menu facebook twitter instagram pinterest youtube search chevron-down chevron-up
Be My Travel Muse
  • About
    • About
    • Contact Me
    • Press
    • Work With Me
  • Blog
    • Archives
    • Best of BMTM
  • YouTube
  • Solo Female Travel
    • Bucket List
      • The 31 Cheapest Places to Travel in 2025
      • 31 BEST Places in the USA for Solo Female Travelers in 2025
      • 25 Unexpectedly Awesome Destinations for Solo Female Travelers
      • 25 Best Countries to Travel Alone for the First Time
      • 13 Perfect Weekend Trips for Solo Female Travelers in the USA
      • 10 Best Weekend Trips from Phoenix, Arizona
    • Resources
      • How to take the best travel selfies
      • 41 safety tips for solo female travelers
      • The ultimate solo female travel guide
      • Best group tours for solo female travelers
      • Why Every Woman Should Travel Alone
    • All solo female travel blogs
  • Be My Travel Muse
  • Tours
  • Destinations
    • USA
      • Hawaii
      • California
      • Nevada
      • Idaho
      • Arizona
      • Florida
      • Alaska
      • Utah
    • North America
      • Mexico
      • Costa Rica
      • Canada
    • Asia
      • Thailand
      • Philippines
      • Indonesia
      • Japan
    • South America
      • Argentina
      • Aruba
      • Chile
      • The GalΓ‘pagos
    • Europe
      • Germany
      • Iceland
      • Italy
    • All Destinations
  • Trip Planning

How to Really Fall in Love With Bangkok

06/28/2023 by Kristin Addis 48 Comments

Most travelers leave Bangkok either feeling like they can manage it, or they absolutely hate it.

Bangkok was my first stop on my “endless voyage” 10 years ago. On landing there, I remember feeling a mixture of happiness to be back in Asia and apprehension about being in such a big, bustling city without a hostel booked, having no real idea of what to expect, and carrying the negative opinions I’d heard about it.

I didn’t know much, other than to head to Khao San Road, the backpacker district.

The area was seedy and full of ping-pong-show hawkers and all kinds of other horrible things. Sure enough, on my first day in, I was nearly scammed by a tuk-tuk driver who had expertly searched me out on that very road. I was pretty far from public transportation, so it only made me more of a target for anyone offering other options.

Now that I’ve gone back for a fifth time (avoiding Khao San), I finally feel that I’ve enjoyed Bangkok how it should be. Here are my top tips for really falling in love with the City of Angels:

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • 1. Don’t stay on Khao San Road.
  • 2. Couchsurf.
  • 3. Take a Michelin Guide food tour.
  • 4. Visit Chatuchak Weekend Market.
  • 5. Enjoy an authentic Thai massage.
  • 6. Take a cooking class.
  • 7. Visit Lumpini Park.
  • 8. When in doubt, take GrabBike.
  • 9. Be smart with your attire.
  • 10. Take a long-tail boat.

1. Don’t stay on Khao San Road.

Now I know that the key is avoiding that area like the plague! The city has a beating heart that is so hard to see from that backpacker district. It’s far away from everything other than the Grand Palace (which is another tourist trap, if you ask me).

It’s natural to want to be surrounded by other backpackers, but that’s possible by staying at hostels in a few other key locations, such as Lub d in Siam Square or 3Howw on Sukhumvit. Khao San is still accessible by cheap transport from these areas, if you want to check it out for a night.

2. Couchsurf.

I owe a lot of my enjoyment this time around to staying with an expat currently living and teaching in Bangkok. He took me to some food joints that would be difficult to discover without some local knowledge. He also lived in an area without many tourists, which gave me a different taste of Bangkok β€” in a good way.

Oh, and he had this view:

how to enjoy bangkok
Sunset over Bangkok
how to enjoy bangkok
The dazzling city lights

I found him through Couchsurfing.com, which is how I’ve met a lot of awesome people. It doesn’t have to be scary to couchsurf. I just choose people who have a lot of positive recommendations and extensive experience.

3. Take a Michelin Guide food tour.

I love Thai food. From local staples to international cuisine with a touch of Thai adaptation, the culinary scene in Bangkok is booming with creative innovations and variations on the classics. If you are a foodie, you will be sure to fall in love with what it has to offer.

