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A trip to Vancouver wouldn’t be complete without spending some time in Stanley Park. Known for its natural beauty and ample greenery within walking distance of the city’s downtown, the people of Vancouver are blessed with this sprawling public space, and they know it! Make sure you dedicate at least a few hours of your Vancouver trip exploring the park and you’ll learn to appreciate it as well. Fair warning though, the park is huge. Like seriously, HUGE. There’s no way you can see it all in one visit. That’s where this post comes in though, as I’ll give you a run down of some of the best things to do in Stanley Park as a first time tourist.
Covering a whopping 405 hectares, the area that makes up Stanley Park today was originally home to the Squamish and Musqueam First Nation tribes, with villages dating back some 3,000 years ago. With the late 17th century arrival of Europeans, early Spanish settlers established trading posts with the local tribes in the area. By the mid 19th century, the park was used as a military reserve due to its strategic position, overlooking the entrance to Vancouver harbour.
As Vancouver’s population expanded following the Canadian Gold Rush, Stanley Park was eventually declared a city park in 1888. It was named after the Governor General, Lord Stanley. The park underwent massive development throughout the 20th century, with the eviction of residents and a conversion of the area to focus on recreational activity. Despite the range of tourist attractions throughout the park however, it also remains an oasis for nature lovers. The park today is home to numerous species including coyotes, beavers and hundreds of types of birds.
You could spend a whole day in Stanley Park (if not more). If you’re only in Vancouver for a few days, you probably don’t have time to do that. Therefore here’s some of the highlights to help you decide how best to spend your time in the park.
Ask someone about Stanley Park and chances are you’ll hear about the Seawall. Its the park’s defining feature and is a must when visiting. Construction of the Seawall took place from 1917 to 1980 and the trail stretches the entire 8.8 kilometres around the park’s exterior. It takes about three hours to walk the whole loop (or less if you rent a bike) and provides some of the best waterside views in Vancouver. Not only will you see the city skyline and the impressive ships docked in English Bay, but you’ll continue along to spectacular mountain vistas to the north and eventually the Pacific Ocean when you hit the park’s west side.
If you don’t plan to walk the entire Seawall (or even if you do but aren’t sure if you’ll make it the whole way) definitely travel around the park in a counter clockwise direction – most of the park’s highlights are on the east side of Stanley Park. When I visited, I walked along the Seawall until I got to Prospect Point (site of the Lion’s Gate Bridge to the city’s north) before doubling back through the park’s interior. If you’re renting a bike, you’ll have to go counter-clockwise anyway since cyclists are only permitted to ride in one direction.
One of the most popular spots in the park is Brockton Point. While its also is where you’ll find the park’s lighthouse, its better known for the famous collection of totem poles that pay tribute to the park’s original inhabitants. There’s 9 totem poles in total at Brockton Point and they were all crafted by local First Nations tribes found throughout British Columbia. While many of the original poles have now been replaced by replicas, they remain awe inspiring regardless. They’re also culturally significant, telling stories of individuals and communities, providing insight into First Nations’ beliefs.
The newest of Stanley Park’s totem poles was only added in 2009. Unlike the other poles, its an original and was carved by Robert Yelton of the Squamish Nation.
You’ll also find the Vancouver Aquarium in the middle of Stanley Park. Known as Canada’s largest aquarium, its home to over 65,000 fish and other aquatic animals, both from the local area and those found further abroad. You’ll see the usual aquarium suspects of sharks, eels, octopus and others, but there’s also a rainforest area included in your admission where you can see exotic birds, turtles, sloths and more. And of course, you can’t miss the adorable otters.
I didn’t personally visit the Vancouver Aquarium when I was in Stanley Park, but that was mainly due to time constraints. I’ve heard great things from everyone that has been there though, so have no problem recommending it. Admission to the aquarium will cost you approximately $38.00 CAD, but exact price depends on the date you visit. Check out the aquarium’s official website here for more details and to buy your tickets in advance. The aquarium is open daily, generally from 9.30am – 5.30pm.
If you need a break after all that walking but still want to see more of Stanley Park, why not see more from a horse drawn carriage?. If you’re at the park between February and November, you can organise this relatively easily. No pre-booking is necessary – just show up to the kiosk at Coal Harbour and you’ll be all set for a fully narrated tour that takes you around much of the park’s major highlights. It is pricey (expect it to cost around $50.00 CAD per person), but if you’re looking for a special way to see the park in comfort, this is it. You can find out more here.
