Bangkok Uncovered: Temples, Tuktuks & Street Food Royalty

Bangkok, the bustling capital of Thailand, is an exotic explosion for the senses. It is a chaotic but beautiful contrast of ancient glittering Buddhist temples sitting right next to hyper-modern mega malls and towering rooftop bars. Here is your ultimate guide to surviving and loving Bangkok! 

1. The Landmarks You Can’t Miss

The Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew: The spectacular historic home of the Thai Kings. The complex features incredible golden spires, mosaic-covered walls, and the highly sacred Emerald Buddha statue.

Wat Arun (The Temple of Dawn): Located right on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, this iconic temple is covered in millions of pieces of colorful Chinese porcelain that catch the light beautifully during sunset.

2. Bangkok Fun Facts

The Longest Name on Earth: The official ceremonial name of Bangkok is actually 168 letters long! It is registered in the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest place name on earth. The full name starts with “Khrungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin…” but locals simply call it Krung Thep (City of Angels).

The Sweetest Temple: The stunning mosaic decorations on many of Bangkok’s ancient temples were actually made using recycled broken pottery and porcelain plates that Chinese merchant ships used as ballast weights in the 1800s!

3. The Food Scene

Street Food Paradise: Bangkok is arguably the street food capital of the world. Head to Yaowarat Road (Chinatown) at night, where the streets transform into a massive outdoor kitchen serving freshly grilled seafood, authentic Pad Thai, and mango sticky rice.

The Michelin Star Stall: Visit Jay Fai, a humble street food stall that has earned a prestigious Michelin star. She is famous worldwide for wearing ski goggles while cooking her legendary, massive crab meat omelets over blazing charcoal fires.

4. Practical Travel Tips

Dress Code for Monks: When visiting any Buddhist temple, you must show respect by covering your shoulders and knees. Remove your shoes before entering the inner temple buildings, and never point your feet directly at a statue of Buddha or a monk, as it is considered highly offensive in Thai culture.

Haggle in Tuktuks: Tuktuks (the three-wheeled motorized open-air taxis) do not have meters. Always negotiate and agree on a firm price with the driver before you step inside, or they will charge you an astronomical price at the end of the ride.