When traveling in a new city, I love visiting night markets and trying out whatever food looks good, or is popular with residents. However, with over 400 restaurants listed in the Michelin Guide, it can be overwhelming choosing what to eat in Bangkok.

I recommend joining a small food tour and let a guide show you around. This Michelin Guide Street Food Tour by Tuk-Tuk hits two birds with one stone, as you get to sample four Michelin Guide-recommended food stalls and experience zooming through the streets in an auto-rickshaw. Your guide will also give you more recommendations to help you plan the rest of your foodie journey in town.

4. Visit Chatuchak Weekend Market.

Chatachuk is a market that both locals and foreigners like to visit. Plus, you can buy absolutely everything there! Truly talented artists sell their art, along with one-of-a-kind handmade items that can fit in a backpack.

The market is huge (it claims to be the world’s largest weekend market, though this has not been verified) and is divided into several sections. I recommend getting there early, at 9am, to avoid the crowds, and starting with section 5-9, where you will find antiques, furnitures, ceramics, and other collectibles. Even if you are not buying anything for yourself, it’s fun to admire the art and crafts and watch residents haggle.

Then make your way to section 27 for some delicious food, before shopping in section 5-6. If you like thrifting, you may very well end up spending an entire day at the market.

5. Enjoy an authentic Thai massage.

It seems like there’s at least one massage parlor on every street in Bangkok. If you are walking along Khao San Road, be prepared to be stopped every five steps by eager “massage ladies.” Unfortunately, many of these places are known to be dodgy and offer a “happy ending,” which includes a sex act at the end of the massage.

For an authentic Thai massage experience, opt for a reputable spa, such as Let’s Relax Spa, which has outlets in several hotels and malls in town. The best bit? You will be served mango sticky rice after your massage! Now that’s my kind of happy ending.

6. Take a cooking class.

What better way to honor Thai food than to learn to cook it yourself? Sure, you can look for recipes online and try them out in your own kitchen back home, but a cooking class with a local chef is a totally different experience. You will be introduced to unique techniques and regional ingredients, meet people, and make some really delicious food, plus it’s tons of fun. I recommend picking a cooking class that includes a trip to a market, like this one.

7. Visit Lumpini Park.

Many people imagine stuffy, crowded, and bustling streets when they think of Bangkok. So head to Lumpini Park to experience its version of Central Park. It’s a great spot for people-watching and seeing residents out playing sports, walking around, and interacting, which is something I really dig when I’m traveling β€” I want to see how life is lived away from tourist-packed areas.

There are loads of other cool things to do in Bangkok here, some of which are more popular with tourists, and some of which are lesser known.

8. When in doubt, take GrabBike.

One thing about Bangkok that turns many people off is its crazy traffic. During peak hours, it may take an hour to travel 10 kilometers (6 miles) with a car. The mass rapid transit system is widespread and convenient for the most part, but again, if you are riding during peak hours, it can be really unpleasant squeezing in the train.

The solution? GrabBike, Southeast Asia’s version of Uber. In certain countries, including Thailand, it offers on-demand motorcycle taxi service. For distances under 5 kilometers (3 miles), you only need to pay 25 THB for a ride. Get a Thai SIM card to stay connected so you can order a Grab wherever you are.

9. Be smart with your attire.

packing for southeast asia
Your best bet: tank top, cotton pants, sandals, and a scarf

Bangkok is hot and humid all year round, so wear light and breathable clothing. However, for reasons nobody can fathom (trust me, I’ve asked around), malls in Bangkok consistently have their AC on full blast, which gets cold! So take a scarf with you. It will also come in handy when you visit temples, as shoulders and knees must be covered.

Speaking of the temples, wear sandals that are comfortable to walk in and easy to take off, as you will be required to take off your shoes to enter certain religious sites.

10. Take a long-tail boat.

Did you know that Bangkok was once known as the Venice of the East, given the Chao Phraya River and the extensive crisscrossing network of canals? If you are looking for a unique way to see Bangkok, hop on a long-tail speedboat! This tour comes with a guide who will take you along Wat Arun and Thonburi and share insights and history of the city as you cruise.

