Off the Beaten Path: Three Days in Bangkok

While you can explore Bangkok with O.A.T. on our Ancient Kingdoms and Discover Thailand adventures, Howard took three additional days to see the city in more depth. His suggestions are certainly helpful whether you’re in Bangkok independently or with a group.

By Howard A., 19-time traveler from Ashland, MA

Bangkok is Thailand’s largest city with a population of 8.5 million. It is a city where the ultra-modern and the ancient exist side by side. Many of Asia’s architectural and historical treasures are situated here. My wife and I had the pleasure of spending some time in Bangkok prior to heading off to O.A.T.’s Ancient Kingdoms: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia & Vietnam adventure. Getting around on your own in Bangkok is impractical as there is a great deal of traffic and public transportation is logistically difficult, so I recommend hiring a private guide and driver. I can highly recommend the company "Your Thai Guide". They were punctual and arrived in a nice vehicle with a capable driver and English-speaking guide. The guide will take many photos of your group at the various locations, and post them on the web a few days later for you to peruse and download.

Getting There and in the Air

Boston to Bangkok is a flight of 8,520 miles with no non-stops emanating from Boston. Given this restriction, I suggest flying Emirates through Dubai. Emirates is consistently rated as one of the world’s finest carriers, and even as coach passengers, our experience was extraordinary. Everything about this airline is top-shelf. Flying "E" has been on our bucket list for some time, and now we can check that box. The Dubai airport where you will have a layover before going on to Bangkok is worthy of a few hours of touring. Dubai, one of the world's wealthiest cities, has an airport that reflects this status. Within the terminal is a lake and island, complete with tropical foliage. If you are fortunate as were we, you will depart on the amazing 16-exit double-decker Airbus A380-800 wide-body. This is the world’s largest passenger aircraft and certified to carry 853 passengers and an international crew of 20. Despite this plane’s massive size and four enormous engines, it is whisper quiet and extremely comfortable at 40,000 feet. Flying on the A380-800 has also been on our bucket list since it first took flight in late 2007, so we have now scratched two items off, and we haven’t even arrived!

Day One – You Have Arrived

Upon exiting the Bangkok airport, you will see the world’s largest digital billboard. It screams "Samsung" in bright colorful digital light, and is at least 300 feet long. Like their flagship HDTV line, the billboard is curved, and its shape follows the airport off-ramp down to the surface road. It IS impressive!

Bangkok has accommodations at every imaginable price, and most hotels offer airport transfers at a nominal fee. Try to stay near the central city. We stayed at the Grand Fourwings Convention Hotel, which I highly recommend. It is a luxurious hotel with beautiful rooms, a rooftop pool and waterfalls, a fantastic restaurant, and all the desired amenities. Since this is your arrival day, you will be jet lagged. Do not schedule any activities today. Just rest, hydrate, avoid alcohol or caffeine, and eat a light meal. A walk around the area or relaxing by the pool is suggested. This low-key approach will pay dividends tomorrow. After a good night’s sleep, you will awake refreshed and ready for the "amazing" that lies ahead.

Day Two – Cultural and Architectural Treasures and Small Steps off the Beaten Path

Spend this day with your guide and driver enjoying Bangkok’s visual wonders. The 230-year-old Grand Palace complex in the heart of the city is Bangkok’s crown jewel. The architecture, grounds, and landscaping are spectacular, and this complex rivals many of the world’s great historical landmarks. It has been the official residence of the reigning monarchs of Thailand (originally Siam) since 1782. It is here at Wat Phra Kaew that you will see the 1,200-year-old seasonally attired in gold, Emerald Buddha. You will spend a several hours at this complex, and still not see it all.

The steps up Wat Arun are steep, but the view is worth it.

Nearby, on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, you will tour the colorful five-spired Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn). Wat Arun is considered the landmark of Bangkok. The 260-foot-tall central prang can be climbed if you desire. The stairs are steep, but there are railings on both sides. From the top you can see the winding Chao Phraya River, the entire Grand Palace complex, and the next stop on your trip today, Wat Pho. This is an amazing panoramic view that you will never forget.

The Reclining Buddha of Wat Pho.

