Here’s how experts recommend exploring Thailand’s capital.
Andre Malerba/Travel + Leisure
I have a love-hate relationship withBangkok.
Its also what attracts upward of 20 million annual tourists, many of whom are repeat visitors.
Exterior of Emerald Buddha Temple.Credit:Andre Malerba/Travel + Leisure
Indeed, this is not a one-and-done destination.
Even its residents discover new things every day.
I also picked the brain of Audley TravelsJack Tydeman, aTravel + LeisureA-List advisor specializing in Southeast Asia.
The Skywalk in Benjakitti Park.Lauren DeCicca/Travel + Leisure
Hes been to Bangkok so many times, he may as well be paying rent there, too.
(Number 21 is to get on your hotels Wi-Fi and book a return trip.)
Top 3 Can’t Miss
Stroll along the skywalk in Benjakitti Park.
Night flower market in Bangkok.Lauren DeCicca/Travel + Leisure
Lauren DeCicca/Travel + Leisure
Bangkoks first public parkLumpiniis its most popular.
But Campbells go-to green space in the city is 102-acre Benjakitti Park.
Its less crowded and offers more shade than Lumpini, she says.
A rooftop bar in downtown Bangkok.Andre Malerba/Travel + Leisure
Shop for flowers at Pak Khlong Talat.
Regardless of its roots, visiting Pak Khlong Talat is a Bangkok must.
In fact, Campbell says her week isnt complete without picking up some beautiful Thai orchids or roses.
Pouring a Thai Coffee.evrim ertik/Getty Images
She usually pays about $3 for a dozen.
Enjoy the rooftop bars.
According to theMichelin Guide, No city on the planet does rooftop bars like Bangkok.
Exterior of Jim Thompson House.Andre Malerba/Travel + Leisure
Plus, theres no better way to see the sunset.
Just keep in mind youll pay a premium for your drinks since they come with a view.
Try Thai coffee.
A traditional Thai foot massage.Lauren DeCicca/Travel + Leisure
evrim ertik/Getty Images
Many travelers, like me, cant get enough of Thailands fresh smoothies.
However, most locals start their day with Thai coffee.
In terms of flavor, count on notes of cardamom.
Wat Arun lit up at twilight.Pakin Songmor/Getty Images
Visit the Jim Thompson House Museum.
The late James H.W.
Thompson earned the nickname Thai Silk King for putting this luxurious, handwoven fabricsourced from silkwormson the global map.
People walking through Chatuchak Market.Lauren DeCicca/Travel + Leisure
If time allows, Campbell recommends popping into theJim Thompson Art Centernext door.
Its exhibitions rotate and highlight a variety of media.
Treat yourself to a foot massage.
Street food in Bangkok.Andre Malerba/Travel + Leisure
The first time I visited Bangkok, I logged 26,000 steps in one day.
Fortunately, its practically impossible to walk a block without seeing a place that offers foot massages.
Even better, they only cost around $9 per hour.
A cyclist in Bangkok.Andre Malerba/Travel + Leisure
Plus, unlike regular foot massages, these incorporate a lot of stretching and reflexology.
Its relaxing and promotes circulation, which is great after a long-haul flight.
See the “Temple of Dawn” at sunset.
People shopping at Maeklong Railway Market.Wang Teng/Xinhua via Getty Images
Most people climb the steep steps if theyre open to reach the top.
Wander down a side alley at Chatuchak Weekend Market.
Chatuchak Weekend Market attracts up to 200,000 people every weekend, and for good reason.
A longtail boat navegating the klongs of Bangkok.Andre Malerba/Travel + Leisure
With 15,000 stalls, it truly has something for everyone.
Bangkok is synonymous with street food.
Bike around Bang Krachao, Bangkoks Green Lung.
Ruins of Ayutthaya, Thailand.Lauren DeCicca/Travel + Leisure
But in the past, it was home to Mon refugees from Myanmar.
At about 6.2 square miles, Bang Krachao is too big to explore on foot.
Instead, rent a scooter or book a guided bike tour.
Emerald Buddha statue in Bangkok.Andre Malerba/Travel + Leisure
Get epic pics at Maeklong Railway Market.
Why would a market be built on top of railroad tracks?
But the market is real, and its not as risky as I imagined.
Reclining Buddha statue in Bangkok.Monica Farber/Travel + Leisure
If you want to witness the action, time your visit with a trains arrival or departure.
Board a longtail boat and cruise the canals.
There was a time when Bangkok was marketed as the Venice of the East.
Finished dishes on display in a Thai cooking class.iStockphoto/Getty Images
Despite being designed for trade, the khlongs are primarily used for the modern tourism industry.
Travel back in time in Ayutthaya.
Ayutthaya is Thailands answer to Machu Picchu.
Bangkok’s floating market.paul cowell photography/Getty Images
Today, its mostly ruins; the 714 acres were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.
Marvel at the Emerald Buddha.
In Buddhism, few statues are as sacred as the Emerald Buddha.
A large crowd at the Songkran Festival in Bangkok.Lauren DeCicca/Travel + Leisure
Despite its name, its actually made of jasper.
Youll find it at Bangkoks Grand Palacea destination in itselfbut it was originally discovered inChiang Rai in northern Thailand.
Hes the only person allowed to touch the sacred statue; you cant even take photos of it.
Interior of Siam Paragon in Bangkok.Andre Malerba/Travel + Leisure
Buy good luck at the Reclining Buddha.
Otherwise, you trigger the risk of encountering large crowds and unpleasant temperatures.
Take a cooking class.
Busy night on Khao San Road.Alexander Spatari/Getty Images
iStockphoto/Getty Images
Cooking classes are going on at all times across Bangkokmorning, noon, and night.
Then, its time to whip up curry paste alongside other amateur chefs.
Book a cooking class on the first day of your trip if you want to meet new friends.
Shop for souvenirs at a floating market.
A closer and less crowded alternative isAmphawa Floating Market, which feels more authentic.
Your guide will also likely know which boats have the best products and prices.
Celebrate a festival.
I attempt to visit Thailand between October and April whenmy favorite festivals take place.
In February, Chinatowns streets are blocked off for huge parades of dancing dragons to celebrate Chinese New Year.
Billed as the worlds largest water fight, the Songkran festival in April celebrates the Thai new year.
Savor the air conditioning at Siam Paragon.
Embrace your inner backpacker on Khao San Road.
Here, youll find no shortage of fellow travelers to party with at packed bars offering nightly entertainment.
Even if youre an introvert like me, youll have a ridiculously fun time.
That said, you may pay for it the next day.
