Can Srisawat

The biggest annual fair in Bangkok has been in full swing for days now but if you’re free this weekend, head on over to Lumphini Park and explore the many exciting booths and food stalls at the 142-acre site. Eat to your heart’s content, enjoy musical performances and cultural shows, shop for seasonal gifts and try your luck in the raffle–it’s all for a worthy cause. Here’s our list of things to do at the Fair before it ends on December 22.

The countdown to Christmas is well and truly on and dining outlets all over town are serving up fantastic festive fare to mark the occasion. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to seasonal indulgences, so let us be your guide to some of the best options for family feasting in Bangkok this yuletide. Traditional Christmas lunch or an international smorgasbord of flavours – we’ve got you covered.  

Arguably America’s single most important contribution to world cuisine, the humble burger has come a long way in recent years. Quick and easy to prepare, this food-to-go has evolved to the point where the traditional ground beef patty has been replaced with all sorts of delicious alternatives sandwiched between fluffy buns. Today, options exist for vegans and vegetarians and in many other iterations to suit specific national tastes, so that what was once the cheap preserve of teenagers has become elevated to the point of being labelled ‘artisanal’. The fact is, we all love a good burger and in Bangkok aficionados are spoilt for choice. So let Time Out be your guide to the best spots in the city for this favourite of fast foods.

We bring you the best spots in the kingdom’s capital to indulge in the flavour sensation that is tom yum kung.  

Best new restaurants opening so far in 2024. From pizza to sea bass ceviche, every cuisine is drawn to Bangkok.

With such a vibrant and dynamic culinary scene, Bangkok is never short of food stories and among the latest hot news items circulating is the recognition of four city eateries with a first Michelin star. These outlets offer fine dining experiences ranging from classic Thai cuisine to French-Japanese fusion fare and are definitely worth a visit. Don’t leave it too long though – thanks to their newly won laurels reservations are sure to be at a premium. 

This two-kilometre road near Chulalongkorn University has become a  go-to dining spot in Bangkok and in its embrace are a number of restaurants well worth visiting, even if their queues are sometimes long. From easy bites to big meals, check out why this culinary superhighway will boost your appetite  as you wander the Samyan area.

While northern Thailand’s coffee industry has been brewing up a storm for two decades, coffee is not the only drink on the menu. Thai chocolate is quietly making its mark on the world stage. From rich dark bars to sweet drinks, the unique flavours of single-origin Thai cacao are now a must-try. Check out our list of the city’s top chocolate-centric cafes.

Believe it or not, winter is just around the corner for the capital – perfect for stepping out and relishing a cosy cuppa. Thankfully, the city is brimming with elegant venues, each offering a unique twist on this classic experience, from lavish high tea sets to innovative fusions of local and international flavours. Whether you’re in the mood for a traditional English spread, a decadent chocolate indulgence, or a tea experience infused with a touch of Thai flair, we’ve curated a list of Bangkok’s finest afternoon tea spots that are sure to become your new favourite “cup of tea”.

Every November, Bangkok transforms into a city of light and serenity as it celebrates Loy Krathong, one of Thailand's most magical festivals. Under a luminous full moon, people gather along the riverbanks to release their beautifully crafted krathongs – delicate vessels made from banana leaves, adorned with flickering candles and vibrant flowers. The ritual symbolises letting go of past misfortunes and making wishes for the future. Bangkok offers the ideal backdrop for a memorable Loy Krathong celebration. Whether you're looking for an evening of cultural immersion or a modern riverside feast, here’s where you can soak up the festival spirit this year.

If you had to subsist on dessert for the rest of your life, you’d survive comfortably in Bangkok, though your dental bill might take a hit. This city is a haven for the sweet-toothed, with bakeries serving everything from classic croissants to curry-filled doughnuts. For those on the hunt for their next pastry fix, Bangkok’s bakers are pushing flavour to new heights with organic sourdough, fusion desserts, and pillowy Japanese cakes.

