TRAVEL

INDEPENDENT TRAVEL IN THAI LAN 
AND 14 BEST THINGS TO DO 

Thailand - the geographical heart of South-East Asia, which is regarded as one of the world’s leading tourism destinations. It is a land of secrets and surprises for everyone to discover and enjoy. Not only does it attract travellers for its breath-taking beaches and crowded shopping centres, but it also is popular with stunning temples. Noticely, the capital of Thai Lan is Bangkok,  it is a city where getting bored is just not an option. To many youngsters, who love challenging and adventurous outdoor activities, will find much to satisfy their desires here. 

All visitors to Thailand require valid passports, but visas are not necessary for most nationalities. This is the reason why conducting an independent travel to Thai Lan is just a piece of cake to some people, especially young generation. 

However, before getting started, travelers need to consider the main places to visit and activities to do because there are countless tourist attractions and hot spots that is worth visiting. So I will narrow it down to the top 15 things to do in Thailand, mostly in Bangkok. I hope that some recommendations metioned below  will benefit you to enjoy your own city. 

1. WAT PHO PAGODA - peaceful temple with giant Buddha and art 












A visit to Wat Pho is a must for any travelers to Bangkok. It is the home to the Reclining Buddha, which stands at fifteen metres tall and forty six metres long, with the feet alone are measured at over five meters. The whole statue is covered in gold leaf, which looks incredible when you get up close. Inside the temple, there are 108 bowls, and on the way to the temple, you can buy coins for the bowls. The history behind this is that Buddha completed 108 positive actions on his way to become perfect. Whilst you are at the temple, you can also stop for a while to receive a traditional Thai Massage. 

2. THE GRAND PALACE 

Bangkok’s most spectacular landmark, the dazzling Grand Palace is a must-see on any trip to the Thai capital. Built in 1782, this sprawling complex served as the royal seat for 150 years and continues to impress swathes of visitors with its intricate architecture and fascinating cultural history. 

The palace complex features a number of impressive buildings, including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), which contains the striking and much-revered Emerald Buddha dating back to the 14th century. Then there are the royal reception halls—take a look inside the European-style Grand Palace Hall; marvel at the fine architectural detail of Dusit Hall; and explore a museum of numerous Buddha images while charting the restoration of the complex.

Insider's tip: all visitors must adhere to a strict dress code at the Grand Palace. Both men and women should cover their arms and legs, in addition to wearing socks, even with sandals or flip-flops, as feet must also be covered.

3. ASIATIQUE THE RIVER FRONT

Asiatique The Riverfront is a large open-air mall in Bangkok, Thailand. It occupies the former docks of the East Asiatic Company, and faces the Chao Phraya River and Charoen Krung Road. The complex opened in 2012 after extensive renovation of the site.

The layout of the mall is divided into four thematic sections, called districts. Chareonkrung District is named after Charoen Krung Road that contains performing venues for the Joe Louis Traditional Thai Puppet Theatre, the Calypso Cabaret show and live Muay Thai performances, as well as shops selling handicrafts and souvenirs. Town Square District features foreign restaurants and sports bars, and includes a small event space. Factory District focuses on trendy fashions, cutting-edge products and restaurants. Waterfront District lies along Asiatique's waterfront promenade, which is claimed to be Bangkok's longest at 300 metres (980 ft). This includes several riverside restaurants, a large event space used for concerts, festivals and New Year celebrations. 

Although this place is not very common with guided tours, it is overrun with individual travelers. It can be seen as a retail market, which offers a variety of shops, ranging from clothes, shoes to accessories and cosmetics. Many store owners always show hospitality and enthusiasm to their customers, so people can feel free to bargain. 

4. SAFARI WORLD 

Safari World is a tourist attraction in Bangkok, Thailand that consists of two parks named Marine Park and Safari Park, operated by Safari World Public Limited. 

