Guidebook for Bangkok
Parks & Nature
Lumpini Park is an inner-city haven of tranquility, fresh air and shade - offering city dwellers the perfect connection to nature. Named after the birthplace of the Lord Buddha in Nepal, the park is more than half a million square metres big, and the habitat of various flora and fauna.
Opening Hours: 04:30 - 21:0.
Location: Rama IV Road, Pathumwan
MRT: Silom, Lumphini
BTS: Saladaeng
How to get there: MRT Subway Silom or Lumphini Stations will drop you right opposite the park.
639 locals recommend
Lumpini Park
192 Thanon WitthayuLumpini Park is an inner-city haven of tranquility, fresh air and shade - offering city dwellers the perfect connection to nature. Named after the birthplace of the Lord Buddha in Nepal, the park is more than half a million square metres big, and the habitat of various flora and fauna.
Opening Hours: 04:30 - 21:0.
Location: Rama IV Road, Pathumwan
MRT: Silom, Lumphini
BTS: Saladaeng
How to get there: MRT Subway Silom or Lumphini Stations will drop you right opposite the park.
Shopping
One of our all time favourite shopping centres not only on Sukhumvit but also in Bangkok, Terminal 21 caters for everyone. If you love shopping then you are in heaven: there are over 600 shops here. If following your friends or family around the mall is usually painful, then Terminal 21 Shopping Mall will keep you distracted. This is no ordinary shopping experience, taking you around the world as you explore the 5 floors, with some of the best themed decor we have ever seen.
Opening Hours: 10:00-22:00 Location: Sukhumvit Road (between Soi 19 and 21) MRT: Sukhumvit BTS: Asok (direct access via Skywalk)
906 locals recommend
Terminal 21
88 Soi Sukhumvit 19One of our all time favourite shopping centres not only on Sukhumvit but also in Bangkok, Terminal 21 caters for everyone. If you love shopping then you are in heaven: there are over 600 shops here. If following your friends or family around the mall is usually painful, then Terminal 21 Shopping Mall will keep you distracted. This is no ordinary shopping experience, taking you around the world as you explore the 5 floors, with some of the best themed decor we have ever seen.
Opening Hours: 10:00-22:00 Location: Sukhumvit Road (between Soi 19 and 21) MRT: Sukhumvit BTS: Asok (direct access via Skywalk)
JJ Green Night Market might just be the coolest place to shop in Bangkok, with its much more chilled-out, bohemian vibes when compared to the capital’s gargantuan Chatuchak Weekend Market just down the road. Part vintage flea market, part local drinking hangout, JJ Green is best visited on Thursday to Sunday evening, from 17:00 to 24:00, although many bars here keeps going until after midnight on Saturday and Sunday night, when the market is at its busiest.
Opening Hours: Thurs - Sun 17:00 – 02:00 MRT: Chatuchak BTS: Mo Chit Address: 1 Kamphaeng Phet 3, Chatuchak, Bangkok
945 locals recommend
Chatuchak Weekend Market
JJ Green Night Market might just be the coolest place to shop in Bangkok, with its much more chilled-out, bohemian vibes when compared to the capital’s gargantuan Chatuchak Weekend Market just down the road. Part vintage flea market, part local drinking hangout, JJ Green is best visited on Thursday to Sunday evening, from 17:00 to 24:00, although many bars here keeps going until after midnight on Saturday and Sunday night, when the market is at its busiest.
Opening Hours: Thurs - Sun 17:00 – 02:00 MRT: Chatuchak BTS: Mo Chit Address: 1 Kamphaeng Phet 3, Chatuchak, Bangkok
China town (Yaowarat) is a district of the Thai-Chinese community, the oldest part of Bangkok, a popular tourist attraction and a Thai- Chinese food haven. It is packed with market stalls and street-side restaurantsPrices : As Yaowarat is a food street. The prices vary depending on each stall, however, it is very reasonable.
Hours : This street never sleep!!! It opens 24 hours, daily, but best for street eating in the evenings after sunset.
