The light is red. Traffic is at a standstill with impatient whirring coming from waiting vehicles. We’ve left the comfortable air-conditioned luxury of our hotel for the day and walk right into the bustling city streets filled with crowds of locals, tourists and expats, shops, international embassies, street vendors, and traffic.

The light turns green. Motorbikes, tuk tuks, cars, and trucks rush past us at a frenetic pace. The constant motion is dizzying; the heat, all consuming; and the noise pollution, overwhelming. Yet with its frenzied speed and energy, this city jolts awake the senses; the heart beats a little faster; the mind and body stirring with energy, on the edge of excitement. We’re ready to explore and experience the intoxicating pull of street life and culture this megacity has come to be known for.

Bangkok. A South East Asian metropolis on the move with almost 10 million residents–and a city we called home for six nights while travelling through Thailand with our toddler in tow.

My husband and I have been to Bangkok before (on our honeymoon), but this was the first time as parents of an active toddler and it was quite the adventure.  Trying to cross Bangkok traffic with a stroller made our heart race every time.  

Bangkok, as exhilarating it can be, can sure be tough with a child. From congestion on the roads, to visiting crowded temples during the day, and trying to avoid being scammed by cab drivers, it can be a city difficult to visit and navigate with a toddler.

But whenever we thought we were done with Bangkok, the city redeemed itself by revealing its special, magical moments at the right time.

Six Experiences Not to Miss in Bangkok with a Toddler:

1) Stumbling Upon a Peaceful Buddhist Ceremony

This happened to us by chance. We were to meet our photographer mid-afternoon, but after being stuck in a traffic jam for two hours we made it to beautifully lit up Wat Pho – temple of the Reclining Buddha – in the early evening. This temple was built in the 16^th century and on this particular evening there were no tourists in sight – only locals and monks praying in unison. Peaceful, quiet. Just what we needed amongst the chaos of Bangkok.

*Whether you book a tour or stumble upon a ceremony on your own– finding quiet cultural moments and humbling experiences within a large metropolis will remind you why you’re travelling to Bangkok with a toddler in the first place.

2) Temple Gazing

There are many ancient temples to see in Bangkok and if you think they will be boring for kids think again. The large stupas and Buddha statues kept our toddler engaged and curious through our ventures to Wat Pho and Wat Arun. The temple complexes are large and adventurous for a toddler to explore and it’s a great opportunity to talk about how to be and behave in a religious and cultural space. Our toddler would put her finger to her lips and say “Shhh! Buddha is sleeping!” Whether it’s Wat Pho, Wat Arun or Wat Phra Kaew make sure to atleast see a couple on your trip.

3) Taking in Rooftop and Riverside Views at Night

Visit Eagle Nest Bar and enjoy some libations and an apple juice for your toddler while you take in the beautiful riverside views and Wat Arun in the distance. Travelling overseas can be exhausting – take a minute and enjoy the views and soak up the moment. Being on a rooftop bar in Bangkok, where I can see the stars and the moon and revel in conversation with my partner and toddler was one of the best moments of our trip.

4) Eating Fresh Coconut Ice Cream at a Floating Market

No trip to Bangkok is complete without visiting the maze of canals at a floating market. We visited Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and enjoyed fresh coconut ice cream on our boat with our toddler. Win for parents and win for the toddler!

5) Feeding Bananas to Elephants

We visited an elephant sanctuary in Phuket later on our trip, but in Bangkok we had the experience of feeding bananas to the elephants – a highlight for our toddler.

6) Ending with a Family Photo Shoot

You can take your own photos, but I find by booking a family photo shoot with a professional, the emotions are better captured and you now have pictures that include everyone in the family. Because travelling is such a special moment for families (and because I suck at taking selfies), I booked a family photo shoot with Shoot My Travel to capture our memories forever.  To this day, I show the photos to our toddler and she remembers certain experiences.

*Tips for a kid-friendly stay in Bangkok:

1. Visit Lumpini Park for playground time and a quiet reprieve from the traffic congestion

2. Take a trip to the Asiatique Market for fun amusement park rides and
dinner by the river

3. Visit temples early in the morning or late at night for less crowds

 With these experiences and tips, you can enjoy Bangkok with a toddler amongst the chaos of the city. Go out and enjoy!