Toey Sarunrat

True music lovers know that Bangkok’s best record shops aren’t just selling vinyl – they’re keeping music culture alive. In an age when most people stream music on their phones while doom-scrolling, there’s still a corner of Bangkok for those who like their sound analogue, their records dusty and their music experience tangible. Whether you're a seasoned crate-digger or someone who just got their first turntable last week, the city is filled with low-key gems that don’t just sell records – they build communities, fuel obsessions and remind you why physical music still matters. So bring cash, bring time and, most importantly, bring curiosity.

Phrom Phong is a paradox of old and new, where high-end retail rubs shoulders with hole-in-the-wall eateries. It’s a district that refuses to be defined by a single narrative – part cosmopolitan, part hidden enclave of subcultures. Whether you’re chasing culinary excellence, a quiet literary escape, or a slice of Bangkok’s underground music scene, Phrom Phong delivers with a lively mix of establishments, each with its own niche appeal. Here’s Time Out’s curated list of places worth visiting in Phrom Pong.

The City of Angels is where history and modern life collide in the most fascinating ways. From centuries-old temples and royal residences to palaces of a more contemporary and commercial nature, the city’s cultural attractions tell the story of Thailand’s past and present. No matter if you’re here for a short trip or planning to explore every corner of the metropolis over many days, these five Time Out recommendations capture the Thai capital’s spirit in ways you won’t find elsewhere, giving you a different piece of the fascinating puzzle that is Bangkok.

Todsapol Top Maisuk has lived many lives, some on screen, some in the everyday chaos of Bangkok. He’s been the teen soaking up Songkran on Khaosan road, the engineer-to-be contemplating his career path, and now, the actor stepping into roles that challenge both himself and the industry he’s part of. But in every version of himself, one thing stays the same: his grounded perspective to life and work. Photograph: STYLEdeJATE “I started acting when I was in Year 11, doing commercial castings,” he says. “Along the way, I found that I was genuinely happy doing this.” It wasn’t an overnight revelation, but a steady realisation – one that kept pulling him back, even when other career paths seemed more stable. Acting is unstable, but then again, life itself is uncertain. Realising that early on helped me make my choice. How Bangkok influences his move Bangkok is both a backdrop to Todsapol’s life and a city that shapes who he is. His early Songkran memories are straight out of a coming-of-age film – riding in the back of a truck, dunking himself into a ceramic water barrel to warm up from the cold splashes. Then came the wilder years at Khaosan, where the street turned into a blur of neon, soaked travellers and fleeting connections.   Photograph: STYLEdeJATE Todsapol’s go-to water fight attire perfectly reflects the traditional outfits worn by Thai people during the festival. “Tank tops with those classic Hawaiian patterns, comfy shorts, and affordable slides or sneakers so when

Attempting to put together a list of the 50 best restaurants in Bangkok is an unenviable task. No matter how hard you try, you’re going to be leaving out not just good restaurants, but mind-bendingly good restaurants. Indeed, the process of assembling the following list involved not only signal-boosting some of our favourite culinary craftspeople, but also a painful triage of a host of excellent venues. That’s just how dense with excellence this city is when it comes to quality dining.  What makes eating out here so brilliant is the sheer diversity – both cultural and economic – of the Big Mango’s food scene and our top 50 aims to reflect that. Were we to focus purely on the set-menu avant-garde and quiet-luxury omakase counters, it would be a disservice to a readership that doesn’t just want food to look at, photograph and read about, but wants to eat. Therefore, we include some of the city’s most dazzling palaces of haute cuisine alongside humble streetside vendors. We’re serious eaters more than withering critics, and Bangkok is a city full of serious eats. Hence, we want to share our favourites and leave it to you, the reader, to be the withering critic. Dive in and enjoy the ride!

Bangkok's jazz scene is a community, a culture, and for many, a lifestyle. For long-time enthusiasts or someone who's simply curious about jazz, Bangkok has a range of places where you can feel the soul of the music. These venues have stood the test of time, each offering its own distinctive vibe and a relaxed atmosphere where you can truly enjoy the music. Here are some of the best venues to explore the world of jazz in the city.  

