Bangkok, a city so full of stuff that trying to squeeze everything into one weekend break is either straight up impossible, or only possible if you’re moving at in-human speeds or a time traveler. Going on the assumption that our readership isn’t made up time travelers or the Flash, we feel that a few tips are necessary for getting the most out of a weekend in Bangkok. Giving that a weekend is only 2 days, maybe 4 if it’s a bank holiday, you’ll only have enough time for a handful of ideas, and if one of them doesn’t work out then that’s tough luck, so here’s a nice few insider tips of what to see and do to get the most out of your weekend break in Bangkok.

Day time

Even if you’re not a fan of actual shopping (which let’s be honest not many of us actually are), Bangkok’s numerous shopping centres and markets make great places to go for a walk and grab some lunch. Now there’s a few to choose from but we’ve managed to break that list down to 2 prime choices.

1. Siam Paragon

Opened in 2005, Siam Paragon is not only the 6th largest shopping centre in Thailand, but it’s also been dubbed the ‘Harrods of Bangkok’ by locals & internationals alike. A stroll around these spacious halls will find you in window shopping heaven, as the chic centre includes tonnes of high-end fashion brands and speciality shops. But fear not, if shopping isn’t your thing and you think window shopping is like staring at a burger when you’re hungry but broke, don’t fret, Siam Paragon has your back. There’s a 15 screen cinema, the ‘Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World’ aquarium, an exhibition hall (which is usually filled with either concerts or conventions), the Thai Art Gallery, a bowling alley and a karaoke centre. Oh, yeah, I almost forgot, the most important hall, the food hall. If it’s a day time you’re trying to fill and spending it amongst luxury brands and beautiful architecture is your thing then Siam Paragon is worth a good few hours.

Photo source: Yuzki Yuqing Wang

2. JJ Market

Chatuchak Weekend Market, also known as JJ Market or just JJ’s, is one of Bangkok’s true treasures. Opened in 1942, this street style market is not only Thailand’s biggest, but also the world’s biggest and most diverse weekend market, selling anything and everything. From your standard fresh & dry food stalls and your food and drink stands to an assortment of antiques, ceramics, electronics, home decor, furniture, cosmetics, plants, pets, clothes and books, JJ market really is the place to go no matter what’s on your shopping list. A bit more rugged than Siam Paragon, JJ Market is full of vibrant life, with loads of hidden nooks and crannies stuffed with cool bars and cafes, you’d want to get lost for a few hours exploring this genuine gem.

Photo credits: Tripadvisor

For a city that’s literally chock-a-block full of history, you really need to narrow down the essential viewing for a weekend, otherwise you could end up spending hours looking at a pair of really old chopsticks a famous monk used, while an ancient temple is just down the road. Here’s your choice of touristy things perfect for that short weekend break.

3. Grand Palace

In Bangkok for a weekend and want something to fill your cultural, historical and touristic craving? Well look no further than The Grand Palace. Built in 1782, this beautiful assortment of architecture and art makes a wonderful day out as you stroll around the palace’s various temples and grounds taking in the sites and the wall mounted stories. One of the main areas you’ll explore in the Grand Palace is Wat Phra Kaew, known in English as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Being thought of as the most sacred Buddhist temples in Thailand and residing at the heart of the historic centre of Bangkok, this Emerald Buddha is re-crowned by every reigning King of Thailand and serves as symbol of national prosperity. This is but a taste of the historical knowledge you’ll be eating up as you get your tourist-y hands full with the Grand Palace.

4. Canal tour

Bangkok isn't all skyscrapers and skytrains, surprisingly there’s a whole part of the city which isn’t like that at all, a part of the city laden with canals and modesty, this is the old Bangkok. Bangkok used to be referred to as the ‘Venice of the East’ as the old city used to have hundreds of canals, or Khlongs, which, just like in Venice, would act as roads. Many of these canals have disappeared from the city in an effort to modernise their infrastructure, but on the western side of the Chao Phraya river you’ll find loads of canals still in use today. You haven't truly seen Bangkok till you’ve seen the old city and the canals, why not do so from the luxury of your own long-tailed speedboat meranding along the calming waters? The canals really are still full of life, with floating shops selling food and drink to locals and tourists alike. While you’re at it, the canals are near Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, a 12th century temple. That’s two birds with one stone.

In the night

Photo source: Ragnar Vorel

1. W district

Located only a few hundred meters from Phra Khanong on Sukhumvit 71, W district is a night market with a difference. Open from 4pm till 12am every evening, this cool courtyard is the place to chill out away from the traditional markets. Full of loads of independent food and drink stalls, this is the perfect place to spend a nice chilled out evening, surrounded by cool music and even cooler art. The whole district has a fresh artsy feel to it, with modernist sculptures and 10-meter high paintings with intermittent smaller pieces of art wherever you point your eye at. If beer, good food and art is your thing, get down here. The crowds aren’t too crazy too as you’ll find a nice mix of locals and expats chillin out after work. The ideal area to for some afternoon/nighttime drinks to satisfy your weekend desire to have fun.  

Photo Source: W-district

2. Dine in the clouds

Slightly away from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok streets, or should I say slightly ‘above’, are ‘sky bars’. A trend that caught on and decided not to leave, bars on the top of skyscrapers are not only great places to spend an evening, but damn good places to get profile pictures. Perfect for a small romantic meal or even just a few drinks before moving on to another restaurant, these elegant bars are ideal for a breather after an active day out. You’ll find a huge range of prices and variety in Bangkok’s various bars in the sky, but do note that a high price doesn't always mean a better view. A weekend break in a city filled with skyscrapers would be wasted if you didn't see if from the top, and, arguably more importantly, if you didn’t see it from the top at night.

(writer's own image)

A weekend break in Bangkok is always such a nice idea. To spend some time in one of the greatest cities around is a must-do from time to time, but more importantly, knowing where to go and how to use your time to its fullest is also valuable. We hope you take some of these ideas and put them to good use. If you have a weekend break in bangkok and follow this guide, I promise you’ll have a great time.