3 Days in Bangkok: A Micro-Guide
a pocket guide for your long weekend in this SE Asian metropolis
Sawasdee ka!
The past few months have been nonstop work and travel. From NYC for a photoshoot to Nashville to meet my new niece and nephew to Fiji for work as a producer on Love Island USA to Sri Lanka to catch up with some friends to Thailand for a few weeks of exploration and relaxation, and now being back home in LA (don’t be fooled, I’m leaving again on Wednesday). I’m tired just writing that out! Needless to say, I’ve got plenty of content for guides.
My first stop in Thailand was the capital, Bangkok. One of my friends, Nicole, whom I met while living in Australia, now lives in Hong Kong, so we decided on a long weekend trip to catch up. We lived in a share house in Sydney’s inner west and worked at a cinema right next to the Opera House together in 2019/2020. The last time I saw her was in her home country, England, in 2023. Since we were in the same part of the world, a reconnection was in order.
The Bangkok crew expanded from just the two of us to include my boyfriend, Tommy, who also works on Love Island and was flying in from Fiji, and Nicole’s two friends from her hometown of Brighton, England, who were on a 2-week holiday around Southeast Asia.
With a population of over 18 million, including the surrounding suburbs, Bangkok is a bustling metropolis and can feel quite overwhelming when it comes to figuring out what to do. I’m going to be honest here and say that this was not one of my favourite cities. Don’t get me wrong, there’s plenty of unique things to do and see, but it was extremely overstimulating from all angles. I’ve learned from years of travel that I resonate more with places that are closer to nature and operate at a slower pace. If you’re the same, make Bangkok a short stop on your itinerary - no more than 3 days.
Since this is a micro-guide, you’re getting 3 days of itineraries instead of the usual categorized breakdown. There’s only so much I could fit into a long weekend, so I’ve also included some verified recommendations from Nicole, who has spent much more time in Bangkok than I have. Trust that you’re always getting a well-researched and thoughtful guide to places around the globe :) Buckle up!!
TWO ESSENTIAL NOTES BEFORE WE BEGIN:
Download the ride share app, Grab, before arriving in Thailand. It’s their version of Uber, except sooo cheap (~1-3 USD per ride) and you can order food delivery on it too!
No heavy clothing or pants like jeans, you will be on the verge of heat stroke. Trust me on this one, pack light & breathable items only.
DAY 1
What better way to kick off your time in Thailand than with a Thai traditional dance class?! Our group of 5 did this together, and it was a great way to learn about Thai culture and history as well as enjoy some tea and local snacks. The dance we learned in this class popped up everywhere the rest of our time in the country, and it was so cool to have knowledge about it. *Tip: wear shorts or bring some to change into!*
Next, take a short Grab ride up to Talat Noi to enjoy a quaint walking road lined with street art and bright colours that leads through this older neighbourhood of Bangkok right by the river. Here we found 32Bar (a fabulous chocolate shop), So Heng Tai House (a 19th-century Chinese courtyard house that belongs to one of Thailand’s oldest Chinese noble families), and plenty of cute coffee shops.
From Talat Noi, head up Song Wat Road to Oysters & Things, right in front of this shop, you will find a man selling mango beer and mango juice. He will then give you a pole with a net attached to it. When your drink is ready, another man will pop out of a hole above Oysters & Things and pass your drink into your net for you to bring down and enjoy. I got the mango beer and it was sooo good! The street it’s on is full of cool shops, restaurants, and a trendy wine bar/art gallery, so enjoy the neighbourhood while you’re there.
After a drink and some shopping, walk to HAGOW Yaowarat in Chinatown for dinner and indulge in a feast. I swear, Thailand really puts on a show after the sun sets; it’s like the country comes to life, and this neighbourhood is a sight to behold.
If you’re not completely wiped out yet, head to the cinema for the evening. I loved Thai cinemas so much that I went 3 times. Take advantage of Bangkok’s luxury options, such as this bed cinema. (the location I’ve linked is the only SF Cinema location offering The Bed in Bangkok)
DAY 2
Start your morning at Wat Arun in Bangkok’s Old City. Temples are best viewed before the crowds come, so get there early!
*Tip: make sure your shoulders are covered, your clothing reaches beyond your knees, and your shoes are off before entering a Buddhist temple*
After some meditation, call a Grab to The Artist House Bangkok, a centuries-old house in a neighbourhood built along a canal, where you can paint or create your own bracelets and necklaces, while sipping a matcha… or five. Take some time to explore all this hidden gem of Bangkok has to offer while you’re there!
You can’t come to Thailand and miss out on night markets! If you’re looking for one that is close to The Artist House, try First One Night Market Talat Phlu. Some call it a food lover’s paradise, so bring your appetite.
If you’re up for a bigger journey or stopping by your hotel first for a rest, then I recommend visiting Train Night Market Srinagarinda. It’s about a 30-minute drive out of the city, and it’s the biggest night market I’ve ever seen, with everything you could imagine. Endless food, bars, clothing, & other merchandise stalls, as well as a giant old airplane and vintage cars/motorcycles. You could spend hours here and never get bored!
DAY 3
Spend the morning cycling around Bangkok’s Green Lung, Bang Kachao. This is an island in the Chao Phraya River accessible by a very short & cheap ferry ride. Full of trees & mangroves, this island is a forest oasis in the heart of the city with markets, hotels, temples, and fewer people. Rent a bicycle at Bang Krachao Pier and explore! *Tip: do not wait until the heat of the day to go!!*
There’s no better place than Thailand to pamper yourself, so take the afternoon off and take care of that body that’s been running around. If there are any beauty treatments you love getting done in the States (Hydrafacials, lasers, peels, massages, etc.), look up where you can find them in Bangkok. This is the place to do it for a fraction of the price! My friends and I spent one afternoon at a nail salon getting gel manicures with designs for only ~20 USD.
Now that you’re looking fine as hell after a spa day, it’s time to eat your heart out at Nahm, a fabulous one-Michelin-star restaurant. My boyfriend, who is a major foodie, did all the research and found this place, one of the best dining experiences I’ve ever had. The food was so well curated with dishes and flavours I’d never tried before, and the service was impeccable. The best part? It was only $100 USD per person, good luck finding that elsewhere.
After you’ve wined and dined, it’s time to see some insane views and dance the night away at one of Bangkok’s many rooftop bars. I recommend both Tichuca and Sanctuary. Nicole ventured to 2463 Speakeasy, and honestly, I’m jealous I didn’t join; it looks very swanky and we love a swanky watering hole...
HONOURABLE MENTIONS