Bangkok is a city, rich with stunning temples, amazing food, and some of the kindest, friendliest people we’ve ever met. We fit a lot into our visit and came away with a much deeper appreciation for the country and its culture.
Getting to Bangkok: First Stop Singapore
Traveling to Bangkok from the United States is definitely a trek. It usually involves several long flights and plenty of time spent in airports. We knew from the start that the journey itself would be the most challenging part of this trip.
Although Philadelphia is our nearest airport, we chose to fly out of Newark instead. The flight options are far better, and the prices are typically lower than those out of Philly. Since Newark is only about an hour’s drive, making the trip up there was well worth it for the savings in both cost and time.
When planning our trip, we looked at a lot of different options for getting to Bangkok. In the end, the route that made the most sense for us was Newark → Singapore → Bangkok. Here’s why we chose it:
Fewer stopovers.
We only needed one connection, which meant less hassle and fewer chances for delays.
A better flight experience.
We’d be flying with Singapore Airlines, consistently ranked among the best in the world, so we felt confident the experience would be smoother and more enjoyable.
More comfort.
The long-haul segment offered larger seats and extra legroom. After two awful economy flights from Newark to Tokyo and Newark to Munich, we knew we wanted more space on such a long journey. Premium economy is standard on the Newark–Singapore flight, which meant we could travel far more comfortably.
We wanted to see the Singapore Airport.
Changi Airport is widely considered the best airport in the world. After seeing countless photos and YouTube videos, we were curious to experience it firsthand. Normally, no one wants to spend time in an airport, but Changi is an actual destination. People visit even without flights just to see the massive indoor waterfall (the Jewel), enjoy the restaurants, take their kids to playgrounds, and go shopping.
Singapore proved what every country should do: put effort into airport design. We went from one of the worst airports in the U.S., which feels like a literal prison, to the best in the world. The contrast was pretty amusing.
I’ve never understood why so many airports are so poorly designed, especially considering how much time travelers end up spending in them. Give people something to do during a layover besides paying for overpriced drinks and sad food from the Chili’s Too. Honestly, it would probably make flights more pleasant. Kids could burn off energy at a playground instead of screaming on the plane. Adults might be less miserable if they could watch a movie, enjoy a decent meal, or relax in a nice green space before boarding.
Airports are also the first impression visitors get of your city. I always laugh imagining someone’s first trip to the U.S. starting at Newark. “Welcome to America! I promise it’s not all this shitty.”
We intentionally booked a longer 14 hour layover so we could not only explore Changi Airport but also get some much-needed sleep. Changi has several hotels, and we chose the Yotel, a “capsule” style hotel conveniently located right next to the Jewel. It’s designed specifically for travelers like us: people with long layovers who just want a few hours to rest and have a shower.
The rooms are comically small, but they have everything you need and are both comfortable and private. In the future, for any long-haul flight with a stopover, we plan to do this again. We highly recommend it as it helps so much with getting adjusted to the time zone. Without it, we likely would have been completely jet lagged upon arriving in Bangkok. This was hands down the best decision of the trip.
Bragging rights.
This was a small reason, but one nonetheless. Taking this route meant we got to fly on the longest commercial flight in the world. 19 hours from Newark to Singapore! After tackling that, every future trip is going to feel easy!
First Impressions of Bangkok
After our 14 hour layover, we hopped on a 2 hour flight from Singapore to Bangkok. A nice easy flight after what we just did! Arrival to Bangkok went smoothly. We flew through customs, got some Thai Baht at an ATM, and hopped into a cab to our hotel.
Our first impressions were: wow, it’s really hot here, and wow, the traffic is intense. We had read about it beforehand, but experiencing it firsthand after such a long journey was still a bit of a shock to the system.
What surprised us even more was how pleasant everyone seemed to be. No one was aggressive honking, there was no road rage, and we didn’t see any accidents. It was such a contrast to what we’re used to back home. Of course, we’re sure that stuff happens sometimes, but during our entire stay, we didn’t encounter it.
