Our first day in Bangkok
We landed at the Bangkok International Airport around 3 am. In no time we crossed the border control, bought a DTAC SIM card and climbed into an Uber. Our hostel, the Siri Poshtel Bangkok ↗, was right in the iconic Old Town (Rattanakosin) surrounded by Bangkok's most spectacular and historical attractions including the Grand Palace and Wat Pho.
Sunrise in the City of Angels
At 6 o'clock in the morning, the room wasn't available. We would have killed for a hot shower and a comfortable bed but we needed to wait the official check-in time at 2 pm. So we strolled around the 'City of Angel' to watch the sunrise. We weren't disappointed. The traditional Buddhist temples, parks and monuments looked ravishing under the early light. Monks, wearing saffron robes, were walking barefoot around the neighbourhood while locals were making merit by offering them food.
Lumphini Park: Spotting Giant Lizards
After a good breakfast, we ordered a metered taxi to the smoke-free Lumphini Park, one of the green lung of Bangkok. We breathed fresh air, admired the scenic view and hunt down the giant lizards roaming around the park. Up the 3 meters long, the harmless lizards still scare the bejeezus out of the unaware tourists. We spotted the beast lazily swinging in the lake. Later, another one hiding on the bank... We kept walking and enjoyed some lizard-watching. Around us, residents were playing sports, cycling or practising tai chi. The park was peaceful and home to occasional aerobic classes that visitors could jump in on.
Khao San Road: The Backpacker Mecca
After lunch, we headed back to our hotel to take possession of our home for the next 5 days. We showered and indulged in a well-deserved nap. We slept until dusk which was the perfect timing to wander along the Khao San Road. The backpacker ghetto made world famous by the book and movie "the beach" come alive at night. Thousands of backpackers and tourists flood the street full of swanky bars and clubs, restaurants, massage parlours, travel agents, tattoo shops, market stalls, and much, much more. We saw our first bug food cart, but we weren't brave enough to try any - maybe next time.
We walked away from the bustling neighbourhood and found a popular restaurant in a quiet street north Khao San Road and with a full belly, we said goodbye to our first day in Bangkok.
Bangkok arrival & first day essentials
- Airport Transfer: From Suvarnabhumi Airport, use Airport Rail Link (₹45, 30min to city) or Grab/Uber (₹300-500, 45min-1hr depending on traffic). Avoid unlicensed taxis.
- SIM Cards: DTAC, AIS, and TrueMove available at airport (₹200-800 for tourist packages). Get unlimited data plans. Registration requires passport.
- Accommodation: Old Town (Rattanakosin) puts you near Grand Palace & Wat Pho. Book hostels (₹300-800/night) or hotels (₹1,500-3,000). Many have luggage storage for early arrivals.
- Early Check-in: Most hotels allow check-in at 2pm. Ask for early check-in or luggage storage. Use the time to explore nearby areas and grab breakfast.
- Lumphini Park: Bangkok's largest green space. Free entry. Best visited 6-9am for cooler weather. Watch for monitor lizards (harmless but intimidating!). Boats available for rent (₹40/30min).
- Getting Around: Use Grab (like Uber). Metered taxis available but insist on meter. BTS Skytrain and MRT subway cover major areas (₹15-50 per trip).
- Khao San Road: Most lively at night (6pm onwards). Bargain hard at market stalls. Try street food but stick to busy vendors. Avoid aggressive touts.
- Street Food: Bug carts (scorpions, crickets, worms) are photo ops for many. If adventurous, start with crickets - they're the mildest. Otherwise, amazing pad thai and mango sticky rice everywhere!
- Scams to Avoid: 'Grand Palace is closed today' scam - it's usually open. Tuk-tuk drivers offering cheap tours then taking you to gem shops. Always verify information independently.
- Temple Dress Code: Cover shoulders and knees. No shorts, tank tops, or revealing clothes. Many temples provide wraps/sarongs for rent (₹50-100 deposit).
Note:
Lumphini Park: Where Giant Lizards Roam Free in Bangkok
Khao San Road: Bangkok's Legendary Backpacker Hub
Magical Bangkok Sunrise: Temples & Monks in the City of Angels
What was your first impression of Bangkok? Have you spotted the giant monitor lizards at Lumphini Park? Did you try any exotic street food on Khao San Road?