To Bangkok By Visaran From Bali. Selection For Families With Children

Bangkok - the capital and the most modern city of Thailand.

If you're deciding where to go for a visa run from Bali, I would recommend considering Bangkok! Initially, like many, we bought tickets to Malaysia, but when we needed to stay a little longer, we flew to Bangkok.

The flight time from Bali to Bangkok is just over four hours, a bit longer than to Kuala Lumpur - three hours, but it's definitely worth it.

In Bangkok, there is a huge number of parks, shopping centers, children's play centers, and free outdoor playgrounds, an interesting historical part of the city with its cultural heritage: temples, palaces, museums; very tasty street food and high-class restaurants.

The flight from Bali to Bangkok takes about 4 hours. It's slightly longer than to Malaysia, but definitely worth it. I recommend purchasing tickets through the Air Asia app. You can pay with a Permata bank card. It's worth noting that there are two airports in Bangkok: Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang International Airport. So try searching for both airports and compare prices. The average cost of a flight from Bali to Bangkok per person

Getting to the airport is easiest and most comfortable by taxi, using apps like Grab or Indriver.

If you want to relax and don't plan on cooking, consider accommodation options on Agoda or Booking.com. If you're interested in places with a kitchen, I recommend booking apartments. I searched on Airbnb.

When choosing a neighborhood to stay with children in Bangkok, it's important to consider factors such as safety, the availability of parks and playgrounds, and the development of the area. There are pedestrian zones here, but they're not very convenient: sometimes there's a tree in the middle of the sidewalk, and you have to navigate around it with a stroller along the main road, or the path is so narrow that you have to walk alongside the shoulder next to the roadway. In the historic part of the city, it's a bit more convenient, with wider roads. In any case, the traffic was safe and not very fast.

Bangkok is a vast metropolis with modern infrastructure and well-developed transportation options: taxis, inexpensive city buses with air conditioning, and both underground and above-ground metro lines.

I recommend choosing hotels and apartments near BTS Skytrain stations (within a maximum of a 15-minute walk in the heat). However, even if you opt for accommodation farther away, you can easily order a tuk-tuk to take you to the station and enjoy a breezy ride.

Almost every BTS station had elevators, making it convenient to navigate with a stroller. The fare depends on the number of stations traveled. On average, it cost us around $2 per person to get to the city center.

In the image below, I've highlighted the parts of Bangkok that are particularly comfortable and modern for living: trendy cafes and restaurants, high-quality supermarkets, and spas.

Choose accommodation near these stations: Asok, Phrom Phrong, Thong Lor, Ekkamai, Phra Khanong. Beyond the yellow circle, it's not as modern or interesting.

Phrom Phong is an excellent area for living with children: it features a great green park with outdoor playgrounds, landmarks, and shopping centers.

We lived near Ekkamai and Thong Lor stations simply because I liked the apartments there the most.

Playville is a cozy space for families with young children. Wooden toys, a kitchen, all according to the Montessori system. Suitable for children aged 6 months to 6 years. In addition.

Playville hosts workshops for children and adults, provides venues for private parties and events, and also has a toy store, children's and maternity goods. Some of the activities include children's games, artistic decoration, water games, steam baths, finger gymnastics, "Little World," "Messy Play," and "Creator's Club."

Nice city park for walking outside. Located right next to Phrom Phrong station. There are two outdoor children's playgrounds and a pond on site. There are a lot of children in the evening.

Another good playground in a cool park in the modern center of Bangkok. Located right next to Lumpini underground metro station and 20 minutes from Siam skytrain station.

Hours of operation: 10:00 to 20:00.

The concept of Playmondo is based on the idea that children learn and absorb information through play, which fosters their development. The club aims to create a safe and open environment where children can play, explore, be active, and develop their imagination.

The center features many slides, climbing structures, and interactive play areas.

If you've added the ultra-modern shopping center ICONSIAM to your list of places to visit, head straight to the fourth floor, where you'll find a cool and free children's play area: there are slides, swings, carousels, and climbing frames for kids from one to eight years old. Additionally, there's a completely free train ride for kids around the floor - all you need to do is sign up in the journal with your phone number.

Opening hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Closed every Monday.

The Bangkok Children's Discovery Museum, also known as CDM Bangkok, is a space designed to provide a fun and interactive learning environment for children. The museum was created under the royal patronage of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit and aims to provide Thai children with an engaging way to learn and explore the world.

The museum consists of four buildings: Sun Building, Rainbow Building, Universe Building, and Unilever Building. Each building hosts various activities and exhibitions tailored to different interests and age groups. There are plenty of different activities, with areas for toddlers, zones for older children, and a cool zone where kids can play under various fountains, so be sure to bring swimwear and towels.

