BANGKOK

© Ben Lowes, Rajadamnern Boxing Stadium, Bangkok

© Ben Lowes, Rajadamnern Boxing Stadium, Bangkok

Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, is a large city known for ornate shrines and vibrant street life. The boat-filled Chao Phraya River feeds its network of canals, flowing past the Rattanakosin royal district, home to opulent Grand Palace and its sacred Wat Phra Kaew Temple. Nearby is Wat Pho Temple with an enormous reclining Buddha and, on the opposite shore, Wat Arun Temple with its steep steps and Khmer-style spire.

what is it famous for?

Bangkok is famous for its racy nightlife entertainment and amongst the madness is a thriving cabaret scene. It is also extremely famous for its historic Mai Thai boxing stadiums, grueling training, exhilarating fights, and history of Thai Boxing.

  • Hotels

  • Restaurants

  • Attractions

  • Nightlife

Bangkok_skyline

when to visit

There isn’t really a ‘best’ time to visit Bangkok as all times of the year are suitable, however November and early December may be the best time to visit. The city is recovering from monsoon season (and experiencing cooler climates) and the holiday crowds are yet to arrive. September and October are Bangkok's (and Thailand's) rainiest months.

© Ben Lowes, Grand Palace. Bangkok

© Ben Lowes, Grand Palace. Bangkok

top 5 hotels in bangkok

Bangkok is one of the best cities in the world for those who adore hotels and here you will find luxury hotels at half the price of Tokyo, Shanghai, or New York City. A boom in boutique hotels has sprouted in the last five years, adding some interesting new spots to the mix.

1 siam kempinski hotel bangkok

© Kempinski, Siam Kempinski, Bangkok

© Kempinski, Siam Kempinski, Bangkok

Located at the heart of Bangkok’s downtown district, the 5-star Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok is a perfect destination for both business and leisure travelers. This luxury hotel offers direct access to Siam Paragon, one of Bangkok’s premier shopping and entertainment centres, and sits within walking distance of the BTS SkyTrain station at Siam for convenient access to the city’s many tourist and leisure attractions. Each of the hotel’s 401 luxurious rooms and suites is decorated with traditional Thai accents. Most rooms include private balconies overlooking the hotel’s lush green gardens and spectacular free-form swimming pool. The hotel’s 3 restaurants offer diverse dining options and include the award-winning Michelin one star Sra Bua by Kiin Kiin. The luxury spa and health club is a haven of healthy life, wellness and tranquility for guests seeking total rest and relaxation.

3 mandarin oriental bangkok

2 137 pillars suites bangkok

© 137 Pillars, Siam Kempinski, Bangkok

© 137 Pillars, Siam Kempinski, Bangkok

Set in the heart of fashionable Sukhumvit Thonglor, 137 Pillars Suites & Residences is one of the best luxury 5 star hotels and serviced apartments in Bangkok, situated next to the prominent Em-District shopping area it is ideal for business or pleasure.

The creation of 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai, based on the historic Baan Borneo – which was the Northern Headquarters of the Borneo Trading Company built 125 years ago.


© Mandarin Oriental, Siam Kempinski, Bangkok

© Mandarin Oriental, Siam Kempinski, Bangkok

For more than 143 years, travelers have followed the Chao Phraya River to stay at the legendary Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok. A luxury five-star hotel in one of the world’s most exciting cities, we enjoy a reputation for style, service and excellence. A haven of calm on the banks of the river, Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok is a truly remarkable hotel. Having completed, in October 2019, a multi-million-dollar renovation our timeless yet contemporary, classic yet cutting-edge, unique blend of luxury and comfort makes us the ultimate Bangkok address.

5 shanghai mansion bangkok

4 crowne plaza bangkok

© Ben Lowes, Crowne Plaza. Bangkok

© Ben Lowes, Crowne Plaza. Bangkok

The Crowne Plaza Lumpini Park is an excellent hotel, filled with luxury and located in the Business & Entertainment District of Bangkok. Take the elevator up to the 23rd-floor Lobby where gleaming black-and-white tiles lead the way to their front desk where dedicated Japanese/English-speaking guest relations staff will check you straight into your room or suite, where panoramic views of Bangkok's twinkling city skyline await you. Their sparkling outdoor pool is the perfect place to cool off and relax after a morning spent touring Bangkok's magnificent Grand Palace. Alternatively, visit their spa for a soothing Thai massage.

