It isn't conventional charm that keeps us coming back to Bangkok. The Thai capital doesn't have an Old Town like Hanoi, the modernity of Hong Kong, or the density of temples like Siem Reap (though few places in Southeast Asia are as spectacular as Wat Arun at sunrise). But in a region filled with metropolises worth the long haul, Bangkok's point of difference is found in the thrills of the unexpected. It's in the fiery display of wok-manship on Yarowat Road, which is absolutely the better place to do dinner than any restaurant (though the oxtail stew at Namh is beyond spectacular). Or in the unassuming Chinese mansions found down nondescript alleys of car parts and old lanterns in central Talat Noi. It's even found in the quiet, calming oases that is this city's epic hotel scene, a wonderful contrast to the heaving and exhilarating urban energy beyond its grand doors. Which is exactly what draws you back out and keeps you exploring.
Simont Birt/Courtesy The Siam
Bangkok Travel Guide
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Post-Lockdown Bangkok: Empty Temples, Nightclubs, and Hotels
What the world's most visited city is like without tourists.
The Best Islands in Thailand for Every Traveler
Off of its two coasts, there are literally hundreds of islands to choose from on a trip to Thailand. There’s something for just about every type of tourist, too; the trouble is in knowing the difference between carefully developed areas that could host picturesque weddings and the untamed isles ripe for the adventurer. Here’s a primer on the Thai islands for every type of traveler.
Bangkok Chinatown
An inside look at Bangkok's Chinatown from the March 2019 issue.
12 Best Hotels in Bangkok
When it comes to value-for-your-money hotels, this is one of the best cities in the world.
Editor Hotel Recommendations
- $$$
Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
Bangkok’s first hotel is still, despite some extremely stiff competition from more recent arrivals, its best.Read full review - $$
COMO Metropolitan Bangkok
Modern, sleek, minimalist—and yet still inviting: that's COMO Metropolitan Bangkok, a peaceful escape off a busy road in Sathorn.Read full review - $$
Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok
Next to Siam Center, Siam Discovery, and Siam Paragon, this hotel excels in personal, five-star service.Read full review - $$$
Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel
This flagship does Anantara proud with its striking style, smart amenities, and central location—plus pretty much any type of cuisine you might crave.Read full review - $$
Park Hyatt Bangkok
The Park Hyatt Bangkok might be pricey, but it offers top-notch luxury in a prime spot.Read full review - $$$
The Peninsula Bangkok
Spend leisurely, luxurious days on the Western bank of the river, by one of the city’s most-photographed pools. A dreamy, antique junk boat provides your short crossing to the action of the eastern side.Read full review - $
Siamotif
A homestay married with the little luxuries of a personable, boutique hotel.Read full review - $
SALA Rattanakosin
Historic views of the Chao Phraya’s colorful boats and Wat Arun, Bangkok’s most photogenic temple.Read full review - $
Shanghai Mansion Bangkok
Travel back to Shanghai in the 1930s, via one historic property set amidst the neon and hustle of Bangkok’s Chinatown.Read full review - $
Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok
Located right next to Erawan Shrine, this hotel is five-star all the way, from the house Mercedes to the helipad.Read full review
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The Best Things to Do in Bangkok
19 Best Things to Do in Bangkok
There's a reason this city regularly ranks as one of the world's most-visited.10 Best Museums in Bangkok
The city's wide-ranging art scene is one of its biggest attractions.3 Best Day Trips From Bangkok
Our favorite spots for escaping the Thai capital's chaos.11 Best Street Food Spots in Bangkok
The roadside hot spots that deliver the best pad thai, freshest mango sticky rice, or top-notch noodles.
Editor Recommendations
- Gallery
100 Tonson Foundation
Despite its high-powered reputation, this groundbreaking contemporary art gallery is open to casual art-lovers as well as collectors.Read full review - Landmark
Wat Suwannaram
Located on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River, this temple is less-touristed than other riverside temples.Read full review - Landmark
Wat Pariwat
Sometimes nicknamed the "David Beckham Temple," it's both an active place of worship and a hodgepodge of pop culture references.Read full review - Tour
Smiling Albino
This company specializes in tailoring high-end, customizable tours of Bangkok.Read full review - Museum
The Jim Thompson House
The home of American Jim Thompson, who made a fortune in the mid-20th century selling Thai silks, has been transformed into a museum.Read full review - Landmark
Wat Pho
The main draw here is the country’s largest reclining Buddha, a 150-foot-long sculpture occupying nearly every inch of the building.Read full review - Parks & Gardens
Lumphini Park
Often called the "Central Park of Bangkok" and named after the Nepali birthplace of Buddha, this a respite for many Bangkokians.Read full review - activity
Blue Elephant Cooking School
Understanding Thai food ranks high on the list of most travelers, this cooking school offers an experienced deep-dive.Read full review - Landmark
The Grand Palace
Although the Thai royal family moved out by 1925, this sprawling complex remains an important structure for Thais.Read full review - Landmark
Chinatown
One of the largest Chinatowns in the world offers market lanes, glittery gold shops, phenomenal street foot, temples, and more.Read full review - Landmark
Wat Arun
Of the more than 31,000 temples throughout Thailand, this one is one of the most iconic.Read full review - Landmark
Wat Prayoon (Prayurawongsawat Worawihan)
A crowd-free, surprise-filled temple compound with peaceful solitude.Read full review - Parks & Gardens
Benchakitti Park
A brand new, 120-acre expansion makes this the most beautiful green space in Bangkok.Read full review - Tour
Manohra Dinner River Cruise
An excellent crash course in Bangkok's food and sights along the river.Read full review
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Four Things You Can't Leave Thailand Without
A thousand-year-old Buddha, a 21st-century frock: Just 48 hours in Bangkok is enough time for you to corral some authentically Thai treasures—to wear (or show off) back home.