While everyone does the Seawalk and the totem poles, the interior of Stanley Park is often neglected by visitors. In my view that’s a mistake, as by wandering along the park’s less explored trails, you’ll truly take yourself into nature to the point where its easy to forget you’re a mere stroll from a major city. While there’s numerous options, if you’re coming back from the far side of the park along the main road, Beaver’s Lake is an easy diversion. Deep within the park’s forest, you’ll be sheltered from the sounds of urban life and traffic around this lily filled pond. I’m not actually sure if there’s beavers here (despite the name), but look hard enough and you might come across some racoons, squirrels or other local furry creatures.
There’s a myriad of sculptures and other art displays throughout Stanley Park. Take some time during your visit to spot some of them. There’s too many to list, but here’s some of the more famous ones:
As you can see, there’s a lot of things to do in Stanley Park. This is hardly a comprehensive list – we haven’t even mentioned the beaches, the restaurants or the miniature train! You could spend days if you really wanted to see the entirety of Stanley Park, but hopefully this post has given you an idea of some of its best features. Have I missed anything? Let me know!
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Ah Vancouver – the capital of British Columbia. Gateway to the Rocky Mountains, and the largest city in Canada’s west. The perfect mix of city and nature. Among its many accolades, Vancouver is regularly voted one of the world’s most liveable cities – and for good reason – its beautiful and there is plenty to do! I recently spent 2 days in Vancouver. It was part of a larger trip across Canada, but this amazing city left an impression on me. While my time in the city was relatively short, I managed to see quite a bit. In this post I’ll be providing an overview of all you need to know to spend a similar amount of time in Vancouver. Over time I also hope to write in more detail about the various places I visited around the city.
I spent 2 days in Vancouver during the first week of July (I actually got in the day after Canada Day!). To be honest, its the perfect time to visit the city. Vancouver can get very cold and wet in the winter (averaging around 6 degrees Celsius), so I’d definitely recommend visiting in the summer months – especially as most of the city’s attractions involve the great outdoors. In summer, you can expect temperatures of around 20 degrees Celsius and long days – the sun didn’t set until around 9pm when I was there!
Its really easy to get to Vancouver. The city is serviced by Vancouver International Airport (YVR), which is the second largest airport in Canada. Its located to the south of the city and sees flights arrive from all over the world. Being the point of entry for most travellers to the western half of Canada, you won’t struggle to find a flight that gets you to Vancouver, regardless of where you’re coming from.
Once you’ve arrived at the airport, you’ve got a few options to get into the city. While there’s the usual suspects of Uber and taxis, I’d recommend taking the Skytrain’s Canada Line. You can board the train at the airport terminal, and for less than $10.00 CAD, you’ll be in the city centre some 25 minutes later. Its really convenient to use as trains run every couple of minutes from early morning until midnight. If you’re staying in the main downtown area, you’ll want to get off at Waterfront Station.
Note that most countries require a visa or Electronic Transit Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada. Being an Australian citizen, I was eligible for an eTA, which is valid for 5 years (or until you get a new passport) and costs $7.00 CAD. Apply at least a week in advance on the official website (the process is quite straightforward) if you are eligible. As always, make sure you check specific requirements for entry (including any covid related restrictions) well before your trip.
If you’re only spending 2 days in Vancouver, you won’t have much trouble getting around. I actually walked most of the time, though with attractions further out I had to rely on other means of transport. As far as public transport goes, Vancouver’s TransLink bus service is extensive throughout the city and fairly easy to use (though you do need exact change for fares if you’re paying cash). You can also rely on the SkyTrain to get around the city, especially when you’re venturing further out from the city centre. With the city being so well connected, I wouldn’t really bother with Uber or Lyft – they’re comparatively much more expensive.
Vancouver also has a great public bike-share scheme called Mobi. Its a popular way to get around, though I didn’t use it during my stay – if I had longer than 2 days in Vancouver, I definitely would have looked into it.
For a first time traveller to Vancouver, I’d recommend staying somewhere in the city centre – somewhere between Stanley Park and the Gastown area (though Gastown itself can be a bit dirty). You’ll be within walking distance to some of the city’s more notable sights.
