Bangkok, Thailand
SEE
My best recommendation for Bangkok is to hire Boon as your driver! We've used him on a few Bangkok trips and he is so cheerful, kind, and dedicated to making your time in Bangkok special. He's partially the reason why we keep coming back! Book Boon, our Bangkok Bestie: WhatsApp +66 84 104 7054. Check my Instagram for a cute Reel we made together at the floating market.
Floating Market (Damnoen Saduak): Take a day trip to visit the floating market, train market, and a few temples. Boon is amazing and will randomly stop along the road for the best coconuts and fresh mango sticky rice. The floating market is cool and kitchy; your party will have a small private long-tail boat that will drive you through the market and past souvenir shop stalls. Souvenirs here tend to be a bit overpriced, but they are open to/expect bargaining. If you look even a little interested, the shop owners will call out to your driver to stop and shop. If you turn down several stalls, your driver will understand that you're not shopping and will just float by. Most of the souvenirs here can be found at Chatuchak and other markets in town, but if you see something you absolutely love, I recommend buying it since you're not guaranteed to see the same thing again. Besides souvenirs, you'll float through a food market and past floating boats full of produce to sell. It's touristy yes, but a cool experience I'd definitely recommend. Also: When you initially board the boat, they'll take a photo of your family together that they'll then offer to sell you when you return from the market. They print the photo on a cool frame which is actually very cute and sold for maybe $5 USD. I buy the photo every time because I love them.
Train Market (Mae Klong): The train only comes through the market a few times a day. Connect with Boon and he'll make sure you're there at the best time to experience it. It's busy and crowded walking on the tracks, but you won't want to miss it. In my experience, the souvenirs here are reasonably priced.
Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Wat Pho, Wat Samphran: The temples are the crown jewels of Thailand. They are all stunning and unique. Be careful of people standing outside the temples, especially at the Grand Palace. There are often scammers that try to trick people into thinking the temple is closed and to take a boat trip with them instead. They can be a bit aggressive, but just know what to expect and you'll be fine. The Grand Palace has a cool gift shop at the Museum of Textiles. Wat Arun has Thai clothing rental shops that will dress you up and style your hair for photographers at the temple.
Cooking with Poo & Friends: This is my favorite thing to do in Bangkok! Poo is iconic, personable, and so fun. The day starts around 8AM where you'll meet Poo and the group outside a mall and then board a van for a market tour then to the cooking school for class! There is a different menu available to make every day, and every meal ends with a huge selection of fresh Thai fruits and Mango sticky rice. Everyone gets an opportunity to cool at their own burner. It's such a treat to learn how to cook Thai food but also to learn more about Thai culture from Poo. I've done the class with my friends and my kids and everyone always has a great time. Come hungry because it's a lot of food and you'll want to eat everything.
Snake Farm: Check times and come here for the snake show. It's incredible and free! At the end of the show, you'll have the opportunity to hold a massive snake for photos. Great for kids.
SHOP
Chatuchak Market: Massive market with everything you could want. Art, homewares, ceramics, food, clothes, animals, etc. A must-stop for your shopping needs. Most shops accept Apple Pay. There are multiple entrances to the market, so easy to arrive and leave via Grab.
Mangrai Kilns: Gorgeous ceramic Thai-themed nativity sets and stables. The sets are available to purchase in Chang Mai and Bangkok but they can also ship to your hotel for a small fee. On my first trip to Bangkok, I pre-ordered two massive boxes full of nativity sets that were delivered to my hotel. If you'll be in Bangkok for a few days and have time to visit Chatuchak, Mangrai has a booth in the Art Zone, section 7. Don't forget to add on a matching ceramic elephant to complete the nativity.
Central World Mall: Massive mall, centrally located to several hotels. There are so many great food places here, located mostly at the top levels. On the bottom level is a cute Thai brand, Good Goods. I love their bright-colored, plastic woven bags and bag charms.
SAVOR
Thomburi Market Place: Boon took us to this market on our first Bangkok trip and we fell in love. One of my top favorite meals is located here for only a few dollars: Ann Guay, Michelin Star recipient for the last 6+ years. The fried noodles with chicken are life-changing.
Nara Thai Cuisine: Located at the top level of Central World Mall. We've eaten here a few times. Consistently quite good, great assortment of Thai food, comfortable setting.
Make sure to grab a mango sticky rice to go from the airport before boarding your plane! They come nicely packaged in a plastic box and are the perfect farewell treat from Thailand.
*I have so much more to explore in Bangkok's food scene. So much great food. Check Google or Grab for reccs and ratings.
STAY
We've stayed at both the Courtyard Bangkok (Soi Mahadlekluang) and Conrad Bangkok. Both properties are centrally located and walking distance to malls, restaurants, and public transport. The Courtyard seems to be consistently cheap; it's simple and no frills.