Experience a unique side to Bangkok
Bangkok has everything for everyone – preserved pockets of culture, massive mega-malls, a melting pot of cuisines, bustling morning markets and a world-famous nightlife scene.
If you’re a frequent visitor to this holiday hotspot, you may think you’ve seen and done all there is. However, Bangkok always takes you by surprise. Here are X things to try on your next trip, for a new way to experience this vibrant city.
1. View Bangkok from up above on the Mahanakhon SkyWalk
Bangkok’s spirit is palpable from the bustling city streets and within the vibrant districts – but the city’s energy takes on a different shade when watched from high above.
At the very top of King Power Makanakhon Building, the Makanakhon Skywalk is Thailand’s highest observation deck, rising 314 meters above ground. With both indoor and outdoor observation decks, make a trip to the top right before dusk to catch Bangkok in all her golden sunset glory. Grab a drink at Bangkok’s highest skyline bar as you watch the night fall.
Makanakhon Skywalk
Address: King Power MahaNakhon Tower, 114 Narathiwas Road, Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok
Nearest Station: Chong Nonsi Station
2. Get whisked away at the fantasy-themed Mocking Tales Cafe
Photo Credit: @mockingtales on Instagram
Photo Credit: @kinxxpshrp on Instagram
Explore the corners and crannies of Mocking Tales Cafe. Its hauntingly unique twisted fairy tales concept transports you to a Harry Potter-esque realm, with the medieval interior decor, mysterious ambience and creative menu that reads like a storybook.
Photo Credit: @mockingtales on Instagram
Most come to Mocking Tales for their insanely insta-worthy desserts, which are presented with flair at your table. The Inferno Mountain is particularly spectacular – a towering cone of chocolate is is doused in a flaming stream of liquor, melting down to reveal generous scoops of ice cream.
Photo Credit: @kinxxpshrp on Instagram
Order up some mains like the Mocking Tales Wagyu Burger, which comes stacked with a thick beef patty, cheddar cheese, caramelized onions and grilled mushrooms, complete with housemade special sauce and a black squid ink bun.
Mocking Tales Cafe
Address: Thong Lo 4, Khlong Tan Nuea, Bangkok, Thailand 10110
Nearest Station: Thong Lo
3. Visit the Chang Chui Bangkok Plane Night Market
Photo Credit: @melomelojai on Instagram
An eclectic mix of artsy, urban and ecocentric all rolled into one, Chang Chui Plane Night Market is one of the new kids on the Bangkok night market scene.
This unique night market banks on its theme of sustainability, with the different zones of the night market are built from repurposed scrap materials for that rustic-industrial aesthetic. The huge decommissioned L-1011 TriStar Lockheed military plane makes for an unmissable centrepiece – having been turned into a museum and by-reservation Thai restaurant.
Photo Credit: @jessi0327.tw on Instagram
With street food vendors, artisan crafters, live music, vintage clothing boutiques and even Insects in the Backyard – Thailand’s first edible insect fine-dining restaurant – you won’t be short of things to do in this quirky new night market. Check out more things to do in Bangkok at night 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. Try Bangkok-only extra-spicy items at Thailand’s first ever Taco Bell
Photo Credit: @sleepyding on Instagram
Taco Bell has finally landed in Thailand. This cult favorite American fast food chain finally opened its first Thailand outpost in the heart of Bangkok’s financial district at MercuryVille on 24 Jan, to much anticipation and hype. Some apparently camped overnight before opening day – all for Taco Bell.
Photo Credit: @missprang on Instagram
Get the Thailand-exclusive Kickin’ Chicken Taco, which comes with a special Fire Sauce that was made for the Thai market. The spice levels in their menu dishes have all been turned up to suit the local palates as well. If you can still stand the heat, grab a few packets of their Fire Sauce and Hot Sauce to round up your feast.
Taco Bell Bangkok @ MercuryVille
Address: Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailan
Nearest Station: Chit Lom
5. #FindThePhotoBooth: Secret bar-within-a-bar that’s hidden behind a (working!) photo booth
#FindThePhotoBooth could be Bangkok’s most photo-worthy speakeasy yet, in more ways than one.
