After traveling solo in Switzerland and being “abandoned” in Barcelona (you can catch up on that crazy adventure in my last post), I figured a solo trip to Thailand 🇹🇭 was the perfect next step. And if you think so too, then you’re in the right place! 🙌
Let me start with Bangkok, because, I mean… if your plane doesn’t land in Bangkok, are you even really going to Thailand? ✈️
This chaotic, vibrant, and delicious (literally 🍜) city might be overwhelming at first, but trust me — give it a chance and it’ll steal your heart… and maybe your sleep schedule as well 😴.
I didn’t land in Bangkok feeling like my best self — quite the opposite. Three days before, I found out I was being cheated on and officially became single right before flying across the world. Let’s just say… I wasn’t exactly in the mood for pad thai and rooftop bars.
I arrived dazed, heartbroken, and honestly just overwhelmed. Bangkok is already chaotic on a good day — imagine experiencing it while trying to process the end of a relationship. Safe to say, those two days in the city didn’t go quite as planned, even though I tried.
But in true solo traveler fashion, things took a turn. I met some people at my hostel who brought light into that heavy moment. We didn’t do everything I had on my little “Bangkok PowerPoint,” but we laughed, explored, and made the city feel a little less lonely.
Bangkok might not have been the healing retreat I imagined, but it reminded me of one of the best parts of traveling alone: you’re never truly alone for long.
Wat Phra Kaew
Thailand’s most sacred temple, home to the Emerald Buddha. A must-see for its stunning architecture and spiritual significance.
The Grand Palace (500TBH)
A historical landmark with beautiful buildings and gardens. It was once the official residence of the Kings of Siam.
Wat Pho (100TBH)
Famous for the Reclining Buddha and Thai massage. A peaceful spot to unwind after sightseeing.
Wat Arun (50TBH+10TBH boat RT)
The Temple of Dawn offers amazing views of the river and city. A must-visit, especially at sunset.
Wat Pho Pier
The starting point for your boat ride to Wat Pho. A great spot to catch the view by sunset.
Wat Saket (50TBH)
Also known as the Golden Mount, this temple offers panoramic views of Bangkok from the top. A bit of a climb, but totally worth it!
Wat Benchamabophit Dusitwanaram (20TBH)
Also known as the Marble Temple, this is one of Bangkok’s most beautiful temples, famous for its Italian marble architecture.
Wat Traimit (40TBH)
Home to the Golden Buddha, one of the largest solid gold statues in the world. A must-see for history and culture lovers.
Sampheng Market
A bustling street market, known for its narrow alleyways and endless rows of shops selling everything from textiles to toys.
Chinatown Market
Vibrant and chaotic, this market offers everything from fresh produce to exotic street food, making it an ideal spot to experience Bangkok’s lively culture.
Khao San Road
Known as the backpacker hub of Bangkok, this street is filled with bars, shops, and street vendors.
MBK Center
A huge mall filled with electronics, fashion, and souvenirs, perfect for those who want to shop in air-conditioned comfort.
Street food in Bangkok? Chef’s kiss.
Whether you’re wandering through a chaotic market or grabbing something off a random cart at midnight, you’re probably about to have a delicious (and budget-friendly) meal. Don’t overthink it — if it smells good, it probably is. Here’s my top 3:
🍜 Pad Thai 🍜
Classic. Cheap. Perfect. Whether you go for shrimp, chicken, or tofu, make sure to add peanuts, and lime.
🥭 Mango Sticky Rice🥭
Sweet, creamy, sticky… basically dessert heaven. You’ll find this all over the city and it never disappoints.
🍢 Grilled Meat Skewers (Moo Ping or Kai Ping) 🍢
Your go-to snack while wandering through the chaos of Bangkok. Juicy, flavourful, and addictive.
But of couse I still have restaurants to recommend!
Pad Thai Kratong Thong by Ama
A little local gem known for one thing and one thing only: pad thai. Super flavorful, made fresh, and cheap.
Ranee’s Velo Restaurant
An Italian option if you’re in the mood for pasta instead of noodles. Cosy, well-rated, and right in the heart of Bangkok.
Choosing the right area to stay in Bangkok makes all the difference — especially when the city is this big and chaotic.
I stayed at Time Sabai 134 Hostel (about a 10-min walk from Khao San), and honestly? Best choice ever.
The area is super chill, clean, cute and you don’t get the noise from Khao San Road. And of couse super affortable (you know me).
But I did a some research before booking, so here’s the breakdown of the areas + my experience!
Khao San Road & Around
If you’re coming to meet people, party a bit (or a lot), and soak up the chaos, this is the spot.
Street food, cheap drinks, hostels everywhere
It gets loud.
Siam
Malls, malls, malls. And also very well connected to public transport (BTS). Shopping, AC, and convenience Feels more like any big city, less Bangkok magic in my opinion.
Ari
Ideal for those looking for a more local and trendy vibe. Hip cafés, cute streets, less chaos. Great for digital nomads or longer stays A bit far from the main tourist spots
Rattanakosin / Riverside
For those who want to be close to temples and the historical area of Bangkok. Ideal for sightseeing Quieter at night
Bangkok’s nightlife is as chaotic and colorful as the city itself. Whether you want to sip cocktails at a rooftop bar or hit up a street party, there’s no shortage of places to have a blast. I mostly stuck to the vibrant Khao San Road for some chilled cocktails with friends from the hostel. But I also spotted some amazing rooftops that I definitely want to check out next time!
🍸 Bars 🍸
Khao San Road – The heart of Bangkok’s backpacker scene. This street is filled with bars offering cheap drinks, cocktails, and plenty of opportunities to meet other travelers. It’s loud, lively, and always buzzing!
