Heading to Bangkok for a quick getaway? Add these exciting activities and hot spots to your itinerary.
Bangkok is one of our top spots for a weekend getaway. Most travellers would agree it’s hard to resist the compelling draw of its Instagrammable cafes, affordable shopping and delicious street food. With every foray into this Thai city, we fall just a little bit harder for its perfect balance of culture and city chaos. If you’re planning a trip down, our list of the best things to do in Bangkok includes food hotspots, where to explore, shop and stay.
A note before you book those tickets: Bangkok has two airports, Suvarnabuhmi and Don Mueang. If you’re flying into the latter on a Friday, it’s best to take an early flight from Singapore. We’ve heard multiple horror stories of hours-long immigration queues. But if you’re packing light, Suvarnabhumi is where you want to land. From there, you can take the Airport Rail Link. It’s a 15-minute, non-stop express service which will conveniently and speedily take you to the city terminal.
Things to do in Bangkok: Eat and explore
1. Talad Noi
Situated on the periphery of Chinatown, Talad Noi is a hipster haven filled with edgy cafes, gritty graffiti walls and beautiful Buddhist temples. Begin your journey at Trok San Chao Rong Kueak and snap some ‘fit pics in front of vibrant street art. If you look closely, you’ll find the entrance to Mother Roaster coffee shop hidden in plain sight. We also recommend a stop by Hong Sieng Kong, a super cool retro cafe filled with antique furniture.
2. Warehouse 30
Any art snobs in the house? You’ll have to make a trip to Warehouse 30. It’s a historical warehouse within the Bang Rak district that’s filled with art galleries, shops and cafes. We recommend starting at Stone & Style for a peek at modern luxury stonework, before heading next door to Horse Unit for vintage clothing and bric a brac. After an afternoon of exploration, relax and unwind at A Coffee Roaster By Li-Bra-Ry for a cuppa joe and its famous pandan waffles.
Warehouse 30, 48 Charoen Krung 30, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
3. Thailand Creative & Design Centre
If you’re into art and design, visit the Thailand Creative & Design Centre along Charoenkrung Road. This centre provides local creatives with a space to display their works, giving them resources across the various design disciplines. You’ll find everything from gorgeous fashion items to foldable vases made with plant material to packaging ideas for instant porridge. Need a breather before continuing your adventure? Stop by the fourth floor rooftop garden for fresh air and city views.
Thailand Creative & Design Centre, Central Post Office, 1160 Charoen Krung Road, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
4. Sirimahannop
You’ve got to add Sirimahannop to your list of must-visit food spots in Bangkok – it’s such a lovely sight for sore eyes. This classical three-masted vessel is permanently docked at Asiatique The Riverfront. It’s a replica of the last sailing ships used by The Royal Thai Navy. Dig into dishes and small plates that reflect the ship’s historic global trade routes. Our favourites? The spicy eggplant curry, the fresh seafood basket, and the house-cured dill salmon. Wash it all down with a cocktail or two. It’ll be a night to remember aboard this ship.
Sirimahannop, Asiatique Charoenkrung Soi 72-76 , Charoenkrung Road, Wat Phrayakrai District, Bangkor Laem, Bangkok 10120
5. Rocket Coffeebar
Instagram-worthy food is aplenty in Bangkok. Our choice for Saturday brekkie is Rocket Coffeebar in Thonglor. Everything in this cafe is photo-worthy, from the gorgeous interiors with rose gold piping to the greenery and elegant marble-top counters to the photogenic food: we love the egg dishes and open-faced sandwiches.
Rocket Coffeebar, 149 Sathon Soi 12 Alley, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500
6. Let’s Relax
After a tiring shopping spree, you deserve all the rest you can get. It’s time to reward yourself with a massage. Your options in Bangkok are endless: they range from streetside foot reflexology spas to luxury spas in swanky hotels. But our top pick has to be Let’s Relax. Head over for fuss-free, affordable massages from just $17.
Let’s Relax, multiple locations including Thonglor and Siam Paragon
7. Soi Nana Chinatown
This is where you wanna be if you’re looking for late-night drinks with friends. These alleyways are home to some of the most hip and happening bars in Bangkok. And we’ve got some cool recommendations to help you kickstart the night. Swing by Tep Bar where the vibes are always immaculate. Think live music, delish tapas and cocktails made with Mekong rum. Keen to explore the hidden bar scene? Make your way to Teens of Thailand, a grungy bar that features more than 80 gin-based tipples to quench your thirst.
