So here are the places we visited, food we chowed down and what we did plus some suggestions on how to make first moments happen in Thailand!
DAY 1: SAWASDEE, BANGKOK
Hail to the King!
A visit to the Grand Palace, residence of the King of Thailand is a must do when in Bangkok as well as dropping by the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Entrance fee is 500 baht
A Not So Typical Buddha
Our First Taste of Bangkok
In-style with Traditional Thai attire
It was fun, despite the heat, wandering around the streets of Bangkok in traditional Thai costume which we rented outside Wat Arun for around 150-200 baht. Photography services can be availed starting around 1,500 baht.
The Majestic Wat Arun
Considered the most popular temple in Bangkok, you will be amazed by its architecture and magnificence - perfect with our Thai attire.
Also known as the Temple of Dawn, Wat Arun is a stunning Buddhist temple famous for its tall central prang adorned with colorful porcelain and seashells, offering breathtaking views of the Chao Phraya River. Entrance fee is 200 baht and comes with free bottled water.
Bangkok Luxury Redefined
Located along the Chao Phraya River, ICONSIAM offers luxury shopping, casual and fine dining, and Thai cultural experiences all within the IG-worthy mall.
One of the highlights is Sook Siam - a vibrant cultural space showcasing the diverse culture and traditions with an indoor floating market complete with local products of Thailand's many regions - all under one roof .
Discover Asiatique: The Riverfront Destination
From former docks along the Chao Phraya river to a vibrant night market and shopping district, Asiatique offers a wide range of shopping, dining, and entertainment like the ferris wheel - Asiatique Sky (500 baht) and also serves a jump off point for river cruises.
Buffet Dining & Cruising in Style
DAY 1 NOTES
- Our hostel - Chai Wat is located in the area so we just walked to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Tha Tian Market.
- We took a 5-minute, 5 baht boat ride across the river from That Tian Market to Wat Arun.
- There are many costume rental shops outside Wat Arun. Photography services costs 1,500 baht.
- Hop-On Hop-Off water taxis connect Wat Arun, IconSiam and Asiatique. Or you may take a regular taxi, Grab or Bolt.
- Entrance fees and prices of other activities may vary. You can find discounted prices via Klook.
- Thank you, TAT Ph (Tourism Authority of Thailand - The Philippines Branch Office) for the Chao Phraya Princess cruise and buffet treat!
Starting the day at 7 Eleven
A must-visit when in Thailand, your tummy will be amazed by the great food and drinks finds at 7-Eleven. And my faves? The toasties, toasted sandwiches that come so many delicious fillings!
Located in Ayutthaya, Thailand, Bang Pa In Palace stunning historic royal palace features a blend of Thai and European architectural styles, picturesque gardens, and a serene atmosphere. Entrance fee is 100 baht.
Lunch in style amidst the ruins
Indulge in local Thai flavors with contemporary interpretations at Boran Cafe. Enjoy pad thai, mango sticky rice, Thai fried rice, etc. in this IG-worthy cafe adorned with enchanting antique decors in a beautifully restored setting just in front of majestic ancient temple ruins.
Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon
The Great Monastery of Auspicious Victory is a historic Buddhist temple featuring a stunning 37-meter-long reclining statue Buddha, an impressive row of Buddha statues and an impressive central pagoda. Entrance Fee is 20 baht
Wat Mahathat
Located at the city center (across Boran Cafe), this historic temple complex famous for the iconic Buddha head entwined in banyan tree roots - symbolizing the fusion of nature and ancient culture. Entrance fee is 50 baht*
Probably my favorite, this Temple of the Holy, Splendid, Omniscient is a majestic historic temple complex that once served as the royal temple of the Ayutthaya Kingdom featuring three impressive pagodas. Entrance fee is 50 baht*
Wihan Phra Mongkhon Bophit
Located beside Wat Phra Si Sanphet is a revered temple housing a highly venerated bronze Buddha statue, showcasing stunning architecture and spiritual significance. Entrance fee is 50 baht*
Elephant Palace and Royal Kraal
This stop offers a 20-minute elephant ride across the Ayutthaya city center but we just enjoyed taking photos in the lotus pond with the Wat Phra Ram as backdrop.
