Thailand

We only scratched the surface of Thailand with only one stop in Bangkok. I already want to go back and explore more of this beautiful country!

Day #1 : We did a day tour of the Grand Palace, a magnificent former royal residence consecrated in 1782. Although now used only for ceremonial occasions, it remains Bangkok's premier attraction and a revered site for Buddhist pilgrims. We'll explore the palace's grandeur, including its impressive throne hall and the highly venerated Emerald Buddha. Next, we headed to Wat Pho, one of the city's oldest and most frequented Buddhist temple complexes. At its heart is a breathtaking 46-meter reclining Buddha, crafted in 1848 and adorned in gold leaf. The Buddha's feet, measuring 3 meters high and 5 meters long, display intricate mother-of-pearl inlays that depict sacred symbols. After exploring these historic treasures, we stepped into local life with a visit to Wang Lang Market, one of Bangkok's most authentic and beloved neighborhood markets. Located along the Chao Phraya River, this lively market is a favorite among locals and offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the city's vibrant everyday culture. Wander through bustling lanes lined with street food vendors, local snacks, fresh produce, fashion stalls, and hidden culinary gems while soaking up the energetic atmosphere and discovering the flavors and traditions that make Bangkok so unique. (Note: We were hot as we had to ensure our shoulders and knees were covered in accordance with local customs when visiting religious or cultural sites).

Day #2: We explored the impressive One Bangkok mall and picked up some fun Thai-made mementos at Sarand Thai, a great spot for discovering locally crafted treasures. Then our young travelers got to choose a special souvenir of their own—a fun way to remember our time in Bangkok and bring a little piece of Thailand home with us.

Then our young travelers picked the adventure of the day: a visit to The Little Zoo! We got up close with raccoons, mini foxes, adorable—and highly entertaining—meerkats, and plenty of very cute dogs. We also had fun watching the capybaras swim. After our animal-filled adventure, it was back to the mall, where Sam had his first-ever bucket of KFC—a beloved favorite in Thailand. Needless to say, he was pretty excited!

Day #3: We set out to explore Bangkok by train, making our way around the city like locals. Our first stop was the legendary Century 21 mall, where every floor has a unique country theme—and even the restrooms are creatively designed to match! From there, we walked over to Soho House Bangkok for lunch by the pool before hopping back on the Skytrain to explore the MBK CENTER mall.

We’re sad that it’s our last day in Bangkok, but this city has completely won us over. We’re already dreaming about our next visit and can’t wait to come back!

Dana Bach JohnsonComment