Bangkok, Thailand’s vibrant capital, is a city that never sleeps. It’s where the ancient meets the modern, where bustling street markets coexist with towering skyscrapers. In this blog post, I’ll share some highlights from my recent trip to Bangkok, including my top must-see sights and must-try eats that made my visit unforgettable.

Company Meetup and Team Building

My trip to Bangkok happened because once per year, my remote company offers teams the option to stay together for about one week to have some real-life time, working and having fun together. Yes, it’s a company meetup, and that’s my number eight—excluding the big company-wise Grand Meetups and Division Meetups.

As a team, Coral, we had an incredible time bonding during team-building activities, which brought us closer as colleagues and friends. The mix of productive work sessions and fun outings created a perfect balance. We found that working in such a dynamic and inspiring environment boosted our creativity and collaboration, making our work both enjoyable and effective.

What to See in Bangkok

These are my top three things to see in Bangkok. You can walk across neighbourhoods and get lost in the tiny canals crossing the old city, but these are my top picks.

Lumpini Park

Our wandering adventure began on day one at Lumpini Park, a serene green oasis in the heart of Bangkok. This park is the perfect place to start (or finish) your day with a stroll or a relaxing boat ride on the lake. We were captivated by the lush scenery and the peaceful ambience. It’s a fantastic spot to escape the city’s hustle and bustle, offering a glimpse into local life with joggers, tai chi practitioners, and families enjoying picnics.

The fauna particularly struck me: no usual British swans or ducks, but instead, we spotted huge Monitor lizards and gigantic turtles pretty much everywhere.

Grand Palace

No trip to Bangkok is complete without visiting the Grand Palace. This iconic landmark, dazzling architecture and intricate details are a testament to Thailand’s rich history and culture. We spent a good couple of hours exploring the vast palace complex’s many halls, pavilions, courtyards, and the museums open to the public. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), located within the palace grounds, is particularly awe-inspiring. Remember to dress modestly out of respect for this sacred site, otherwise you need to purchase clothes to cover yourself on the spot.

Longtail Boat Tour with Co Canaling

One of the highlights of our trip was the 2-hour longtail boat tour with Co Canaling. This tour offers a unique perspective of Bangkok, taking you through the city’s network of canals, or “klongs.” We loved gliding past traditional wooden houses, bustling markets, and beautiful temples.

The tour also included a visit one of the biggest Buddhist temples, which features the third biggest golden Buddha of all Thailand. It was breathtaking, I have never seen anything like that. It was also my first experience on a Buddhist temple, so I learned a lot about the etiquette to keep in temples.

The day we chose for this tour had the best weather of our trip, with long sunny spells that made the experience even more enjoyable. It was a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation and a great way to see a different side of Bangkok.

Where to Eat in Bangkok – Sindhorn area

Since the hotel was so good, we managed to have most of our meals there (see also below for more details). Here are our top picks for where to eat in Bangkok, mostly in the area where we lodged.

Flourish

For an exceptional dining experience, we highly recommend Flourish at the Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel, a three-star Michelin restaurant. The food here is beyond excellent, with a menu that offers a creative twist on traditional Thai cuisine. The restaurant’s elegant ambiance and attentive service made our meal genuinely memorable. Flourish delivers on all fronts, whether you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast, a light lunch, or a lavish dinner. I have never eaten a Wagyu meat like the one I had there.

Bangkok 78

Another great dining spot is Bangkok 78, located at Sindhorn Midtown Hotel. While the food here is quite good, it didn’t quite reach the heights of Flourish (no restaurant had, to be honest). However, the retro decor and friendly atmosphere made it a pleasant dining place. It’s a solid choice if you’re looking for a casual meal with decent options.

Bangkok Bold Kitchen

Bangkok Bold Kitchen might fit the bill if you’re looking for something okay. While the food was satisfactory, we found it lacking in inclusivity for dietary requirements, particularly for vegetarians and vegans. The ambiance was nice, but the menu options didn’t impress us as much as we had hoped. It’s a decent choice, at the end of the day, if you’re not too picky about your diet and fancy a stroll in a mall (which is an experience per se).

Where to Stay in Bangkok

We stayed at the Sindhorn Midtown Hotel, part of the IHG Vignette Collection, and we couldn’t have been happier with our choice. The hotel offers excellent value for money, with luxurious rooms, top-notch amenities, and incredible breakfast options. The infinity pool was a particular highlight, providing stunning views of the city. The attentive staff made our stay truly special too!

Mention of honour to the meeting room arrangement they prepared for us: we had very productive working sessions also thanks to the great room setup and the excellent coffee break with snacks, which exceeded our expectations.

Weather and Tips

The weather in Bangkok during our visit was very hot and humid, with occasional rain and mostly cloudy skies. The best day, weather-wise, was when we did the longtail boat tour. If you’re planning to explore the city, I recommend wearing light, breathable clothing and staying hydrated. Always have an umbrella or raincoat handy, as the weather can change quickly.

For those planning to fly to Bangkok, I highly recommend Thai Airways. Despite the average 13-hour trip, my travel experience was excellent – the best one, so, far on such a long haul. The airplanes were pretty new, and the customer care was above average. The food served on board was also excellent, considering it was airline food.

Final Thoughts

Bangkok is a city of contrasts, where tradition and modernity blend seamlessly. Our trip was filled with unforgettable experiences, from the tranquil moments in Lumpini Park to the grandeur of the Grand Palace, and the adventurous boat tour through the canals. The culinary delights we encountered added an extra layer of enjoyment to our visit.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Bangkok has something to offer everyone. I hope this guide helps you plan your own adventure in this amazing city. Safe travels!