It’s no secret that Bangkok has a magnetic pull on Singaporean travellers. Just a short flight away, this vibrant city offers an irresistible blend of culture, culinary delights, and thrilling experiences – and we’re not just talking about weaving through traffic on the backseat of a motorcycle. If you're looking to uncover the greatest gems in Bangkok, we've got you covered. Here are some of the hottest things to do in Bangkok right now to make your trip truly unforgettable.
Looking for more travel guides around Asia? Check out our guides to Kuala Lumpur, Bali, and Seoul for more inspiration.
Bangkok’s night market scene just got a lot more exciting with the debut of Jodd Fairs Dan Neramit. Not to be confused with the other Jodd Fairs around town, the one at Dan Neramit is located on the grounds of a former amusement park and boasts an impressive castle backdrop that makes for impressive snaps for the ‘gram. Uncover secondhand finds, handmade crafts and plenty of food options, of course.
Address: RHC7+4WM, Phahonyothin Road, Chom Phon, จตุจักร Bangkok 10900
Dive into the trendy neighbourhood of Ari, where locals flock to explore hip cafes and one-of-a-kind shops. Take a leisurely stroll, treating yourself to artisanal coffee from Nana Coffee Roasters, delectable pastries from Landhaus Bakery, and legit khaosoi from Ongtong Khaosoi. Let the charm of this neighborhood win you over and check out our guide to Ari for more.
Immerse yourself in the revitalised Charoenkrung neighbourhood, where art and culture take centre stage. Begin your journey at the Grand Postal Building, a functioning post office housed in a brutalist architectural icon that’s also home to the Thailand Creative and Design Center. Meander through the streets, discovering contemporary art galleries, hipster boutiques, and trendy cafés. Don't miss the Warehouse 30 complex, a creative hub showcasing local designers, artisans, and craftsmen.
Yes, you’re probably already familiar with Thonglor, The Commons and all the great bars and clubs that dot this lively district but there are still new gems waiting to be discovered. Marché Thonglor is a massive new 24-hour outdoor mall where you’ll find Tops Food Hall alongside other eateries and wellness clinics. Other new kids on the block include Kiri Tsukemen for noodles served in a hot stone bowl and Untitled.Thonglor, a pawnshop-inspired concept by the good folks behind Teens of Thailand.
If you only have time for one fine dining experience in Bangkok, make it Sorn – if you can snag a reservation, that is. This notoriously hard-to-book restaurant is worth all the hype and accolades. Sorn specializes in Southern Thai cuisine and tantalises the taste buds with traditional flavours, locally sourced ingredients and chilli so hot your whole body will break out in a sweat. Brace yourself for a fiery culinary adventure that is expertly balanced from course to course while highlighting the traditional flavours of Phuket. And if the heat ever gets too hot to handle, the attentive team always has a refreshing shot of coconut sorbet on hand to cool you down.
If you’ve never heard of Trat, a coastal province in Thailand that borders Cambodia then Sri Trat is the perfect place for you to get acquainted. The restaurant offers old family recipes passed down from the owner’s mother combined with fresh ingredients – some even grown on-site. Must-tries include the fork-tender pork curry with chamuang leaves. Durian lovers will also want to try the chicken massaman where young durian replaces the usual potato you find in this iconic dish.
While you don’t have to leave Bangkok’s city centre for excellent cafés, if time allows, you should make the trek out to Sam Phran for some truly intriguing finds. At After The Rain Coffee & Gallery, you can kayak down a picturesque lake to snap some gorgeous pics for your feed. The food’s a mix of traditional Thai like deep-fried pork with sticky rice and shrimp cakes café classics like Thai tea mille crepe.
Embark on a culinary adventure through Chinatown where the best of the city's food scene lines the street choc-a-bloc. Indulge in mouthwatering favourites like oyster omelette from Noi Mong Hoi Thod, peppery bowls of kway chap from Nai Ek Roll Noodle, and join the queue at Jek Pui for plates of curry rice as seen on Netflix. As the night falls, conclude your food crawl at one (or some) of Chinatown’s trendy bars – Tax, Independence, Asia Today Bar and Teens of Thailand, just to name a few – for some cocktails and camaraderie.
This hidden gem embodies the spirit of Bangkok’s current cocktail culture. Let talented mixologists surprise you with innovative concoctions that blend local flavours and ingredients into a sophisticated sip. The cocktail menu is structured like the multi-course concept, from refreshing aperitivos to savoury creations and sweet tipples that act like dessert. There’s also an All Night menu that satisfies both traditionalists and adventurous imbibers.
And if you’ve had your fill of Thai food and you’re up for something different, check out IGNIV by renowned Swiss chef Andreas Caminada. His restaurant in Switzerland, Schloss Schauenstein, holds three Michelin stars and one Green star and IGNIV (the Romansh word for “nest”) marks his first international foray. Signature dishes include the chicken nugget and beef tartare – and in true Thai fashion, dishes are meant for sharing.
Be captivated by serene views of the Chao Phraya River and elegant accommodations when you stay at the Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers. The recently renovated hotel boasts newly refurbished guest rooms thoughtfully designed with modern touches. What really makes Royal Orchid Sheraton stand out is that it offers guests shuttle boats along the river to Iconsiam so that you can spend less time in Bangkok’s notorious traffic and more time at the shops.
Enjoy contemporary comfort and convenience at Courtyard Bangkok. Nestled in the heart of Bangkok, the hotel is a short walk away from malls like Central World, Siam Paragon and Platinum as well as various BTS stations. With stylish rooms and easy access to the city's hottest attractions and dining spots on this list, this hotel provides a perfect base for your Bangkok adventure.
Reknown for its impeccable service and refined elegance, The St. Regis Bangkok should be your pick for living in luxury. Its central location offers unparalleled access to Michelin-starred restaurants and upscale boutiques in the heart of the city. The hotel’s top-of-the-line amenities also make sure that your every whim is cared for – after a long day of exploring in the city’s heat, rejuvenate your body at the Clinique La Prairie Longevity Hub or unwind on our hotel's 15th-floor pool deck with a cocktail in hand.
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