5D4N in Bangkok – From Sightseeing to Shopping to Savouring Delicious Food … The Options Are Endless!

The city of Bangkok is full of pep, with stylish skyscrapers towering over chaotic markets, snail’s-pace traffic jams, sacred temples, and the Grand Palace. Whether you are a first-time traveller or a return traveller, you will definitely be entertained in Bangkok. The city also boasts some of Asia’s largest shopping centres and Asia’s largest outdoor market, Chatuchak. Besides sightseeing and shopping, Bangkok is well-known for its gastronomical delights. Follow my 5D4N guide to enjoy one of the best experiences in Bangkok!

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Day 1 – Chao Phraya River, Khao San Road, and Talad Neon Night Market

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Begin the day cruising down Chao Phraya River, which was sometimes called the “Venice of the East” by European visitors in the past. Waterways at that time were the most important means of transportation and trading. During those days, the locals usually settled by the river, before gradually spreading into the core of the city. Nowadays, those who want to seek refuge from the bustling and overcrowding city centre of Bangkok can opt to relax by the Chao Phraya River.

The boat trip will pass by numerous historical sites such as Wat Arun, Rama VIII Bridge, and other temples, and attractions like the Taling Chan Floating Market. Hop off the boat at Phra Arthit jetty, and take a short walk to Khao San Road. There are many local eateries around this area where you can enjoy a nice lunch at. Phra Sumen Fort is located just a stone’s throw away, and you can relax by the Chao Phraya River here.

In the late afternoon, seek shelter from the sweltering weather at Platinum Fashion Mall. You can shop till you drop before heading to Talad Neon Night Market which is situated diagonally across the street. There is a wide array of food choices to feed your rumbling stomach during dinner time.

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Day 2 – Wat Bowonniwet, Aeisah Rotdee, and Siam Niramit

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Wat Bowonniwet is a major Buddhist temple in Bangkok. Its interesting architecture features a mix of Western colonial, Thai and Chinese influences. There are two Buddha statues in this temple which are impressive and definitely catches one’s attention. They are made from bronze, with the exteriors covered with solid gold. The “centerpiece” stupa, built by King Rama III in solid gold, has 4 animals surrounding it. The horse represents Myanmar, the bird represents the Kingdom North of Thailand, the elephant represents Laos, and the lion, of course, represents Singapore.

Just across the street, you will find Aeisah Rotdee, a Thai-Muslim coffee shop which serves amazing oxtail soup. You have to enter a narrow alley to get to this coffee shop. The Sup Haang Wua (oxtail soup) is extremely peppery, with a hint of tangy note! You can also get Khao Mok Neua (Thai-style beef briyani) and Khao Mok Gai (Thai-style chicken briyani) here. The well-marinated meat drenched in their respective secret sauces are cooked till fork-tender. To complete your meal, order a few plates of satay, spring rolls, achar, and meatball skewers to accompany your mains.

Spend the later part of your day exploring the Traditional Thai Village at Siam Niramit, and end off with the spectacular Siam Niramit show. You will get a glimpse into Thailand’s history and culture, and learn about the local Thai religious customs and practices. My personal favourite part was being able to sample traditional snacks at the traditional Thai village. Khanom Krok, a popular Thai snack which is something like a coconut pudding, is superb!

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Day 3 – MBK, Flight Simulator Experience, and Asiatique

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There are a couple of famous local spots to satisfy that craving for simple toasts, but my favourite has got to be Mont Nom Sod which can be found in the MBK shopping mall. The afforadable toasts here are appetizingly slathered with coconut custard, taro custard, condensed milk, chocolate, marmalade jam, and many other flavours. I’d recommend burning off the calories shopping around the mall before embarking on a unique flight simulator experience.

Thai Airways has launched the “Thai Simulator Experience” in response to customers who are interested in aviation and flying. To experience flying in an aircraft simulator, the Thai Simulator Experience program allows you to practice flight skills in the following simulators: Airbus A380-800, A340-500/600, A330-300, A300-600, Boeing B747-400, B777-200/300 and B737-400. Moreover, all simulator experience will be under the supervision of actual Thai Airways pilots as flight instructors.

Being able to interact with them made me understand the years of struggles for pilot trainees before they graduate as official pilots. Seeing how professional they conduct the simulator program also puts my mind at ease, as I am assured that I’ll be in good hands whenever I fly with Thai Airways. Besides having fun during your flight simulator experience program, you should have a meal at their canteen at the Thai Airways Head Office. The Galley serves tasty Thai food.

In the evening, take a trip to Asiatique for night shopping at the bazaar by the river, and indulge in yummy food. There are over 1,500 boutiques and 40 restaurants housed under a huge replica warehouse complex. Get on the Asiatique Sky Ferris Wheel for a romantic date with your loved one, and you have the chance to enjoy panoramic views too.

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Day 4 – Chatuchak Weekend Market, Bangkok National Museum, and Talad Rot Fai

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Chatuchak Weekend Market is one of the world’s largest weekend markets which spans an area of 27 acres. This market is split up into 27 Sections, and ‘houses’ more than 15,000 vendors selling goods from every part of Thailand. I enjoyed the plate of chicken noodles, while my dining partner preferred the duck noodles. Remember to bring hats and sunglasses, and it’s a must to apply sunblock as the scorching sun is a killer.

If you are into ancient artifacts, and are interested in learning about Thai’s art culture, you should visit Bangkok National Museum. It was opened by King Rama V to exhibit the antiques and gifts bestowed to him by his father and once held a reputation for being an ill-organized gathering of dusty relics. Exhibits have now been arranged into three areas consistent with Thai history and visitors will be happy to know that there are English-language descriptions available.

The front of the Sivamokhaphiman Hall is a Thai history gallery spanning the Sukothai through to the Rattanakosin periods. The Archaeological and Art history collection showcases items from Thailand’s prehistory to Ayutthaya era right through to the modern Thai Kingdom, including many ancient sculptures. Other exhibits of interest at the Bangkok National Museum include a funeral chariot hall, featuring carriages used for royal cremations and many excellent examples of Thai architecture. You’ll also find the Buddhaisawan chapel, a red house called Tam Nak Deang and various beautiful pavilions.

At night, do pop by Talad Rot Fai Night Market for an incredible array of vintage collectables and memorabilia from yesteryear. There are also many vendors selling modern fashion and apparel more typical of other night markets in Bangkok. What makes Talad Rot Fai stand out is the cool restaurants, bars and snack stalls located in the market. You can’t get these at other local night markets.

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Day 5 – Shopping and Massage around Siam

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There is a sky bridge which conveniently connects you to Big C supermarket, Centralworld, and the Siam area. You can avoid perspiring under the hot sun, as this sky bridge is sheltered all the way! I recommend dropping by Centralworld for After You Dessert Café, and for Petite Audrey at Siam Centre. For a more substantial meal, Somboon Seafood at Siam Square One managed to hit all the right spots. Moreover, the seafood dishes are very reasonably priced. Before catching your flight back home, relax with a traditional Thai massage at one of the spas around Siam area.

Bangkok is a city that I’ll never get tired of visiting! However, if you need a change of scenery once in awhile, you can venture out to Kanchanaburi which is a mere 2.5 hours’ drive away from Bangkok.