# Bangkok in the Pandemic – Chaos, Contrasts & Travel Tips

- Link: https://warsawtravelers.pl/en/asia/thailand-pandemic-asia-2021-bangkok/
- Published: 2025-01-27T00:17:15+01:00
- Author: Filip Chochół

Ten wpis jest również dostępny w języku:  [⌊Switch to Polski⌉Polski](https://warsawtravelers.pl/azja/tajlandia-pandemiczna-azja-2021-bangkok/)

 Table of contents

## Hello! 👋

After peaceful days on Koh Chang, it was time for [Bangkok](https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1933139&city=9395)—
a city that has always been synonymous with chaos, intensity, and contrasts. Skyscrapers
towering over crowded streets, tranquil temples tucked away in hidden alleys—all
of this creates the unique atmosphere of Thailand’s capital. But did Bangkok still
retain this character during the pandemic?

It depends. The capital wasn’t completely empty, but it was clear that tourism had
shifted its rhythm. In smaller towns and villages, tourists were almost nonexistent—
there, the pandemic turned bustling areas into empty spaces. In Bangkok, however,
they blended more into the daily flow of the local population. That is, if you could
even call it a “crowd”, as the pandemic had also left its mark on the life of this
bustling metropolis.

If you haven’t yet read about the earlier stages of the trip, I invite you to the
first two parts of the recap:

 * 👉 [Phuket Sandbox – the first stage of my pandemic journey ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/en/asia/thailand-pandemic-asia-2021-phuket/)
 * 👉 [Koh Chang – a peaceful island at a special time ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/en/asia/thailand-pandemic-asia-2021-koh-chang/)

Did Bangkok retain its character? Partially, though in a different form. How the
capital looked during these extraordinary times is something you’ll discover in 
the rest of this article. 😊

 [ ⌊Red vintage bus in Bangkok, Thailand, traveling on a busy city street with modern buildings in the background⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/thailand-bangkok-005-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Bangkok city street scene with a tall office building and Acne’s billboard under a blue sky⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/thailand-bangkok-hotel-005-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Golden seated deity statue under an ornate dragon-covered shrine at Bangkok’s Thailand city temple⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/thailand-bangkok-004-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Night street in Bangkok, Thailand with taxis, motorbikes, and a fruit stall under red umbrellas⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/thailand-bangkok-003-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Bangkok canal with a small boat cruising between high-rise buildings under a blue sky with clouds⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/thailand-bangkok-006-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

## Where is Bangkok located?

Bangkok is the capital and largest city of Thailand, located in the central part
of the country. The city sits along the Chao Phraya River, which flows into the 
Gulf of Thailand, approximately 25 kilometers south of Bangkok’s city center.

[Bangkok](https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1933139&city=9395)
is a key transportation hub in Thailand, connecting the country via road, rail, 
and air. The city’s main airport, Suvarnabhumi (BKK), handles both international
and domestic flights, while Don Mueang (DMK) primarily serves low-cost airlines.
Thanks to its strategic location, Bangkok serves as an excellent base for exploring
the rest of the country.

## How did I get to Bangkok?

I set off from Koh Chang by car, heading toward the capital. The journey began with
a ferry crossing from the island to the mainland, followed by several hours of driving
to Bangkok. Although the trip took some time, it offered the opportunity to take
in a variety of Thailand’s landscapes along the way.

### Leaving Koh Chang by ferry

I had purchased my ferry ticket in advance, which saved me from any extra hassle.
I arrived at the designated time in the morning, and everything went smoothly. This
time, having learned from my previous experience, I drove onto the loading ramp 
without any issues—you could say practice makes perfect. 😄

 [ ⌊Bangkok street food stall inside Thailand shop with menu boards and prepared dishes on display⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/thailand-bangkok-007-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Truck with a large tarp on a road outside Bangkok, Thailand, with motorcycles nearby⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/thailand-bangkok-008-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

### From the province of Trat driving

After disembarking from the ferry at Koh Chang, I continued my journey by car from
Trat Province to Bangkok. The approximately 320 km route follows National Highway
3, commonly known as Sukhumvit Road. The road is in good condition, making the drive
smooth and comfortable. The journey typically takes about 4–5 hours, depending on
traffic and weather conditions.

