**Entrance area Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew**

Bangkok is one of those cities in the world that is constantly changing and same-same at the at the same time. Last time I visited was in December 2019 right before Covid and wanted to return ever since. But due to restrictions and the unbelievably expensive flights it took me until September this year to make it back.

Preparing my trip, I planned to visit sights I haven’t been for a very long time to update my travel photo collection. I also wanted to try new restaurants and explore the malls and markets. Bangkok is the only city I really enjoy doing Shopping, except maybe the Outlet Malls in the US.

Below I want to give you an update on the last blog I wrote, “One night in Bangkok and the world's your oyster”, to help you planning your trip planning and provide some new spots for the travel photography enthusiast’s under us.

Getting around Bangkok

As every big megapolis in the world Bangkok keeps growing and growing. This means also more people need to get around the city and the public transport system needs to be adjusted. The good news: Bangkok made it much easier for locals and for tourists to travel the city and to get to major sights and places of interest.

Extension of BTS and Metro lines

I remember when I was the first time in Bangkok in 2008, there were two BTS-lines (Sukhumvit and Silom line) and one Metro line (MRT, Blue line). Now there are 9 lines including one to each of the airports. Furthermore, some of the existing lines got extended. The best for me is the extension of the MRT (Blue Line) all the way across the river from the former train station Hua Lamphong. Two new stations are super useful:

Sanam Chai: which is walking distance from the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Po and the pier opposite Wat Arun;
Sam Yot: which is walking distance from Wat Suthat with the Giant Swing and Wat Sa Ket (The Golden Mount).

The only challenge that remains is paying the fare: even though for most lines you can use the Rabbit Card, the MRT is operated by a different company that doesn’t accept the card. But you can pay with your Credit Card instead.

Rout map of Chao Phraya Express Boat - Travel Photography — **Rout map of Chao Phraya Express Boat**

Taking boats to touristic destinations

Another change I wanted to highlight for travel planning is the change for the scheduled boats that run up and down the river to the different sights. Those are particular useful if you want to visit Wat Arun or the Grand Palace, and you’re far away from the Blue line. Even though the boat lines existed for quite some time, I was a bit confused as the logic changed. The are six boat routes each have a different coloured flag. For Wat Arun, Wat Po or the Grand Palace stick to the boats with the Orange or the Blue flag.

The easiest is to get on board at Sathorn Pier (Saphan Taksin BTS station). The Orange Flag boat is cheaper, but doesn’t stop at Wat Arun. You rather go to Pier N8 (Tha Tien) and cross the river with the smaller ferry. This stop is also the closest for the palace and Wat Po. The Blue Flag boat goes directly to Wat Arun and then stops at Tha Chang (N9) close the Grand Palace.

It was the first time I used the Blue Flag boat, and it was fun to sit upstairs on the roof. But be careful as there is no shade up there and the sun can be brutal. If you’re sensitive to the sun stay downstairs. The Orange Flag boat on the other side has no roof-top, the seating area is covered and provides some protection from the sun.

Updates on things to do in Bangkok

In this section I will highlight some changes to the main sights and attractions that I noticed.

Grand Palace

They moved the entry to the Grand Palace complex from the area around Queen Sirikit Museum further up the road to the Manee Nopparat Gate (third gate from pier Tha Chang, N9). The hustlers outside are still around, so watch out and don’t listen to them when they say the Grand Palace is closed for some random reason.

Chatuchak Weekend Market

Chatuchak Weekend Market for me was always fun because how chaotic it was and the occasional odd finds in the middle of the Soi’s. Today the market is much more organized, but still fun to explore and hunt for the creative and artistic souvenirs.

One thing that I am not sure yet if I like it or not is that there’s almost no more haggling. But you can still get your discounts, especially if you buy higher quantities. A friend of mine explained that due to Thais now buying online, they got very used to fixed prices. Nevertheless, I still missed the excitement and satisfaction when you got the price you wanted after negotiating with the vendor.

Jodd Fair Nightmarket

Jodd Fair Nightmarket existed in Bangkok for quite some time, but in different locations. It is still a hidden gem with few tourists visiting. It recently moved to a more permanent location close the MRT stop Phra Ram 9.

The market itself is a mix of clothes, souvenirs and food stalls. I went there mainly for the food and there are plenty of restaurants to choose from. Choose one where there are many Thai’s. If you want to try something truly local, have the Durian Ice cream.

New Shopping Malls

I mentioned before there’s constant change in Bangkok and your shopping spots are not immune to that. This obviously makes travel planning a bit more complex, but here are some of the newest Malls that opened in recent times.

EmSphere

EmSphere is a shopping mall that opened end of 2023 in Khlong Toei area along Sukhumvit Road. It offers a wide range of premium fashion, fine dining and entertainment. Perfect if you are looking for the latest in luxury shopping. Recently one of the few Ikea’s in Thailand opened in the Mall.