Things to do in Bangkok: Shop and stay
8. Platinum Mall
The first stop on any Bangkok shopping weekend is Platinum Mall in Pratunam. This six-storey shopping complex offers a dizzying retail experience for even the most seasoned shopaholics. Skip the top two floors and stick to the first to third storeys as these are treasure troves of affordable womenswear, menswear, bags and accessories. Prepare to bargain and bargain hard.
Platinum Mall, 222 Phetchaburi Road, Thanon Phaya Thai, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400
9. Jodd Fairs
The newly opened Jodd Fairs replaces Ratchada Train Night Market. It features a slew of street food and clothing stalls for the picking. Tuck into marinated raw crab, creamy smoothies, grilled meat skewers and Yaowarat grilled buns. If you’re brave enough, you might even want to try an insect or two. And don’t forget to do some shopping before you leave. You’ll find plenty of cute clothes to tide you through Singapore’s perennial summer when you return home.
Jodd Fairs, Rama IX Road, Huai Khwang, Bangkok 10310
10. Chatuchak Weekend Market
There’s a reason why Chatuchak Weekend Market is on every Bangkok bucket list. This sprawling weekend market has over 15,000 stalls, with everything from fashion and accessories to food, home decor and even goodies for pets. If you’re pressed for time, head straight for Zone 2. It’s home to more upmarket and alternative stalls with handmade bags, accessories (we found the cutest tassel earrings and basket bags here!) and unique fashion finds. On the street food front, don’t leave without trying coconut ice cream or an authentic Thai dessert of mango sticky rice or red ruby.
Chatuchak Weekend Market, Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900
11. Asiatique The Riverfront
This open-air mall in Bangkok is situated along the Chao Phraya river. It’s home to plenty of shops, dining destinations and entertainment. If you’re not getting food aboard the Sirimahannop or any of the area’s fancy restaurants, grab some treats at its various street food stalls. Want to see Bangkok in a different light? Snag tickets to ride Asiatique Skywheel – it’s the largest Ferris wheel in Thailand. You’ll get some great views of the city from up there.
Asiatique The Riverfront, 2194 Charoen Krung Road, Bangkok 10120
12. Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park
This five-star hotel sits along Sukhumvit Road, giving you easy access to the BTS Skytrain and luxury shopping mall EmQuartier. On our visit, we were spoilt for choice with the hotel’s stellar dining venues like Akira Back, Goji Kitchen + Bar, Siam Tea Room and Pagoda Chinese Restaurant. Our favourite? Sipping on a refreshing sundowner at ABar Rooftop, the hotel’s rooftop bar that houses the largest selection of gin in the city.
Wondering what else you can do besides eat and drink? Spend an afternoon soaking up sunny rays by the poolside, before getting a relaxing aromatherapy massage at Quan Spa. If you’re worried about the holiday calories piling up, drop by the 24-hour fitness centre for a HIIT workout or a game of squash. Oh, and if you’re in town before November 2022, check out The Curiosity Room by TED. This unique escape room will take your travel experience in Thailand to the next level.
Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, 199 Soi Sukhumvit 22, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110
13. Hotel Muse Bangkok
If you’re looking for chic accommodation, you’re in the right place. Hotel Muse Bangkok is an evocative boutique hotel with great dining options and top-notch service. It even has an outdoor pool if you’re looking to get some sun. But the best part of this hotel is what’s around it. It’s situated right next to lifestyle and fashion malls like Siam Paragon and MBK. Perfect for shopaholics! Psst: we hear if you book a room 21 days in advance, you may get 20% off your stay.
Hotel Muse Bangkok, 55/555 Langsuan Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330
14. Metropole Bangkok
Thinking of booking a stay in Thonglor, Bangkok’s bustling hipster ‘hood? You’ll want to check in at Metropole Bangkok. The Studio guest room is perfect for two, but if you want more space, try the 1-Bedroom Premier that comes with its own living, dining and kitchen areas. Need a break? We’re eyeing the cold onsen on the first floor for a relaxing evening after heavy shopping.
Metropole Bangkok, Thonglor/New Petchaburi Road, 2802, Bangkapi, Huaykwang, Bangkok 10310
Fill up your time with the best food and things to do in Bangkok on your next weekend getaway!