Vancouver is a fairly expensive city. You can expect to pay the following prices for a double room during summer per night:
I stayed at the Carmana Plaza during my stay in Vancouver. It was a fairly expensive hotel, but it was worth it. The rooms are amazing, consisting of a full on apartment suite, complete with a bedroom, living space, kitchen, bathroom and desk/sunroom area. If you can splurge a little, I’d highly recommend it. The staff were amazing as well.
The official currency of Canada is the Canadian Dollar. Credit cards are widely used and ATMs can be found everywhere.
Vancouver is an extremely safe city. I never felt uncomfortable at all while staying in and around the city. You should of course be aware of your surroundings in case of petty theft and pickpockets (like everywhere in the world), but you’re unlikely to face any problems during your stay.
While you won’t see everything with only 2 days in Vancouver, a short stay in the city will allow you to visit many of the cities major attractions. You’ll also be able to get out of the city itself and enjoy its incredibly scenic surroundings.
The first of 2 days in Vancouver focuses on the main attractions and neighbourhoods within the city of Vancouver itself. Its a fairly busy day, best attempted in the long sunlight hours of the summer. Realistically, you could do this entire day on foot like I did, but the public transport system can help you out if you find there’s a bit too much walking involved.
Start out your day with a visit to Vancouver’s Chinatown, which happens to be the second largest in North America. This neighbourhood dates back to the initial wave of Chinese immigrants that came to Vancouver in the mid-19th century in search of gold and jobs along the Canadian Pacific Highway. Now covering the area between Carrall and Gore Streets, Chinatown is recognised as a historic area and is well worth a visit. The most famous site in the area is the Millennium Gate. You should stop by for photos of this elaborately decorated piece of architecture before moving on to the real highlight of the area – the Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Garden.
While there are Chinese gardens in many cities around the world, Vancouver’s was the first classical garden of its kind to be built outside of China. Its a tranquil escape from the surrounding urban bustle and has even been recognised by National Geographic as the world’s top city garden. Its filled with winding paths, rock formations, pagodas and ponds that you can wander around. The garden’s design is heavily influenced by Taoist principles, and I’d highly recommend joining the free 45 minute guided tour so that you can learn more about this. There’s also an area where you can sample Chinese teas during your visit.
Your next stop should be a visit to Granville Island. Its not actually an island (its built on a peninsular along False Creek to the south), but its one of the most famous districts in all of Vancouver, primarily known for its Public Market. Filled with countless stalls, market vendors sell all kinds of food products, ranging from local berries to fresh salmon. There’s a food court offering nearly everything under the sun, as well as numerous restaurants of varying price ranges and local breweries, making this a great stop for lunch.
After grabbing a waterside feed, you can spend some time checking out Granville Island’s booming arts scene. The areas contains a myriad of small art galleries and studios that you should poke your head into while enjoying Granville’s atmosphere. While you’re at it, don’t miss the famous Giants piece – a series of murals painted on massive cement silos dating back to Granville Island’s industrial past.
Its a bit of a walk to Granville Island from Chinatown (around 40 minutes). I enjoyed the walk through the city streets to get there, as well as the water taxi ride across False Creek, but if you’d like to give your feet a rest, consider taking the 050 Translink Bus to get there in about half the time.
Once you’ve finished lunch and a bit of shopping, make your way to Stanley Park. Its arguably Vancouver’s most famous attraction and is a great place to explore on a nice day in the city. Covering over 1,000 acres of wilderness, Stanley Park is the green lung of Vancouver. Originally a military reserve, the lush, forested peninsular was converted to a city park in 1888 and named after then Governor General Stanley. Its a place where locals and tourists alike come out to enjoy the sunshine, get some exercise, and just bask in Vancouver’s natural beauty. Think Central Park, but considerably larger! And to make things even better, its just a short walk from the downtown area.
Stanley Park is best known for its Seawall. Stretching almost 9 kilometres around the park’s exterior, the three hour walk provides incredible views of Vancouver Harbour and the mountain vistas beyond. If you don’t feel like walking the whole thing, consider renting a bike for a shorter trip around the park’s fringes. Don’t neglect the park’s interior though. Along with the acres of temperate rainforest, there’s specific areas worth checking out, most notably the Totem Poles near Brockton Point.
