This picture was taken from the Chao Phraya River of Wat Arun
Updated December 2024.

Great City of Deities

Bangkok's nickname is a shortened version (in Thai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon) of its full ceremonial name: Krung Thep Maha Nakhon Amon Rattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharat Ratchathani Burirom Udomratchaniwet Mahasathan Amonphiman Awatan Sathit Sakkathattiya Witsanukamprasit—a name considered the longest city name in the world.

According to legend, the name was given by King Rama I, who founded the city as the capital of Thailand in 1782, symbolizing Bangkok as a sacred and divine city that is home to the gods. It became the capital of the Rattanakosin Kingdom, which marked the beginning of the Chakri dynasty and continues today, although the king's role is now a constitutional monarchy.

Bangkok continues today as the center of the nation’s administration, religion, and culture and has continued to modernize while maintaining its rich cultural heritage. Its famous for the street food and vibrant nightlife.

Overview

  • 8:00 - 9:00 AM: The Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) - temple with giant reclining Buddha statue
  • 9:15 - 11:15 AM: The Grand Palace - former royal residence
    •  The Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew) - temple with emerald-colored Buddha statue
  • 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM: Lunch
  • 1:00 - 2:00 PM: Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) - oldest temple with stunning tower
  • 2:30 - 3:30 PM: Wat Suthat - temple with a giant swing
  • 4:00 - 5:00 PM: The Golden Mount (Wat Saket Ratchawora Mahawihan) - temple with gleaming golden stupa and views
  • 5:15 - 5:45 PM: Wat Bowonniwet Vihara - temple that's ordained Thai kings as monks
  • 6:00 PM+: Nightlife Adventures
​Click the star to add the map to your Google Maps!​ To view it, simply open Google Maps, navigate to the Menu, choose “Your Places,” click "Maps", and voila, the map should be added.

Tips

Getting To/From the City
There are 2 international airports in Bangkok:  Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK)​
  • To/From BKK:
    • Taxi/Grab: ~ 440 - 700 THB for ~40 minutes
      • Grab can be better than a taxi if the queue is too long (from November to March, wait times could be 30+ minutes) and provides a fixed price.
      • NOTE: You may need to pay 75 THB extra (in cash) for toll roads (even for Grab)​
    • ​​Airport Rail Link (ARL) Train: ~ 45 THB for ~30 minutes
      • Runs from 6 AM - 12 AM, every 15 minutes
      • Fastest and most cost-effective way, especially if you arrive in early morning or early evening when there's terrible traffic
      • Stops at Makkasan and Phaya Thai stations, where one can transfer to the MRT or BTS Skytrain.
Instructions to reach Grab pickup locations:
  • There are 2 pickup locations (A and B)
  • Both are next to each other and located across two streets of traffic (by the parking garage) after you head down to the first floor 
  • Look for the glowing neon white signs to be picked up
  • Grab cars can be both taxis and/or regular cars.

  • ​To/From DMK:
    • ​MRT: SRT Dark Red Line ~ 33 THB for ~20 minutes 
      • Runs from 5:30 AM - 12 AM
      • ​Don Mueang Station --> Bang Sue Grand station 
    • ​Taxi/Grab: ~ 210 - 700 THB for ~30 minutes
      • ​For taxis, follow signage to the waiting area. Grab a number and wait for it to be called. Tell the staff where you're going and they will then issue a ticket the name and license plate number for the taxi. All taxis are required to charge by meter and if a taxi driver fails to do so, passengers can make a report from the back of the ticket.
      • For Grab, 
Getting Around the City
Very few places in the city are walkable. Add in the humidity and it's much preferred to take another form of transportation
  • Metro (6 AM - 12 AM)​
    • ​Aboveground trains (BTS Skytrain) and underground metro (MRT) reach the central and modern parts of town.
    • Signage is in English and Thai.
    • You will need to pay with bills or coins to ride the metro and specify which station you are headed to on the ticket kiosks.
    • BTS Skytrain: 2 lines that run ever 3-6 minutes. (55 THB/ride) 
      • ​You buy one-time magnetic fare cards that you tap when entering and insert when leaving the stations
    • ​MRT: Run every 4-10 minutes (30 THB/ride)
      • ​You buy one-time magnetic fare coins that can be easy to lose, so watch out.​
      • They accept contactless payament, where you can use your Visa card to tap and enter.
  • Taxis/Grab (Rideshare):
    • ​Taxis: Make sure they start the meter, but many times, you can negotiate a price and pay with cash.
    • Grab: Wait times may be longer, but you can pay with card.
  • Chao Phraya Express/Wat Arun Ferry (6 AM -7 PM):​
    • Traditional boat service to reach the Old City that stops at piers every 10 minutes during rush hour and every 20 minutes throuhgout the day
    • Buy tickets at the counter at the pier, but can also be purchased on the boat.

