Bangkok with Kids – Our First Week of Travel

“One night in Bangkok”

… “makes a hard man humble.” Oh yes, we can confirm that. Bangkok with kids is not for the faint of heart. This city swallows you whole, chews you up, and spits you out – confused, sweaty, and completely overwhelmed. Our first encounter with Asia was anything but gentle. It wasn’t just the oppressive heat that seeped into our pores and drenched our clothes. It wasn’t just the chaos of sounds, smells, traffic, and constant hustle. Bangkok hit us like a brick wall.

Chaotic Sukhumvit – Welcome to the Madness

Walking down the sidewalks of Sukhumvit is a sensory overload. Curry and durian blend in a dirty symphony with the smell of sewage. Flashing neon signs promise everything and nothing. “Madam. Sir. Look here. Very cheap.” And the constant, deafening honking. Welcome to the madness. 

Chaotic, a million impressions, all senses activated. (September 2, 2024)

Jetlag and Slow Travel

It wasn’t all bad – but it was intense. This city is intense! Jetlag hit us hard, making us take the first days of our backpacking adventure at a snail’s pace. Instead of rushing around to see everything the city had to offer, we tried to slow down. We were determined to embrace slow travel and let go of FOMO – the fear of missing out. The goal of our journey was never to check off attractions on a list, but to give ourselves the freedom to do exactly what we wanted – every step of the way.

Bangkok – A City That Gives and Takes

A week here was enough, maybe more than enough. We’d gladly return, but next time, we’ll ease into it, acclimate before diving into the urban chaos. Bangkok gives as much as it takes – and you have to be prepared for that.

Pale, tired faces straight from Norway. (August 28, 2024)

“Keep It Together” – Family Life in Chaos

Bangkok was our first real test as a traveling family. Jetlag, heat shock, and constant sensory overload made us unbearable to each other. Small arguments became the norm, and moods swung as wildly as the temperature. On top of everything, one of the kids and I weren’t feeling great, so it was a rough start.

The Chinatown Nightmare

Some outings become unforgettable for all the wrong reasons – and our trip to Chinatown in Bangkok turned into a small nightmare.

Battling the Heat

It was over 30 degrees Celsius but felt like we were slowly being roasted alive as we maneuvered through food stalls, gold shops, and a cacophony of smells, sounds, and blinking neon signs in red and gold. Chinatown was exactly as chaotic and fascinating as we had imagined – but in the middle of it all, something happened that shouldn’t have. Suddenly, one of our boys felt really sick. Nauseous, dizzy, headache – maybe a touch of heatstroke, maybe just the overwhelming mix of heat and sensory input.

The Panic and the Rescue

Panic set in. We needed air-conditioning, NOW. But of course, when you desperately need a cool café or restaurant, the city seems to conspire against you. We rushed through the streets, but everywhere we looked, there were just more stalls, more people, more chaos. It felt like we walked forever, pushing through narrow sidewalks, dodging steaming sewer grates, navigating around roadwork, vendors calling out to us, and the overwhelming smell of fried food.

Just as we thought we couldn’t take it anymore, we spotted a tiny eatery with a giant, standalone air conditioner on the floor. We stormed inside, ordered the coldest drinks they had, and collapsed into our chairs as if we had just escaped a battlefield. Ice-cold drinks in hand, a moment to breathe – and slowly, we started to recover.

“I Want It That Way” – Food Struggles

Food became an unexpected challenge. Despite all our pre-trip discussions about “being open to local food,” the kids mostly wanted burgers, pizza, and nachos. And Bangkok delivers – at a higher price than we expected. We quickly realized our food budget needed an upgrade. Luckily, we became experts at finding good restaurants via Google Maps.

Breakfast Story – Our Favorite Spot

Breakfast Story quickly became our go-to for both breakfast and lunch. If you love a hearty morning meal, this place is a must! With locations all over Bangkok, it was easy to find one nearby. Think fluffy pancakes drenched in maple syrup, crispy golden French toast, or perfectly cooked eggs in every style imaginable. Big portions, heavenly taste, and a guarantee that you’ll leave full – maybe even ready for a post-meal nap!

