Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!

Must-Visits in Bangkok, Thailand (From a local!)

Purple Star emoji 20 items
Cultural attractions, hidden gems, restaurants, cafes, you name it, and I have it! I think of this as a re-curated version of the Bangkok travel guides I have on my blog. Browse directly on here, or you can always learn more about anything at https:/...
Map
Sections
3
 
 
 

Attractions & Activities

From temples, museums, markets, and more, write down these places as must-visits, and I promise you'll fall in love with Bangkok even before you leave. Check the website well, as I've linked some of them to my own visiting guide so you can learn more...

 
Petra Udomprasert profile picture
The ultimate must-visit temple when you're in Bangkok. This is our royal chapel, located within the grounds of the old palace. Learn more about how to visit at https://polyglotpetra.com/wat-phra-kaew-most-sacred-temple-in-bangkok/
The Temple of the Emerald Buddha
 
Petra Udomprasert profile picture
See the Reclining Buddha, but also don't miss out on a good Thai massage. This temple was the first medical school in the country, and it was the birthplace of Thai massage as well! Learn more about how to visit at https://polyglotpetra.com/wat-pho-i...
Wat Phra Chetuphon Wimon Mangkhalaram Rajwaramahawihan
 
Petra Udomprasert profile picture
One of the 3 big temples of Bangkok, Wat Arun was the old royal chapel of Thailand until 1782, when the Temple of the Emerald Buddha was constructed. This is the most popular place to take photos in traditional attire. Learn more at polyglotpetra.com/wat-arun-the-temple-of-dawn
Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan
 
Petra Udomprasert profile picture
The most local option for great breakfast, lunch, and any snacks you want to find. I'm willing to bet you're one of less than five foreigners in the entire place.
Wang Lang Market
 
Petra Udomprasert profile picture
Great place to view every angle of the city from above, if you're not scared of height, of course. The floor is all clear glass!
King Power Mahanakhon
 
Petra Udomprasert profile picture
This is less about shopping and more about eating. Check out the massive food market on the ground floor. Everything's decorated in old-day floating market theme, too!
ICONSIAM
 
Petra Udomprasert profile picture
Loha Prasat (the metal castle) is here! This temple is the only one in Bangkok (and in Thailand, I'm not sure) that builds a castle to hold relics instead of a stupa.
Wat Ratchanatdaram Worawihan
 
Petra Udomprasert profile picture
While the floating market reflects the old-day local life, I don't recommend visiting UNLESS you have at least 5-6 days in Bangkok, or if this is not your first time in the city. The easiest way to visit, with an extra stop at the railway market, is ...
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
 
Petra Udomprasert profile picture
This is one of the most authentic, locally-run food tours that takes you through the most beloved hole-in-the-wall spots and food carts in Chinatown. Book yourself a spot, or read my review first here: https://polyglotpetra.com/bangkok-chinatown-food...
Chinatown Food Tour
placeholder
 
Petra Udomprasert profile picture
This interactive museum costs only 100 THB to enter, and is hands-down the most fun museum I've ever been to in Thailand. It shows you ont only our history, but covers all aspects of what it means to be Thai, while challenging what constitutes the Th...
Museum Siam

Restaurants

All my favorite places to eat from around Bangkok. I only include those that serve authentic Thai food. No pasta and steak for you while you're here, I'm afraid!

 
Petra Udomprasert profile picture
If you have something to celebrate on your trip, this is the place! Located in a Rattanakosin-era house previously owned by royal relatives, this restaurant maintains its higher-end experience and serving a well-curated collection of royal Thai dishe...
Baan Suriyasai
 
Petra Udomprasert profile picture
Michelin-recognized restaurant about 45 minutes out of Bangkok. I used to eat here every weekend as a child. It's still as delicious as ever!
สมชัย โกเท้ (สาขาบางเลน) – ร้านอาหารใน มิชลิน ไกด์ Nakhon Pathom
 
Petra Udomprasert profile picture
I keep bringing my foreign friends here, and they all love it. Recommended dishes: Tom Yam Kung, Stir-fried Cabbage
Tha Arun BKK
 
Petra Udomprasert profile picture
Amazing Tom Yam Kung and crispy morning glory here. Go in the low hours between meals or it's really hard to get a table!
RONGROS
 
Petra Udomprasert profile picture
My favorite place for fusion Mango and Sticky Rice! On top of the usual stuff, they add a scoop of mango ice cream and mango panna cotta into the mix. Go first, thank me later!
Make Me Mango Centralworld 3rd. Fl.
 
Petra Udomprasert profile picture
This place is my absolute favorite restaurant in Bangkok, and it is ANCIENT! My grandparents went on dates here, then they took my dad here, and then they all came back with my mom, and today, I keep going back! I highly recommend the five-spice eggs...
Sanguan Sri (ร้านสงวนศรี)
 
Petra Udomprasert profile picture
Great place for a traditional Thai-Chinese style breakfast!
โกปี๊เฮี้ยะไถ่กี่ Kope Hya Tai Kee since 1952 | Bangkok
 
Petra Udomprasert profile picture
This is my favorite rooftop bar for a few reasons: One, it's much less overhyped than Sirocco from The Hangover, and two, it serves a menu that leans more Asian, with more Thai flavors in their fusion dishes.
Vertigo & Moon Bar Rooftop

Hidden Gems

If the tourist next to you haven't heard of the place, you'll find it in this section. Again, pay attention to the websites so you can easily find more details about visiting if I've written a guide on it.

 
Petra Udomprasert profile picture
The old Portuguese community in Bangkok, as old as the Thonburi Kingdom from over two hundred years ago. A good place for a peaceful walk along secluded alleyways. Good food and cafe options inside, of course!
Kudichin Community
 
Petra Udomprasert profile picture
This little island in the middle of the Chao Phraya River is more popular among the locals than foreigners. Full of pottery, interesting souvenirs, and freshly-made Thai snacks, go only on weekends or everything will be closed!
Ko Kret