Spend most of the afternoon in Stanley Park to get the most out of it. Try to venture up to Prospect Point, where you’ll pass underneath the Lion’s Gate Bridge and curve back around with views of the Pacific Ocean to the west. If you’re looking for something else to do, you could check out the Vancouver Aquarium near the park’s entrance, or stop for a snack at the Teahouse near Third Beach.
As the evening sets in, make your way to the Vancouver Waterfront. Venturing along, you’ll come to Canada Place, the iconic sail jutting cruise terminal that plays home to the city’s Canada Day fireworks each year. If you want to see the city from above, consider stopping in at the Vancouver Lookout, but otherwise continue along until you reach Gastown. Named after John “Gassy Jack” Deighton, this cobblestone paved zone is where Vancouver began, with Gassy Jack opening up a saloon here back in 1867. Originally a tough mill town, the heritage listed area is now filled with vibrant bars and restaurants, making it a great choice for dinner and a few drinks to put a cap on the day.
Vancouver is a cosmopolitan city, so you won’t have any trouble finding an establishment that serves your choice of cuisine for the evening. Since you’re in Vancouver, you can’t go wrong with salmon though! Definitely try some Canadian beers while you’re at it. After dinner, browse the stores and take in the heritage buildings in the area for a relaxing end to the day. While you’re doing so, make sure to stop by the Steam Clock on the corner of Water and Cambie Streets. Time your stop to coincide with the turn of the hour and you’ll be treated to a quick steam and musical number.
While it may seem strange to get out of the city with only 2 days in Vancouver, some of its best attractions are located just across the bay to the north. Despite being out of town, these attractions are extremely accessible. On today’s itinerary you’ll be visiting them to experience the natural beauty of the greater Vancouver area.
I’ll come out and say it – Grouse Mountain was my favourite part of my Vancouver adventures. Just a twenty minute drive north of the city centre, this mountain overlooks Vancouver and contains so many things to do (especially during the summer – though it converts into a ski resort in the winter). Getting to Grouse Mountain couldn’t be easier as your ticket includes a shuttle transfer from Canada Place (buses leave every half hour). Try to get on the first bus of the day to enjoy the mountain with less crowds.
When you arrive at Grouse Mountain, you’ll have to board a gondola to get to the mountain’s summit (or if you’re super fit you can take the Grouse Grind hiking track, but its REALLY intense!). Enjoy the scenery (or in my case, misty fog settling in over the trees adding to the atmosphere) as you ascend. Once you get to the top, there’s a plethora of things to do. Count on spending half a day up on the mountain in the summer. Aside from just taking in the panoramic views of Vancouver from above, there’s a lumberjack show, an informative bird show, and my favourite of all, a grizzly bear habitat where two orphan cubs have been raised and studied. Weather permitting, you can even take a chairlift to go higher up the mountain to an observatory structure.
After lunch and a gondola ride back down from the mountain, you’ll be spending your afternoon at the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Its another escape into nature, this time to the evergreen forests along the banks of the Capilano River. While there’s a number of things to do here, the main attraction is the suspension bridge itself. At around 140 metres in length, the Capilano Bridge is one of the longest in the world. Hanging some seventy metres above the river, the bridge found here today was built back 1956, but there’s been one at the site since 1889. Crossing the wobbly bridge, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the river below.
A trip to Capilano doesn’t end with the bridge though. The Treetop Walk on the far side of the river is a highlight, consisting of 7 smaller bridges taking you high above the forest floor. Meanwhile, the Cliffwalk takes you out along a thin walkway jutting out from the edge of the gorge itself. In addition to these experiences, there’s a number of interpretive stations throughout the park. The section on the Totem Poles of the First Nations’ tribes from the area is particularly informative.
Getting to the Capilano Bridge is easy. If you’re coming from Grouse Mountain, all you need to do is get on the public bus (the staff at the visitor’s centre will be able to point you in the right direction). Its only a 5 minute trip and will cost you a couple of dollars. Once you’re at the park, count on spending 1-2 hours here before heading back to Vancouver (by free shuttle bus) for dinner as evening sets in.
If you’ve got more than 2 days in Vancouver, there’s a lot of other attractions you could see. Making the top of that list (and a place I wish I was able to get to during my stay) would be the Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia, a museum renowned for its exhibits on First Nations people of the Pacific Northwest. If you’re travelling with kids (or not), Science World is a fun and interactive science centre on the False Creek waterfront. Depending on the time of year you are visiting Vancouver, you could even take a whale watching boat tour. There’s so much to do in Vancouver, and this is just scratching the surface.
