Places in Bangkok that are perfect for different types of travel

Bangkok is a vibrant and bustling city that offers visitors a unique blend of cultural experiences, delicious cuisine, and exciting nightlife. As the capital city of Thailand, Bangkok boasts a rich history and numerous historical sites such as the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew. Food lovers will also be in heaven with a vast array of delicious street food options and restaurants serving authentic Thai cuisine.

Additionally, Bangkok’s nightlife scene is famous around the world, with a plethora of bars and clubs to explore. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences, Bangkok has something to offer every traveler.

In a tête-à-tête, Dieter Ruckenbauer, General Manager of Le Méridien Bangkok, recommends places around Bangkok for different types of travel. Ruckenbauer is no stranger to the Thai capital as he worked as the executive chef at JW Marriott Bangkok from 2007 to 2010 and Director of Food & Beverages at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park from 2016 – 2018. Now, he is back in Bangkok as the general manager of Le Méridien Bangkok.

Travel Daily Media (TD): You want to experience Thai culture 

Dieter Ruckenbauer (DR): There are various ways for you to experience Thai culture. Only a three-minute walk from the hotel is Wat Hua Lamphong, where you can view the amazing architecture or take part in a traditional prayer.

Another incredible structure is the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple (Wat Kaek Silom), which is about 15 to 20-minute walk away. The South Indian-style Hindu temple on Bangkok’s Si Lom Road was built in 1879. In the morning, this area offers fantastic street food.

There is a long list of other activities that can be explored in Bangkok. Nevertheless, if you are looking for a true Thai experience, visit the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, which is 100 km from Bangkok. This market presents essentially the original Thai culture; local people will go out to the market by rowing boats early in the morning to buy food that was prepared and cooked for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 100–200 years ago, Thailand didn’t have cars, trains, or buses. So the way to commute was by rowing a boat.

TD: You want to taste authentic Thai food

DR: You want to sample real Thai cuisine. There is a lot of delicious Thai food available. It undoubtedly depends on what you are looking for. The Michelin-starred restaurant Saneh Jaan offers a wonderful dining experience. Or check out Northeast on Rama IV if you’re looking for something much simpler, though.

TD: You want some adrenalin rush

DR: The market at Chatuchak will give you an adrenaline rush because it has a wide selection of woodworking, handy crafts, home décor, and pets. Almost anything can be found there. Another trendy place to visit would be the Train Night Market Ratchada. Big, vibrant outdoor market with music, featuring many vendors selling a variety of goods & food. Or go and explore the Patpong Museum. The Patpong Museum is a museum in Bangkok, Thailand. Opened in 2019 in Patpong Soi 2, its collection includes interactive exhibitions, artifacts, and recreated spaces covering Patpong’s history from 1946.

TD: You want to experience the city’s nightlife

DR: Bangkok offers a variety of locations to experience the city’s nightlife, including Khao Sarn, Thong-Lor, and Patphong. Many bars, live music venues are present.

TD: You want to do some shopping

DR: Once again, it all comes down to what you are looking for. Traditional favourites like MBK or Pratunam Market, Thailand’s largest clothing market and one of Bangkok’s major markets, are still popular today. However, if you enjoy luxury shopping and are inclined to do so, the abundance of malls in the Siam and Ratchaprasong neighbourhoods as well as along Sukhumvit until Phrom Phong are your best bet. There are many upscale shopping malls in this area. Or you could go across the river and see ICON Siam.

TD: You want to recharge and relax (wellness travel)

DR: You need to unwind and recharge. Cycling in this area is best done in Bang Krachao. Bangkok’s oasis is located there. However, there’s also the option to simply stroll down to Lumpini Park, which is close by (500 meters) from Le Méridien Bangkok, and enjoy Bangkok’s biggest park. Use the green lane that connects Lumpini with Benjakitti Park if this park is insufficient.

TD: You are taking a trip with family (children or the elderly).

DR: Take a dinner river cruise up the Chao Phraya River or visit Asiatique, a waterfront night market in Bangkok on the banks of the river.

TD: You are in the city for business but want to insert some leisure travel

DR: While you’re in the city on business, you should mix in some leisure travel.  No need to travel far. Stay at the conveniently situated Le Méridien Bangkok for your business trip. The hotel is located on Surawong Road only 45 minutes drive from the airport. The MRT would be the most straightforward method of getting around the city. Sam Yarn Mitown is just a five-minute walk from the hotel.

Le Méridien Bangkok, the artistically designed hotel in the centre of Thailand’s energetic capital city, has created a special package that enables visitors to check in, unwind, and take advantage of many of the immersive new activities and amenities that were added for wellness seekers during the hotel’s recent renovation.

The hotel offers a Circle Wellness Club, which is located on the 22nd floor and has a circular bed, on the “Well-being floor.” These unusual beds, which have been shown to improve sleep quality and reduce pent-up stress, also allow guests to take in panoramic views of the Bangkok skyline through floor-to-ceiling windows or just relax while watching a movie on their large LED Smart TV.  After experiencing comfort and relaxation in their room, guests can enjoy a rejuvenating 60-minute dip at the chic new private bathing facility, Flow Onsen. Couples can experience the therapeutic benefits of warm, mineral-rich water with salts imported from Japan in this intimate and profoundly serene setting that was inspired by the Chao Phraya River and Thailand’s traditional floating communities. With an onsen that is nearly five square meters in size and 0.6 meters deep, Le Méridien Bangkok offers plenty of room for two people to unwind together. Highly skilled therapists will be available at SPA by Le Méridien to provide 60-minute Thai Massages or the hotel’s signature Discovery Massage, a deeply energizing oil treatment in the Thai-Balinese style that has received a top rating on Tripadvisor.

Additionally, visitors can cool off in the outdoor infinity pool or exercise in the fitness centre, which is fully furnished with Technogym equipment and offers stunning views of the city.