A few days in Bangkok

Bangkok is an incredible city – vibrant, colourful, and buzzing with energy. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, there’s always something new to discover. Here are some of my favourite recommendations for making the most of your time in Thailand’s capital.

Sukhumvit Road- The Sois
Sukhumvit is the longest road in Thailand – running all the way to the Cambodian border.
Soi means street and the Sois run off Sukhumvit in order. Soi 11 being my favourite! But there are so many that have different little restaurants or shops. I’ve stayed several times along Soi 11. It’s close to Nana BTS Station, so you can get around the city relatively easily.
Restaurants near Soi 11:
Cabbages & Condoms – A Bangkok classic with a meaningful backstory supporting community projects. The food is delicious, and the quirky décor is unforgettable. Highly recommend!
Above Eleven – A stunning rooftop bar and restaurant right on Soi 11. Gorgeous city views, great cocktails, and a lovely atmosphere.
You’ll need to book in advance! Above Eleven Website

Riverside Bangkok
If you want gorgeous views, a calmer pace, and easy access to the city’s main sights by boat, the Riverside area is perfect. You’ll be close to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun – and the evening lights reflecting on the Chao Phraya River are just magical.
I’ve only stayed by the river twice but loved it both times!
A couple of ideas for eating and drinking near the river.
Sala Rattanakosin Eatery & Bar – Modern Thai and international dishes with the best view of Wat Arun, especially at sunset.
Above Riva – Stylish rooftop bar at Riva Arun hotel, perfect for sunset cocktails.
SEEN Restaurant & Bar – At Avani+ Riverside, with DJ sets and a glamorous infinity pool backdrop.

My Favourite Sights in Bangkok
MahaNakhon Tower – One of the city’s tallest buildings with a glass skywalk and jaw-dropping views. A must if you love a good photo spot!
The Grand Palace & Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho – Absolutely fabulous.
One thing to watch out for: sometimes people will try to tell you the Palace is ‘closed’ and offer to take you “somewhere better” – don’t believe them! The Palace is nearly always open – check the official website before you go and trust yourselves. These “helpful” people are just trying to get you to their shop. Nothing dangerous, but you’ll save time by politely declining.
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) – A beautiful riverside temple, especially pretty at sunset.

Top Tips for Getting Around
River Boat: A scenic and inexpensive way to see the city.
Traffic: Bangkok traffic can be awful. Avoid taxis at peak hours if possible and use the BTS SkyTrain – it’s quick, cheap, and avoids the jams (though you’ll need to buy a ticket for each journey).
Tuk-Tuks: Iconic and fun! Always barter – start around 60% lower than the first price and be prepared to walk away. If your offer is too low, you’ll soon realise and can meet in the middle.

Markets & Nightlife
Asiatique the Riverfront – This riverside night market is a beautiful spot for shopping and dining. Start your evening by taking the BTS to Saphan Taksin station, then hop on the free boat to arrive in style. Browse boutique stalls, enjoy street food, ride the Ferris wheel, and soak up the lights at night. Get a taxi back afterwards.
Bangkok Bar Crawl – I haven’t done this yet, but two honeymoon clients raved about it! It’s a great way to explore some of the city’s trendiest bars with a fun crowd. Here are a couple of options:
Bar Hopping in Bangkok – The Standard
STBKK x MHNK Bar Crawl

Shopping in Bangkok
MBK Centre – Just next to National Stadium BTS station. It’s a giant shopping complex with six floors. Great for electronics, gifts, and bargain hunting (especially on the third-floor market area where you can barter). Some shops have fixed prices.
Bangkok Art & Culture Centre – Opposite MBK, this is worth a quick browse. You’ll find local crafts, art prints, and unique handmade cards.
Chatuchak Weekend Market – If you’re in Bangkok over a weekend, this is a must. It’s huge – over 8,000 stalls selling everything from clothes to homeware to street food. Go early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and head back to your hotel by lunchtime to cool off by the pool. Take the BTS to Mo Chit station – it’s easy to get to.

Restaurants to Try Next Time
These have been recommended to me by friends and clients – they’re on my list for my next Bangkok trip:
I recommend you check if available before you fly and if they are book!
Khaan – Creative Thai fine dining.
Le Du – Michelin-starred modern Thai cuisine.

A couple of areas to think about

Chinatown (Yaowarat Road) – Bangkok’s Chinatown is a feast for the senses. By day, it’s a maze of gold shops, traditional herbal medicine stores, and bustling markets. By night, the streets transform into a foodie paradise, with sizzling woks, neon signs, and the smell of fresh dim sum, grilled seafood, and sweet mango sticky rice drifting through the air. It’s an absolute must for street food lovers and photographers alike.
Silly fact - I bought my cutlery 18 years ago here on my honeymoon and carried it all the way home – it was a bargain and amazing quality! Still using it !
Khao San Road – this is the backpacker hub of Bangkok, Khao San Road is vibrant, loud, and packed with energy. It is not for everyone, but I do love it as its buzzing. I like to get the river boat down and then a cab back. It’s a good night out – but be prepared for buckets of cocktails, the street behind is nicer and quieter and has some cute little places to eat. It is a spectacle!
If you prefer a slightly more laid-back vibe, try the neighbouring Soi Rambuttri – same charm, just a little calmer.

Final Tip: Bangkok can be a sensory overload, but that’s part of the magic. Pace yourself, mix sightseeing with relaxed meals and rooftop drinks, and let the city’s energy carry you along.