Thai food holds a special place in our hearts – and in our stomachs. But why just eat it when you can learn to make it? From the fiery heat of tom yum goong to the rich creaminess of panang curry, these Bangkok-based cooking classes go beyond recipes and delve into the heart of Thai cuisine. Whether you’re aiming to impress dinner guests or just looking for an unforgettable cultural experience, these culinary schools will have you chopping, tasting, and wok-frying your way to deliciousness.

The magic of Christmas takes the form of East-meets-West buffets at the Courtyard by Marriott. Whether you are fond of traditional roast turkey and honey-glazed ham or succulent sushi and oodles of noodles, Courtyard has you covered with two sensational seasonal buffet events. At Christmas and New Year you can indulge in brunch (B1,590) or dinner (B1,990) before heading out for some festive fun.  Dec 24-25 & Dec 31 2024- Jan 1 2025. Courtyard by Marriott. 599/9 Lat Krabang Rd, Lat Krabang. 02-780-3588. Open midday-3pm & 6pm-10pm (On Christmas’s Eve), midday-3pm & 6pm-midnight (On New Year’s Eve).  

Four-courses of international dishes (B1,250) from chef Pinyo Phetyoi represent the joy of the season on a plate. At Greenhouse Restaurant, sophisticated yet playful bites such as tuna tartare with truffle and Australian beef tenderloin with foie gras come with a wine pairing. Adding more sweetness to your festive day, mango and yuzu parfait is a zesty way to finish off your meal.  Until Dec 31. 2089 Sukhumvit Rd, Phra Khanong Nuea, Watthana. 081-696-1978. Open Daily 11am-11pm

Mexican culture is vibrant and exciting, and so is Christmas. This lively restaurant offers a host of international dishes ranging from healthy salads to succulent seafood and much more. The Christmas buffet (B2,025) opens up an eclectic selection of treats that include Italian cold cuts, Thai spicy fried pork neck and Spanish seafood paella.  Dec 24-25. 4/F Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok, Sukhumvit Soi 18, Khlong Toei. 02-261-7100. Open midday-3.30pm & 6pm-10.30pm 

This vibrant eatery serves international cuisine and you can pick from Western menus to Eastern classics (starting from B1,950). Go for their excellent salad bar if you are gearing up for a health trip in 2025. Alternatively, pizzas, cheeses and smoked bacon offer classic Christmas indulgences, while local spicy favourites like Thai yellow crab curry provide a piquant taste of the Orient.  Dec 2-31. Centara Grand at CentralWorld. 999/9 Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan. 098-159-9519. Open 6pm-10.30pm 

The hotel welcomes furry companions that do not exceed 18 kilograms in weight. Up to two pets are allowed per room and animals are also welcome at The Parlor if they and their pawrents want to enjoy live music. The Double Standard serves Western classics such as house-made chorizo hotdog (B320) and hot wings (B280).  King Power Mahanakhon. 114 Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Rd, Si Lom, Bang Rak. 02-085-8888. 

At this pet-centric community in Sukhumvit 39 you can enrol furry pals in training courses and buy pet products. From B6,000, your pets can learn to act in films or become a powerful protector like a K9 police dog. In addition to walks in the park, there is a saltwater pool for refreshing fun. If you need to leave the town for a few days, Trail and Tail offers short-term boarding facilities for cats and dogs. 95 Phopmitr Soi, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana. 093-552-9255. Open Daily 9am-6pm  

Have a great weekend at this artistic venue on La Salle Road. With different activities ranging from plant workshops to shopping at a flea market, this community gathering offers a laidback lifestyle option for people and their pets to enjoy together. A highlight is being able to share refreshment breaks at Farm Mu, where Thai cuisine nourishes while pets pant and play.   539 Lasalle Rd, Bang Na Tai, Bang Na. 096-885-8303. Open Daily 10am-10pm  

in 2023. Bring those fancy leashes and throw toys, register your four-legged friend before entering the area and then get down to the serious businesses of making new furry friends, chasing squirrels and generally larking about. There’s even an SOS post for you to call a park officer if anything unexpected happens.   Ratchadaphisek Rd, Khlong Toei. Open Daily 4.30am-9pm

