Take a bus to a floating market, where you can ride down a canal surrounded by displays of fresh produce in a flat boat steered by bargain-seeking Thai women. Traditional markets have become scarcer in the city since the appearance of Western-style supermarkets. The Taling Chan floating market is the easiest to get to out of the floating markets in Bangkok, especially if you are crunched for time. However, it is only open on weekends from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The other option is the Damneon Saduak Floating Market, which is right outside of the city and open daily from 7-11 a.m.
How to get there Taling Chan: Take bus numbers 79 or 83. The market is located near the front of Taling Chan District Office in the Thonburi side of Bangkok.
How to get to Damneon Saduak: Take a bus from the Southern Bus Terminal to Samut Sangkhram Ratchaburi province, 80 km southwest of Bangkok. Follow the passageway to the market or take a boat to the market pier.
Hail down a tuk-tuk (pronounced: tewk-tewk), one of Thailand's zippy little open taxis, which are essentially benches fastened to a motorcycle. Drivers are typically very friendly and will often try to strike up a conversation with foreigners, especially if you show that you know a little bit of Thai. Nearly all tuk-tuk drivers speak at least a small amount of English, or will at least understand English names or pronunciations of major places in the city. However, try not to get discouraged if the driver misunderstands and you end up somewhere different from your intended destination. Most drivers will be more than happy to work with you to clear up the confusion to get you to where you need to be.
Ride a tuk-tuk to the Golden Palace, which is recognized as the home of the Thai King and Queen and for its stunning architecture. The palace can be appreciated for its beauty, but also for its cultural richness and historical value. The King and Queen themselves are focal points of Thai traditional culture and spirit and the Golden Palace is a sight that is revered by many Thais and tourists alike.
Golden Palace
Na Phra Lan Road, Rattanakosin (Old City)
Bangkok, Thailand
Open: Daily 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
bangkok.com/attraction-palace/grand-palace.html
Purchase food from vendors off of the street or at an outdoor market. If you see lots of Thais eating at a certain market vendor or restaurant, this is usually a good indication that the food is authentic. This is not recommended for people who can't handle spicy food, as most Thai food is considerably more spicy when it is prepared for Thais rather than tourists.
Hop on a tuk-tuk to Khaosan road, a tourist hot spot bustling with backpackers from all stretches of the planet. There are many restaurants, hotels, vendors and clubs in this region of Bangkok, which has a hopping nightlife.
Tell your tuk-tuk driver to take you to the Golden Mount temple, also known as Wat Saket. These temples are beautiful representations of Thailand's Buddhist traditions and a peaceful reprieve from the bustling streets of Bangkok. Be sure that your shoulders are covered and remember to take off your shoes at the door. To get the most out of this experience, climb the temple's 318 steps to the top, which offers an excellent view of the city.
Golden Mount Temple (Wat Saket)
Between Boriphat Road and Lan Luang Road, Old City (Rattanakosin)
Bangkok, Thailand
Hours: Daily 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
bangkok.com/attraction-temple/wat-saket.html
