People visit Bangkok mainly for three reasons: culture, shopping, and getting wasted. We all are different, and I don’t bother compiling the same top 10 list anyone can find online. Instead, here’s an idea of how to spend a (lazy) weekend in the world’s longest-named city.

THE MOST IMPORTANT MEAL IS STREET FOOD

It’s well known that Bangkok won’t let you starve to death. You can find whatever you fancy, from morning markets to food courts and mobile stalls. I usually have my stamping grounds, and to find them, I just follow the smell, which never disappoints.

My tip: Dare to try the food on the streets (especially after sunset) and give a shot to my guilty pleasure, the cacao milk tea.

HOW TO GET FROM A TO B

One thing I love about Bangkok is public transportation. No explanation; it just works so well. And it also has a charm when you take a suburb bus among the locals and know what you’re doing. What seems chaotic at first can be easily mastered with Google Maps (all the bus routes are marked) or Transit Bangkok. BTS and MRT are the best, but buses (with ridiculously cheap ticket prices) give you a very authentic insight into the real BKK life.. including being stuck in traffic jams.

My tip: Jump on a Khlong Saen Saep public canal boat – you will love the atmosphere, the light breeze and shade, and the great food at the stops.

CREATIVITY IS IN THE AIR

One thing is obvious when you stroll the streets: the Thai capital is loaded with art, and the fusion of the old and modern is mesmerizing; the contrast between rundown buildings and skyscrapers is stunning, and I feel the same about the Buddhist and street art.

Bangkok has over 400 temples, and I’m sure everyone has their favourite(s). My special place that I always have to visit is Wat Pho. The reclining Buddha radiates such peace and tranquility that, despite the constant crowd, I always feel outside of time and space.

Another reason why I love this city is the many extraordinary places to explore. With its unique design, eye-catching colours, and incredible details, the Erawan Museum is definitely one of them (spoiler alert: the elephants in the garden trumpet when you walk beneath them).

My tip: Visit a contemporary art gallery (I highly recommend the S.A.C. Gallery). You won’t regret it!

ESCAPE THE HEAT AND TAKE A NAP

If you want to breathe some fresh air in the polluted asphalt jungle, the botanical gardens and parks are great to chill. Luckily, there are many to choose from, but the best ones require some travel out of the center.

My tip: If you visit only one place, it should be Suan Luang Rama IX – the garden is enormous and diverse, the succulent house is lovely, and the lake area is super photogenic.

YOU CAN NOT LEAVE WITHOUT SOME GOODIES

The Mecca of shopaholics serves everything you need. The best district for shopping is undoubtedly Pathum Wan, where you can empty your wallet and fill up your bags (and belly) very well.

My tip: Get lost in Chinatown! You will find the source of mass production and Wat Chakrawat with crocodiles.

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