My destination was Suvarnabhumi Airport, where I planned to return the rental car.
I definitely wanted to avoid driving into central Bangkok—the idea of wasting time
in traffic wasn’t particularly appealing. From the airport, I took the Airport Rail
Link, which quickly and efficiently brought me to Ratchaprarop Station, conveniently
close to my hotel. 😊

 [ ⌊Red Suvarnabhumi airport departures sign with station platforms A1–A8 in Bangkok, Thailand⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/thailand-bangkok-009-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Bangkok metro car interior with yellow poles, seated commuters, and face masks on the floor markers⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ithailand-bangkok-010-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

## Accommodation

In my previous travel posts, I didn’t really mention accommodation prices, but during
the pandemic, Bangkok’s rates were… ridiculously low. So, I decided to splurge and
go for something upscale. I chose the five-star **Berkeley Hotel Pratunam** and 
paid just 335 PLN for three nights, including breakfast. Yes, for the whole stay!
Looking at the prices for this hotel now, I can’t help but miss those times—at least
from a budget perspective. 😅

The hotel itself? The room was great—spacious and comfortable—and the breakfasts
were solid, though nothing overly fancy. The location in the Pratunam district was
a big plus, especially if you enjoy shopping. The area is packed with markets and
shopping malls, making it a shopper’s paradise.

 [ ⌊Bangkok hotel room with a neatly made bed, bedside lamp, and patterned striped carpet⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/thailand-bangkok-hotel-001-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Modern bathroom interior in Bangkok, Thailand with a bathtub, marble vanity, and blue patterned window panels⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/thailand-bangkok-hotel-002-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Bangkok Article photo of a modern bathroom in Thailand with glass shower enclosure, toilet, and tiled wall⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/thailand-bangkok-hotel-003-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Bangkok, Thailand skyline at dusk with illuminated high-rise towers beside a blue-lit hotel pool⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/thailand-bangkok-hotel-004-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

## What did Bangkok look like during the pandemic?

[Bangkok](https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1933139&city=9395),
even during the pandemic, remained a city that operates at full throttle. After 
the tranquility of Koh Chang and the structured procedures of Phuket, arriving in
this metropolis felt like diving headfirst into an urban jungle. The noise, the 
traffic, the constant hustle—it all hit me with double the intensity. My first thought?“
Wow, there’s so much going on here!”

Of course, the pandemic had changed some things. Masks were an absolute must—everyone
wore them, everywhere. Before entering shopping malls or restaurants, you had to
go through routine temperature checks. Hand sanitizers? They were everywhere, as
if someone had planted them alongside street food stalls. In some places, scanning
QR codes was required, giving the city an even more digital vibe.

Despite these precautions, Bangkok retained its essence. Tourists—though far fewer
in number—blended into the crowd of locals, giving the city a slightly different
vibe. Compared to the silence of Koh Chang, here I felt that life was still moving
forward, albeit at a somewhat altered pace.

What surprised me? Even during the pandemic, the traffic managed to embody the chaos
that Bangkok is famous for. Tuk-tuks weaved through streams of motorcycles, cars
were wedged in traffic jams for hours, and the air was filled with a mix of exhaust
fumes and the aromas of food from street vendors. Bangkok was still Bangkok—even
in a pandemic.

## What was I able to see?

During my visit to Bangkok, I decided to focus on exploring the area around my hotel.
I didn’t feel like trekking across the entire city, so I spent most of my time in
shopping malls, which in Bangkok are almost like miniature cities—packed with shops,
restaurants, and sometimes even cinemas or swimming pools. It was quite the contrast
to the streets outside, which, in some places, were… well, far from perfect.

