City Guide
A guide to the best things to do and attractions in Bangkok
Best cheap eats in Bangkok
As Tim Ho Wan in Hong Kong and Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle in Singapore prove, you don’t need to be a fancy, swanky restaurant to be awarded a Michelin star. The world’s most prestigious food awards has even added a street food section to its Hong Kong edition, affirming just how big the draw of street food is in the country. And Bangkok is no different. As the Michelin Guide comes to the city this year, we roamed the streets to find cheap eats that are worthy of Michelin attention. (And we’re open to more suggestions!)
Bangkok by area
Things to do in Ari
A few years back, Ari was the city’s most happening hood. What was once a peaceful, upmarket residential area turned neighborhood du jour nearly overnight, with the sudden appearance of high-rise condominiums followed by all types of hip businesses: restaurants and cafes, co-working spaces, bars, galleries and shops. But, like everything else in Bangkok, trend comes and goes. Soon enough, the shining light faded, and the popular spots moved to other areas, leaving Ari in peace once again. This year, the loop seems to be returning to the area. Entrepreneurs have returned and new cafes, restaurants, bars and shops have, once again, sprung up in the area. So maybe it’s time to skip the nightmarish traffic in Sukhumvit and revisit Ari’s leafy alleys to discover what’s new in the hood.
Things to do in Kudeejeen
In 1767 (BE2310), a few months after the destruction of Ayutthaya—the former capital of Siam—King Taksin established the new capital city of Thonburi on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. The monarch also allocated pieces of land to different communities, including one called Kudejeen to a small Portuguese community. The name Kudeejeen is said to be derived from either kutijeen which means “Chinese monk’s residence” in Thai, or kuleejeen, which translates into “Chinese laborers.” The Portuguese settlement brought about a complex yet harmonious set-up where Christians, Buddhists and Muslims have been co-existing together peacefully for more than 200 years. The settlement also introduced a culture that was distinctive to the place, as well as unique Portuguese-influenced cuisine. Getting to Kudeejeen is easy aboard the Chao Phraya Express boat. Hop on the boat from the pier nearest to you and get off at Wat Kanlaya. From there, it’s a three-minute walk to the community. The Italian Renaissance-style Santa Cruz Church marks the entrance to one of Bangkok’s longest-running hoods.
Things to do in Pan Road
You may have heard of Pan Road. It’s where Bangkok’s grandest Hindu temple, Wat Khaek, and the Embassy of Myanmar are located. But this narrow alley, which connects Silom and Sathorn roads, is also lined with cool galleries, shopping destinations and dining venues, all of which are worth a visit on a lazy weekend.
Bangkok's best attractions
Lhong 1919
Owned and developed by the Wanglee family, one of the country’s oldest Thai-Chinese tycoon families, Lhong 1919 sits on the old pier where, according to old journals, the ancestors of most Thai-Chinese families first set their feet in Thailand after migrating from China. Besides being home to many Chinese immigrants in later years, the area near the pier is home to the shrine of Mazu, the goddess who is believed to bless sea travelers. Rujiraporn Wanglee, the founder of award-winning interior firm PIA, has renovated Lhong 1919 with much respect to the original structure. Excess paint was removed to reveal century-old murals, while new cool was tastefully injected to where it was needed. The storied lifestyle space is home to a number upscale restaurants and shops.
Bang Khun Phrom Palace
The gem of the hood, Bang Khun Phrom is regarded as one of the most beautiful Western-style palaces in Thailand. The gigantic palace is composed of two mansions linked by an elevated walkway. Tamnak Yai, the main building, was built in 1906 to serve as the residence of Prince Paribatra Sukhumbhand, an heir of King Rama V. Designed by some of the greatest architects of the time—Carl Sandreckzki, Paolo Remedi and Mario Tamagno (the latter also designed the gigantic Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall)—Tamnak Yai features a unique architectural style that reflects the ideals of the Industrial Revolution, which was happening at the time of construction. Elaborate baroque and rococo motifs, as well as fresco murals and priceless furniture are seen throughout the building. Tamnak Somdej or the south wing was the royal residence of the prince’s mother, Princess Consort Sukumalmarasri. It boasts an old-style German barnhouse architecture featuring massive windows that welcome the breeze from the river. Due to political transitions, the palace has to come under the ownership of Bank of Thailand, which has tried to uphold the structure’s original beauty and preserve it as a museum of sorts. Tamnak Yai is open to the public but Tamnak Somdej remains closed.
Thailand Creative & Design Center (TCDC)
The Bangkok General Office is now home to the new Thailand Creative & Design Center (TCDC). The new TCDC, designed by award-winning design firm Department of Architecture, will feature a 9,000-meter spread comprised of an exhibition space, design shop, auditoriums, meeting rooms, multi-function room, coworking space, business center, workshop room, material and design renovation center, and a silent study room. TCDC Resource Center, its well-praised design library and silent study area is reimagined a lot larger in this new location, taking the entire fourth floor of the building. The library will feature more than 18,000 art and design books. TCDC has invited FabCafe Bangkok to set up and manage the Maker Space, a fabrication center where you can turn your creative DIY ideas into products using the cutting-edge technology provided. Tools available include a prototyping machine, 3D Printer, CNC router (or Computer Numerical Control router) and laser cutter. Nestled on the fifth floor is the Creative Space, composed of a co-working area and a business center. Staff will be on hand to answer your questions about the creative and design industry, crowd-funding and business connections. The space is surrounded by a free-entry rooftop garden designed by landscape architectural firm Shma.
Wat Arun
Seen on the TAT logo and 10-baht coin, this five-spired landmark has been known as the 'Temple of Dawn' ever since the soon-to-be King Taksin landed by the then Wat Magog at sunrise in October 1767. Briefly home to the Emerald Buddha, Wat Arun features a pair of yaksa (giant) statues, ceramic gables and 120 Buddha images. Don't rush a visit on a canal tour. Instead, access the temple via the public ferry from Tha Tien, and wander the temple grounds for as long as you wish.
Sri Maha Mariamman Temple
Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, better-known as Wat Khaek, is perhaps Bangkok’s most recognizable—and most sacred—Hindu temple. Standing right on the corner of Pan and Silom roads, this boldly decorated house of worship, which was built almost 100 yearsago, enshrines statues of Hindu gods such as Uma Devi, Ganesha, Krisna, Vishnu and Rasmi.