To access this hidden bar, you first have to climb up to the second floor of 8 On Eleven to Score Bar, which is your regular run-of-the-mill sports bar. At the side of the room, you’ll find what seems to be working photobooth where you can pose for instant photo prints. That’s where the night begins.
Photo Credit: @fiatfiata on Instagram
Photo Credit: @fiatfiata on Instagram
We won’t drop too many details. Once you figure out how to get past hidden the innocuous facade, you’ll find a sleek cocktail bar that serves up both classic and South-East Asian-inspired drinks, founded by four of Asia’s top bartenders – including one from Singapore’s Nutmeg and Clove.
You get to keep the instant photos to remember your night – this is one night spot where the drinks themselves are just half the fun.
#FindThePhotoBooth
Address: 11 Sukhumvit Rd, Khwaeng Khlong Toei Nuea, Khlong Toei, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110, Thailand
Nearest Station: Nana
6. Visit the mega-huge ICONSIAM mega-mall
Bangkok’s is a shopaholic’s mega-mall paradise – and ICONSIAM might be the biggest and best one in its collection yet.
This massive 525,00 sq. ft. waterfront shopping complex houses Thailand’s first Apple Store, a 7-storey Takashimaya, the largest adidas Originals store in the Pacific region and more. There’s even an indoor floating market built on its premises!
Check out our full guide to this Bangkok’s mega-mall, and make sure you get your ICONSIAM Tourist Privilege Card to enjoy special discounts and perks
ICONSIAM
Address: 299 Charoen Nakhon Soi 5, Charoen Nakhon Road, Khlong San, Bangkok, Thailand 10600
Nearest Station: Krung Thonburi BTS Station. Get out at Exit 1, and hop on the free ICONSIAM shuttle.
7. Learn the secrets of Thai cuisine at Bangkok Thai Cooking Academy
There’s no truer way to know a country’s cuisine, than by getting your hands in deep.
At Bangkok Thai Cooking Academy, you’ll learn how to prepare your favorite Thai dishes from scratch. Select between a morning or afternoon half-day class that comes with five dishes, or a full day eight-hour professional class, where you’ll be training alongside future chefs-to-be at your dedicated kitchen station.
The session starts where the magic begins – a local market tour where you’ll get to pick the fresh ingredients that’ll be transformed into the dishes of your choice. You’ll be taught how to cook up a spread of Thai curries, stir-frys and other popular dishes – including dessert. They even teach you how to make your own curry paste.
Now you can take your knowledge back home, and put it to good use whenever you’re missing the taste of Thailand.
Bangkok Thai Cooking Academy
Address: 1940 Sukhumvit Road, Soi 60, Bang Chak, Phra Kanong, Bangkok, Thailand 10260
Nearest Station: Bang Chak
8. Take a fried chicken around-the-world taste tour at Saucey Chicken and Beer Bomb
Photo Credit: @aran.np on Instagram
Photo Credit: @sauceybomb on Instagram
Get the beach-vibes going at Saucey Chicken and Beer Bomb, a fried chicken speciality shack that serves fried chicken done six ways. There’re enough choices to suit all tastes – from the fiery Thai-inspired Signature done up with chilli paste, shrimp oil and garlic, to flavor-packed African Teriyaki spiked with wild honey and ginger.
Photo Credit: @sauceybomb on Instagram
Head on over in the evenings for the Saucey Signature cocktails and 3-for-2 happy hour beers. There’s no happier marriage than fried chicken and drinks.
Saucey Chicken and Beer Bomb
Address: 44/6 Sathon 8, North Sathorn Road, Silom Sub-district, Bang Rak District, Bangkok, Thailand 10500
Nearest Station: Chong Nonsi
9. Plu: Taste all of Thailand at this contemporary botanical-themed restaurant
For a dining experience worlds apart from the street-side stalls, head to Plu.
Image Credit: @yokelia
Tucked away from the busy main streets in the Suanplu neighborhood, this modern contemporary Thai restaurant is set in a pavillion surrounded by gardens. Its colonial-style decor follows this botanical oasis theme to a T with tropical wallpaper, patterned tiled floors, delicate chinaware and outdoor terrace tables.