The Marine Park houses a spectrum of animals of land, sea, and air. The attractions are Jungle Cruise river ride, a water flume ride through the jungles of Africa and Asia, seven shows daily, Spy War action stunts, water skiing, dolphins, Hollywood cowboy stunts, birds, orangutan boxing, and sea lions, exhibits featuring white tigers, fantasy carp garden, tapir kingdom, crocodile gardens.

5. CHATUCHAK MARKET

The Chatuchak Market is the largest market in Thailand with more than 15,000 stalls and divided into 27 sections. Chatuchak Market sells many different kinds of goods, including plants, antiques, consumer electronics, cosmetics, pets, foods and drinks, fresh and dry food, ceramics, furniture and home accessories, clothing, and books. It is the world's largest and most diverse weekend market, with over 200,000 - 300,000 visitors on a daily basis. 

Chatuchak Weekend Market is located near some popular places, for example Mo Chit BTS Station, Chatuchak Park MRT Station and Chatuchak Park. This market is a place where you can easily connect to other places by using BTS and MRT. 

Chatuchak market only opens at the weekends, from Fridays to Sundays.

6. BAIYOKE SKY HOTEL 

Baiyoke Sky Hotel, Bangkok offers the dynamic highest views of the city and beyond, while our luxuriously appointed guestrooms offer the ultimate in comfort and serenity. The building owns 2,060 doorsteps and more than 20 elevators, especially a crystal elevator. One thing that really stands out is that Baiyoke Sky has the fastest elevator in Thailand, which can go up from the 1st floor to the 88th floor in only 80 seconds.

The Baiyoke Sky Hotel is the longest champ of Thailand's Tallest Building where you can enjoy the spectacular view of Bangkok and beyond the metropolis, up to the Gulf of Thailand. Maps, computerized multimedia kiosks and coin-activated telescopes help you identify what is laying 250 meters down below your feet.

On the 77th floor, there is an observation deck where you have a marvelous view over the city and can even see the Gulf of Thailand. Moreover, you will be impressed by the view of Bangkok in the night time by the 360 degrees revolving rooftop on the 84th floor ( only 200 bath fee for each person.)

The lobby opens from 10 a.m to 10.30 p.m on Mondays to Fridays, and 09.30 a.m to 22.30 p.m on Saturdays and Sundays. 

Baiyoke Sky Tower also offers international luxury restaurants such as Bangkok Sky situated on 76th and 78th floor, or international buffet on the 79th floor where you can sing Karaoke with your friends. If you prefer private and luxury atmosphere, Crystal Grill Restaurant on the 82th floor is your best answer. Here you will enjoy the premium Australian sirloin beef. For those night lover, I recommend Roof Top Bar, the highest night pubs in Thailand, and on the 83th floor where you can enjoy the music and romantic atmosphere. This place only open from 10.30 p.m to 01.00 a.m

7. KHAO SAN ROAD

Khao San Road, which is quite similar to Bui Vien Street in Viet Nam, is a wild and bustling nightlife. 

During late evening, the streets are turned into bars, along with music is played. Food hawkers sell barbecued insects, and exotic snacks for tourists. There are also some local people selling ping pong shows. 

Furtheremore, there are several cafes, pubs and bars where backpackers meet to discuss their travels. The area is internationally known as a center of dancing, partying, and just prior to the traditional Thai New Year (Songkran festival) of 13-15 April, water splashing that usually turns into a huge water fight.

8. ERAWAN SHRINE

Erawan Shrine is a Hindu shrine located in front of Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel at the Ratchaprasong intersection on Ratchadamri Road in Lumphini Sub-district, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok. Both Thai people and foreigners like to visit this place and worship this famous holy object. A lot of group tours from many countries are arranged specifically to pay homage to Phra Phrom here.

Erawan Shrine at Erawan Hotel marks the first largest shrine housing Phra Phrom. According to Hindu belief, Phra Phrom is the god of builder. He has four faces, each of which symbolizes the 4 directions— north, south, east, and west; therefore, he can vision and protect everything in both human world and heaven. He can get rid of difficulty and obstacles, and encourage fortune and success for the worshippers with respectful mind. At present, Erawan Shrine at Erawan Hotel is under the supervision of “Than Tao Mahaprom Foundation.”

