Buzz
Finding unique and picturesque check-in spots, indulging in diverse culinary delights, and experiencing unforgettable adventures are just some of the reasons why Bangkok remains one of the top tourist destinations in Southeast Asia.
After the COVID pandemic, I had the opportunity to travel and work in Bangkok for a few weeks. Despite the challenges faced by the tourism industry, Bangkok has risen to the occasion, using the opportunity to refresh and redesign its famous tourist spots to offer a more unique experience to visitors.
In this article, I'll share some insights into a few famous destinations that have been given a fresh new look after the pandemic. Visitors can feel a new, exciting, and vibrant atmosphere when exploring this bustling city. From the bustling city center to lesser-known areas, Bangkok awaits travelers to discover and experience something new.
Let's explore together with Mytour!
Every visit to Thailand is a new experience!
1. Explore the Luxurious Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC)
This year, I had a business trip and attended the 57th Thai National Book Fair. Initially, I thought it would be just an ordinary book fair, but no, the fair was held at QSNCC, an extremely luxurious and modern convention center that truly left me amazed.
An impressive sight from the outside.
I came this time for the Thai Book Fair.
From what I've learned, QSNCC is known as a leading conference center in Asia, hosting many important events such as APEC,... It's equipped with ample space, modern sound and lighting, making you feel like you're participating in a very luxurious, internationally renowned event.
'Luxurious' is the first word I'd use to describe QSNCC.
Let's explore together!
Inside, there are plenty of eateries, lots of places to rest your feet, luxurious restrooms,... The center is built with pedestrians in mind, providing plenty of seating for everyone, feeling like a plush hotel lobby. You can snap photos anywhere, as there are plenty of Instagrammable spots to check-in.
Extremely spacious, with numerous eateries and luxurious restrooms, it feels like stepping into a five-star hotel.
Outside is also a super spacious and luxurious hall!
Every corner offers a perfect photo opportunity...
The million-dollar view from QSNCC overlooking the city.
Moreover, you can easily find annual events held at QSNCC on their Facebook fan page. Some events are free, while others require advance booking and payment. Even if not, it's worth taking a Grab ride here to enjoy this unique space. I believe you'll never regret the experience of coming here.
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2. Buying stationery at the renowned office supplies store
King Thong Stationery
The shop is located right across from BTS Phra Khanong, folks.
All in Thai outside, but stands out big time.
I swear you can find anything related to drawing, art, colors, pens, and stationery for every art or technical field here, especially at very reasonable prices. Some things are even cheaper than buying online. And of course, this is a place worth keeping for those who want to buy gifts for friends, or equip themselves with art learning tools, both cheap and special.
There are many cool items you can get for friends, family, or art students here!
Lots of Thai local stuff like pens, color sets by set super cheap.
Even has a second floor for selling canvases. Canvases are super cheap and really good quality!
Standard Thai art supplies, extremely eye-catching!
Another advantage is that the store accepts Visa credit cards, so you never have to worry about payment methods. Just ask the cashier, she speaks English and is very friendly. This is truly an amazing experience when visiting this country.
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3. Enjoy coffee in the morning, beer in the evening at Hey! Beanstro
That day was quite dull, so I invited my sister to a café far from the city center. Honestly, we wanted a really beautiful place, but also one that opens a little late because we both know that cafés in Thailand usually close very early. Then this Hey! Beanstro café really surprised us.
Not new but... quite new when you're at Hey! Beanstro.
The café operates in a unique way, serving coffee in the morning and beer with wine in the evening. While this model isn't groundbreaking, the space, along with its clientele, concept, and decor, makes it feel refreshing. Can you believe, in this setting, with this beer, you can actually work?
Let's have a beer and get some work done together!
The café's ambiance is truly special, allowing you to easily capture high-quality Instagram-worthy photos.
Oh, I can totally do that. The lighting is great, and the outdoor seating is perfect for romantic dates. The owner is always friendly and open when chatting with us.
A hectic day can be balanced by dropping by here to both chill and catch up on work.
It's a bit disappointing that they don't serve coffee in the evening, but with this amazing experience, I'll definitely come back.
The outdoor space is extremely modern.
I also snapped a great Instagram shot here.
Honestly, if you're seeking a spot like mine, chill, work-friendly, and open late in Bangkok. So let's go. Hey! Beanstro will delight your senses from taste to sight.
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4. What's at Samyan Mitrtown Bangkok?
That day, my friend and I wanted to catch a movie in Bangkok. The film “Everything Everywhere All at Once” was making waves after its Oscar win, so we couldn't wait to go. And, by some stroke of luck, we found ourselves at the House cinema at Samyan.
The top floor of Samyan is where you'll find the House cinema - the latest hotspot among Bangkok's youth.
In my opinion, Samyan is a fresh hub, gathering all the elements to become a future hotspot. While many other centers like “Central World” or Siam Center are popular, Samyan is favored by locals and admired by the youth as the go-to entertainment spot.