© Shanghai Mansion, Crowne Plaza. Bangkok

© Shanghai Mansion, Crowne Plaza. Bangkok

Relax and rejuvenate at Shanghai Mansion, Chinatown’s best known and award-winning boutique hotel. Only a short walk from the MRT Hua Lamphong underground metro station and now even closer, with the opening of the new MRT Wat Mangkon Station. As soon as you cross the red bridge into Shanghai Mansion, you enter dynamic Shanghai 1930’s temperament blending heritage with modern living. From the Chinese fusion culinary delights of Red Rose Restaurant with live jazz-music opening right out onto Yaowarat, to an oasis of tranquility resplendent throughout the hotel.

© Ben Lowes, The One, Khao San Road, Bangkok

© Ben Lowes, The One, Khao San Road, Bangkok

TOP 5 RESTAURANTS IN bangkok

Bangkok is not only home to some fabulous Thai cuisine; it also hosts some of the quirkiest little joints you will stumble across in the whole of Thailand. Street food also plays a big part in the hustle & bustle of Bangkok life with some of the most random, yet delicious, hot and cold plates available at the drop of a hat.

Whether you're dining on the street or in a stately dining room, Bangkok will deliver a stellar eating experience you'll remember for a long time to come.

1 the smokin’ pug

© The Smokin’ Pug, Bangkok

© The Smokin’ Pug, Bangkok

This quirky eatery was opened in 2015 by a husband and wife who met in China and discovered their love for smokey BBQ goodness. In fact the name "The Smokin' Pug" came as a suggestion from one of their friends who loved their quirky pug Su. 

This restaurant is fun, lively and more importantly a uniquely authentic restaurant. A real change for your taste buds after enjoying a variety of Thai foods in Asia.

BBQ food in general is a dining experience with soul and history.  The music, the drinks, the service all making (or breaking) the experience and The Smokin' Pug hit the nail on the head each time. 

3 Sühring

2 eat me

© Eat Me, Bangkok

© Eat Me, Bangkok

Opening their doors back in May of 1998, Eat Me has been called a veteran of the Bangkok dining scene. Some have put this down to ther progressive approach, but we believe a number of factors keep diners coming back again and again.

Head chef Tim Butler, who hails from New York, exhibits genuine creativity in the kitchen, fusing influences from around the world. Dishes are characterised by daring flavour combinations, which showcase a kaleidoscope of international ingredients.




4 THE ONE, KHAO SAN ROAD

© Sühring, Bangkok

© Sühring, Bangkok

Sample the Sühring Erlebnis and take a step into a culinary journey. From the first bite to the last, the menus reflects the chefs philosophy of quality, seasonality and simplicity. The creations change continuously according to the season and the ingredients passing through the kitchen.

The dynamic kitchen is designed for the full Sühring Erlebnis only. It showcases the best of modern German fare inspired by childhood memories and family recipes. All elevated to the level of haute cuisine and combining the essence of traditional dishes with contemporary Central European influences. The menu reflects the chefs' philosophy of quality, seasonality and simplicity.

5 ERR

© Ben Lowes, The One, Khao San Road, Bangkok

© Ben Lowes, The One, Khao San Road, Bangkok

The One is situated in the centre of Bangkok’s most happening road, Khao San Road. The raised seating makes it easy to watch the world pass by as you sit down for a bite (or a pint).

The food served is scrumptious Thai cuisine at affordable prices. Of an evening the road comes to life and The One is one of the busiest restaurants/bars you will find.

© Err, Bangkok

© Err, Bangkok

Err is a traditional shop-house re-imagined as a funky one-room restaurant in Bangkok's royal quarter. The doors are always swung wide, meaning there's no air-conditioning, even if you opt to sit inside amid the mismatched chairs and cool art. It's playful and inviting, especially if you're in the mood to drink with friends.

© Ben Lowes, Grand Palace, Bangkok

© Ben Lowes, Grand Palace, Bangkok

TOP 5 ATTRACTIONS IN BANGKOK

Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, is a large city known for ornate shrines and vibrant street life. The boat-filled Chao Phraya River feeds its network of canals, flowing past the Rattanakosin royal district, home to opulent Grand Palace and its sacred Wat Phra Kaew Temple. Nearby is Wat Pho Temple with an enormous reclining Buddha and, on the opposite shore, Wat Arun Temple with its steep steps and Khmer-style spire.

1 MUAY THAI BOXING

© Ben Lowes, Rajadamnern Stadium, Bangkok

© Ben Lowes, Rajadamnern Stadium, Bangkok

The Rajadamnern Stadium organise Muay Thai boxing matches at Rajadamnern boxing stadium and have expanded its infrastructure so that it is now one of the most renowned boxing stadiums in the world and an institution of Muaythai in Thailand.