***

Though I’ve been several times, I still feel like Bangkok has many layers to peel back before I’ll understand it fully. That said, this latest trip has sparked my curiosity enough to make me want to explore, which is more than I could say before!

Do you love Bangkok. Do you hate it? Do you have more tips to add? Comment below!

*I earn an affiliate commission for any purchases you make through the links on this page. I only promote products and services that I personally use and love. Thanks for your support!

Get the guidebook for solo female travelers!

About Kristin Addis

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

« The Perfect Colorado Road Trip Itinerary
11 of the Best Energy Vortexes in the World + What They Are »

Hello There!

headshot

Welcome to Be My Travel Muse, one of the top female travel blogs in the world, welcoming over 5 million readers annually.

I'm Kristin, and my vision of a better world is one where more women are empowered and living out their dreams. Solo traveling is the best method I've found to become the best, bravest version of me. This site is all about how YOU can have the adventure of a lifetime in an easy, fun, approachable way, so that you can feel empowered, too. Want to learn more about me?

Click here!

Get the Solo Female Travel Guidebook

Popular Posts

I am currently in:

The USA!

Check it out on Instagram Stories!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Comments

  1. Lisa - Wee Wanders says

    06/19/2014 at 8:19 am

    I’ll be arriving in Bangkok in just over a week (squeal!). It’s my first time visiting so appreciate the tips…I wonder if I will still be going in 20 months πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      06/19/2014 at 1:54 pm

      Enjoy it! I think it’s a great city to start off in.

      Reply
  2. Ashley @ A Southern Gypsy says

    06/19/2014 at 9:35 am

    Love this — only 4 months left until my big SEA trip πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      06/19/2014 at 1:53 pm

      You must be getting super excited!

      Reply
  3. Jayme says

    06/19/2014 at 9:38 am

    Great tips! I really enjoyed Bangkok. Didn’t have the time to go to Chatachuk market, so that’s definitely on my list for next time!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      06/19/2014 at 1:53 pm

      It’s a must-do (that I didn’t do until my 5th time but wish I’d gone sooner)

      Reply
  4. Karisa says

    06/19/2014 at 11:35 am

    I lived in Bangkok for a year and this post really makes me miss it!!!!!!!!!! My apartment was 1 MRT stop away from Chatuchak martket so obviously I spent way too much time there!! My job was just down the street from Lumphini Park, which is so peaceful and beautifl! (When it’s not being occupied by protesters!). There is a time and a place for Khao San road but I would never want to stay there again!! It’s SO LOUD! I’d rather stay out near Sukhumvit. One of my favorite things to do in Bangkok and that really helped me fall i love with it was to see the city from up high! Riding around the BTS skytrain and taking in the site at sky bars always reminded me how lucky I was to live in such a big, exciting city. πŸ™‚ LOVE THIS POST!!!!!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      06/19/2014 at 1:52 pm

      I completely agree with seeing it from up high. Cities get so much more beautiful when you can see all of the lights and watch a brilliant sunset.

      Reply
  5. Arno says

    06/19/2014 at 12:42 pm

    Absolutely love Bangkok, the vibe, the energy, the contrasts! Take a biketour, enjoy the city from the river using a public watertaxi and ramble along Chinatowns alleys

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      06/19/2014 at 1:51 pm

      Oh yeah how could I forget the water taxi! Just don’t get that water on yourself!

      Reply
  6. Melissa says

    06/19/2014 at 6:20 pm

    I didn’t care for Bangkok overall. But I made sure to stop there for one night when I went from Chiang Mai to Phuket to go to a sushi place Nomadic Matt took us to on his tour.

    Reply
  7. Nick Paton says

    06/19/2014 at 7:09 pm

    Thanks for the tips, I’ll be there next month and hadn’t considered couchsurfing but I might tee something up!

    Reply
  8. Alana - Paper Planes says

    06/20/2014 at 3:12 am

    When I first went to Bangkok I didn’t think much one way or another (though I think the Grand Palace is incredible despite the crowds and relatively higth entry fee), but he more I visit the city the more I really like it. I think the key is searching for those little pockets of magic instead of getting overwhelmed by the entire thing!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      06/20/2014 at 3:47 pm

      Completely agree. Maybe most cities are like that.