How to Get There : Take MRT subway to Hua Lamphong MRT station. The station is not close to Chinatown. From the station you have to walk for 10-15 minutes or take a taxi.
208 locals recommend
Chinatown
483-5 ถ. เยาวราชChina town (Yaowarat) is a district of the Thai-Chinese community, the oldest part of Bangkok, a popular tourist attraction and a Thai- Chinese food haven. It is packed with market stalls and street-side restaurantsPrices : As Yaowarat is a food street. The prices vary depending on each stall, however, it is very reasonable.
Hours : This street never sleep!!! It opens 24 hours, daily, but best for street eating in the evenings after sunset.
How to Get There : Take MRT subway to Hua Lamphong MRT station. The station is not close to Chinatown. From the station you have to walk for 10-15 minutes or take a taxi.
Food Scene
Cabbages and Condoms in Bangkok is a restaurant with a difference. Using a quirky name to highlight a serious issue, it is a great place to enjoy some tasty Thai food knowing that part of the profit is going to a good cause. Money from your meal is used to support development programmes initiated by the Population and Community Development Association (PDA).
Opening Hours: 11:00 – 22:00 MRT: Sukhumvit BTS: Asok Address: Sukhumvit Rd, Bangkok 10110, Thailand Tel: +66 (0)2 229 4610
59 locals recommend
Cabbages & Condoms
10 Soi Suk ChaiCabbages and Condoms in Bangkok is a restaurant with a difference. Using a quirky name to highlight a serious issue, it is a great place to enjoy some tasty Thai food knowing that part of the profit is going to a good cause. Money from your meal is used to support development programmes initiated by the Population and Community Development Association (PDA).
Opening Hours: 11:00 – 22:00 MRT: Sukhumvit BTS: Asok Address: Sukhumvit Rd, Bangkok 10110, Thailand Tel: +66 (0)2 229 4610
In its short time on the Bangkok scene, Rocket Coffeebar has made a huge impact for its brunch cuisine, delicious cocktails and good coffee. It’s one of those all-round venues that, whatever you’re in the mood for, they can fill the void.
The venue is bright and airy, the service is friendly and the presentation is always spot on. Though the coffee menu is short — it’s not a place for lovers of syrups and extras — the results are always exquisite.
Rocket Coffeebar, Sathorn Soi 12, Silom, Bangkok, www.facebook.com/RocketCoffeebar
48 locals recommend
Rocket Coffeebar S.12
149 Sathon Soi 12In its short time on the Bangkok scene, Rocket Coffeebar has made a huge impact for its brunch cuisine, delicious cocktails and good coffee. It’s one of those all-round venues that, whatever you’re in the mood for, they can fill the void.
The venue is bright and airy, the service is friendly and the presentation is always spot on. Though the coffee menu is short — it’s not a place for lovers of syrups and extras — the results are always exquisite.
Rocket Coffeebar, Sathorn Soi 12, Silom, Bangkok, www.facebook.com/RocketCoffeebar
China town (Yaowarat) is a district of the Thai-Chinese community, the oldest part of Bangkok, a popular tourist attraction and a Thai- Chinese food haven. It is packed with market stalls and street-side restaurants. There are many more intersting stalls and restaurants to visit in Yaowarat. Prices : As Yaowarat is a food street. The prices vary depending on each stall, however, it is very reasonable. Hours : This street never sleep!!! It opens 24 hours, daily, but best for street eating in the evenings after sunset. How to Get There : Take MRT subway to Hua Lamphong MRT station. The station is not close to Chinatown. From the station you have to walk for 10-15 minutes or take a taxi.
22 locals recommend
Yaowarat Chinatown Heritage Center
661 Charoen Krung RdChina town (Yaowarat) is a district of the Thai-Chinese community, the oldest part of Bangkok, a popular tourist attraction and a Thai- Chinese food haven. It is packed with market stalls and street-side restaurants. There are many more intersting stalls and restaurants to visit in Yaowarat. Prices : As Yaowarat is a food street. The prices vary depending on each stall, however, it is very reasonable. Hours : This street never sleep!!! It opens 24 hours, daily, but best for street eating in the evenings after sunset. How to Get There : Take MRT subway to Hua Lamphong MRT station. The station is not close to Chinatown. From the station you have to walk for 10-15 minutes or take a taxi.