There you have it – a guide to spending 2 days in Vancouver. Is there anything I’ve missed that you’d recommend checking out? If so, let me know!
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Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand. Based on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok is one of the most popular cities on the South East Asian tourist trail. Its easy to get to, filled with cultural sites and museums, and is known for its excellent nightlife. Its also the gateway to other parts of amazing Thailand. While some travellers simply use the city as a waypoint en route to destinations in the country, you really can’t skip spending a few days in Bangkok when visiting Thailand. There’s always something to see and do in this noisy, chaotic and exciting metropolis. In this itinerary, I’ll be providing a guide to Bangkok for the first time visitor, giving you an idea of how to experience the highlights over a three day period.
Bangkok is known to Thais as Krung Thep (a shortened version of a much longer name!), which translates into “City of Angels”. The city was founded on the Chao Phraya River by the Thai (then Siamese) General Chao Phraya Chakkri in 1782, following the fall of the old kingdom of Ayutthaya to the north at the hands of the Burmese. Chakkri would go on to become King Rama I, establishing the Chakkri Dynasty which still reigns over Thailand today (the current monarch is often referred to as King Rama X). In the years since, the city expanded significantly, with several wats and roads being constructed. Bangkok grew dramatically after World War II, with tourism becoming an increasingly important aspect of Thailand’s economy. Its unique Thai character gives the global city a charm that sees many travellers coming back.
Bangkok is incredibly easy to get to and is serviced by two airports. The main one, Suvarnabhumi International (BKK), is about 30 kilometres east of central Bangkok and is a regional hub, connected to much of the world. The second, Don Mueang Airport is mainly used by budget airlines domestically and connections throughout parts of Asia.
Assuming you’ve flown into BKK, you can get into the city using Bangkok’s convenient public transport system. The Airport Rail Link connects passengers to the BTS Skytrain, which will have you in the heart of Bangkok within 30 minutes for approximately 45 Baht. Alternatively, the MRT metro can get you there in roughly the same time for a similar price. If you’d prefer to be driven to your hotel, I’d recommend using Grab (a ride-share app similar to Uber), which will be cheaper than a taxi, but be prepared to brave Bangkok’s notorious traffic.
Tourists from most Western Countries including Australia, the United States and most European Union nations, can visit Thailand visa-free. While you should check the laws that apply to your country of citizenship, Australians can enter Thailand for up to 30 days without a visa.
The peak tourist season in Bangkok is November to February. Its also probably the best time to visit. While this is Bangkok’s cool dry season, its still very hot (you can expect temperatures to reach the low 30s Celsius regularly). There’s a fair few public holidays that fall during this time, including the late King Rama IX’s birthday and Constitution Day however, so you may want to check your dates if you’ve got a bit of flexibility. Meanwhile July to October is the wet season, with a significant chance of tropical monsoonal rain during this time of year. I’d try to avoid it, particularly if its your first time to the city as the best way to experience Bangkok is being out on the streets.
Bangkok is full of accommodation options for travellers. If its your first time visiting however, I’d aim to stay somewhere around the Ko Ratanakosin district. Situated along the east bank of the Chao Phraya river, this area of the city is close to most of the city’s iconic sites and historic temples, making it the perfect spot to base yourself when exploring Bangkok. Alternatively, if you’re more interested in the backpacker partying scene, staying near Khao San Road is the obvious choice.
Overall, accommodation in Bangkok (and Thailand in general) is quite affordable. You can expect to pay roughly the following prices for a double room per night in the high season:
As mentioned earlier, Bangkok’s roads are notorious for being congested, with traffic delays being quite common. For this reason, you don’t want to rely on cars and taxis too much when getting around the city. Luckily, the public transport system is excellent, between the BTS Skytrain and MRT Metro, both of which run frequently from 6am to midnight daily. A standard fare can range from anywhere between 16-44 Baht ($0.67 – $1.76 AUD), or you can buy a one-day unlimited pass for less than $6 AUD. You should however note that Thailand is a very cash based country, so you’ll want to have enough on you to pay for fares (and to pay for things in general).
