Bangkok Mini-Tour (POIs ONLY)

March 28, 2025

Bangkok, Thailand

Easy

Distance 4.62 km
Est. duration -
Elevation Gain 0 m
Elevation Loss 10 m
Category Walking

Description

Sweaty, raucous and indulgent – and these days cosmopolitan, sophisticated and cool – Bangkok lives up to all the clichés and more.

Route

Start

Ko Ratanakosin
13.75630, 100.49170

Bangkoks historical centre. With charming architecture, a breezy riverside atmosphere, and a handful of up-and-coming restaurants, Ko Ratanakosin warrants more extensive foot-bound exploration. River taxi was previously the most efficient way to reach this area, but the extension of the MRT has made things much easier.

Nightingale-Olympic
13.75380, 100.49870

Dating back more than nine decades, this is Bangkoks oldest department store. Today more museum than emporium, Nightingale-Olympic still holds cosmetics dating from the 1950s, boxes of pantyhose from the 1960s, and sporting goods from the 1970s and 80s. 70 Th Triphet; 9am-5.30pm Mon-Sat.

SIAM
13.74680, 100.53280

Bangkoks Siam district is synonymous with shopping. Easily accessed via the BTS train network, the area is home to several mega malls, which in recent years have become meeting places for the people of Bangkok. If burning baht is not your thing, the malls all have food courts, and the area also has a handful of visit-worthy cultural institutions.

Siam Discovery
13.74620, 100.53250

After a recent makeover, one of Bangkoks oldest malls is now one of its coolest. There is an artsy edge to the venue and wares here, and outlets such as Objects of Desire and Ecotopia are places to pick up a domestically designed keepsake or souvenir you are unlikely to find elsewhere. Cnr Th Rama I andamp; Th Phayathai. www.siamdiscovery.co.th; 10am-10pm.

Bangkok Art andamp; Culture Centre (BACC)
13.74600, 100.53230

This vast, contemporary-feeling art space has hosted a variety of exhibitions by both local and foreign artists; check the website to see what is on. It is also home to worthwhile cafes try Gallery Drip for domestic beans and shops hit Its Going Green for a retro Thai souvenir. Cnr Th Rama I andamp; Th Phayathai. http://en.bacc.or.th; 10am-9pm Tue-Sun; free.

After You Dessert Cafe
13.74660, 100.53200

Want to eat like a true Bangkokian Forget the phat thai on the street and head to this exceedingly popular dessert venue. Take a queue number really and order the bible-sized honey toast or the kakigori, the latter a virtual mountain of finely shaved, seasoned ice. Ground fl, Siam Paragon, 991 Th Rama I. www.afteryoudessertcafe.com; 10am-10.30pm.

Scala Theatre
13.74540, 100.53240

For a trip back to when movie theatres had only one screen and wonky sound, consider a flick at this retro cinema. If the aesthetic appeals, we suggest pre-gaming at the basement-level Chinese restaurant, which brazenly and successfully, we think combines design elements of the Maya Empire, imperial China, and the 1970s. Soi 1, Siam Sq, 218/3-4 Th Rama I. www.apexsiam-square.com; noon-10pm.

Eathai
13.74690, 100.53250

Mall-based food courts are everywhere, but Eathai ups the game by sticking to Thai food and hosting some of the most lauded vendors, with stalls doing dishes from across the country. Basement, Central Embassy, 1031 Th Phloen Chit. www.centralembassy.com/store/eathai; 10am-10pm.

SUKHUMVIT
13.72500, 100.57010

This long road is where much of Bangkok comes to party and eat especially its vast expat community. People from the Middle East, Japan and Korea, in addition to farang foreigners of European descent, give the area a distinctly cosmopolitan feel. The BTS runs along much of the road, so getting to and around here is a snap.

WTF
13.72010, 100.57340

Ostensibly a bar, WTF Wonderful Thai Friendship also hosts thought-provoking art exhibitions in its upstairs gallery, occasional dinner pop-ups, storytelling events, poetry slams and the like. Think of it as a cultural centre that also happens to serve really excellent cocktails. Check the website to see what is on when you are in town. 7 Soi 51, Th Sukhumvit. www.wtfbangkok.com; 5pm-1am Tue-Fri.

The Commons
13.72430, 100.57340

Could this hit venue signal a shift away from the often characterless, typically mall-based Bangkok food court It certainly feels like it. Enter the spacious, contemporary-feeling structure to encounter a cafe and craft beer bar, as well as outlets of some of the citys better restaurants, with options ranging from Neapolitan-style pizza to Mexican. 335 Soi 17, Soi 55 Thong Lo, Th Sukhumvit. https://thecommonsbkk.com; 8am-1am.

Sri Trat
13.72070, 100.57340

The people of Bangkok are finally taking notice of their countrys diverse regional cuisines, and one of the more exciting places to eat vicariously in the provinces is Sri Trat, dedicated to the cuisine of Thailands eastern seaboard. Expect dishes packed with fragrant herbs, subtle influences from Cambodia, pleasantly sweet flavours and lots of seafood. 90 Soi 33, Th Sukhumvit. www.sritrat.com; 02 088 0968; noon-11pm Wed-Mon.