The Best Places to Eat and Drink in Bangkok
11 Best Restaurants in Bangkok
From simple street stalls to fine French dining, Bangkok's food scene is as vibrant, colorful, and varied as the city itself. Here are a few of our favorites.10 Best Bars in Bangkok
This city's bar scene nails the high-low contrast that we love most about Bangkok.11 Best Places For Coffee in Bangkok
You may be more familiar with the Thai iced tea, but this city's coffee shop scene delivers much more.9 Best Brunch Spots in Bangkok
In the Thai capital, the name of the game is variety.11 Best Street Food Spots in Bangkok
The roadside hot spots that deliver the best pad thai, freshest mango sticky rice, or top-notch noodles.
Editor Restaurant and Bar Recommendations
- Restaurant
Gaggan - CLOSED
Gaggan has established its international reputation with interactive dining built to shock, if not wholly confuse, the senses. - Restaurant
Err
This traditional royal quarter shophouse, which has been reimagined as a funky one-room restaurant, bold, spicy Thai drinking food reigns supreme. - Restaurant
Supanniga Eating Room
The kitchen here is known for bold flavors, large portions of traditional Thai comfort foods, and a heavy dash of creativity. - Restaurant
Sühring
A restored garden home in Sathorn is the backdrop for modern takes on German classics—a cuisine not readily found in Bangkok. - Cocktail Bar
Teens of Thailand
Get past the seedy-sounding name and push open the wooden doors, and you'll have found yourself in Bangkok's best gin bar, right on the fringes of Chinatown. - Club
Sing Sing Theater
Sukhumvit's Sing Sing Theater is the ultimate Bangkok nightlife experience: bold, brash, intriguing, and just a touch over the top. - Hotel Bar
The Bamboo Bar
Inside the Mandarin Oriental hotel, some might call this a jazz bar with great drinks; others say it’s a cocktail bar with great jazz. - Cocktail Bar
Havana Social
In this not-so-secret Cuban bar at the back end of Sukhumvit Soi 11, a once-famous party strip, the lights are dim, the drinks are strong, and the salsa band is in full force. - Rooftop Bar
Moon Bar
With 360-degree views of Lumpini Park, Sathorn Road, and the Chao Phraya River, this spot in the Banyan Tree Hotel is Bangkok's best rooftop bar. - Bar
Mikkeller Bangkok
At the first Asian location of a beloved Danish beer bar, so-called "beertenders" dole out samples and tasting flights.
Fresh Off a Renovation, Chiva-Som Is Still Thailand's Best Wellness Retreat
A big hitter on the Gulf of Thailand gets a 21st-century makeover.
More from Bangkok
Destinations
What to Do in Ari, One of Bangkok’s Coolest Neighborhoods
Just beyond the city center, this laid-back enclave is pulling in a fashionable new crowd.
Food & Drink
Bangkok’s Hottest Tables Have Moved Inside Chefs’ Homes
Though the pandemic delivered a heavy blow to the city’s dining scene, one new breed of restaurant is flourishing.
News & Advice
15 Cities With the Worst Traffic in the World
That one-hour commute suddenly doesn't look so bad.
News & Advice
Flight Deal: U.S. to Bangkok from $462 Round-Trip
These flights are normally around $900—so get booking.
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We don't think it should take the PyeongChang Winter Olympics to finally give attention to somewhere we've raved about for years. But if that's what it takes, we're all for it. Seoul's long been an 'it' spot for shopping, spas, and worth-the-flight-alone galbi (and so much of it is doable over three days). But what excites us is how much of the country is open and ready for exploration, from the beaches of Gangwon to the pubs of Busan, the soju to the slopes, all so easy to tap into with the new bullet trains connecting in from the capital. Here, we dive deep into what makes South Korea a place we always want to go back to.