When it comes to destinations along the riverbank (think the main temples we’ll be diving into soon!), one of the best ways to get about is by taking the Express Boat. This public ferry serves commuters up and down the Chao Phraya River from 6am – 8pm each day for around 10-40 Baht ($0.42 – $1.67 AUD) per fare. In addition to being highly affordable, a trip on the ferry is a great way to take in some of the city’s best views while escaping the often punishing Bangkok heat.
While tuk-tuks (motorised rickshaws) are popular, they are a tourist trap that just aren’t competitively priced for foreigners. Despite this, riding one once remains essential Bangkok experience (but agree on a price before setting out).
The currency of Thailand is the Thai Baht. Note that cash is still used far more widely than cards in Thailand.
The national language is Thai. While hotel staff and the like will speak English, it wouldn’t hurt to learn some basic Thai phrases, as outside of the tourism industry, English is not widely spoken. Some helpful phrases include:
Overall, Bangkok is a pretty safe city. The risk of street crime is fairly low. You’re more likely to be the victim of a scammer or pickpocket,so just read up on the latest scams, be aware of your belongings in crowds, and politely decline assistance from overly friendly strangers. – normal common-sense stuff. As with many parts of Asia, drug penalties can be comparatively severe in Thailand. Also note that any kind of criticism of the monarchy is regarded as very serious offence under Thai law.
Spending three days in Bangkok will give you enough time to see the city’s main highlights, including its most famous temples. You’ll also have the chance to get out of the city to the nearby ruins of historic Ayutthaya.
On your first day in Bangkok, you’ll want to see the city’s most important sites. Luckily for you, they’re all pretty centrally located along the banks of the Chao Phraya River. After a quick breakfast, you’ll want to head to one of Bangkok’s most notable attractions, the Grand Palace. From there, you’ll be taking in a few other significant temples. One of the best ways to get to the Palace is by taking the Express Boat ferry to Pier 9 Tha Chang.
As you’ll be visiting a number of places of worship today, make sure you dress modestly – that means covering knees and shoulders (males and females).
The first stop of the day is the most popular destination for tourists in all of Bangkok. Dating back to 1782, the Grand Palace complex consists of over a hundred buildings across 214,000 square metres. While the Royal Family no longer lives here, the Grand Palace has served as the King’s official residence since its construction and is still used for official functions. The Palace grounds are also the site of Wat Phra Kaew, which translates to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Included with your admission ticket, this temple houses the holiest Buddha image in all of Thailand, with Buddhists travelling from all over the world to pay their respects. While the actual Buddha statue is quite small, the whole complex is filled with iconic Thai architecture and history.
Its important to know that the Grand Palace gets packed as the day goes on. Its why I recommend making this your first stop of the day so that you can enjoy it with less people getting in your way. Expect to spend at least two hours as you wander around the areas that are open to the public. To get the most out of your experience, consider hiring a guide at the ticket kiosk, or take an audio tour for around 200 Baht.
After spending the morning in the Palace, and perhaps grabbing a light lunch from a street vendor nearby, your next stop is just a short 10 minute walk away. Wat Pho is Bangkok’s oldest temple. It translates to Temple of the Reclining Buddha, and inside you’ll find a HUGE gold covered reclining Buddha statue (in fact Bangkok’s largest). Stretching out at an impressive 46 metres long, the statue illustrates Buddha entering nirvana upon death. Its a massively significant site for Buddhist worshippers and definitely something you can’t miss when exploring Bangkok’s temples. There’s a number of other buildings on the complex housing further Buddha depictions, so you’ll probably fill in at least another hour at Wat Pho.
Wat Pho is also the site of a traditional Thai massage school and makes a great place to experience an authentic Thai massage. Make sure you book in when you arrive (there’s often a waiting list) and if you don’t manage to get a time that will suit your schedule, you should definitely make sure you get to experience a Thai massage somewhere while in Bangkok (or Thailand in general if you’ll be seeing more of the country).
To get to the last temple for the day, you’ll have to cross to the other side of the Chao Phraya River, so get on board the ferry once more and head on over to Wat Arun via the Pier 8 Tha Tien. Probably the most iconic temple of the Bangkok skyline, Wat Arun is named after the Indian god of dawn, Aruna (hence the temple is often called the Temple of Dawn), and is built in the style of the former capital Ayutthaya. That’s no coincidence, as it was meant to symbolise the rebirth of Thailand (Siam) following the fall of the old capital.
