Experience the electrifying pulse of Bangkok with our travel guide, spotlighting the city's finest hotels, restaurants, bars, and exhilarating activities.
For those seeking a quick getaway, Thailand makes for an alluring destination. Its larger-than-life energy, diversity, and culture invite travellers in search of both adventure and indulgence. Luxury villas and wellness retreats tucked amid its lush nature offer a peaceful escape, yet nowhere encapsulates Thailand’s contrasts like its capital city. In this Bangkok travel guide, we unveil our favourite places to stay, eat, drink, and experience the City of Angels’ varied rhythms. Prepare to be dazzled!
Bangkok travel guide: Where to stay
1. Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River
For a luxury stay steeped in local character, the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River is one of our top picks. Its mid-rise design blends into the lush riverside setting, with surrounding gardens that make you forget you’re in the city centre. Inside, contemporary art by Thai talents graces public spaces with quiet elegance. Guest rooms balance minimalist style with indulgent comforts, from cushy beds to marble bathrooms. Other highlights include the rejuvenating Urban Wellness Centre, drawing on global wellness experts for unique therapies, and the complimentary shuttle boat to whisk you effortlessly between the hotel and lively Saphan Taksin. With a prime location between indie boutiques and the iconic river, the Four Seasons delivers an urban escape that feels worlds away, yet deeply connected to Bangkok.
Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Praya River, 300/1 Charoen Krung Road, Khwaeng Yan Nawa, Khet Sathon, Bangkok 10120, Thailand, p. +66 2 032 0888
2. The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon
If you want a central spot to experience Bangkok’s vibrant city vibe, The Standard is a fabulous artsy find right in the bustling CBD. This playful pop art hotel feels like a hip urban oasis. From the retro-fab lobby to the design-savvy suites outfitted with Nespresso machines and Bluetooth speakers, everything here is Instagram-ready. Stay fit at the 24-hour gym with rotating classes and gorgeous city views. When you need a culture fix, cool artworks, like the Miró sculpture, set the mood. And up on the sixth floor, the scenic pool and terrace offer relaxing vistas in between exploring the nearby hotspots.
The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon, 114 Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Road, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand, p. +66 2 085 8888
Bangkok travel guide: Where to eat
3. Burapa by Sri Trat
When you step into Burapa, it’s not just a restaurant – it’s an experience that takes you on a journey, with its Orient Express-themed decor designed to resemble a luxury train. The lively ground floor doubles as a bar, serving up signature cocktails that make the perfect prelude to the feast upstairs. As you ascend, you’ll find the first and second floors transformed into elegant business and first-class train carriages. The menu artfully honours the rich, bold flavours of Isan and Trat through the owner’s mother’s treasured family recipes. Here, the talented team celebrates and elevates the underrepresented Eastern Thai cuisine by using quality produce sourced directly from the region.
Burapa by Sri Trat, 26 Soi Sukhumvit 11, Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand, p. +66 2 012 1423
4. La Bottega di Luca
For an authentic taste of Italy right in the heart of Bangkok, La Bottega di Luca is the place to be. Founded by chef Luca Appino, this award-winning restaurant has been bringing a passion for high-quality Italian ingredients to the BKK food scene for over 15 years now. What really impressed us was its incredible 3-course set lunch menu. At super affordable prices, we felt light and satisfied after pigging out on dishes like the parmigiana di melanzane and Sicilian linguine. Each dish just burst with so much flavor yet remained nice and light. Plus, with a bunch of vegetarian options available, there’s something to suit every taste bud. Whether you’re craving a taste of Italy or just looking for an exceptional meal in Bangkok, it’s the perfect spot to satisfy your Italian food fix.
La Bottega di Luca, Terrace 49 Building, 2nd Fl, Sukhumvit Soi 49, Thonglor, Bangkok 10110, Thailand, p. +66 97 114 7342
5. Charmgang
Looking for a modern take on authentic Thai cuisine in a hip setting? Then Charmgang is the place to be. Nestled among shuttered shophouses, its red entrance lures a trendy crowd. The compact yet stylish interior features neon lights, red printed reed mats lining the walls, and a long steel dining table, lined with metal chairs and unique floral woven cushions. In the back, the team of chefs toils over sizzling brass pots and simmering curries. The menu uses local ingredients to put a contemporary twist on traditional dishes. Standouts include the barbecue smoked pork with young mango salad – a delightful interplay of textures and flavours – and the seared scallop, perched on a crispy coconut milk cupcake. With its popularity, remember to book ahead so you don’t miss out on the magic at Charmgang!
