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The Only Muslim-Friendly Bangkok Travel Guide You'll Ever Need

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Iyesha Maria •  Jul 18, 2019

If you're craving for a quick weekend getaway, a Bangkok trip is always the answer! It's no surprise that this vibrant city is so popular among travellers as there are so many things to do in Bangkok! Beautiful architecture, delicious authentic halal Thai cuisine and endless shopping, what more could you ask for for an awesome getaway?

Credit: Giphy

In this Bangkok travel guide, we've compiled all the information you need to kickstart your trip. Explore the best attractions, eat the most delicious Thai food, and find plenty of Muslim-friendly amenities in this glorious city ?

[P.S. First time to Bangkok? Here's a 4D3N Muslim-friendly Bangkok itinerary to get you started]

Things to do in Bangkok

1. Grand Palace

Credit: @travelena on Instagram

Bangkok’s Grand Palace will make it to every travel list when searching for ‘Things to do in Bangkok’, and with it’s vibrant, extravagant and intricate design, you will definitely agree. The grand palace was built in 1782 and has been the home of the Thai King, and the Royal court. The palace complex itself is huge and will take a few hours to properly explore. There are multiple courts used for different purposes for the royal family. Not to mention that it's super Instagrammbale too with all it's coloured tiled walls - a perfect backdrop for your vacation photos ?

Address: Na Phra Lan Rd, Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand

Opening hours: 8.30am - 3.30pm daily

Contact: +66 2 623 5500

Website

2. Wat Arun

Credit: @k_a_t_h_y_kate on Instagram

Explore the beautiful temple of Wat Arun. There are plenty of 'Wats' to explore in Bangkok but make sure this one is the top of your list! With its beautiful and intricate designs, it is easily one of the most stunning temples in Bangkok. Not to mention that its architecture and details are different from others in Bangkok too. Its colourful designs will surely awe any traveller visiting ?

Address: 158 Thanon Wang Doem, Khwaeng Wat Arun, Khet Bangkok Yai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10600, Thailand

Opening hours: 8.30am - 5.30pm daily

Contact: +66 2 891 2185

Website

[P.S. Heading to Bangkok for an all-girls' trip? Here's the ultimate guide for an all-girls' getaway to conquer Bangkok!]

3. Boat trip along the Chao Praya River

Credit: @2getto on Instagram

The Bangkok River offers plenty to see from a vantage of a river cruise or a boat ride. Enjoy a scenic and relaxing tour from your boat as you watch the sceneries change from skyscrapers, markets, local residential areas and many more. Considering how vibrant the city is, there's plenty for your eye to catch from the river cruise or boat ride ?

Price: RM114 on Klook

Address: check-in area - Inside River City complex, beside Pier 1, next to River City Plaza: 3 Trok Rongnamkhaeng, Si Phaya Pier, Yota Road, Sampantawong, Bangkok 10100

4. Bangkok National Museum

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The Bangkok National Museum is near the Grand Palace so it's pretty easy to drop by the two places on the same day. It's definitely worth a visit since it houses the largest collection of Thai artefacts in the country from its pre-Thailand periods such as Ayutthaya and Sukhotahai times. If you love the culture, especially the vibrant Thai culture, you'll be amazed by the collections you can see such as ancient sculptures, decorative arts, weapons, gold treasures, Khon masks, musical instruments and woodcarvings!

Address: Na Phra That Alley, Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand

Opening hours: Wednesdays to Sunday 8.30am - 4pm, closed on Mondays and Tuesdays

Contact: +66 2 224 1333

Website

5. Lumphini Park

Credit: @gluber_th on Instagram

For a relaxing day with the family in Bangkok, take a leisurely stroll and chill at Lumpini Park. The tranquil Lumphini Park is a great place to escape the bustling city of Bangkok and to reconnect with nature. You’ll find many locals enjoying their time at the park doing recreational activities such as jogging and aerobics ?

Address: Thanon Rama IV, Khwaeng Lumphini, Khet Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10330, Thailand

Opening hours: 4.30am - 9pm

Contact: +66 2 252 7006

Website

6. Chinatown (Yaorawat Road)

Credit: @rainaerssassin on Instagram

Technically, this location doubles as a must-visit place and a shopping spot! Way to kill two birds with one stone ? Bangkok's Chinatown is a neighbourhood of its own with a predominantly Thai Chinese population. Find plenty of Chinese architecture and a lot of chaos! With all the hustle and bustle going on here, it's a photographer's heaven! Set aside a few hours to explore Sampeng Lane. There’s plenty to explore within the maze of stalls. There is a lane that stretches to about one kilometre, with other little alleys running off the main lane.