Many young people choose Samyan over Central World or Siam Central.
Architecturally, the center stands out with unique food kiosks highly recommended by locals. As you ascend, the minimalist design along with the rooftop becomes a favorite spot for young Bangkokians to snap Instagram-worthy photos. This area is completely free, so you won't have to spend a dime to capture such a picturesque city view.
With a view like this, you're guaranteed to get stunning photos, right?
After checking in, we watched a movie at the House cinema. It was fantastic, with an extremely minimalist design that gave a feeling of 'home theater' intimacy. The cinema room and ticket counter are also very elegant, and a plus point is that both the entrance and exit of the theater are well-lit, making them easy to find. The movies have both English and Thai subtitles, so no worries!
The cinema has a quite minimalist design.
The menu is super minimalist and feels just like watching at home.
The entrance to the theater is super bright, so no worries about getting lost!
The showtimes are displayed outside the theater!
For me, this is a pretty cool spot that I recommend you check out. Enjoy a movie, chat on the rooftop, and then grab some food at the mall for a wonderfully simple experience.
5. Meeting deadlines at Tomn Toms Coffee - 24/7 Cafe in Bangkok
Almost all cafes in Thailand close very early and take a day off during the week, which initially made me quite unhappy. Typically, as Vietnamese, our coffee culture is to sit around and work until late at night, but here they close around 5-6pm. Fortunately, I found a pretty good place for those in Bangkok who want to stay late or need a temporary resting place after exploring the city.
Not unfamiliar but essential for those late-night work sessions...
Spacious environment is a plus...
This 'TOMS TOMS' cafe is part of a chain in Bangkok, open 24/7, and considered the national cafe for young people looking for late-night spaces, tourists arriving in Bangkok at odd hours, or young couples wanting to chat into the wee hours.
Diverse menu, reasonable prices.
Designed in a Korean style, always located in convenient, bustling locations, making you feel like this city never sleeps. What I like is the enthusiastic staff, airy space, and the fact that the seating positions are not too close together, creating a comfortable atmosphere.
Regarding beverages, it's not the strongest point, but the cafe also invests, adding Thai specialties to the menu such as Thai red tea, mango smoothies, ... regular coffee types at such prices are reasonable for a 24/7 cafe. If you plan to stay up late and chat with friends, this is the place to go.
6. China Town - The never-ending hot spot
I remember the first time I went to China Town was in early 2017, the first thing that caught my eye was the hustle and bustle, no Chinatown in Asia could keep up with. The novelty, modernity combined with the traditional flavor is fully demonstrated by the Thai people, showing both the 'Chinese' aspect and retaining the extremely characteristic Thai essence.
We're back to ChinaTown after 3 years of hiatus!
You can reach Chinatown by booking a grab-wind ride, the location is very close, a culinary and entertainment paradise opening up before your eyes. After COVID, I feel that Chinatown is much more beautiful than before. The hustle and bustle still exists but there is a certain calmness, a lingering feeling, and every nook and cranny suddenly carries more emotions. This lingering feeling is manifested by the eateries, the entertainment spots unchanged, unpainted, but the atmosphere of the new life has changed.
The space remains intact, just the soul has a slight difference
To enjoy a delicious meal in Chinatown, you should not miss places like T&K Seafood, one of the most famous seafood restaurants in the area, or Guay Jub Ouan Pochana, a restaurant selling noodles and traditional Thai snacks. Other dishes like mango sticky rice, deep-fried fresh shrimp wontons, grilled skewered meat with sticky rice are also absolutely top-notch and shouldn't be missed. Also, Seven Eleven Thailand has a new delicious Thai tea in a green cup. You should try it once.
Super delicious food that makes every traveler miss it.
Thai tea at 711 is so delicious, you'll love it!
Besides food, Chinatown is also famous for its household goods, jewelry, and fashion fabric stores, all of which are traditional and unique. Travelers can stroll along Yaowarat Road to find Chinese specialty shops, or explore fabric and jewelry stores on Charoen Krung Road. Especially, Chinese dried meat is highly favored by Thai youth, like an essential gift when visiting China Town.
We chose 'Red Rose Bar' for our final stop in Chinatown to take shelter from the sudden rain. The bar has a decent menu for a live music session in the heart of the capital. The view overlooking the bustling Chinatown, super friendly staff, and it's a cozy place to make new friends on your solo travel journey!
A laid-back bar for weekend nights in Bangkok.
Soothing sound.
We took some Instagram-worthy photos at the Chinatown, casually sipped on cold beers, and then called a grab back. Around 12 a.m., Chinatown began to quiet down. It felt so familiar to be back in Bangkok, and it's been a while since we had such a long chat.
Let's live the Instagram life!
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7. Moca - What's so special about this museum that everyone visits?
When it comes to MOCA, I bet everyone of us has heard of it when visiting Thailand. Whether you're an art enthusiast or not, you should give it a try. This 'national' spot, I've been here 4 times, and each time it brings a completely different feeling.
