First-Time Thailand in 9 Days – Day 1
My first encounter with South-East Asia was in May, 2014 – though it was not the best time to visit tropical countries like Thailand, but I could not delay anymore – I had to start somewhere; in fact, the weather was not disappointing in real. I planned to visit Bangkok, islands of Gulf of Thailand like Koh Tao and Koh Samui, and also the Andaman Sea islands like Phuket. Bangkok is the right place to start and the first day included visit to the beautiful Wat Pho, taking a traditional massage there, and also visit to Chinatown.
highlights of the day
- Khao San Road accommodation
- Wat Pho
- Thai massage
- Chao Phraya river by boat
- Chinatown
Arrived Thailand – Yayy!
Bangkok is a city full of life with all those nightclubs, bars, shopping areas, restaurants catering every type of cuisine in the world, cruises on Chao Phraya river, beautiful Buddhist monasteries, massage parlors, as well as sleazy areas – a must-visit city of South-East Asia.
I and three more friends took the most economical airline – AirAsia – from Chennai, India to Bangkok, Thailand. Air Asia flights reach Don Mueang International Airport at around 4 AM. After getting visa-on-arrival stamped on our passports that cost 1000 ฿ each plus 100 ฿ for the photo, we were all so excited and looking forward to enjoy the South-East Asian experience.
Way to Hotel
There are many buses and taxis from Don Mueang International Airport. We took bus no. 59 that goes to Khao San Road – the backpacker’s ghetto of Thailand – if you are visiting Thailand for the first time, you must stay here at least for a night. Bus cost around 20 ฿ each.
Be careful, always bargain before getting into a tuk-tuk as the tuk-tuk drivers try to rip off foreigner tourists.
The Hotel at Khao San Road
We had booked KS Guesthouse – the rooms were super small with just the bed fitting inside the room. It also had an attached bathroom, which was small, but very neat and clean. Plus, the hotel has a rooftop restaurant and free Wi-Fi in public areas.
Our First Meal
Thai food is popular worldwide. The first time I had Thai food was a decade ago in International Trade Fair at my hometown – Kolkata, India – it was Tom Yum soup that blew my mind at such an early age.
In Thailand, I was all so excited to relish Thai food and yes, it amazed me right at the first spoon. My first Thai meal had rice with stir fried vegetables and holy basil leaves and the strong flavor of basil activated all my salivary glands. Pad Krapow sai Phak – a must-try when you visit Thailand! A plate at local restaurant costs around 40-50 ฿.
Wat Pho
After taking enough rest, by noon, we were out for exploring Bangkok. Our first destination was Wat Pho – the oldest and largest temple of Bangkok, which houses around 1000 Buddha images and the large and beautiful reclining Buddha. It is just around 3-4 km away from KS Guesthouse and we took a tuk-tuk to reach there. The entrance fee of Wat Pho is 100 ฿.
Do visit the Grand Palace if you have time.
It is situated very close to the Grand Palace – one of the famous landmarks of the city – but due to less time, we skipped the later.
Traditional Thai Massage
Wat Pho also houses the oldest traditional massage school in Thailand. After visiting the temple, an hour of Thai massage in the temple complex is a must. It costs 260 ฿.
Chao Phraya Express Boat
Tha Tien pier is within 500 m walking distance from Wat Pho and the sight of Wat Arun – the Temple of Dawn, famous for its massive prang – across the Chao Phraya River is exhilarating. There are different boat lines (colors), and the Orange line connects to Ratchawong Express Boat Pier, which is within a km distance from Chinatown – our next destination. The boat cost only 8 ฿.
Chinatown – Yaowarat Road
Yaowarat Road, popularly known as Chinatown, is an important landmark for street food lovers.
If you are experimental, try the delicious and most popular yet controversial fruit of South-East Asia – Durian.
Few people love durian for its smell and taste; surprisingly, others hate it for the same reason.
Thai doughnuts, locally called Pa Thong Ko, dipped with chocolate and pandan sauce tasted yummy, but you should definitely have space in your stomach for sticky rice with mango – the mother of all Thai desserts – locally called Khao Niew Ma Muang. Fresh mango chunks with soft sticky rice with coconut milk on it and crunchy moong dal is an electrifying combination – a must try!
Goodnight!
Finally, on the way back to hotel by bus, we crossed Bangkok’s largest cut flower market – Pak Khlong Market.
I am all excited to visit the Floating Market on the way to Kanchanaburi tomorrow – follow my next post for that.
NET EXPENSE FOR 1 PERSON (IN THB)
Let us have a look at the expenses of Day 1 in Thailand –Â Bangkok.