Charmgang, 14, 35 Charoen Krung Road, Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100, Thailand, p. +66 98 882 3251
6. The Commons
Want to eat and live like a local Bangkokian? One of the hottest foodie destinations is The Commons, a loft-like community mall packed with creative cuisine and craft drinks. The open stairwells connecting the whimsically named floors give the space a communal vibe. This trendy hangout draws crowds with its “villages” devoted to burgers, coffee, cocktails, and so on. Snag a pet-friendly outdoor table to people-watch while sampling popular items, like Nashville-style fried chicken from Fowlmouth or boozy milkshakes from Guss Damn Good. Along with cool shops like Seven Suns and Crackhouse, The Commons celebrates the city’s vibrant food scene.
The Commons Thonglor, 335 Akkhara Phatsadu Alley, Khwaeng Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand, p. +66 89 152 2677
The Commons Saladaeng, 126 Saladaeng Soi 1, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand, p. +66 84 091 5421
7. Aunglo by Yangrak
This cosy izakaya-style spot wows with its creative small plates hot off the aunglo, an ancient Thai charcoal stove. Grab a seat at the counter to watch the open kitchen work its magic, infusing traditional dishes with smoky depth. Skewered meats like honey-glazed pork arrive tender yet charred to perfection, whereas signatures like stir-fried kale with fish sauce spotlight the aunglo’s versatility. With its elegant yet laid-back vibe, Aunglo made us feel like one of the locals.
Aunglo by Yangrak, 6/8 Decho Road, Khwaeng Suriya Wong, Khet Bangrak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand, p. +66 98 965 5996
Bangkok travel guide: Where to drink
8. Tropic City
Tuck into a tropical haven right in Bangkok’s Charoenkrung neighbourhood at Tropic City. Bathed in vibrant neon lights, this bar is a tribute to the tropics, with influences from Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific. The decor, characterised by vivid Portuguese azulejo tiles and floral motifs, sets the stage for a lively night. But it’s not just about the aesthetics here – the cocktails are a sophisticated blend of herbs, spices, and fresh produce. Don’t leave without trying its signature concoctions, like Trippic Thunder and So Fresh, So Clean. Nabbing the no.6 spot on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list in 2023, Tropic City is well worth your visit for a taste of tropical mixology at its finest.
Tropic City, 672, 65 Soi Charoen Krung 28, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand, p. +66 97 242 2890
9. BKK Social Club
Though far from home, you’ll feel oddly at ease the moment you step inside BKK Social Club. The intimate bar instantly whisks you away to 1970s Buenos Aires, with its moody lighting and leather banquettes tucked under cascades of greenery. Cocktails, such as the cinnamon-laced Evita, celebrate South American flavours with local produce and artisanal ingredients. Fresh citrus, aromatic spices, and premium liquors are expertly blended behind the striking back bar. With its seductive blend of dark woods and emerald foliage, BKK Social Club is an ultra-sophisticated yet laid-back escape for the discerning traveller – no wonder it’s earned the prestigious title of Thailand’s Best Bar two years running!
BKK Social Club, 300/1 Charoen Krung Road, Khwaeng Yan Nawa, Khet Sathon, Bangkok 10120, Thailand, p. +66 2 032 0888
10. Thaipioka
Hip hop and R&B lovers listen up – Thaipioka is the Bangkok bar that’s got your name all over it. The space itself is super chill with cosy corners and a sweet spot at the long wooden bar where you can watch the bartenders work their magic, making funky cocktails with seasonal fruits. But the real draw here is the music. On weekends, resident DJs take over the decks, spinning their fave tracks on vintage vinyl and keeping the dance floor pumped with their disc scratching skills. Even on weeknights, you can expect the tunes to get you moving.
Thaipioka. 44/7, Thonglor Soi 1, Sukhumvit 55, Wattana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand, p. +66 82 889 2992
11. Crimson Room
The lavish retro decor at Crimson Room transports guests back to the roaring 20s. Plush red velvet booths, art deco accents, and glittering crystal chandeliers create a vintage cabaret vibe. Live jazz bands perform soulful tunes nightly on the intimate stage while talented local singers belt out hits. The craft cocktails menu, dreamed up by veteran bartenders, perfectly complements the throwback speakeasy ambiance. For an atmospheric blast from the past, you can’t miss this swanky Bangkok gem.
Are you ready to rock out? Check out the best live music spots in Hong Kong.
Crimson Room, 87 Langsuan Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand, p. +66 62 259 2525
12. Tichuca
The hottest spot for sunset cocktails in Bangkok is Tichuca Rooftop Bar. As soon as we stepped out onto the tropical-themed deck, the massive glowing LED “tree” looming over the bar left us awestruck – because its colourful lights instantly screamed Instagram photo op! We snapped about a hundred pics in front of the rainbow lights before ordering up deliciously fresh pineapple cocktails served in carved pineapples. As the sky turned pink, the LED tree smoothly cycled through dreamy pastel hues. The vibe was simply electric, so there’s no surprise that Tichuca is all over social media. Tip: do yourself a favour and go early to beat the crowds. That way, you can grab the perfect pic in front of that shimmering LED tree with your cocktail in hand.
