A look back of Bangkok Trip in 2024
I’ve always dreamed of visiting Bangkok at least once in my lifetime. Over the years, I’ve heard countless stories from friends about Thailand’s vibrant culture, delicious food, and bustling city life. Some of them even decided to make Bangkok their permanent home! So, without much planning, I decided to embark on a short 4-day trip to this incredible city in December 2024.
My itinerary was straightforward: explore as many iconic spots as possible. I had my list ready:
- Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn)
- Wat Pho (Home of the Reclining Buddha)
- Siam Area (Shopping paradise)
- IconSiam (A luxury mall with a twist)
- Central World (One of the largest malls in Asia)
- Pratunam Night Market (A haven for bargain hunters)
- Rama 9 Night Market (Local vibes and street food)
- Chatuchak Weekend Market (The ultimate shopping experience)
As soon as I landed in Bangkok, I was struck by the sheer number of tourists. It’s no wonder Bangkok was named the world’s most-visited city in 2024, with a staggering 32.4 million international tourists. The city was alive with energy, and I could feel the buzz as soon as I stepped out of the airport.
Compared to Ho Chi Minh City and Singapore, Bangkok’s weather was similar—hovering around 30 degrees Celsius. Staying in the Siam Area, I was surrounded by towering shopping malls and a super convenient BTS (Skytrain) system. The city was beautifully decorated for Christmas, with festive lights, events, and even mini-concerts adding to the lively atmosphere.
One of the highlights of my trip was undoubtedly the food. Thai cuisine is a chef’s kiss for me, and I think it’s because of the similarities with Vietnamese food, especially the use of fish sauce. From street food to mall eateries, every dish I tried was bursting with flavor whether it was a simple pad Thai or a spicy tom yum soup.
One of the most unforgettable moments of my trip happened on the way to Wat Pho. As I was riding an elevator, an elderly man standing in front of me suddenly lost his balance and fell backward. Instinctively, I caught him and held onto the handrails to prevent a potential accident. It was a heart-stopping moment, but I was grateful I could help. The man thanked me profusely, and it reminded me of the kindness and humanity that transcends language and culture.
Bangkok is a shopper’s dream, and I made sure to explore its famous malls and markets. IconSiam stood out as a unique mall with its food village on the first floor, offering a glimpse into traditional Thai street food culture. The decorations were unlike anything I’d seen in Singapore—opulent and grand.
Opposite Central World, I discovered Big C, a massive supermarket where I stocked up on snacks and souvenirs. It was probably the biggest supermarket I’ve ever seen! Navigating the city’s transportation was also an adventure. I took a boat ride to reach Wat Arun and IconSiam, which added a fun and scenic twist to my travels.
The markets were equally thrilling. Pratunam Night Market and Rama 9 Night Market were perfect for bargain hunting and trying local street food. But the crown jewel was Chatuchak Weekend Market. With over 15,000 stalls, it’s a labyrinth of everything you can imagine—clothes, accessories, home decor, and more. I could have spent days there!
Things to Note
- Bring More Cash: While credit cards are widely accepted in malls, most night markets and street food vendors only take cash. Make sure to have enough Thai baht on hand.
- Buy Extra Luggage: Trust me, you’ll need it. Bangkok is a shopping haven, and you’ll likely buy more than you planned. I ended up purchasing an extra suitcase to fit all my finds!