- Visa and photo: 1100
- Hotel in Bangkok for twin sharing (2 nights): 1500
- Food:Â 200
- Entance fee of Wat Pho: 100
- Getting around: 100
- Miscellaneous: 250
Total expense (roughly):Â 3250 THB
For an overall idea of itinerary and expense of the trip, whether for solo or couple or group of any number of people, feel free to contact me on Contact Us page. You can also have a look at First-Time Thailand in 9 Days – Itinerary and Expenses.
If you are planning for a much-organized, tastefully-curated, stress-free yet exciting vacation, consider booking your holidays at Travel Love Repeat. It is going to be a treat for sure!
Hah, I am such a lover of Asian food. At any time I read something about places in Asia, I cannot concetrate on the architecture, but when food comes in, I stop and tell myself: I need to go there.
Hahahha yes Thai food is one of my favorites. Come to Bangkok soon!
I would love to try the street food there. One thing that I am sure I will not try is Durian 🙂 reminds me of Jackfruit from back home in India. Did you try it?
I tried it then, didn’t like much. Now I have developed a liking. I live here now.
Love the photographs. Looks like you had a lot of fun. I guess this was a package tour since you spent 9 days there? I will check out their website.
Travel Love Repeat has best tours!
This brings back great memories of my time in Bangkok! Isn’t Wat Pho amazing?? I really miss all the amazing food too.
Oh I love Wat Pho and the massage inside.
I cannot stand the smell of durian either! Wat Pho was amazing, I absolutely loved the architecture of that temple. Also, the massive reclining Buddha, and the many other Buddha statues in the vicinity. Chinatown is also one of my favourite places to visit in Thailand and don’t get me started on Thai food!! I could survive on it day and night.
Yes, I love Thai food too Medha, if we cross our paths someday, let’s feast on Thai food!
The food looks amazing! I would love to try it! And I’m also in love with that architecture! 🙂
The architecture is mind-blowing, one of the reasons I love to visit Wats here.
How cute do you all look with your passports 🙂 It looks like you had a fantastic trip! I haven’t been to Thailand yet, but I would like to go one day 🙂 x
Oh you must, it’s a wonderful country with excellent beauty both in and out.
Wat Pho is one of my favourite places in Bangkok. I love your photos too, and it makes me want to go back!
Come back Lisa. We would hang out in Bangkok!
I love Bangkok – it is so vibrant, busy and full of fun. Thai food is my favourite and ohhh mango and sticky rice is just heaven. Our highlights when visiting Bangkok is visiting many of the Wats. Each one as beautiful as the next! Thanks for the tips.
I swear, mango and sticky rice is awesome.
I want to visit Wat Pho and try the relaxing Thai massage. I think it’s very exciting. I have been to BKK before last 2011. I think I want to go back again soon.
Oh yes, you must come.
This brings back fond memories of my travels to Bangkok all those years ago. You’re so right about the tuk tuk ripping off foreigners, and I loved seeing Wat Pho, it’s incredible. Sticky rice and mango is delicious too!
Love the food.
For a first visit to Bangkok, there’s nothing better than getting a massage, eating a tasty Thai meal and exploring the river in Bangkok. Wat Pho is a great place to start and should not be missed.
Totally, couldn’t agree to it more.
Your post is really making me miss my time in Bangkok. I loved everything about the city. I just wish we had stayed along the river. We had seen Wat Arun but never actually got to visit but saw it many time from across the river. I guess I will have to return to BKK soon. Especially for those massages and China Town food.
I swear, it is cool.
Bangkok is just like I imagined it to be! Seeped in thai culture and history! I didn’t know that Wat Pho has the oldest traditional massage school of Thailand. And sticky rice with mango is such an interesting dessert 😀
Oh yes, it is.
As usual a very vivid and detailed posts. You pictures show how much you guys enjoyed the trip. Oh I can’t wait for the traditional thai massage. Great travel guide for Wat pho.
Glad you liked it.
I have been to Bangkok during my transit from Melbourne to India and stayed for 2 days. Though I could not see all the places but I visited all famous attractions which are mentioned in the post like Reclining Buddha, Wat Pho and the lovely architecture of Prang. China town is really worth going to enjoy the flavors of street food. Thanks for sharing all tips.
Welcome, hope this is helpful.
Your post is bringing me some really nice memories from Bangkok! It was the first city I visited as a solo traveler. I’m glad to hear you stayed whole 9 days; the city has a lot to offer!
True, there are so many things to do here.