Bangkok’s dining scene never ceases to impress with new restaurants constantly adding fresh energy to the city’s vibrant food landscape. While elegant fine dining establishments often steal the spotlight with their refined menus and impeccable presentation, casual eateries play an equally important role in shaping the city’s culinary identity. From bustling street-side stalls to trendy bistros, these spots capture the capital’s lively spirit through bold flavours, creative concepts and inviting atmospheres. If you’re planning a romantic evening for two, a laid-back family dinner or even a solo food adventure, there’s no shortage of exciting options. The city’s diverse culinary landscape continues to expand, offering everything from Cantonese and French delicacies to comforting Burmese dishes. Whether you’re drawn to modern fusion cuisine or timeless classics, there’s always something new to discover.

Bangkok is a city that never sleeps – witness the thrumming traffic, heaving malls, busy street stalls, night markets, endless restaurants and bars. But beyond the chaos and constant movement, the capital also offers quieter, more magical moments, especially at sunset when the heat drops, everyone heaves a collective sigh and slows down a little. Watching the sun dip in Bangkok feels like hitting the pause button for a precious moment. Here then is an insider’s guide to the best spots to catch the golden hour in the Big Mango.

Bangkokians have an undeniable love for Japanese culture and that passion is deeply reflected in the city's food scene. From cosy izakayas to sushi joints tucked away in alleyways, the city is brimming with spots that bring a taste of Japan to Thailand. But among all the beloved Japanese eats, ramen stands out as the top comfort food. Whether you're craving deep, rich flavours, umami-packed tonkotsu, or a refined bowl of tsukemen, these outlets – ranging from cult favourites to hidden gems – serve up a bowl that keeps you coming back for more. Here’s where to find the most slurp-worthy ramen in town. 

If you call Bangkok home, the chances are you’ve come across street art whether you meant to or not. But let’s set the record straight, street art is so much more than graffiti. It’s a world of visual expression that transforms public spaces into open-air galleries. This artform goes beyond spray cans and tags to murals and stencils, wheat-pasting, sticker art and even large-scale installations. More than mere decoration, street art often carries powerful social, political or cultural messages. Some works are commissioned, others pop up unsanctioned, keeping the rebellious spirit of the form alive. What started as an underground movement has now gone global, with art icons such as Banksy, Shepard Fairey and JR turning city walls into canvases. And Bangkok? It’s no stranger to this scene. So, we’ve rounded up the best spots to catch some of the city’s most striking street art. Get ready to explore!

You know that feeling when your nails are on point, and suddenly everything feels just right? Yeah, we get it. Whether you're all about monochrome colours, minimalist design, cartoon stickers or a neat and natural look, Bangkok has some fantastic nail salons in which to treat your talons. For the best in nail care and couture though, we suggest you get your claws these Time Out recommendations for a magical manicure.

Bangkok has some great spots for music and drink and vinyl bars are where it’s at. These places bring together good tunes, tasty drinks and relaxed vibes. Each bar has its own unique ambience. Some lean into nostalgia with walls of vintage records, while others mix things up with modern playlists and craft cocktails. It’s not just about the music or the drinks though – it’s the whole experience of being surrounded by people who love sound and vintage vibes as much as you do.

This is the indie kid’s go-to – part record shop, part music distribution hub and part community hangout. No matter if you’re after brand-new vinyl, CDs, cassettes, posters or just some niche band merch, CD COSMOS has it. The vibe is low-key but passionate, with a rotating cast of music nerds hanging out and swapping recs. It’s the kind of spot where you might drop by for one thing and end up in a two-hour debate about the best Radiohead B-side. 1582 Phahonyothin 30/1, Chan Kasem, Chatuchak. 093-051-6446. Open daily Monday-Friday 12pm-8pm, Saturday-Sunday 10am-8pm.

Run by DJ Maft Sai, Zudrangma is a safe space for global music fans who also happen to have good taste. Forget top 40 – this place champions Thai funk, molam, luk thung and overlooked regional gems that would otherwise fade into history. It’s part record store, part archival mission and fully committed to turning forgotten Thai sounds into cult classics. There’s also African soul, rare disco and imported records that’ll have even the most jaded collector perking up. If you want to leave with something you’ve never heard before, go here. 7/1 Sukhumvit 51, Wattana. 083-063-1335. Open Wednesday-Sunday 12pm-8pm. 

