Wim Hof Method Bangkok
The buzzing city of Bangkok offers magnificence in all its quarters. The historically and culturally rich cosmopolitan city offers a larger-than-life grandeur making it an irresistible destination for global tourists. Indeed a perfect blend of tradition and modernity.
From religious sites to historical sites, there is no end to beautiful sights and heritage. Besides, the busy markets, exotic foods, food, and vibrant nightlife attract many international visitors every year.
Another Bangkok attraction is one of the best Wim Hof Method workshops available anywhere and the only officially certified Wim Hof Method instructor in Thailand.
Before you pack your bags, read the information below. It might help you.
Know the Travel Limitations
Thailand now allows travelers from 56 countries to enter the country under the Visa Exemption Scheme. This permission implemented from 7 December 2020 facilitates these countries’ passport holders to enter and stay for 45 days without a visa.
Travelers from other countries can visit using Special Tourist Visa. However, all travelers are required to undergo 14-day quarantine at a government facility at their own expense. You can check the latest information on travel limitations and restrictions on the Thai Embassy page.
Keep an Eye on the Weather
Bangkok is mostly warm all through the year. With just two seasons — dry and rainy, expect a respite from the heat only for a few months in this tropical country.
Listed below are the seasons and the respective active months.
Dry: November — April
Rainy: May — October
The hottest months are from March-May while August and September are the rainiest. Therefore, the best time to visit Bangkok is from November to February. The weather at this time is cooler, and it rains less. This is also the time with the most tourist influx.
The weather is baking and Bangkok has registered as one of the hottest cities in the world, Its not surprise the ice baths are so popular.
How to get to Bangkok
Bangkok is well-connected to many international cities across the globe. The metropolitan city has two international airports — Don Mueang Airport (DMA) and Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). The latter is the main airport with several international flights landing every day.
If you plan to visit Bangkok, you will most likely enter through Suvarnabhumi. From this airport, you can reach downtown using one of the three modes — bus, train, and taxi or Grab. Consider private travel if you like, though it is slightly expensive.
To move downtown from the other airport, Don Mueang Airport, there are only two commuting options — bus or taxi. You can use either of them to reach your destination or to the nearest train station, Mo Chit. Again, private travel is available, but it isn’t pocket-friendly.
Depending on your location, you can check other ports of entry as well.
Where to stay? How much money do you need?
Your stay can cost as much as you would want it to be in Bangkok. That said, the metropolitan city covers all budgets and is for all kinds of travelers.
For someone traveling on a tight budget, an amount of 1000 to 1500 baht/per day is sufficient. You can gorge on lip-smacking Thai street food and stay in a hostel or a comfortable guesthouse. Or look for affordable accommodations such as in Khao San Road.
For a mid-range budget, 2500 to 5000 bahts per day can work. With this amount, you can stay at a three or four-star hotel and enjoy eating at mid to high-range restaurants. Note western food is expensive and starts from 200 bahts and may cost thousands per meal.
The luxury hotels are comparatively affordable in Bangkok than in many places around the globe. Most of them start from 400 bahts a night. The most luxurious hotels may charge 10,000 bahts a night. The prices are usually higher in the peak tourist season i.e. from November to February.
If you have plans to stay longer, check out the best tourist lodging places in Bangkok. These include Silom, Riverside, Pratunam, Sia, Sukhumvit, Chatuchak, and the Old City.
The average cost of food for a single person is 513 bahts a day and needs to shell out approximately 144 bahts on transportation. Dining out costs 205 bahts a person. Breakfasts are usually cheaper.
What to see in Bangkok
Bangkok has an endless number of attractions for tourists of all age groups. You may not be able to visit them all in a single visit and may have to come again.
Temples
A visit to Bangkok is incomplete without a visit to its beautiful temples. With captivating decorations and stunning architecture, one feels transcended to another world at these holy places.
Wat Arun
The iconic temple was built in the 17th century. The temple’s fascinating shape includes a central tower or prang with 4 towers at the four sides engraved with colored faience. The prang looks beautiful with bits of porcelain and seashells.
Wat Phra Kaew
Wat Phra Kaew or ‘The Temple of the Emerald Budha’ is built within the Grand Palace and is thronged by thousands every year. It is home to Emerald Budha, a statue carved from a single piece of jade. Explore the 2 km long gallery adorned with 178 murals from the epic Ramayana.
Wat Pho
The Reclining Buddha or Wat Pho offers a gigantic Budha image 15 meters tall. What is more fascinating is the enthralling collection of images, murals, and inscriptions of varying subjects ranging from archaeology, astronomy, warfare, and more.
