Explore Bangkok: Temples, Food, and Water Taxis

Not long ago we spent two days in Bangkok as part of a month traveling around the South China Sea and those two days were the highlight of the trip. Visiting Bangkok is an exciting experience. The culture is rich and peaceful, the people friendly and the food is plentiful and diverse and there are many things to see and do.

Traveling into Bangkok is interesting experience as you realize how modern the country is. There are factories and businesses along the highways and rest stops stretch great distances provide a large number of restaurants and coffee shops including a lot of American offerings.

Once into the city, there are numerous temples and markets to visit along with museums and other historical properties. Thailand’s principle religion is Buddhism so visiting a temple or two is a must. Keep in mind that there are specific dress codes (i.e. no bare shoulders or short pants and you usually will be required to remove your shoes). Some temples do not allow photos. As you consult a map you’ll quickly realize that the word for temple in Thai is Wat.

The Emerald Buddha (actually made of jade) is probably the most famous and can be found on the grounds of the Grand Palace (established in 1782). The palace grounds are huge and include a number of temples, palaces, meeting halls and magnificent statuary, art and exhibits. There is a small admittance fees and you can claim a beautiful brochure with a map once you pay. The Grand Palace closes from time to time for events and ceremonies so this can at times affect your visit.

Within a short walk of the Grand Palace is Wat Pho which is home to the Reclining Buddha (covered in gold and 46 meters in length), several other Buddhas and a variety of stone figures. Another famous temple in the area (not walking distance) is Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) on the Chao Phraya River. It can be enjoyed on its’ own or as part of a river/canal tour.

Bangkok is an amazing culinary experience, offering a diverse array of dishes that reflect its rich cultural heritage. Some must-try foods include the iconic Pad Thai, a stir-fried noodle dish that has become synonymous with Thai cuisine, and Som Tam, a refreshing papaya salad known for its spicy and tangy flavors. Another popular dish is Khao Soi, a creamy coconut curry noodle soup that originates from Northern Thailand.

While in Bangkok be sure to sample some “street” food, which is everywhere. Mostly what we sampled were coconut and fresh fruits with one highlight being fresh strawberries dusted with salt, sugar and chili powder. Freshly opened coconuts for coconut water are also everywhere. Other foods included grilled chicken, fried bananas and pineapple.

Bangkok offers two main types of water transportation: the Chao Phraya Express Boat and the Khlong Saen Saep boat service (also known as water taxis). The Chao Phraya Express Boat operates along the Chao Phraya River, while the Khlong Saen Saep boat service navigates the city’s canals. Both offer an affordable and efficient way to get around, bypassing Bangkok’s notorious traffic.

For water taxi tours in Bangkok, consider the following options:

Chao Phraya River Express

This is the most popular water taxi service in Bangkok. It operates on the Chao Phraya River and connects major attractions like the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Khao San Road. It offers affordable and frequent service. Look for the orange flag boats for the express service.

Bangkok Water Taxi

A more private option where you can hire a long-tail boat for a customized tour. Offering tailored routes based on your interests. Explore the canals (khlongs) for a glimpse of local life. Always negotiate the price and duration before starting your journey.

Tourist Boat Service

Operated by the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat Company, this service offers a hop-on, hop-off experience.

Our recommendation on where to stay is the Centre Point Hotel Chidlom in the Central District. The hotel was very nice and not too expensive. It was just a few blocks from Bangkok’s major department store, Central Chidlom and a number of nice restaurants.

There are a number of floating markets in Thailand where products are displayed in boats and around the canals and you can purchase food items that have been cooked on the boats. It’s common hire a long boat and the operator will row you around the canals to shop. Bartering is a must and payment in local currency (baht) is expected.

Guided Tours – if you are in Bangkok for several days or maybe just overnight, a good option would be to hire a private travel company like Travel Hub as they have good itineraries and will pick you up and, drop you at a hotel and pick you up the following morning for more touring. There are fixed itineraries with a little flexibility and each group includes a guide and driver; the smaller the group, the more personal the tour. Pricing depends on the number of people in the group.

A couple of important notes about visiting Thailand: The people love and respect their king and do not tolerate disrespect. Most Thai homes include photographs or art depicting the king and his family. One story recounts an incident where someone dropped Thai currency and stepped on it to keep it from blowing away. The act was considered an insult to the king because his picture is on all currency. Another note regards the Buddha. Thailand is a Buddhist country and disrespect towards the Buddha is not permitted under Thai law. There are billboards and posters all over the country pointing this out.