#HHWT tip: With wholesale prices on fabrics, this is a fantastic place to get materials to make outfits.

Fun fact: the main lane used to be known for its opium dens, brothels and gambling halls. But now it’s all about the shopping ?!

Address: Chinatown, Bangkok

Opening hours: 24 hours

7. Jim Thompson House

Credit: @jeudi__ on Instagram

Jim Thomspon was an American who started the silk industry in Thailand after the second world war. His house, which is now a museum, has an extensive collection of unique Asian art and other displays! You can’t use your camera in the museum, but snap away outside in the beautiful courtyard with stunning tropical lush greens ?

Address: 6 Rama I Rd, Khwaeng Wang Mai, Khet Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10330, Thailand

Opening hours: 9am - 6pm daily

Contact: +66 2 216 7368

Website

8. Erawan Shrine

Credit: @prasitmd on Instagram

This is one of the easiest shrines for you to visit since it's located in one of the most central shopping areas in Bangkok! You won't have to spend much time here since it's only a small shrine. But it's still worth to drop by to see locals congregate all day long to perform their prayers. If you're lucky, you'll even get to see a traditional Thai dance show which happens multiple times a day when one of their patrons make an offering to the shrine.

Fun fact: The Erawan Shrine is a Brahman shrine, not a Buddhist shrine!

Address: Ratchadamri Rd, Khwaeng Lumphini, Khet Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10330, Thailand

Opening hours: 6am - 11pm daily

Where to shop in Bangkok

There are plenty of shopping malls in Bangkok for you to explore! As a matter of fact, Bangkok is known to be shopping heaven for shopaholics from all over the world.

P.S. We've also compiled a guide to 17 must-visit malls and markets in Bangkok every shopaholic must visit and their nearby halal food.

1. Platinum Fashion Mall

Credit: @oreo_travellog on Instagram

Imagine street shopping in an air-conditioned mall. Platinum Fashion mall is often compared to street markets because of the items sold. Unlike other shopping malls, you can bargain for the best price here. There are over 2000 shops for you to shop from! It’s easy to lose yourself in the maze of clothing and handbag stores. Find wholesale priced clothes and accessories. Hats, handbags, clothes, cosmetics. Everything a fashionista could dream off (that isn’t high end). You can find fashion from all over Asia such as China, South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, and many others. Kpop bands ain’t got nothing on you once you’re done with this place?‍?

#HHWT tip: If you buy more at least 3 of the same item, you can get a discount to the wholesale price! Sometimes, even buying 3 for the price of 1.

Address: 222 Phetchaburi Rd, Khwaeng Thanon Phetchaburi, Khet Ratchathewi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand

Opening hours: Sunday and Wednesday 8am - 8pm, other days 9am - 8pm

Contact: +66 2 121 8000

Website

2. CentralWorld

Credit: Mark Fischer on Flickr

A must-visit for any self-declared shopaholic. CentralWorld is the third-largest shopping mall in Asia and the sixth-largest in the world. There are over 500 stores, and 100 restaurants and cafes spread over 7 floors. Now, imagine this – the mall is large enough that they have cars and motorbikes on display for sale IN the mall. It’s tough to one-up that!

Address:999/9 Rama I Rd, Khwaeng Pathum Wan, Khet Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10330, Thailand

Opening hours: 10am - 10pm daily

Website

3. Siam Paragon

Credit: Mike on Flickr

Just 10 minutes walking distance away from CentralWorld is Siam Paragon. Get ready to swipe your credit cards here! With its large glass entryway and classy décor, the mall exudes an atmosphere that screams luxury ? One of the first stores you will see is a Maserati dealership. That’s the kind of lux Siam Paragon is. Find all the luxury goods here such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Burberry, Jimmy Choo, and even supercar brands like Ferrari and Lamborghini. There are even more affordable shops around like Massimo Dutti, Miss Sixty, TopShop, H&M and many others.

If you’re done with the shops, head to the basement and visit Southeast Asia’s biggest aquarium, Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World ?. There is even a bowling alley and karaoke centre!