​
  • ​Motorcycle Taxis:
    • ​Quick and cheap, but can lead to near-death experiences.
    • ​Drivers hang out in side streets, wearing orange, green, or purple vests.
    • Prices are pre-fixed for short distances but can be negotiated for longer distances.
    • Make sure they provide you with a helmet!​

  • Tuk Tuk:​
    • ​Three-wheeled vehicles that are a tourist trap, as they will sometimes stop at unrequested places
    • Price is negotiated in advance, and usually not cheap. Try it for the experience, but can avoid.

  • Buses (5 AM - 11 PM):
    • Avoid if possible, as they can be confusing. 
    • There are many different types of buses from ones that look a little run-down to more modern buses
    • Tickets are bought on board (with cash) and let the driver know where you want to get off.
Water
You should NOT drink tap water in Thailand, but there are water dispensers on the street, where you can insert money and receive treated water. Prices are around 1 THB for 1-Liter.

However, if you want to stay on the safe side, purchase bottled water. 

Many restaurants and temples also offer filtered water refill stations!
Money
Cash is king. Having 500 THB (Thai Baht) each day should be enough for markets, street food, and riding public transit. More expensive places like Thai Massages or Thai restaurants would accept credit cards

You can withdraw from ATMs or head to Super-rich, Delong, or other exchange services, which will give a better deal than at the airport
​Dress Code
​When visiting temples, one will need to cover shoulders, midsections, entirety of legs, and feet (closed-toed shoes). You also can’t wear tight clothing (so no leggings or skinny jeans).

Here is some official signage of what one needs to wear
Picture
Prohibited outfits in temples
Local SIM Cards

​The easiest option would be to purchase one at the airport, and make sure to register by showing your passport. But convenience stores and stores in shopping malls are other options.

All three of the following stores are in the arrival hall of BKK. They should all be available 24/7. Differences between the 3 companies is minimal, and they're all rather reliable.
  • AIS: Most comprehensive coverage and fastest/consistent speeds. All plans provide unlimited social media plans (Whatsapp, Facebook, Line, Instagram, WeChat, TikTok), but can only call/text to other AIS numbers, otherwise will incur an additional fee.
  • ​DTAC: Most affordable with great speed. Most used by locals and can be used in other Asian countries.
  • TrueMove: Competitive services/most cost-effective.
    ​
For more information, check out this website.

1-Day Plan

8:00 - 9:00 AM: The Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho) ~ 300 THB
​
  • One of Bangkok's oldest and largest temples and a first class royal temple, Wat Pho is famous for its giant reclining Buddha statue that measures 151 feet long and 49 feet tall, symbolizing the Buddha entering Nirvana since he’s lying on his right side. 
  • The statue is the largest Buddha statue in Thailand and is covered in gold-leaf.
  • Each foot is 16 feet long and the bottom is decorated with mother-of-peral inlays indicating 108 auspicious Buddhist symbols.
  • The temple is considered the birthplace of traditional Thai massage and medicine. One can even experience this healing practice there (on the other side and get there before noon to avoid the line).
  • Participate in the bowl ritual by paying for a bowl of coins. You can drop coins in each of 108 bronze bowls lining the wall
  • It is also considered Thailand’s first public university, where knowledge of medicine, astrology, and literature was shared.
9:15 - 11:15 AM: The Grand Palace ~ 500 THB
  • Start at the Temple of the Emerald Buddha before making your way to the Throne Hall and Royal Hall.
    • ​Unfortunately, you can't enter any of the buildings outside of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha complex and you can't re-enter.
  • This complex served as the royal residence from 1782 to 1925, when Bangkok became the capital of Thailand. The royal halls, temples, and courtyards cover 281,400 square meters (~54 acres).
  • There are multiple architecture styles mixing Thai and European influences, which can be seen in the Chakri Maha Prasat Throne Hall.
  • It is guarded by towering Yaksha (mythical giant) statues, protecting against evil spirits.
  • The Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew): Located within the Grand Palace complex, this temple is Thailand's most sacred site, housing the Emerald Buddha, a statue carved from a single block of jade.
    • ​Photography is not allowed in this space, but it is still impeccable to see.​​
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM: Lunch
There are two options for delicious local food:
  • Pad Thai Kratong Thong: A local favorite for its authentic Pad Thai, but you can also try their Tomyum Soup or Green Curry Soup
  • Baan Tha Tien: Local restaurant known for their Tom Yam Kung & Thai-style Fried Rice
Take the Tha Tian-Wat Arun Boat (5 THB) to the other side.
1:00 - 2:00 PM: Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun)
  • ​Located along the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, Wat Arun is famous for its stunning central prang (tower) decorated with colorful porcelain tiles and seashells, which glisten beautifully under sunlight. Visitors can climb the steep steps for breathtaking views of Bangkok and the river.

