Introduction
We finally arrived in Thailand after an exhausting 35-hour journey, followed by an additional wait before we could check into our accommodation in Bangkok.
Our route took us from Warsaw, through Athens and Singapore, before we finally landed in Bangkok at around 7:00 a.m. local time on Saturday.
During the trip, I spent my time reading The Tower of the Swallow by Andrzej Sapkowski, waiting for connecting flights, and trying to sleep in all sorts of uncomfortable positions. Needless to say, by the time we arrived, I was completely worn out.
Because of that, it’s been difficult to fully enjoy everything Bangkok has to offer – despite the city being packed with incredible attractions. The biggest downside for me so far has been the noise.
The main roads are constantly busy, the metro runs alongside heavy traffic, and the streets never really go quiet. Cars, motorcycles, and buses keep moving all night long, making it surprisingly difficult to relax or concentrate. Every trip into the city can feel a little overwhelming when you’re already running on very little sleep.
Preparing for the Trip – My Checklist
Before leaving for Thailand, I made sure to take care of the following:
- Recommended vaccinations:
- Hepatitis B
- Rabies
- Tetanus
- Planned the itinerary and booked accommodation
- Obtained an International Driving Permit
- Purchased travel insurance
- Checked that my passport was still valid
My Favorite Spots in Bangkok
Take a break in Chatuchak Park
Chatuchak Park is a huge green space located close to Ha Yaek Lat Phrao MRT Station and Saphan Khwai BTS Station.
It’s the perfect place to escape the noise of the city for a while. You can relax, clear your mind, admire tropical plants, watch birds, and spot countless lizards roaming freely around the park. If you’re into fitness, you’ll also notice plenty of locals exercising outdoors throughout the day.
I actually spent my first three days in Bangkok here. At one point, I even took naps under the trees, and nobody seemed to mind at all. 🙂
Photo gallery
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You’ll often see water monitor lizards near the lakes and ponds. They’re generally harmless if left alone, but it’s still a good idea to keep your distance.
Riding a Tuk-Tuk in Bangkok
There’s probably not much that needs to be said about riding a tuk-tuk—it’s one of Bangkok’s classic experiences. For me, it was my very first ride, and our driver wasted absolutely no time getting up to speed!
One tip: always negotiate the price before getting in.
Capturing Bangkok – Photography & Video
Bangkok is an incredibly photogenic city.
Whether you’re into photography, filmmaking, or creating travel videos, you’ll never run out of interesting places to shoot. Everywhere I look, I find another building, street, or skyline worth capturing. Honestly, I often catch myself wondering what I should film next.
Photo gallery
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Personally, I’ve become a huge fan of shooting timelapse videos here. Below you’ll find a few simple examples – the first two were filmed with a GoPro, while the rest were recorded on my phone.
Visit Chatuchak Weekend Market
Every weekend, at the northern end of Chatuchak Park near Mo Chit Station, you’ll find one of the largest markets in Bangkok.
You can buy just about anything here -from clothes, perfumes, and handmade decorations to souvenirs and even exotic animals.
I have to admit, I was seriously tempted to take home a little monkey or a parrot. Unfortunately, I doubt either of them would have made it through customs, so I settled for some new clothes and, of course, plenty of delicious food instead.
Below are a few photos and video clips from this amazing place.
Photo gallery
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Personal Muay Thai Training at Banchamek Gym (Bangkok)
If you’re a Muay Thai fan, there’s no need to explain who Buakaw Banchamek is. He’s one of the greatest legends of the sport, and Bangkok is home to one of his official gyms.
Although the prices are definitely on the expensive side compared to other gyms in Thailand, visiting Banchamek Gym was something I simply had to do. As a longtime fan of Buakaw, it was a special experience.
Getting There
Reaching the gym is easy.
Take the BTS Skytrain to Saphan Khwai Station, then enjoy about a 20-minute walk. The gym is located not far from Chatuchak Park.
Sample Prices at Banchamek Gym
- Buakaw Muay Thai shorts (official, with sponsor logos) – 2,500 THB
- Private training session (2 hours) – 1,200 THB
Banchamek Gym Gallery
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Video from Banchamek Gym
Here’s a short video I recorded during my visit to Banchamek Gym in Bangkok.
Returning to Bangkok
Cube Hostel Silom – Right Next to Lumphini Park
During my trip, I returned to Bangkok twice – once after visiting Laos, and again after coming back from Koh Chang.
Both times I stayed at Cube Hostel Silom, located just a short walk from Lumphini Park, which I can honestly recommend just as much as Chatuchak Park. In my opinion, Cube Hostel Silom is one of the best hostels I’ve ever stayed in. Maybe it was because of the amazing people I met there, maybe because of the atmosphere, or maybe both -but I genuinely enjoyed every moment of my stay.
The hostel offers:
- comfortable air-conditioned beds,
- a quiet reading and working area,
- a pleasant outdoor space where you can relax after exploring the city.
It quickly became my favorite place to stay in Bangkok.
Photo gallery
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Chinese New Year in Bangkok (2026)
During one of my visits, I was lucky enough to experience Chinese New Year in Bangkok’s Chinatown. The streets were packed with people, beautifully decorated with thousands of red lanterns, and filled with music, dragon dances, and spectacular performances.
It was one of the most memorable events of my entire trip. I also put together a short video from the celebration – hope you enjoy it!
Typical Prices in Bangkok
From what I’ve seen, prices in Bangkok vary depending on the neighborhood. That said, no matter where I’ve been so far, it’s always been easy to find affordable food and reasonably priced services.
Here are a few examples:
- Unlimited one-day pass for the Green Line (BTS Skytrain): 150 THB (around €4 / $4.50)
- One-hour Thai oil massage: 350 THB (around €9 / $10)
- Hot Pot buffet (meat, eggs, seafood, and more): 130 THB (around €3.50)
- Large portion of fried rice with egg and vegetables: 60 THB (around €1.60)
Street food is almost always cheaper than eating at restaurants, and in my opinion, it’s one of the best ways to experience authentic Thai cuisine. Of course, not everyone feels comfortable eating from street stalls, so it’s all a matter of personal preference.
Travel Tips
After spending several days in Bangkok, here are a few tips that might make your trip easier:
- Google Lens is incredibly useful. Most signs, menus, and product labels are written only in Thai. At one point I almost bought a cream for bloating because I thought it was hydrogen peroxide. 😅
- Don’t be surprised if you come across giant water monitor lizards in Bangkok’s parks. They’re much bigger than I expected! They usually ignore people, but I have to admit – they still make me a little nervous.
- Download the Grab app before your trip. It’s Southeast Asia’s equivalent of Uber and Bolt, making it easy to book rides at fair prices without having to negotiate.
Interactive Map of Bangkok
I’ve also prepared an interactive map featuring many of the places I visited during my stay. Use the filters to display different categories of attractions, and hover over each pin to see a preview image and additional information.
I hope it helps you plan your own trip around Bangkok!
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Click a pin for a preview, then read the full article.