Photo Credit: @rinratabelle on Instagram
Plu goes beyond the typical pad thai and tom yum goong. The menu comes together with a mix of Thai, Chinese and Indian influences, built on regional flavors and top quality local produce. Order the Khai Phalo Yang Matum, a five-spice braised pork and tofu dish with braised soft-boiled eggs, as well as the ingenious Pomelo Salad with Duck.
Photo Credit: @rinratabelle on Instagram
Even the classic Thai dishes are elevated, with pork crackling-topped Phad Thai, Blue Crab Curry with Betel Leaves, and generously portioned Hor Mok Pla (steamed spicy fish custard).
Plu Bangkok
Address: 3, Soi Phra Phinit, Suan Phlu Road Thung Maha Mek, Bangkok Thailand
Nearest Station: Chong Nonsi
10. Try the UniCornetto Ice Cream
Photo Credit: @weekenderbangkok on Instagram
The unicorn food trend doesn’t seem to be dying off just yet, whether it’s unicorn cake or Starbucks frappes. Convenience store favorite Cornetto dropped the psychedelic UniCornetto – at first exclusive to only Bangkok in August last year, before being released in Malaysia and Indonesia a few months later.
Photo Credit: @weekenderbangkok on Instagram
This purple and bright blue confection comprises of cotton candy-marshmallow flavored ice cream with a centre of strawberry jam, topped with multi-colored chocolate balls. Pretty in pink, and extra #instaworthy.
11. Check out The Market, Bangkok’s Newest Shopping Mall
Image Credit: 吃喝玩乐 • YY 趣旅行 on Facebook
Having opened right next to the famous Platinum Mall on Valentine’s Day, The Market is Bangkok’s newest shopping complex.
Image Credit: @petit.uckaranolmayta on Instagram
Make this latest addition a stop on your mega-malls-to-go list – with two floors of blogshops and fashion boutiques, as well as a wide variety of F&B options that include a DOMO-kun cafe!
If a long day of shopping is wearing you out, head up to the Let’s Relax Spa for the best kind of R&R that won’t break the bank.
The Market Bangkok
Address: Ratchadamri Road, 10400 Bangkok Thailand
Nearest Station: Chit Lom
12. Bask in the zen vibes of Peace Oriental Teahouse with their tea-based treats and seasonal specials
Photo Credit: @water_whatever on Instagram
Matcha fans, this one’s for you. Peace Oriental Teahouse is quite possibly the mecca of every tea lover’s Bangkok trip. Decked out in smooth wood details and wide glass windows, along with a footwear removal policy for entering the cafe, a visit to this quiet space makes you feel like you’ve been transported to a modern minimalist Japanese teahouse.
With Peace Oriental’s tagline of “matcha for perfectionists”, you can’t go wrong with Matcha Extremist – a scoop of incredibly intense matcha ice cream encased in a thin charcoal shell.
The majority of the menu revolves around speciality tea – from Chinese oolong to fragrant Gyokuro – along with a lineup of milk-based drinks, like their Snow series that includes Honey Yogurt and Dark Choco flavors.
Peace Oriental Teahouse (Sukhumvit 49)
Address: 47 Soi Sukhumvit 49/1, Khwaeng Khlong Tan Nuea, Khet Watthana, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110, Thailand
Nearest Station: Thong Lo
13. Channel your inner Street Fighter in a Muay Thai Class at Southpaw
There’s no better place to pick up Thai boxing than in Bangkok itself. Learn some self-defense skills in a Muay Thai class at Southpaw by Galaxy Gym. Strike and parry your way through a join-in or private session, where the trainers at Galaxy Gym will teach you all the basics of this Thai combat sport.
Not only is Muay Thai a valuable skill to add to your arsenal, it’s a great way to put all those calories from the food to good use!
Southpaw by Galaxy Gym
Address: 982 Room no. B11-13, 2nd floor, Int-Intersect Tower, Rama 3 road, Bang Phong Phang, Yan Nawa Bangkok, Thailand 10110.
Nearest Station: Wat Dan
Never get bored of Bangkok
Experience Bangkok a whole new way with these unique things to try! For a hassle-free holiday in the capital of the Land of Smiles, don’t forget these travel essentials:
- 4G SIM Card to stay connected wherever you are in Thailand
- Private BKK Airport Transfers to your hotel
- Bangkok Skytrain (BTS) Pass to get you from place to place
