Me and my sister finally ticked Thailand off our travel bucket list! 🛫 We joined our friends for this trip, and since it was our first time in the country, we were extra excited and nervous at the same time.

We flew from Clark Airport in the Philippines to Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, Thailand. From Manila, we left around 10am and took the P2P Genesis Bus from NAIA Terminal 3 to Clark Airport. The fare was Php 450, and the ride took about 2.5 hours. (I actually wrote a detailed blog about how to go to Clark Airport via P2P Genesis Bus – check it out if you’re curious) – How to Go to Clark Airport via P2P Genesis Bus Step-by-Step Guide.

This trip was all about culture, temples, food, and just enjoying a new country with friends. Let me take you with me through our 5-day adventure in Thailand.

✈️ Pre-Flight Preparation

🏨 Where to Stay in Bangkok

We stayed at AMA Hostel Bangkok, located in Chinatown near Khlong Ong Ang Canal. The location was perfect – surrounded by street food, markets, and walking distance to popular spots. The hostel itself has a modern yet cozy vibe. It’s affordable, clean, and perfect for backpackers or budget travelers. I especially loved the common area where we could relax after a long day of exploring.

BOOK via Klook 👉 AMA Hostel Bangkok

BOOK via AGODA 👉 AMA Hostel Bangkok

📍 Tourist Spots / Places We Visited

---

🏰 Day 1: Grand Palace, IconSiam & Chao Phraya River Cruise

Since this was our first day in Thailand, the excitement was at its peak. Everything felt new—the streets, the culture, and even the little details we noticed along the way. We wanted to make the most out of our time, so our schedule was already packed with must-visit spots.

The Grand Palace

Our first stop was The Grand Palace, one of Bangkok’s most iconic landmarks. We wanted to be there right when it opened, so we booked a Grab and left as early as 7:30 am. By 8:00 am, we were already outside the gates, ready to explore. The entrance fee was 500 baht per person, and we were excited to finally step inside this historic site.

⚠️ Beware of the Grand Palace Scam

But before we could even reach the entrance, something unexpected—and honestly a bit scary—happened. As soon as we got out of the Grab, a man approached us. He claimed to be an employee of the Grand Palace and told us it was closed for the day. Instead, he offered to take us to a floating boat tour and other temples nearby. Good thing I had already researched about this common Grand Palace scam, so I knew immediately something was off. I whispered to my friends that it was a scam and insisted we head straight to the entrance. That’s when the man suddenly grabbed my arm and spoke in a language I didn’t understand. He then changed his story, saying that only those who booked online yesterday could enter. At that point, I was convinced it was all a setup.

As we tried to move forward, two men dressed in black—pretending to be guards—blocked our way. They insisted the palace was closed, but I raised my voice a little and told them firmly, “We’ll check it ourselves.” We followed a local walking toward the entrance, and thankfully, other tourists were also trying to get in. The scammers tried to block them too, but with more people moving forward, we finally got past them.

And just as I suspected—the Grand Palace was open. No closures, no online bookings required. So here’s a reminder for anyone visiting: don’t fall for this scam. The Grand Palace is open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Inside, the palace was breathtaking. The grounds were massive, and it easily takes half a day to explore. The golden details, intricate designs, and temples within felt like stepping into another world. It was scorching hot that morning, but the beauty of the place made it all worth it. One thing to note—there is a strict dress code. Out of respect, visitors must cover their shoulders and legs. Revealing outfits are not allowed, so it’s best to wear light but modest clothing.

Our visit to The Grand Palace was both eye-opening and memorable—starting with a near scam encounter and ending with a deep appreciation of Thailand’s culture and history.

Chao Phraya River Dinner Buffet Cruise

In the afternoon, we went to IconSiam, a luxury shopping mall by the river. At 4:30 pm, we headed to Pier 2 for our Chao Phraya River Dinner Buffet Cruise. Cruising along the river at night was magical – the lights of Bangkok’s skyline were stunning. To our surprise, we even saw influencer Viv Cortez on the same cruise! We booked it through Klook, here’s the link – ICONSIAM Pier 4 · Afternoon Sunset (Cruising Time: 17:00-18:45)

🛍️ IconSiam & Starbucks Reserve

After the cruise, we returned to IconSiam and had coffee at Starbucks Reserve, which is actually the largest Starbucks in Thailand.

🏞️ Day 2: Wat Pho, Ancient City, Erawan Museum & Jodd Fairs

Day two was all about culture and food.