Address: 991/1 สยามพารากอน Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok 10330, Thailand

Opening hours: 9.30am - 10,30pm daily

Contact: +66 2 610 8000

Website

4. Pantip Plaza

Credit: smalljude on Flickr

Five floors of electronics and gadgets for tech lovers ?. From computers, software, cameras and quirky gadgets, you can get them all at there. Even Tony Stark and Bruce Wayne won’t be able to keep up with Pantip Plaza! Even some retailers from other parts of Thailand get their electronic goods from Pantip Plaza. That’s just how good a deal the place is for electronics.

Address: 604/3 Phetchaburi Rd, Khwaeng Thanon Phetchaburi, Khet Ratchathewi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand

Opening hours: 10am - 9pm daily

Contact: +66 2 250 1555

Website

5. Terminal 21

Credit: Behnken on Flickr

It’s not the largest or the most luxurious (unlike CentralWorld and Siam Paragon), but Terminal 21 is definitely a favourite among shoppers because of its unique design. Even if you don’t feel like shopping, this mall is still worth the visit just for its themed floors. Each floor is designed to represent a city. Find yourself shopping in London, Istanbul, Paris, Tokyo, Hollywood and other cities depending on which floor you’re at. This makes your shopping a unique experience. Feel like you’re trying on new outfits in Tokyo, or having a good cup of coffee in San Francisco.

Address: 88 Soi Sukhumvit 19, Khwaeng Khlong Toei Nuea, Khet Watthana, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110, Thailand

Opening hours: 10am - 10pm daily

Website

6. Iconsiam

Credit: Migathgi on Flickr

Launched in 2018, ICONSIAM is a must-visit mall for any Bangkok visitor. Located by the Chao Phraya River, the mall’s 8 floors boast many attractions that will awe anyone and everyone.

Experience an indoor floating market in SookSiam – their ground floor themed to promote arts, culture and food from Thailand’s 77 provinces. Find a 7-storey Takashimaya Japanese department store with cosmetics, lifestyle products, men and women’s wear, accessories, and much more. Throughout the mall, there are designs and artworks by Thai and international artists and designers. Even Thailand’s first Apple store can be found here. With its trademark floor to ceiling glass walls, it definitely adds a unique detail to the mall. It’s also only the second Apple store in Southeast Asia, after Singapore.

Address: 299 Charoen Nakhon Rd, Khwaeng Khlong Ton Sai, Khet Khlong San, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10600, Thailand

Opening hours: 10am - 10pm daily

Website

7. Chatuchak Market

Credit: edwin.11 on Flickr

One of the largest markets in the world with over 8000 (some even say up to 15 000) stalls. This weekend market gets more than 200 000 visitors a day!  But don’t worry, it’s all spread out over a 1 km stretch. Even if you’re not a shopper, this place is a sight to see by itself. Divided into 27 sections, you can find almost anything at Chatuchak market. From the usual fashion and accessories to furniture, antiques, souvenirs, hilltribe outfits, clay handicrafts, ceramics, paintings and many, many more things. So make sure you’re ready to spend an entire day there. This is definitely not a place you can complete in an hour or two.

#HHWT tip: many of the big item shops even provide shipping services (DHL) and are more than happy to help you arrange delivery back to your home country.

Address: สวนจตุจักร Kamphaeng Phet 2 Rd, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand

Opening hours: Wednesday and Thursday 7am - 12pm. Friday 9am - 6pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am -12pm, closed on Mondays and Tuesdays

Website

8. Ratchada Rot Fai Train Market

Credit: kizamaya on Flickr

The market is split into 3 sections which are traditional market items that you usually see in other night markets, a food section and some pubs and bars.

Unlike traditional markets, Ratchada also offers plenty of vintage shops and handicrafts. If you’re looking for a place for special gifts to bring home, this is definitely it! You can walk into a leather shop and get a leather wallet personalized with your name in a matter of minutes. Find great deals on clothes, accessories, shoes, bags, electronics, souvenirs, and more vintage stuff! There is really something for everyone here.

#HHWT tip: There are barbers with transparent glass walls overlooking the market for the daring to get a haircut ?‍ while enjoying a view of the busy market.

