There's never a dull time in Bangkok. And if you are wondering where to travel for an all-girls trip, then there is no better place either. From the bustling street markets stretching several miles and bars with all the glitz and glamour to street food like you've never had before, there's a ton to do with your girl gang in the Thai capital. Here's our list of the top things to do in your Bangkok tour:
We hope your suitcase is spacious enough, because, believe us, you will need it. There's no other place quite like Bangkok where you can indulge in some serious, guilt-free retail therapy. From big malls and street markets to luxury boutiques and thrift stores, the city is packed with the best options for all of those. If you enjoy the convenience of a mall, visit Platinum Fashion Mall and CentralWorld during the day. Here, you will find accessories, bags, shoes, and clothes at different price ranges. If you think you are good at bargaining and love that aspect of street shopping, visit Chatuchak Weekend Market, Pratunam Market, INDY Market, and the Saphan Phut market, which is popular among locals but not tourists.
If you are on the lookout for the big brands, Kingpower in Rangnam district presents great deals. Other than that, Iconosiam should be on the top of your list—not just for brands like Fendi and Tiffany & Co. but also for its beautiful, traditional interiors. And, of course, visit EM Street along Sukhumvit Road—the street has three malls housing the biggest luxury names, Emporium, EmQuartier, and EmSphere.
After retail therapy, get ready for a relaxing one at one of its many spas. From foot massages and full-body treatments to even traditional ones, like Tok Sen massage, there are enough reasons to make some time for a spa session. While you will spot a spa centre every ten steps, there are a few places around the city that are stepping up their game. Auriga Wellness in Capella Bangkok, located next to the Chaophraya River, will spoil you with their selection of traditional Thai treatments, like the Tok Sen massage, the Ayurvedic therapy of Luk Pra Kob, and a classic Thai massage, also known as Nuad Bo Rarn. Another great and relatively affordable option is the Divina Scentuara Spa, which is housed in a traditional Thai house. Here, you can get a range of relaxing treatments that address different stress points in your body. Check them out here.
Bangkok is a street food haven. It is one of the few places where you can eat at a Michelin-starred restaurant without burning a hole in your pocket. Yaowarat or Chinatown is where you should kickstart your feast. The area fills up at night with thousands of kiosks belting out Cantonese and Sino-Thai specialities. Look out for Kway chap noodle soup. Another great spot that is seriously underrated among travellers is Nang Leong Market in the backpacker district of Khao San Road. While navigating the packed, confusing alleys may be a challenge, the food here is worth all that struggle. Another favourite local spot is Talat Phlu in Thon Buri, which is in the older part of the city.
If you love textiles, don't leave the city without visiting the beautiful house of the American who introduced the world to Thai silk. Located on the canal stretching from Banglamphu and The Phetchaburi, the Thai-style home is a repository of Thompson's extensive art collection, personal possessions, which include Chinese porcelain and artefacts from Burma, Thailand and Cambodia. This is also the best place to pick up the exquisite Thai silk.
A girls' trip is all about celebrating sisterhood, so why not raise a toast to your besties? The best part is that there are several speakeasies in Bangkok that set just the right vibe for a girls' night out in the city. Plus, it is even more fun locating the place. Sugar Ray on Sukhumvit Soi 24 is one of the most popular spots in the cities—the interiors are sleek and dim, and the cocktails are just perfect. Find The Locker Room on Soi Sukhumvit 55 is the next best option. The bar is hidden in plain sight behind a room full of lockers, and spotting it is not an easy task. But once you make it through, rest assured you will have a fun night and few neat cocktails!