Bullish About Bangkok

Thailand’s captivating capital—Asia’s Best City in the 2022 DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards—offers boundless possibilities for exploration.

Whether it’s their first or tenth time in Bangkok, travelers will never run out of things to discover. Top attractions like the imposing Grand Palace; the riverside temple of Wat Arun with its towering central spire; and century-old Wat Benchamabophit, whose ornate halls were built out of Carrara marble, impress even on a repeat visit. As for culture, dozens of galleries and larger institutions like the Museum of Contemporary Art showcase the creativity of Thai artists. Bargain-hunters can browse the myriad stalls of the world’s biggest weekend market at Chatuchak, an ideal place to pick up souvenirs and traditional crafts. At the other end of the spectrum, glamorous high-end malls peddle the latest fashions and products by talented local designers. Another highlight is a dynamic dining scene that suits any budget. Bangkok’s Michelin-recognized restaurants plate up everything from European to contemporary Thai fare, and Japanese to modIndian food. Many showcase the local cooking through their heirloom recipes, use of near-forgotten ingredients, and creative approach. As the city draws migrants from all across Thailand, the full breadth of regional cuisines is represented here too: think northern specialties such as khao soi, southern seafood curries, and som tam (green papaya salad) as well as larb (minced meat salad) from Isan. One of the best ways to experience Thai food culture is by hopping between the street-food stalls that serve hungry customers 24 hours a day, seven days a week.. Bangkok’s thriving nightlife has attracted visitors for decades. This is a city that never sleeps: a host of nightclubs await revelers wanting to dance till they drop, while underground EDM venues spotlight up-and-coming DJs. Cocktail aficionados are also spoilt for choice, thanks to the range of speakeasy-style drinking dens, sophisticated rooftop lounges that afford panoramic views, and smallscale hangouts, like those in the hipster bar area of Soi Nana in Yaowarat (Chinatown). For all its hustle-and-bustle, the city does relaxation exceptionally well. An established wellness industry pampers spa-goers through high-tech treatments and traditional techniques like the vigorous Thai massage, delivered in standalone spas or those attached to upscale lodgings. Holidaymakers, business travelers, and digital nomads alike can also look forward to world-class accommodation in the form of internationally branded luxury hotels, intimate boutique properties full of local character, or serviced apartments. With so much diversity at hand, it’s no wonder Bangkok has been consistently voted as the Best City in Asia according to DestinAsian readers.