If you read my first post, you’ll know our Koh Samui week ended with sunshine, a spa I didn’t want to leave, and a very unexpected proposal. What I didn’t mention was that our adventure was only half done. From the island, the nine of us flew on to Bangkok for three nights, and while Koh Samui was all about slowing down, Bangkok was about diving straight back in.
We based ourselves in Sukhumvit, and it proved to be an excellent choice for a group our size. It put us within easy reach of a huge range of bars and restaurants, and it also meant we always had the Skytrain or the Metro close at hand to whisk us across the city without needing to worry about Bangkok’s notorious traffic.
History and Grandeur at the Grand Palace
No first visit to Bangkok is complete without the Grand Palace, and it did not disappoint. The scale of it is genuinely hard to prepare for, with gleaming spires, intricate gold detailing and a level of craftsmanship that has you stopping every few steps for another photo. It’s busy, and it’s worth setting off early to beat the heat and the crowds, but it earns its reputation as one of Bangkok’s must-see sights many times over.
Seeing the City from the Water
One of our favourite ways to experience Bangkok was from the Chao Phraya River. A riverboat trip gives you a completely different perspective on the city, gliding past temples, grand old buildings, and everyday local life along the banks. It’s a wonderfully relaxing way to cover ground, and it gave us a proper sense of how the city has grown up around the water.
Golden Hour, Rooftop Style
Bangkok’s rooftop bars are rightly famous, and we made sure to sample a few during our stay. Watching the sun go down over the skyline with a cocktail in hand is one of those experiences that never gets old, and with nine of us there was always someone keen to head up for another round with a view. So if you only do one thing after dark in Bangkok, make it this.
Iconsiam and the Braver End of the Menu
Iconsiam was a real highlight for shopping and browsing, but it was the food that had us all talking. Alongside the more familiar street food favourites, there’s no escaping the local delicacies, including deep-fried scorpions, which a few of our group members suggested they would try. Me, I stated, “I’m a travel agent, get me out of here!”
Emsphere’s Food Court, a Destination in Itself
Emsphere impressed us with a food court that felt more like a destination than an afterthought. The sheer variety on offer meant everyone in our group, from the pickiest eater to the most adventurous, found something they were genuinely excited to try. For a family our size, that’s no small feat.
Terminal 21, a Shopping Trip Worth Making
Terminal 21 stood out from the moment we arrived. Each floor is themed around a different city, making the shopping trip feel more like an experience than a chore. It’s home to a great range of unique and individual shops, ideal for tracking down something you won’t find back home, and we happily spent a whole afternoon browsing there.
A City That Rewards Every Kind of Traveller
Three nights in Bangkok flew by, but they gave our trip a brilliant final chapter. Where Koh Samui offered us calm, sea and family time, Bangkok gave us energy, history and a real sense of discovery, all within easy reach thanks to our Sukhumvit base and the city’s excellent transport links.
Together, the two halves of this trip made for one of the most memorable family holidays we’ve ever had, and if you’re weighing up an island and city combination for your own Thailand adventure, this is one I’d recommend without hesitation.
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