There are no cafes on the premises, so keep this in mind if you plan to spend a half-day there. The usual cost is 100 baht ($3) per adult, and children enter for free.

Hours of operation: Daily from 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM.

Let's Relax Spa is a well-known spa salon chain in Thailand offering a wide range of high-quality massages and spa treatments. They have several branches across the country, but at this location, you can experience the Onsen - a special spa program with six thermal water pools, hammams, and jacuzzis. And if you also book a massage, you can relax for weeks ahead.

The cost of the Onsen spa experience is 750 baht.

Hours of operation: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM.

One of the most beautiful shopping centers in Bangkok. It's large and modern, offering a wide range of products for every budget.

Hours of operation: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM.

At this aquarium, you'll spend at least 2.5 hours. Some aquariums are so captivating that you'll want to revisit them multiple times: there are huge mantas, amazing penguins, and various types of sharks. The child was simply ecstatic and joyfully shouted at different "stations."

I particularly liked some areas with chairs; I called it the meditation zone. Pleasant calm music plays, fish of different sizes and colors move smoothly through the water, and you immerse yourself in a visual meditation of the underwater world.

There's also the option to take a boat ride with a glass bottom for an additional fee. In the middle of the aquarium, there's a resting area and a cafe where you can have a snack. Various interactive entertainments for children are scattered throughout the aquarium, so kids are deeply engaged in exploring the underwater world.

Ticket prices depend on the package you choose. I bought a Big Ticket for me and my child at the live ticket counter, which included a visit to Madame Tussauds museum.

Hours of operation: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM.

Located slightly further from Siam Paragon Mall. You can access it by purchasing an extended ticket to the aquarium + museum.

I wouldn't recommend buying a separate ticket from the aquarium - it's less cost-effective and not as interesting.

Hours of operation: Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Closed on Mondays.

The gallery is suitable for art enthusiasts. It offers a pleasant creative atmosphere, the opportunity to purchase unique souvenirs, and enjoy a cup of coffee. Exhibitions often change - featuring paintings, photographs, and sculptures (the most interesting exhibitions are usually on the upper floors).

Admission is free.

A vibrant Chinese quarter. In the evening, the beautifully decorated street lights up with contrasting red lanterns, and the air is filled with the aroma of roasted cashews, durians, and street food. If you're feeling adventurous, you can try fried larvae, beetles, and cockroaches here. Authentic Chinese goods are sold everywhere.

ICONSIAM is a huge, stylish shopping center on the riverfront with numerous boutiques. On the ground floor, there's a massive food court where you can buy dried mango or indulge in a mango shake, try premium-grade durian, enjoy local tom yum for 120 baht, or feast on a large seafood platter from the grill.

I recommend trying the amazing sushi rolls at SUSHIRO THAILAND ICONSIAM. It's a chain of Japanese cafes known for their high-quality offerings. They have a diverse Japanese menu, sushi with large pieces of fish, and reasonable prices.

It's a conveyor belt-style cafe where food circulates around, and you pick what you want. However, you can also order dishes from the menu through a waiter.

You can combine a trip to the shopping center with a ride on the Chao Phraya River ferry - the local river tram. To purchase a ticket, simply approach any nearby pier. On Google Maps, you can easily locate the ferry piers. Choose the one that suits you best, buy your ticket at the ticket booth, and take a seat on the comfortable outdoor seating on the second floor of the boat or on the first floor.

Hours of operation: Daily from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM.

The Grand Palace is a must-visit destination in Thailand. It's a complex of buildings located in the heart of Bangkok. It served as the official residence of the Siamese (and later Thai) kings since 1782. The king, his court, and the royal government were based here until 1925.

The Grand Palace is a symbol of the Thai monarchy, and it houses the Emerald Buddha. Visitors to the Emerald Buddha temple are required to dress modestly, so if you have your own sarong or a long dress, wear it. However, even if you don't have a sarong, you can rent or buy one from local vendors.

The ticket price is 500 baht ($15).

Hours of operation: Daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Bangkok. The temple is located on the western bank of the Chao Phraya River and can be seen from across the city. It's renowned for its unique design and stunning views of the sunrise.

The ticket price is 100 baht ($3).

Hours of operation on Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

The Chatuchak Market is the world's largest weekend market. It's a must-visit destination for shopaholics and street food enthusiasts alike. Some compare it to the Chinese or Cherkizovsky markets in Moscow, while others eagerly await the chance to return and discover something new.

Here, you can find everything from second-hand clothing from top labels and brands, accessories, and home decor items to street food, groceries, plants, and authentic goods from various countries.

