What Happens in Bangkok…

The Grand Palace

The biggest Bangkok tourist attraction, it was built in 1782 and used to be the residence of King Rama I through King Rama V. A complex of more than 100 royal buildings, temples, including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, pavilions, and other structures, the site is used today for hosting royal ceremonies and welcoming the king's guests. Today, the royal family primarily resides at Chitralada Palace. The best way to visit the palace is by boat.

Wat Arun

The Temple of Dawn, which, obviously, is best visited when the sun sets. Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, it is accessible by boat.

Wat Pho: The Reclining Buddha

Located right next to the Grand Palace, it houses the biggest collection of Buddha statues and is known as the birthplace of traditional Thai massage.

Chao Phraya River cruise and exploring the canals ("khlongs") by long-tail boat

You may book through your hotel, but it is more fun to go directly to Sathon Pier and bargain for your tour.

Massage

This is a must. And not only the experience you may have at a luxury hotel, priced as much as anywhere else in the world, but there are hundreds of salons in the city, and you may have one of the best massages of your life for $10–15. You should definitely try a traditional Thai massage, which is a combination of stretching and pressure done on a mat on the floor, without oils. You actually stay fully clothed in loose, comfortable attire provided by them. It is not a relaxation massage at all, but somehow you leave completely relaxed and full of energy. And if you like it, you'll go every day, like I do when I am in Thailand. And even if you don't, I bet you'll return for the foot massage.

Mahanakhon Skywalk

Located at the top of King Power Mahanakhon, the observation deck, standing at 314 meters, features a thrilling glass tray to walk above the city.

Shopping malls & night markets

Like Siam Paragon and ICONSIAM, by the river.

Nobu Bangkok

Opened in 2025 on the 58th floor of The Empire building, the food is as impressive as the views.

Phra Nakhon

Located at the Capella Bangkok, this is one of my all-time favorite Thai restaurants. You can feel the passion Chef Kannika puts into her dishes. Her River Prawn Pad Thai is simply the best. I also love the pomelo salad, green papaya salad, and the prawns in tamarind sauce. While staying at Capella Bangkok, I had the chance to enjoy three long breakfasts by the river and am still obsessed with their special dishes like the Unagi Benedict and Thai shrimp omelet. The mango sticky rice was also excellent and is rarely offered for breakfast elsewhere. The packed warm croissants at 5 a.m., as we had an early flight, were memorable.

Jay Fai

Jay Fai is an unmissable experience for a foodie in Bangkok. Running her eatery since 1980, Jay Fai was already a legend when her place was awarded a Michelin star in 2018, the first year the guide launched in Bangkok. It is also the first street food establishment to receive the World's 50 Best Icon Award. Watching the amazing 73-year-old lady cooking over an open flame is an experience in itself, but the food is really worth the buzz. I had the dishes she is most famous for: the crab omelet, like a burrito filled with lots of tender crab, the most delicious crab I have ever had, and the drunken noodles with huge amounts of fresh seafood. We also tried the crispy noodles with egg and seafood, which were also amazing. I have dined in many fancy Michelin-starred restaurants, but this casual one will remain among the most memorable.

Rosewood Bangkok

At Rosewood Bangkok is one of my favorite Cantonese restaurants ever. We literally devoured their Peking duck, bones included (they have a signature second serving that includes the fried and minced bones, which makes them edible).

Yu Ting Yuan

An excellent authentic Cantonese restaurant in a beautiful setting at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River.

Mott 32

Located at The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon, this is another amazing Cantonese restaurant. The crispy pork belly and Apple Wood Roasted Duck are not to be missed.

Itinerary tip: You may visit the Skywalk at sunset, followed by dinner at Mott 32. They are both located in the Mahanakhon building.

Acqua Restaurant Bangkok

One of the best Italian restaurants in the city, with a beautiful, elegant setting and, of course, excellent dishes. My favorite dish, not so Italian, is the foie gras.

Riva del Fiume

Located at the beautiful Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River, this is an excellent Italian restaurant. It serves lighter versions of classic dishes with inspired twists, like the Parmigiana di Melanzane, my favorite for a few years already. The tiramisù is a must-try. Staying at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok a few times, I've had the chance to try their breakfast, too, which was also very good. They have a nice selection of quality products and interesting dishes like the egg pizza, very good almond croissants, etc.

Street food

• The fresh coconut and pandan and coconut Thai pancakes at ICONSIAM's street food area are a must.

• The delicious Thai fruits bought at street stalls.