Psst – these stunning rooftop bars in Hong Kong are not to be missed, too.
Tichuca, 46/F, T-One Building 8, Sukhumvit 40 Alley, Phra Khanong, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand, p. +66 65 878 5562
Bangkok travel guide: Things to do
13. Shop at the Chatuchak Weekend Market
For first-timers venturing into Bangkok, Chatuchak Weekend Market is a must-do. This weekend-only bazaar is a treasure hunter’s paradise spanning over 35 acres and jam-packed with 15,000 vendors. Prepare for sensory overload as you navigate rows of rainbow sarongs, ceramic walls, and vintage finds. Amidst the energetic chaos, the air is filled with the shouts of hawkers and the aroma of grilled meat. Make sure to refuel with a scoop of coconut ice cream as you uncover hidden bargains and rare gems among the organised madness. And don’t worry about lugging your haul around – onsite shipping companies are available to transport your newfound treasures. Trust us: it took all our willpower not to ship the home decor finds back with us!
Want to score a bargain in the 852? Test out your skills at Hong Kong’s local markets.
Chatuchak Weekend Market, 587, 10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, Khwaeng Chatuchak, Khet Chatuchak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10900, Thailand
13. Rejuvenate at Nitra Serenity Centre
Famous for its holistic wellness offerings, the Nitra Serenity Centre at 137 Pillars Suites & Residences is the ultimate tranquility retreat in the city. Its menu of treatments is seriously impressive, featuring both traditional Eastern practices and modern therapies. From an Abdominal Detox Massage that stimulates your internal organs to a Reiki session that penetrates your body’s chakras with good vibes, the options are diverse. We tried the Brighter Than Light Facial Treatment, which uses natural, non-toxic, vegan products. The therapists sculpt your face with gua sha techniques while also providing a blissful neck, shoulder and head massage.
Nitra Serenity Centre, 137 Pillars Suites & Residences, 28/F, 59, 59/1 Soi Sukhumvit 39, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand, p. + 66 02 079 7000
14. Unwind at Pañpuri Wellness
After long days exploring Bangkok, we love recharging with spa therapies at Pañpuri Wellness. This urban oasis in Gaysorn Village draws on traditional Thai techniques for the ultimate rejuvenation. Our favourite is soaking in the mineral-rich onsen baths while gazing out on the city – a blissful way to relax tight muscles.
Pañpuri Wellness, 12/F, Gaysorn Urban Resort, 127 Ratchadamri Road, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand, p. +66 2 253 8899
15. Visit temples
If you’re in Bangkok, visiting the city’s iconic temples is a must-do. Start with Wat Phra Kaew, located in the Grand Palace complex, where you’ll see the famous Emerald Buddha. Next, make your way to Wat Pho to see Thailand’s largest reclining Buddha – yep, it’s as big as it sounds. Finish off your temple tour with a quick boat ride to Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn. Despite the crowds, these temples offer a sense of peace and a close-up of Bangkok’s rich history and culture.
Wat Phra Kaew, Na Phra Lan Road, Grand Palace, Phranakorn, Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Wat Pho, 2 Sanam Chai Road, Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand, p. +66 83 057 7100
Wat Arun, 158 Thanon Wang Doem, Wat Arun, Bangkok Yai, Bangkok 10600, Thailand, p. +66 2 891 2185
16. Vintage shopping at Shades of Retro
For a vintage shopping fix off the beaten path, we love digging for treasures at Shades of Retro. Tucked down a Thong Lor side street, this saloon-style shop overflows with gramophones, vinyl records, and relics from the past. Every corner and table is crammed with curiosities collected by owner Jan, and you’re encouraged to explore each item. We had a blast browsing through the charming clutter while sipping a perfectly mixed cocktail. With chill indie tunes setting the mood, Shades of Retro made us feel as if we were hanging out in a friend’s eccentric garage!
Shades of Retro, 808/12 Thara Rom 2 Alley, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand, p. +66 63 354 4946
17. Visit Chinatown
Bangkok boasts the largest Chinatown in the world – a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and smells. Strolling down Yaowarat Road, you’ll find street food at every turn – from sizzling woks to bubbling pots of soup, with the aromas of spices filling the air. And trust us: the street eats here are out of this world. But it’s not just about the food – take a quick detour to the Pak Khlong Talat flower market, located right on Chinatown’s edge. It’s a riot of fragrances, with beautifully crafted bouquets and temple offerings that are works of art. The vibe in Chinatown is infectious – loud, chaotic, yet full of life and incredibly captivating – and no Bangkok travel guide is complete without it!
Chinatown, Yaowarat Road, Khwaeng Samphanthawong, Khet Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100, Thailand
