Prepare to eat your way through back sois, haggle your way through markets and tick off a checklist of must-sees and must-dos in this incredible city.
What is it? One of Bangkok’s many Chinese neighbourhoods, packed with street stalls and small restaurants alongside a working railway line – no barriers.
Why go? It’s a melting pot of food and culture, less busy and ten times tastier than Bangkok’s bigger Chinatown, Yaowarat Road. Our favourite place to snack on Thai-Chinese bites as trains rumble by.
Don’t miss: Enjoy the crispy noodles at Tek Heng shophouse, which has been serving the community for more than 130 years.
What is it? If you know Thailand, you’ll know about the tuk tuk. Everywhere in Bangkok, but we don’t need to tell you that.
Why go? It’s less of a why, and more of a why not! These rickshaw successors may be a little more expensive than metered taxis, but the thrill of the ride and the open-air seats make it a great way to appreciate the atmosphere of Bangkok first-hand.
Don’t miss: Busy tourist spots like Asoke and Nana will have tuk tuks kitted out with huge speakers and flashing neon lights. Flag one of these down for your very own moving disco.
What is it? A 200-year-old wooden house on the banks of a Bangkok canal that’s now home to a vibrant community of art enthusiasts. Also known as Artist House.
Why go? Across the river into Phasi Charoen area, Baan Silapin’s quiet atmosphere fits the laid-back artistry that happens here. Expect to see local artists painting away, handmade crafts, food, drinks and workshops galore; everything from beadwork to wooden frame making.
Don’t miss: The community’s puppet theatre performances show every Sat-Sun 2pm at the nearby Wat Kamphaeng.
What is it? The privately-owned Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is home to Bangkok’s best contemporary art, mixing traditional and modern styles that work hard to circumvent norms.
Why go? Aside from being a cheap day out at B280 for admission, the museum has over 20,000sqm of exhibitions to explore. The 4,000-piece permanent collection is regularly rotated, promising something new each visit.
Don’t miss: The 2/F features works by Thai national artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, renowned for his Buddhist imagery. He’s the artist behind Chiang Rai’s iconic White Temple.
What is it? Bangkok is known for its vibrant nightlife and it sets the stage for some of the best jazz this side of New Orleans.
Why go? Bangkok fell in love with jazz in the last century after the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great (King Rama IX) won international praise for his saxophone playing and composing skills. From Thai-style jazz bars to fancy speakeasies, the city is oozing with live music and a social buzz that's hard to shake.
Don’t miss: The city’s hi-hat-hitting spots include Buddha and Pals on Krungkasem Rd, Mutual Bar in Emporium and the city’s favourite Saxophone, just off Victory Monument.
What is it? Bangkok is home to many markets, but Klong Latmayom Floating Market offers a more local experience often overlooked by tourists.
Why go? People come to fill their bellies with amazing Thai food before joining a boat tour of the local canal community. Look out for gai gala, a stir-fried dish of chicken and young coconut that pairs nicely with fresh palm sugar juice.
Don’t miss: Only open on weekends, there’s also a number of cooking, painting and t-shirt printing classes available to join, but get there early so you don’t miss out.
What is it? This is the way Thais enjoy their grilled meats – seared over hot coals with a moat of boiled vegetables that collect all the juices.
Why go? Dive into a buffet of pork, beef, seafood and vegetables that you cook and eat yourself over a sombrero-like grill. It can get a bit greasy, but dipped in suki sauce there’s nothing better.
Don’t miss: Open-air restaurants tend to be more fun, such as Tui Mu Krata outside Pho Nimit BTS station.
What is it? Probably the most well-known Thai dessert, and for a good reason.
Why go? Beloved across Thailand and recently made internationally famous by rapper MILLI when she gobbled a plate down on stage at Coachella, this dish is rated as one of the better Thai desserts.
Don’t Miss: Kor Panich has been making it for decades, but if you’re in Sukhumvit, Boonsap Thai Desserts also serves other traditional sweets that are also worth trying.
What is it? Muay Thai is the national sport of Thailand and growing in popularity worldwide.
Why go? Ratchadamnoen Stadium’s premium feel and hard hitting fights can’t go unnoticed. Seats are reasonably priced (starting at B1,500) but ringside will cost quite a bit more. Another alternative and less touristy option is the new Lumpinee Boxing Stadium.
Don’t miss: If you can time your visit just right, the annual Thai Fight which takes place at different boxing stadiums is the most talked about Muay Thai bout of the year.
What is it? The indie film community is alive and kicking in Bangkok, with many independent cinemas and showtimes across the city.
Why go? Bangkok is home to well-known indie filmmakers, such as Banjong Pisanthanakun and Apichatpong Weerasethakul (read more). Names aside, the vibe of independent cinema is fun in and of itself.
Don’t miss: Cinema Oasis and Doc Club & Pub all show regularly, while House Samyan also has exhibitions that offer a more in-depth movie experience.
What is it? Since the Royal Projects helped Thai farmers successfully cultivate cocoa plants in Thailand, Thai chocolate has entered the world stage.