      Reply
  9. Tyler says

    06/20/2014 at 5:07 am

    We’ve been using Bangkok as a base for our visit to India and current trip in Myanmar and we really enjoy our time there. We stay at Mile Map Hostel in Siam and being in that area is great – lots of delicious street food, friendly locals, and close enough to Patpong or the BTS if we’re looking for a party. Not staying on Khao San is probably a big part of why we like the city.

    At Chatuchak, did they still have marian plum smoothies at Bee Berry? One of the best smoothies we’ve ever had. Their mango was no slouch, either.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      06/20/2014 at 3:47 pm

      they probably do but it’s such a huge market, I didn’t get a chance to try. Had some amazing coconut ice cream, though!

      Reply
  10. Dale says

    06/20/2014 at 7:11 am

    “1) Don’t stay on Khao San Road”

    You could have just ended it there and it would have been the best advice for Bangkok ever.

    KSR is NOT Bangkok, and the sooner tourist and travellers realise that the better. Sure it’s cheap and fun (if you like that kind of thing), but the real beating heart of Bangkok is way, WAY outside the immediate area of it.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      06/20/2014 at 3:46 pm

      True that’s why it’s point #1!

      Reply
  11. Kaleena's Kaleidoscope says

    06/20/2014 at 5:34 pm

    Wow, amazing photos! I’m planning an “endless voyage” in SE Asia myself for next year and had heard similar negative things about Bangkok but it’s good to know there are ways to still enjoy it! Avoiding backpacker traps always seems to be a good strategy πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      06/22/2014 at 9:07 am

      It usually is!

      Reply
  12. Shari Shapiro says

    06/20/2014 at 7:01 pm

    Bangkok is one of the most amazing cities in all of Asia and it is sad that most people only see a little part of it. My husband and I have just returned from a year and a half trip around Asia and were lucky enough to have the opportunity to visit Bangkok almost 10 times while we were away. While we couldn’t couch surf (most people can only host one at a time) we did join for the couch surfing meet ups that they have on a weekly basis. These are great options for couples who are traveling or for lone travelers who aren’t comfortable with actually staying with strangers. It is a great way to meet people and they actually have weekly events in most major cities around SE Asia ( we went a few times in Kuala Lumpur). Thanks Kristin for another great post! We’ve been home only two months and are already aching to go back.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      06/22/2014 at 9:07 am

      That’s a great point – the meet ups for couchsurfing are such a good way to participate even if you’re not actually surfing anyone’s couch.

      Reply
  13. Alexis Kensey says

    06/20/2014 at 10:59 pm

    This is great advice. I am planning my SEA trip for next year and have heard such horror stories about bangkok that this is refreshing. I hope to follow these tips when I go!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      06/22/2014 at 9:06 am

      Enjoy it!

      Reply
  14. Chris says

    06/24/2014 at 11:10 am

    Bangkok is one of my favorite cities and reading this instantly makes me want to go back there. I have been there three or four times and but didn’t get to visit the weekend marked. But I definitely know that I will be back someday!

    Reply
  15. The Together Traveler says

    06/29/2014 at 10:53 pm

    I have been to Bangkok 3 times on my trip now and will inevitably go back at the end before I fly home. I’m so glad I found this post because I have gotten a little more comfortable with the city each time but it is so overwhelming! When I did stay around Khao San Road, Khaosan Immjai was the best hostel I tried. I think I’ll try one of your recs next time though..

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      06/30/2014 at 1:04 am

      A different part of the city will feel less hectic than Khao San does. It definitely did for me!

      Reply
  16. Heather says

    07/13/2014 at 9:46 am

    I absolutely love Bangkok, it’s my favorite city in Asia! I spent five days there at a lovely hotel in a quiet suburb and avoided Khao San Road completely. We took the MRT and water taxis everywhere, explored the markets and ate lots of super delicious food. We even went to the movies – it was almost like we lived there!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      07/14/2014 at 5:22 am

      I like taking the water taxis as well. It’s so nice to feel at home in a big city like that.

      Reply
  17. Carina says

    07/18/2014 at 6:25 am

    Bangkok is one of these cities: You love it or hate it! I think it is a fascinating city, but my boyfriend absolutely hated it. Thanks for these awesome tips, love your post!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      07/18/2014 at 2:17 pm

      I never really loved it until this time around, so maybe it’s an acquired taste πŸ™‚

      Reply
  18. Kristin says

    09/10/2014 at 4:54 pm

    It certainly seems to be but I think there are lots of redeeming qualities.

