In at the moment’s hyper-connected world, the place polished shops, chain eating places and even metropolis streets themselves can really feel sanitised, Bangkok is a very welcome tonic. Its labyrinthine alleyways, concealing outlets stuffed to bursting and street-side carts, appear made for solitary exploration, permitting solo travellers to tune in to Bangkok’s personal, usually frenetic, tempo on their very own time.
And whereas things to do in Bangkok are quite a few, some actions and sights are higher suited to going solo, like zipping by means of the traffic-choked streets by moto-taxi (booked in minutes by means of the Grab app). So, whether or not you’re wanting to spend 48 hours in Bangkok or planning an extended keep, right here’s how to begin to pattern the town solo.
Visit Bangkok’s most interesting temples
Like Sri Lanka, Cambodia and neighbouring Myanmar, Theravada Buddhism is Thailand’s official faith and the nation’s tropical landscapes are dotted with temples and monasteries referred to as wats. Bangkok itself is house to over 400, and given the customarily quiet nature of exploring holy websites, it is an amazing exercise for solo travellers. Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) rises from the banks of the Chao Phraya River, its photogenic spire marking it out on the panorama. With a reputation derived from the Hindu god Aruna and a stupa adorned with candy-coloured, patterned ceramics, it not solely attracts religious Buddhists, Hindus and historical past lovers but in addition a gradual stream of travellers who costume up in chut thai (conventional Thai costume) rented from any considered one of a whole bunch of shops surrounding the temple’s grounds. Here, solo travellers can ponder, observe and {photograph} life at their very own tempo, in addition to benefit from the people-watching alternatives.
Wat Suwannaram Ratchaworawihan is a little bit quieter, regardless of its interiors that includes in The White Lotus season three’s opening sequence, however no much less lovely. Blissfully serene, this temple is a must-visit for artwork aficionados thanks to a whole bunch of lovely and complex conventional Thai-style murals painted with brushes made out of rat whiskers. The consideration to element within the works deserves shut, unhurried inspection.
Spend a day cafe hopping
Kiosks, cafes, avenue distributors and hawkers every mix their very own variation of candy, creamy, cha yen (Thai milk tea), normally served iced, and sourcing a cup (or two) must be a part of your morning ritual. To up your tea recreation, tapioca pearls, coconut jelly or numerous spices and flavours will be added. Nothing gives a greater pick-me-up when you could have the luxurious of lingering underneath your personal steam, and it’s possible to value lower than a greenback.
For coffee fiends, Bangkok has a very good collection of unbiased and speciality espresso shops and roasters, some championing regionally grown beans, others providing distinctive blends and dreamy interiors. Hipsters will adore La Cabra in Talat Noi, with its Scandi vibes and cardamom buns, whereas purists will love Low-key, the place solo travellers are welcomed like long-lost pals by chatty baristas. In Bangkok Yai (my private favorite space of the town), Gunsbake presents yuzu, coconut and orange Americanos and the aforementioned must-try Thai milk tea, served scorching or chilly, in addition to tasty custard matcha flans and slices of burnt brownie cheesecake. Arrive hungry and take your time.