A rare self-taken film photo outside of MOCA.
The most recent visit was on a drizzly day, with few visitors making the art museum even more serene than ever. To enter here, you'll pay about 250 baht (around 170,000 VND) for an adult ticket, and if you have a student ID, you'll get a discount on that! My friend and I, laden with bulky luggage, were warmly assisted by the staff.
Right outside the gate, there's already a spot for some Insta-worthy check-ins!
The ticket price is 250 baht, and the cashier counter is impeccably neat!
Stepping into MOCA, a feeling of both strangeness and familiarity resonates, curiosity sparking my interest, immediately drawn to the uniqueness and brilliance of this space. From the arrangement of artworks to the lighting setup, everything is meticulously prepared to provide a wonderful experience for visitors.
Impressed right from the moment I set foot in!
I've discovered many amazing contemporary artworks, from paintings to sculptures, from videos to incredibly 'out there' sounds, each piece carrying its own message, allowing me to instantly explore the diversity and richness of contemporary art.
Contemporary art yet deeply rooted in tradition.
The spaciousness with sleek contemporary design makes me feel separated from the outside world. At MOCA, there's a cafe counter in the waiting area, where you can enjoy a latte before 'art appreciating,' which will be a truly memorable experience.
The serene space offers a wonderful art experience.
The new feature at MOCA post-pandemic is the investment in various newer art forms, I believe. I'm intrigued by the new audio materials, watching videos that 'literally' describe the artworks. Guided from ideas to the depth of each painting.
Sculpture art is also a highlight of MOCA.
Exploring up to the 5th floor, I felt weary, sitting down briefly to check my flight schedule. If you're flying back to Vietnam from Don Mueng Airport, you can take advantage because the museum isn't far from the airport. But remember to check for extra time as Bangkok can be quite congested.
Captivating corners at Moca
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8. “The Bloc” complex after the pandemic?
The Bloc is a must-visit for anyone coming to Thailand, a complex that many people highly recommend. Every year in Bangkok, I make sure to stop by here after 3 PM, enjoying a rich Thai milk tea and indulging in half a Thai-style pizza without a worry in the world.
Always innovative yet equally cozy.
As an expansive complex, it's arranged with giant containers designed to protect the environment, aiming for a sleek and modern minimalist beauty. The layout is sensible, with outdoor gardens for events and creating valuable photo spots where young people gather.
The balcony corners where exciting events are held.
The place where you find incredibly friendly staff.
So, what's changed? I think there is something, for me, “The Bloc' is like a sanctuary, each visit here feels like stumbling upon a serendipitous event, everything is gentle and peaceful. Sitting, watching the sunset at the familiar spot, escaping the hectic urban space.
Thai milk tea, incredibly delicious pizza you shouldn't miss!
Even though “The Bloc' is a bit far from the city center, rest assured, I believe this is a place worth visiting, an annual destination when in Bangkok! Spend at least one afternoon, catch a leisurely ride to immerse yourself here!
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9. Central World - Discover the Hidden Gems
Another familiar spot that I'm sure everyone knows is Central World, Bangkok. For a long time, this place has been a national commercial hub of Bangkok, its diversity and constant innovation never fail to impress me, every visit unveils something new and exciting.
The pedestrian bridge over Central World is always bustling with activity.
Central World is one of the largest shopping centers in Southeast Asia with a plethora of retail stores, restaurants, cinemas, and other entertainment activities. Despite its grand scale, it hosts international-level events and outdoor exhibitions effortlessly due to its spacious plaza-like layout.
This time, I discovered many new things. It was my first time hearing about H&M Music. The affordable fashion brand has opened up a 'stage' within its store as a perfect promotional tactic. I thought there wouldn't be much inside the mall... but boy, was I surprised...
A music room for the true 'artists' right here.
Not only that, Central World hosts some pretty cool exhibitions that change every week or month, you name it. With a constantly refreshed spot for Instagram-worthy shots, why hesitate to visit?
Here are a few exhibitions at Central World!
The space is super expansive, spanning across multiple floors!
Exhibitions attract a ton of visitors!
Don't forget to swing by when you're in Bangkok, folks!
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Don't think these places are outdated, because Bangkok evolves week by week, month by month, season by season. For a traveler like me who seeks emotional experiences, this is truly precious, as the destinations I visit always undergo changes, improvements, and never fail to surprise me. Just like any place, it needs time to mature, to change. And I hope whoever reads this article will have a joyful, open-minded Bangkok experience and won't hesitate to revisit familiar places to see all the differences! So, what are you waiting for? Let's pack our bags with Mytour and explore Thailand right away!
Mytour Goglobal is a blogging program that introduces beautiful destinations around the world, part of the Mytour Go & Share program. This is a great opportunity to promote new travel destinations worldwide to everyone. For each article that meets the requirements, you will receive 1,200,000 VND and the opportunity to become a contributor with Mytour. For more information about the program, visit: https://trv.lk/goglobal