Wat Pho – Reclining Buddha

Our second day in Bangkok started with a visit to Wat Pho, one of the oldest and largest temples in the city, best known as the home of the Reclining Buddha and the birthplace of traditional Thai massage. It’s a must-see for anyone wanting to dive deeper into Thailand’s culture and spirituality. We started early again, booking a Grab, and by 8:00 am we were already at the entrance. The temple grounds were wide and beautifully decorated with colorful pagodas, intricate details, and peaceful corners perfect for exploring. When we entered the main hall of the Reclining Buddha, we were asked to remove our shoes as a sign of respect. Seeing the Buddha in person was breathtaking—the statue was so much bigger than I imagined, stretching 46 meters long. We also learned why it is called the “Reclining Buddha”—it represents the Buddha at his final moment before entering parinirvana, symbolizing peace and freedom from the cycle of rebirth.

Ancient City (Muang Boran)

After spending about two hours at Wat Pho, we hopped on a Grab and headed to Ancient City (Muang Boran), about 40 minutes from the city center. At the reception, I showed our Klook voucher, and we were given a map, tips on the best photo spots, and a small card for the lunch buffet. Since the place is massive, we rented a golf cart for 500 baht an hour (plus 300 baht when we extended) so we could explore freely. We also tried on traditional Thai costumes for 600 baht, which made the experience even more fun and our photos more memorable. Here’s the Klook link if you want to book the same tour – Ancient City + Erawan Museum + Lunch buffet

Driving around the park was such a highlight—I even spotted a bayawak (monitor lizard) crossing the road while I was behind the wheel! We arrived at 11 am, had the buffet lunch first, then spent the next hours discovering temples, replicas, and cultural landmarks from across Thailand. The whole place felt like a living museum, and by 3 pm, we were ready to move on to our next adventure.

Erawan Museum

A short ride away is the Erawan Museum, famous for its giant three-headed elephant statue. Inside are cultural artifacts and intricate art displays.

Jodd Fairs Night Market

At night, we headed to Jodd Fairs, a popular night market where you can find clothes, souvenirs, and delicious Thai street food. We even tried dancing shrimp and fried insects at the night market—what an unforgettable experience!

🌿 Day 3: Bubble in the Forest, After the Rain Café & Shopping

Day three was more relaxed but still eventful.

Bubble in the Forest

We visited Bubble in the Forest Café, one of the trendiest cafés in Thailand. The seating areas look like transparent bubbles surrounded by water – Instagram-worthy for sure!

After the Rain Café

Next, we went to After the Rain Café, another scenic café with nature views.

Shopping at Platinum Mall & Pratunam Night Market

Later, we shopped at Platinum Fashion Mall (perfect for affordable clothes and wholesale items) and explored Pratunam Night Market in the evening.

🚂 Day 4: Maeklong Railway Market, Floating Market & Khaosan Road

This was one of my favorite days. On our third day in Thailand, we joined a tour we booked through Klook, which turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip. The package included stops at the Maeklong Railway Market, the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, and the charming Pink Buffalo Café. It was a hassle-free experience since everything—from transportation to the guide—was already arranged, and we just had to enjoy. Each stop gave us a unique glimpse into Thailand’s local culture and way of life, from watching a train pass through a bustling market to tasting delicious food while cruising the canals. If you’re planning a trip, I definitely recommend booking this tour for a fun and seamless adventure. 👉 Here’s the Klook link if you want to book.

Maeklong Railway Market

One thing I really liked about this tour was the convenience. Our pick-up point was at Central World, and from there we joined the bus tour with everything already arranged for us. The guides even knew the exact train schedule, so they planned for us to visit the Maeklong Railway Market first. We arrived with plenty of time to explore the market, and our guide told us that the train would pass at 11:10 am. About 30 minutes before, we went to a small café right by the tracks and grabbed something to eat while waiting. Then came the whistle that signaled the train was approaching—everyone quickly gathered at the sides of the market. Watching the vendors fold their stalls in seconds and seeing the train pass so closely was such a thrilling and unique experience, definitely one for the books. 👉 Here’s the Klook link if you want to book.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

After Maeklong, we headed back to the bus, and in just about 20 minutes we arrived at the port for the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. The place was lively and colorful, with shops lined up along the canals. Our guide suggested we try the coconut ice cream, which we happily did—it was refreshing and perfect for the hot weather. But not everything was smooth sailing here. We experienced another scam when our boatman suddenly stopped at a shop owned by, as he said, his girlfriend. She started offering us souvenirs, but since we had already shopped at Pratunam Market the day before, we knew her prices were way too high. We politely declined and said we already bought souvenirs, but the boatman wouldn’t move. It was as if he was silently telling us he wouldn’t continue the ride unless we bought something. With no choice, we ended up purchasing a coin purse for 350 baht—something we knew could be bought in Pratunam for just 100 baht. It was frustrating, but at the same time, part of the real experience of traveling and learning to be more cautious. 👉 Here’s the Klook link if you want to book.

