Ready to rediscover Bangkok?
Woohoo! With effect from 1 April 2022, travellers are no longer required to do a pre-departure test before their flight to Thailand! That means you are only one flight away from heading back to cheap massages, shopping at street markets, and my personal favourite, mango sticky rice.
If you're thinking of planning a holiday to the land of smiles, you'll be delighted to know that there has been some changes in Thailand's vibrant capital city, including exciting new openings, cafes, and more. Keep reading for more inspiration to travel to Bangkok!
10 New Things to Do in Bangkok
1. JODD FAIRS
Bangkok is the land of night markets galore, and if you missed your fix (RIP Artbox and Train Night Market Ratchada), fret not! JODD Fairs is the next big thing in town! Meander your way through the endless shops hawking everything from cute trinkets and trendy clothes and boutiques to food stalls selling Instagrammable street snacks, sweet treats and even some boozy delights! There’s also a designated dining area for you to enjoy all your street food booth eats - so eat, shop and chill away.
- Address: Rama IX Rd, Huai Khwang, Bangkok 10310, Thailand
- Opening Hours: Daily, 11am to 12am
- Nearest station: Phra Ram 9 MRT Station
2. Bangkok E-Gokart Track
Conquered all the night markets and looking for other things to do in Bangkok at night? Try go-karting! The Electric Gokart used here can cater to both the young and old as the speed can be adjusted on every kart, so it’s the perfect activity if you’re travelling with kids in tow. If you’re going with friends, then a race is bound to happen (loser buys a round of drinks after this!) - who will win? After you are done with your activity, don’t forget to head to the photo corner where you can take some keepsake photos too!
- Address: Banthat Thong Rd., Alley, Wang Mai, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Nearest station: Hua Lamphong MRT Station
3. RakDok LaLagoon
RakDok Lagoon is a quick getaway from Bangkok city that comprises an outdoor floral display exhibition of sorts as well as a cafe and other eateries where you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the lake that is beside the compound. Think Gardens by the Bay with various display zones that are meant to exude different vibes and feelings. Each zone is unique in its own way and this place is definitely an Instagram, Tiktok and #OOTD paradise! Entrance is free if you buy a drink but you will need to pay 150baht/pax (~S$6.10) if you are gonna skip the refreshments.
- Address: 894 Maitrijit Road, Sam Wa Tawan Ok, Khlong Sam Wa, Bangkok 10510
- Directions: 1-hour drive away from central Bangkok, it’s best to self drive or hire a private car charter. Alternatively, take a taxi from KuKot BTS Station
4. Ichiba Station
Ichiba Station is a Japan-themed night market in Bangkok. Since Japan isn’t open to international travellers yet, why not enjoy a taste of Japan in Bangkok? Check out its Japanese decor-decked streets, as well as stalls selling Japanese food like ramen, tonkotsu, curry rice, sushi and sashimi. There’s also live music every day, making it (like almost every night market in BKK) an excellent chill place to hang out at night!
- Address:489 3 Ram Inthra Rd, Ram Inthra, Khan Na Yao, Bangkok 10230, Thailand
- Opening Hours: Daily, 5pm to 11pm
- Nearest station: 11th Infantry Regiment BTS Station (take cab or bus from station to night market)
5. Let’s Relax Onsen and Spa
Speaking of having a taste of Japan in Thailand, did you know that you can also enjoy a nice soak in an onsen in Bangkok too? Cue Let’s Relax Onsen and Spa at Thonglor, a soothing and pampering Japanese spa experience with various packages that also include facial treatments and relaxing massages and scrubs. Treat yourself to a pampering onsen session after a long day shopping, eating, and sightseeing - you can book it at only RM85 on Klook!
- Address: Centre Point Sukhumvit 55, 300 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor) Sukhumvit Road, Kwang Klongton Nua, Khet Wattana, Bangkok 10110
- Opening Hours: 10am to 10pm
- Nearest Station: Thong Lo BTS Station
6. Rush B Laser Game Experience
If you're travelling with a group of friends, here’s something fun to try out after you’re done with shopping and eating your way through the malls and night markets. An admission ticket to Rush B Laser Game in Bangkok grants you a one-day admission to a slew of fun and activities, from laser tag to board games and video games too. Choose from a weekday or weekend package and dive into a whole day of unlimited play!
