar

Bangkok has various places where you can go for a drink at the end of the day. If you are looking for a nice place with a fantastic view the Bangkok Skybars is the place to be. Vertigo and the Moon bar are the most popular. On the 61st floor of the Banyan Tree hotel, we enjoyed a cocktail while watching the sunset. We did not go to the Moon bar since it was so busy and the locals recommended us to go to Vertigo instead of the Moon bar. But whatever you choose, the skyline of Bangkok can be admired in all of its glory.

Khao San Road

This road is known as the backpacker’s road in Bangkok. With its easy going vibe is it the place to spend a night. You can shop, eat and most of all meet other backpackers. There is always music in the evenings and we had a great live band that we enjoyed.