Written February 2021

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I remember as a child we used to go to visit my grandparents over Christmas and my favorite part was always after dinner my grandmother would make tea, we would sit in the living room and they would show us pictures about their travels earlier that year. So I strongly believe that life is about that little moments that it is simply impossible to forget and that is why I love to travel so much even if its local. Life is about remarkable moments and not just ‘things’.

I am honestly so grateful for the experiences I’ve had over the last few years so here are a few of my unique experiences in Bangkok. I am sure I will add to this list in the future but for now this would be my best experiences.

Float center, Bangkok

To be honest that is not something I ever thought of doing but then about a year ago I got a voucher from a friend, that was really a thoughtful gift. There are many float centers all over the world but I went to one in Bangkok which is called Bangkok float center.

The float center tanks was invented by a neuro scienist from the USA about 70 years ago. The tank is completely dark and you can’t hear anything so it’s kind of like floating through space for a little while. For 60 minutes it’s just you and your thoughts floating on very salty water.

People use floatation mostly for relaxation. The tank reduces external stimulation such as sound, touch and light. The salt water is extremely buoyant which makes it quite easy to float. There are definitely psychological and medical benefits of a sensory deprivation tanks.

I am really grateful for such an unforgettable experience.

Paint bar, Bangkok

I don’t think I’ve ever really done painting before even though I love being creative. It’s something I always wanted to try. I came across their website a while ago and then I invited a friend to go with me. This was really a great experience to do it with a friend or on your own. There is an instructor to show what the painting would be for the day, if I remember correctly if you want to do your own painting then its a little extra. The instructor will give you paint, canvas and is there to assist. Don’t worry if you can’t speak Thai, they are totally capable to assist you and guide you in English.

This magical place is called paint bar https://paintbarbangkok.com.

Where is it located:

Adress:

13.73204,100.57631, Soi Sukhumvit 49, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110

Opening hours: 10:00 – 22:00

Bookings: All the details is on this link, please remember to book ahead because this is quite a popular place. They have a calendar as well with the time slots. Contact details

Price: We paid 800 baht (27 USD) in October 2020 but prices might change. This includes a canvas that you created and you can take it home. It does not include drinks so that will be extra.

Pink chilli Thai cooking class

There are many cooking classes offered in Bangkok and all over in Thailand. Where I live I don’t have a kitchen and I got used to it and I do miss cooking sometimes. So I really hope to have a permanent place one day with a kitchen and I would try to make all the delicious meals I’ve learned when living abroad. I think cooking is part of who we are and food brings people together. I know some people don’t enjoy cooking so much or they think they are incapable but I am telling you don’t be afraid to try new things. Don’t worry if you never cooked in your life, they are extremely helpful.

One early morning I’ve met the team and others at the meeting point. I can’t remember the meeting point but she usually would e-mail you all the details by e-mail you beforehand. Then you go to the local market where we would buy the ingredients. Its all fresh and an amazing experience. Feel free to take pictures and also learn a few new words in Thai.

Price:

I guess this will change every now and then but its usually 4 hours, 4 meals and it costs around 1000 baht (34 USD) but this needs to be paid in full when you make the booking.

Menu’s:

You would make authentic Thai food with staff from their team that would help you to prepare it in the correct way. If you are vegetarian or have any special dietary requirements you can let them know when you make the booking.

Opening hours:

They usually have a morning session and an afternoon session daily.

Bookings:

You need to make a booking at least 12 hours before your arrival. Don’t be late.

Contact:

095 820 8659

If you need more information please go their website. Pink Chilli Cooking Class

Clothes:

Just wear something casual, preferably a shirt (shoulders to be covered). Remember you are in a hot kitchen and jeans or just long pants would be ideal.

The best part is after all the cooking you can enjoy the food that you made and you get a copy of the recipes.

Bang Krachao,(Green lung), Bangkok

This is a special place. Its called “Green lung” because of the shape if you look it on the map. I’ve been to this place twice. Bangkok can get a little bit noisy and overwhelming like any other city really so if you are looking to get a little bit of nature and sun on your skin and you don’t want to go too far this is the place for you. I think of “Green Lung” as the oasis in Bangkok.

