Bangkok: The First Time Travelers' Country 101

From the point of view of a Filipino, Bangkok, Thailand feels like Manila with a twist. The common themes that Bangkok and Manila share are the tropical climate being humid, the streets being bustled by public and private utility vehicles and motorcycles, and the transportation, malls, and markets being vivaciously huddled by people. Bangkok and Manila being the capital cities of their respective countries serve as its political, economic, cultural, and transportation hubs. Considering this, crowding is already given as their common factor.

For a young Filipino female and a first-time solo (abroad) traveler, Bangkok is your country 101. Your first visit to it will cover the basics of traveling abroad such as having first-hand experience with the Immigration and Security process in the airports, having familiarity with the basic travel requirements to avoid offloading or deportation, testing your adaptability to and resourcefulness in a new environment, and learning how to enjoy your travel alone and away from home. We are not going to delve into the details of what to prepare and expect for first-time travelers abroad as the topic deserves its own separate article.

Rather, further to this article you will find the tourist attractions of Bangkok arranged in a suggested route for convenient navigation:

1) Or Tor Kor Market

It is located in the Chatuchak District, near the famous Chatuchak Weekend Market. Or Tor Kor Market is known for its high-quality produce, meats, seafood, and a wide variety of local and imported foods. A must-try is eating from one of their food stalls as I guarantee that what they serve is fresh daily. The ingredients they use are the ones that can be found in the market itself so, the freshness of food is guaranteed.

There are a lot of dishes to choose from which can be overwhelming to the senses. If you are unsure what dish to start with, I suggest getting a pad thai from this food stall below as it is the freshest that I have had compared to others that I tried outside Or Tor Kor.

Pad Thai for 70 BHT

2) Bang Sue Junction Mall

It is located just between the Or Tor Kor Market and Chatuchak Market. Bang Sue Junction Mall is an airconditioned mall housing antique shops, clothing shops, novelty product shops, and food stalls. Due to its strategic location, it is a good stopover for bathroom breaks and for cooling down after wandering and shopping during a hot day in the open markets of Or Tor Kor and Chatuchak. 

3) Chatuchak Market

Located beside the Bang Sue Junction Mall is the Chatuchak Market. Covering over 35 acres and featuring more than 8,000 stalls and vendors, it's a place where you can experience the vibrant and diverse culture of Bangkok. The market is massive and divided into various sections, each dedicated to specific types of products. There are sections for clothing, antiques, home decor, pets, plants, and much more. It's a good idea to get a map at the entrance or on your smartphone to help navigate the market.

Clock Tower of Chatuchak market

4) Food Court of MBK Center

One of the most captivating aspects of the MBK food court is its culinary diversity. From the beloved street food classics like pad Thai, satay skewers, and green curry to international delights like sushi, dim sum, and pizza, there's something for every palate. The food court provides a unique opportunity to sample the best of Thai cuisine and explore global flavors, all under one roof.

Facade of MBK Centre

5) Siam Square

Once you have reached the siam square, the shopping possibilities seem endless. The malls are interconnected to each other which makes it convenient for mall hopping. The malls you can find are Siam Center, Siam Paragon, Siam Discovery, Siam Square One, MBK Center, Central World, Big C, and Platinum Fashion Mall. On assumption, each mall may seem the same but actually, each is worth the visit as you will find that they have their own niche. There are a lot of shops that are unique in each mall.

Facade of Siam Paragon

6) Bangkok Arts and Culture Center (BACC)

BACC is a six-story masterpiece dedicated to the exploration of all art forms. It's not just a place to admire paintings or sculptures; it's a multi-disciplinary space that celebrates contemporary art, design, music, theater, film, and more. The center is a testament to Bangkok's commitment to nurturing creativity and artistic expression.

7) Chao Phraya River Boat Tour

A Chao Phraya River boat tour offers a unique vantage point to appreciate the city's landmarks, both ancient and modern. You'll cruise past iconic temples like Wat Arun and Wat Pho, as well as modern structures like the State Tower with its glistening rooftop dome. The riverbanks are adorned with glittering hotels, restaurants, and traditional wooden houses, creating a picturesque mosaic of Bangkok's past and present.

The tour has a hop-off and hop-on ticket for one day so, you will be able to enjoy and experience the iconic temples themselves.

Wat Arun

The above tourist attractions cover the basics of 3-5 days tour in Bangkok. The itinerary is very easy to follow which first-time travelers will definitely enjoy.