By Chloe Loh
Whenever you think of Bangkok, surely numerous places comes to mind. However, if you want to focus on a markets, food and shopping trip, then check out these fun five Bangkok experiences.
1. Chatuchak Weekend Market
Yes, it's the renown Chatuchak Market that you should definitely add to your travel list! As the name suggests, Chatuchak Weekend Market only opens on weekends from 9am to 6pm. To all shopaholics, this is your shopping paradise where you can shop till you drop. There are over 8000 stalls in a market with numerous sections selling a variation of items from fashion statements to home decorative to pet necessities. Bargaining is definitely a must here! Mango sticky rice, coconut ice cream, traditional Thai ice milk tea are just some of the many traditional local dishes that you must try here. Enjoy the authentic flavours that would sure leave you craving for more.
2. Asiatique Night Market
Getting here is undeniably very convenient! Take the Bangkok Transit System (BTS) to Saphan Taksin and change to a ferry (which is free of charge) and you're there already. Asiatique the Riverfront is an air conditioned night market. Live band performances, vast options for dining, a ferris wheel ride can all be experienced and found here. Similar to Chatuchak Weekend Market, Asiatique also sells very affordable items which can be bargained to even more reasonable prices! For all those who love mangoes, I'm sure this would appeal to you. Visit Mango Tango where they sell a huge variation of mango based desserts such as mango pancakes, mango milk, mango tarts, ice cream and more!
3. Cafe Hopping
Done cafe hopping in Singapore? How about cafe hopping in Bangkok? Plus point about cafe hopping here is that the cafes are situated in the same mall so it makes your cafe hopping journey so much easier! Here are some cafes which are situated in Central World. After You cafe, a very popular cafe for their mouthwatering desserts! Once you've visited this cafe, you will understand the craze and hype about it. Shibuya Honey Toast is a must try here! Doesn't sound appealing to you? Give it shot - it's simply amazing; warm on the outside and chewy on the inside, good texture and full of flavour! Mr Jones Orphanage, which one may mistaken for a teddy bear themed cafe, has a very cozy home-like ambiance. Of course it has great cakes too! For those with a sweet tooth, this place would be ideal for you.
Another recommended cafe is the Farm Design Cafe. A really lovely cafe which sells lip smacking desserts. When you're there, do try out their Red Velvet cake or cheesecake!
4. Shopping
You mustn't forget this when your're here! Bangkok is anyone's shopping paradise, you name it, they have it! Be prepared to shop till you drop and lug heavy shopping bags back to your hotel. Some very popular tourists shopping malls include Platinum Mall, Siam Square, Central World, Terminal 21, Ma Boon Khrong mall and many more. Platinum Mall has Platinum Mall 1, 2 and 3! There are many roadside stalls outside platinum mall too which sells very affordable items. Do not forget to bargain for your items!
5. Zoo (not a market nor a cafe, but friendly fun you can't miss!)
Do not forget to visit the zoo when you're here, you would be astonished by what the elephants can do here! They have magic performances, crocodile shows, monkeys, elephant shows and much more! Elephants here are trained to perform such as learning to play soccer, dancing and writing! It is very impressive how the trainers could actually teach these elephants to do so much more than expected! Definitely beyond anyone's imagination. Feeding of the elephants and riding on them are also available experiences here.
For more exciting activities in Bangkok, check out our recommendations for things to do in this vivid city. Have fun and make your most out of your stay here!