  • It is one of the six Royal temples and is named after the Hindu god Aruna, symbolizing the rising sun, which means that it’s especially stunning during sunrise and sunset.
    ​
  • It is the oldest temple, dating back to the Ayutthaya period and predating Bangkok’s establishment as the capital.
2:30 - 3:30 PM: Wat Suthat
  • Built from 1807-1847, it is one of the six first-class royal temples.
  • Known for the Giant Swing (Sao Ching Cha) is a 69-foot-tall red teak structure formerly used in Brahmin ceremonies to honor the Hindu god Shiva.
  • It has one of the largest ordination halls (ubosot) in Thailand with 28 intricately carved teakwood pillars and Phra Sri Sakyamuni, a revered Buddha statue cast in the Sukhothai style, brought over from the ancient city of Sukhothai.
  • Beautiful preserved frescoes showcase the Jataka tales (stories of the Buddha's former lives) and are masterpieces of Thai artistry.
4:00 - 5:00 PM: The Golden Mount (Wat Saket Ratchawora Mahawihan)
  • Perched on an artificial hill, this temple features a gleaming golden chedi (stupa), which houses a relic of the Buddha that serves as an important pilgrimage site.
  • Visitors climb 318 steps up a spiral staircase surrounded by colorful flags and prayer bells to reach the top, which has a 360 degree panoramic view of old Bangkok.
    • ​On the way up, stop by Annie Coffee Roaster for some delicious coffee and "vibes".
    • In the temple, one can partake in different prayer and fortune-bringing activities, such as making a wish, then using the pinkie of your non-dominant hand to pick up a heavy elephant.
5:15 - 5:45 PM: Wat Bowonniwet Vihara
  • Founded in 1824, it is a first-class royal temple that has ordained several Thai kings as monks.
  • It houses the Phra Phuttha Chinnasee, a revered Buddha image cast in the Sukhothai style, and Phra Phuttha Dhammachakra, a notable bronze statue.
  • The golden stupa enshrines sacred relics and ashes of Thai kings
  • It was historically a hub for Buddhist education and training, with scholars and monks across Thailand coming here to learn.
  • Murals inside the temple are by Italian artist Carlo Rigoli.
  • Today, it serves as the HQ for the Dhammayut Order, the reformist Buddhist order, founded by King Rama IV who emphasized stricter adherence to monastic discipline
Other Temples:
  • Wat Benchamabophit (The Marble Temple): King Rama V designed the temple and drew inspiration from European architecture, which led to the use of imported Italian marble to build the Carrara pillars, the courtyard, and 2 Thai-style lions (singhas) guarding the entrance to the ordination hall.
  • Wat Ratchabophit: A combination of Thai and Western architecture, that has a Thai exterior and a Western interior. There are 8 stone pillars with each tip carved in the Thai Dhammajak shape, indicating the 8 directions. This was the last Royal Temple to be built by a king according to the tradition of constructing a temple during their reign. ​
  • Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen (Free):
    • Founded during the Ayutthaya period (c. 1610) and later restored, this temple is home to three buildings:
      • Great Memorial Hall: Features meditation sessions, a statue of the Buddha Dhammakaya Thep Mongkol in the beautiful, dome-shaped shrine built to honor the highly revered monk who rediscovered the Dhammakaya tradition of meditation, and beautiful gardens.
      • Great Pagoda (Maha Chedi Maha Ratchamongkol), a stunning modern structure with three floors of museum exhibits (not much information describing them), beautiful painted wood ceilings, and the top floor has a mesmerizing green glass sculpture (Maharatchamongkol Great Pagoda) symbolizing the Buddha's enlightenment with a spectacular ceiling above.
      • Giant Buddha statue, standing at 226 feet (69 meters) ~ still under renovation as of December 2024.
    • Renowned for its focus on meditation, the temple is a center for the Dhammakaya meditation technique, which visitors can explore and learn about.
  • Wat Khun Chan:
    • ​​In walking distance of Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen, it is the one of the only Mon Temples in Thailand. It's a mix of Thai and Burmese architectural styles that is mainly known for the sacred Buddha images.
    • One can burn incense, pray, and there's a spot underneath the main Buddha statue, where you can place your hands on the nipples to bring yourself blessings and good fortune,  while asking the Buddha for his protection and guidance.