Things to do in Bangkok
Bangkok is full of incredible sights and activities. The city is vibrant and a little chaotic at times, but that only adds to the excitement. At seems like at all times both day and night there were people out and about. There was always something going on!
Visit the Temples
Bangkok is home to many famous Buddhist temples, each with its own history, beauty, and spiritual significance. These temples are architectural marvels, adorned with intricate details, gold accents, and colorful mosaics. It was difficult to choose a favorite as each temple offered something unique and gave a glimpse into Thailand’s rich culture and deep spiritual traditions.
Queen Sirikit, Thailand’s Queen Mother, had passed away the week before we arrived in Bangkok. During our visit, the entire country was in mourning. Pictures, floral tributes, and dedications honoring her could be seen throughout the city, and many businesses and attractions remained closed during the first few days of our stay. It was a unique experience to witness the nation’s grief and respect firsthand, as well as to see the beautiful memorials and traditional funeral practices honoring her life and legacy.
Wander the Markets
The markets in Bangkok are unbelievable. They stretch on with endless rows of clothing, bags, food, trinkets, and beauty products. Truly anything you can imagine. Even as two people who aren’t big shoppers, we still loved wandering through them. We were amazed by the sheer volume of items: stall after stall, layers of merchandise stacked all the way to the ceiling.
It’s a one-of-a-kind shopping experience and something everyone should do when visiting Bangkok. And the prices were shockingly affordable. Items that would easily cost $50–$100 in the U.S. were only a few dollars there. One of the biggest perks of traveling to Thailand as an American is how far your money goes.
Eat all the Food
If you love food, you’re going to love Bangkok. There’s no shortage of delicious dishes to try and plenty of things you won’t find back home. It’s the perfect place to step out of your comfort zone and sample something new. You might end up loving it, and if not, the food is so inexpensive that it never feels like a big risk.
During our time in Bangkok, we tried crocodile and durian—two things we’d never eaten before. The crocodile wasn’t bad at all; it really did taste like chicken (just like everyone says!). Durian, on the other hand, wasn’t our favorite. If you’re not familiar with it, durian is a famously polarizing fruit known for its extremely strong smell. Some people adore it, while others can’t stand it. It’s hard to compare the smell to anything else. When you smell it, you know it’s durian.
We even saw “no durian” signs in the subway and at our hotel because the smell bothers so many people. We didn’t think it was that terrible, but it’s definitely not something we’d rush to eat again.
Some of the best food we had in Bangkok actually came from Chinatown and Little India. Bangkok’s Chinatown is one of the largest in the world and a place where you can get Michelin star dishes for next to nothing. Just like every other Chinatown we’ve visited, it’s lively and chaotic. Packed with people, neon signs, and street vendors selling every type of food imaginable.
Little India is also known for its cuisine. We ate at an excellent Indian restaurant, and Mark said it might have been his favorite Indian meal ever. So if you’re looking to mix things up and not eat strictly Thai food during your trip, you’ll have plenty of amazing options.
Go to a Rooftop Bar
Bangkok has several rooftop bars that offer incredible views of the city. The prices are definitely higher than most other places around town, but the scenery makes it worth it. Coming from the U.S., we actually found the drinks cheaper than what we’d pay at some bars in Philadelphia, but depending on where you’re from, your perspective might be different. Most cocktails ran about $8–$10.
The Starlight Bar even had a happy hour with buy-one-get-one drinks, so that’s a great option if you’re looking for a better deal. We’re not sure if it was the heat or the fact that we’d been walking around all day, but the drinks in Bangkok definitely seemed stronger than what we’re used to. After just one, we were already feeling it. Keep that in mind if you’re planning a night out!
See the Grand Palace
Visiting the Grand Palace is one of the top things to do in Bangkok, and for good reason. It was once the residence of the Thai King and Royal Family and served as the site for many important royal ceremonies. The King no longer lives there (despite it still being the official residence), which allows the complex to be open for tourists to explore.