3 khao san road

2 the grand palace

© Ben Lowes, Grand Palace, Bangkok

© Ben Lowes, Grand Palace, Bangkok

The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings at the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. The palace has been the official residence of the Kings of Siam since 1782. The King, his Court and his Royal Government were based on the grounds of the
palace until 1925.





© Ben Lowes, Khao San Road, Bangkok

© Ben Lowes, Khao San Road, Bangkok

Khao San Road once primarily attracted backpackers looking for cheap accommodation and a party scene, however, in recent years, the neighborhood tends to attract just as many short-term "suitcasers" and families.

Before it attracted tourism, Khao San Road transformed from a rice-trading center to Bangkok's "religious road" because of a few shops selling supplies needed by monks in the neighboring temples.

5 pratunam market

2 WAT PHO
(LAYING GOLDEN BUDDHA)

© Ben Lowes, Wat Pho, Bangkok

© Ben Lowes, Wat Pho, Bangkok

Wat Pho is an important landmark in the Ko Rattanakosin area. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful Buddhist fine arts and the existing Thai intellect which has descended from ancient times, taken as immortal careers
knowledge. It is most famous for its Laying
Golden Buddha.

© Ben Lowes, Pratunam Market, Bangkok

© Ben Lowes, Pratunam Market, Bangkok

Pratunam Market is a major market selling clothes, shoes, and fashion accessories at wholesale prices. Enter the small alleys and jam-packed small streets and you will find yourself in the middle of a clothes-maze. Prices are very cheap, and most shops offer retail prices for single pieces.

© Bangkok.com, Bangkok

© Bangkok.com, Bangkok

TOP 5 NIGHTCLUBS IN BANGKOK

Nightlife in Bangkok has evolved over the years, with the emphasis now firmly on swanky rooftop bars, lively nightclubs and hip cocktail bars.

Any discussion of nightlife in Bangkok involves the party scene at Khao San Road, or the more laid back Soi Rambuttri next door, whilst Thonglor across town seems to have a trendy new bar opening up every week. Clubbers in Bangkok are spoilt for choice too, with big names on Sukhumvit, Silom and the gauntlet of superclubs at RCA all packed-out with tourists and locals most nights of the week. 

1 KHAO SAN ROAD

© Ben Lowes, Khao San Road, Bangkok

© Ben Lowes, Khao San Road, Bangkok

Khao San Road takes off at night: neon signs flicker into life, music begins blasting from street-side sound systems, while the masses begin mapping out the long, alcohol-soaked night in front of them. And there's no shortage of choices. From the (relatively) upscale Silk Bar and Cinnamon, to the quiet tranquility of the back-alley Hippie de Bar, or the crude charms of a kerb-side cocktail shack complete with plastic stools and ghetto blaster, there's something to suit every mood, taste, budget and state of cleanliness. Some of the truly thrifty even opt to purchase beers from the local 7/11 and drink on the street, hobo style.

3 vesper cocktail bar

2 beam

© HereNow.city, Beam, Bangkok

© HereNow.city, Beam, Bangkok

Beam Nightclub Bangkok is one of the liveliest underground dance clubs in Bangkok, which brings underground house and techno music to the city’s choices for late-night partying. The music policy here is strictly adhering to the ‘cooler’ elements of the dance music scene so don’t expect to hear any vocal EDM tracks.

© Vesper, Bangkok

© Vesper, Bangkok

A bar fit for the world’s most famous secret agent, Vesper has become one of the city’s most popular dining and drinking destinations since its opening in April 2014. Since then, the Silom hot spot has shaken and stirred together countless awards, most notably ranking in ‘Asia’s 50 Best Bars’ for three consecutive years.

4 ONYX

© Bangkok.com, Onyx, Bangkok

© Bangkok.com, Onyx, Bangkok

Onyx Bangkok Nightclub is the city's first club to offer the big-room style of partying that is popular in places like Ibiza, Berlin and Seoul. The huge, 2,000-capacity main room has the cream of the world's EDM and commercial house DJs gracing the decks on an almost weekly basis.

5 sing sing theater

© Solitaire Bangkok, Sing Sing Theater, Bangkok

© Solitaire Bangkok, Sing Sing Theater, Bangkok

Sing Sing Theater is the award-winning sanctuary of nightlife in Bangkok, featuring the hottest DJs across-the-board, cutting-edge performers and most beautiful people Tuesday through Sunday. Table reservations are highly recommended.