Chasing the Bangkok sunset
Back in Bangkok, we waited for the iconic sunset on the rooftop of Inn A Day cafe with the magnificent Wat Arun as backdrop and Chao Phraya River as foreground. Minimum order of 1,500 baht.
Tuktuk Bangkok Drift
Our first tuktuk ride offered an exhilarating and touristy experience, navigating through bustling streets of Bangkok while taking in the sights and sounds of local culture (while saying a little prayer for safety). 150 baht for 3 pax (but less than 100 baht if we took Grab or Taxi)
Nightlife at the (in)famous street
We had to experience Bangkok's (in)famous street, Khao San Road - a vibrant and eclectic hub of nightlife, street/exotic food, shopping, popular among travelers and locals alike for its energetic atmosphere, affordable delights and the legendary pingpong shows š.
Snake your way around alleyways filled with more shops and that distinct aroma of "MJ" and it will lead you to the parallel Rambuttri Road for a more relaxed yet still vibrant, level-up nightlife.
A relaxing Thai massage
A perfect nightcap to our busy day was getting an authentic Thai massage - there's plenty along Khao San road and of course all around Bangkok. Whether its head, hand & foot, back or whole body, it will rejuvenate you for the next day.
DAY 2 NOTES:
- We booked a van good for 9pax via Klook for around 4,000 baht from 9am to 4pm. The van fetched and dropped us back at our our hotel.
- We prepared our own itinerary and just presented it to the driver.
- Entrance fees for the temples varies and some were free during our visit.
- While tuktuks are fun and touristy, the prices are jacked up for tourists and yes, they will race with other tuktuks along the street. Be ready for it!
DAY 3: NEVER-ENDING FUN in PATTAYA
Marvel at a wooden wonder
The Sanctuary of Truth is a stunning wooden structure in Pattaya, Thailand, that showcases intricate carvings and sculptures depicting Buddhist and Hindu themes.
This magnificent building serves as a spiritual and cultural landmark, reflecting the country's rich heritage. Guided tours in specific languaes are available in batches. Entrance fee is 500 baht.
Life's a beach!
Seafood galore
Located along JomTien Beach, Pupen Seafood Pattaya is a popular restaurant offering a vast array of fresh seafood dishes in a lively, night market-like atmosphere. Reminds me of Breakthrough here in Iloilo City.
It offers a wide range of seafood dishes - including the surprising delicious shark meat in curry and spicy variants, among others.
Mountainside Englightenment
The Khao Chi Chan Buddha is a significant landmark in Pattaya, featuring a massive golden Buddha image carved into a limestone cliff using lasers.
This revered site attracts pilgrims and tourists alike, offering stunning views and spiritual significance. Entrance is FREE
Jurassic Tropical Gardens
Nong Nooch Tropical Garden is a 500-acre botanical garden in Pattaya featuring stunning flora and is one of the world's best gardens.
It showcases beautifully landscaped gardens, including French, Italian, and Thai-style gardens perfect for the IG-worth vacation photos.
Visitors can also enjoy cultural shows, elephant meet & greet, and the vast garden features life-size dinosaur sculptures. Entrance fee is 600 baht.
Feel the Chinese hustle
Chinatown Bangkok is the world's largest and it is centered along Yaowarat Road with a bustling day and night market, offering a wide range of street food, souvenirs, and shopping delights.
Experience the traditional Thai foods like pad thai, papaya salad and also try the exotic eats - worm, grasshoppers, crickets and scorpions among others.
Discover the hip and trendy vibes
Banthat Thong Road, located a few blocks from Chinatown, has become a trendy food destination after the pandemic. It offers a diverse range of delicious and affordable options, from traditional Thai dishes to international cuisine.
The street transforms into a bustling night market in the evenings, with vendors serving everything from street food to popular desserts - including the viral Egg tart from Yolk and Nueng Nom Nua - famous for its milk-based treats and is easily recognizable by its mascot - a little guy in a red shirt holding bread.
DAY 3 NOTES:
- We booked a van good for 9pax via Klook for around 4,000 baht from 9am to 7pm. The van fetched from our our hotel and dropped us in Chinatown.
- We prepared our own itinerary for Pattaya and just presented it to the driver.
- Entrance fees quoted are actual on-site rates while discounted fees can be availed from Klook.
- While the Sanctuary is NOT a temple, strict dress code is still observed - that is no above the knee, no sleeveless for both males and females.