Night Life

Khaosan Road
​Backpacker hub of Southeast Asia, Khaosan Road is filled with budget accommodations, lively bars, street vendors, and shops selling everything from clothing to travel essentials. By night, it transforms into a vibrant party street with music, drinks, and revelers; however, I found the following areas better for night life.
Chinatown Bangkok (Yaowarat Road)
One of the largest Chinatowns in the world, it’s famous for its bustling Yaowarat Road. It offers everything from sizzling street food stalls to traditional Chinese medicine shops and intricate shrines like Wat Mangkon Kamalawat. 
  • Teens of Thailand: A cozy bar known for its retro vibe, inventive cocktails, and hidden location.
  • TEP Bar: A stylish rooftop bar offering craft cocktails and panoramic views of Bangkok’s skyline.
  • Asia Today Bar: A vibrant, eclectic bar celebrating Asian flavors, with a mix of local and regional influences in its drinks and ambiance.

Sukhumvit
Clubs:
  • House of HEALS: A chic LGBTQ+ friendly bar known for its vibrant atmosphere and drag performances. Check their IG for their schedule.
  • Soi Cowboy: A neon-lit street famous for its bars and nightlife, offering a quintessential Bangkok party experience. Caution: this area is not for any children.
  • Mustache Bangkok: A nightclub and event venue popular for underground house and techno music with late night dancing on the rooftop terrace.
  • BEAM: Underground nightclub with a minimalist industrial design and cutting-edge lighting known for their electronic music with a Funktion-One sound system.
  • Sing Sing Theater: Part bar, part show, this nightlife venue is inspired by 1930s Shanghai with red lanterns, birdcage booths, acrobats, and world-class DJs.
Bars:
  • Tichuca Rooftop Bar: Go at 5 PM for the sunset; though pricey (300 - 500 THB), it offers incredible views of the city. Best drink is their Yuzu Colada that comes in a pineapple!
  • BrewDog: A craft beer haven offering a wide range of brews and a relaxed vibe. There are multiple locations in the city.
  • Above Eleven: A Peruvian-Japanese rooftop bar with stunning skyline views and creative cocktails.
  • Oskar Bistro Bangkok: A trendy eatery and bar with an eclectic menu and lively ambiance.
  • Thaipioka: A laid-back cocktail bar featuring unique Thai-inspired drinks in a cozy setting.
  • Flamenco: Rooftop Latin-themed bar and lounge with live music, tapas, and cocktails.
  • ​​Revolucion Cocktail: Cuban-inspired cocktail bar with salsa beats.
Speakeasies:
  • Havana Social: A speakeasy-style bar hidden behind a phone booth facade in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit area. Havana Social is themed around 1950s Cuban culture, featuring Latin-inspired cocktails, live music, and vibrant decor. It’s perfect for a night of salsa dancing and unique drinks.​
  • #FindTheLockerRoom: A hidden gem behind a set of lockers, serving sophisticated cocktails in a private, upscale atmosphere.
  • J. Boroski: An exclusive bespoke cocktail bar with drinks tailored to your preferences, blending elegance with innovation.
  • Rabbit Hole: A sleek and moody speakeasy with expertly crafted cocktails in an intimate setting.
  • Crimson Room: 1920s-style speakeasy and ajzz bar with crimson velvet interiors and live performances.