Home Cafe Tha Tien – A Taste of Thai Cuisine

Our first proper introduction to Thai food was at Home Cafe Tha Tien – and what a start! Located near some of Bangkok’s top sights, this cozy spot welcomed us with friendly staff and a menu filled with classics like pad thai, green curry, and tom yum soup. Everything was made with fresh ingredients and packed with the intense flavors we had hoped for. This place ignited our love for Thai food – literally!

Bully’s Bangkok – Our Go-To Hangout

Bully’s Bangkok became our favorite hangout spot, and it certainly helped that the restaurant was located right across the street from where we were staying. We had dinner here twice, but more often, we’d stop by for a game of pool, catch a football match, or simply enjoy a cold beer.

This place serves up solid meals, especially if you’re after juicy steaks, flavorful burgers, and a relaxed atmosphere. Big portions, high-quality meat, and a laid-back sports bar vibe made us feel extra comfortable here.

Entrecôte, juicy cheeseburgers, and Tex-Mex dishes were among our favorites. Prices varied – steaks started at around 200 THB, while a classic Pad Thai could be found for as little as 60 THB. And while waiting for our food? The perfect time for a round of pool! Our youngest was absolutely thrilled.

An Unexpected Gem – View ARUN Restaurant & Bar

Often, it’s the unplanned moments that turn into the best experiences – and View ARUN Restaurant & Bar was a perfect example of that. We stumbled upon this gem after wandering a bit too long along the riverbank, tired and hungry, and ended up having one of the best dining experiences in Bangkok.

With panoramic views of the spectacular Wat Arun, especially magical at sunset, we didn’t just get an amazing meal but also an unexpectedly memorable evening. Sometimes, it’s those moments that happen by pure chance that truly leave a lasting impression – and this was definitely one of them!

“Take Me to the River” – A Magical Evening in Bangkok

In our jetlagged travel bubble, we managed to check off a reasonable number of Bangkok’s must-see attractions, including the famous Wat Pho temple. This was my first real temple experience in Asia, and I can confidently say: More temples? Yes, please! Temples aren’t just buildings – they are stories carved in stone, living traditions, and reflections of cultures that have spanned centuries. Seeing just one is like reading a single page of a book and thinking you know the whole story. If you don’t fully grasp the history, it’s no surprise – you’ve only read one page.

Each temple has its own soul: some vibrate with life, filled with incense and chanting monks, while others stand silent like time capsules from a bygone era. The more you see, the more you notice the nuances – in the architecture, in the symbolism, in the way faith continues to thrive. And maybe, in a fleeting moment between incense and stone, you understand just a little more than you did the day before. For me, this temple visit was pure magic.

Wat Pho – Our First Temple

Wat Pho – Our First Temple

Wat Pho is home to the gigantic Reclining Buddha, stretching an impressive 46 meters in length. This temple is not only awe-inspiring but also a place of relaxation and well-being. Wat Pho is renowned as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage, and within the temple grounds, you’ll find the Wat Pho Thai Traditional Medical and Massage School, where experienced therapists provide high-quality massages. Naturally, we had to try it – so the entire family of five booked a traditional Thai massage. The kids’ verdict afterward? “That was sooo good.” Even our 10-year-old thought it was heavenly.

Shopping, Markets, and Temples

Of course, we explored the massive shopping malls and one of the world’s largest markets: Chatuchak Weekend Market. We saw Wat Arun from afar, and next time, we’ll make it a priority to visit this temple up close – perhaps at sunset.

Longtail Boat Tour – A Different Side of Bangkok

The longtail boat tour in Bangkok became one of our most memorable experiences. There was something truly special about seeing the city from the river in the golden light before sunset. We drifted slowly across the rippling water, as the long, narrow boat with its signature outboard motor cut through the river. Along the banks, an entirely different side of Bangkok unfolded before us – a world of old wooden stilt houses, small temples with incense rising into the air, and market stalls stretching out over the water.

We passed bustling piers where locals hopped on and off riverboats. Fishermen balanced on narrow boats, casting their nets into the water. Our captain steered towards a small dock where a woman and a young boy stood waiting. They exchanged a few words, and then the boy turned to us and waved with a shy smile. The captain then reached into a bag, pulled out an entire loaf of bread, held it up for a moment as if he knew what was about to happen, and tossed it into the water.