One Bangkok District

One Bangkok District opened as well last year and is an impressive project that includes retail spaces, hotels, and residences near Lumphini Park. Lumphini Park remains one of the few areas in Bangkok to escape the hustling and bustling of the city. So, One Bangkok District is perfect for a quick stop after your visit to the park. The Mall focuses on luxury and sustainability. Perfect if you’re looking for fine dining, exclusive retail, and eco-friendly designs. It’s appealing to both international and local high-end shoppers looking for an integrated lifestyle experience.

Gaysorn Amarin & Gaysorn Village

As I was walking along Ratchaprasong Skywalk from Chit Lom Station the refurbished Gaysorn Amarin, formerly Amarin Plaza, caught my eye. It looks very different to all the other malls. With the rebranding it positions itself as a premium shopping and lifestyle hub. Inside you have Gaysorn Village, which is a multi-functional urban village concept combining retail with lifestyle and wellness services. One of the highlights include the Gaysorn Urban Resort, which provides workspace for professionals and digital nomads. Overall, the complex’s design fosters a community vibe, targeting upscale urbanites, luxury shoppers, and health-conscious visitors. And if you need some spiritual guidance or an escape form the city, the Erawan shrine is just around the corner.

Savouring Bangkok – The Latest Culinary Delights and Hidden Gems

Dished prepared during Cooking course at Bangkok Thai Cooking Academy - Travel Photography — **Dished prepared during Cooking course at Bangkok Thai Cooking Academy**

One of the main reasons for me to visit and plan a trip to Bangkok again and again is food. Thai food hands-down is one of my favourite cuisines in the world.

Cooking class

During one of my trips few years back I took a cooking class with Sompong in Sathorn area. One of the highlights was the visit to the local fresh market before the cooking started. During my travel planning I decided I should do another course, but this time I didn’t want to go to Sathorn, but rather stay in Sukhumvit area around On Nut BTS Station.

I found a great offer with Bangkok Thai Cooking Academy which included a visit to the local fresh market as well. Even though the class was supposed to be a Group activity, I was alone as it was off season.

The visit to the market was super interesting, getting to know all the different spices, vegetables and meats. But be prepared to see things you won’t see in Western markets. The cooking class itself included the preparation of five dishes: Chicken Lab, Penang Curry, Chicken Stir-fry with Thai Basil, Pad Thai, and Sticky Rice with Mango. The people in the academy were super friendly and gave some great tips.

Restaurants to try next time

Whenever I visit Bangkok, I plan to visit some of my favourite restaurants like Cabbage & Condoms or Eathai in Central Embassy. Some friends recommended a new restaurant hidden away in a little alley close to Ploenchit BTS station. My hotel was right next to the alley, so I gave it a try. And I must admit it was delicious and it serves traditional dishes from all the different regions in Thailand. Go try Thai Niyom Cuisine.

Another restaurant I discovered, even though I go frequently to the Food court in Siam Paragon is Siamese Boat Noodle Restaurant. As the name says it focuses on the Thai variant of the Asian Noodle soup. You have a long list of ingredients that you can add to the base soup. It’s budget-friendly and super delicious.

New Beer places

If you read any of my previous blogs you know by now that I love beer and craft beer in particular. One of the local stables that is still one of my go-to craft beer places is Hair of the Dog in the same alley as Thai Niyom Cuisine. My friend and local craft beer expert introduced me though to some other great places. Like Burbrit close to Asoke area, which brews their own beer and serves some regional dishes.

Another please we went to is Brew-Beer and Cider in Soi Thong Lo. It’s all the way at the end of the Soi before you cross the little canal. The bar is in an old factory building and offers a great selection of craft beers from all over the world. The food as well is very international with some great Pizzas and Chicken Wings, but also some local Thai food.

If you’re looking for a small beer place that serves some excellent Korean food, head to Changwon Express. They have a great local and regional craft beer selection. Don’t miss out on this hidden, a bit off-the-beaten-track place.

My new favourite spot for travel photography in Bangkok

Every time I go back to a city I’ve been before; I try to find one of those hidden or lesser-known photo spots where you can take some unique pictures. I am still baffled how I could have missed the incredible view form Wat Po Pier on Wat Arun on previous trips. Since my last trip to Bangkok in 2019, they renovated this area, and it feels much safer and clean now. The different little alleys have some great bars that offer astonishing views on Wat Arun during the day and at night. Especially beautiful is the view during sunset from the Eagle’ s Nest Bar or The Deck. In the area you also find some great restaurants in case you’re hungry before or after your drink. You can take either the boat to Tha Tien Pier (N8) or the MTR (Blue Line) to Sanam Chai.

I am so happy that I finally had the chance this year to revisit Bangkok and enhance my travel photo collection with new and unique images. I am also happy that I found some more of the off-the-beaten-track spots that always make my trips more enjoyable. I hope with this blog I can help your travel planning and provide some more unique places and information in addition to my original blog: “One night in Bangkok and the world's your oyster”.

As always feel free to leave a comment below or reach out to me. Need more travel planning help? Contact me!

Here a link to my Bangkok site which hopefully gives you some ideas what to expect.

Your Ultimate Travel Guide Update for Bangkok - New Attractions, Photo Spots, and Breweries