The Ultimate Guide to Bangkok, Thailand

Chinatown
Bangkok's Chinatown is one of the largest in the world, and this area is buzzing with street food and vendors. It’s super fun to walk through and try a few stands.

• Pro tip: make sure the food is being made fresh (not sitting out), and avoid stalls with no customers (there’s usually a reason). Bring cash!

Khao San Road
This is a chaotic, backpacker-filled street, but I thought it was worth checking out for the energy and people-watching. I even tried a scorpion here, and it wasn’t so bad!

ICONSIAM Mall
The malls in Bangkok are next level! This one is huge, and we spent a few hours here shopping and grabbing food at their floating-market-style food court. Definitely worth a visit if you have time.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
This famous floating market is located outside central Bangkok and operates daily until noon. A super cool experience! Try to go early and bring small bills for shopping or snacking.

Massage at Darin Spa
Thailand is known for its incredible massages (and I got many!), and Darin Spa is just one of the thousands of great spots. After a long flight, I highly recommend treating yourself.

The Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
A must-see in Bangkok. The palace grounds and temples are stunning! I was in awe of the architecture and detail. Be prepared for a strict dress code (shoulders, knees, and ankles must be covered). If you only visit one temple in Bangkok, make it this one!

Wat Arun
Another beautiful temple on the river. I even got to hit the gong, which was a fun moment.

Wat Pho & Wat Hat Yai Nai (Reclining Buddha)
The Reclining Buddha was massive! I couldn’t believe the scale. Definitely worth a stop if you’re into temples and cultural sites.

Ride a tuk tuk
Highly recommend doing this at least once! It’s such a fun (and chaotic) experience. Just be smart! Use the Bolt app (Thailand’s version of Uber) to check the price beforehand, show it to the driver to negotiate, have exact cash ready, and don’t agree to extra stops.

7-Eleven
The 7-Elevens in Thailand are amazing. Grab a toastie (the ham and cheese in the yellow package was my fave), and they’ll heat it up for you at the register. Also, try fun snacks (get some dried mango) and fun chip flavors—my fave was Mieng Kam Krob Ros (bring me back some!)

Elvis Suki & Seafood
This Michelin-rated spot is famous for a reason! I had the best grilled scallops with delicious sauces. Also, try the beef sukiyaki—it lived up to the hype!

• Pro tip: It’s cash only. Go here after putting your name down at Jeh O Chula (right around the corner), and you can eat while you wait.

Jeh O Chula
Expect a long wait, but it’s 100 percent worth it! I had the best tom yum soup ever here. Be careful with the spice level (it’s intense), definitely add noodles, and be sure to order a fresh coconut to cool it down.

K. Panich Sticky Rice (Kor Panich)
This was the best mango sticky rice I’ve ever had. The mango was juicy and ripe, and the rice wasn’t overly sweet—it was perfect. Definitely deserving of its Michelin rating.

Khao Gaeng Jek Pui (Je Chie)
This is exactly how I imagined eating street food in Thailand would be: sitting on a plastic stool with a hot bowl of curry in my lap. I loved the green curry—Pro tip: ask to add the chicken sausage. Don’t wait in line; just sit down and someone will come take your order. This spot was featured on a Netflix show, and I am so glad it was my first meal in Bangkok!

Pad Thai Fai Ta Lu (Dinso Rd)
Even though pad Thai isn’t technically a traditional Thai signature dish, I had to try it, and this place delivered. This Michelin-starred spot lets you watch them cook through the window. I got the shrimp pad Thai, and it had the perfect balance of sweet, salty, sour, and umami flavors, served in a banana leaf. Everyone in my group got different proteins and we all cleared our plates.

Petit Soleil
A beautiful coffee shop with great coffee and a rooftop to relax on. Perfect for a mid-day recharge.

Sky Bar at Lebua (State Tower)
This one’s a bit of a splurge, but I recommend going for at least one drink. The views were incredible, and, yes, it’s the same rooftop where they filmed The Hangover.