IO things to do in Bangkok
The Thai capital dazzles with its rich ancient culture, stunning sights, sensational eating and decadent night-life
1
Gaze at the Grand Palace
Built in the 18th century and home to the kings of Siam for 150 years, this dazzling cultural jewel is a vast sacred site, the spiritual heart of the Thai kingdom. It is home to royal halls and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha – Thailand’s most important. There’s a dress code of no bare feet, arms or legs: clothes can be borrowed on site. royalgrandpalace.th/en/home
2
Relax with massage
Thailand is rightly famed as a world centre for massage therapy and nowhere does it better than the Wat Pho Thai Traditional Massage School. As it’s located within the majestic 16th century Wat Pho Monastery – next to the Grand Palace – it’s the perfect pitstop for weary feet after sightseeing. With a sublime hour-long massage costing all of $18, you won’t want to leave. Ever. watpomassage.com
3
Dive in to street eats
If there’s a better street food destination than Bangkok, we’re yet to find it. Pretty much every street corner has a cart where deliciousness comes as standard, from smoky barbecue skewers to cut mango with chilli salt, noodles fried in front of you or seriously fiery curries. If you prefer a market setting, take a tuktuk to Nang Loeng – and prepare to be blown away.
4
Sail the River of Kings
Known as the River of Kings, the Chao Praya is Bangkok’s legendary waterway – and also the quickest way to get around. Avoid tour boats and just jump on the express ferries or longtail boats from dozens of piers where details are in English. Many five-star riverside hotels run their own shuttle boats for guests staying or dining
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5
Live like a local
We are big fans of the brand new Madi Paidi Bangkok, Autograph Collection as, for once, the promise of living like a local is actually delivered. Down a quiet residential street, yet with the funky vibrancy of Thong Lor within easy walking distance, this luxury boutique property mixes residential charm with Thai heritage to memorable effect. Great young staff, cracking eats, and a rooftop pool with bar make this the perfect pad. madipaidibangkok.com
6
Hit that night-life
While you can hit the “entertainment” red light district of Patpong, we’d recommend some research on Bangkok’s finest bars instead. Rabbit Hole, Vesper, Tropic City and
Teens of Thailand will kick you off in style.
7
Shopping can feel like a national sport, from trinkets and souvenirs across the mind-blowing 8000 stalls at the vast Chatuchak weekend market, to some of the glitziest malls. Iconsiam, for example, features every luxury brand and boutique imaginable. iconsiam.com/en
Indulge in retail therapy
8
Get lost in Chinatown
If bling is your thing then you’ll love the gold shops of Bangkok’s Chinatown, one of the world’s largest. Neon signs beckon you down narrow laneways where incense-filled temples adjoin sensational food stands mixing Thai and Chinese flavours. There’s plenty of street art – the perfect IG backdrop – but also the sense this is a real local neighbourhood, still largely untouched. tourismthailand.org/attraction/china-town
9
Enter coffee heaven 10
Opt for fine dining
Warehouse 30 is a cool strip of galleries, stores, dining, a spa and co-working spaces. The hipster vibe means there are vintage stores, street art, design firms – and great coffee. warehouse30.com
This is one of the world’s great dining cities. Hit up Chef Ton’s awardwinners Le Du and Nusara for sublime twists on Thai flavours, enjoy fabulous Mediterranean cuisine from star chef Mauro Colagreco at Côte or be wowed by the creativity at Canvas.