The tourists and those who are interested can visit and worship the sacred Erawan Shrine at Erawan Hotel everyday free of charge. 

9. SIAM PARAGON

Siam Paragon is one of Bangkok’s most upmarket shopping malls. It is located in Siam BTS, the center of high end shopping in Bangkok with nearby shopping centers as Siam Center, Siam Discovery, Central World, Siam Square and MBK Center.

Having become one of the largest shopping malls in Thailand and South East Asia, Siam Paragon serves myriads of luxury stores, restaurants, coffee shops, a large food court and entertainment as 4DX movie theaters. Besides, a bowling alley, Sea Life Ocean World and Kidzania always grasp childen's attention. Many of the world’s international luxury brands like Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton and Prada also have stores in this modern and magnificient shopping center.

10. THE COMMONS

‘The Commons’, a small retail development in the city center, which is an attempt to create a new active outdoor space where people can comfortably enjoy it at anytime of the year.  

‘The Commons’ proposes a vertical open-air public space folding upward as a backbone of the building. It starts with ‘the Ground’ which is a landscape of steps and ramps integrated with platforms, seatings, planting and small kiosks. The area is well shaded by the third and the fourth floor structure above protecting the entire space from the sun and the rain. ‘The Ground’ vertically opens up through large voids on the upper floors, connecting to a large public open-air area occupying nearly thirty percent of each of the third and the fourth floor plate. The space vertically and horizontally flows in and out the entire building and allows for natural ventilation throughout. Two sets of industrial fans are incorporated into the ceiling screen below the skylight. One set draws hot air upward and out; the other set blows the wind downward to effectively increase the air movement in extra hot days. This airy semi-outdoor space is well incorporated with gardens on all levels. It becomes an active vertical urban living area. It is a place for strolling and relaxing at any time and in any seasons.

 

11. HAVE A THAI MASSAGE 

Thai massages are well known over the world. The style of massage is unique as it stretches your body as well as working on your bodies pressure points. The whole experience will leave you feeling invigorated and balanced. Every small town and city is guaranteed to have many massage parlors, and the prices are affordable compared to what you would pay back home.

12. The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

There are several floating markets in Thailand, but The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is the biggest and most famous for local residents. You can easily see boats everywhere that going up and down the canals and selling all sorts of foods and fruits. A visit to this market will give you a real insight into how things were many years ago. For those who love to take photos about the narrow canals and small wooden stilt houses, this is a great privilege to gain countless opportunities.

The market is situated about 100km outside of Bangkok, but I bet that it is well worth the traveling time.

13. Have a Water Fight During Songkran

Songkran is the traditional Thai New Year, which is celebrated each year in April across the entire country and runs from the 13th to the 15th. Water is traditionally sprinkled throughout the festival as it is believed it will wash away your bad luck and sins. These days things have changed a little and huge water fights tend to break out bringing entire cities to a standstill, with many businesses closing for the entire duration. Where ever you are in the country during this time of the year, remember to  prepare for a soaking as there is no escaping the party.

14. TUK TUK EXPERIENCE

No one can ever imagine Bangkok without a tuk-tuk, which has become one of the iconic images of the city along with its temples and skyscrapers. Not only can riding a tuk tuk be an interesting experience, but it is practical way to get around and do some of the city's best sights! The Tuk Tuk Experience tour will become a worth-while experiment for those who are open to everything exotic and unconventional. This is your chance to explore the brightest city gems: you will admire the Phra Sumeru Fortress, marvel at the Buddhist heritage at Wat PoTemple and climb to the top of the Golden Mount. More than that, you will get to the famous Bangkok markets, the kind of places where you can polish up your bargain hunting skills while discovering many weird and wonderful items!

I hope that after reading these recommendations, you will have an incentive to take your backpack and explore your own journey ^^

Have a nice day!

Quynh Nhu