If you have a pet with energy to burn, bring it here because this cafe offers a large outdoor space shaded by huge trees. Before playing fetch with fido though, take time to try their homemade cheesy spaghetti bolognese (220B) and a cup of sparkling cold-brew coffee (150B). In fact, coffee enthusiasts will love the single origin Chiang Dao coffee beans. This is a good spot to chill at weekends and live music in the evenings helps to calm excitable pups and their people. 17 Sukhumvit Soi 52, Bang Chak, Phra Khanong. 061-391-1754. Open Mon-Fri 8am-7pm, Sat-Sun 7.30am-7.30pm 

A great cool-off spot for canines and their owners set scenic greenery on Rama 2 road. To reach this garden café you walk through a bamboo village where home-cooked treats like barbecued pork rice (100B) are available. Sipping coffee at a classic canal-side pavilion is a pleasant way to spend time together. A cultural experience on a boat trip to the big Buddha at Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen is also in the offing.  9 Chom Thong Rd, Chom Thong. 095 968 0270. Open Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat-Sun 9am-5.30pm

The hotel welcomes pets in its European heritage building. It offers customised beds for hairy hounds, dog toys and a park for exercise. Dogs are also welcome to accompany their owners to the gym facilities and various eateries. You and your best beastie will never be apart during your stay.  106 North Sathorn Rd, Silom, Bangrak. 02-344-4000.

A stay in this luxury hotel with designated pet areas is a pawsome experience for man and canine. Pets should be well behaved and house trained, but if they are of an ‘excitable’ nature, doggie diapers can be obtained from the hotel. A stay in this pet-friendly palace of pampering for both person and pooch is anything but a dog’s life! 78 Ton Son Soi, Lumphini, Pathum Wan. 02-056-9999   

An iconic clothing brand for 50 years, did you know that since 2014 Ralph Lauren has also served coffee and pastries? Now, a decade on, Thailand’s first Ralph’s Coffee shop has opened at Central World, offering the aromatic beverage in various iterations and tasty cakes to match.   Located on the first floor of the Beacon zone close to its sister retail outlet, Ralph’s Coffee is all about the heady brew and crafted pastries. Boasting the fruity notes of South American and African beans is Ralph’s signature coffee (B165), while white coffee fans will enjoy an ultra-smooth cappuccino (B175). Drip coffee and decaf beans are also on the menu, as are seasonal treats such as ginger bread latte and apple tea. Sipping coffee at this green-hued colonial style cafe is made all the sweeter with a slice of rich chocolate cake (B295) inspired by Ralph Laurent himself.  Joining outlets in Japan, China and Hong Kong, this latest Ralph’s Coffee shop offers a haven of rest for those shopping in the Ratchapasong District.  Ralph’s Coffee. 1/F Central World. 999/9 Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan. Open 10am-10pm.

Thailand is blessed with an astounding variety of tropical fruits, which is why ice cream and sorbet maker Lamoon is able to source key ingredients from more than 30 farms around the country. And by using only the best of this seasonal produce, it ensures that each scoop tells a story. From the highlands of Chiang Rai in the north to the plains of Yala in the south, these wonderful ingredients inspire Lamoon to make modern interpretations of ice cream that go far beyond what is offered by the ubiquitous carts that ply the streets of the nation’s towns and cities. Artistic designs, vibrant flavors and sheer diversity of selection in the form of ice cream bars, cones and tubs make Lamoon a delight for sweet lovers. Known and loved worldwide by customers seeking authentic tastes of Thailand, Lamoon meticulously selects agricultural products during peak growing seasons in order to offer the freshest taste. From February to May favorite summer fruits such as emperor durian from Rayong and ok-rong mango from Nakhon Pathom flavour refreshing ice creams and sorbets that are ideal treats to beat the heat. And even during the monsoon season, the best mangosteens from Chanthaburi and bananas and santol – a tropical fruit similar to a fuzzy peach – come to life in delicious chilled desserts. As the cool season draws on, Thai melons also come into their own and tangy passion fruit and juicy strawberries make their way into rich sugar-free yoghurts and scintillating sorbets.  These incredi