Just across the Chao Phraya River, this largely agricultural area consist of mangrove forests, small homesteads, and elevated pathways precariously perched above the canals. You can find here some old Buddhist temples and an eco-resort where you sleep in a tree house. Its a little pricy but if you go there for the day you can hire a bike for a leisurely ride, enjoy the serene setting and explore Thai village life.

They don’t allow cars/motorcycles so you can enjoy the nature while cycling through narrow pathways. Hiring a bicycle is between 50-80 baht per day but they might ask you for your ID and you can get it back when you return the bike.

What to bring/ wear:

I would suggest wear shorts and shirt (shoulders covered) and closed shoes.

Take a small backpack with cash, passport, water, suntan lotion and of course your smile, just have fun. They have a small kiosk that sells snacks and drinks and there are some local restaurants that sells mostly Thai food so make time to stop and try some local food. I remember they had a few shops that sell souvenirs as well or some body products.

How to get there:

Bang Krachao is a short ferry ride across the Chao Praya River. Piers on the Bangkok side of the river are located at Chong Nongsi, Bang Na, and Klong Toei. Personally, I’ve always used the Bang Na Pier to cross the river.

The Bang Na Pier is a short walk from Bang Na BTS station. From Bang Na station, walk along Sukhumvit Road towards Udom Suk station, then turn left at Sanphawut Road. Continue to the end of Sanphawut Road until you reach the Chao Praya River.

The ferry crossing the Chao Praya River departs every 15 minutes.

Bangkok Arts & culture center

Bangkok Art and Culture Centre is a contemporary arts center based in Bangkok, Thailand. I’ve been here a few times. Why? I just love the art, its free entrance and I feel at home when I am there.

The building itself is architecturally appealing. Their art displays change from time to time. Make sure you visit the eco friendly souvenir shop next to the café at the bottom floor. They have from bamboo toothbrushes, clothes to body products. It’s tiny but I love it.

I would not recommend this for kids though so in case you wanted to know that but what incredible place.

Adress: 939 Rama I Rd, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok 10330

Its literally a 3 min walk from MBK (shopping mall)

Opening hours: 10am – 7pm but closed on Tuesdays.

Boat trip, Bangkok

I decided to give myself an unique experience as a new years gift and so I did. I took myself to a new years dinner on a boat in Bangkok. I must say it felt really good.

I’ve never been huge on New Years parties, its always too crowded. I went to one in Phuket and one in Cape Town, South-Africa a very long time ago but I prefer something quiet or something different like this. There are dinner cruises that you can take throughout the year with different companies. Have a look at these dinner cruises.

Price: This totally depends on the time of the year and availability. They do run specials from time to time. I went over new years which was a bit more expensive so I paid (50 USD) than other times of the year but it was amazing.

Booking: You can have a look at websites but bookings are essential.

Meeting point: This usually would be from one of the piers. It depends on the cruise that you would book. All the information you can find on the website.

Grand Palace, Bangkok

There are many temples in Bangkok but the Grand Palace is the most famous one and totally worth to see it.

What is grand palace?

This spectacular temple is without a doubt the most famous landmark in Bangkok. Most of you probably have heard of it but I would definitely recommend this place but go early morning. It was built in 1782 and for 150 years was the home of the Thai King, the Royal court and the administrative seat of government.

Entrance: It cost 500 baht for foreigners but free for Thais. Make sure you take your passport with.

Dress code: Please dress properly. Make sure your shoulders and knees are covered and your clothes is not too tight. Remember this is a religious property so be mindful and respectful.

Booking: You don’t need a booking beforehand but make sure you are there early otherwise you might wait for a long time.

Scams: There are at times tuk-tuk drivers and locals that try to sell you tours. Personally you don’t need it. When you pay for your ticket they will give you a brochure with all the information in English but if you want to read up on it before arrival, that way you at least know what it is about.

Adress and contact details: Grand Palace, Na Phra Lan Rd, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok, 10200, +66 02 623 5500

In a nutshell. Bangkok is not the most beautiful city but it has its charms and I would say its a city that grows on you and I love it. Its one of my favorite places, it has so much to offer and has a lot of hidden gems as well so if you are ever in Bangkok just have fun and embrace every moment of it.

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