Buzz
Bangkok is a playground for all – teeming with culture, sprawling centers, culinary havens, bustling morning markets, and a globally celebrated nightlife.
Regular Thai voyagers might assume they've uncovered all of Bangkok's secrets. However, the city is full of surprises! Here's a list of must-tries for your upcoming visit, offering new perspectives on this dynamic metropolis.
1. Discover Bangkok from new heights at the Mahanakhon SkyWalk
Bangkok's spirit, visible in its lively streets and vibrant boroughs, reveals a distinct charm from above.
Perched atop the King Power Mahanakhon, the Mahanakhon Skywalk serves as Thailand's tallest observation deck, rising over 314m from the ground. Featuring both indoor and outdoor viewing areas, ascend to the peak just before sunset to witness Bangkok bathed in golden twilight. Enjoy a drink at Bangkok's highest rooftop bar as you watch the night unfold.
Mahanakhon Skywalk
- Address: King Power Mahanakhon Tower, 114 Narathiwas Road, Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok
Nearest Station: Chong Nonsi BTS Station
Mocking Tales Cafe
Photo Credit: @mockingtales on Instagram
Step into the enchanting darkness of Mocking Tales Cafe. Its unique fairy tale theme, reminiscent of the Harry Potter universe, features medieval decor, a mysterious ambiance, and a creative menu that feels like it's straight out of a storybook.
Photo by @mockingtales on Instagram
Most patrons come to Mocking Tales for their incredibly famous desserts, delicately presented at the table. The towering Inferno is particularly spectacular - a towering block of chocolate plunged into a stream of fiery liquor, melting away to reveal spoonfuls of sweet ice cream.
Photo by @kinxxpshrp on Instagram
Give some of their main dishes a try like the Mocking Tales Wagyu Burger, stacked with a thick beef patty, cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, and grilled mushrooms, served with a specially homemade sauce on squid ink bun.
Mocking Tales Cafe
- Address: Thong Lo 4, Khlong Tan Nuea, Bangkok, Thailand
3. Chang Chui Plane Night Market Bangkok
Photo: @melomelojai on Instagram
Blending art, urban culture, and astronomy into a unique mix, the Chang Chui Plane Night Market stands out as an innovative night market scene in Bangkok.
This distinct night market, embracing sustainability, showcases areas built from recycled scrap materials, giving it a rustic industrial charm. A decommissioned L-1011 Tristar Lockheed military plane has been repurposed into a museum and Thai restaurant.
Photo: @jessi0327.tw on Instagram
From street food vendors and craftsmen to live music, vintage clothing stores, and even Insects in the Backyard – Thailand's premier insect dining experience – this night market offers an array of activities.
Discover a plethora of nighttime activities in Bangkok right here!
Chang Chui Plane Night Market
- Address: 460/8 Sirindhorn Rd, Khwaeng Bang Phlat, Khet Bang Phlat, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10700, Thailand
- Nearest station: Bang Bamru Station
4. Taco Bell
Photo: @sleepyding on Instagram
Taco Bell has finally made its way to Thailand. The beloved American fast-food chain opened its first Thai outlet in the heart of Bangkok's financial district at MercuryVille on January 24, amidst much anticipation and hype. Some enthusiasts even lined up the night before the opening for Taco Bell.
Photo: @missprang on Instagram
Try the Thai-exclusive Kickin' Chicken Taco, served with a special fire sauce tailored for the Thai market. Their menu's spice levels have been adapted to suit local tastes. If you're up for the challenge, grab a few packets of their Fire Sauce and Hot Sauce to complete your feast.
Taco Bell Bangkok @ MercuryVille
- Address: Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok, Thailand
- Nearest Station: Chit Lom
5. #FindThePhotoBooth
#FindThePhotoBooth could be one of the most intriguing spots to visit in Bangkok, in more ways than one.