Museums

  • Bangkok National Museum: A historic museum located in the former Wang Na Palace, showcasing Thailand’s extensive collection of art and artifacts. It houses objects from Thai history, including ancient sculptures, royal regalia, and Buddhist art. The museum provides a deep insight into Thailand’s rich cultural heritage and is the country’s premier historical museum.
  • Jim Thompson House Museum: A beautifully preserved traditional Thai teak house that once belonged to Jim Thompson, an American entrepreneur credited with reviving Thailand’s silk industry. The museum showcases Thai art, antiques, and architecture, providing insights into the country's culture and history. Surrounded by lush gardens, it’s a serene escape from the city.
  • Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC): A vibrant and contemporary art hub featuring exhibitions, performances, and events spanning various art forms such as visual arts, theater, music, and film.
  • Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA): Dedicated to contemporary Thai art, showcasing an extensive collection of works from the 20th and 21st centuries and highlighting the evolution of Thai visual art.
  • Suan Pakkad Palace: A group of traditional Thai houses turned museum, featuring artifacts and antiques from various Asian cultures, but mainly shows Thailand’s royal history.
  • Bangkokian Museum / BMA Local Museum Bang Rak: Provides insight into the daily life of Bangkokians in the early 20th century with exhibits about traditional Thai household items, photographs, and cultural artifacts, offering a glimpse of the city’s evolution over time.
  • Siriraj Medical Museum: Within Siriraj Hospital, this medical museum provides information about Thailand’s medical history with exhibits on forensic science, medical instruments, and historical documents related to Thailand’s medical advancements.

Other Activities

Shopping Malls
Chatuchak Weekend Market: One of the largest outdoor markets in the world, featuring over 15,000 stalls. Chatuchak offers an incredible variety of goods, including fashion, home decor, antiques, food, and plants. It is ONLY open on Saturdays and Sundays, although on Wednesdays and Thursdays they focus on plants and gardening supplies. Check out their food stalls known for fried chicken, grilled river shrimp, chicken skewers, coconut ice cream.​
  • Well-known Restaurants:
    • Coco JJ: Coconut Ice Cream
    • Duck Noodle: Duck noodle soup shop
  • Platinum Fashion Mal​l: A massive indoor shopping complex in Bangkok, specializing in affordable wholesale fashion. Spread across multiple floors, it features a wide variety of clothes, accessories, shoes, and bags. Popular among shoppers looking for trendy styles at bargain prices.
  • Pratunam Market: One of Bangkok’s largest and most famous outdoor street markets, offering everything from fashion and textiles to souvenirs. Known for its wholesale prices, this bustling market is perfect for bargain hunters and those looking to immerse themselves in local culture.
  • ​Train Night Market DanNeramit: Special market with a fairytale castle, vintage cars, and food stalls. It's a little far out of the way, so check it out only if you have time.
Thai Massages & Spas
  • One More Thai Massage: A highly rated massage and wellness center offering a range of traditional Thai massages, including foot massages and aromatherapy treatments. Known for its professional service, relaxing ambiance, and skilled therapists, it’s a great place to unwind after a day of exploring Bangkok.
  • Samadul Thai Massage: Thai massage shop in the Iconsiam mall that's known for their fish pedicures and also offer Thai massages.
Parks
  • Lumphini Park: Bangkok’s largest and most iconic green spaces, located in the heart of Bangkok with large lakes, walking paths, and shaded areas under the towering trees
    • One can rent paddleboats, enjoy morning Tai Chi, exercise at the exercise stations (there's an outdoor gyms, calisthenics area, basketball courts), or enjoy a picnic.
    • If you head there around evening time, you'll see a lot of runners (it almost feels like you're walking through a marathon!)
    • Around the playground, you might spot turtles and/or monitor lizards hanging out in the water by the shores.
    • It is named after the birthplace of Buddha and holds cultural importance and there's even a shrine on the northern side.​
  • ​​Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World: The largest aquarium in Southeast Asia in the basement of the Siam Paragon shopping mall. Of note are the Ocean Tunnel, an immersive zone with a 270-degree view of the marine life, and the Shark Walk, where you walk on glass above shark tanks. Guests can book behind-the-scenes tours or a ride in a glass-bottom boat.
  • Safari World Bangkok: Renowned open-air zoo and marine park offering wildlife encounters and entertaining shows. There is a Safari Park, where visitors can drive through and observe animals like giraffes, lions, and zebras and a Marine Park with live performances, like the Dolphin Show, Cowboy Stunt Show, and Orangutan Boxing. Shuttle buses to Safari World are conveniently available from CentralWorld shopping mall, making it an accessible and fun day trip.
Other Markets
  • Maeklong Railway Market: A market where vendors sell fresh produce and goods on the tracks of a functioning railway in the middle of the market. Trains pass through the narrow space between stalls but vendors on the tracks fold up their goods and pull back awnings. It’s an interesting experience to see how people coexist with the railway.
    • ​Trains arrive at 8:30, 11:10, 14:30, and 17:40
    • Trains depart at 6:20, 9:00, 11:30, and 15:30.​

