Bangkok: Done that, do this

DONE THAT: Sampled street food
Thai food has become a firm Aussie favourite, but a trip to the home of this cuisine will reveal there's plenty more on the menu than pad thai. With an abundance of fresh ingredients, it's hard to go wrong in Thailand, but street vendors are the best place to sample the most authentic cuisine. Aussie travellers can eat like a king for $5 a day and it's a far more exciting than tucking in with a knife and fork.

TRY THIS: Eat a few insects
If you've already seasoned your palette at one of Bangkok's plentiful street markets, then do as the locals do and give insects a go. It may not sound particularly appetising, but Thai folk chow down on insects as a quick snack, often with a cold beer. There are plenty of bugs to choose from, such as non mai, maeng kee noon and jing leed – commonly known as the cricket. Don't worry, the bugs won't hop around in your mouth – they are usually fried and seasoned with sauce. Insects can generally be found at most street vendors, but if all else fails head to Khao San Road or Pat Pong.

DONE THAT: A tuk tuk ride
Getting around on a tuk tuk is a quintessential part of any Thailand experience. These three-wheeled speedsters are a great way to experience the hustle and bustle of Bangkok and are also reassuringly cheap. Fares vary according to the time of the day – and the mood of the driver – but a short trip will usually set you back about 30 baht ($1). The trick is to negotiate around 15 baht off the typically inflated price.

TRY THIS: Take a river cruise
Looking for a different way to see the sights? River cruising, with its relaxed pace and myriad of vantage points, could be the answer. And Bangkok, home to an assortment of riverside temples and floating markets, has plenty of short trips on offer. There are also overnight cruises which visit ancient ruins onboard old rice barges and a number of dinner shows along the Chao Praya River.

DONE THAT: A Thai cooking class
Thailand is synonymous with food, with more than 50% of all Thai people in a job that involves producing or preparing food. Consequently, cooking classes are not hard to come by. Budding chefs will learn all the tricks of traditional Thai cooking from professionals before testing their own creations. Most classes run over two hours and include a visit to a local produce market.

TRY THIS: Watch Thai boxing
A Muay Thai bout is sure to make its mark on even the most discerning traveller. It's not just a national sport either, but at the very heart of Thailand's culture. The atmosphere is electric with frenzied betting and manic spectators adding to the spectacle. Muay Thai is on offer most weeknights at Lumpini Stadium while Ratchadamnoen Stadium has daily fights, though it is less forgiving on the wallet.

Advertise with us

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au