Other temples you should consider visiting are Wat Saket, Wat Traimit, Loha Prasat, Wat Mahathat, Wat Suthat Thepwararam, Wat Prayoon, and Wat Benjamabhopit.
Markets
You can shop for days in Bangkok without revisiting any. Bangkok city has many markets, and new markets are coming up every year.
Chatuchak market
It is Asia’s largest weekend market. Sprawling over a km, it includes more than 15000 stalls that sell almost everything clothes, accessories, household items, antiques, live animals, handicrafts, and more.
Visit their website here https://www.chatuchakmarket.org
Pratunam market
The market mainly deals with clothing and is the cheapest place to buy clothes. It runs on a simple principle — buy more, pay less. The shops operate from 10 pm to 9 pm. Apart from clothes, you can also buy handicrafts and souvenirs. But no exchanges, refunds, or trying on are allowed.
Khlong Toei market
It is the hub for food distribution in Bangkok. This market caters to fresh produce and is the busiest fresh market in Khlong Toei. One can notice this buzzing market in full energy from 6 am to 2 pm.
Other markets worthy of visiting In Bangkok are Amphawa Floating market, Bangkok Flower Market, MBK center, Talad Bo Bae, Pantip Plaza, and Sampeng Market.
Malls
Those looking to avoid the heat and humid climate can visit the malls. With so many interesting options, it isn’t easy to decide on a place.
Iconsiam
Spread over 500,000 square meters, the mall is truly a mecca for shopaholics. The all-glass mall’s extravagant features include a variety of eateries, two condominium towers, an indoor floating market, a seven-story Takashmaya Japanese departmental store, and more.
Siam Paragon
Also regarded as one of Bangkok’s biggest malls, Siam Paragon houses Asia’s largest screen in 15 theatre multiplex cinema, the Siam Ocean World (Southeast Asia’s largest aquarium), a concert hall, a bowling alley, and a gigantic multi-floor mall selling hundreds of items.
Pantip Plaza
Tech geeks will love this mall. This place offers all kinds of electronics and software at an affordable price. The market is also famous for selling pirated goods; however, lately, it offers few copied software copies. Visit the second floor to delish an extensive range of eatables at the food court.
Other malls worth your time are Emporium, Mah Boon Krong (MBK), Central Embassy, Terminal 21, Gaysorn Plaza, Central World, and more.
Other attractions
National Museum and Wang Na Palace
This place is Eden for history buffs. It was the only museum in Thailand until the mid-1970s, the reason for such a large collection. Even though all exhibits are labeled in Thai and English, you can opt for English guided tours if you want.
King Rama I’s Wang Na Palace is of great significance in Thai history. You can see regalia, ceramics, weaponry, games, ceremonial, religious artifacts, and musical instruments of the period at this museum.
Khao San Road
This Bangkok neighborhood is always buzzing with backpackers, clothing stalls, food vendors, and more. The colorful and vibrant life with endless shopping options makes it must visit for the younger generation.
Chao Phraya River
Bangkok lies on the banks of the river, Chao Phraya. It is the primary waterway for the capital city and is used by more than 50 000 people every day. Ferry rides on the river are a popular activity with the tourist visiting Bangkok.
Don’t miss the street food at several places across the city. Admire the Thai art and culture at its museums and Art gallery. Or throng the night market in Silom and other places. Looking for some unique attractions, go to The Artist’s House in Thonburi. Yet another getaway is Bang Krachao, an island.
Ice Baths
Believe it or not, submerging yourself in 350kg of ice in the baking hot heat in the centre of Bangkok is extremely popular. The Wim Hof Method workshops run by Stuart Wilson, who is the only certified WHM instructor in thailand, sell out weeks in advance. Learn the breathing technique then jump in the ice bath to reach a higher level of mindfullness. Its an awesome experience and highly recommended.
The Breath Inspired studio is location near the famous Lumpini park in teh very centre of bangkok. Is easy to get to and is like a hidden paradise.
Check out their video below
Bangkok and Safety
Bangkok is a relatively safe place. Risks are few but stay alert. When in Bangkok, remember a few things.
● While walking on busy streets, look both ways.
● Always carry your passport with you, wherever you go.
● Buy travel insurance before coming to Bangkok.
● Do not leave your drink unattended.
● Never accept drugs from anyone.
Other useful links
Below are some links to other articles that maybe of interest