After the ride, we had lunch at the port where I ordered my favorite Thai food again—Pad Thai. No matter how many times I’ve had it, the flavors never disappoint, and it was the perfect way to end our floating market experience before moving on to our next stop.

Central World & Love Buddha / Trimutri Shrine

Our last stop for the tour was back at CentralWorld, where we were supposed to head straight to the Grab pick-up area. But since it turned out to be a massive shopping mall, and with Big C Supermarket right across the street, we decided to take the chance to buy some pasalubongs. While exploring the area, me and my sister also stumbled upon a shrine we had seen on TikTok, often called the Love Buddha—formally known as the Trimurti Shrine. Locals believe that couples and singles alike can pray here for blessings in love and relationships, and it was interesting to see people leaving red roses and offerings as a sign of devotion. It felt like such a unique and unexpected find.

Khaosan Road

At night, we headed to Khaosan Road, a lively street filled with bars, shops, and street food. It’s one of the best nightlife spots in Bangkok. The night club there was on a different level.

🌆 Day 5: Mahanakhon SkyWalk & Ong Ang Canal

For our last day, we went to the Mahanakhon SkyWalk, Thailand’s highest observation deck. The glass floor was thrilling – definitely not for the faint-hearted! We also tried the SkyRides, a VR experience that makes you feel like you’re flying over Bangkok. We booked it through Klook, here’s the link – Day Time (10:00-15:30) Mahanakhon Skywalk + 78th Rooftop + Mahanakhon Skyverse

Before heading to the airport, we strolled along Ong Ang Canal, a riverside area near our hostel. It was the perfect calm ending to our trip.

💡 Travel Tips for Thailand

• Download Grab / Bolt App for easy transportation.
• Always carry cash (small bills are useful for street food and markets).
• Beware of scams near tourist spots.
• Dress modestly when visiting temples.
• Try street food – it’s cheap and delicious!

📝 Conclusion

Our 5 days in Thailand were filled with unforgettable experiences – from exploring temples and markets to enjoying modern cafés and nightlife. Despite a scary encounter with scammers outside the Grand Palace, the trip turned out amazing. Thailand truly offers a balance of culture, adventure, shopping, and food. If it’s your first time, don’t worry – just prepare well, stay alert, and enjoy the beauty of the country. I can’t wait to go back and explore more of Thailand!

✨ Tours to Book in Advance (via Klook)

Booking ahead will save you time and guarantee slots for popular spots:

Klook Tours	For 6 Pax	Per Pax	Where to Buy?
E-Sim		Php 498	Klook Thailand E-sim
Van to the Hotel	Php 1910	Php 319	Thailand Car Transpo
Ancient City + Erawan Museum + Lunch/Dinner buffet		Php 1,414	Entrance Fee + Lunch Buffet
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Maeklong Railway Market Day Tour		Php 1,528	Floating Market Tour
Chao Phraya White Orchid Cruise Buffet		Php 1,273	ICONSIAM Pier 4 · Afternoon Sunset (Cruising Time: 17:00-18:45)
Mahanakhon SkyWalk Ticket in Bangkok		Php 1,768	Day Time (10:00-15:30) Mahanakhon Skywalk + 78th Rooftop + Mahanakhon Skyverse

Expenses	2 paxi	Per Pax	Where to book?
Roundtrip Plane Ticket		Php, 6,280
5 Nights Hostel Accommodation		Php 5,628
Philippines Travel Tax		Php 1,620
Bus to Clark Airport		Php 450
E-Sim (Unlimited Data for 5 Days)		Php 498	Klook Thailand E-sim
Van to the Hotel (Php 1910 for 6 pax)		Php 319	Thailand Car Transpo
Ancient City + Erawan Museum + Lunch/Dinner buffet		Php 1,414	Entrance Fee + Lunch Buffet
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market & Maeklong Railway Market Day Tour		Php 1,528	Floating Market Tour
Chao Phraya White Orchid Cruise Buffet		Php 1,273	ICONSIAM Pier 4 · Afternoon Sunset (Cruising Time: 17:00-18:45)
Mahanakhon SkyWalk Ticket in Bangkok		Php 1,768	Mahanakhon Skywalk + 78th Rooftop + Mahanakhon Skyverse
Bus from Clark to Naia		Php 450
Pocket Money (For Food, Pasalubong, Transpo)		Php 15,000
	TOTAL EXPENSES	Php 36, 228

Klook.com Klook.com