Address: 55 9 Ratchadaphisek Rd, Khwaeng Din Daeng, Khet Din Daeng, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand

Opening hours: 5pm - 1am

Contact: +66 92 713 5599

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9. Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Credit: Dennis Jarvis on Flickr

We can’t list best shopping spots without including Thailands iconic shopping experience – floating markets! A culture that has been around for over 100 years, it is an experience that all travellers (not just shoppers) should see. Once you get to the market, you will hop onto a traditional long-tail boat. A driver will paddle you between hundreds of other boats with female traders (wearing their iconic straw hats) selling fresh produce, souvenirs, and local delicacies.

Address: Damnoen Saduak, Damnoen Saduak District, Ratchaburi 70130, Thailand

Opening hours: 7am - 5pm daily

Contact: +66 87 969 3428

Other shopping places worth noting are:

  • MBK Mall
  • Siam Discovery
  • EmQuartier
  • Asiatique: The Riverfront
  • Srinakarin Train Market
  • Chinatown (Yaorawat Road)
  • Pratunam Market

Must-eat halal food in Bangkok

Contrary to popular belief, there are actually plenty of Muslim-friendly options (not just kebabs) that range from western to authentic Thai delicacies. For this list, we have compiled the top must-try Thai eateries. After all, Bangkok is known for its amazing Thai food!

P.S. We have also compiled a Bangkok food guide - 23 eateries sorted by popular shopping areas for your convenience.

1. Samat Muslim Food

Enjoy the comforting Thai food of Samat after a day of exploring the city. Enjoy authentic Thai delights such as Tom Yum (130 THB) which is sour, spicy and tangy all at once. Their Papaya Salad (60 THB) is also worth trying – it’s crunchy, spicy and full of flavour. And if you're in a big group (or if you have a super large appetite), try their delicious whole fish dishes such as stir-fried and steamed seabass ?

Halal status: Muslim-owned

Address: 419 Ratchaprarop Rd, Khwaeng Makkasan, Khet Ratchathewi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand

Opening hours: 8.30am – 11pm daily

Contact No: +66 89 442 5114

Directions: 3 minutes walk from ARL Ratchaprarop Station

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2. Tom Yam Paa Nga

Credit: @nahzakm on Instagram

Tom Yam Paa Nga is well-known among the local Muslims and repeated Muslim travellers in Bangkok for its authentic and tasty bowl of tom yum. Enjoy a 'customized' tom yum where you can choose your type of meat and level of spiciness in their generous bowl that can easily be shared between 2-3 people. Prices start from THB 100, so it’s pretty affordable too.

Address: 101/12 Ratchaprarop Rd, Khwaeng Thanon Phaya Thai, Khet Ratchathewi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand

Opening hours: Daily, from 7pm onwards

Contact No: +66 89 094 4980

Directions: Tom Yam Paa Nga is located just outside Citin Hotel Pratunam. The street it’s on is off Petchaburi Soi 15.

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3. Saman Islam

Credit: @gugeorg3 on Instagram

Located in Chatuchak Market, you can drop by Saman Islam for a quick bite while exploring the maze-like market. Indulge in a slurp-worthy bowl of beef noodles served with tasty Thai fish cakes - perfect for a refuel before you continue your explorations! The restaurant is only open during the weekends and is always packed with tourists. Although dishes here are a bit on the pricier side, the eatery has an extensive menu and huge serving portions to boot. If you’re famished and in the mood for hearty, yummy food then this is the place to go!

Halal status: Muslim-owned

Address: Section 16, Soi 24, Chatuchak Weekend Market, 251 Phahonyothin Rd, Chom Phon, Khet Chatuchak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10900, Thailand

Opening hours: Saturdays to Sundays 9am to 7pm

Directions: Saman Islam is located right in front of the Chatuchak clock tower. Be sure to look out for the halal sign!

Contact No: +66 81 817 8270

4. Kah Jak

Credit: @tilljanna on Instagram

Also located in the Chatuchak Market is an eatery with delicious Thai comfort food. The small eatery boasts plenty of delights from green and red curries to tom yum, fried rice, beef noodles, and more. ome of the recommended dishes here are the pad thai and beef green curry. The seafood tom yum packs a punch too!