What happened next was almost surreal. Suddenly, the river boiled with hundreds of fish – not small ones, but large, thrashing creatures fighting over the crumbs. The water churned with glistening scales and frenzied movement, while we sat there, wide-eyed in amazement. The woman and the boy on the dock watched with amusement, as if they had seen it countless times before but never lost their fascination. Or maybe they were simply entertained by our excitement. Our youngest was absolutely thrilled by the spectacle, and for him, this was undoubtedly one of the biggest highlights of the entire trip.

The Chao Phraya River was teeming with fish.

Life Along the River

As we approached the smaller side canals, the atmosphere became even more intimate. Here, in the so-called klongs, people lived in houses built directly over the water, with staircases leading down to the river where they washed clothes, bathed, or simply sat and enjoyed the evening breeze. The contrast between this simple way of life and the gleaming skyscrapers visible on the horizon was striking.

Magical Sunset Over Wat Arun

As the sun began to set, the sky turned shades of orange and pink, and the city lights reflected off the water. We passed temples glowing in the last light of the day, while the sounds of prayer calls and temple bells blended with the steady hum of the boat’s engine. Wat Arun, with its impressive white stupa, stood illuminated along the riverbank – a magical silhouette against the darkening sky.

It was an experience that made us feel deeply connected to Bangkok in a truly special way. The longtail boat ride revealed a side of the city we would never have seen from the streets, and it was worth every single baht.

“Danger Zone”: Tuk-Tuk Adrenaline Rush and Other Transport

Of course, we had to try the infamous tuk-tuks in Bangkok. This was not for the faint of heart – or maybe it just felt that way because it was our first experience with Thailand’s rather relaxed approach to traffic safety. We jumped into the small, rickety vehicle, grabbed onto whatever we could, and held our breath as the driver swerved into the chaotic traffic. Lights flashed, motorcycles zipped past on both sides, and buses thundered through the streets as if they owned them. We were terrified – all of us. It was a ride filled with a mix of thrill, laughter, and a slight existential crisis.

We laughed it off, but that was our first and last tuk-tuk ride in Bangkok. The traffic here is more chaos than order, and Thailand is actually one of the countries with the highest number of traffic accidents per year. The Norwegian government even warns travelers about the risks. And our experience? Well, we can confirm that there’s a lot of madness on the roads. One of the most recognizable sounds in Bangkok is the constant wail of ambulance sirens – a never-ending background melody to the city’s otherwise vibrant life.

Is It Safe? Traffic Safety in Thailand

Just Crossing the Street Felt Like an Adrenaline-Fueled Game

Anyone who has visited Thailand remembers their first attempt at crossing the street as a total noob – stress levels through the roof. Even now, we get a slight panic attack every time we step onto the road in Asia, but over time, you start to learn the rhythm, find a certain confidence, and master it. Or you take the easier route: follow the locals and hope for the best.

How We Got Around in Bangkok

We mainly used the green and yellow taxis, which are everywhere in Bangkok, especially when we needed to travel longer distances. For shorter trips, we relied on the BTS Skytrain whenever it was convenient and had stops near the attractions we wanted to visit.

At first, we were total Bangkok noobs and did things the “old-fashioned way” – hailing a taxi, negotiating the price, and hoping the driver wouldn’t take a wildly creative route. It worked fine but was also a bit exhausting, especially when we had to argue that we really didn’t want a “special tour” or an unsolicited stop at a tailor shop.

The Genius App We Wish We Had Discovered Sooner

It wasn’t until our last few days in Bangkok that we realized how brilliant the Grab app truly is. With Grab, we could skip the haggling, book a ride with just a few taps, and the driver knew exactly where we needed to go—no confusion, no hassle. It saved us a lot of frustration—not to mention unnecessary walking in the sweltering heat.

At the same time, we noticed how quickly you get lazy when a car is available at all times. Suddenly, even the short walk to the nearest BTS station didn’t seem so appealing when we could just get a cheap ride door-to-door. In hindsight, it was probably a good thing we didn’t discover Grab earlier—otherwise, we might have taken a car everywhere, even when it wasn’t necessary, and missed out on the adventure of wandering through Bangkok’s wild and vibrant streets.