Why go? Kad Kokoa and Yayaz Chocolat both sell organic, single-origin Thai chocolate, cultivated mainly in Chiang Mai and other provinces such as Chanthaburi, Chumpon and Prachuap Khiri Khan. Each chocolate and blend has its own flavour and style, making for some new tastes even for the most sweet-toothed chocolate lover.
Don’t miss: Kad Kokoa also has regular chocolate workshops, where you can learn how to make chocolate, ice cream and kiddie bon-bons.
What is it? This 1.5km-long road is famous for endless choices of street food, herbal medicines and tight market back alleys.
Why go? Located in the old district near the Chao Phraya River, this serpent-like highway becomes a walking-street of chaos, food, bright lights and entertainment. Find everything from Michelin-star squid skewers to back-alley fish maw soup. A melting pot of Thai-Chinese culture built up over centuries.
Don’t miss: Follow the traffic direction to the end of Yaowarat Road and you’ll come to Pahurat, a vibrant canal-side India Town known for food and fabrics.
What is it? Khon is a traditional Thai show that combines the arts such as dance, drama and music. It is staged by masked performers accompanied by narrators and a traditional Thai instrumental ensemble. Khon originated in the Ayutthaya era (1351-1767) when it was performed only at the royal court.
Why go? Thailand’s rich culture can sometimes be blurred by the modern cityscape of Bangkok. The Khon presents excerpts from the story of Ramayana and is a classic display that showcases the Thai cultural heritage.
Don’t miss: The Khon performance by the Support Foundation of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, which takes place annually between November and December.
What is it? Benjakitti Forest Park is Bangkok’s latest city park, covering 720,000sqm of land populated with marshes, rewilded forests and angular walkways.
Why go? Built on an old tobacco factory, the park expanded and underwent a full rewilding that was completed in 2022. Of all the parks in the city, this one stands out for its size and lush landscape, perfect for exercise or relaxation.
Don’t miss: There’s a small amphitheatre in the heart of the park that is sometimes used for events or shows.
What is it? Chatuchak Weekend Market, known locally as JJ market, is the world’s largest outdoor weekend market packed with everything you could imagine.
Why go? With over 15,000 stalls spread across 35 acres, you’ll need a few visits to see it all. The market is conveniently divided into 26 zones that gather together food, art, clothing, antiques and homeware (see the map here), making it easy to navigate. Open Wed-Sun 9am-6pm.
Don’t miss: More like do miss, in this case, the pets zone where you’ll find animals and rare breeds some of which are kept in poor conditions. Best avoided.
What is it? Bangkok is famous for its drag culture and has some of the best drag venues where you can enjoy a show or even get involved yourself.
Why go? There’s no doubt that Bangkok is a hub for drag and LGBTQ+ performances. Golden Dome and Calypso Cabaret offer more of the former, while The Stranger Bar & Lounge, House of HEALS and Dreamboy Paradiso opt for more sweaty, in-your-face performances.
Don’t miss: For the brave or curious at heart, be prepared to accept an offer to join the stars on stage…
What is it? Lumpini Park is the city’s oldest park, while the monitor lizards here are like mini-dinosaurs that share the park with people, cats and tasty looking pigeons…
Why go? The park itself is packed with activities, from running tracks to ad-hoc, free-to-join aerobics, Tai Chi and workout classes. While you have fun, keep an eye out for the many monitor lizards that slither from pond to tree, hunting for feathered food and basking in the 35-Celsius sun.
Don’t miss: The park also hosts the country’s largest Red Cross Fair, held in December annually.
What is it? Wall paintings and graffiti adorn the alleyways near the banks of the Chao Phraya River that make up Talad Noi.
Why go? Whether you are an art enthusiast or just seeking an Instagram-worthy location, Talad Noi is a great place to visit. Stroll through winding alleys to encounter vibrant murals and graffiti created by inspiring local artists.
Don’t miss: Cool hidden cafes are nestled along the narrow pathways, great for that mid-afternoon caffeine boost.
What is it? Wat Arun, AKA the Temple of Dawn, is the city’s riverside temple with a striking white chedi (pagoda).
Why go? While a tour of Wat Arun allows you to appreciate Bangkok’s rich culture, architecture and history, the Thai traditional dress rental service adds another layer, quite literally. Wear silken robes and eye-catching accessories, perfect for a photo or just to enjoy the moment.
Don’t miss: Arun cafe’s “Flower of Dawn” ice cream is crafted into patterns inspired by the temple’s intricate tiles.
What is it? Not to be confused with Nana in the Sukhumvit area, Nana-Chinatown, once known for its traditional Chinese medicine shops, is a small alley that has been enlivened into a vibrant hub for hip bars and cafes.
Why go? Each bar has been transformed from worn-out buildings, giving the alley the charm of Bangkok’s old town but with a modern feel. Enjoy innovative cocktails, teas and coffees at an intersection of the city where new and old combine.
Don’t miss Pop into the nearby Sun Wukong shrine where you can pray for wisdom and to eradicate the bad things in your life.
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