What I think a good weekend in Bangkok looks like

Bangkok has something about it that oozes appeal, I can never get tired of visiting Thailands Capital. The trick is to know what to do with your time though and that can be daunting to first-timers.

Over the years I have a somewhat beaten path of activity I do when ever friends from the UK are over and want to sample a couple of days in Bangkok. Of course there is a huge number of things to do that are especially touristy, such as a visit to the stunning Grand Palace, but I like to do things that a regular expat in Bangkok would do.

Shopping Anyone?

If it is the weekend then a visit to the world’s biggest market, Chatuchak market, always puts a smile on my friends faces as its a chance to shop and pick up some bargains. Given the size it is also a big experience, plus a chance for them to sample some Thai street food to boot. If your friends want to do more shopping then take them to the Iconsiam shopping centre along the riverfront or for those with smaller budgets, Central World on Sukhmumvit Road.

If it is a family visiting I quite like to take them to Dreamland, which is a big theme park with plenty of photo opportunities and some fun rides to play on. You can see my post on when I visited Dreamland – just click here.

Being out in the Bangkok sun all day to places like Dreamland and the markets can sap you of energy, it is very tiring – so be prepared for that and bring sunscreen and drink plenty of water!

Bangkok comes alive in the evening

For me Bangkok comes alive in the evening and no visit to the cCapital feels quite complete without a visit to a rooftop bar. The views are spectacular. My personal favourite may not be the best rooftop but it offers craft beer rather than the staple cocktails found elsewhere. This bar is called the Brewski and is on top of the Radisson Blu on Sukhumvit Road. The Sky Bar on top of the Lebua Tower is the most famous of all the rooftop bars, and is certainly very impressive – but be warned, it is a bit expensive!

What I find so handy with the Brewski rooftop bar is its location on the Sukhumvit Road. I find most of my friends want to take a walk through the red light district of Soi Cowboy – and this includes couples too! I would certainly recommend checking Soi Cowboy out as its harmless fun and full of energy. Brewski is just a 10-minute stroll from all the action.

The Asiatique is well worth a visit

I am also a big fan of the Asiatique along the riverfront, which is a large open air mall complete with large ferris wheel. It’s very nice and offers lots of choices of eateries from budget to more five star options. Being along the river also gives you a chance to cool down from the small breeze you get – something you will not find elsewhere in one of the hottest cities in the world.

If you are looking for an area with a buzz about it in the evening the Sukhumvit Soi 11 is pretty vibrant with some great bars along the stretch to check out.

For a full list of things to do in Bangkok, please do visit my Bangkok section on this website. It covers all my trips within the Capital city and will give you lots more ideas on what to do (Just Click Here to see all my Bangkok posts).