“It’s Raining Men”: Ladyboys and Not-So-Impressed Boys

A Show Like No Other

Thailand is famous for its spectacular ladyboy cabaret shows, but we didn’t quite know what we were getting into when we booked tickets to the Golden Dome. The show was undeniably grand, featuring dazzling costumes, impressive choreography, and a mix of Thai history and pop culture – all wrapped up in a generous dose of humor.

For us adults, it was a fun and fascinating experience, but for our 10- and 13-year-old boys, it was a slightly different story. They found the flashy costumes, exaggerated movements, and cheeky humor a bit too much. Honestly, there was just a little too much cleavage and over-the-top antics for their taste, and we quickly noticed them sinking lower and lower into their seats, clearly uncomfortable.

The rest of us, however, thoroughly enjoyed the show. It was a spectacle of glitter, feathers, and showbiz glamour, and we laughed at the dramatic expressions and theatrical performances. There’s no doubt that these artists are incredibly talented – both as dancers and entertainers – and we left with big smiles on our faces. The boys? Well, they were just happy when it was over.

“Thunder”: Monsoon Season in Bangkok – A Westerner’s Perspective

We visited Bangkok in August, right in the middle of the monsoon season, and got to experience nature’s forces at their most extreme. We’re talking intense – actually, the worst lightning and thunderstorms we’ve ever encountered, especially in the evenings.

When the rain hit, it wasn’t just a light drizzle or a passing shower. No, the sky completely opened up, and within five seconds, we were soaked to the bone. The umbrellas we bought helped a little, but when water comes from all directions – including from below as the streets transform into small rivers – you don’t stand a chance.

As West Norwegians, we thought we were well-prepared for “the rainy season,” but Bangkok’s downpours were on a whole different level – this was next-level shit. Thankfully, the storms ended as quickly as they began, and within minutes, it was as if nothing had happened – except for the mini-lakes we left behind as we walked, and the squelching sound of our soaked shoes with every step.

Survival Tips for Monsoon Season

If you’re planning to visit Bangkok during the rainy season, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Bring lightweight rain gear – or grab a cheap poncho from 7-Eleven. Umbrellas can work, but the wind often makes them useless, so invest in a sturdy one.
• Wear sandals – white sneakers won’t survive this season.
• Plan your days wisely – schedule outdoor activities and sightseeing for the morning, as the heaviest downpours often hit in the evening.
• Consider alternative travel months – If you want to avoid the rain, November to February offers cooler temperatures and less rainfall. The shoulder season from March to October is drier but brutally hot.

That said, monsoon season has its own charm. The city becomes greener, the air fresher, and there are fewer tourists. You can also score some of the best hotel deals. Plus, it’s fascinating to see how Bangkok carries on as usual, even as the streets briefly disappear under water. For us, it was an experience we won’t soon forget – and that says a lot coming from rain-seasoned Norwegians.

“Something to Remember”

Bangkok was the week where we found our footing, got a reality check, and slowly but surely realized what our new everyday life would entail. It was a mix of frustration and unforgettable experiences, but despite everything, we came away with memories burned into our minds.

Bangkok may have taken our breath away, but we left with one certainty: We could do this – and Bangkok, we’ll be back!

5 TIPS: How to Avoid Making Our “Mistakes” in Bangkok

First time in Bangkok? Watch out for tourist traps! Vendors can spot fresh blood from a mile away, which means easy targets.

But don’t worry – here are our best tips to avoid getting scammed:

✅ ALWAYS agree on the price beforehand
Tuk-tuks, massages, market goods? Set the price first! Otherwise, you might end up with a sky-high bill.

✅ NEVER take a regular taxi – use an app (Grab/Bolt)
Skip taxis that refuse to use the meter. Instead, book through Grab or Bolt for a fair and fixed price.

✅ BARGAINING is a must!
Street prices are always inflated! Start low, haggle hard, and walk away if they don’t budge. It works!

✅ THE “IT’S CLOSED” SCAM!
If someone tells you your planned stop or attraction is closed, DON’T believe them! They’re just trying to reroute you to an overpriced tour.

✅ WATCH OUT! Bangkok traffic doesn’t stop for pedestrians
Crosswalks? Pure decoration. Use overpasses or traffic lights if you want to make it across in one piece.

With these tips in mind, you can enjoy Bangkok without feeling like a clueless tourist. Safe travels! 🌟🌄

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