The Land of 1,000 Smiles

Thailand is one of my all-time favorite countries. I've been around 11 times to various parts, but with Bangkok being a 2.5 hour flight from Singapore and around $150 usd, it was the perfect weekend getaway. I went atleast 5 times between 2013-2015.

The first time I went with friends, and we did all the first-time touristy stuff: the Grand Palace, Wat Po, Floating Market, and Khoa San Road. I'm not going to spend much time on these because there are a million other blogs and guides that tell you. BUT I will share some pictures and share that these are a MUST DO if it's your first time to Bangkok! The Grand Palace is beautiful, with more gold than you can imagine. It's down by the river near Wat Po and many other temples and popular sites. Spend an afternoon walking around this area - It's so culturally interesting! Check out a few pics from the Grand Palace:

So elaborately decorated

The Floating Market was really cool. I recall it being more expensive than other local markets, but really fun. I remember buying a plate with me and my friends face on it for just a couple bucks and having the best coconut ice cream! So good! Khoa San Road is a typical party strip, with plenty of cheap drink buckets, lady boys, and clubs to make you forget all of your worries and then some. You can also try exotic street food here (if you're brave enough!). We tried barbecue flavored bugs and these scorpions! It actually wasn't that bad!

Once you get the touristy stuff out of the way, explore some of the local areas and find your own pleasures.

We always stay in the area of Asok. It’s a good mix of tourists and locals and has a very good metro station (the subway in Bangkok is fantastic btw!) that connects to everything. There's also a big popular mall called Terminal 21 here. 

The basics for my relaxing, cheap, and delicious (and fancy but frugal) weekend getaway are:

Flights- If you're based in Asia, take a budget airline (Tiger Air, Air Asia, or Jet Star). Because Bangkok is a huge Asian hub, you can find great deals internationally too!

Hotel- Red Planet Hotel (it used to be called Tune Hotel) is pretty basic but perfectly located. It's literally like $30 USD a night (back then anyway), really clean, and has the most comfortable beds I've ever slept in. It's a walkable and safe area---  I LOVE staying here. Check out the link here!

Massage- Thailand is famous for their massages. You can generally get them for around $5 USD (for 1 hour). I've never had any issues or sketchy stories that you hear, but use your judgment when picking a parlor. Look for clean, open, busy places (if lots of other people are there, it is probably a decent place). If you want to "splurge" (meaning $30 USD/hour), go to the “Let’s Relax” spa at the Terminal 21 Mall in Asok. It’s a luxury spa where they wash your feet and give you silk robes, tea, and mango sticky rice. It is an amazing experience and still way cheaper than US massages. Try to make a reservation because they're very popular. I always make a stop here (link here)!

Food- Food you must try here: pad thai, green curry, mango sticky rice, coconut ice cream, and Thai iced tea for starters. EVERYTHING IS TO DIE FOR. I want to go back just for the food (hubby, you down?)! I'll name drop one restaurant near Asok called Cabbages & Condoms (link here). There's a crazy and meaningful explanation for their name— This restaurant was opened to promote health education and better sexual health to fight against the HIV and prostitution epidemics Thailand faces. They give out condoms, have educational pamphlets, and use condoms for decorations, which makes for a very entertaining dinner! The food was good, but the experience is very inspiring. I admire their efforts to try to make Thailand healthier and safer.

This entire dress is made of condoms

Shopping- On the weekends, make sure to hit up Chatuchak Market (called JJ's market by the locals). It’s the biggest and most famous market in town. It has everything you could think of, and at crazy cheap prices (think $6 for a shirt or shoes and a couple bucks for a delicious authentic food). Haggling is part of the fun, so don't be shy Some people would rather skip such a big, touristy place, but I don't care if it's a tourist trap---- it's worth it and always blast! Be sure to grab a map though; it's easy to get lost in there! 

Standing in the middle of JJ Market, wearing shoes, shirt, and bag that I bought!

Rooftop Bars- Bangkok is a huge city with amazing views. It's the cherry on top of an already awesome trip. I have two suggestions for a sunset happy hour: Long Table Bar and the rooftop bar of the Sofitel. They’re both beautiful!

Me and hubs at the Sofitel rooftop bar. Breathtaking views!

I've been to several other beach areas of Thailand (Pattaya, Hua Hin, Phuket and Krabi) that I'll post about later, but ***be sure to add atleast one of them to your Thailand trip; you'll see a totally different side of the Thai culture. It's cheap to travel around Thailand once you get there, so take advantage and HAVE FUN!

This is more than enough to get you through a few days in Bangkok without breaking the bank! It's a fun city that has something for everyone. I’m lucky to have been so often. In fact, I loved it so much that before I met my husband, I seriously considered moving there to work in a local hospital or teach at a university. Maybe one day!!! #careergoals 

Thailand is nothing short of amazing. It's not called the Land of 1,000 Smiles for nothin'!

Xoxo