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I recently spent 2 days in Bangkok as a stopover before Ko Lanta, Krabi. Bangkok is huge city and though I originally wanted to check out historic sites, we had limited time and were very tired after the first day. Unfortunately we should’ve planned better because I didn’t get a chance to check out the floating markets or temples. However, we still really enjoyed our time there would definitely return. Keep reading for the highlights from my trip!
ACCOMMODATION
SALIL HOTEL SUKHUMVIT 57
We stayed at the Salil Hotel Sukhumvit 57 for 3 nights (we arrived very late the first night). Knowing that it would be a short stay, we chose to spend a bit more on our accommodation in Bangkok so we could be comfortable. We stayed at the hotel during peak season close to Christmas time, so we paid around $160 CAD per night. The hotel is located in the trendy Sukhumvit neighbourhood and a 5-minute walk from a BTS (Bangkok Mass Transit System) Skytrain Station. There were many great restaurants and stores within walking distance.
The Salil Hotel Sukhumvit 57 is very beautiful and posh, with European inspired design and décor. We enjoyed the rooftop pool and fitness center. We had a bit of a hiccup during check-in where our room reeked of cigarette smoke, but the staff were amazing and quickly switched us to a new room. The one downside of staying at such a beautiful hotel is that everywhere we turned, there was an amateur photoshoot of wannabe Instagram models. When we were trying to relax at the pool, it was distracting having a group of people nearby posing and taking pictures for a full hour. Otherwise we enjoyed our stay here.
Location: 24 ซอย สุขุมวิท 57 Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand. Click here for the map.
GETTING AROUND
The most convenient and cheapest way to get around Bangkok is taking the BTS Skytrain. The BTS lines are very clean and efficient. In comparison to other Asian public transit lines, we found that the trains weren’t too overcrowded. The travel routes were also quite easy to navigate and you can switch to English on the fare machines. There are usually staff members to assist you too if you are lost or need change. You have the option of buying pre-paid cards and all-day passes for very reasonable prices, but we opted for the single trip tickets.
We were told by locals to avoid tuk tuks and taxis in Bangkok because sometimes they may try to scam or overcharge you. For destinations that weren’t close to public transit, we used the Grab app (similar to Uber). Booking rides through Grab was very quick and the price (though pricier) is agreed upon ahead of time.
ACTIVITIES
BIG DOG CAFÉ
I love dogs. When I heard about a café where you could play with all different breeds of dogs, I was very excited, but also wary. Sometimes animals are not treated well at these types of tourist attractions. I researched Big Dog Café and found the majority of reviews to be very positive. We took the BTS line from the Thong Lor Station to Tha Pra, with the entire trip taking about 30 minutes including switching lines. When we arrived, we paid for admission and waited for our time slot to enter the area where the dogs were. The trainers brought out the dogs in groups. The first group had more traditional breeds of dogs, including small breeds. The second group featured larger dogs like mastiffs, and the third group had wolf dogs of varying mixes. The dogs we interacted with were all very happy and well taken care of. It was clear that the trainers and staff working there all loved the dogs as well. We purchased treats at a small price so that we could get close to the dogs. All of the guests were very respectful of the dogs as well, with the exception of a few younger children.
Location: 82 Ratchadaphisek Rd, Huai Khwang, Bangkok 10310, Thailand. Click here for the map.
ART IN PARADISE
Within walking distance from the Big Dog Café is the Art In Paradise three-dimensional museum. I have to admit that before we arrived, I thought it would be boring. I was mistaken. We had a blast goofing around, exploring the optical illusions and staging creative photos. The museum is much larger than I expected, with many different themed areas. There is also an augmented reality app that you can download for interactive experiences with the art. We spent over an hour there and would highly recommend this as a fun activity for all ages.
Location: Esplanade Shopping Mall, ศูนย์การค้าเอสพละนาด 99 Ratchadaphisek Rd, Din Daeng, Bangkok 10400, Thailand. Click here for the map.
ERAWAN MUSEUM
The Erawan Museum is about a 45-minute drive outside of Bangkok. To enter the museum’s main entrance located under the elephant structure, you have to remove your shoes and cover your legs and shoulders. If your attire is not appropriate, there are free skirts and shawls provided for guests. The size of Erawan Museum is quite small, but I found it truly breathtaking. There is an insane amount of detail that went into every inch of the museum. Two sets of grand winding stairs lead you to a small elevator that takes you to the top level and third story, featuring art displays. Some reviewers complained that the admission fee at 400 baht was quite pricey for such a small museum. It’s not cheap, but I thought the architecture was magnificent and took the time to admire all the details. I also explored the grounds which had beautiful gardens and an outdoor dining area with food stalls. My boyfriend on the other hand did find it slightly boring, so I’d only recommend this for people who would enjoy taking the time to check out the architecture.
