Suits, Soup Dumplings & Speakeasies: Bangkok, Thailand Guide

Co Van Kessel Bike Tour

This was a 10 out of 10 experience—our guide took us through local neighborhoods, Chinatown, a flower market, food markets, and right inside a temple where we stood face to face with a magnificent sitting Buddha. We stopped to feed turtles, grabbed pictures along the way, and the kids had an absolute blast—this is the one experience I recommend to every single person heading to Bangkok.

ICONSIAM Mall & HarborLand

We dropped the kids off at HarborLand, the indoor theme park inside ICONSIAM, and they had the time of their lives while the adults shopped the luxury boutiques and snuck in massages right inside the mall. ICONSIAM itself is stunning—Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Zara, all under one roof along the river—and honestly, we all won that afternoon.

CentralWorld Mall & House of Little Bunny

CentralWorld is one of Bangkok's best shopping destinations, and I could have spent the entire day there. I found House of Little Bunny—a Thai leather handbag brand with over 50 color options—and walked out with a bag I absolutely love and still get compliments on.

Best Tailor 24

My husband had two suits, two pairs of pants, two shirts, and two ties custom-made here—and I had a custom-dress made as well. The service was exceptional from the first fitting to final pickup.

The Opulence River Cruise

We cruised the Chao Phraya River at night, gliding past the illuminated Grand Palace and Wat Arun while enjoying a full international seafood buffet and live music—and we all danced. The kids loved every minute, the adults loved every minute, and it was one of those evenings where everyone in your group was smiling at the same time. Request the rooftop deck for the best views.

Pier 21 Food Hall: Terminal 21 Mall

Pier 21 inside Terminal 21 mall is an absolute must—you load a card with money, walk around to different stalls, and try whatever looks good, and my family of four had a delicious lunch for around $25 total. Everything I tried was outstanding, the kids loved picking their own dishes, and it's one of the most fun and authentic ways to experience Thai food without any pressure.

River Tree House Restaurant

This was one of my favorite meals of the entire trip—the grilled snapper, chicken coconut soup, fried rice, and fried chicken were all outstanding, and the atmosphere was warm and wonderful. And the mango sticky rice? Absolute perfection—do not leave without ordering it.

Sit and Wonder Restaurant

I loved everything about this meal—the fried morning glory, pad ka prow, and mango sticky rice were all exceptional, and the atmosphere was just right. If you see mango sticky rice on any Bangkok menu, order it every single time—I mean it.

#FindTheLockerRoom

This hidden speakeasy down a small alley behind a bank of lockers was one of the most fun nights of the trip—the vibe is intimate and moody, and the craft cocktails are excellent. Go with your partner or a group of friends and enjoy the thrill of finding the door.

Don't Open the Fridge

This one had a completely different energy from #FindTheLockerRoom—retro, fun, and a little irreverent, with the entrance hidden behind an actual refrigerator stocked with soft drinks. Both bars are drinks only, but two very different and very memorable nights out in Bangkok.

McDonald's Thailand

I know it sounds unexpected, but trying McDonald's in a different country is genuinely one of my family's favorite travel traditions—and Thailand's spicy bone-in fried chicken did not disappoint. At around $6 for a four-piece with fries, it was delicious, the kids loved it, and it's a fun moment you won't regret.