36 Hours in Bangkok
Temple-hopping, legendary street food, and world-class spas in Thailand's electric capital.
Friday
May 29The Standard Bangkok
The Standard sits in a bend of the Chao Phraya river. The design leans playful but the rooms stay quiet. Ask for a river view if you can. You will want it at night when the boats pass.
Haoma
Haoma runs out of a converted townhouse in Sukhumvit. The chef grows most of the produce in the garden out front. The tasting menu moves through Thai flavors with restraint. It takes about two hours. Book ahead.
Lebua State Tower
Lebua is the rooftop from that movie. You know the one. It gets crowded fast. But 63 floors up, with the city lit below, the theatre of it works. Go once. No shorts allowed.
Saturday
May 30Peace Oriental Teahouse
Peace Oriental Teahouse serves Chinese tea in a calm, wood-lined space. It slows you down. A good place to sit after the spa before the evening starts.
MIA
MIA is fine dining with a focus on local ingredients. The room is small. The plates are precise. It works well for a second evening when you want something quieter than the night before.
Teens of Thailand
Teens of Thailand is a narrow cocktail bar tucked into Chinatown. The drinks use Thai ingredients in ways that feel considered, not gimmicky. The space is small enough that you will talk to whoever is next to you. A good way to end a Saturday.
Roots Coffee
Roots has a few locations around the city which makes it easy to find one nearby. The cold brew is good. Order, drink, and move on with your morning.
Jim Thompson House
Jim Thompson was an American who revived the Thai silk trade and then vanished in Malaysia under strange circumstances. His house is a small museum now. Teak buildings. Quiet courtyards. It takes about an hour and offers good shade from the heat.
Som Tam Jay So
Som Tam Jay So does one thing. Green papaya salad. You pick your spice level and they pound it fresh. The line moves fast. Expect plastic stools and shared tables. It costs almost nothing and it is exactly right.
Divana Nurture Spa
Divana is a day spa in a residential neighborhood. The setting is traditional Thai. Quiet rooms. Attentive staff. A two hour treatment here will reset you for the rest of the day. Book the afternoon slot so you are not rushed.
Sunday
May 31Open House at Central Embassy
Open House sits inside Central Embassy mall. Part bookstore, part cafe, part workspace. The food is reliable and the space is good for a slow morning before you pack up.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
Chatuchak is one of the largest weekend markets in the world. It can overwhelm. Go with a loose plan. Housewares in one section, vintage in another, street food scattered throughout. Two hours is enough to get the feel without losing your mind.
Ceresia Coffee Roasters
Ceresia roasts their own beans and serves them in a clean, minimal space. A good last stop before heading to the airport.
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Sign in to use templateWhat's included
- 1 Accommodation
- 3 Restaurants and Foods
- 2 Bars and Rooftops
- 3 Coffee and Teas
- 1 Cultural and Artistic Venue
- 1 Health and Wellness
- 1 Bookstores and Library
- 1 Markets and Shopping