3 days in Bangkok - A glorious assault on the senses

DAY 2 AM / GOLDEN MOUNT & JIM THOMSON HOUSE

On day 2 of your 3 days in Bangkok head to Wat Saket – Temple of the Golden Mount. The temple is on top of an artificial hill with a 300 step climb to reach a magnificent gold chedi with great views over the city. Ring the bells that line stairs, get blessed by a monk and pay remembrance to the 60,000 plague victims memorialised in the cemetery.

Next, go to Jim Thompson’s house. By far the most fun way to get there is to hop on a local commuter boat. These boats fly up the narrow canal of Klong Saen Saep at breakneck speed as locals stop everyone getting drenched by clinging to plastic sheeting. Get on the boat at Phanfa Bridge pier and exit at Sapan Hua Chang pier, purchasing the ticket onboard.

Jim Thompson was Thailand’s most famous expat who revived the handwoven silk trade industry following the war. Deciding to settle in Bangkok, he built his house cobbling together six traditional Thai teakwood houses, transported from historic Ayutthaya and Ban Krua. Filled with antiques, it’s a fascinating legacy to a man that mysteriously went missing from Malaysia’s highlands in 1967.

Wat Saket / 8:00 – 16:00 / Price: Thai Baht 50 per person / Location: Khwaeng Ban Bat, Khet Pom Prap Sattru Phai

Jim Thompson House / 9:00 – 18:00 / Price: Thai Baht 200 per person; More: details here / Location: 6 Rama I Rd, Khwaeng Wang Mai

DAY 2 PM / CHATUCHAK MARKET, ROOFTOP BARS & A NAUGHTY NIGHT OUT

Time for some shopping. Walk across to Mah Boon Krong shopping mall where teens flock for the huge range of shops, great bargains and air-conditioning. But, at the weekend, a better option than the mall is the Chatuchak Weekend Market. It’s a simple metro ride to this rambling, shopping destination on steroids. Picture narrow laneways packed with everything from club wear to fighting fish; amazing plants to 1970’s record players. Allegedly there’s a system to help you navigate this 35-acre site, but we never quite worked it out. Grab a snack at any of the food stalls packed with locals.

For the evening head to Sukhumvit, home to both the thriving sex tourism industry and the respectable city scene. Start at Vertigo Moon Bar, an outdoor rooftop bar sitting on the 61st floor of the Banyan Tree Hotel. Drinks are pricey but it offers a glorious sun set over Bangkok and a chance to mingle with the cool and trendy. If you want a seat arrive an hour before sunset.

Next amble over to Patpong Night Market. With fake Louis Vuitton on the stalls and girls shaking their wares in the go-go bars flanking the market, it’s a deliciously naughty night out. A few streets east grab a seat on the pavement, in the main gay area of Bangkok, and watch the on-street drama as it unfolds.

MBK Center / 10:00 – 22:00 / Location: Pathumwan Intersection

Chatuchak Weekend Market / 9:00 – 19:00: Sat & Sun whole market; 18:00 – 0:00 Fri wholesale market; 7:00 – 18:00 Wed/Thurs plant section / Location: Kamphaeng Phet 3 Rd, Khwaeng Lat Yao 

Vertigo Moon Bar / 17:00 – 1:00 / Dress code: Smart casual, no shorts, bare shoulders or open toe shoes. You can borrow a sarong if necessary. Location: Banyan Tree Hotel.

DAY 3 AM / TRADITIONAL FLOATING MARKET

On the last day of your 3 days in Bangkok, head to a floating market. Here locals seated in dugout canoes sell all manner of vegetables, fruits, fried fish, leaf-wrapped pandan rice and so much more. It is a bustling, energetic yet traditional scene that is great for photos and even better for an early lunch.

There are a few good floating markets, each with a different atmosphere. You can find all the information and opening times here.

If you go to Damnoen Saduak leave early as it gets very busy. It’s great for photos, but the market has become touristy with higher prices and more scammers. Many now consider Khlong Lat Mayom, just on the outskirts of town, the best floating market in Bangkok.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market / A private tour leaves from the Asian Trails Tour Desk in the Rembrandt Hotel Tours at 7:30 am / Bookings: All information and bookings can be made here.

Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market / 9:30 – 14:30 Sat & Sun / Directions: Take a taxi from Wongwian Yai station.

DAY 3 PM / KHAO SAN ROAD & STREET FOOD WITH A MICHELIN STAR

Returning to Bangkok, spend the afternoon hanging around the Khao San Road area, one of the places you need to know about if you’re backpacking in Asia.

Infected with backpackers and soul-seeking tourists, Khao San Road, and the slightly quieter – but still crazy – Soi Ram Butri is lined with budget accommodation, massage parlors, tattoo joints, peddlers, internet cafes and endless bars. Have a foot massage, buy a cheap t-shirt or simply sit and watch the myriad of tourists.

As the sun drops head to Phra Nakhon Rooftop Bar; a local hangout situated 4 floors above the noise where the atmosphere is more chilled.

If you’re a foodie, have dinner at Raan Jay Fai, the first and only street food stall in Thailand to be awarded a Michelin star. The 73-year-old owner and chef Ms Jay Fai prepares her signature crab omelet and other delicacies. You’ll see a long trail of hopefuls forming a queue so make sure you reserve well in advance. Even with a reservation, the wait to eat can be long and dishes relatively expensive. But it’s good.

If you decide against Raan Jay Fai or can’t score yourself a seat, there are a number of other eateries nearby. Pick one sit down and try the Yen Ta Fo, a pink noodle soup that tastes better than it looks.

Raan Jay Fai / 15.00 – 3:00 Mon-Sat; Price: 500 to 1,000 Thai Baht per dish: Reservations: Potentially required months in advance via phone on +66927249633 or email Location: 327 Maha Chai Rd, Khwaeng Samran Rat