  • Damnoen Saduak Floating Market: A traditional floating market where vendors sell goods from small boats along a canal, showcasing rural Thai life with vendors selling produce, handicrafts, snacks, and souvenirs. Tourists rent long-tail boats to join the market and interact with vendors on boats loaded with their wares. Try coconut ice cream, mango sticky rice, and boat noodles. Recommend joining a tour, but you could also book your own boat.
    • ​Rowing Boat: 1,000 THB per hour
    • Motor Boat: 2,000 THB per hour​
Recommend this tour to see both.
Views
  • Chao Phraya Princess Cruise: Renowned luxury riverboat offering scenic cruises along the Chao Phraya River, considered the lifeblood of Bangkok.
    • It passes by the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Wat Phra Kaew, and Wat Pho and can be paired with a dinner option or cultural performances.​
  • ​King Power Mahanakhon Skywalk: Thailand's highest observation deck in the King Power Mahanakhon building, standing 1,030 feet above Bangkok.
    • It offers 360° panoramic views of the city and the Chao Phraya River, making it the perfect place to catch a breathtaking sunset. 
    • Visitors can enjoy the views from the indoor observatory on the 74th floor or ascend to the open-air rooftop deck on the 78th floor, where a rooftop bar adds to the magic of the moment.
    • There's the Glass Tray, a thrilling glass floor that lets you look straight down at the bustling streets below.
    • Arriving in the late afternoon is ideal to experience the vibrant colors of the golden hour and the city’s sparkling lights after dark.

Restaurants

Thai Food
  • Sri Trat: Upscale restaurant serving authentic Eastern Thai cuisine with a modern twist. Try their Gaeng Moo Chamuang (pork belly curry with chamuang leaves) and crispy fish salad.
  • Cabbages and Condoms: A one-of-a-kind restaurant combining delicious Thai food with a social mission to promote family planning and safe sex awareness. The quirky decor features condom-themed artwork and mannequins, making for a memorable dining experience. Popular dishes include Tom Yum Goong and Massaman Curry.
  • ​Wattana Panich: No-frills restaurant open all day that's known for the traditional Thai-style beef noodle soup (kway teow neua).
  • Nalin Kitchen: Classic and cozy restaurant serving Thai staples.
  • Ban Kuhn Mae: Lower-key Thai restaurant on a rooftop serving delicious panang curry and tom kha soup
  • Pe Aor Tom Yum Kung Noodle Shop: Noodle shop known for its generous portions of Tom Yum Kung, a rich and flavorful spicy prawn noodle soup.
  • Jeh O Chula: Mama Instant Noodles: Trendy, late-night eatery known for its Mama Noodles Tom Yum, a twist on the classic instant noodle dish. It's served family style with a large pot of instant noodles in a creamy tom yum broth loaded with different toppings.
  • Baiyoke Sky Hotel Buffet: Located in Thailand's tallest hotel, this buffet serves fresh seafood, sushi, and other Thai desserts. There are panoramic views from Thailand's tallest hotel.
Non-Thai Food
  • Bartels: A charming café and bakery chain in Bangkok specializing in sourdough-based dishes, especially for breakfast and sandwiches.

Chinatown Restaurants
  • ​Ba Hao: Intimate bar and restaurant inspired by 1920s Chinatown aesthetics, serving Chinese-inspired comfort food and creative cocktails. Try the Ba Hao fried rice and signature Jin Hua cocktail.​
  • T&K Seafood: Popular seafood restaurant located in Bangkok’s bustling Chinatown that's known for its fresh, affordable seafood, dining in the open-air street. Notable dishes includ grilled prawns, steamed fish, and crispy fried squid.
  • Go Ang Pratunam Hainanese Chicken Rice: Michelin-starred restaurant famous for its Khao Man Gai, Hainanese chicken rice, tender poached chicken, fragrant garlic-infused rice, and a ginger-chili dipping sauce with a light, comforting chicken broth.​
  • Guay Jub Ouan Pochana: Michelin-recognized crispy pork and noodle shop that can be quite crowded but worth the wait.
Breakfast/Brunch:
  • Recordoffee: A hip café that is a splendid place for brunch to enjoy coffee, morning beverages, and toast. Note that it can take a little bit of time to make the toast, but the flavor is well worth.

Other Observations

  • Traffic Light Timers: Bangkok streets have countdown timers not for pedestrians, but for drivers to indicate how long the light will turn green or red.
  • Waste Bins: While not everyone in Thailand is good at sorting waste, they have clear signage and different types of bins for their waste in public places and marekts.
  • Shopping Malls: Extravagaent places that in the heat, are nice and air-conditioned. Note that some even have escalators that trverse multiple floors.

Other Resources

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