Halal status: Muslim-owned

Address: Section 18 , Soi 25/8, Khwaeng Chatuchak, Khet Chatuchak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10900, Thailand

Opening hours: Sat – Sun, hours are unspecified but it should be the same as Chatuchak’s opening hours from around 9am – 7pm

5. Usman Thai Muslim Food

Credit: @matkamal79 on Instagram

After a day of shopping at Terminal 21 and EmQuartier, you'll want nothing better than a good meal, and Usman Thai Muslim Food is the perfect place for that! Try their mouthwatering tom yum with some crab curry, deep-fried seabass and papaya salad and you’re all set ? Their fried noodles and rice selection like Pad See Eew and Thai Fried Rice will satisfy your cravings too.

Credit: @sdw_paradis on Instagram

Of course, no meal is complete without desserts and we recommend getting their Mango Sticky Rice too! With generous mango portions and tantalising sticky rice, you’d be left thoroughly satisfied ?

#HHWT Tip: Good news, you can do your prayers at Usman as they have a musollah at the second floor of the restaurant.

Halal status: Muslim-owned

Address: 259/9 Sukhumvit Rd, Khwaeng Khlong Tan, Khet Khlong Toei, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110, Thailand (Next to Imperial Queen’s Park Hotel)

Opening hours: Sat – Thur, 10am – 10pm, Fri 2pm – 10pm

Directions: The nearest BTS station to Usman is Phrom Pong. From there, walk about 10 minutes to Usman.

Contact No: +66 81 855 7124

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6. Halal Food Street

Credit: Tip for trips to Bangkok on Facebook

Looking to try some amazing Thai street food? Head over to Soi Nana (also known as the Arab Soi). Enjoy plenty of halal Thai and Middle Eastern street delicacies such as meat skewers, pad thai, and seafood for the ultimate Thai food experience ?

Address: Soi Sukhumvit 3/1, Khwaeng Khlong Toei Nuea, Khet Watthana, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110, Thailand

Opening hours: varies from shop to shop

Directions: The halal food street is about a 3-minutes’ walk from Nana BTS station.

7. Phayathai Kitchen

Credit: @isnainisna on Instagram

Enjoy plenty of Northern and Southern Thai delicacies at Phayathai Kitchen. Enjoy delights such as steamed fish, basil chicken and tom yum. Or have a go at Northern Thailand's iconic dish, the Khao Soi (coconut curry noodle soup). With their huge menu to choose from, you'll leave with a satisfied tummy.

Halal status: Muslim-owned

Address: 63, 68 Phetchaburi 7 Alley, Khwaeng Thung Phaya Thai, Khet Ratchathewi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand

Opening hours: 11am – 10pm daily

Contact No: +66 2 612 1446

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8. Sinthorn Steakhouse

Credit: @beebeelohya on Instagram

Meat lovers, this one's for you! Sinthorn Steakhouse serves meats of all kinds cooked in many ways. It's well-known among the local community for serving some of the best quality of halal meats in the city. hat’s not all of course. Sinthorn steakhouse also incorporates a wide variety of cuisines into their menu from Thai to Mediterranean. They even serve halal Thai barbecue-steamboat for those of you who love the experience of cooking your own food at a restaurant ?

Halal status: Muslim-owned

Address: 3331/2 Ramkhamhaeng Rd, Khwaeng Hua Mak, Khet Bang Kapi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10240, Thailand

Opening hours: 10am – 11pm daily

Contact No: +66 2 377 7322

Website Facebook

9. Ramkhamhaeng Night Market

Make sure you save up your appetite for a street food feast at the Ramkhamhaeng Night Market. There’s a whole row of street food stalls and more than 70% of them are owned by Muslim vendors. And many of them are really cheap, with prices ranging from 10 – 50 THB, so you won’t need to burn a hole in your pocket ? Enjoy plenty of  barbecued meat skewers (15 THB),sausages (15 THB), Thai-style fried chicken (40 THB with rice) and so much more. There are also a couple of stalls specialising in Southern Thai delicacies like Kerabu Salad and Chicken Kerabu. For those of you who are unfamiliar with kerabu, it’s actually a spicy and sour salad. And of course, remember to try the local desserts such as Khanom Buang (Thai crepe), tapioca dessert and Thai milk tea.

Halal status: Many of the halal shops here are Muslim-owned and you can identify them by their halal sign. We’ve also personally checked with the owners of the stalls we visited and they’ve confirmed that they use halal ingredients. But as they are not officially halal-certified, we recommend that you dine at your own discretion.