Tuba
13.72070, 100.58730

Wacky is probably the best term to describe the interior design theme here, which incorporates over-the-top furnishings from the 1960s and 70s, gaudy paintings and life-sized superhero statues. Order a cocktail the size of your head really and some very tasty bar snacks dont miss the deep-fried laap, a salad of minced meat, and try to make sense of it all. 34 Room 11-12 A, Soi 63 Ekamai, Th Sukhumvit. www.papaya55.com/tuba-bkk.html; noon-2am.

Studio Lam
13.72010, 100.57340

Most Bangkok clubs are staunchly of the boom-boom, pfff-pfff variety and you could be mistaken for being in any large city. But Studio Lam is resolutely Thai, which makes it a lot more fun. The DJs here spin vintage vinyl, much of it local, but from virtually any time or place people recorded music. 3/1 Soi 51, Th Sukhumvit. www.facebook.com/studiolambangkok; 6pm-1am Tue-Sun.

Lam Sing
13.73470, 100.56370

Given that this live music hall is where taxi drivers go to party after their shifts are over, there is hardly any more street cred we could attribute to it. Inside, the beer flows freely, there are spicy Thai-style drinking snacks, and the performances of songs from Thailands rural northeast are gaudy, loud, raucous, and so much fun. 57/5 Th Phet Phra Ram. www.facebook.com/isanlamsing; 9.30pm-4am.

Waon Piano and Scotch
13.72160, 100.57620

Sure, you have karaoked, but have you ever belted it out to live accompaniment If not, consider this Japanese-run karaoke bar, where the owner is perched behind a piano, awaiting your request. Even the tone deaf can pitch in via acoustic guitar or tambourine. 10/11 Soi 26, Th Sukhumvit; 8pm-1am Mon-Sat.

SILOM
13.72370, 100.52530

As the base for several banks, Th Silom is, approximately, Bangkoks Wall Street. But this is Bangkok, and the eastern extent of the street doubles as the citys gay nightlife zone. This means that there is a bit of everything here shopping, eating and nightlife. Whatever you are looking for, it is easy to get here, as both the MRT and BTS have stops here.

Bangkok Screening Room
13.72130, 100.52940

The sweltering heat means that movie theatres are an essential part of life. Consider a flick at this cosy independent house. Films come from virtually every era and part of the globe, and you can couple your screening with domestic craft beer from the bar. 2nd fl, Woof Pack building, 3-7 Soi 1, Th Sala Daeng. www.bkksr.com; 3.30-11pm Tue-Fri, 11am-11pm Sat-Sun.

Smalls
13.72020, 100.52930

It is a cliché, but this bar is where locals both domestic and foreign actually hang out. And it is easy to see why. The atmosphere is eclectic yes, that is a zinc bar from Paris and a giant Ultraman on the ceiling, and Smalls hosts a variety of music and food events. 186/3 Soi Suan Phlu. www.facebook.com/smallsbkk; 7pm-2am Wed-Mon.

Kad Kokoa
13.72030, 100.53080

Thailand is home to a burgeoning chocolate industry, and this new cafe is the best place to taste its progress. Choose from rich chocolate drinks, desserts, and single-origin chocolate bars from different parts of the country. If he is in, the chocolatier will show you the steps from bean to bar. Soi 17, Th Narathiwat Ratchanakarin. www.kadkokoa.co; 081 265 5611; 11am-7pm Tue-Sun.

Soi 4
13.72330, 100.52440

The lower part of Th Silom is Bangkoks unofficial gaybourhood, and this frenetic, dead-end street is its ground zero. Come to people-gawk from the streetside tables at Telephone Pub and Balcony, catch a raucous cabaret show at The Stranger, or belt out some karaoke tunes at Hugs. All are welcome. Soi 4, Th Silom; approx 5pm-1am.

Karmakamet
13.72190, 100.52570

Want to buy a gift but dismayed by the tat sold on the streets Pop in to this store easily Bangkoks most fragrant for scented candles, aroma diffusers, oils and other olfactory delights. With sophisticated scents and packaging, you will probably end up buying something for yourself as well. Yada Building, 56 Th Silom. www.karmakamet.co.th; 10am-10pm.

CHINATOWN
13.74380, 100.51410

Even as recently as a few years ago, nobody went to Bangkoks Chinatown to drink. Sure, the areas street food is the citys best, but drinking was reserved for other parts of town that, well, actually had bars. Today, Chinatown is home to some of the most unique drinking venues and restaurants in Bangkok, most of which are easily accessed via the MRT.

100 Mahaseth
13.74430, 100.51290

This restaurant excels at taking Thai flavours, ingredients and techniques and pushing them just to the edge of what is considered traditional. Vegetarians beware, there is hardly a leaf in sight here, and dishes often centre around ingredients such as bladder, tripe and bone marrow. If you are open to the nose-to-tail approach, the result is delicious. 100 Th Mahaseth. www.facebook.com/100Mahaseth; 02 235 0023; 11.30am-11pm.

