Welcome to Bangkok - a city where tradition meets modernity in the most captivating ways! From the bustling markets to the tranquil temples, each experience revealed the vibrant culture and exquisite flavors that defined this remarkable place. We wandered through lively streets, tasted authentic local cuisine, and was continually embraced by the warm, welcoming spirit that Thailand is so famous for.
Wat Chaiwatthanaram in Ayutthaya
DAY 1 - Jim Thompson House & Evening Bangkok Street Eats | DAY 2 - Silom Thai Cooking School & Wonderful Pearl Cruise | DAY 3 - Ayutthaya Ancient Capital |
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I've pinned our itinerary on Google Maps!
DAY 1 - Jim Thompson House & Evening Bangkok Street Eats
Our Bangkok adventure kicked off with an early morning arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport, setting us up for a day full of excitement and indulgence. We quickly settled into the Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai, our cozy retreat where the exceptional service, friendly staff, and immaculate surroundings made us feel right at home. We took full advantage of the hotel's fantastic amenities, particularly the pool, which was a true lifesaver in the sweltering 90-degree Fahrenheit (32-degree Celsius) heat. And every morning at 6:30, like clockwork, we were in the executive lounge - because nothing screams "vacation" like showing up early enough to not only beat the coffee machine but also to outsmart everyone else at the breakfast buffet!
After a hearty breakfast, our cultural journey kicked off at the Jim Thompson House. In the heart of Bangkok, Jim Thompson’s house stands as a testament to a remarkable life. An American architect turned silk visionary, Thompson arrived in Thailand after World War II and fell in love with its vibrant culture and rich traditions. He discovered the beauty of Thai silk and saw its potential on the global stage.
Thompson collected six traditional Thai houses, relocating them to create his dream home, where intricate wooden structures intertwined with lush gardens. He transformed the Thai silk industry, reviving it and bringing it to international fame.
Thompson mysteriously disappeared in 1967 during a trip to Malaysia, leaving behind a legacy of revitalizing the Thai silk industry. Today, his home is a museum, where visitors wander through rooms filled with art, artifacts, and the vibrant fabrics he cherished.
On our first evening, we opted for the iconic Tuk Tuk ride. Our first destination was Chinatown, known locally as Yaowarat Road. At night, it transforms into one of the world’s largest street markets, bustling with exotic fruits, fresh seafood, and unique delicacies.
Our guide, Ms. Nuch from Travel Authentic Asia, took us to a cozy hole-in-the-wall restaurant that has held a Michelin Bib Gourmand since 2018. While not a Michelin star, it’s celebrated for being a friendly spot that serves delicious food at reasonable prices. We sampled the Kway Chap Nai Lek Uan, a dish featuring large rice noodle rolls (guay jab) paired with crispy pork in a spicy, peppery broth.
Then, we visited a local bar on the rooftop of the River View Residence in the Samphanthawong District. Although we missed the sunset, the view of the Chao Phraya River was still breathtaking.
As we made our way back to the hotel, we passed around Rattanakosin Island, catching glimpses and illuminated beauty of Wat Ratchanatdaram, famous for its Loha Prasat or "Metal Castle" covered with gold leaf, as well as the Grand Palace, the official residence of the Kings of Siam since 1782 (and later Thailand).
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DAY 2 - Silom Thai Cooking School & Wonderful Pearl Cruise
We booked a class through Viator and had a fantastic time at Silom Thai Cooking School! We spent the morning learning to make classic Thai dishes, starting with a trip to the local market with our amazing guide and instructor. She taught us how to pick the freshest ingredients for our culinary adventure.
We had a blast making and tasting five classic dishes:
Tom Yum Goong (Spicy Shrimp Soup)
Pad Thai (Stir-Fried Noodles)
Som Tam (Fresh Green Papaya Salad)
Green Curry Paste
Green Curry with Chicken
Sweet Sticky Rice with Mango
We even received a certificate, a recipe book, some souvenirs, and a Silom Thai Cooking School apron as keepsakes! I highly recommend booking a class at Silom Thai Cooking School. The staff was incredibly friendly and accommodating, and the school had an authentic atmosphere that made the entire experience a lot of fun.
For our second night in Bangkok, we treated ourselves to the Wonderful Pearl Dinner Cruise — one of the city's most popular experiences!
