A Day to remember!
Stopover in Bangkok
After an incredible three months in Hua Hin, Thailand, we decided to extend our stay in Asia with a trip to Hanoi, Vietnam. Our flight was from Bangkok, so we opted to spend a couple of days exploring Thailand’s capital. This gave us a chance to experience a Muay Thai fight at the legendary Rajadamnern Stadium, an opportunity we couldn’t miss.
Bangkok is highly recommended by travelers for its unique blend of rich cultural heritage, vibrant urban life, and diverse attractions. The city’s lively nightlife, excellent shopping, and historical sites make it a must-visit destination. As Thailand’s capital, Bangkok is a busy metropolis that combines traditional culture with modern living.
Known for its stunning temples, crowded markets, and lively street life, Bangkok offers a lot of activity and excitement. From the prestige of the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew to the energetic vibe of Khao San Road and the charm of the floating markets, the city presents a variety of experiences.
Bangkok’s culinary scene is world-renowned, offering everything from street food delights to high-end dining. With its rich history, cultural landmarks, and dynamic atmosphere, Bangkok captures the heart of every traveler.
Buying alcohol in Thailand
In Thailand, the sale of alcohol is strictly regulated to specific hours of the day. Alcohol can only be purchased from licensed retailers and establishments between 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM and from 5:00 PM to midnight. These restrictions are enforced to promote responsible drinking and maintain public order. also, alcohol sales are banned on certain religious holidays and during elections. Violations of these hours can result in significant fines and penalties for both sellers and buyers.
First Night in Bangkok
The trip from Hua Hin to Bangkok took about three hours by car. We arranged a ride with a friend who had offered us many great adventures during our stay in Hua Hin. Upon arriving at our hotel, we took advantage of Bangkok’s diverse food scene and ordered a variety of vegan dishes through the Grab app.
Vegan food in Bangkok is becoming increasingly popular, reflecting a growing global trend toward plant-based diets. The city offers a wide variety of vegan options, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. From traditional Thai dishes made vegan to innovative international cuisine, Bangkok’s vegan scene is vibrant and expanding.
That evening, we were invited to the legendary Rajadamnern Stadium to watch a friend fight at the Knockout Gala. The stadium was within walking distance of our hotel, so we strolled through the bustling streets of Bangkok, passing food stalls, restaurants, and markets lining the pavements. The streets were incredibly busy, with cars honking and moving slowly through traffic.
Entering the stadium, we were awed by its atmosphere and history. You can read more about it in my article here. After the fights finished, we walked back to our hotel, passing a lively night streets of Bangkok. The area was full of food stalls, busy traffic, and vendors selling all kinds of items.
What really surprised me was the street full of tourists and numerous restaurants, bars, and shops open at night, packed with happy people smoking, drinking, and enjoying their lives. The shops were still open, so you could buy a souvenir, visit a barber shop, get a massage, or go to a spa, even though it was already past midnight. The city was still thriving, showing no signs of slowing down.
Near our hotel, we stopped at a night market where people were gathered for celebrations with loud music, lots of food, and kids running around happily. It turned out to be Wat Intharawihan, a temple known for its 32-meter high standing Buddha statue called Luang Pho To. This impressive statue, decorated with gold and mosaic tiles, was started in 1867 and completed in 1927. The temple, with its grand Buddha and joyful atmosphere, made our Bangkok night even more memorable.
Devotees who visit the temple for worship offer mackerel, a boiled egg, and a band of flowers, which they place with worship at the foot of the Buddha image. The temple, with its grand Buddha and joyful atmosphere, made our Bangkok night even more memorable.
Second Day in Bangkok
We got up quite early in the morning and prepared to explore Bangkok during the day. After grabbing some water and personal items, we headed out. At our hotel, we received a map with nearby attractions and decided to take a tuk-tuk driver’s offer for a boat trip on the Chao Phraya River, which is a major draw for tourists in Bangkok. The riverbanks are lined with popular attractions like cruises, cafes, and malls. As we journeyed along the river, we saw floating markets, lush green scenery, and the magnificent Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn. The temple, named after the Hindu god Aruṇa, has a striking central prang adorned with colorful porcelain, built in the early 19th century during the reigns of Rama II and Rama III. The prang is surrounded by four smaller spires, all decorated with shells and porcelain bits from Chinese boats. Filip received a blessing from a Buddhist monk there and got a bracelet in the colors of the Thai flag. We also saw the Grand Palace from a distance. After the boat trip, we took a long walk back to our hotel, passing a street full of vendors, restaurants, and shops. I took advantage of a massage offer and got a half-hour Thai massage from a petite but strong Thai lady, which was invigorating. We stopped for lunch at a local spot and then enjoyed a Chang beer at a bar with happy hour deals. We bought some cool t-shirts from street vendors and headed back to our hotel room to rest before heading out again in the evening to explore the lively streets of Bangkok.
The night walk was quiet until we stumbled across a bustling street filled with people. Music played from various spots, and chairs lined the street, offering everything one might need. There were plenty of bars, restaurants, food stalls, and night markets selling a variety of foods and drinks. The area was illuminated with colorful lights and decorations. We stopped for a drink, sat down to watch the happy passersby, and soaked in the joy of the moment. After returning to the hotel, we packed our bags, ready to head to the airport the next day for our next adventure in the Land of the Descending Dragon—Vietnam.