Location: 99 Bang Mueang Mai, Mueang Samut Prakan District, Samut Prakan 10270, Thailand. Click here for the map.
YUNOMORI ONSEN & SPA
After walking around for two days, we were in serious need of some spa time. We went to Yunomori Onsen & Spa and relaxed in their Japanese Onsens (hot spring baths) with water from the Wat Wangkanai thermal springs. We opted to purchase a day pass just to use their baths and facilities for 450 baht. Thai massages and other treatments are available at the spa as well. Upon entering the spa, we felt like we were walking into a serene paradise in Japan. If I was a local, I’d schedule getaways to this spa regularly. There are separate bath areas for men and women. Women are provided with an optional nylon underwear and bralette. There is a large variety of baths to choose from, including jet baths, mineral water baths, soda baths, cold baths and more. After following the spa’s recommended order of baths, I relaxed in their lounge area and took part in the onsen tradition of drinking milk after the onsen bathing for rehydration. They even had soy milk for lactose intolerant people like me!
Location: A-Square 120/5 Soi Sukhumvit 26, Khlong Tan, Klong Toey, Bangkok, Thailand 10110. Click here for the map.
FOOD
BROCCOLI REVOLUTION
Broccoli Revolution was one of the first vegan restaurants we tried in Bangkok. They call themselves a socially conscious, eco-friendly, casual plant-based eatery. There are two locations, so we chose the one that was walking distance to our hotel in Sukhumvit. We had breakfast there before a long day of walking. The food was very fresh and well executed. We found the prices a bit high but the portions were generous and the service was good. I enjoyed the tofu scramble and their fresh juices.
Location: 899 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand. Click here for the map.
TINY CUP CAFÉ
We were craving a hearty breakfast with eggs and found Tiny Cup Café on Instagram and learned that they have all-day breakfast! The café is quaint and the interior reminded me of being in an old European house. Limited outdoor seating is available as well. I indulged in a very filling traditional North American style breakfast set (pictured above). For just 420 baht, the Tiny Cup Breakfast set came with my choice of 2 eggs (I always pick sunny side up), bacon, smoked ham, sausage, sauteed mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, a side salad, whole wheat toast and coffee or tea.
Location: 411/2 Thonglor Sukhumvit Road Klongtun Nua Wattana. Bangkok, Thailand. Click here for map.
PACO BANGKOK
After spending all day walking around in 35 degree Celsius weather, we wanted a snack to cool down. While researching vegan dining options in Bangkok, I found Paco and was intrigued by their colourful smoothie bowls. This tiny smoothie bowl bar is decked out with trendy decor and photo opportunities, so it’s no surprise that it was filled with hoards of Instagram “models”. We had to wait about 10 minutes before seats opened up. The smoothie bowls were delicious and very refreshing, but the prices are quite high at 300+ baht per bowl. If you’re looking for Instagrammable food in Bangkok, this is a great spot, but if you hate crowds then I would skip this :).
Location: 249 Soi Sukhumvit 31, Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand. Click here for the map.
SRI TRAT RESTAURANT & BAR
Sri Trat Restaurant & Bar was one of the dining highlights of our short stay in Bangkok. We were told that the restaurant is quite busy, but we were able to snag a last minute spot for dinner. Sri Trat is an old house with a beautiful interior. There were framed photos and murals on the walls showing the rich history of the restaurant owners. The service was amazing and the staff were very knowledgeable about the food, making it easy for them to accommodate our dietary restrictions. We loved the traditional Thai flavours of the curries and I really enjoyed the dessert dumplings. It was quite dark when we dined there and I was also very hungry, so unfortunately I forgot to take photos. The prices are on the higher end, but it was worth it!
Location: 90 Sukhumvit 33 Alley, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand. Click here for the map.
SIT AND WONDER
Sit and Wonder is a small, trendy restaurant with very affordable Thai food. It’s located on the second floor of a narrow building, just a few blocks away from the Thong Lor BTS Station. We came here for dinner after reading many positive reviews and were seated on the outdoor patio overlooking the street. The restaurant was packed, which we took as a good sign. I had the very flavourful and delicious Tom Yum soup, which almost burned my face off even at “mild spice”! Thai spice is no joke.
Location: 14 ซอย สุขุมวิท 57 Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand. Click here for the map.
I really wish we had more time to explore Bangkok. For our next trip, I’d dedicate at least 5 days to explore the city, especially some of the older historic sites. Let me know what your favourite spots in Bangkok are or if you have any questions!
