Text and Photos by Prime Sarmiento

 

Every city has a certain energy and Bangkok has that distinct feminine energy that I love and relish – enough to lure me to the City of Angels over and over again.

 

I don’t exactly know where this energy is coming from. Is it from temples that abound in the Thai capital? Or the fact that yoga and meditation is a huge thing here? Maybe it’s because this is a shopaholic haven – there are shopping malls and stalls everywhere, catering to everyone’s interest and budgets.

 

Whatever. The city exudes beauty and sensuality and perfect for female travelers like you who just want toto relax on a weekend and discover your inner Goddess.

 

Here are some things that you can do in Bangkok to discover that Goddess within:

 

First things first, buy this beautiful guide to Bangkok:

 

Available at all major bookstores, Nancy Chandler’s Map of Bangkok is the only guide that will recommend to any female traveler in Bangkok. And no, this is so not an affiliate link [ I wish!] but I just loveeeee the colorful and cute map designed by this former children’s book illustrator. The map is so beautiful, you can even frame it after your trip!

 

Not only is the map a useful guide to some of Bangkok’s famous tourist spots, the accompanying pocket-sized guidebook contains an exhaustive list of hotels, restaurants, museums, galleries, jewelry stores, yoga centers etc that fits any female traveler’s heart’s desires.

 

 

 

Wander around the Wat Phra Kaew and the Grand Palace Complex:

The Thai monarchy no longer lives in the Grand Palace but this majestic building is still worth y of visit if only to know more about the Southeast Asia’s royal family. The same complex is also home to Thailand’s most sacred site: Wat Phra Kaew – shrine of the miraculous Emerald Buddha.

Please bear in mind that since Wat Phra Kaew is sacred site, there’s a dress code. Wear something that will cover your shoulders and legs. No sleeveless tops or shorts. Flipflops and see through clothes are likewise forbidden.

Meditate at Wat Po:

 

Bangkok’s oldest Buddhist temple was built in the 17th century temple. It is famous as the site of the country’s largest statue of the Reclining Buddha. One of the best times to visit this temple is at night when its golden stupas shine amid the night lamps that illuminate the whole temple complex.

 

 

Escape Bangkok’s traffic jams and pollution by taking alternative transport:

 

Forget about the bus or taking the cab – they can’t do anything in a terrible traffic jam. The iconic tuktuks – the three wheel motorized rickshaw- is a lovely way to explore Bangkok as this is the best way to “go local” but it will expose you to heat and dust.

 

Better use the river taxi – it’s faster and gives you a better view of Bangkok – this city is after all built around the Chao Phraya River.

 

But if you’re like me who gets queasy while traveling on water, better use the BTS Skytrain or MRT subway train. It’s convenient, cheap, and accessible.

 

 

Learn to appreciate Thai architecture by visiting Jim Thompson’s House:

 

This elegant teak house is the former home of Thailand’s most famous farang. Jim Thompson introduced Thai silk to the world, and this house showcases and sells products made from the finest Thai silk – from scarves to cute elephant stuff toys.

 

The rambling house has tasteful interiors and contains Jim Thompson’s personal art and furniture collection. Pay for the guided tour, it’s worth every single centavo as this will give you an idea not only of the man himself but of Southeast Asian art.

 

 Shop till you drop at Chatuchak Weekend Market:

 

Bangkok’s most famous open air market has hundreds of shops selling everything that you can think of – clothes, jewelry, furniture, fresh produce, art work, pottery, pets, indoor plants, textile. It’s a labyrinth of stores and stalls that it’s easy to get lost, especially if you’re a first time visitor. So if you see something you want, better buy it on the spot. But of course, never forget to bargain.

 

If Chatuchak is too confusing for you, better stick to shopping malls. They’re air-conditioned – a refuge from Bangkok’s sweltering heat – more organized, plus you donlt have to endure the looooong queues when you need to go to the toilet.

 

 

Go on a foodie trip:

 

And I’m not just talking about Thai food but all types of cuisine – French, Italian, Chinese, Indian, Fusion, Vegetarian, Raw Food. Bangkok is a cosmopolitan place as it is after all a key travel center in Asia and home to numerous expats working in the U.N. or international non-profits. You can in fact spend all weekend just eating and still wanting for more.

 

You can even bring your foodie status to the next level by signing up for a weekend cooking class! There are several courses offered in Bangkok and most of them offer class lectures and a visit to the wet market.

 

Savor a breathtaking view of Wat Arun:

 

Bangkok’s unforgettable landmark represents Mount Meru – home of the gods in Khmer mythology. Each terrace of the tower style structure holds several images of the Buddha.

 

Located directly across the Chao Phraya River from Wat Po, one of the best ways to view Wat Arun is to grab a table and have a cocktail at the Amorosa – a rooftop bar located at the opposite river bank. This is the ideal place for a breathtaking sunset view of Wat Arun. Better go there early as the bar can only sit 30 people.

 

Besides, the best tables are the ones located by the window side – where you can sip wine while the sun sets behind Wat Arun – the perfect day to end a lovely Thai weekend.

 

 

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Have you been to Bangkok? What are the tips that you can give to other female travelers in Bangkok? Please post your tips in the comment section. Or you can share your ideas and tips in The Gypsygals Facebook Page.

 

Thanks and enjoy your journey.