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My highlights as an exchange student in Bangkok
Ever since I ended my semester abroad in late May and returned to my home country, I started to miss the land of smiles, Thailand. It took me a while to adjust to the difference in lifestyle and the reverse cultural shock. That’s when I realized my few months as an exchange student in Bangkok were close to living in a dream. In my spare time as an exchange student in Bangkok, I spent most of my time wandering around the city, finding my favorite spots and things to do, whether traveling alone or in good company. I’d like to share them with you through this blog.
1. MBK
As a weeb, I loved hanging out at the iconic Siam MBK Centre mall. MBK has plenty of food options and budget shopping like any other mall. To me, the wonderland is on the seventh floor. You can find an SPX film cinema, the infamous Animate (anime merchandise) branch in Bangkok, and three gaming arcades to hop around and play. Walking there is like walking through modern Japanese streets—definitely a recommended indoor activity for an exchange student in Bangkok.
2. Chatuchak Weekend Market
Heading out from the 2nd exit of MRT Kamphaeng Phet Station, what welcomes you is the Chatuchak Weekend Market. Primarily known as a tourist hotspot, the market sells various kinds of items, from souvenirs, clothing, home essentials, and wood craftings to antique books–which could easily lead you into treasure hunting. Here’s a pro tip: prepare for sun shields. Trust me. You don’t want to get a heat stroke. Also, bring a small fan and a drink bottle; stay hydrated!
3. Chinatown (Yaowarat)
My friends and I first visited Chinatown when it was almost Chinese New Year. As the festival got closer, we saw a lot of street vendors selling traditional clothes and decorations for the home. I was glad to introduce them to the culture of my heritage. Just next to an exit of MRT Wat Mangkon, there’s this beautiful Thai Mookata (BBQ) place organized by a friendly family (they speak English! ), where we enjoyed our 200 baht, delicious barbeque set, grooving to loud, popular pop songs. Ah, what a life as an exchange student in Bangkok 🙂
4. Wat Arun
Wat means temple in the Thai language. Thailand is a Buddhist country. Thus it’s normal to see tons of wats in Bangkok. You’ll probably find many high-rated ones to visit on Google Maps, but I would recommend Wat Arun, having been there twice and still couldn’t get over it. After finishing your tour at Grand Palace and Wat Pho, take a 4-baht cross-river ferry ride from Tha Tien Pier. The temple has a unique architectural style, a dark shade of appearance, and is clean and well-maintained. The entrance fee is 100 baht. My favorite part is their nice grass platform in front of the river where you can be pleased by the view and get sunkissed.
5. exchange student in bangkok, Caturday Cafe
You should not miss Caturday Cafe if you’re a cat lover and doing exchange student time in Bangkok. Located a 3-minute walk from BTS Ratchathewi station, the cafe opens Tuesday through Sunday from noon until the evening. There’s an entrance fee of 200 baht, which includes ordering any item at that price (I must say their ice cream brownie tastes fantastic!). Then all you have to do is sit back and relax as the staff brings cute cats to chill with you. They are so fluffy! And they love chilling in baskets.
Find out more about Thai food: SWEET OR SPICY? EXPLORING THE FOOD IN BANGKOK
6. exchange student in bangkok, Mahanakhon Skywalk
Mahanakhon is the highest observation deck in Bangkok. You’ll be able to see the busy city from a different perspective, realizing they are not as huge as you thought. Catching the sunset is a brilliant idea. I would suggest purchasing your tickets online and collecting them at the counter, and the staff would bring you up on the elevator to the 74th floor, indoor deck, while the outdoor is on the 75th. If you’re not afraid of heights, try walking on the glass surface with shoe wrappers, the experience gives goosebumps! Also, you could grab a drink at the open bar.
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FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENT PROGRAM: WHY CHOOSING TO STUDY ABROAD WILL BE YOUR BEST DECISION EVER!
7. exchange student in bangkok, Khao San Road
I’m not the fun party person you would look for, and I can’t drink due to my allergy. But Khao San Road is a spot I wouldn’t want to miss on my exchange student in Bangkok travel list. Going there with my friends was super fun, the street is especially lively during the weekends. Anyhow, the alcoholic drinks are affordable, and the fantastic music played by the DJs and rappers allows you to be immersed in the magical Khao San vibe. Go dancing, vibing, and clubbing, and whenever you run out of energy, have a snack at food stalls or get a Thai massage.
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8. exchange student in bangkok, Asiatique The Riverfront
One way to get to Asiatique, a night bazaar with some theme park facilities facing the Chao-Phraya river, is to catch a boat at Sathorn Pier. Their boats are usually easy to spot with the specific logo flag marked on them. I used to visit Asiatique during sunset as an exchange student in Bangkok. The scenery is on a whole other level. Despite being an Instagrammable spot, its history could be dated back to the last century. Next to restaurants with live bands, there’s also a halal food court. Unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to ride the ferris wheel. I bet it would be dope!
Do you want to be an exchange student in Bangkok, Thailand? Find out more informationhere!
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