To access this secret booth, first make your way to the second floor of 8 On Eleven to Score Bar, a sports bar. Next to the room, you'll discover an operational photobooth ready to capture some fantastic moments.
Photo: @fiatfiata on Instagram
Photo: @fiatfiata on Instagram
Discover a stunning cocktail bar that offers both classic drinks and Southeast Asia-inspired beverages, founded by four of Asia's top mixologists – including one from Singapore's Nutmeg and Clove.
You can instantly print your photos to remember an incredible night.
#FindThePhotoBooth
- Address: 11 Sukhumvit Rd, Khwaeng Khlong Toei Nuea, Khlong Toei, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, Thailand
- Nearest Station: Nana
6. ICONSIAM
Bangkok, a shopping paradise, boasts ICONSIAM as one of its premier malls.
This sprawling 525,000 m2 riverside complex features Thailand's first Apple Store, a seven-floor Takashimaya, the largest adidas Originals store in the Pacific region, and more. It even includes an indoor floating market based on local traditions.
Explore our comprehensive guide to Bangkok's largest mall, ICONSIAM, and ensure you grab the Tourist Privilege Card for special discounts and offers.
ICONSIAM
- Address: 299 Charoen Nakhon Soi 5, Charoen Nakhon Road, Khlong San, Bangkok, Thailand
- Nearest Station: BTS Krung Thonburi Station. Exit at Gate 1 and take the free ICONSIAM shuttle boat.
7. Unveiling Thai Cuisine at Bangkok Cooking Academy, Thailand
Dive deep into the essence of the country's cuisine by engaging in a cooking class.
At the Thai Cooking Academy Bangkok, learn to prepare beloved Thai dishes from scratch. Choose from a half-day morning or afternoon session with five dishes, or an eight-hour full-day professional course, where you're trained alongside future chefs in a dedicated kitchen.
Classes kick off with a local market tour, selecting fresh ingredients for your cooking. Learn to cook Thai curry, stir-fry, and other popular dishes, including desserts. They even teach you to make your own curry paste.
Then, take your newfound skills home to relive the flavors of Thailand anytime.
Thai Academy Cooking School
- Address: 1940 Sukhumvit Road, Soi 60, Bang Chak, Phra Kanong, Bangkok, Thailand
- Nearest Station: Bang Chak
8. Saucey Chicken and Beer Bomb
Photo: @aran.np on Instagram
Photo: @sauceybomb on Instagram
Indulge in beach vibes at Saucey Chicken and Beer Bomb, a unique fried chicken joint serving chicken cooked six different ways. There's an option for every palate - from Thai-inspired specialties made with chili powder, shrimp oil, and garlic, to African Teriyaki with wild honey and ginger.
Photo: @sauceybomb on Instagram
Drop by in the evening to enjoy Saucey Signature cocktails and take advantage of the buy 3 get 2 special offer for select hours. No party is complete without fried chicken and drinks.
Saucey Chicken and Beer Bomb
- Address: 44/6 Sathon 8, North Sathorn Road, Silom Subdistrict, Bang Rak District, Bangkok, Thailand
- Nearest Station: Chong Nonsi
Set away from the bustling main streets of Suanplu district, this modern Thai restaurant is nestled in a neighborhood surrounded by gardens. Its decor theme is tropical oasis, with tropical wallpaper, patterned tile floors, delicate ceramicware, and outdoor terrace tables.
9. Plu
For an authentic street food experience, head to Plu.
Photo: @yokelia
Set away from the bustling streets of Suanplu district, this modern Thai restaurant is nestled in a neighborhood surrounded by gardens. Its decor theme is tropical oasis, with tropical wallpaper, patterned tile floors, delicate ceramicware, and outdoor terrace tables.
Photo: @rinratabelle on Instagram
Plu goes beyond traditional Thai pad and tom yum goong. The menu blends Thai, Chinese, and Indian influences, built on regional flavors and top-quality local ingredients. Try the Khai Phalo Yang Matum, a five-spice pork and tofu stew with soft-boiled eggs, as well as the Pomelo Salad with duck.
