Don’t miss these five joyful experiences in Bangkok Thailand. Discover why Thailand is called the “Land of Smiles” when you experience these five “must-see” Bangkok happenings. I was filled with great personal joy at each of these special places, and I bet that you will be, too.
1.) Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
Take your camera as colorful photo ops abound in this mayhem of Thai vendors and waterborne souvenir hunters.
I loved photographing the older Thai women skillfully maneuvering their long, canoe-like boats with just one paddle. The ‘J’ stroke, the ‘Sweep’ and the ‘C’ stroke – these elders, paddling from the stern, knew ‘em all.
Many were out early to sell vegetables from their gardens to the canal-side restaurants or floating eateries.
Later, I was happy to eat a bowl of Tom Yum Lemon at one of the floating noodle restaurants where I’d seen my favorite grandmother selling earlier in the day.
Tip: Get to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market as soon as possible, as the tour buses arrive at 9 am.
Although being part of the khlongs (canals) jammed with boatloads of wheeling and dealing tourists is also an exciting adventure. The market officially opens at 7 am, but many noodle vendors open at 6 am.
2.) Bang Kra Jao Bike Tour
Oh, what a joy it is to escape the chaos of the city by cycling through Bang Kra Jao, a green zone adjacent to busy Bangkok.
We sped through the jungle-like wilderness until arriving at the Emerald Way, a series of pathways elevated two meters above the marshland.
It took some concentration to keep the mountain bike between the handrails…and out of the drink. The rustic homes we rode past were built on stilts to avoid seasonal flooding.
“When I was a boy before these paths were constructed, I swam to my friends’ homes,” said our twenty-something guide.
Follow the unbeaten path through the park which is known as the “green lung” of Bangkok.
3.) Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)
You’ll be happy to learn that Wat Pho or the Temple of the Reclining Buddha is more than a temple.
The complex includes the first public university in Thailand. Its school of Thai medicine is known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. As I explored various pavilions, I was delighted to discover medical illustrations showing pressure points used in traditional massage modalities.
The complex also houses Thailand’s largest collection of Buddha statues, which were brought here by one of the kings after looting ancient relics became a problem in Thailand.
Tip: Be prepared to remove your shoes to view the gold-leaf-covered Reclining Buddha, 151 feet / 46 meters long. Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
4.) Chaopraya River Cruise
Enjoy a Bangkok sunset while sipping French Champagne and cruising the Chao Phraya River. The river, long a trade route, reminded me of the Washington DC National Mall.
National landmarks and royal monuments line each side of the waterway, making for a perfect – and joy-filled – sightseeing expedition.
It’s fun to watch the river cruise boats coming and going from a nearby rooftop bar.
And how easy it is to just sit back and watch as the Thai world goes by. Supanniga Cruise offers a choice of evening champagne cruises with drinks and Thai snacks or an exquisitely prepared six-course dinner of Thai cuisine.
I wondered how they could deliver such fantastically presented dishes from a boat galley. But they did! www.supannigacruise.com
5.) Chatuchak Weekend Market
Expect to be overwhelmed by Chatuchak Weekend Market, AKA JatuJak or JJ Market, for short. Even seasoned international travelers get a little starry-eyed at the immensity of this place.
Fortunately, the 15,000 vendor stalls are divided into 27 sections. And maps are provided to this ‘delight for the inner shopper in all of us.’
Although some sections are open on other days (check the website for details), the whole market is open Sat and Sun 9 am – 6 pm. www.chatuchakmarket.org
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For more about UNSTOPPABLE Stacey’s adventures in Thailand, don’t miss
Bangkok Posh: Three Hotels Worth the Splurge
Two New Dramatic Destination Hotels Bangkok
The Ultimate Guide for Viewing the Thai Royal Barge Processional
Travel writer “UNSTOPPABLE Stacey” Wittig was a guest of Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and China Southern Airlines while researching for this article. And as usual, her opinions are her own. All the information provided is accurate and true to the best of her knowledge, but that there may be omissions, errors or mistakes. Yes, this is the disclaimer. Cheers!
4 thoughts on “5 Joyful Experiences in Bangkok, Thailand You’ll Love”
What an amazing trip! The food pics have me starving now!! I’m looking forward to your next post!!!
Thanks for your kind words, Jeffrey! I’ll get on that next post! Have you been to Thailand?
Joyful, indeed! And what about that amazing food? The travel and the food, are equally tempting.
Thai food is one of my top favorite cuisines! (#2, actually!) Thanks for mentioning the food in Thailand. I’ll have to write a post about the amazing cuisine! What are some of the things you love about Thai food, Phyl?