The wait is over. Sorn, the lauded Thai restaurant under the guidance of chef Supaksorn Jongsiri, has become the first restaurant in Thailand to earn three coveted Michelin stars. The announcement came on November 28 and placed Sorn at the head of more than thirty restaurants in the kingdom to receive Michelin accolades this year. “If you’re strong enough, they will look up to you. I worked really hard and showed that dreams really can come true,” Supaksorn said in an emotional acceptance speech. Referencing his young son the chef added, “Someday you will learn in school about the first man on the moon, but today your dad became the first man in Thailand to earn three Michelin stars. A very small piece of history has been written but it will never change. Definitely, absolutely, this is for Thailand.”  Among the restaurants recognised by Michelin in the 2025 edition of its annual dining guide were five new outlets; Akkee, Aulis, Avant, Coda and Goat. 

Watching movies in the open air was part of Thai culture right up to the 1980s. With the advent of movie chains in retail centres the custom faded, but we can now relive those bygone days, and watch all-time classics in the greenery area of BITEC Buri Fest in Bang Na. Bring your blankets and picnics to BITEC’s outdoors for a retro-culture movie experience as you watch 12 films nang-klang-plaeng style – traditional outdoor screening – from November 29 to December 15.  Romantic favourites feature Before Sunrise, Lost in Translation, Notting Hill, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and About Time making you wipe a tear as they tug at your heart-strings once again. Legendary award-winning favourites include The Shawshank Redemption and Fight Club; and Home Alone brings the Christmas spirit to Bangkok. This two-week outdoor screening opportunity under the stars, presents a chance to watch these classics one more time with your friends and family and to take you back to those pre-internet streaming days.  Hideout Film Night, Nov 29-Dec 15. 6.30 pm onwards. BITEC Buri Fest. Book your ticket via Ticketmelon.

After a much-welcomed major restoration Erawan Bangkok, adjoining the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel and the famous Erawan Shrine, has re-opened as a vibrant dining and wellness lifestyle experience. A mixture of new and previous tenants, mostly upscale restaurants and wellness outlets, are housed in the sparkling white interiors of the iconic Thai-designed facade. The Erawan Tea Room is back with its classic take on Thai cuisine and afternoon teas, as is Nara Thai Cuisine with their much-loved interpretation of Thai favourites. New eateries such as Jharokha by Indus and Chisana Nami, serve contemporary Indian and Japanese dishes respectively. Coffee lovers are also well-catered for as they can sip Turkish slow-bar coffee at Shaloba or a traditional espresso at illy Caffe.  Erawan Bangkok’s wellness tenants occupy the health-centric third and fourth floors. Soma Health Clinic and PAPILLA by KIM LIM tailor their services to your personal needs for truly revitalising experiences. The cultural offerings of Scene Erawan – an art gallery and screening space on the first floor – combine Thai heritage with modern aesthetics, complementing the mall’s fresh-yet-Thai-colonial design and eco-conscious ethos.

Bangkok’s heat is relentless, and when the sun’s beating down, a little refreshment can go a long way. Introducing Festilia — an Italian juice that feels like a cool breeze from the Mediterranean, now available in Thailand. Festilia hails from the sun-soaked orchards of Sicily, where every bottle starts its journey. The fruit is hand-picked, ensuring that each sip is packed with natural, pure flavour. Whether you're craving the sharp kick of shogun orange, the zing of white grapefruit, the refreshing blend of sweet lemon and mint, or the smoothness of Valencia orange, Festilia brings an authentic slice of Italy right to your hands in Thailand. But this juice isn’t just about flavour — it’s also about what’s left out. Festilia is free from added sugars and preservatives, so what you're getting is as close to the orchard as it gets. Plus, it’s loaded with vitamin C, making it not only a thirst-quencher but a health-boosting companion for those long, hot days. No plane tickets to Sicily are required. You can pick up Festilia at retailers across Thailand, including Tops Supermarket, Villa Market, and The Mall’s Gourmet Market, or grab a bottle online via Shopee or Lazada. Discount alert: from October 26 to November 27, you can snag a bottle for B75 (down from B85) at Villa Market and The Mall’s Gourmet Market. It’s a great time to dive into flavours you won’t forget anytime soon.