Just stepping outside for a walk was enough to encounter the grittier side of the
city. Rats on the streets were a sight hard to ignore—and yes, it was just as unpleasant
as it sounds. Add to that the chaotic traffic and general grime, and it was difficult
to feel completely at ease, especially in the less polished neighborhoods.

I also gave Bangkok’s buses a try—and I must say, their condition took me back to
the worst memories of Warsaw’s Ikarus buses from the ’90s. Hot, dirty, and lacking
any sense of comfort. It’s definitely better to stick to the metro, which is modern,
clean, and offers a way to bypass the city’s notorious traffic jams.

I also visited Chinatown, which, despite the crowd and chaos, offers an incredible
atmosphere. Lanterns, narrow alleyways, and countless food stalls create a memorable
vibe, even if the sheer number of sensory inputs can sometimes feel overwhelming.

[Bangkok](https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1933139&city=9395)
is a city that assaults all your senses—some people are captivated by it, while 
others find it exhausting. For me, it was a mix of both. I discovered things that
fascinated me, but also aspects that left me discouraged.

 [ ⌊Bangkok street traffic with cars, taxis, and motorbikes under an elevated concrete structure⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ithailand-bangkok-011-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Bangkok, Thailand temple gate with ornate red columns and gold Chinese characters above the entrance⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ithailand-bangkok-012-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Decorative balloons and colorful “Happy New Year” lights inside a Bangkok mall in Thailand⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ithailand-bangkok-015-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Night street scene in Bangkok, Thailand with colorful shop signs and parked motorbikes along a busy market street⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ithailand-bangkok-014-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Bangkok street food stall display of fried insects and beetle larvae with chopped herbs in trays⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ithailand-bangkok-013-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

## I’m going back to Poland

Can I say I explored [Bangkok](https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1933139&city=9395)?
Definitely not. Thailand’s capital is so vast and diverse that one or two days barely
scratch the surface of what the city has to offer. Truly getting to know Bangkok
requires time—a lot of it. Leisurely sightseeing, uncovering hidden alleys, savoring
food from street stalls—all of that wasn’t possible during such a short stay.

Despite the time and pandemic-related limitations, I was able to see how the city
managed under these unusual circumstances. Bangkok, while still lively, seemed to
operate at a slightly different rhythm. Precautions like masks, temperature checks,
and sanitizers were part of everyday life. In a way, this trip gave me a unique 
perspective, allowing me to witness how different parts of the world adapt to a 
global crisis.

Traveling during a pandemic is an experience unlike any other—fewer crowds, more
tranquility, but also certain challenges. Bangkok was just one stop on this journey,
and looking back, I can say it was worth taking the time to visit, even if it left
me wanting more. Maybe someday there will be a chance to return and explore it fully.
😊

 [ ⌊Bangkok airport terminal interior with check-in counters and overhead lights under a steel roof⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ithailand-bangkok-016-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Inside an airplane cabin in Bangkok, Thailand, with passengers seated and inflight screens showing video⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ithailand-bangkok-018-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Bangkok, Thailand: gold and purple statue of a Hindu deity with elaborate headdress atop a giant bronze turtle⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ithailand-bangkok-017-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

### Airport

My return to Poland was with Qatar Airways, with a layover in Doha. That transit
in Qatar marked the beginning of an adventure I’ve detailed in a separate article
about what the country was like just before FIFA 2022. Officially, I wasn’t allowed
to leave the airport, but the thought of spending several hours waiting in a closed
terminal wasn’t particularly appealing.

Risk it for the biscuit—I gave it a shot. I struck up a conversation at passport
control, explained my situation, and maybe luck was on my side… because it worked!
I managed to step out into the city. 😄

You can read all about this adventure, along with my observations about Qatar at
the time, in the article [available here](https://warsawtravelers.pl/en/asia/qatar-doha-stopover-at-the-2022-fifa-world-cup/).
It was worth it—not just for the change of scenery, but also to catch a glimpse 
of a different side of the country before the big sporting event. 😊