Bangkok shopping spree with kids

Day 69 was all about shopping and street food. We celebrated arriving back in Bangkok with bowls of spicy tom yum and steaming pad Thai before setting out.

We wandered Khao San Road in daylight, but the souvenirs seemed less unique than years ago and prices higher than in Laos or China. Next we headed to MBK Center to hunt for shoes for Xander and back‑to‑school clothes for the boys. They loved navigating the maze of stalls and bartering for sneakers and T‑shirts.

Family travel tip: Shop early in the day to avoid crowds, carry cash for small vendors, and reward patient kids with a favourite treat like mango sticky rice.

By evening we were exhausted and ready for a quiet dinner. Bangkok’s energy is intoxicating, but it also makes you appreciate slower places. Unplanned parenting often means keeping spirits up amid crowds and heat—and laughing together when plans go sideways.

Do you have a go‑to market for travel souvenirs? Our travel planning service can help you find the best bargains and eats in Bangkok while keeping the whole family happy. Our stay was $37, a solid deal for the comfort we got. Transport ran us $84, cheaper than many cities. Altogether, we spent about $121 for the day.