Photo: @rinratabelle on Instagram
Even classic Thai dishes are elevated to new heights, with Pad Thai Stir-Fried Pork, Blue Crab Curry with betel leaves, and Hor Mok Pla (spicy steamed fish custard).
Plu Bangkok
- Address: 3, Soi Phra Phinit, Suan Phlu Thung Maha Mek Road, Bangkok, Thailand
- Nearest Station: Chong Nonsi
10. UniCornetto Ice Cream
Photo: @weekenderbangkok on Instagram
The trend of unicorn-shaped food doesn't seem to fade, whether it's unicorn cakes or Starbucks unicorn gummies. Convenience store Cornetto has introduced the illusionary UniCornetto - first and exclusively in Bangkok in August last year, before being released in Malaysia and Indonesia a few months later.
Photo: @weekenderbangkok on Instagram
This purple and blue treat comprises cotton candy ice cream with a strawberry jam filling, topped with colorful chocolate balls.
11. Explore The Market, Bangkok's Newest Shopping Destination
Photo: 吃喝玩乐 • YY 趣旅行 on Facebook
Located right next to the famous Platinum Shopping Mall on Valentine's Day, The Market is Bangkok's latest shopping hub.
Photo: @petit.uckaranolmayta on Instagram
This area spans two floors, housing fashion boutiques as well as a variety of F&B options including a DOMO-kun café!
If a long day of shopping leaves you weary, head to Let’s Relax Spa for the ultimate relaxation treatment tailored just for you!
The Market Bangkok
- Address: Ratchadamri Road, Bangkok, Thailand
- Nearest Station: Chit Lom
12. Peace Oriental Tea House
Photo: @water_whatever on Instagram
This is a paradise for Matcha enthusiasts or simply tea lovers. Adorned with sleek wooden details and wide glass windows, along with the shoe-off policy, the ambiance and operations here make you feel like stepping into an authentic tea house in Japan.
Under the slogan of 'Peace in the Orient for perfectionists,' you might encounter a hiccup with the Matcha Extremist – an intense scoop of matcha ice cream encased in a thin layer of charcoal shell.
The majority of the menu revolves around specialty teas – from Chinese oolong to fragrant Gyokuro – alongside a range of milk-based beverages, including their Snow series featuring flavors like Honey Yogurt and Dark Choco.
Peace Oriental Tea House (Sukhumvit 49)
- Address: 47 Soi Sukhumvit 49/1, Khwaeng Khlong Tan Nuea, Khet Watthana, Bangkok, Thailand
- Nearest Station: Thong Lo
13. Learn to become a true street warrior at Muay Thai classes at Southpaw
There's no better place to learn Thai Boxing than in Bangkok. You'll pick up some self-defense skills in Muay Thai classes at Southpaw, part of Galaxy Gym. Whether through group sessions or private lessons, trainers will impart the basics of this combat sport, covering attack, movement, and defense.
Muay Thai isn't just a valuable addition to your arsenal; it's also an incredibly effective way to torch calories, giving you lasting fitness.
Galaxy Gym's Southpaw Fitness Center
- Address: 982 Room no. B11-13, 2nd Floor, Thap Int-Intersect Tower, Rama 3 Road, Bang Phong Phang, Yan Nawa, Bangkok, Thailand 10110.
- Nearest Station: Wat Dan
Never bored when traveling Bangkok, right!?
Experience Bangkok in a whole new light with these unique must-tries! For a relaxing vacation in the Land of Smiles' capital, don't forget these travel essentials:
- 4G SIM card for seamless connectivity across Thailand
- Private transfer from BKK Airport to your hotel
- Bangkok Skytrain (BTS) pass to get you around town
>> Discover more of what Bangkok has to offer HERE!
