The hottest things to do in Bangkok right now

If you only have time for one fine dining experience in Bangkok, make it Sorn – if you can snag a reservation, that is. This notoriously hard-to-book restaurant is worth all the hype and accolades. Sorn specializes in Southern Thai cuisine and tantalises the taste buds with traditional flavours, locally sourced ingredients and chilli so hot your whole body will break out in a sweat. Brace yourself for a fiery culinary adventure that is expertly balanced from course to course while highlighting the traditional flavours of Phuket. And if the heat ever gets too hot to handle, the attentive team always has a refreshing shot of coconut sorbet on hand to cool you down.

If you’ve never heard of Trat, a coastal province in Thailand that borders Cambodia then Sri Trat is the perfect place for you to get acquainted. The restaurant offers old family recipes passed down from the owner’s mother combined with fresh ingredients – some even grown on-site. Must-tries include the fork-tender pork curry with chamuang leaves. Durian lovers will also want to try the chicken massaman where young durian replaces the usual potato you find in this iconic dish.

While you don’t have to leave Bangkok’s city centre for excellent cafés, if time allows, you should make the trek out to Sam Phran for some truly intriguing finds. At After The Rain Coffee & Gallery, you can kayak down a picturesque lake to snap some gorgeous pics for your feed. The food’s a mix of traditional Thai like deep-fried pork with sticky rice and shrimp cakes café classics like Thai tea mille crepe.

Embark on a culinary adventure through Chinatown where the best of the city's food scene lines the street choc-a-bloc. Indulge in mouthwatering favourites like oyster omelette from Noi Mong Hoi Thod, peppery bowls of kway chap from Nai Ek Roll Noodle, and join the queue at Jek Pui for plates of curry rice as seen on Netflix. As the night falls, conclude your food crawl at one (or some) of Chinatown’s trendy bars – Tax, Independence, Asia Today Bar and Teens of Thailand, just to name a few – for some cocktails and camaraderie.

This hidden gem embodies the spirit of Bangkok’s current cocktail culture. Let talented mixologists surprise you with innovative concoctions that blend local flavours and ingredients into a sophisticated sip. The cocktail menu is structured like the multi-course concept, from refreshing aperitivos to savoury creations and sweet tipples that act like dessert. There’s also an All Night menu that satisfies both traditionalists and adventurous imbibers.

And if you’ve had your fill of Thai food and you’re up for something different, check out IGNIV by renowned Swiss chef Andreas Caminada. His restaurant in Switzerland, Schloss Schauenstein, holds three Michelin stars and one Green star and IGNIV (the Romansh word for “nest”) marks his first international foray. Signature dishes include the chicken nugget and beef tartare – and in true Thai fashion, dishes are meant for sharing.

Be captivated by serene views of the Chao Phraya River and elegant accommodations when you stay at the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers. The recently renovated hotel boasts newly refurbished guest rooms thoughtfully designed with modern touches. What really makes Royal Orchid Sheraton stand out is that it offers guests shuttle boats along the river to Iconsiam so that you can spend less time in Bangkok’s notorious traffic and more time at the shops.

Enjoy contemporary comfort and convenience at Courtyard Bangkok. Nestled in the heart of Bangkok, the hotel is a short walk away from malls like Central World, Siam Paragon and Platinum as well as various BTS stations. With stylish rooms and easy access to the city's hottest attractions and dining spots on this list, this hotel provides a perfect base for your Bangkok adventure.

Reknown for its impeccable service and refined elegance, The St. Regis Bangkok should be your pick for living in luxury. Its central location offers unparalleled access to Michelin-starred restaurants and upscale boutiques in the heart of the city. The hotel’s top-of-the-line amenities also make sure that your every whim is cared for – after a long day of exploring in the city’s heat, rejuvenate your body at the Clinique La Prairie Longevity Hub or unwind on our hotel's 15th-floor pool deck with a cocktail in hand.