From Group Chat to Thailand: Bangkok & Phuket

Bangkok

• Clubbing/night out—Sukhumvit 11: Sukhumvit 11 is an easy win for groups. Bars, clubs, and lounges all in one stretch so you can hop around without overthinking the night.

• Shopping—ICONSIAM & MBK Center: ICONSIAM for elevated shopping and waterfront views. But MBK is legendary for a reason—eight floors of designer-inspired finds & name-brand dupes, all negotiable. Go here to bargain, black out a little, and walk out with way more than you planned.

Phuket

• Chalong Bay Rum Making Class: A fun daytime activity at Chalong Bay Rum Distillery that is a full experience. You tour the distillery, create multiple specialty rum cocktails, & order Thai food as you drink. This is the perfect social hang for groups or couples.

• YONA Floating Beach Club: Easily one of the most fun experiences in Phuket, yes, a floating beach club in the middle of the water. You’re welcomed with drinks at the dock, then taken by speedboat out to the club where you can stay as long or little as you’d like. Once there, it’s full club energy—DJ sets, pool access, great food and drinks, and cabanas with unreal views all around.

• Nomad Beach Club: Enjoy a beachfront dinner literally seated on bean bags in the sand with unreal food and front-row sunset views followed by a fire show every night starting at 5 pm.

• Bangla Road—Patong Beach Nightlife: Bangla Road is Phuket’s most iconic nightlife strip. Loud, chaotic, and unapologetically fun. Expect clubs, bars, and a packed crowd late into the night. This is where you go when the group wants maximum energy.

• Breakfast Story: This is a popular Bangkok breakfast spot with multiple locations, known for generous portions and a solid mix of Thai breakfast dishes and American-style classics!

• EmSphere Food Hall: Easily one of the best food halls in Bangkok. I had the best crab fried rice of my life here, plus standout Vietnamese pho at Ăn Com Ăn Cá on the second floor. The grocery store on the first level is perfect for stocking up on snacks to bring home, and you cannot skip Evie’s Cookies before you leave.

• Prime Burger: This burger spot is lit late at night and open until around 3 am, making it the perfect spot after a night out.

• theCOMMONS Thonglor: A chill hangout spot that’s perfect for a casual morning. I recommend a breakfast bagel sando from Monty’s, and the best Oreo Matcha Frappe from 7SUNS.

• Din Tai Fung: Famous Taiwanese spot served family-style and meant for sharing. My all-time favorite items on the menu are the spicy chicken wontons, xiao long bao, and the black mango tea with boba.