Tep Bar – A unique spot offering traditional Thai cocktails with a modern twist, set in a beautiful, artsy space.
🌇 Rooftop Bars 🌇
Reality check: No entrance fee? Cool. €12 cocktails? Also cool… I guess. 🫠 Rooftops in Bangkok are all about the views, the vibes, and gently robbing you with overpriced drinks. But let’s be honest, you’re not here for happy hour. You’re here to sip something overpriced while pretending you’re in a movie. So cheers to that.
Sky Bar
Famous from The Hangover Part II.Expect a bit of a crowd, but the view and the cocktails make it totally worth it.
Nobu
It combines amazing food and stunning views. The vibe is chic, and the cocktails are just as good as the food.
Red Sky
Another great rooftop that offers panoramic views of the city. It’s known for its cocktails and vibrant atmosphere.
Tichuca
For a more laid-back vibe, Tichuca is a great choice. With lush greenery and incredible views, it’s perfect for a relaxed evening drink.
🎶 Clubs 🎶
Route 66 – One of the most popular clubs in RCA (Royal City Avenue), with different rooms playing everything from hip-hop to EDM.
Sing Sing Theater – A stylish club with a vintage Shanghai feel, offering an unforgettable experience with great music and shows.
Onyx – A massive club that attracts top DJs, perfect for electronic music lovers looking to dance until dawn.
If you’re spending a few days in Bangkok and feel like taking a break from the city’s hustle and bustle, there are plenty of amazing day trips waiting for you. Whether you’re craving ancient temples, lush waterfalls, or unique markets, there’s always something for you.
You can easily book these tours through platforms like GetYourGuide, Klook, or Viator. Most options include hotel pickup, so you can just relax and enjoy the day. Click the links to check prices and book your tour!
Wat Samphran
One of Thailand’s most unique sights — and it’s still a hidden gem! You can even climb up inside the dragon for epic views. A must if you love quirky, less touristy places.
Ayutthaya
Step back in time and explore the ancient capital of Siam, filled with impressive ruins, giant Buddha statues, and magical temples.
Floating Market & Maeklong Railway Market
Boats packed with fruits and street food, and a train squeezing through a market. Yes, it’s touristy — but also seriously fun.
Erawan Falls
Escape into nature with a day trip to Erawan National Park. Crystal-clear turquoise pools, mini hikes, and waterfall hopping await!
And because Bangkok isn’t just about temples and markets, but about creating memories you’ll carry with you forever, here are two unforgettable experiences you should definitely consider:
💆♀️ Traditional Thai Massage 💆♀️
You haven’t truly been to Thailand until you’ve had a proper Thai massage!
Look for reputable massage spots (skip the sketchy ones!). I did mine at Original Watpo Massage and loved it.
And don’t be afraid to try a foot massage too — total bliss!
🖋️ Get a Tattoo 🖋️
If you’re feeling adventurous, why not leave Bangkok with a piece of art on your skin?
I always try to get one from every trip — and yes, I have the perfect spot for you: St. Martin Tattoo Studio.
You even get a discount if you mention my name! 😉
Bangkok is a city you can visit year-round, but the best time to explore it depends on the weather and the kind of experience you’re looking for. Oh, and don’t forget! There are some really cool events you can’t miss if you want to dive deeper into Thai culture. Here’s what you need to know:
🌞 Nov to Feb 🌞
The coolest and driest months, ideal for exploring the city. It’s also the high season, so expect more crowds.
🌡️ Mar to May 🌡️
Hot and humid with temps reaching over 35°C. Fewer tourists, but be prepared for the heat.
🌧️ Jun to Oct 🌧️
Monsoon season brings rain, but fewer crowds and lower prices make it a great time for a quieter visit.
Songkran (April 13-15)
Thai New Year with epic water fights in the streets! A fun, unforgettable experience.
Loy Krathong (Nov)
A serene festival where people release floats into rivers. Beautiful and peaceful to witness.
Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb)
Celebrated with parades, dragon dances, and amazing food, especially in Chinatown.
Depending on your nationality, you might need a visa to enter Thailand. Make sure to check the latest visa policies before booking your flight. Don’t forget to fill out the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before your trip. It’s required for all tourists and must be submitted up to 72 hours before arrival.
The local currency is the Thai Baht (THB). Most places don’t accept cards or will charge you a fee (3-5%) if you choose to pay by card. My advice? Do some math and check how much cash you’ll need, then withdraw it all at once to avoid paying the tax multiple times (around THB 220 for each withdrawal).
Honestly, I mostly used Grab or Bolt to get around (and of course, walking). The scooter options are amazing — and a must-try! Just make sure to ask for a helmet, as fines for not wearing one can be steep. Tuk-tuks are fun too, but always agree on the price beforehand, and be careful with scams.
You can grab a prepaid SIM card for around THB 200 for 10GB of data, or opt for an eSIM here. My choice? eSIM always! It’s simple and ensures you won’t lose your home SIM card.
Thailand is generally safe, but accidents can happen — especially if you’re riding scooters! Make sure you get travel insurance before your trip. It’s a small cost for a big peace of mind.
Click here to get 5% off!
Okay, listen up! Clothes are cheap… and so pretty! So don’t overpack, because you’ll want to buy everything there and you’ll end up with no space left!
If you’re planning to visit temples (and of course, you are), be mindful of the dress code: cover your shoulders and knees (they no longer accept just draping a scarf around your shoulders).
Bangkok is hot and humid, so make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Keep a water bottle with you — you’ll need it for all your adventures!
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