The central spire stands tall at 82 metres high and overall, the impressive architecture gives rise to what is arguably the most beautiful temple in all of Bangkok. Its also one of the very few Buddhist temples that visitors can (and are in fact encouraged) to climb up, offering impressive views of the city. Its a good choice as the last temple of the day, given the chance to take in the beauty of the surroundings.
After a day of temple hopping, you’re bound to be exhausted. If you’ve got time to kill before dinner, get back on board the River Ferry and watch life on the Chao Phraya River pass you by. When you get hungry, get off at Pier 5 Ratchawong and head into Chinatown (Yaowarat), a crowded hub of alleys and market stalls that is also known for being the capital of Bangkok’s street food scene. If you feel like partying on afterwards, you can venture out to Khao San Road‘s backpacker scene, before calling it a night.
Now that you’ve seen Bangkok’s most famous temples, you’ll be diving deeper into the city on your second day in the city. You’ll be starting out at another temple (this is Thailand after all!), but then you’ll be headed to a unique museum as well as enjoying the fresh air in one of the city’s best public spaces as the day goes on. You’ll be mostly away from the river today, so you might want to use Grab or public transport to get to your first destination after breakfast.
Yes, after spending most of yesterday temple hopping, you’re starting the day with another wat, but this one is still worth visiting, even if you think you’ve had your fill. Perched on top of a small hill, it takes a good 25 minutes to hike the stairs to Wat Saket, but upon doing so you’ll be rewarded with great views across the city. The temple contains iconic murals including depictions of Buddhist hell that you won’t see elsewhere. However, the main thing to see here is the famous golden chedi that stands in at 100 metres high and was commissioned by King Rama III during his reign. After the hike to the top, spend some time relaxing up here, taking in the scenery and atmosphere before continuing on with your day.
Up next, you’re off to one of Bangkok’s more unique attractions. The Jim Thompson House is located a short distance away from the commercial heart of Bangkok (where you’ll find the city’s well known shopping malls) and is a traditional Thai style house that once served as the residence of former US spy, Jim Thompson, who served a stint in Thailand during World War 2. He would become more well known for his role in reviving the Thai silk industry however, before his mysterious disappearance in 1967.
When you visit the Jim Thompson House, you’ll take a guided tour (you can’t book in advance but its the only way to see the property), during which you’ll see the various rooms on display, filled with artefacts and artworks. Along the way you’ll learn about the significance of Thai silk through a demonstration of its production, and also see a cultural Thai dance routine. You’ll gain a lot from visiting, both in learning some history as well as experiencing some local culture. Its one of the most popular museums in Thailand for a reason! After your tour you can explore the lush gardens surrounding the property.
As you start to get hungry, you might want to duck into one of the massive malls nearby for a quick feed. There’s countless options within a 20 minute walk. Siam Discovery is a massive modern mall that includes a Madame Tussauds if you enjoy those. Siam Paragon houses the Sea Life Ocean World Aquarium, while Central World has an indoor skating ring. They all have excellent food courts and are a great way to escape the heat of the day before continuing on.
When you’re ready to get back outside, Lumphini Park is a relatively short walk to the south and is essentially Bangkok’s answer to Central Park in New York. Named after the birthplace of Buddha in Nepal, this public space is the city’s biggest park and is filled with beautifully maintained lawns, trails and an artificial lake. Its a good choice for a relaxing afternoon stroll and an escape from the hustle and bustle of regular Bangkok street life. You’ll see countless locals enjoying the outdoors and you can even join in with an outdoor aerobics session in the late afternoon. At 6 o’clock, you’ll hear the park’s speakers blare in tribute to the King while park goers stop in their tracks out of respect. Its a daily occurrence so don’t be alarmed if it catches you off guard.
When you’re ready to wind up, grab dinner before heading back to the hotel. If you’re craving some nightlife, Bangkok has numerous options waiting for you. Or if you’re feeling like something different, consider seeing a Muay Thai Fight at Rajadamnern Stadium.
Believe it or not, I’m going to recommend that you spend your third day in Bangkok getting out of the city! While there’s plenty to do in Bangkok, if you’ve only got a few days in town, I’d highly recommend taking a trip to the Old Capital of Ayutthaya. This historic site contains the ruins of the former capital of Siam, a regional powerhouse before its fall in the 18th century.