The name says it all. This spot doesn’t just cater to die-hard fans – it’s run by one. The selection skews classic, from clean-as-new pressings to scratched-up beauties from the ’60s to the ’80s. The owner is a music lifer who’ll dig through stacks with you just to find that one album you half-remember from your childhood. You can come for the music but stay for the stories. And yes, half the joy is just chatting with the guy behind the counter who knows way too much about vinyl. 162 Srinagarindra Rd, Nong Bon, Prawet. 082-982-6833. Open daily 9am-6.30pm.

This place started as an IG shop, but now it's a real-deal destination for vinyl nerds who know their stuff. The curation leans heavily into '80s and '90s records – think of it as a love letter to the era when CDs were taking over, but vinyl still had soul. You’ll find albums that never got mainstream attention, which makes every visit feel like a treasure hunt. It can be the kind of place where you might walk in for Madonna and leave with an obscure Japanese jazz-funk LP you didn’t know existed. 110 Soi Lat Phrao 8 Yaek 9, Chom Phon, Chatuchak. 083-839-2016.  

This is the kind of place your uncle might have brought you to back in the day – and it hasn’t changed much since. Open for nearly half a century, Nong Taprachan is part store, part stage and fully committed to supporting homegrown talent. They're not just peddling old CDs or second-hand vinyl. Artists perform live here, but under one rule: no covers. It’s all about original songs, because copyright laws don’t mess around. Newcomers need at least five original tracks to step on their stage. It’s DIY, it’s old-school and honestly it's kind of badass. Bonus is if you’re hunting for a specific tape, vinyl or even a CD player, they'll do their best to find it – even if it means tracking it down overseas. 14 Taprachan, Wang Lang Pier (Rot Fai Pier Alley), Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang. 02-221-4421. Open daily 11am-6.30pm.

More than a record shop, this one’s a full-on nostalgia trap – in the best way. Half cafe, half mini-museum, Vinyl & Toys is packed with vintage collectibles, action figures and enough old-school games to make any ’90s kid emotional. The vibe is chill, the food’s decent and the music selection is pretty solid, too. There’s a rare record section tucked between the toys, and the indoor-outdoor setup makes it easy to lose track of time. It’s like hanging out at a cool friend’s place – if your friend had 500 records and a working Sega console. 9/19 Pradit Manutham Rd (Ram Indra-Ardnarong), Lad Phrao. 080-088-8089. Open 24 hours.

Situated inside a pair of shophouses on Charoen Krung, Recordoffee is equal parts cafe and record space. The vibe is chill, curated, and just a little bit underground – an ideal hangout for crate-diggers who like their coffee strong and their music analog. You can browse records, sip a flat white, and even ask the staff to spin a vinyl of your choice while you hang. They're also an official distributor for audio gear like Technics, Gadhouse and Audio-Technica, so if you're in the market for a turntable upgrade, you’re in good hands. What makes it even better is that the staff are as friendly as the playlist is smooth. 95 14-15 Charoen Krung Rd, Talat Noi, Samphanthawong. 083-782-7442. Open daily 8am–8pm. Closed Tuesday.

Don't let the name throw you off – ‘fat black’ isn’t about the owner, it’s about the records. This place is for collectors who want new pressings and serious gear (think Crosley to Rega). Prices are refreshingly reasonable and while they cater mostly to people looking to build or upgrade their home setups, you can still pick up some vintage records if you look closely enough. It feels more curated than chaotic, which is honestly a relief. 345 Thara Rom Alley, Hua Mak, Bang Kapi. 087-124-4421. Open daily 12pm-8pm.

For over 20 years, Dasa Book Cafe has served as a beloved refuge for book lovers in Bangkok. The name ‘Dasa’ comes from the Pali language and means ‘slave,’ reflecting the store’s dedication to second-hand books and CDs. Unlike many other similar bookstores, Dasa’s evolving stock is meticulously organised with books categorised by author, making it easy to navigate and find required tomes. The store also offers an online ordering service, allowing customers to browse and purchase books remotely. Whether you’re searching for rare finds or just looking for a quiet place to explore literature over a cup of coffee, Dasa Book Cafe remains a treasure in the Phrom Phong area. 714/4 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei. 02-661-2993. Open daily 10am-8pm.