To reach the Chatuchak Market, you can take the BTS Skytrain to Mo Chit station or the subway to Chatuchak Park station.

By the way, there's a wonderful specialty coffee shop nearby called Kaarom Specialty Coffee. I recommend stopping by for coffee after your shopping spree.

Hours of operation: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, closed on Mondays.

The Museum of Contemporary Art is a five-story building housing over 800 pieces of contemporary art. It's a unique art space featuring various exhibitions by modern artists and interactive displays. The museum primarily showcases works by Thai artists.

MOCA is a must-visit destination, and exploring the exhibits typically takes about two to three hours. Be sure to bring a sweater as it can be quite cool inside.

The gallery is most conveniently reached by taking the BTS Skytrain to Mo Chit station, then using a taxi or bus.

Ticket price: 280 baht ($8).

I liked the RISE coffee chain. They have several locations across Bangkok, where they roast their own beans and conduct cuppings (coffee tastings).

Hours: 07:00 to 18:00.

Average check: 150 baht ($4.5)

A very charming café with stylish design. When we were there, the entrance was decorated with artificial cherry blossoms, which made for cool photos. I've seen on their Instagram that they often decorate their space.

The café has a veranda, which was perfect for a sleeping baby in a stroller, and generally, it's a place for visitors with dogs.

Hours: 11:00 - 20:00

Average check: 150 baht ($4.5)

A teahouse. Only matcha. A small station where premium matcha is poured into takeaway cups. Here you can also buy everything for preparing Japanese drinks at home - whisk, matcha in packaging.

The rise in popularity of veganism worldwide has not bypassed Bangkok, and more and more locals and tourists are in need of cafes serving healthy food. Bangkok is a global tourist hub, which means it must cater to a variety of tourist preferences, including vegetarianism. Over a couple of weeks living in Bangkok, I found several great places where you can eat without tons of palm oil, noodles, and a huge amount of spices and sauces. Here are a few cafes serving healthy food (mostly vegan places, but with balanced healthy dishes).

Get Fresh

Hours: 10:00 - 22:00

Average check: 200-500 baht ($6-15)

Here you will find a variety of healthy dishes: breakfast porridges, salads, soups, sandwiches, rolls, and smoothies. A good selection of familiar European dishes: shakshuka, frittata, oatmeal, granola. For lunch, there are dishes with meat and chicken.

Hours: 9:00 - 22:00

Average check: 200-500 baht ($6-15)

This popular vegan restaurant is known for its innovative plant-based dishes. The menu offers a variety of Thai and international cuisine options for vegans.

My top picks: spinach patty burger and jackfruit patty, tofu scramble. The cafe has stylish decor and friendly service.

They provide a high chair and entertainment for kids (plastic plate, colored pencils, coloring sheets).

Hours: 9:00 - 20:00

Average check: 200-500 baht ($6-15)

Delicious vegan food with beautiful presentation and great coffee.

I really enjoyed the chickpea omelet for breakfast and the amazing hearty carrot cake.

They provide a high chair for feeding and paper with pencils upon request, subject to availability.

The cafe also offers delivery of full meals for several days. Details can be found on the website.

Hours: 10:00 - 22:00

Average check: 200-500 baht ($6-15)

A restaurant with a cozy atmosphere, also focusing on healthy food, offering a wide selection of salads, rolls, and smoothies. Here you'll find exclusively nutritious, fresh, and tasty dishes with a huge variety of vegetables. The cafe is not vegan; they offer chicken breast, meat, and fish steaks.

They provide a high chair for feeding.

Hours: 8:00 - 20:00

Average check: 300 baht ($9)

A juice bar offering a wide range of cold-pressed organic juices and featuring an eco-friendly store inside. A great option is the ability to order several juice shots. I really enjoyed the kombucha here.

The cafe also serves salads, sandwiches, and delicious raw desserts.

They provide a high chair for feeding.

Hours: 11:00 - 00:00

Average check: 600 baht ($18)

This recommendation came from our friends, for those who traditionally eat (meat, fish) and have long wanted to try Japanese cuisine.

It's a completely Japanese cafe. They have a fairly diverse menu, pleasant prices, and excellent quality of dishes. The interior is beautiful. It can get very crowded and noisy, but that only adds to the charm.

Great supermarkets with a wide selection of European and premium products.

Hours: 10:00 - 20:00

Veganerie World is a health food store offering a variety of high-quality vegan products.

Website currently unavailable.

Hours: 09:00 - 22:00

Hours: 08:00 - 22:00

Hours: 07:00 - 23:00

In the following large supermarkets, it's advantageous to buy fruits and vegetables in large quantities.

Hours: 09:00 - 22:00

Hours: 06:00 - 22:00