- Address:122 Soi Yu Omsin, Khwaeng Bang Yi Khan, Khet Bang Phlat, Bangkok 10700
- Nearest station: Bang Yi Khan MRT Station
7. Benjakitti Forest Park
The Benjakitti Forest Park is a new skywalk and green space that just opened in 2021, and boasts nature trails, jogging and cycling paths as well as plenty of nature spots such as a swamp, ponds and over 7,000 trees! Nature lover or not, it’s a great place to enjoy the greenery, have a picnic, and of course snap an #OOTD or two.
- Address: Ratchadaphisek Rd, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
- Opening Hours: Daily, 5am to 9am
- Nearest stations: Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre MRT Station, Sukhumvit MRT Station and Asok BTS Station
8. Alpaca Hill
AlpacaHill is Thailand's first and only alpaca breeding farm. Besides alpacas, you will also get the opportunity to get up close with other adorable creatures like the capybara and wallaby. The alpacas roam freely on the compound, and you can get a chance to hand-feed them and take some photos with them too!
- Address: 357 Moo8, Phapok-Tako Land Rd, Suanphung Ratchaburi 70180, Thailand
- Directions: 3-hour drive away from central Bangkok, it’s best to self drive or hire a private car charter.
9. Ong Ang Walking Street
If you love street art murals, the Ong Ang Walking Street is a must-do in Bangkok! Take your pick from the plethora of street art walls, take a long slow stroll along the canal, snap your #OOTD, and of course enjoy all the shops and food booths in the area.
- Address:PGV3+X7P, Wang Burapha Phirom, Phra Nakhon, กรุงเทพมหานคร 10200, Thailand
- Nearest station: Sam Yot MRT Station
10. Starbucks Reserve ICONSIAM
The Starbucks Reserve in ICONSIAM isn't brand new, but it's a fresh opening that happened last year during the pandemic. This 1,260sqm space overlooks the scenic Chao Phraya River and is currently the largest Starbucks store in Thailand. The store sports some impressive architectural details from huge floor-to-ceiling windows to a swirling staircase, vivid murals, a mixologist bar, and a rooftop seating area offering panoramic views of Bangkok's iconic river.
- Address: 7th FL, ICONSIAM, 299 Charoen Nakhon Rd, Khlong Ton Sai, Khlong San, Bangkok 10600, Thailand
Take Day Trips and Explore Bangkok’s Surroundings
Wanna explore outside the city? There’s so much to see and do! Here are some places to check out if you have more time in Thailand and would like to venture further.
Ayutthaya
History lovers and culture vultures must pay a visit to the historic city of Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Wander through the many UNESCO-listed temples and ruins and make sure to get a picture of the famous Buddha peeking from the trees.
Beautiful must see and dos in Ayutthaya include:
- Wat Mahathat (Temple of the Great Relic): Buddha in the trees, traditional Khmer architecture
- Wat Lokaya Sutha: Home to a giant reclining buddha
- Visit a market like Chai Phrom Market: Local market selling fresh produce and street food
If you prefer a chartered tour, the Ancient Ayutthaya Tour has various tour packages catering to different interests, and you can choose from World Heritage Day Tour, Easy Day Tour or Cultural Day Tour.
Khao Kho
This one is a little further, but totally worth the views! About a 5-6 hour drive away from Bangkok is a city located above the clouds, Khao Kho! Here you will be able to savour a sea of clouds for miles and miles and enjoy time in nature. If you prefer to go on a tour, you can also book a Khao Kho tour from Bangkok which includes hotel round trip transfers to and fro! They come in 3D2N or 5D4N packages to suit different needs and depending on how much time you want to spend there.
Khao Yai
Khao Yai is a scenic town that is located 3 hours away from Bangkok. Thanks to the cold weather, you will find some interesting and unique attractions that you never thought you could find in Thailand.
Beautiful must see and dos in Khao Yai include:
- Primo Piazza: A “little Italy” where you can feed sheep and alpacas
- PB Wine Valley: Khao Yai’s very own vineyard where you can do wine tasting
- Khao Yai National Park: Great for hiking and chasing waterfalls