Insider's Bangkok

KHLONGTOEY MARKET
Dive into Bangkok’s biggest wet market, a chaotic sprawl of food vendors selling everything — and I do mean everything — edible, from frogs to silkworms.

MUAY THAI
Experience Thailand’s national sport — Thai boxing — at Bangkok’s venerable Rajadamnoen Stadium, or the newer Lumphinee Stadium. Behind the scenes experiences are available where you can visit gyms, meet the fighters and even have a go at training yourself.

CHINATOWN & TALAD NOI
Bangkok’s Chinatown is the biggest in the world and, combined with the historic riverside community of Talad Noi, is an unmissable day out for any visitor to the city.

STREET FOOD TOUR
Street food is nothing to be scared of, but it can be a confusing world to negotiate, so taking a street food tour — ideally in the street food mecca of Chinatown — is a great introduction to the Thai way of dining.

VILLAGE LIFE
Bangkok is less a city, more a collection of villages, and there are several lesser-known communities that are fascinating to visitors — check out Portuguese community Kudijeen, the Muslim canalside silk village of Baan Krua, or the ‘slum’ community of Khlongtoey to name but three.

BIKE BANGKOK
You wouldn’t think it to look at the traffic, but Bangkok is a great city for cycling if you know where to go. Top locations are the island community of Koh Kret, or the ‘green lung’ of Bang Krachao — a rural oasis near the heart of the city.

PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR
If photography is your thing, and you want to get pictures that go beyond the normal tourist snaps, then there are several photographers in Bangkok who offer off-the-beaten-path tours where you can get great images and receive tips and guidance.

BANGKOK ART
Bangkok has a thriving underground art scene which you can experience at various galleries, such as the Museum of Contemporary Art, BACC, 6060 Gallery, or Aurum Gallery (owned by UK drum & bass musician Goldie).

Day trips

AYUTTHAYA
Thailand’s former imperial capital is a must-visit for temple junkies, with over 40 temples mingling with the more modern city. Don’t forget to try the local river prawns too.

SAMUT PRAKAN
This province to the east of Bangkok is now accessible via skytrain and has a wealth of things to see and do. Check out bustling Samrong market, the charming riverside town of Pak Nam with its historic fort, and the amazing sunsets and seabirds of Bang Pu.

YAOWARAT ROAD
There are far too many individual restaurants to list in Chinatown — suffice to say if you head to Yaowarat Road after sundown, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Thai dishes, noodle soups, authentic Chinese food, fresh seafood, desserts and a whole lot more, and at incredibly low prices.

80/20
Michelin-starred restaurant specialising in elevating local ingredients to create classic Thai dishes with a twist

CHARMGANG
Looking for Thai soul food? And by that I mean curries. Charmgang specialises in bold, spicy, hearty curries and other robust Thai dishes. Come hungry.

POTONG
Innovative Thai-Chinese fusion in a beautifully restored Chinatown shophouse. Also home to the award-winning Opium cocktail bar.

KENSHIN IZAKAYA
Bangkok has arguably the best, and most affordable, Japanese food outside Japan, and izakaya chain Kenshin is an unmissable experience. Great food, fresh Japanese beer and a raucous ambience in every branch.

RABIENG TALAY
Seafood by the sea… in Bangkok? Yes it’s possible. Less than an hour from the centre of the city lies this beautiful seafood restaurant on the Gulf of Thailand, and the food, ambience and sea views are well worth the trip.

KHAO MAN KAI JAE YI
Hainanese chicken rice may not be traditionally Thai, but it’s become one of the quintessential Bangkok dishes. This Chinatown restaurant is renowned for doing it better than anyone else.

HAIR OF THE DOG (drinks)
If you visit one craft beer bar during your stay in Bangkok, make it HOTD. They may not be the cheapest but their beer selection is unparalleled and they really know how to keep and serve quality brews.

SMALLS (drinks)
The brainchild of former New York photographer David Jacobson, Smalls is a perfectly formed bar with a distinct Parisian vibe. Great cocktails, regular live music and a great place to meet people.

W DISTRICT
Great open air food/drink market in Phra Khanong. Whether you want to eat Thai, Greek, Mexican, Spanish, Italian, or BBQ, or just drink craft beer, wine or cocktails, this lively al fresco venue has the lot.