As we sailed along the Chao Phraya River, we were treated to breathtaking views of Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks, including:
Wat Arun
The Grand Palace
Rama VIII Bridge – a striking, asymmetrical cable-stayed bridge
Iconsiam – a massive luxury shopping destination with riverside promenades
The 2-hour cruise featured a buffet-style dinner, cultural performances, and live music by the Filipino band, Mode 7.
This was my first dinner cruise experience and I couldn’t have asked for a better way to enjoy the beauty (old and new), history, and culture of Bangkok! Plus, it was all in the company of an amazing group of women I’m so privileged to share these moments with.
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DAY 3 - Ayutthaya Ancient Capital
On our third day, we embarked on a 50-mile (80-kilometer) journey north of Bangkok to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand. Founded in 1350, Ayutthaya was a vital hub for trade, culture, and diplomacy until its devastation by the Burmese army in 1767. Today, its ruins are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as Ayutthaya Historical Park.
Our first stop was Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, one of the most important historical temples in Thailand. It was built in the 15th century and served as the royal temple within the grounds of the Old Royal Palace. Unlike many other temples, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet was not used by monks but was reserved for royal ceremonies.
The temple is famous for its three large stupas (chedis), which are believed to house the ashes of three Ayutthaya kings. These towering structures are iconic in Thai architecture, with their graceful bell-shaped design. Wat Phra Sri Sanphet was a symbol of the power and glory of the Ayutthaya Kingdom until the city was destroyed by the Burmese in 1767, and although the temple suffered significant damage during the invasion, it remains a meaningful symbol of Ayutthaya’s rich cultural and religious heritage.
Next, we visited Wat Mahathat, an important religious and political center from the late 14th century, best known for the Buddha head embraced by the roots of a banyan tree. This powerful image has become a symbol of the temple and the ancient ruins of Ayutthaya. Over time, the tree’s roots have intertwined with the sandstone Buddha head, creating an enchanting and almost otherworldly sight. Many statues are now headless, the result of the Burmese invasion, during which heads were either stolen for their value or destroyed amid the chaos of looting.
On our way to the final site, we discovered the art of making the local street food called "ROTI". This popular snack or dessert features a flatbread that has its roots in Indian cuisine but comes with a distinct Thai twist. The dough is stretched thin, fried to a crispy perfection on a hot griddle, and typically topped with sweet delights like condensed milk, sugar, bananas, Nutella, or other fruits. The version we tried was filled with a sweet, stringy mixture and after a few Google searches, I think the filling is called "foi thong" or golden threads, spun from egg yolks and sugar. It's often enjoyed as a quick treat, especially in markets or by street vendors.
Finally, we reached Wat Chaiwatthanaram, one of the most impressive and well-preserved temples in Ayutthaya. Built in 1630 by King Prasat Thong, it was constructed in a grand Khmer-inspired style to honor his mother and celebrate his reign. The temple's name roughly translates to the "Temple of Long Reign and Glorious Era," symbolizing both personal and national triumph. This temple features a tall central prang surrounded by eight smaller chedis, all set against a scenic riverside backdrop with its design symbolizing Mount Meru, the center of the universe in Hindu and Buddhist cosmology.
For dinner, we we enjoyed a fantastic dining experience at Somboon Seafood in CentralWorld, a renowned seafood spot now featured in the 2024 MICHELIN Guide Thailand.
We couldn’t resist ordering their signature dishes, including:
Fried Curry Crab Meat (their signature, must-try specialty dating back to 1969!)
Freshwater Prawn with Glass Noodles
Tom Yam Goong with Shrimp
Steamed Sea Bass with Soy Sauce
We also stumbled upon the adorable Care Bears Café, which instantly brought back a wave of childhood nostalgia.
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DAY 4 - Grand Palace, Wat Pho & Wat Arun
On our final day, we began our journey at the Grand Palace, famous for its breathtaking architecture and intricate details that showcase a blend of traditional Thai and European styles. Among the palace's many remarkable structures are the Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), the Twin Gold Chedi, Phra Asada Maha Chedi (Eight Prang Towers), the Phra Vihara Yod Chapel, and the Phra Sri Rattana Chedi, to name a few. I was particularly enchanted by the exquisite details of each building, featuring over 100 vibrantly colored structures adorned with golden spires and dazzling glass mosaics, all dating back to the founding of Bangkok in 1782.