Drinks & Nightlife
Maggie Choo's is the latest creation of the increasingly popular designer Ashley Sutton, the man behind the incredible 'Bookshop' and 'Iron Fairies' bars. Located at the end on Silom road, under the Novotel Fenix Silom and near to the famous 'Sky Bar' at Lebua, Maggie Choo's is both a restaurant and a bar, a place like nothing we have seen before in Bangkok or beyond.
Opening Hours: 18:00 - 02:00
Location: Novotel Bangkok Fenix Silom Hotel, 320 Silom Road
Tel: 02 635 6055
71 locals recommend
Maggie Choo's
Maggie Choo's is the latest creation of the increasingly popular designer Ashley Sutton, the man behind the incredible 'Bookshop' and 'Iron Fairies' bars. Located at the end on Silom road, under the Novotel Fenix Silom and near to the famous 'Sky Bar' at Lebua, Maggie Choo's is both a restaurant and a bar, a place like nothing we have seen before in Bangkok or beyond.
Opening Hours: 18:00 - 02:00
Location: Novotel Bangkok Fenix Silom Hotel, 320 Silom Road
Tel: 02 635 6055
The Bamboo Bar Bangkok is a live jazz music institution. Located on the of the ground floor of the beautifully maintained Mandarin Oriental Bangkok Hotel, the whole bar is decked out in dark wood and marble, leather and rattan, with low lights and a mirrored ceiling making this a very popular place to sample award-winning cocktails.
Opening Hours: Sun - Thu 17:00 - 01:00 (live jazz 21:00 - 00:00), Fri - Sat 16:00 - 02:00 (live jazz 21:00 - 01:00) Address: Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, Charoen Krung Soi 40, Oriental Ave, Bang Rak.
Tel: +66 (0)2 659 9000
10 locals recommend
Bamboo Bar
48 Soi Oriental AvenueThe Bamboo Bar Bangkok is a live jazz music institution. Located on the of the ground floor of the beautifully maintained Mandarin Oriental Bangkok Hotel, the whole bar is decked out in dark wood and marble, leather and rattan, with low lights and a mirrored ceiling making this a very popular place to sample award-winning cocktails.
Opening Hours: Sun - Thu 17:00 - 01:00 (live jazz 21:00 - 00:00), Fri - Sat 16:00 - 02:00 (live jazz 21:00 - 01:00) Address: Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, Charoen Krung Soi 40, Oriental Ave, Bang Rak.
Tel: +66 (0)2 659 9000
Sightseeing
If there is one must-see sight that no visit to Bangkok would be complete without, it's the dazzling, spectacular Grand Palace, undoubtedly the city's most famous landmark. Built in 1782 - and for 150 years the home of the Thai King, the Royal court and the administrative seat of government - the Grand Palace of Bangkok is a grand old dame indeed, that continues to have visitors in awe with its beautiful architecture and intricate detail, all of which is a proud salute to the creativity and craftsmanship of Thai people. Within its walls were also the Thai war ministry, state departments, and even the mint. Today, the complex remains the spiritual heart of the Thai Kingdom.
975 locals recommend
The grand palace
If there is one must-see sight that no visit to Bangkok would be complete without, it's the dazzling, spectacular Grand Palace, undoubtedly the city's most famous landmark. Built in 1782 - and for 150 years the home of the Thai King, the Royal court and the administrative seat of government - the Grand Palace of Bangkok is a grand old dame indeed, that continues to have visitors in awe with its beautiful architecture and intricate detail, all of which is a proud salute to the creativity and craftsmanship of Thai people. Within its walls were also the Thai war ministry, state departments, and even the mint. Today, the complex remains the spiritual heart of the Thai Kingdom.