Address: 2345/1 Ramkhamhaeng Rd, Khwaeng Hua Mak, Khet Bang Kapi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10240, Thailand

Opening hours: Thur – Tue, 4pm – 11pm, CLOSED on Wednesdays

Directions: Take the ARL to Ramkhamhaeng Station. From there, take bus 92 or 109 or you can grab a taxi to the market (around 180 THB).

Mosques in Bangkok

1. Bangkok Mosque

Credit: @damir_ladyfurshet_ufa on Instagram

Unlike the other mosques in Thailand which were built by Thai Muslims or Chinese Muslims, the Bangkok mosque was constructed by the Tamil Association of Thailand. It caters to the Tamil-speaking Muslim community which gives it its Sout Indian inspired architecture.

Address: ถนน สุรวงศ์ - ซอย พุทธโอสถ Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand

Contact: +66 2 639 6431

2. Wadi Al Hussein Mosque

Credit: @emmanuel_desluis on Instagram

Also known as the "300 Year Mosque", this mosque should not just be a mosque to visit for prayers but also as a historical attraction of its own! It's one of the oldest mosques in Thailand that was built in 1964 and boasts an interesting terracotta roof and wooden architecture. The mosque was built to highlight the good relationship between Muslims and Buddhists in the community. You can even find a beautiful handwritten Quran and the construction plans of the mosque during your visit ?

Address: Bacho Tak Bai Narathiwat 96170

3. Haroon Mosque

Credit: @nai_loh on Instagram

The Haroon Masjid is one of the oldest and most beautiful mosques in Bangkok. It can hold up to 500 worshippers at a time. It's situated between the Customs house and Charoen Krung Road, in the heart of the city. It is also surrounded by a small muslim community with beautifully decorated wooden houses and intricate wooden grillwork.

Address: 25 Charoen Krung Rd, Khwaeng Bang Rak, Khet Bang Rak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10500, Thailand

Contact: +66 81 488 8154

4. Ton Son Mosque

Credit: @patbokeable on Instagram

This historical mosque was built in 1968 during the Ayutthaya period and is perfect for those who are nearby Wat Arun to drop by for a quick prayer before continuing your explorations of Bangkok ?

Address: 447 Arun Amarin Rd, Khwaeng Wat Arun, Khet Bangkok Yai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10600, Thailand

Contact: +66 2 466 5326

5. Bang Luang Mosque

Credit: @parknutchapon on Instagram

Located just across the Ton Son mosque,  is the Bang Luang Mosque. A beautiful mosque built in 1767 by a Muslim merchant during the Rattanakosin period. Upon entering, you'll notice that the mosque encompasses a unique architecture using Thai, Chinese and European architecture.

Address: 151 Arun Amarin Rd, Khwaeng Wat Kanlaya, Khet Thon Buri, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10600, Thailand

6. The Foundation of the Islamic Centre of Thailand

Credit: @n.zfr on Instagram

This is one mosque you have to visit during your visit to Bangkok. It is easily one of the most beautiful mosques in the city with its unique design that resemble upturned umbrellas! The large mosque can accommodate up to 3000 people at a time and even has a large library, a bookstore and a food hall.

Address: 2 ซอย รามคำแหง 2 Khwaeng Suan Luang, Khet Suan Luang, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10250, Thailand

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm daily

Contact: +66 2 314 5638

Best time to visit

Credit: Pier Alessio Rizardi on Flickr

Bangkok goes through three seasons a year, which are the hot season, rainy season and cool season. But the city is visitable all year round, making it a perfect destination for travellers, especially repeated visitors who love the city. Though bear in mind that there is some overlap between the three seasons.

Hot season - March to June

During the hot season, the average temperature highs in Bangkok range between 34.3°C to 35.4°C. Many would find this temperature intolerable but if you're used to living in the heat (i.e., Malaysians and Singaporeans), this may not be a dealbreaker for you. Booking an air-conditioned room is recommended though since it doesn't cool down much at night either. On the plus side, the heat means there would be fewer tourists around and you might get to save a little on room rates ?

#HHWT tip: Even though it's the hot season, you might still experience the occasional storm passing through.

Rainy season - July to October.