The name “Grand Palace” can be a little misleading because it is not a single building. Instead, it is a collection of buildings. The traditional Thai architecture is filled with intricate details, vibrant colors, and ornate designs. Everywhere you look, there is something beautiful to admire.
When we first arrived in Bangkok, the Grand Palace was closed due to the mourning period for the Queen. Fortunately, it reopened a few days later, and we were able to visit. It was one of the highlights of our trip and I’m so glad we were able to see it.
Our entrance fee included access to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, or Wat Phra Kaew. This stunning temple was built in 1783 for the Thai Kings and Royal Court. Photography wasn’t allowed inside, but seeing the intricate details and architecture made it well worth the visit.
Get a Thai Massage
Thailand is famous for its massages, and you can find places offering them all over Bangkok. After a long flight and several days of exploring the city, we were more than ready to unwind. Massages are incredibly affordable here, too. We’d always talked about having a “spa day” together, and luckily our hotel had its own spa called Let’s Relax. It seemed to be a local chain as we noticed several locations around the city, but our experience there couldn’t have been better.
The services were far more thorough than anything we’ve experienced before, and as a bonus, they treated us to tea and mango sticky rice afterward. I enjoyed it so much that I booked a facial a few days later, which was equally as good as the massage.
Check out the Many Shopping Malls
Visiting a mall isn’t usually something we’d plan for a vacation, but the malls in Bangkok are in a league of their own. They’re destinations in themselves. These aren’t your typical shopping centers; many are among the largest in the world and offer so much more than just stores. You’ll find stunning city views, beautifully designed green spaces, open communal areas, and an incredible variety of dining options. Even if shopping isn’t your main interest, the experience of exploring these malls is memorable.
Our favorite was IconSiam. Located right on the river, it offered awesome views and a beautifully designed interior, including a lush indoor green space and an indoor fountain. But the highlight was the bottom level: the floating market! The vendors were incredible, offering everything from fresh produce to handmade goods, and the atmosphere was beautiful. We kept saying, “I can’t believe we’re in a mall right now!”
Go to the National Museum
The National Museum in Bangkok is one of the largest in Southeast Asia. Established in 1859, it houses an extensive collection of historical artifacts and artwork that highlight Thailand’s rich past. You can easily spend a few hours exploring, and the 200 baht (about $6) admission fee is well worth it. A few buildings were under renovation during our visit, and because of the Queen’s funeral, we couldn’t enter the royal chariot hall, but we were still able to view it from outside. Even so, the museum was fascinating and absolutely worth the stop.
See the monitor lizards at Lumphini Park
Lumphini Park offers an escape from Bangkok’s constant buzz and busy streets. As you wander along the shaded paths or relax by the lake, you might spot the park’s famous monitor lizards. These creatures look like something between a lizard and a crocodile. Despite their size, they usually keep to themselves.
Overall Thoughts of Bangkok
Bangkok is an energetic and fascinating city. It’s a place where deep-rooted traditions blend seamlessly with modern life, creating a dynamic culture unlike anywhere else. While the city is progressive in many ways, most locals live fairly modestly. They may not have large homes, multiple cars, or the same income levels we are used to, yet they don’t seem weighed down by it. Instead, there seems to be a genuine sense of contentment and ease in the way people go about their daily lives.
What stood out most was the warmth and kindness of the Thai people. They’re patient, gracious, and rarely appear bothered by the little frustrations that often get the best of us. As Americans, I think we could learn a great deal from their approach to life, especially when it comes to treating others with gentleness and respect.
Was Bangkok our favorite place we’ve ever visited? No, not quite. But as with any destination, there’s always something good to be found if you’re open to seeing it. Bangkok has plenty of good to offer. Friendly people, incredible food, vibrant culture, and overall affordability all made our time there memorable and worthwhile.
We’d love to explore more of Thailand and discover what the rest of the country has to offer. Bangkok gave us just a glimpse, but there is so much more to see. Each region seems to have its own personality. Whether it’s the mountains in northern Thailand or the beaches in the south, Thailand feels like a place you could return to again and again, always finding something new to appreciate. We hope to see more of the country one day.
