Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!
Get us in your inbox
Sign up to our newsletter for the latest and greatest from your city and beyond
By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.
Awesome, you're subscribed!
Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!
DÃĐjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?
By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.
Awesome, you're subscribed!
Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!
DÃĐjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?
By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.
Usually overshadowed by the vibrancy of teen central, Siam Square, Soi Kasemsan, located behind Bangkok Art and Culture Center, is actually a neighborhood that offers an alternative side to the cityâs cultural scene. Charming sights and untold stories lie hidden in the sois, awaiting your discovery.
Back in the reign of King Rama I, 14 forts were built around Rattanakosin Island in order to protect the city. Now, Mahakan Fort is one of the only two that have survived the test of time and has become one of the main tourist attractions in Bangkokâs Old Town.
Behind the fortâs white wall lies one of the cityâs oldest communities, where generations have lived for more than a hundred years.
This community, however, is being expropriated by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration in order to build a public park. (The idea, as expected doesnât sit well with the residents who have lived here for decades.) So you may want to visit the area while itâs still there.
In this new art installment, Museum Siam encourages society to see beyond the gender binary system that classifies things as either masculine or feminine. Evidences of gender diversity and sexuality have been seen throughout Thai history since the Ayutthaya era, and Gender Illumination proves it by leading us through the âGender Maze,â a labyrinth that meanders through the gender landscape of Thai culture.
The exhibition hits a nerve as it pointedly questions gender discrimination in the Thai Sangha Council, and then moves into a more global scale by positioning if separating public restrooms by gender prompted the beginnings of sexual segregation.
One part of the exhibit highlights 107 objects that hint of stories of personal gender expression. There are wreaths, graduation certificates, photographs, dolls, and correspondences between family members regarding sexual preferences.
Youâll even see the penis-shaped lipstick that caused Thammasat university lecturer Kath Khangpiboon to be fired from her position. Because of this controversy involving a phallic item, one Instagram post and a dragged-out court case between Kath and the university, we were exposed to a larger conversation on gender and the social constructs we place upon it.
Translated by Siripannee Supratya
Donât judge this place by its uninteresting interiors. De Mama is one of the best Italian places in the hood. You come here to savor wood oven-baked pizza and other home-style Italian dishes.Â
This tiny shop takes ice cream to the next level. IceDEA injects creativity into every single flavor it servesâwe particularly love the durian ice cream. Flavors are changed every so often to surprise die-hard ice cream lovers.
Boutique hotel Lit Bangkok features state-of-the-art design created by VasLab, one of the most respected Thai design agencies in the city, but itâs also worth visiting for this small beer corner located on the steps in front of the hotel.Â
This Thai fashion brand focuses on the use of unconventional materials. Its latest collection features a swimsuit made from transparent neon-colored plastic.
Happening shop has everything from artist designed tees, vinly colletions to books and other designed products from young artists. It also aims to be a place for artists and book tours, press conference, or even workshops.
Â
This discreet canal-side community is where you can still glimpse the remaining vestiges of old Bangkok from the early Rattanakosin era. Located across the Klong Sansaeb waterway down the end of Soi Kasemsan 2, Bankrua was once home to more than 300 individual weavers that supplied wonderful colored silk textiles for globally famous Thai silk brand Jim Thompson when Thompson himself was still in charge. However, when the American entrepreneur disappeared in 1967, the silk company relocated its production hub to Pakthongchai, Nakhonratchasima eventually causing the silk production industry in Bankrua to decline. The spotlight faded and weavers moved out, leaving behind only two shops to carry on the business of silk weaving and dyeing. Visitors are welcome at both locations.
Kope Hya Tai Ke is an old-school coffee shop located in a peaceful neighborhood nearby. Traditional Thai coffee from home-roasted coffee beans is a must-try. You can also refresh with creative drinks like sugar cane-infused coffee and Ceylon-infused coffee.
At the end of Maha Chai Road is Ban Bat Community, the only place in Thailand that makes and supplies monksâ alms bowls. The tiny bowls make for an interesting souvenir.