More than a cafe and probably Phrom Phong’s best-kept style secret, (un)FASHION District S39 combines coffee culture, culinary treats and eclectic shopping in an inviting shaded setting. The laid-back atmosphere helps to attract a bohemian mix of coffee lovers, foodies and vintage enthusiasts, all of whom can browse through a selection of pre-loved shoes, bags, and accessories and then enjoy a carefully brewed cup of coffee or a delicious meal. The wooden interiors, accented by warm lighting, enhances the cosy ambiance, making it a great place to relax individually or socialise at leisure with friends. 19, 5 Sukhumvit 39, Khlong Tan Nuea, Bangkok. 080-446-1650. Open daily 10am-8.30pm.

If you find yourself in need of a hearty morning stop before heading to work, head to Larder BKK. Fast becoming a stalwart of the breakfast scene, it specialises in homemade charcuterie and freshly baked sourdough. In fact, the menu allows customers to mix and match baked goods with cold cuts or opt for curated set meals. The appeal of Larder BKK lies in the experience of personalising one’s breakfast, turning a simple meal into a really satisfying start to the day. 31/2 Phrom Chai Alley, Khlong Tan Nuea, Bangkok. 093-009-4494. Open daily 8am-5pm.

Walking through Chinatown is like stepping into a different world. It’s one of the oldest parts of the city, with narrow alleyways, shophouses that have been passed down for generations, and streets packed with food stalls. Yaowarat Road, the main artery of Chinatown, has seen traffic of various sorts since 1891. This is the place to go for legendary street food – think roast duck, dim sum and seafood grilled to perfection. But it’s not just about food. You’ll find old Chinese temples, gold shops, herbal medicine stores and a lively mix of Thai and Chinese culture. The best time to visit? After sunset, when Yaowarat Road lights up with neon signs and the street food scene kicks into high gear. Yaowarat Rd, Samphanthawong, Samphanthawong Open 24 hours

For years, Thailand’s alcohol laws have felt like a confusing mix of outdated moralism and arbitrary enforcement. The infamous Section 32 of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act made it technically illegal for anyone – even regular consumers – to post a picture of a beer on social media if it was seen as promoting alcohol. Bars and craft brewers had to dance around frustrating restrictions while big brands found creative ways to keep their presence known. But as of 19 March, Parliament has voted to ease up, allowing alcohol advertising with conditions that are still being ironed out. This is a big deal, and not just for businesses. It’s a step toward a more transparent, informed drinking culture – one where consumers can actually learn about what they’re drinking instead of just seeing the same few dominant brands everywhere. The obvious winners here are craft brewers, small distillers, and bars that have been struggling to compete with corporations that had the resources to sidestep the old rules. Under the previous system, smaller players had to rely almost entirely on word-of-mouth, while big brands could push their non-alcoholic products – think soda water or alcohol-free beers – to keep their branding front and centre. It wasn’t a level playing field. Now, smaller producers have a real shot at telling their stories, connecting with consumers, and building their brands in a way that’s actually legal. Danny Yeung, a well-known F&B consultant, sees this as a long-overdue win:

Bangkok is a city that never sleeps – witness the thrumming traffic, heaving malls, busy street stalls, night markets, endless restaurants and bars. But beyond the chaos and constant movement, the capital also offers quieter, more magical moments, especially at sunset when the heat drops, everyone heaves a collective sigh and slows down a little. Watching the sun dip in Bangkok feels like hitting the pause button for a precious moment. Here then is an insider’s guide to the best spots to catch the golden hour in the Big Mango.   Wat Arun   Photograph: Mercure Bangkok Siam     When you think of Thailand’s iconic landmarks, Wat Arun on the Chao Phraya River likely comes to mind. It is often pictured with the sun perfectly aligned behind its stupa and although known as the Temple of Dawn, sunsets here are just as magical. The porcelain-covered spires glow in the soft evening light, creating postcard-perfect moments. The best way to enjoy it is to join a sunset cruise along the Chao Phraya, or bag a table at one of the riverside restaurants across the water for a front-row seat. Seeing the sun dip behind Wat Arun’s silhouette never gets old. Wang Doem Rd, Bangkok Yai. 02-891-2185. Open daily 8am-6pm   River City Bangkok Rooftop   Photograph: Ticketmelon   For those who appreciate cinema with a view, River City Bangkok, in collaboration with Skyline Film, elevates the film-going experience by transforming its rooftop into an open-air theatre. It offers a front-row seat to