Despite the rain, Bangkok is still tolerable during its wet season. Travellers still visit the city since it is still tolerable to explore plenty of attractions such as temples, shopping complexes and museums. The rains that pass-through on a daily basis is hardly torrential thunderstorms either (no more than bouts of 30 minutes) but rather light rain for prolonged periods of time. And on some days, it might not rain at all! Expect the temperatures highs to range between 32°C to 33°C and it'll be extremely humid too. On the bright side, since it's Bangkok's low tourist season, you can get some pretty great deals on accommodations and tours ?

Cool season - November to February.

Although it's considered the 'cool' season, don't expect it to be cold. It is cool in comparison to the rest of Bangkok's seasons with an average high of 31°C to 33.3°C. At night, it might even drop to as low as 20°C! The cool weather makes it perfect for a day of exploring ruins, temples, palaces and any other outdoor activities ? But with the cooler and drier weather, it is Bangkok's high season with tourists so expect to explore the city amongst a crowd of tourists.

#HHWT tip: If you intend to visit Bangkok during the cool season, it is recommended to book accommodations and tours a few months in advance since the prices rise steeply and accommodations fill up fast.

Places to stay

1. Sukhumvit

Credit: Daniel Lerps on Flickr

Sukhumvit Road is a popular place to stay for travellers visiting Bangkok for the first time as well as repeating visitors. It's the longest road in Bangkok and is flanked by rows of shopping malls. You'll find hotels from mid-range to ultra-high-end range in between the many malls too. It's a perfect location for first-timer's and families visiting ? It's also super convenient since it's alongside the Bangkok Transit System (BTS) making it perfect for you to explore all parts of the city. At night, you'll find plenty of street vendors setting up stalls selling everything from food to electronics!

One of its drawbacks is that it's not close to any major attraction (besides shopping) but since it's along the BTS line, you can easily hop on a train or any other public transport to get where you need to be.

Nearby attractions:

  • Benjakitti Park
  • Terminal 21 Shopping Mall
  • Wat Pasee Temple
  • Sombat Permpoon Gallery
  • Emporium Shopping Mall
  • Markets along Sukhumvit Road
  • Kamthieng House Museum
  • EmQuartier Shopping Mall

[P.S. Still looking around for budget accommodations? Here are 10 budget accommodations in Bangkok that are near popular train stations!]

2. Siam Square

Credit: Fabio Achilli on Flickr

Shoppers, if your goal for this trip is to explore all the must-visit malls in Bangkok, this is your place to be ? Siam Square is renowned for being a shopping district! Find all you need from luxury brands to bargain goods to satisfy your shopping needs. Even its smaller streets are flanked with bookstores and record stores.

Besides shopping, it's also home to plenty of family-friendly attractions such as Madam Tussauds, KidZania and an ice skating rink (in Central World Shopping Mall)

Nearby attractions:

  • Siam Paragon Mall
  • Wat Pathum Wanaram Temple
  • Madame Tussauds Bangkok
  • Jim Thompson House
  • MBK Shopping Mall
  • Jim Thompson House
  • Baan Krua or “Muslim Family Village”
  • Chulalongkorn University
  • Central World Shopping Mall
  • Siam Discovery Shopping Mall
  • Siam Center Shopping Mall
  • Erawan Shrine
  • KidZania

3. Pratunam

Credit: David McKelvey on Flickr

Pratunam is an area with an atmosphere of old Bangkok and modern Bangkok. It's a mix of residential and commercial areas. Although the malls here aren't as fancy as Siam Square or Sukhumvit, you can still find some pretty amazing goods at the Platinum Mall and Pratunam Market! Though do note that the Pratunam area can get pretty chaotic on the weekends.

Nearby attractions:

  • Pratunam Market
  • Neon Market
  • Baiyoke Tower
  • Pantip Plaza Shopping Mall
  • Victory Monument

4. Khao San (or Old City)

Credit: Guillen Perez on Flickr

Khao San is known as a backpacker area and it's probably one of the locations you can find plenty of budget accommodations. One of the great things about this location is that it's near two must-visit locations in Bangkok - the Grand Palace and Wat Arun! Some of the drawbacks of this area are that it has plenty of nightlife so it can get pretty loud at night and it's not near any BTS stations so you'll have to hop on a tuk-tuk or a taxi to get to the nearest station.

