Temples and monks in Bangkok
A first impression of Bangkok (Chao Priya,temples, street food and festivals)
Bangkok is such a huge metropolis and an exotic destination that everyone must experience so when I was invited to visit the city as part of a press conference and tour with Travel Bloggers Exchange, I happily jumped at the opportunity. Arriving very late at night (close to midnight) made the arrival even more exciting and scary since I don’t typically visit a new destination very late in the evening – but I was in good hands since I was visiting under capable hands with the Thailand Authority of Tourism.
Customs was very fast and we quickly boarded our busses for the hotel – Plaza Athenee which was at the heart of Bangkok. Once you exit the doors from the airport – you immediately feel the heat and humidity of the city, it’s warm and sultry. I’m exhausted but excited to be here at the same time. We get to the hotel in no time and check in quickly and I am in my room in no time, it’s quite modern and beautifully appointed with a large king size bed, sofa seating area and desk and a gorgeous bathroom. If you are looking for a fantastic place to stay in Bangkok, the Plaza really did make this a very comfortable and plush stay in the heart of the city, I do have to admit and it was very hard leaving the hotel for tours every day. If you are looking for more Bangkok family friendly hotels, check this guide for more details.
Desserts at the Plaza Athenee in Bangkok
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Exploring Bangkok city
The tourism office had a full schedule of activities planned touring around Bangkok for just one full day. Fortunately, we had some free time the following day and I had done some research on my own and wanted a condense version of this 3 days in Bangkok itinerary with some cool monuments along the Chao Praya river like the Grand Palace, Wat Arun and Chinatown. I also did some initial research on solo travel to Bangkok and to understand some of the culture, safety considerations and scams that may also happen exploring the city. Or consider this Bangkok solo travel guide to see more highlights of the city.
Inventive food presentation at the
Weekend brunch at the Plaza
After a relatively fast conference orientation it was already lunch and we were treated to the Plaza’s signature weekend brunch which is truly amazing and a food eating extravaganza. Let me give you a quick tour of the buffet highlights – it is so over the top again (yeah!)
 How’s this for a pool scene in Bangkok?
Plaza Athenee, swimming pool
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 Canal scene at Baan Silapin
In the afternoon, Our group of writers toured the old canals of Baan Silapin which is located on the Thonburi side of Bangkok and just across the large Chao Praya river. Probably one of the cool non-touristy places in Bangkok to explore, the canals, markets and temples here are fun to visit. The canals and traditional neighborhood at Baan Silapin is a fun experience visiting an old village area and canal scene at Baan Silapin. Traditional puppet dance performances are the Bangkok Artists House, a favorite place to see these puppet performances at their best.
Puppets at Baan Silapin in Bangkok
Checking out the Street Foods at Baan Silapin
Street food of Bangkok
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 Live performances at the Bangkok Artists House
Bangkok girls dance performance
Buddhist temples and offerings
Buddhist temples at Baan Silapin in Bangkok
Elaborate offerings at the temple in Baan Silapin
Temple offerings at Baan Silapin
Buddha figure at Baan SIlapin
Temple offering display at Baan Silapin in Bangkok
This conference and excursion to Thailand is definitely going to be an eye opening experience and filled with adventure, first time food experiences and amazing cultural experiences. I hope you stay tuned for upcoming posts of my experiences traveling around the country, especially in the Northern regions of Thailand. I had little time during the conference to explore Bangkok, so I was glad to have this reference city guide to Bangkok to show me some of the highlights close by. I would love to go back to Bangkok again soon and with my family, I’ve saved this post on the best family hotels in Bangkok for future reference. Also, I would love to take these day trips from Bangkok when I have more free time to explore.
If you enjoyed reading this post on Bangkok, please check out my other posts on the city and Thailand
Bangkok – walking through Chinatown
15 places to visit in Northern Thailand
Thailand travel – 10 tips and suggestions
Hill tribes of Northern Thailand
Untapped Loei in Northern Thailand
Eco tours in Northern Thailand
Hill tribe stay in Northern Thailand
Visiting Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
Thank you visiting today and I hope you enjoyed A first impression of Bangkok, Thailand for Travel Photo Mondays. If you enjoyed the post, please do share it with any of the social media buttons on the site, and please do visit the bloggers below joining us for Travel Photo Mondays.
I was a guest of the Thailand Authority of Tourism and Tbex Asia for the Tbex Asia conference pre-tour, all opinions and thoughts were my own on the tour. Stay tuned for my visits to Northern Thailand and regions along the Mekong River.
Bangkok can be good and bad. Spent the good times and the bad times there. 5 years ago it was different then now. Now it’s still nice but you need to get off the tourist paths and that’s still hard. We rented a apartment off the tourist path and it was nice to be out of those daily hit areas. New Years was nuts in Bangkok! I will be back to get one of my tattoo’s finished! Travel ON!
I totally agree, you need to get away from all the typical tourist sites which I did, and it does take some time to discover.
Noel, once again, your photos are simply stunning. I felt like I could practically touch, taste and smell the food you depicted—-unfortunately, including the pig heads.
I hope to make it Bangkok some day, your photos are enticing.
The street food looks yummy but I’m wondering what God is made happy by decapitated pigs? (Note to self: Don’t join whatever religion that is.) I love these pictures and your impression of Bangkok. I have to admit that after 3 tries I cannot get myself to like Bangkok – noise, dirt, sex trafficking, minor stuff like that – much I know many others love it.
Hi Noel,
Sultry for sure! Exotic, weird, and unforgettable. Love all the street food you chose to capture. Thanks for taking us along with you.
Josie
Your pictures give such a visceral context for all that Bali is. Until I visit this will have to do!
Just love your photos. You do have the eye of a photographer and it helps create an inviting and colorful impression of Bangkok.
You saw so many different things in Bangkok. Your photos, as always, are wonderful and “descriptive” in their detail! Well done!
These are terrific photos that give anyone a quick impression of Bangkok. You achieved what you wanted to achieve! It’s been 40 years since my last trip to Bangkok. I do need to go back.
Bangkok is one of my favorite cities in Asia. It looks like you were treated well!
Your photos of the temple offerings really capture the colour and spirituality of Thailand. Great job!
Beautiful photos as always. My favorite is the one of live performance.
I love the clarity of the dessert photo at the Athenee. I know exactly what you mean about leaving the airport and being greeted by the sultry heat and humidity. Gorgeous photos!
Beautiful photos. I love the egg dish. Thailand is an amazing country and one we never tire of.
You’ve captured the exoticism perfectly. Asia is so disconcerting, colorful, and welcoming all at the same time. It’s so compelling and your photos draw the viewer in.
Very impressive shots of Thailand. Loved how you depicted it’s culture 🙂