Ba Hao
13.74300, 100.51250

Housed in a beautifully refurbished shophouse, this Shanghai-in-1935 themed bar also serves some of the tastiest and most unique drinking snacks in town. Think crunchy bits of deep-fried dough seasoned with chilli and garlic, or soft, rich, cold tofu served with a salty, savoury dressing, in addition to more substantial dishes, craft beers, and Chinese-themed signature cocktails. 8 Soi Nana. www.ba-hao.com; 6pm-midnight Tue-Thu, 6pm-1am Fri-Sat, 6pm-midnight Sun.

Warehouse 30
13.73680, 100.50950

Finally, somebody opted to take advantage of this string of former godowns warehouses located next the Chao Phraya River. Inside you will find linked shops, cafes and restaurants; in one visit you can down an espresso macchiato, browse vintage French work jackets, pick up a silk scarf, and gaze at beautiful old slabs of teak. 52-60 Soi 30 Captain Bush Lane, Th Charoen Krung. www.facebook.com/TheWarehouse30; 11am-8pm.

Jua
13.74110, 100.51280

This contemporary-feeling, casual Japanese restaurant serves some of the tastiest non-Thai food in town dont miss the tomato salad with shiso pesto, the corn butter bacon or just about anything grilled. But for many, the draw is the chummy vibe and its dual function as a bar, one with an infectious enthusiasm for sake. 672/49 Soi 28, Th Charoen Krung. www.juabkk.com; 02 103 6598; 6pm-midnight Mon-Sat, 6-10pm Sun.

Someday Everyday
13.74140, 100.51250

Enter the light-filled, modern building, and point and choose from a selection of pre-made curries, soups, stir-fries and Thai-style dips, which will be loaded on a tray for you to carry upstairs. Oh, and even if you have felt meh about Thai sweets before, dont neglect dessert. 78/38 Soi 30, Th Charoen Krung. www.facebook.com/somedayeverydayrestaurant; 11am-6pm Wed-Sun.

Nay Hong
13.74620, 100.51090

If you can find it, Nay Hong serves one dish kuaytiaw khua kai, wide, flat rice noodles fried in lard with egg, chicken and preserved squid. It is a truly Bangkok dish, and eating it in this tiny alley, with cats walking between your legs and sweat dripping down your back, is a truly Bangkok experience. Off Th Yukol 2; 4-10pm.

STREET FOOD
13.74300, 100.51300

Mention Chinatown, and Bangkokians reflexively think of fried noodles, deep-fried snacks, durians and won ton soup. Most restaurants and stalls are found along Th Yaowarat, Chinatowns main drag. But its side streets are also a good place to scout for tasty eats. Visit at night, but not on a Monday when many street stalls take the day off.

Tep Bar
13.74270, 100.51250

Come to this renovated shophouse in a narrow lane, from Thursday to Sunday, and be treated to a wild, and frankly, loud, performance of traditional music. Come any night for surprisingly potable Thai-style herbal some say medicinal booze and grilled snacks. 69-71 Soi Nana. www.facebook.com/TEPBARBKK; 5pm-midnight Tue-Thu, 5pm-1am Fri-Sat, 5pm-midnight Sun.

Museum Siam
13.75020, 100.49340

Forget dusty dioramas and gilt-framed portraits; this forward-thinking museum is a lively introduction to the people of Thailand and their culture. Many displays have elements that you are encouraged to touch or tweak. 4 Th Sanam Chai. www.museumsiam.org; 10am-6pm Tue-Sun; 200 baht.

Mowaan
13.74970, 100.49360

This hidden, fourth-generation apothecary makes oils, smelling salts, analgesic balms we had to look that one up, too and other products rooted in Thai traditional medicine. The lost-in-time showroom is not unlike a museum, and the products feature beautifully retro packaging, making them excellent candidates for one-of-a-kind gifts. 9 Soi Thesa. https://mowaan.com; 9am-5pm.

Err
13.74970, 100.49230

The Thai colloquialism err is roughly equivalent to yep, which is what you will say when presented with the menu of tasty Thai-style drinking snacks at this playful restaurant. Think sour sausages, a salad of slippery watermelon seeds, a dry curry, and fruity, fragrant cocktails. Off Th Maha Rat. www.errbkk.com; 02 622 2292; 11am-4pm andamp; 5-9pm Tue-Sun.

Tonkin Annam
13.74770, 100.49070

Tired of Thai food but dont want to stray too far Consider a Vietnamese meal at this tiny, trendy, shophouse-based restaurant. The menu reveals dishes that are often not found outside of the homeland. A perfect pit-stop on a day of temple touring. 69 Soi Tha Tien. www.facebook.com/tonkinannam; 093 469 2969; 11am-9.30pm Wed-Mon.

4.62 km

Finish

DateDistanceElevation GainElevation LossDurationAuthorMap
03/28/20254.62 km0 m10 m-

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