Nearby attractions:

  • The Grand Palace
  • Wat Arun
  • The Golden Mount
  • Democracy Monument
  • Mahakan Fort

5. Chinatown

Credit: Pedro Alonso on Flickr

Chinatown is a location to stay if you've visited Bangkok before and would like a totally different experience ? It's one of the largest Chinatown in the world and even if you're not staying here, it's definitely worth a visit. The area is full of neon signs and is hectic and crowded from market stalls, locals and tourists. The area is predominantly occupied by Thai Chinese who have been there in the 1780s and is a neighbourhood where people work and live. You'll truly feel as if you've taken a step out of Bangkok and into a market in China! It's also one of the top places for photographers because of all its cultural aspects such as the people and Chinese-style architecture.

Nearby attractions:

  • Yaowarat Road
  • Sampang Lane
  • Wat Traimit
  • China Gate

6. Silom

Credit: 4Y1A1240 Bangkok on Flickr

Silom is known as Bangkok's financial district and the area is filled with skyscrapers and a large expat community. For those who would like to steer away from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok's main areas, this is the place to stay. It's near BTS and MRT stations so it's easy to get around from this area too. One of its nearby attractions is the Lumphini Park which is Bangkok's equivalent to New York's Central Park, perfect for a nice stroll in the morning or evening ?

Nearby attractions:

  • Lumphini Park
  • Bangkokians Museum

7. Riverside

Credit: Andre Hough on Flickr

Bangkok's Riverside is known to be the more romantic areas of Bangkok with its amazing sunset views along the Chao Praya River ? This is the place to be if Bangkok's central area gets too overwhelming with its crowd.  The ambience of the Riverside differs from the rest of Bangkok with its peaceful atmosphere and upscale environment. Although this area isn't as central as Sukhumvit or Siam Square where all the main shopping is, it is near Bangkok's main attractions such as the Grand Palace, Wat Arun and Wat Pho. You can also spend your evenings visiting Asiatique, a classy night market that sells plenty of handmade goods of good quality.

Though do note that it's not near the BTS or MRT station so you'll have to get on a tuk-tuk or a taxi to get to the nearest station.

Nearby attractions:

  • Wat Pho
  • The Grand Palace
  • Chao Praya River
  • Pak Klong Talat Flower Market
  • Wat Arun
  • Wat Kalayanamit
  • Asiatique

Essentials

Staying connected

Well, you can't be travelling around Bangkok without internet, right? One of the most important things to do while travelling is to update our friends and family for safety reasons. And as a bonus, we'll also get to upload out travel photos on our social media feed ?

You can purchase a pocket Wifi device from Klook that'll allow you unlimited access to 4G internet all day, and up to 10 devices! You can easily book one online and pick it up at any of the airports in Bangkok upon landing.

Price: 20/day on Klook

Transportation

One of the great things about travelling around Bangkok is that most of its must-visit areas are connected via BTS trains. So all you need is a train card and you're free to explore almost all of Bangkok, easily! Purchase a BTS Rabbit Card on Klook that allows you to take the BTS all over Bangkok, including the Aiport Rail Link (ARL) to the airport. You can easily pick up your card at Suvarnabhumi Airport or at Siam Center.

Price: RM39 on Klook

Budget tips

1. Bargain  - Unless you're shopping in a fancy mall, you can practice your bargaining skills almost everywhere in Bangkok! Bargaining the prices in markets, taxis and tuk-tuks can save you a decent amount on spending.

2. Shop at markets - Take advantage of the cheaper goods in Bangkok at markets and bargain malls. Luxury and mid-range malls usually have a fixed price that is set on an international standard since most are international brands (for example, Prada and H&M). But at markets and bargain malls, they're most likely made in the region and have a much lower price.

3. Visit during the low season - As mentioned earlier, visiting during the hot and rainy season may be slightly uncomfortable in comparison to the cool season. But during the period, your chances of getting better prices for accommodation and tours are much higher!

4. Buy a rabbit card to travel on the BTS - As tempting as it is to zip through Bangkok everywhere on a tuk-tuk or a taxi motorbike, it is much cheaper to purchase a Rabbit card and use the MRT system instead.

And there you have it, your Muslim-friendly guide to exploring Bangkok! It's time you call up your travel buddies and get crackin' on your travel plans for an epic getaway to Thailand's capital ?