Bangkok

A Different Kind of City Trip

Next to Chiang Mai, Bangkok ended up being one of my favourite places in Thailand, when you know where to go. This guide isn’t for the typical tourist who’s looking to party until 5 a.m. every night. Instead, this is for travellers like us, who were more into exploring Thai culture, vibrant streets, a little nature, and of course… the food.

Where We Stayed: Choosing the Right Area Matters

Bangkok is massive, and where you stay makes a huge difference. It can honestly make or break your experience.

We chose to stay in Chinatown, and before you think, “But that’s not Thai…”, trust me, it definitely is. It was the perfect mix of Thai culture and incredible (and cheap) food, all without feeling overly touristy. Nightlife here is pretty limited, and best of all, no price scams.

Luk Hostel: Our Top Pick!

Tucked away in the tiny streets of Chinatown, Luk Hostel was amazing. It’s a modern hostel offering small dorms (4 beds), bigger dorms, and private rooms. Even the dorms were clean, quiet, and filled with like-minded travelers who weren’t there to party all night.

But the absolute best part? The food. Everywhere you turn, there are tiny restaurants, street food stalls, and daytime market stalls, perfect if you love browsing for cute jewellery or souvenirs.

At night, Yaowarat Road comes alive with chaotic but fun street food madness. Yes, it’s crowded, but not in a tourist-trap kind of way like the Phra Nakhon area, where prices are higher and the vibe feels more catered to party-goers. In Chinatown, you get real local charm, amazing food, and culture at every turn.

Where NOT to Stay: A Lesson Learned

When I was in Bangkok alone, I thought I’d try something new and booked a bed at KRIT Hostel, right in the main tourist area. Big mistake.

• Dorm with +20 people

• Bedbugs everywhere

• Couldn’t even stay one night

I left immediately and went straight back to Chinatown. Also, as expected, everything in that area was way more expensive, clearly catering to the party crowd.

Things To Do (For Non-party Travellers)

Bangkok is a city of contrasts, and every neighborhood has its own vibe. We mostly walked everywhere, but when needed, Grab motorbikes were super cheap, fast, and efficient.

Must-See & Do (What We Enjoyed the Most):

• Grand Palace – Yeah, it’s touristy, but it’s also stunning. It’s pricey but worth it. Go early to avoid the crowds, and remember to dress modestly (t-shirts and long pants/skirt).

• Golden Buddha Temple (Wat Traimit): Walking distance from Chinatown. A quick but lovely stop.

• Lumphini Park & Benchakitti Park: For a breather from the chaos. Benchakitti Park has a beautiful forest walkway, surrounded by the skyline.

• Wat Saket (Golden Mount): Not the most ornate temple, but head up around sunset (after 5 p.m.) for stunning city views and temple spotting.

• Wat Arun: One of my absolute favorite temples. Seriously gorgeous.

• Wat Pho: Another must-see, famous for the Reclining Buddha and beautiful architecture.

• Khlong Ong Ang: A cute little waterway with coffee shops and lunch spots. Perfect for a chill afternoon stroll.

Day Trip to Ayutthaya

If you have a spare day, Ayutthaya is an absolute must. It’s the ancient capital of Thailand, filled with stunning temple ruins, and giant Buddha statues.

We took the train from Bangkok, it’s super cheap (like, less than a coffee) and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Once there, you can rent a bicycle or hire a tuk-tuk driver to explore the sites.

Some highlights:

• Wat Mahathat: Famous for the Buddha head wrapped in tree roots.

• Wat Phra Si Sanphet: With its iconic row of stupas.

• Wat Chaiwatthanaram: Probably the most beautiful, especially at sunset.

It’s a hot day out with lots of walking or cycling, so start early, bring sunscreen, and lots of water. 

Final Thoughts on Bangkok

Bangkok might be chaotic, loud, and overwhelming at first glance, but when you find the right pockets of the city, it becomes a place full of charm, culture, and incredible food.

For us, avoiding the heavy party zones made the experience way better. Chinatown was the perfect base to soak in authentic vibes without feeling trapped in tourist central. In the end, Bangkok isn’t just a stopover, it’s a destination in itself, with enough beauty, food, and culture to keep you busy for days.