Many visitors to Bangkok don’t realise that Ayutthaya is a mere 80 kilometres north of the city, making it a very easy day trip. You can either go with an organised tour such as this one, or visit independently. If you’re making the trip on your own, there’s regular bus or train services that will get you to the UNESCO heritage site, leaving from central Bangkok (it will probably cost you around 40-60 Baht depending on your choice of transport). If you’re on a tour, there’s a good chance the bus will pick you up from your hotel (or a larger hotel nearby).
Before you get to the actual ruins of Ayutthaya Historical Park, your first stop should be the Bang Pa-In Palace. This 19 hectare property was a former summer palace for the Thai Royal Family throughout the 19th century, although it was actually built all the way back in the 17th century by King Prasat Thong before the fall of Ayutthaya. The property is notable for its vast array of structures and shrines from various architectural styles, ranging from European to Chinese influences – in fact, there is only one shrine on the property (the floating Divine Seat of Personal Freedom) which is built in traditional Thai style, a significant contrast to much of the temples through Bangkok.
You can spend at least an hour taking in the various buildings and grounds of the beautiful palace here while taking lots of photos. A good tour will aim to get here early on in the day (hence it being the first stop) before the crowds arrive in mass. Its a relaxing and historically interesting place to visit and you should make the most of the experience. Don’t miss the chance to ascend to the top of Sage’s Lookout Tower for excellent views of the palace complex.
Once you arrive at the actual UNESCO heritage site of Ayutthaya’s old city, head to Wat Mahathat. Wat Mahathat was the most important temple in Ayutthaya and served as the seat of the Kingdom’s Power. The size of the temple can only be imagined now, although the ruins left following the city’s sacking are impressive. The central prang once stood around 43 metres high, and was actually restored before collapsing once again in the early 20th century.
While the ruins and the various Buddha statues sprawled throughout the complex are impressive, the highlight at the site is undoubtedly the sandstone Buddha head nearby entangled in the roots of a Bodhi tree. Its become one of Thailand’s most iconic images and its unknown exactly how it came to be, but one popular theory is that the head was left there after looting of the site following the fall of the Old City.
The next temple I’d recommend in Ayutthaya dates back to the 15th century and is one of the very few historical sites in the area that remains fully intact. Its thought that this was due to the fact that it was used by the Burmese army as a military outpost during their campaign against the Old City, and therefore preserved. Today, Wat Na Phra Men is most notable for its massive gold Buddha statue, standing 6 metres tall and depicted in royal attire. Outside the main shrine, you’ll find various stupas, another Buddha head in a Bodhi tree, and many more interesting icons of worship.
The last temple on this itinerary is actually no longer a temple at all – the entirety of Wat Lokaya Sutharam’s temple was totally destroyed in the Burmese sacking of Ayutthaya, However the site is now notable for the massive 42 metre long Reclining Buddha statue that lays exposed to its surroundings. While there’s nowhere near as much to see here as the other temples, the huge Buddha makes it worth a brief stop alone and many worshippers present offerings to the sacred icon.
For most people, the above sites will be enough traipsing through ruins for a day. If you’re looking to head back to Bangkok, consider taking a river boat cruise all the way back down the Chao Phraya River into the heart of the city (it will take around 2 hours). If you’ve come to Ayutthaya on an organised tour, there’s a good chance it will include such a trip, with lunch served on board. For those wanting to spend more time in Ayutthaya however, there’s plenty more temples and ruins to see, as well as the Ayutthaya Tourist Centre and Museum. If you’re thinking of sticking around, you might consider purchasing a full day ticket to Ayuthaya Historical Park for 220 Baht (around $9.25 AUD) rather than paying separately at each place you visit.
Whenever you do make it back to Bangkok, you’ll probably be ready for a relaxing rest of the day. Wander the streets, take a dip at your hotel pool, or head to a local market, before eating some more delicious Thai food and finishing your few days in Bangkok with a cocktail at a rooftop bar.
So there you have it – 3 days in Bangkok! Is there anywhere you’d recommend that I’ve missed? Let me know all about your favourite spots in Bangkok in the comments.
If you’re looking to continue on your travels through Thailand, popular destinations include Chiang Mai in the north, or Phuket and its nearby islands to the south. Moving on from Thailand? Consider heading over into neighbouring Laos or Cambodia to see more of South East Asia.
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