9 Musts for a Truly Local Experience in Bangkok

The best places, as told by locals.

 

You can never truly know a country inside out, no matter how many times you visit it. But that’s a good thing, because it gives you more reason to find new things to eat, see and do so you can get a fuller picture.

With so many options out there to choose from, The Travel Insider has whittled it down to a list of 9 things for an authentic local experience; all thanks to the very people who live and breathe Bangkok — the locals. Dive into this list, as travel blogger Umego and her followers share their must-eat, must-see, must-do and must-stay places and activities!

 

Must-Eat

@Umego: Kope Hya Tai Kee

In Bangkok, traditional coffee shops are few and far between. But this little gem has been around for 70 years. You can expect a wide variety of items on their breakfast menu, including their famous green curry with roti.

Image Credit: Umego

Address: 37, Siri Phong Road Samran Rat, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200 Thailand

Opening hours: Mon–Sun, 0700–2000

 

@Umego: Chai Pia Muek Yang

What’s an authentic Bangkok experience without indulging in some street food (fun fact: there’s an estimated 500,000 street vendors in the city alone)? Forget the staples you’re used to — fresh grilled squid is where it’s at. This particular mouth-watering street snack is cooked over charcoal with a marinated sauce, and is popular among locals. Umego herself has been eating this since she was a kid!

Image Credit: Umego

 

@Charoenkit Chartkitipornchai: Chi Chong Wo

Come for the Stewed Duck Noodles, but stay for the atmosphere; which is what Charoenkit does every visit. “The owner kept the furniture the same, just like when I visited when I was a kid,” he says. The braised duck is so tender that it peels off so easily from the bones. It’s a tradition Chi Chong Wo has carried on for 63 years, where they use only grade-A duck and cook it with a secret ingredient for over five hours to let the flavours infuse with the duck.

Image Credit: Kongphob Wawarawuth

Address: 872, Peerapong Road, Wang Burapha Phirom, Bangkok, 10200, Thailand

Opening hours: Sun–Fri, 1000–1430 | Sat: 1030–1430

Visit the website for more info.

 

@Bloom Bloom: Heng Chun Seng

Who doesn’t love a good hot pot? In the Klong Toey district, Heng Chun Seng is the place to go. Bloom swears by this place, and has been going to this restaurant since she was a kid. “I would tell everyone, without a doubt, that it’s delicious,” she adds. Sink your teeth in their signature hot pot, and make sure you order the beef shank. Bloom says it’s both tender and crunchy.

Image Credit: @pal.lm

Address: 133 Sunthonkosa Rd, Khwaeng Khlong Toei, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand

Opening hours: Daily, 0700–1600

 

Must-See

@Umego: Legendary Giant Swing

In Bangkok, it’s not unusual to see a juxtaposition of monuments against modern architecture. If you have space in your itinerary, make a trip to the Old City area and be in awe at this 21-metre-tall Brahman religious marvel. Located just outside one of the most historic temples in Thailand, this Giang Swing was once a highlight during the Brahman Festival, which involved swinging as high as one could to grab a bag of gold coins.

Image Credit: Umego

Address: 239 Dinso Rd, Bang Khun Phrom, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand

 

@Bloom Bloom: Wat Mangkon Kamalawat

If you’re into the mystical Chinese zodiacs, you must make a stop here. Bloom also says that this is the place where you can experience “the culture of Thai-Chinese people living in Bangkok”. Every New Year, locals and tourists alike flock to this temple to pray in order to reverse any bad luck they may be facing in that particular year. This temple was built during the reign of King Rama V in 1846, and currently houses more than 300 monks.

Image Credit: @waranya_photo

Address: 423 Charoen Krung Rd, Pom Prap, Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Bangkok 10100, Thailand

Opening hours: Daily, 0600–1700

 

Must-Do

@Umego: Tha Tian Market

Another essential thing to do when in Bangkok is to drop by the many, MANY markets (yes, there’s more to Bangkok than Chatuchak). The historical Tha Tian Market was once the biggest trading centre of the Chao Phraya River in the 17th–18th century. Located near the Grand Palace, this market is known for its dried sea goods and preserved ocean food. You can also find an assortment of trinkets and knick-knacks, as well as cute cafés, if you look hard enough.

Image credit: Umego

Address: Maha Rat Rd, Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand

Opening hours: Daily, 1100–1830

 

@Kriangkrai Honghengseng: Cattle Redemption Foundation

Temple-hopping is a norm if you’re visiting any city in Thailand. In Bangkok, Kriangkrai suggests visitors to take it a step further and visit Wat Lum Charoen Sattha; where you can worship and redeem the life of a cow to “make merit” — a fundamental Buddhist practice — for the prosperity of life. While merit-making is not exclusive to this temple, it is one of many that’s committed to the causes of animal rights and welfare in Thailand.

Address: Soi Chan 42, Yan Nawa, Sathon, Bangkok 10120, Thailand

Opening hours: Daily, 0530–2130

 

Must-Stay

@Umego: Sala Rattanakosin

Stay away from the hustle and bustle of the city and opt for this serene little boutique hotel, which boasts the most stunning views of Wat Arun. It has a rooftop restaurant that’s highly Instagrammable, where you can sip on refreshing tipples like their signature Rooftop Punch and Sala Sunset while taking in the sights.

Image Credit: Umego

Address: 39 Maha Rat Rd, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand

Visit the website for more info.