Be Like Chris: Discover Travel Opportunities to the World While Living in Thailand (Part 1)

“Be a traveller, not a tourist.” This is a quote I once saw attributed to the late Anthony Bourdain, the American chef, author, and, later in life, travel documentarian. Whether it is his original quote, I do not know, but I find it a fascinating and quite remarkable line that gives insight into how one can and probably should embrace new surroundings.

And what is the difference between a traveller and a tourist anyway? To me, a traveller is somebody who embraces new and different cultures, somebody who eats and drinks with locals, somebody who is not afraid to take the path less worn and to embrace, nay, to welcome the unknown.

While I suppose a tourist, of which I, and many of you reading this, have been, is a person that only stays somewhere for a short period of time to relax and to have fun. And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. But what if you had the opportunity to do both?

A Teaching Life in Thailand Comes with Travel Perks

All of us within the BFITS community are based in and around different parts of Thailand. I myself am a teacher in Buriram Province in what is commonly known as the Isaan region of the country.

I’ve previously written about life in Buriram, but I now want to explore some of the other popular destinations in this wonderful land that I have been lucky enough to experience. I also want to name-check other spots that I have yet to see but are on my to-do list. This is the first of a 3-part series on exploring Thailand and beyond, and today we will begin with the nation’s capital and easily most populous region, Bangkok. Part 2 will explore the many islands of Thailand and other popular tourist areas. Part 3 will discuss other countries accessible by various means of transport from here, mainly in the Southeast Asian region.

While the vast majority of us are here primarily in our capacity as dedicated educators, such as those who teach English in Thailand, it cannot be denied that moving here to live has other knock-on benefits and that the most obvious one of those is the freedom and ability to travel and to travel far throughout this land. Whether you’ve been here for 10+ years or are a newbie, you gotta travel at some point. Although I have never spent an extended period of time in the nation’s capital, Bangkok, I have visited there before and have gotten to sample some of its many and varied delights.

With a metro population of approximately 10.5-11.5 million people, it can be an intimidating place to try to unravel, and just deciding where to visit and what to see can be overwhelming for some.

Must-See Sights: From Grand Palaces to Night Markets

Bangkok in all its glory from above, and it truly is a city that offers something for everyone. Below, I will list some of the most apparent attractions open to visitors.

The Grand Palace

The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings at the heart of the city and has a rich history as it has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam since 1782. The King and His royal government were based on the grounds of the palace until 1925 and it is still used for official events.

A must-see attraction at The Grand Palace is Wat Phra Kaew, where you can visit the Emerald Buddha, which has resided there for more than 246 years. It apparently has a very colourful history, having been moved from location to location throughout Asia and having even spent time at Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

Its ownership was highly valued as “it is strongly believed to bring prosperity and good fortune.” It is advisable to show respect and to dress appropriately while visiting The Grand Palace and its environs.

• Opening Hours: Daily 8.30 am – 4.30 pm
  
• Location: Na Phra Lan Road, Phranakorn (Rattanakosin)
  
• Price: Tickets are sold from 8.30 am – 3.30 pm and cost 500 Thai Baht.

Chatuchak Weekend Market

With over 15,000 stalls across 35 acres and 26 different sections offering an eclectic variety of goods from food and antiques to art and fashion, the Chatuchak Market has something to offer even the most discerning traveller. With a reported 200,000 people visiting here each weekend, it has now grown to be the largest weekend market in the world.

• Opening Hours: As its name suggests, the weekend is the best time to visit here as the whole market is open Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am to 6 pm. There are limited sections open on Wednesdays-Fridays.
  
• Location: 587, 10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Khwaeng Chatuchak, Chatuchak.
  
• Price: Free entry.

Chinatown

Founded in 1782, one of the largest Chinatowns in the world boasts a fantastic selection of shopping options and food choices. Chinatown, like much of Bangkok itself, truly is an assault on the senses, from the sights and the smells to the sounds of fellow travellers and locals alike.

Come hungry and leave full. Food was my main reason for visiting here, but breathe in the streets at night, and bring your camera as you will surely capture some authentic photos of daily life in this smorgasbord of action.

• Opening Hours: Always open, but most street food vendors will set up stalls from 5 pm onwards.
  
• Location: Yaowarat Road is the main thoroughfare of Bangkok’s Chinatown.
  
• Price: Just come with an empty stomach and an open mind towards food, and a few hundred baht should suffice for you to leave with a full stomach.

River Cruises and Iconic Streets

Chao Phraya River Cruise

The Chao Phraya River flows through Bangkok and then onwards into the Gulf of Thailand. Locals have made the banks of this river their home since ancient times, and it has helped to provide livelihoods and sustenance for millions of people.

Night cruises down the river taking in views of the many temples and The Grand Palace itself are available along with buffet dinner options. Seeing the lights of the city at night from this majestic river is an experience in itself, and it is something different that people sometimes tend to neglect when visiting.

• Opening Hours: Sunset is generally the most coveted time.
  
• Location: The company you choose to book with will determine the location of the pier from which you will depart.
  
• Price: Can vary wildly depending on which type of cruise you select or the company you book with.

Khaosan Road

Definitely NOT for everyone, but the Khaosan Road is a place I felt I should include due to its infamy. One of the major backpacking hubs of South East Asia and sometimes referred to as ‘Backpacker’s Mecca,’ Khaosan Road could be described as “colourful.”

Another way to describe it would be as raucous, vibrant, and noisy. It’s jam-packed full of restaurants, bars, shops, and budget accommodation. It might not be to everybody’s liking, but a walk down here at least once is recommended. A relatively short street, one Thai writer has described Khaosan as “….a short road that has the longest dream in the world.”

• Opening Hours: It never closes. Ever.
  
• Location: Bang Lamphu area of Phra Nakhon District about 1km north of The Grand Palace.
  
• Price: Spend as much or as little as you please.

Soak in Bangkok’s Sights at Your Own Pace

This is just a small selection of what this vibrant and multicultural city has to offer to visitors and locals alike. It is a city that is alive and breathing, and although I have name-checked some pretty obvious tourist attractions here in this blog, I would also recommend something a little simpler.

Just take a walk around these streets, breathe in the smells, open your ears to the sounds of chit-chat, of people haggling with vendors, of locals intermingling with the masses of foreign visitors that arrive by the planeload here each day, each week, each month.

A city rich in history and culture, the ‘City of Angels’ is a must-see destination and place to spend some time wherever you may reside in Thailand.

Travelling Smart: Tips from a Buriram-Based Educator

Of course there are many transportation options available for travel to here from whatever part of the country you’re coming from but I myself would highly recommend Nakhonchai Air Bus. I have travelled to Bangkok from Buriram by this mode before, and they offer very comfortable air-conditioned buses. A 5-hour journey this way costs approximately 500 Thai Baht.

For many teachers in Thailand, making time to explore new cities like Bangkok adds depth and joy to the overall experience. It’s part of why so many expats choose to teach in Thailand long-term.

Looking Ahead: Travel Plans and Family Adventures

Last October 2024, my own parents visited Thailand for the first time, along with my brother and my sister, who is based in Australia. It was a family holiday I was incredibly excited for. Our first 4 nights together were spent in Bangkok, and there was no doubt that we wouldn’t be bored and would have a plethora of activities with which to keep ourselves busy and entertained.

This is Thailand. This is Bangkok. And this is what makes life beyond the classroom so rewarding for those who teach English in Thailand.