K-streat is a newly-opened Korean street food hub that has taken Samyan Mitrtown by storm. Opening its doors on October 3 as the newest spot for Korean cuisine lovers, the hub gathers 11 new eateries originating from South Korea. Covering many things from bibimbap and rice rolls to fruit tea, there’s no better time to relive your favourite K-drama scenes and enjoy authentic food with your friends.  Korean street food has rocketed its popularity in Thailand for more than a decade. This food hall on the fourth floor of Samyan’s shopping mall offers a variety of menus. You can try chewy Korean instant noodles from Nongshim Shin Ramyun, where you can get service from a noodle-making machine. Blended into Thai flavour, their ramyun also have tom yum flavour from Jay Fai, a Michelin-starred street food. Craving for Korean classics, Bbja serves bibimbap with toppings of your choice (Korean rice bowl, B169). Moogyodoong Yoojung Nakji might please spicy food lovers with their spicy stir-fried minor octopus (B260) and you can choose the level of spiciness too.  Not limited to traditional dishes, many fusion foods from Platter 7 also present Thai and other ingredients on their fried rice menus. Grab your finger food at 77Kentucky as they give you many options for their fried chicken from original to spicy flavour.  An egg bread set (B169) from Eggseoul might be a dessert in which you can savour sweetness and creaminess in one bite. Don’t forget to refresh yourself with beverages from Te

After closing for three years, Bo.lan finally reopens its kitchen to serve Thai samrub-style fine dining experiences to Bangkok foodies once again.  Once featured in Netflix's Chef’s Table, chef Duangporn “Bo” Songvisava and chef Dylan Jones, founders of Bo.lan, focus on elevating Thai cuisine in a home setting. Different from the typical fine dining format, samrub courses – a set of Thai food including soup, curry, meat and rice served at the same time – promote a culture of eating together like a Thai family dinner. Try it for yourself by booking a seat for either the Bo.lan Brief (10 servings; B3,980), the Bo.lan Balance (13 servings; B4,600) or the Bo.lan Feast (15 servings; B4,800), each set equally sure to impress. Local cuisines of Thailand show their characteristics in this restaurant, from dishes using salty cured fish from Isan (northeastern) to southern Thai curry and central Thailand’s chilli jam-coated rice, inspired by a recipe from the early 1900s.  Pair the food with a menu of signature drinks, each with its own rustic flair, such as taking flavours from ya dong – a woody, spicy Thai liquor. Finish off the experience with a generous serving of Thai-style desserts that you can pick and choose from. The wooden home in which Bo.lan is set is a warming change of scene from the busy Sukhumvit Road. It is adorned with classic local decorations that further help to set the scene. There’s even crafted souvenirs at the front door if you’d like a take-home memento. In 2

Save some room on your bookshelf as Book Expo Thailand 2024 returns to Bangkok on October 10-20. To celebrate the build-up to Halloween, this year's theme is 'Read Until the Next Life'. On Oct 19, from midday to 2 pm, you can dress up as a ghost and enter the 'Ghosts from Books' costume contest for a chance to win a total of B45,000 in prizes. With over 300 publishers expected, you can expect to find mountains of Thai nonfiction and fiction in every genre imaginable. For global bookworms, there will also be international stalls offering books in English, Chinese and many other languages. Grab some discounted books and hopefully finish them before the next year’s fair. As well as books, you can queue up to have your favourite authors sign your books or listen to talks by writers and Thai thought leaders. The full line-up is not yet available, but stay tuned here. Taking place at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.