You will proceed from here on foot to Wat Pho, which houses the largest collection of Buddha images in Thailand, and is highlighted by the enormous 151-foot-long reclining golden Buddha whose feet are highly detailed with Buddhist symbols. He is 50 feet high in his reclining posture and breathtaking in both scale and beauty. His oversized and exquisitely decorated 15-foot long feet are covered by mother of pearl illustrations of the 108 auspicious laksanas (symbols) of the Buddha. These symbols represent the 108 positive actions that lead Buddha to perfection. This Buddha is absolutely spectacular and a trip highlight by any measure.

All three of these complexes are close together and all are absolute "must dos." Time allowing, enjoy a 30-minute Thai massage. For lunch, your guide will take you to a local’s restaurant where the food is simple, delicious and authentic. This is the real deal if you enjoy Thai food.

A home along the canals of the Chao Phraya River.

This afternoon includes a private tour by long-tail boat of Bangkok’s endless river canals where you travel into the older area of the city. It is another experience not to be missed. There is not a tourist destination, and you will see daily life being lived on the water as it has been for hundreds of years. There are wooden homes on stilts, as well as historical mansions along the entire riverbank. You will get a true feel for the city’s culture as you pass by homes, floating shops, and open kitchens. Finish your afternoon with a walk with your guide through the old winding alleyways and markets of Chinatown. Few tourists ever venture here. This is completely authentic and another step back in time. As the sun sets, you will see Bangkok’s Chinatown, ablaze with street vendors, neon signs, and the nightlife and street life, which only Asian cities can provide.

Day Three - A Walk on the Wild Side

Today, you and your tour guide and driver leave Bangkok behind and venture out by car for a day of unique and well off the beaten path experiences that few tourists experience. From the vehicle you will see the Erawan Elephant Museum with its massive 250 ton, 95-foot-tall, three-headed elephant statue adorning the roof. Your first stop today will be the Meaklong Train Market in the village of Samut Songkram. As unbelievable as it seems, a long line of vendors have set up shop within inches of the actual train tracks. This is a local’s market and you will see foods, spices, and daily wares used by the people in the area. When the train whistle is heard, a mad scramble ensues as vendors pull their goods and families back to an area a safe distance from the oncoming train. This happens several times a day! Within minutes of the train passing everything is put back in place and it is business as usual. I can’t tell you that I understand why the market is located next to the train tracks, but you will be a witness to a remarkable study in logistics, to say the least.

A vendor at the floating market of Damnoen Saduak.

Your next stop is the floating market in the village of Damnoen Saduak. You board and arrive by private long-tail boat and instantly become part of the scene. Floating shops abound on both sides of the water, and on the water itself is an endless parade of vendors paddling their small boats and selling fruits, vegetables, clothing, prepared food, and wares. The market is a whirl of colors, smells, sights and sounds that delight the senses.

Your guide has saved the best for last. From here you drive to the coast and board another long-tail boat. You travel a short distance into the bay to one of the many stilt houses that provide shelter for the local fishermen. Here you are served a delicious fresh cooked seafood meal prepared by a local family who you will meet and interact with. After lunch, a local fisherman will ferry you to one of the many family run cockle farms, and will educate you on how this local delicacy is raised on fixed grid nets made from twine and bamboo.

At this market, vendors and shoppers must literally move to make way for trains.

Next, he loads the boat with about 100 bananas and you motor away from the main channel into the dense mangroves. The scene is mesmerizingly beautiful and peaceful, and you will most likely see colorful birds, large water lizards, and possibly even a large snake or two in the trees. After a few minutes of slow travel, the fisherman stands up in the boat and begins to screech. The spell is broken and you are taken off guard! Almost instantly monkeys large and small emerge from the forest, and the banks of the channel are suddenly covered with countless excited monkeys. You and the fisherman throw bananas into the water as the boat moves slowly forward. These monkeys can swim extremely well, and soon the water and riverbank is filled with them.

They retrieve the bananas as fast as they hit the water. I am talking about hundreds of monkeys, and their constant motion, splashing, and screeching can be a bit intimidating. The younger and more agile ones run ahead of the boat and climb up onto branches and dive into the water in an attempt to get ahead of their fellow competitors.

You are now returned to your hotel. It is a pleasant drive of 90 minutes. You arrive at just before dark. Relax and dine in tonight. You’ve had a busy day and have much to ponder. A nice dinner and a drink or two at this point is OK.

Discover the wonders of Bangkok with O.A.T. during Ancient Kingdoms: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia & Vietnam.