- To avoid the crowds, we countered the usual flow of tourists by visiting the Sanctuary first then ending with Nong Nooch.
- If you have more time, it is best to visit Chinatown and Banthat Thong on separate nights for a more immersive experience.
DAY 4: KHOP KHUN, THAILAND
Discover the past... In the present
Ancient City, also known as Muang Boran, is a vast outdoor museum an hour away from Bangkok showcasing Thailand's most iconic historical sites and structures.
The park features over 100 models of Thailand's and Indochina's famous landmarks, including temples, palaces, and monuments. Entrance fee is 700 baht.
No frills Thai specialties
Lunch was at the rows of cafes and restos by the entrance of the themed park and we chose Coffee by Lung amidst the replicas of Thailand's iconic structures, surrounded by serene gardens and tranquil atmosphere, enjoying Thai fried rice, garlic beef and Thai milk tea among others.
A Much Revered Elephant
The Erawan Museum near Ancient City is a unique attraction featuring a giant three-headed elephant statue that houses an impressive collection of art and artifacts.
The museum's interior 3-level interior (representing the underworld, earth and heaven) showcases intricate designs, sculptures, and exhibits that reflect Thai culture and mythology. Entrance fee is 400 baht
Shopping and Pasalubong
Bangkok is world-renowned for its shopping malls, ranging from luxury destinations like ICONSIAM and Siam Paragon to popular spots like bargain hunters fave MBK (the Greenhills of Bangkok), the travel-themed Terminal 21 and the megamall - centralwOrld. 
These malls offer a diverse shopping experience, featuring high-end brands, local boutiques, and a wide range of dining and entertainment options. All these malls have a must-visit foodcourt offering affordable Thai specialties.
Chatuchak Weekend Market is the worlds largest weekend market featuring over 15,000 stalls selling everything from clothing and accessories to home decor and street food. You will certainly love and most probably get lost in this market!
Pratunam, on the other hand, is a bustling hub for affordable fashion, with a vast array of clothing, shoes, and accessories at wholesale prices, attracting both locals and tourists.
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| Big C Supercenter Ratchadamri across centralwOrld |
Big C is a popular retail chain in Thailand offering a wide range of products, including pasalibong items, groceries, electronics, and household items while nearby Platinum Mall is a very popular shopping destination known for its affordable fashion, cosmetics and accessories.
DAY 4 NOTES:
- We took Grabcar and BTS Skytrain to/from Ancient City to/from Erawan and Centralworld area. Transfer services between Ancient City and Erawan can also be availed onsite.
- Entrance fees quoted are actual on-site rates while discounted fees can be availed from Klook.
- Malls mentioned are connected by the BTS Skytrain. MBK and Siam Paragon plus Centralworld, Big C and Platinum are just walking distance with each grouping signifying "just across each" location.
- Chatuchak is best visited every Saturday and Sunday from 9AM to 7PM easily accessible via BTS and MRT.
- Pratunam is among the biggest wholesale markets especially for fashion. The area also has a large concentration of affordable hotels and lots of food choices open until 3AM or even later. It also walkable from Big C area.
- Big C and centralwOrld have counters where you can leave your luggage. Big C is open untii 2AM daily. But you can always leave your things at your hotel.
From Downtown Bangkok, I just booked my ride through BOLT (which is cheaper than Grab) to Don Mueang Airport for around 450 baht (because I opted via the Skyway - additional 150 baht). The DMK to ILO direct flights departs around 125AM with the check-in gates opening around 10PM.
Note: I actually stayed a little bit more than 4 days exploring Thailand and beyond that I got to experience my first and definitely NOT LAST - Songkran Festival
Songkran is a traditional Thai New Year festival celebrated from April 13 to 15, marking a time of renewal and spiritual rejuvenation.
The festivities all across Thailand including Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar among others. involve water splashing, symbolizing cleansing and good luck, as well as merit-making activities like visiting temples and releasing birds or fish.
Ground Zero for this event in Bangkok is at Silom area, where the joyous and water-filled celebration that brings people from all-over the world, enjoying Thai culture and hospitality.
Big malls like centralwOrld, Siam Paragon and IconSiam also stage side events highlighted waters-splashing concerts.
Are you ready for Songkran 2026?!
GOT MORE TIME? How about CAMBODIA!