    Reply
  19. Frank says

    09/15/2014 at 7:39 am

    It took me a while but I think I fell in love with Bangkok my 3rd time there. The first time I was scammed for $3,000 (Gem scam: http://bbqboy.net/falling-for-the-bangkok-gem-scam/. Was really stupid. 2nd time I went as a single guy and had a bit too much fun and it’s a bit of a fog. But the 3rd time I spent about 4 days discovering some of the lesser known sites, taking the ferries along the river, and finding the quiet spots in the parks (your Lumpini suggestion a good one). It’s a city that grows on you and which you enjoy more as you get more comfortable. I don’t know if there is a more exciting city anywhere.

    Spanky and I heading back in 2 weeks. The last time we went to Bangkok was 6 years ago. She didn’t like it then – but I’m convinced I can get her to like it more this time.
    Frank (bbqboy)
    PS Yes, Khoa San sucks. Just grungy, dirty tourists who don’t shower.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      09/15/2014 at 8:19 am

      Haha tourists who don’t shower. That’s horrible about the scam! I would leave with a horrible impression too. I think it takes most people a few times to really love Bangkok.

      Reply
  20. Brooke says

    02/25/2015 at 8:00 am

    I loved the Bangkok Chinatown. I had an oyster pancake there that was one of the best things I’ve ever eaten.

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      02/25/2015 at 10:22 am

      Whoa, seriously? Stall location please! That sounds nasty but I’m so intrigued

      Reply
  21. Kiara Gallop says

    07/05/2015 at 12:08 pm

    Totally agree with number 3 – I met an American chef last time I was passing through Bangkok and he knew about all these lovely little restaurants that were totally off the traveller radar. I love Chatachuk Market and Lumphini Park too and am glad you included them here πŸ™‚ Unfortunately I’m guilty of migrating towards Khao San for a cheap place to stay though (I usually stay down Soi Rambuttri over the road from Khao San), but I’m definitely open to trying somewhere new for my next stay in the city πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      07/05/2015 at 11:45 pm

      True it’s pretty cheap over there accommodation-wise. Just isn’t the real Bangkok so when people tell me they don’t like it and they’ve only stayed there it’s obvious why they’re not fans of it!

      Reply
  22. Sindre says

    09/28/2015 at 9:33 am

    I’m going to Bangkok for the first time tomorrow to start off my three month long backpacking trip, and I am so excited. Thank you so much for all great guides on your blog for SEA!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      09/29/2015 at 6:02 am

      Woohoo! Enjoy it!

      Reply
  23. Ajoy Medhi says

    01/17/2016 at 5:37 am

    I have been to Thailand a no. of times……traveled to Pattaya,Phuket, Krabi. It is a great country to be in . Would love to travel again.

    Reply
  24. Stefano says

    06/10/2016 at 12:53 am

    I visited Bangkok many years ago . . . . and your article increased my wish to go back there !!!
    Thank you for your suggestions !!!

    Reply
  25. Katie says

    12/15/2016 at 3:51 pm

    These are some great tips! We visited Bangkok 2 years ago and avoided staying on Khao San Road as it was so touristy! Mark Wiens and his eating thai food blog was so helpful for our trip and is one of the reasons we have decided to move there!

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      12/15/2016 at 8:51 pm

      Love his recipes!

      Reply
  26. Ruchi Gupta says

    09/08/2017 at 2:41 am

    Thanks for the tips! I think sticking to food that you are familiar with is a good idea, after traveling such a long way there’s no need to add more immediate stress on the body. Also, you photos are lovely! Thanks for sharing,

    Reply
  27. Jaspal Singh says

    06/20/2018 at 7:53 am

    I loved Bangkok, each and every time I have visited it. Its really great to see the women power in all sectors of their major industries. And Chatuchack market is my fav.

    Reply

Stay Connected

  • Home
  • About
  • Contact Me
  • Archives
  • Privacy Policy and Disclaimer

© 2025 · Be My Travel Muse. All Rights Reserved

footer-icon