If Bangkok is a city where East greets West, then Khao San Road is the scene of their collision, the place where they jostle for superiority and poke one another in the eye. With travellers from every corner of the modern world, sleek clubs playing sophisticated sounds, eclectic market stalls, converted VW cocktail bars, and foods tamed to suit the Western palate, it may seem clear who won the fight. However, whether you're a hard-up farang (foreigner) or open-minded Thai, its irrepressible energy and carefree vibe makes it well worth a visit.
13 locals recommend
Khaosan Silver Shop
4-5 Thanon Khao SanIf Bangkok is a city where East greets West, then Khao San Road is the scene of their collision, the place where they jostle for superiority and poke one another in the eye. With travellers from every corner of the modern world, sleek clubs playing sophisticated sounds, eclectic market stalls, converted VW cocktail bars, and foods tamed to suit the Western palate, it may seem clear who won the fight. However, whether you're a hard-up farang (foreigner) or open-minded Thai, its irrepressible energy and carefree vibe makes it well worth a visit.
Arts & Culture
An elephantine landmark in the Chatuchak district, the Elephant Tower is one of the most unique buildings in Bangkok. The three towers (A, B, and C) make up a shape of Thailand's national animal, which can be seen even from the Expressway. On the right edge of the building you can also see an eye and tusk. The building is used as a condominium, office space, and also houses a language school.
Elephant Tower
3300 Phahonyothin RoadAn elephantine landmark in the Chatuchak district, the Elephant Tower is one of the most unique buildings in Bangkok. The three towers (A, B, and C) make up a shape of Thailand's national animal, which can be seen even from the Expressway. On the right edge of the building you can also see an eye and tusk. The building is used as a condominium, office space, and also houses a language school.
Entertainment & Activities
A simulation flight is an extra-special gift for everyone, from young children who dream of being pilots to those who have a passion for planes, and according to research it can even help those who are scared of flying find their wings. The experience feels so realistic that the cockpit in Bangkok has even been used in films and TV shows, and although it isn’t a bargain, it still costs significantly less than in Australia or Europe.
BTS: Ekkamai Address: Gateway Ekamai, 2nd Floor, Sukumvit road, Klong Toey, Phra Khanong, Bangkok.
Price Range: a 30 minute flight experience costs 4,550 baht; a 60 minute flight experience costs 6,900 baht
11 locals recommend
Flight Experience Bangkok
A simulation flight is an extra-special gift for everyone, from young children who dream of being pilots to those who have a passion for planes, and according to research it can even help those who are scared of flying find their wings. The experience feels so realistic that the cockpit in Bangkok has even been used in films and TV shows, and although it isn’t a bargain, it still costs significantly less than in Australia or Europe.
BTS: Ekkamai Address: Gateway Ekamai, 2nd Floor, Sukumvit road, Klong Toey, Phra Khanong, Bangkok.
Price Range: a 30 minute flight experience costs 4,550 baht; a 60 minute flight experience costs 6,900 baht
Safari World is a zoo for those who don't like zoos… of course like any animal parks it has some good and some not so good sides but here animals certainly do have huge amount of space to roam free.
Opening Hours: Safari Park: 9 am to 5 pm, Marine Park: 9 am to 6 pm Location: 99 Panyaintra Road, Samwatawantok, Klongsamwa Tel: 02 518 1000 Price Range: Safari World: adults 400 Baht, children 300 Baht Marine Park: adults 700 Baht, children 450 Baht Both combined: adults 900 Baht, children 550 Baht .
92 locals recommend
Safari World
99 Panya Indra RdSafari World is a zoo for those who don't like zoos… of course like any animal parks it has some good and some not so good sides but here animals certainly do have huge amount of space to roam free.
Opening Hours: Safari Park: 9 am to 5 pm, Marine Park: 9 am to 6 pm Location: 99 Panyaintra Road, Samwatawantok, Klongsamwa Tel: 02 518 1000 Price Range: Safari World: adults 400 Baht, children 300 Baht Marine Park: adults 700 Baht, children 450 Baht Both combined: adults 900 Baht, children 550 Baht .